Binder1 thursday, june 18, 2015 by Newtelegraphonline

Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Vol. 2 No. 484

Thursday, June 18, 2015

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N150

Obasanjo's 'daughter' approAches Kashamu to poison ex-president }10

Stockbrokers seek N1trn bailout from FG Chris Ugwu

tockbroking firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) under the aegis of the Association of Stock Broking Houses of Nigeria

(ASHON) are seeking a bailout of about N1 trillion from the Federal Government to help reposition the stock market. A senior broker, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confided in New Tele-

graph yesterday that the proposal was part of the position on the economy taken by the owners of stockbroking firms billed to be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari. It was learnt that the association would meet on Saturday on

the issue. He listed other burning issues in the market to be discussed at the meeting to include demutualisation, minimum operating standards on the stock exchange and recapitalisation CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEW TELEGR

News

APH THURSD AY, jUne 18,

2015

APC lacks locus Dogara’s victory to challenge Saraki, in court

Law

Interview

Alegeh: We’ll defend rule of law under Buhari

25&26

For 13 years , the nation’s antigraft agency-th e Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has failed to recover an estimated N1, 354, 132, 400, 000. 00 allegedly looted from the treas ury by public office holders. Why is it diffic ult for the EFCC to bring to book the alleged corrupt politi cians? Are the antigraft laws weak ? FOLUSO OGUNMOD EDE reports

Anger over NN1.3trn 1.3 Anger treaover sury loot trn treasury loot }21

ntil last week when a non-go vernm organization ental owasanoye Human Develo(NGO), Initiatives pment (HDI) came with N1, Akintola out 354, legedly looted 132, 400, 000, alfers betwee from states’ cofn 2007 and corrupt politic 2011 ians and 12 by servants, civil not believe that many Nigerians Financial the Economic and Crimes Comm (EFCC), ission an agenc y saddle with the d prosecutingresponsibility of those accuse economic d of crimes has live up to expectationfailed to court proces regards. in this s” Although, by the prosecution. Reason: the anti-gr has gone aft agency politicians Scores of corrup t charge back to court with and the ing the prosec s against servants the forme fresh arraigned 12 civil nor, lawyer to meet currenutorial machinery r gover2007 and between s believe 2013 000.00 t challenges cially the their cases are still having was the clog in the that the EFCC espenation’s judicia wheel of *Ex-public cess which no thanks stalled in court, tice as its inabil l pro- 7) jusity to a weak ----N6, 906, servants (Federal politicians allows the accuse agency. anti-graft corrupt politicians to prosecute 600, 000. 00 d ‘to endles stolen funds *Ex- public and role the justice sly rigma FUNDS aLLEGE Last week servan had nothinrecover - ----N7, DLy with a Feder 275, 000, 000. ts (State 5) StOLEN by the g to do According system’. Court in law. al pOLiticiaNS 00 to him, Abuja dismiHigh Others includ There are and some N19.2 billion judges also lawyers (Banki e ●Ex-governors allegedly ssed laws in the more than enoug the blame ng industry)private sector from the Bayels stolen ruptio h country to as they oftenshared in 000.00 N146, 840,800 a State’s to frustr , businessmeN524, 560, 000, fight cor,000.00 conspire n, they by a forme ate n,N653,150, 000, 000.00. r governor, coffer Specifically,said. rather than judicial proces ●Ex-ministers mipre Sylva, Mr. Tis advan they was This, accor citing “abuse said EFCC ce the cause of justice N7, 050, 000,000 to . ding of court be blamed and neithe amounted .00 Although nor the laws. r the to N1, 354, to him ●Ex-legislators 132, 400, sanoye single Professor Owa- 000.00. HDI execu N8, 350, 000, tive direct d out poor Professor Owasanoye, ing of the 000.00 or and fundof Law, however sanoye, descri Bolaji Owa●Ex-public sough weakness, EFCC’s operational a concerted effort servant he bed s from stake-t blamed holder the EFCC ability to lature for (Federal 7) ’s infunction its failure the legis- Justic s to prevail on the optimally ‘overwhelme N6, 906, 600, to bring the nation’s crimin Chief e of Nigeri as 000. 00 a, Justic moud al prevalence d by impunity justice e Mahto internationa Moham system and ●Ex- public of corrup tional Judici med and the Naservants tion’. Besides, In a paper l best practices. FOLUSO OGUN al Counc (State 5) entitled Justic to enforc said that the Professor of Law il (NJC) MODEDE impun e existin despite a ity? N7, 275, 000, e or JUDICIARY total of N48, 647,073, 928 000. 00 EDItoR crawling High profile cases rections on speedyg practice dior foluso.ogunmode trial of cortween 2009 budget it received sanoye gave gone to sleep, Owa- ruption cases, newtelegraphonlin de@ beand preven 2013, graph of judges from foreig aside donor ic details e.com the funds handling t transfer © Daily Telegrap s of h Publishing the agency n organisations, politicians allegedly stolen by cases with a view corruption Company yet could not as follows: to punish compl Limited looted funds. recover the icit *Ex-g over ing judges Owasanoye . He descri 840,800,000.00 nors- -----N 146, bed the EFCC was echoe his collea d by as lack*Ex-ministe gues who a compl rs-------N7, 000,000.00 ete overh canvassed 050, EFCC in order to aul of the *Ex-legislato rid the system rs------N8, 350, 000,

EFCC probes govs over states' debts CoNtIN UED

oN PAGE 22

lStates demand refund on FG's capital projects }4 Quick Read

Buhari: I’ll make a difference }7 despite my age Ambode, Kalu, Glo greet as Ramadan begins }9 Abandoned Boko Haram bombs kill 63

TUC, NLC, activists kick against lawmakers’ }6 N9bn allowances

A cross-section of children from the African Children Emergency Foundation and Zamaar Institute, during a candle light procession to mark The African Child Day in Abuja…on Tuesday

40 monarchs sue Okorocha

lAttorney-General, others too for intimidation

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Congratulations!

His Excellency, Bindo Umaru Jibrilla, Executive Governor, Adamawa State

My family and I wish to congratulate Your Excellency Bindo Umaru Jibrilla on your election as the Executive Governor of Adamawa State. Your ability to take Adamawa State to the next level has never been in doubt. We wish you a successful tenure in office. Signed

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, MON Chairman,

Slok Shipping

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

EFCC probes govs over states' debts Donald Ojogo and Onyekachi Eze Abuja

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has embarked on a discreet probe of governors and some of their former colleagues with a view to determining how they accumulated so many debts that have hindered them from meeting their financial obligations to workers and others. New Telegraph learnt yesterday that the probe, which covers between 2011 and 2014, is coming on the heels of rising concerns over the financial status of most of the states. More than 16 states are near bankrupt and this has affected their ability to pay workers' salaries that have been in arrears for as long as

seven months. As a way out of their quagmire, governors of the 36 states of the federation rose from a meeting yesterday in Abuja, under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), with a plea to the Federal Government to reimburse them for cash spent to finance some federal capital projects in their domains. They also decided to defer their request to the Federal Government for a bailout until the central government's finances have improved. Although it could not be officially confirmed if the moves by the antigraft body to probe the governors and former governors were at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari, a source said EFCC had already begun the probe. The source confided in New Telegraph that the agency’s boss, Mr.

Ibrahim Lamorde, who has set up a special surveillance unit a few weeks back, ordered that operatives of the EFCC across the states embark on a ‘wide-range of investigations to ascertain the debt profile of the states’. “It is not as if we are not on top of the situation, you should also know that situations like this are very hazy with a lot of intricacies; there is no crime in any state government owing debts, as the situation we are now facing has appeared to be the reality. “The issue is that while there are permissible situations, there are indeed very unconscionable situations alike that call for concern. So, we are most likely going to have a probe of states’ accounts; no doubt maybe from the past four years to December last year. “We have observed as a commission that not all

the debts being owed by the states are good to go; some are, indeed, very fraudulent and suspicious which we need to unravel under the current circumstances. “For instance, it has been discovered in some states that loans were obtained without approvals of the executive councils. Even when such were approved, there are suspicious Irrevocable Payment Orders (IPOs) some of which are linked to accounts traceable to high-ranking state government officials. “In a particular state in the South-South, the current governor has unofficially notified the commission of an existing IPO that has gulped the sum of N60 billion in the last 12 months from the state coffers; that is N5 billion monthly," he said. The EFCC had, on Tuesday, commenced

investigations into the finances of some states, including Ebonyi, Katsina and Jigawa. Efforts to seek more details on the probe of the states' debts from the EFCC were unsuccessful as the commission’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwuajaren, who promised to get back to our correspondent after a mail had been sent to him had not done so before press time. New Telegraph sent an email to Uwuajaren and followed up with a call to confirm receipt of the mail. “I will check my mail and get across to you later,” he said. According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the external debt figures (without adding domestic debts) of the states show Lagos as Nigeria’s most indebted state with $1.17 billion debt. It is distantly followed by Kaduna with

L-R: Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors' meeting in Abuja... yesterday.

40 monarchs sue Okorocha, AGF, others Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he face-off between Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, and traditional rulers in the state over their alleged support for former President Goodluck Jonathan in the last presidential election has shifted to the court. Forty of the traditional rulers have filed a suit at the Imo State High Court asking it to declare as illegal, the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers,

headed by Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri. Among the plaintiffs are Eze Emmanuel Njemanze, Eze Desmond Ogugua, Eze Edmund Njoku and Eze Sunday Okoro who were purportedly suspended by the Council of Traditional Rulers. They are challenging their purported suspension and the invitation of over 60 other monarchs to face a disciplinary panel, which they perceived as ‘intimidation’ and ‘harassment.' According to the plain-

tiffs, Ohiri's appointment by Okorocha contravenes Section 2, Law No.6 of 2006 (Imo State of Nigeria Traditional Rulers, Autonomous Communities and Allied Matters Law). Besides Okorocha, who is the first respondent, other defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Chukwuma Machukwu Umeh, Ohiri and seven others. The monarchs are seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Okorocha, Umeh and others from

stopping their allowances, withdrawing their certificates of recognition and staffs of office as traditional rulers or inhibiting in any manner whatsoever their performance of their duties as traditional rulers in Imo State. They also asked the court to declare as illegal the governor's appointment of 27 members into the Council of Traditional Rulers as against the 54 prescribed by law. The plaintiffs urged the court to dissolve the Council of Traditional Rulers as

constituted by Okorocha. The monarchs, in the suit, questioned the powers of the Council of Traditional Rulers to set up a disciplinary panel, with the aim of punishing them, saying an illegal body cannot set up another illegal body. They added that the Council of Traditional Rulers and the disciplinary panel lack the power to suspend or probe any traditional ruler in Imo State. The suit has been slated for hearing on June 23.

$234 million debt, Cross River ($142 million), Edo ($123 million), Ogun ($109 million), Bauchi ($88 million), Katsina ($79 million), Osun ($74 million), Oyo ($72 million) and Enugu ($69 million). Most of the highly indebted states have accumulated debts through issuance of bonds and bank loans. However, the dire financial condition of the states dominated discussion yesterday at the NGF meeting in Abuja. The governors, after reviewing the situation, asked the Federal Government to speed up the process for reimbursing them for expenditures on federal capital projects in their states. The governors had earlier proposed in the agenda for the meeting, to seek for bailout from the Federal Government to enable them to meet their financial obligations. But the NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulAziz Yari of Zamfara State, who briefed journalists at the end of the meeting, described the problem as a national one. "As we are in debt, the Federal Government is also in the same situation because some of the (federal) agencies have not paid salaries for six months; it's not only states," the governor stated. He said the option left was for the governors to work in synergy with the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the problem. "We all know that the economy of the country is in a bad shape. So, what we suggested (is) that a number of state governors have executed various projects for the Federal Government. So, instead of looking for that (bailout), let us ask the Federal Government to settle that backlog so that we can move forward. Nearly all the states are being owed; some N10 billion, others N20 billion. For example, Lagos (State has) more than N50 billion with the Federal Government, having undertaken some federal projects and it has not yet been settled. So, if we can get that done, then most of the issues can be resolved in earnest," Yari added. On their planned request for bailout, he stated that the governors wanted to make sure that the Federal Government had enough liquidity before making a demand for help. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Abandoned Boko Haram bombs kill 63 Ahmed Miringa Maiduguru

o fewer than 63 people have been killed while 41 others were injured when an abandoned bag filled with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) exploded in Monguno, Borno State on Tuesday. It was learnt that some members of the CivilianJTF found the bag containing the explosives and took it to Monguno, the headquarters of Monguno local government area. On getting to Monguno, the vigilante group started

fiddling with the content of the bag in the presence of onlookers. In the process, the explosives went off. A member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Haruna Bukar, told journalists on phone that a group of Civilian-JTF on patrol along MongunoMarte route stumbled on a bag containing metallic substances at an area where Boko Haram terrorists had once captured before they were dislodged by Nigerian soldiers in February this year. He said: “When they found the bag containing what later turned out to be IEDs, they brought it

to Monguno town where people gathered to take a look at it. As they were busy fiddling with the content of the bag, the bombs went off with a massive blast that killed about 63 persons and injured dozen others. “It was really a very sad incident that affected many families. Most of those affected are young men, women and children.” An officer of the VGN in Maiduguri, Abbas Gava,

also confirmed the incident to journalists. “Initially, we thought it was a Boko Haram attack as it was being rumoured in Maiduguri. “When we checked, we discovered that it was somehow an accidental explosion caused by the foolishness of the CivilianJTF operatives who discovered such a dangerous device and refused to call on the police or military that have the expertise to handle such things,” Gava

said. While conducting Governor Kashim Shettima round the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri where the victims were brought, the Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Salihu Kwaya-Bura, said 54 people were brought to the hospital. Kwaya-Bura said out of the 54, 13 were treated and discharged, 13 killed and 28 currently on admission. In a related devel-

opment, an explosive suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists killed two soldiers and one policeman along Maiduguri-Damboa Road while accompanying the staff of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to repair a damaged transmission line. There have been no electricity in Maiduguri in the past two weeks as a result of the destruction of transmission line by windstorm.

Stockbrokers seek N1trn bailout from FG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of market operators. He said without the bailout, the economy would remain in coma, as the stock market is the engine room of the economy. The source said the bailout provided by the immediate past government after the near collapse of the market, impacted positively on the market, adding that the Buhari administration should do the same. According to the source, the current lull in the market might be attributed to the fact that the Federal Government has not yet come out with a clear-cut position on the economy. Since the global financial meltdown and the Nigerian capital market went burst, many brokers have remained insolvent and illiquid. Margin loans, excessive risk-taking and tax regulation left many stockbrokers with a debt overhang. In a bid to restore confidence in the stock market, the Federal Government had, in December 2012, announced a bailout of N22.6 billion to 84 stockbroking firms. Justifying the government bailout, the former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had said at a press briefing in Abuja that the bailout was the first step in government’s intervention and that the move was necessary to clear the debt overhang in the sector. Okonjo-Iweala said the government could no longer watch the sluggish recovery of the capital market, adding that the stock exchange was essential to the Federal Government’s economic transformation agenda.

Although the former minister did not name the beneficiary stockbroking firms, independent research showed that some of those suspected to have gained from the intervention included Afrinvest West Africa, BGL Securities, which has been suspended by the capital market regulator, Diamond Securities – a subsidiary of Diamond Bank, Intercontinental Securities – a subsidiary of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Nigerian Stockbrokers, Adamawa Securities, Alangrange Securities, Associated Asset Managers, Belfry Investments and Securities, Calyx Investment and Securities. The minister had said any firm that benefited from the N22.6 billion bailout would be disqualified from providing professional service for the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) for three years. She said that a committee, headed by the former Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, recommended the bailout, as well as the elimination of stamp duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on stock market transaction fees. But a report by Renaissance Capital had maintained that “the selection of 84 stockbrokers to be anointed as debt-free, throws out the question of selective breeding and more importantly: moral hazard. Moral hazard played a central role in the events that led to the capital market crisis and we need to appreciate this role to adequately design future reforms and to prevent disasters down the line.”

L-R: Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye; Editor, Sunday Telegraph, Mr. Emeka Madunagu; Editor, New Telegraph, Mr. Yemi Ajayi and Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, during a visit by a NIJ delegation to the newspaper’s corporate head office in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Dogara to PDP: Stop using APC to campaign for 2019 Philip Nyam Abuja

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, yesterday warned politicians in the People Democratic Party (PDP) to stop anchoring their campaign for 2019 on the perceived crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) occasioned by the outcome of the National Assembly leadership elections. Dogara, in what seemed like a direct response to media reports credited to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, that his "emergence was a sign of the PDP reclaiming what was taken from it by the APC in 2019," stated that the APC was here to deliver change. The speaker, who spoke while receiving a delegation of the defunct 2014 Presidential Primaries Committee of the APC which paid him a courtesy call in his office, noted

that the dust raised by the outcome of the National Assembly election is not enough to destabilise the APC as it was merely a conflict of ideas by various interests involved in the process of selecting presiding officers for the legislature. "We are here to work and we don't have any reason to fail. We can't fail. That's why I pick holes in the ambition of those who have their eyes fixed on 2019. "We didn't get here because of 2019. If we do the right things and the people see results, 2019 will take care of itself. We can't fail because we are here to bring change," he said. Dogara also called on members of the APC to stop seeing the misunderstanding precipitated by the contest as crises, saying that the party has the capacity to manage every member and their interests. "People talk about crisis in the party, I don't see any

crisis. Even if there is, the party has the capacity to deal with whatever issue pertaining to its members and their interests. "The crisis being perceived by a section of people in the APC is not a crisis, but simply a conflict of ideas because we are not perfect as we are all products of imperfection," he added. Dogara noted that the APC commands a comfortable majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and would leverage on it to assist the executive in delivering good governance. "We thank God that we maintain a comfortable majority and we intend to take advantage of it. We will work with the executive in delivering change to our people without actually compromising the independence of our institution,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the group, the secretary of the defunct committee, Dr. Alex Ideye, told Dogara

that the delegation was in his office to congratulate him on his emergence as Speaker of the House. Ideye urged the Speaker to reciprocate the good gesture of his opponent, Femi Gbajabiamila, by carrying everybody along in his leadership of the House with a view to building consensus and achieve legislative harmony. His words: "We are here to congratulate you on your election as the Speaker of this lower House. "We implore you to reciprocate the good gesture of a dogged fighter in the person of our erstwhile Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for accepting defeat and congratulating you as Speaker after the results were called and declared and for also resolving to work with you. "We urge you to close ranks and work together so that our party can deliver the change and dividends of democracy for which Nigerians voted," Alex said.

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

TUC, NLC, activists kick against lawmakers’ N9bn allowances lReport exaggerated, says RMAFC Sunday Ojeme, Chukwu David, Temitope Ogunbanke, Wale Elegbede and Yekeen Nurudeen

he Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have kicked against the proposed N9 billion allowances to be paid to senators and members of the House of Representatives next week. The organised labour yesterday stated that the allowances must be reviewed downward by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to avoid the wrath of Nigerians. But the RMAFC Chairman, Engr. Elias Mbam, said the allowances for the lawmakers were exaggerated in the media. According to him, the wardrobe allowance is 25 per cent of the basic salary of the lawmakers which is N506, 600 per annum, not the stated N17 or N20 million. TUC, in a statement made available to New Telegraph yesterday, expressed surprise that at a time workers in over 23

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states were yet to be paid, about N9 billion was being proposed to be disbursed next week to the new National Assembly members as wardrobe, car, accommodation and furniture allowances. The statement, signed by the TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal, noted that the desired change would become a reality only if elected leaders made as much sacrifice as the people had done. “The cost of governance in our country is outrageously high and unsustainable and we may resort to civil disobedience or other legal measures to compel a reduction of same if nothing is done about it in the nearest future. "Considering the nation's present socio-economic realities, it is totally indefensible for senators and members of the House of Representatives to be paid as much as N2 million and N1.8 million respectively as basic salary every month. Where then lies any justification for their claims to being contributors to the growth of a nation where unemployment and other social vices are the order of the day?” the statement said. On its part, the NLC said the allowances of the legislators must be reviewed downward to reflect the true economic situation in the country. NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, told New Telegraph yesterday that the labour body would be left with no option than to mobilise against the lawmakers if the figures bandied in the media are what they have appropriated to themselves. His words: "We have to confirm whether what they are going to be paid is what is approved by the RMAFC. My take is that

with the economic situation in the country, the commission should review the allowances downward because it is quite obvious that what they are going to take is on the high side. My stance here is that they can holistically initiate a process to review it downward in view of the reality on the ground.” Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has urged RMFAC to speedily review salaries and allowances of public office holders. Speaking in Lagos yesterday, Falana noted that the situation in the country cannot justify the opulent lifestyle of the legislators. He said: “Clearly, any opulent lifestyle by Nigerian public office holders can no longer be justified. Apart from about two or three states, most states who are still managing to

pay salaries now will not be able to do so in the next or two months unless there is a major intervention by the Federal Government. I do hope the RMAFC will speedily review the salaries and allowances of all public office holders, especially that of the lawmakers.” Also, the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has also kicked against the allowances for the lawmakers. Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran, said: "It is preposterous that the National Assembly of a country that has a preponderance of its citizens living below poverty line could set aside a whooping N9 billion as wardrobe allowance. "This is a government Nigerians are expecting to cut salaries and emoluments of its officers. This makes one to wonder if

this new administration is sincerely ready to live up to its promise of a better Nigeria for all and sundry," the group stated. Speaking when RMAFC Board paid a courtesy visit on the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, in his office at the National Assembly complex, Mbam said the wardrobe allowance is 25 per cent of the basic salary of the Senators and the members of the House of Representatives, pointing out that the public was misinformed by the reports which was highly celebrated by the media on Tuesday. He also denied the reports that the Commission had reviewed the 2008 Remuneration Act and outlined the entitlements of public officers, explaining that the Act was being currently reviewed by the Commission. His words: "On Tuesday,

I read in the dailies that the wardrobe allowance which will be due next week for the members of the National Assembly is over N8 billion. "For the purpose of clarity, what is provided for wardrobe allowance is 25 per cent of the basic salary and if you work that out, what every senator will get is N506, 6000 per annum and I wonder the relationship between that amount and the N17 or N20 million that was quoted. Speaking on the issue, Senator Bukola noted that the issue of the legislators' allowances was already generating heat in the polity. He said: "The chairman has said that their website and office have all these information and the public should know that the fixing of remuneration is the responsibility of the commission.”

Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara (left) and Secretary, 2014 Presidential Primary Convention Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, during Idah's visit to the speaker in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

States demand refund on FG's capital projects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

But New Telegraph gathered that Buhari had declined to entertain the request for a bailout when the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors met him before his inauguration. According to him, the governors will be seeing Buhari next week to discuss the issue. But in a communiqué earlier read at the end of the meeting, the NGF pledged to work with Buhari and support him in moving the country forward.

It ratified the nomination of Yari as NGF chairman for a period of one year and congratulated the "leadership of the Eighth session of the National Assembly and pledged to work with them to uplift Nigeria." "The Forum sympathises with the people and government of states affected by the insurgency in the North-East and commits to aid them in the process of rebuilding, restructuring and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)," it added.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, told newsmen after the meeting that nothing justified the situation in which Nigeria found itself now. He blamed the financial crisis in most states on greed of a few individuals, adding that the government should ensure that those who stole public funds be made to return them. "We are surprised that the excess crude fund has dropped to $2.5 billion. How did this happen? No nation makes enough

money to feed the greed of its people. "The issue is not about payment of salary. In Edo State, we are paying. But the issue is not that, because even the Bible said the labourer deserves his wage. A situation where what accrues to the states is less than what is required to pay workers; I think there are a couple of issues. Governors are prepared to assist to plug all loopholes. You don't need to witch-hunt anybody, just plug the loopholes," he added. According to him, the

crisis that will face the nation concerns public sector. "If we don't pay contractors, the day they lay off their workers, we would have a greater problem," Oshiomhole stated. He said Buhari was also inheriting a huge debt stock "and there is no money to do anything. So, he also needs our advice. I guess these are issues we need to discuss objectively and see how we get out of it so that never again shall we have this problem."

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Buhari: I’ll make a difference despite my age

lAPC attacks PDP on call for president’s resignation Anule Emmanuel, Johnchuks Onuanyim and Onyekachi Eze Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has explained that despite being 72 years old, he will make the difference in delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated this in a press release made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday. He explained that like

a good wine, President Muhammadu Buhari who will clock 73 in December gets better with age. Adesina was reacting to a statement credited to Buhari during an audience he granted Nigerians resident in South Africa that his age would limit his performance as the President. The president had told the gathering that: “I wish I became Head of State when I was a governor. Now at 72, there is a limit to what I can do.” The presidential aide, who also admitted that the president made the statement, explained that

it was not an admission that Buhari was too old to cope with the demands of his office. Adesina said the president currently in the saddle is like an old wine that has got tastier. According to him, although Buhari could not be called a youth at 72, but he has in quantum the wisdom, patience, temperance and forbearance that age brings. He said Buhari has brought all these virtues to the Presidency to make a difference in national life. “The president, who had served as a military

governor of the then North-Eastern State at 33 years old, declared, ‘I wish I became Head of State when I was a governor. Now at 72, there is a limit to what I can do,” Adesina said. The statement added that: “The above comments have been reported by some newspapers to mean that the President was saying he was too old to cope with the demands of his office. Far from it. “As the saying goes, ‘old wines are tasty’ and the President Buhari we have today is a man, like old wine, that has got tastier.

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr. Ledun Mitee; Chairman, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board, Clare Short; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, during the group’s visit to Osinbajo in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

“At 72, yes, he can’t be called a youth, but he has in quantum the wisdom, the patience, temperance and forbearance that age brings. And all these virtues he has brought to the Presidency, to make a difference in our national life. “The President assured the Nigerian community in South Africa that his administration will make a positive impact on the country. And that he would do. “Insecurity as symbolised by insurgency will be brought to an end, corruption will be fought to a standstill, employment will be created for the teeming army of unemployed, the economy will be revived, and the quality of life of Nigerians will take an upward swing again. “These will not come by a sudden flight, but they will happen in the life of this administration.” Adesina added that at 72, the Buhari persona has not changed. He said the President remained “the simple, honest, incorruptible patriot he has always been.” He added that because Nigerians earnestly desired change, that was why they voted for him overwhelmingly at the general elections in March. He said all the virtues and values of the Buhari persona would be deployed into governance in the weeks and months ahead. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has attacked the

Insurgency: Command and Control Centre operational in 21 days –Army Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Nigerian Army has assured that the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) established in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, would be operational in the next three weeks. In its determination to bring the centre on full stream within the time frame, therefore, the Army said installation of hi-tech equipment, general infrastructural development of the operational centre as well as posting of additional operational staff to man the centre have since commenced. In a statement signed by its spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, the Army added that with the estab-

lishment of the MCCC, all strategic and operational decisions on the counterterrorism war will emanate from there. The essence is to ensure faster response to operational demands and better coordination of all stakeholders. The statement reads: "You will recall that a reconnaissance and an advance team for the establishment of the MCCC were in Maiduguri and Yola last week. Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff were at the MCCC to commence operations Tuesday June 9. "The installations of hi-tech equipment, infrastructural development of the centre and posting of additional operational staff have also com-

menced. These are to be completed within 21 days when the MCCC would be fully operational. "With the establishment of the centre, all strategic and operational decisions on the fight against terrorism and insurgency would emanate from the MCCC. This will ensure faster response time; improve situational awareness and better coordination of all stakeholders. "The centre will also give the needed impetus that would ensure prosecution and successful conclusion of the war against terrorism. It will also provide the required interface between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Multi-National Joint Task Force to be deployed at the Lake Chad Basin area at the end of the

month of July 2015. " The movement of the Command and Control Centre to Maiduguri was ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari during his inauguration on May 29. The Army had responded by also setting up an "alternate" centre in Yola, the Adamawa State capital. While this lasts, Boko Haram has renewed its attacks on some North-East towns. In ordering the relocation of the MCCC to Maiduguri, Buhari had said: "...Progress has been made in recent weeks by our security forces but victory cannot be achieved by basing the Command and Control Centre in Abuja. The command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri and remain until Boko

Haram is completely subdued. But we cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents. "This government will do all it can to rescue them alive. Boko Haram is a typical example of small fires causing large fires. An eccentric and unorthodox preacher with a tiny following was given posthumous fame and following by his extrajudicial murder at the hands of the police. Since then through official bungling, negligence, complacency or collusion Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands of lives and capturing several towns and villages covering swathes of Nigerian sovereign territory."

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Media Watchdog for asking President Buhari to resign because of his comments on age. In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said if the authors of the statement had understood simple English, taken the pains to engage in deep thinking and contextualised the comments, they would not have rushed to the press to ask the President to resign. He said: ''For 16 years, Nigerians gave the PDP the benefit of the doubt to move the country forward, but instead, the party put Nigeria in reverse gear at a high speed, spinning it towards a doomsday that was only averted when Nigerians showed the PDP the red card. This is what necessitated President Buhari to continuously seek the country's highest political office, so he can help put the country on a forward march again. Nothing else matters, not for him the excitement of an office he previously held and the quest for personal accomplishment. "If the country had been well managed, President Buhari will not at 72 be crisscrossing the whole world seeking solution to Nigeria's problems." It said only anarchists and non-democrats will ask a president who has not spent one month in office to resign, adding: ''It rankles when those making these calls are from the ranks of the party that failed to avail itself creditably in 16 years.'' However, the PDP has disowned a group parading itself as PDP Media Watchdog, which called on Buhari to resign. PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the group is absolutely unknown to the party and has no connection whatsoever with the party at any level. The party also disowned the content of the statement issued by the group. CORRINGENDUM The United States offered $5 million to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to battle Boko Haram and not $5 billion as reported in the cover story of June 16, 2015 edition of New Telegraph. The error is regretted –Editor

News

Asset declaration: NIESV demands action from CCB Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has asked the Code of Conduct Bureau to act on its presentation in which it recommended that political office holders should have their declared assets valued by certified estate surveyors and valuers. The institutions lamented that the Bureau has been foot dragging in implementing its recommendation on assets declaration. National Secretary of the Institution, Niyi Fadoju, told New Telegraph in Abuja yesterday that Nigerians would only be deceived by politicians who only declare their assets without such assets verified. He disclosed that the institution had as soon as the new government came in, written to the Bureau that it should make it mandatory for all those declaring their assets to get such assets verified by Surveyors and valuers with detailed report. Fadoju, who insisted that many elected public office holders would only declare the worth of assets they intend to loot when in office, said Nigerians would not get to know the real assets of many politicians if the

Lagos leads in IGR with N275bn in 2014 — NBS

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

data on states' Internally Generated Revenue ( IGR) by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has ranked Lagos State on top of the pack with a total IGI sum of N 275billion in 2014. The state was followed by Rivers State, which

ABUJA

enators of Like Minds(SLM), the pressure group that spearheaded the emergence of Dr Bukola Saraki as President of the Senate, yesterday debunked insinuations that some oil barons linked to the fuel subsidy scam may have bankrolled the election. A national daily (not New Telegraph) had reported that the said oil barons and some past and serving state governors played active roles in the emergence of Saraki because they had skeletons in their cupboards and wanted to frustrate the anticorruption war of the Buhari administration. Leader of the SLM, Senator Dino Melaye, told journalists that the election of Saraki as President of the Senate followed all due process but lamented the attempt by some persons to link it with oil barons was malicious, false and totally reprehensible.

generated over N89 billion. Others are Delta N42,819,209,025.24; Enugu, N19,250,345,593; Ogun, N17,497,620,787.52; Oyo, 16,307,233,700.22; Akwa Ibom, 15,676,502,423.00; Kaduna, N12,782,522,514.51; and Anambra, N 10,4853,453,184.87. Others and their IGI are, Benue, N8284,426,160.72; Plateau, N8,284,425,159.92;

Imo, N8,115,751,385.95; Kogi, N6,569,928,653.47; Katsina, N6,223,037,599; Niger, N5,737,185,035.88; Sokoto, N5,617,763,260.38; Kebbi, N3, 834,143,641.95; N3,462,341,448.32; Zamfara, N3,149,630,553.98 However, NBS said that 13 states are yet to report their IGRs for 2014. The include, Abia, Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kwara, Ondo

Taraba and Yobe. The campaign for states to depend less on the monthly statutory allocation has been emphasised against the backdrop of dwindling revenue from oil sources. The 50 per cent drop in oil revenue compelled the government to announce some fiscal tightening measures last year in a form of adoption of austerity policy.

L-R: Group Head, Corporate Communications and CSR, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Uchenna Mojekwu; a winner of the bank’s Millionaire Promo, Mrs. Funke Akinwande; Divisional Head, Public Sector of the bank, Mr. Mustapha Lukman and Zonal Head, FCT 1, Mr. Baldwin Onuigbo, at the Abuja and North Regional draw of the promo in Abuja...yesterday.

Oil barons not involved in Saraki's emergence — Melaye Onwuka Nzeshi

thursday, june 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

According to Melaye, the Senate Presidency of Dr. Bukola Saraki would not in any way be a stumbling block against the anticorruption stance of President Buhari’s administration. He gave an assurance that the 8th Senate under Saraki would give all necessary legislative support to the Buhari administration to fight and reduce corruption in Nigeria. "We wish to state unequivocally that it was wrong and mischievous for the writer of the fictional piece to link what happened on the floor of both chambers to some unnamed ex-ministers of the immediate past administration. We dare say that the entire story, detailed as it may seem, was the figment of the imagination of the author. That the story was packed full of insinuations and wild allegations and the writer evaded specificity in the names of the dramatist personae throughout the story smacks of bad journalism."

Don’t scrap aviation ministry, workers plead Wole Shadare

viation workers, under the aegis of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to merge or scrap the Ministry of Aviation. In an appeal letter to Buhari, signed by the Secretaries General of the unions and made available to reporters yesterday, Olayinka Abioye, Aba Ocheme and Captain .N. Tarnongu, said these rather dangerous signals bear the frequency of a "well known aviation cabal", which over the years has perfected the art of cornering every new administration, and then manipulate it towards their own selfish agenda which they dress in national colours. They disclosed that the fundamental problem in some of the ministries’ was corruption and bad leadership arising from failure to do the right thing in the appointment of professionals to run such ministries.

NIJ provost seeks more Don’t take foreign loans, Falana, Boyo warn Buhari funds for institution Vanessa Okwara

he Provost of Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Ogba, Lagos, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, has indicted the stakeholders responsible for funding the NIJ for not fulfilling their statutory obligation to the institution. The stakeholders include Nigerian institute of Public Relations NIPR, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria NPA, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria BON and Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ. He said these organisations have neglected their duties to ensure that the school, which has churned out veterans in the industry, does not decay. He said, “Regrettably, the school is solely funded from school fees and no funding from any other source. The school is owed by the Nigerian

Guild of Editors, Nigerian institute of Public Relations NIPR, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria NPA, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria BON and Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ. I am not sure we have had any funding from any of them in the last 25 years. So, we had to depend solely on school fees to manage. We are hoping that some wellmeaning organisations in the private sector will also come to the aid of the school and assist us.” Ogunleye made the claim when he paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of New Telegraph yesterday to felicitate with Mrs. Funke Egbemode on her appointment as the new Managing Director of Daily Telegraph Publishing Limited. Ogunleye came with the Deputy Provost of the school, Mr. Jide Johnson and Mrs. Maureen Ada Popoola, H.O.D General Studies.

Wale Elegbede

uman rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, (SAN) and renowned economists, Dr. Henry Boyo, have urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to accept overtures for loans from foreign countries and agencies. Speaking yesterday at a civil society roundtable on the state of the nation organized by the Nigeria United for Democracy (NUD) in Lagos, the duo urged the president to look inwards by cutting down on waste, reducing cost of governance and fighting corruption. Falana said: “Our president went to the G7 and we are happy. And he went there with a bowl, ‘please do this for us, do this for us.' We must interrogate that. Has our situation become so bad that we have to ask for external support when we have not mobilized the energy, the potentials of our people to turn this country around? “And please, let the new

regime be told that the dangerous prescriptions of the IMF and the World Bank and the G7 that we have followed since 1986 that the Structural Adjustment Programme was imposed on Nigeria, those prescriptions have reduced Nigeria to a Banana Republic. Since then, we have been managing poverty. What they call poverty alleviation, not poverty eradication, because this system can never abolish poverty.” Falana urged Buhari not to listen to external forces, who have the tradition of bringing Africa on her knees through selfserving economic politics feigned as unavoidable solutions to the woes of the masses. In his presentation, Boyo said the IMF prescriptions have devalued the naira and made live unbearable for Nigerians, adding that Buhari should work at stabilizing the country’s faltering monetary policies and not aiming to remove subsidy from petrol.

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, june 18, 2015

News

national

Ambode, Kalu, Glo greet Muslims as Ramadan begins today Muritala Ayinla

s Muslims across the country join their counterparts all over the world to commence the holy month of Ramadan today, Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called for strict adherence to the injunctions of Islam. The governor said adherence to the injunctions and teachings of Islam is part of the lessons of the holy month, which he said, must permeate all actions and deeds of the people in such a way that each person serves as his brother’s keeper. Ambode, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Habib Aruna, said the holy month of Ramadan signifies a month of piety and total abstinence from food and all vices for all believers. While reminding the people that the period of abstinence should also accentuate orderly behaviour and obedience to constituted authority, the governor said with the fear of God, people will obey all laws. According to him, “The holy month of Ramadan should also be a period of rededication to the ideals of nation building by the citizenry, especially at this period, when majority of Nigerians have expressed their choice at the polls for

a change, which must be total and all encompassing. Also yesterday, eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, congratulated Muslim faithful all over the world on the commencement of the 2015 Ramadan fasting, describing the period as a special season of peaceful co-existence irrespective of religion, social and economic divides. He said the blessed month of Ramadan calls for sober reflection and self-appraisal as a people.

Abuja

he Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorogun O'terga Emerhor, yesterday told journalists that he has requested for the relocation of the state's Governorship and State Assembly Tribunal to Abuja because his supporters are unduly being harassed. The Governorship Election Tribunals for Taraba, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and the entire north east zone having relocated to Abuja for reasons on insecurity of the tribunal members. Emerhor, who spoke at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, also feared that the tribunal verdict might be compromised, insisting that he had already instructed

According to Kalu, the holy month of Ramadan calls for togetherness, forgiveness, brotherhood and alms giving. He added; “This period should be committed to special prayers for the success of the Buhari administration towards building a prosperous Nigeria.” While praying to God to grant the Muslim Ummah the attendant benefits of the holy month, he admonished them to uphold and demonstrate the teachings and lessons of the holy Quran in their

daily lives. Meanwhile, one of the leading telecommunications company in the country, Globacom, yesterday advised Muslims to uphold chastity, moral rectitude, holiness and discipline during and after the Ramadan period. In a solidarity message to Nigerian Muslim Ummah as they commence the month-long exercise, the company charged them to use the opportunity to recommit themselves to virtuous living as enshrined in the holy Quran.

L-R: Manager, Commercial Integration and Business Venture, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Taaj Shobayo; Senior Business Advisor to the Managing Director, Mr. E. D. Ubong; General Manager, Commercial and Non-Operated Venture, Mr. Richard Denny; Managing Director/ Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Deputy President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Dapo Adelegan; Vice-President, Mrs. Theresa Ananyi; Director General, Mrs. Joyce Akpata and Manager, Business Communication and Campaign Implementation of SPDC, Mr. Eddie Yacim, during the chamber’s visit to Shell's Lagos Office... recently.

Emerhor: Why we want Delta Governorship Tribunal relocated Johnchuks Onuanyim

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “I wish to convey my goodwill message to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the commencement of the 2015 Ramadan fast. “It is a sacred month of spiritual cleansing and equality among all regardless of social and economic status. In the spirit of the holy month, we must tolerate one another and live together in peace and harmony in the interest of national unity,” the former governor said.

his lawyers to file necessary applications for the relocation. Said he: "The governorship election in Delta State was fraudulent as it was in Akwa Ibom state, Cross River state and others. So, we went to the Tribunal because we believe we have a point. "We have applied for relocation to Abuja because we believe we need to be in a neutral place. Where the tribunal is sitting is in Delta State and you can imagine the pressure we are facing in putting out our case. "The transfer issue is being handled by our lawyers appropriately," he stressed. Denying that the Delta APC is fractionalised, he explained that aggrieved APC members after the congresses went to court but the matter was being resolved by the national leadership of the party.

PIB will be our priority — Saraki Chukwu David Abuja

he President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday gave a commitment of the 8th Senate towards conclusive the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB) through intensive dialogue that would address the bottlenecks that frustrated the passage of the Bill in the 7th Senate. Saraki, who made this promise when he played host to the Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC), Osagie Okunbor and his team in his office in Abuja, said that the Senate would continue to embrace dialogue to fast track the easy passage of the Bill in the present

dispensation. He pointed out that the PIB remained a priority in the Senate, saying, "we have to engage discussion and dialogue. We can break the jinx which can only be achieved devoid of politics. PIB is a priority in this Senate." Saraki further said that politics and other controversial issues, though, very important, should be left out of the process for now, noting, "we will break down the bulkiness of the bill and tackle all the grey areas." Commenting on the issues of environmental hazard, gas flaring and remuneration to host communities, he said the Senate would collaborate with oil companies and other stakeholders in finding lasting solution to all aggrieved parties.

NEITI, NNPC pledge more transparency in oil industry Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI on Tuesday agreed to collaborate more with a view to consolidating on the gains of the transparency initiatives recorded so far in the nation’s oil and gas industry. According to statement from the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, disclosed the consolidation during a courtesy visit to the NNPC’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja by a delegation of NEITI and parent Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI). Dawha said: “As for us in NNPC, we have enjoyed an unprecedented cooperation and collaboration with NEITI in their transparency drive in the Oil and Gas Industry". The GMD also assured NEITI that the collaboration would further assist in addressing issues that hitherto existed in terms of the negative public perception of the industry. Dawha earlier told the NEITI delegation that the change in global oil demand and supply has resulted in a fall in crude oil prices to levels last seen during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis.

LP criticises Buhari over age comment Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

ixed reactions have continued to trail President Muhammadu Buhari's comment in South Africa on Monday that there is a limit to what he can do as Mr. President due to his old age. One of the opposition parties in the country, the Labour Party (LP) yesterday expressed disappointment over the President's comment, describing it as embarrassing. Buhari was quoted as saying in South Africa that he wished he was head of state as a young man and that at 72, there is a limit to what he can do, adding that what brought him was his love for the country. National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ab-

dukadir Abdulsalam, told reporters yesterday in Abuja that President Buhari’s comment was embarrassing; more so that he spoke outside the shores of the country. “This is an expression of failure on his part because when he was campaigning, he gave us the impression that he was hale, healthy, and not fragile, has the capacity, ability and agility to carry out the function of state as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “This is disappointing to us and Nigerians that before we started and get the whistle blown, Buhari has started to throw in the towel. I think both President Buhari and the APC should tell us the true situation. Is the age of Buhari or both the age and health that is become the problem.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Female student killed for ritual STRANGE Suspected kidnappers caught cooking the flesh of a female student of Gateway Polytechnic, Ogun State Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

The suspects. Inset: The shrine

Obasanjo’s ‘daughter’ approaches Kashamu to poison ex-president Juliana Francis

etectives attached to Zone II Police Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos State, said they arrested a lady who posed as the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, demanding money from Senator Buruji Kashamu to poison her supposed ‘father’. This came hours after the sudden withdrawal of Kashamu’s N20 billion libel

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Obasanjo

suit filed against Obasanjo. According to the police, the lady, identified as Yetunde Obasanjo, accompanied by a man named Peter Uwakala, were alleged to have gone to meet the senator in a hotel, where the lady, later known as Victoria Alaegbu, introduced herself as one of Obasanjo’s daughters. The man, who accompanied her, introduced himself as one of the intelligence officers of the former president. The duo allegedly called the former president names and urged Kashamu to allow them to poison him in exchange for

money. A police source said: “Before they talked about causing harm to Obasanjo, they said they wanted to resolve the political rift between Kashamu and Obasanjo.” The senator, who was suspicious of the lady and man, alerted policemen. While the suspects were still waiting to hear from him, it was the police they heard from. The two had since being arrested and charged to court. They were arraigned before the Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court presided over by Adeola Adedayo on June 5 and remanded at Kirikiri Prison. Adebayo adjourned the matter till July 31. Kashamu’s media aide, Mr Austin Oniyokor, who confirmed the incident, said the matter was in court. He added that Kashamu’s conduct was to prove that he had no ill feelings towards Obasanjo and that he respected the sanctity of human life.

he police in Ogun State have uncovered a dreaded shrine at Ode-Remo in Remo North Local Government Area where human flesh is allegedly sold, eaten and used for rituals. Five persons were arrested in connection with the crime. Decomposing body parts suspected to be that of a missing female student of Science Laboratory Technology Department at Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, Morenikeji Owolabi, were found dismembered at the shrine. The Commissioner of Police, Val Ntomchukwu, who led journalists to the shrine located at Eposo area of OdeRemo, said the prime suspect, a herbalist identified as Femi Awise, was still at large. Ntomchukwu disclosed that five suspects, including a commercial motorcyclist that conveyed the victim to the scene, had been arrested and would be arraigned in court upon the completion of police investigation. The suspects, who were detained at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Isara-Remo, include Adeyemi Ademolu, 29, Lateef Ali, 23, Dare Akinyemi, 22, Wasiu Sotola, 23 and Taiwo Omolaso, 22. When our correspondent visited the scene on Tuesday evening, it was a gory sight as human flesh cut into pieces and apparently cooked, was in one black pot while the right limb of the victim was seen in a nearby shallow grave. The stench oozing from the place did not stop scores of people in the town and its environs to throng the shrine to catch a glimpse of the discovery. According to the commissioner, the 21-year-old female student was conveyed to the crime scene on June 6 by a commercial motorcyclist (Ademolu) but the police discovered the shrine on Monday after receiving information about the incident. Ntomchukwu appealed to

members of the public to always volunteer information to the police, noting that if the command had got report on time, it could have nipped the crime in the bud. He said: “Through discreet investigation and information, we were able to trace the missing girl to this particular shrine, where the native doctor and other suspects conspired, abducted the girl, came here and dismembered her for ritual purposes. “What we want to tell the public is that they should monitor the movement of their wards and children, especially when they are left to be in school and other public institutions. They should always keep watch over their children, call them regularly and where they don’t see them, they should quickly report to the police. “If we had received this report on time, we would have been able to trace this lady. By the time we got the report, we now started scouting for information, only to arrest the okada man (motorcyclist) that brought her to this particular place. “It was from that okada man that we were able to know that she was taken to this area and by discreet investigation, we were able to discover this shrine. We don’t know how long this shrine has been in existence but we assure you that this particular nefarious activity would be put to an end.” The police chief urged members of the community to be watchful and always cooperate with the police by providing information that would expose suspected criminals. But speaking with our correspondent, all the suspects arrested in connection with the crime denied involvement in it. Reacting to the incident, the Chairman, Remo North Local Government, Hon. Femi Soyemi, described it as “shocking”. He said: “I was shocked because I least expected that this sort of brutal behaviour could crop up within this area. It is the rudest shock I have ever seen in my life. I have not seen somebody being murdered in this way and being cooked. “The lady is not from this community. I was made to understand that the lady was from Ekiti but she was schooling within this community, which is Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade.”

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Robbers trapped in ex-VC’s house Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

en suspected armed robbers yesterday were trapped for over seven hours inside the residence of the former ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Prof Daniel Uza. The house is located within the Judges Quarters near Source of Wisdom Nursery and Primary School on Makurdi-Gboko Expressway. The incident, which started about 10 am, attracted thousands of people from the neighbourhood, bus drivers and motorcyclists who thronged to the scene. A witness said Uza was not at home when the rob-

bers invaded his residence, but the robbers tied the housemaid and maltreated him. Sources said the housemaid later struggled and escaped when the robbers were moving from one room to the other. They even climbed the ceiling in a desperate search for money. The housemaid, whose identity was not disclosed, swiftly alerted the police who cordoned off the area. At press time, the robbers were still trapped in the residence. When contacted on the phone, Uza said he had travelled but was on his way back after he was briefed about what had happened. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Austin Ezeani, who con-

Akure

File picture of suspected robbers

firmed the incident, said one of the robbers climbed and hid on the ceiling while the others locked themselves up in a room.

Dan Atori MINNA

File picture of tanker explosion

Usman said the fuel-laden vehicle thereby lost control and caught fire instantly. He added that six persons out of the eight people in the bus were burnt beyond recog-

The PPRO added that everyone found in the house was apprehended pending the return of Uza, to identify his family.

nition while five motorcycles, nearby houses, a mosque and two buses were razed. The DG, however, said that the two persons who survived the accident were receiving

treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida. Also, the Head of the Relief and Rehabilitation of NSEMA, Alhaji Garba Salihu, disclosed in Minna that the two persons, Suleiman Ajibola and Toufik Adeyemi, who died in the boat mishap, were from Tungan Sule village. Salihu, however, said that the driver of the boat survived the accident. He said: “The Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, has condoled with the bereaved family and directed that appropriate recommendation on post-disaster recovery be made immediately.” Salihu added that the agency had taken measures to bring succour to the families of the deceased.

Man bags three years for raping law student Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

n Ebonyi State High Court yesterday sentenced a man, Ekene Nweke, to three years imprisonment with hard labour. The court, presided over by the state Chief Judge, Justice Alloy Nwankwo, convicted and sentenced Nweke for raping one Miss Blessing (surname withheld), a 400 level Law Student of Ebonyi State University on February 21, 2011. According to suit no HAB/1C/2012 between the state and the convict, Nweke had on the said date at No 5, Akam Street, Abakaliki had carnal knowledge of the student without her consent contrary to Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State 2009. He had been in prison custody awaiting trial since he committed the crime but was

granted bail. However, he was later rearrested for asking the complainant to marry him since he had ‘defiled’ her. A medical examination, conducted on the victim by a medical expert, found Nweke guilty of the crime. The medical report stated that there was deposit of semen around the private part of the complainant. The medical report, torn pants of the complainant and wristwatch of the accused broken during the struggle with the victim were tendered in court as exhibits by the police. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. In his submission, Nweke’s counsel, J. N. Okezie, who stood in for Arthur Nwaji, pleaded with the court to be lenient on the accused. He said Nweke was a married man and had children.

Housewife hangs self in Ondo Babatope Okeowo

Eight die in tanker explosion, boat mishap t least eight persons have lost their lives to tanker explosion and boat mishap in Niger State. Six persons were killed in the tanker explosion on Bokani Road in Mokwa Local Government Area, two others died in a boat mishap at Malale village in Borgu Local Government Area. Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Isah Usman, disclosed this yesterday in Minna. He said the tanker explosion occurred at 11:30pm when a bus which overtook the vehicle tried to avoid a head on collusion but hit the tanker.

City Briefs

The lawyer said that allowing the accused to languish in prison would affect the family. But in his ruling, Nwankwo said there was avalanche of evidence of rape against Nweke. He therefore sentenced the convict to three years imprisonment with hard labour. Counsel to the complainant, Nkem Chukwu, declined comment on the verdict.

40-year-old housewife, Mrs Seyi Adewumi, was yesterday found dead in an uncompleted building beside her house at Olu Foam area of Akure, the Ondo State capital. The cause of the death of the mother of two was not known at press time, but some of the residents suspected suicide. Hundreds of people living around the area trooped out to catch a glimpse of the body. Expressing shock over the demise of his wife, Mr Gbenga Adewumi said he went to a vigil on Tuesday only to come back and see his wife’s body in the uncompleted building. He said: “Last night (Tuesday), I went to a vigil organised by our church. I left her in the house hale and hearty. But to my surprise, I got back home this morning and I saw some of our neighbours in front of our house. They broke the news to me and took me to where she is hanged.”

Man dies of poison at burial Uchenna Inya

Abakaliki

olice have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a middle-aged man, Eugene Ejegbu, of Amangwu Edda community, Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, at a burial ceremony. So far, 17 persons have been arrested in connection with the man’s death. Ejegbu died in a controversial circumstance after allegedly taken an alcoholic drink suspected to have been poisoned. A member of the community, Orji Nkama, alleged that the deceased was forced to take the drink which he brought to the burial by some youths who accused him of trying to use it to poison some people during the event. He explained that the youth later mobilised to burn Ejegbu’s house and other property. Nkama added that his own house and property were also burnt during the riot by the youth. He said the incident was reported to the police who started arresting people suspected to be involved in the action. The state Assistant Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Ejike, said that a man was murdered in the community, adding that the police had arrested 17 suspects in connection with the crime. According to him, the police are still searching for other people suspected to be involved in the crime.

Stay away from beaches, NEMA warns Lagos residents Muritala Ayinla

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday warned Lagos residents, especially fun seekers, to stay away from the beaches because of an imminent ocean surge. It also urged boat operators to be more safety conscious while on the water. Lagos residents, especially those in the coastal areas usually

experience ocean surge during this period, which has claimed the lives of many people, especially those residing in the shanties near the beaches. Hence, NEMA appealed to residents to be safety conscious to avert loss of lives and property, resulting from the surge. The South-West spokesperson for NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, said in a statement that users of inland waterways should be

cautious. He said: “NEMA is advising all users of inland waterways and fun seekers on the beaches and coastal lines to exercise utmost cautions in the face of turbulent nature of the sea. “NEMA and other stakeholders have alerted ferry/boats operators on the situations and they are already applying safety measures as dynamic as the situations in case of emergency.”

News

Dogara tasks FG on revival of Ajaokuta steel Philip Nyam ABUJA

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has called on the Federal government to show more commitment in revamping the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi state in order to help reduce the problem of unemployment in the country. Dogara made the call while addressing members of the Kogi State caucus in the House who paid him a solidarity visit in his office He told the lawmakers that the leadership of the House will, as a matter of national priority, commence a process of liaising with the executive in trying to solve the perennial problem bedeviling the steel complex which he described as a platform for the industrialisation of the country. “I don’t know if there are demons besetting

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

that place that is making things difficult to work out there. Apart from hoping that things will change in that place, I also feel we should employ prayers for the complex to be restored. “We all know what Ajaokuta stands for, and we are putting it to paper and debate it. By that, I mean the sectoral debate that we have proposed in our legislative agenda. We have to engage on issues that affect the people more, like these issues that you raised about Ajaokuta,” he said. According to the speaker, Itemising the economic benefit of the place is the kind of things that he would like to see members canvass for on the floor of the House. “We must not joke with this as it affects all of us. We must open a legislative debate on Ajaokuta within the first and second week of our resumption to be sponsored by one or all of you, so that we can

resolve and send our resolution to the executive for implementation. “We implore you to support this leadership as it’s necessary for the success of the House; for, we will not shut our doors to any member,” he added. The leader of the caucus, Hon. Umar Bubba Jibril had earlier called on the Speaker to use his office to bring to the consciousness of the executive the need to prioritise the Ajaokuta Steel as a veritable source of employment.

He said: “Mr. Seeker, as you know, Kogi State is home to Ajaokuta Steel Complex. You also know that if that place is put in order, a lot of unemployment problems would have been solved in Nigeria. “It is estimated that about 50,000 Engineers can be engaged with about other 40.000 workers as support staff. It has three turbine plants which if harnessed can supply uninterrupted power to Benue, Kwara and some parts of Anambra.”

IGP orders tight security for Hajj Commission Emmanuel Onani ABUJA

he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has ordered that adequate security be provided for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, when the airlifting of pilgrims begins. A statement signed yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, a Commissioner of Police, said the IGP gave the or-

der, when the chairman of the commission led other members on a courtesy call on him. The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase... has ordered a water tight security for National Hajj Commission of Nigeria during the airlifting of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj operation. The order came during a courtesy call on the IGP in his office by Hajj Commission members led by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Murktar Mohammed.

Aka Ikenga faults AI on Nigerian Army Temitope Ogunbanke

group, Aka Ikenga, has accused the Amnesty International of mutilating the report of Human Rights Watch (HRW), on the activities of Nigerian Army in the war against the Boko Haram sect. Aka Ikenga in a statement issued yesterday by its President-General, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, stated that the report of Amnesty International which accused the Nigerian military of violating people rights was fake and not the true reflection of the report of the Human Rights Watch (HRW). “I formally accuse Amnesty International of mutilating the report of Human Rights Watch (HRW). Human

Right Watch released a report which was fairly balanced and cautioned that many of the violation and report may be by people who steal Nigerian Army uniform and misuse them. “The report also stated that Boko Haram is guilty of the same violation the Nigerian Army is accused of. But to the surprise of all, Amnesty International excised all the above reports and only accused the Nigerian Military emphatically of violation. This is really fake Amnesty International. “Conversely, ICC (International Criminal Court) prosecuted indicted Boko Haram. Is it a mere coincidence that this Amnesty International report is coming on the heels of a call for amnesty for Boko Haram?”

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Barineme Fakae; Marketing Manager, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Mr. Chidi Okpala and Group Head, Business Development, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Ms. Nneka Nwobi, at the presentation of Galaxy Backbone proposal to the university in Port Harcourt …yesterday

Mimiko emerges Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ndo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on Tuesday night, emerged Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum. He was elected at the inaugural meeting of the forum held at the Secretariat of former Governor Jonah Jang’s faction of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Maitama. The Ondo State gov-

NAFDAC arraigns two over importation of N10bn fake drugs Akeem Nafiu

he National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dragged two businessmen, Kennedy Okereke (alias Agam) and Uchendu Oledibe, before Justice Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged importation of N10 billion fake drugs into the country.

The duo had earlier been arraigned by NAFDAC on a 12-count charge bordering on importation, labelling and circulation of counterfeit and expired drugs to the public. The two accused persons, according to NAFDAC, were alleged to have committed the offence on March 2. At the proceedings, NAFDAC’s lawyer, Umar Shamaki, informed the court of the agency’s unreadiness to proceed with the trial due to

unavailability of the laboratory reports on the alleged fake drugs. He informed the court that the laboratory section of the agency was still carrying out analysis on the 49 fake drugs imported into the country by the two accused persons. He later made an oral application for adjournment. However, lawyer to the accused persons, Chief Benson Ndakara, did not oppose Shamaki’s application.

ernor succeeded former Akwa Ibom State governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio who is now a serving senator. Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpazu, who briefed journalists at the end of the meeting, said Dr. Mimiko was the unanimous choice of the governors present at the meeting. New Telegraph had earlier reported that Mimiko was endorsed by nine out of the 13 state PDP governors. Dr. Ikpazu further dis-

closed that the governors frowned at the relocation of the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal from Jalingo, Taraba State to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, noting that there was no justifiable reason for the relocation. “The judiciary in Taraba State is in session, so there is no reason for the relocation,” Dr. Ikpazu stated. He added that the forum congratulated the President of the Senate,

Senator Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, as well as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and his Deputy, saying their emergence was indication of the confidence reposed in them by their colleagues. The governors were, however, silent on the fate of the remaining members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) since the resignation of the National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

Geometric, General Electric to build 1,080mw power plant Segun Edwards

ormer Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, owner of Geometric Power, has said that his company will build a 1,080 megawatt power plant jointly with General Electric, with the first phase of the project generating 500 MW expected to be completed in 2019 at a cost of $800 million. This development came as Nigeria’s privatisation of 10-independent power plants (IPPs)

that could fetch up to $5.6 billion is stalling due to a lack of gas supply, the chief executive of Aiteo Power and Gas said. It was learnt that the firm was in discussions with some Chinese, European and U.S. investors and it is expected the deal would finalised by the end of the financial year. Construction would start early next year. “We have a 1,080 megawatt project … (in partnership) with General Electric. The power goes

to the national grid. What we are doing is to build up power projects in this way,” Geometric Power, which has a 141 megawatt captive power for industrial use in Abia State, said the new plant would also be located in Abia State, southeast Nigeria. Africa’s biggest economy broke up its monopoly on power generation and distribution by privatising the sector two years ago, hoping to attract foreign investors.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Agenda

National Conference

What Buhari must do to revamp Nigeria, by Gbadebo

Buhari has no business with Jonathan’s confab – Adefuye

NASS leadership

Governorship

PDP’s confidence has returned – Okon

I can fix Kogi’s problems, says Baba-Ali

Politics

PDP’s victory temporary – Oyegun National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, speaks on the emergence of the National Assembly leadership, how the party is managing the fallout and the delay in the composition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet among others. JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM With the election of the National Assembly leadership, what is the position of the APC? All the party has decided to do is to re-unify as quickly as possible our members in both chambers of the National Assembly under the existing realities. That is the first priority. Every other thing will follow. All other things will have to wait. For instance, if the president says he wants to present his list of ministerial nominees to the Senate, we don’t want a situation whereby the Senate will be divided. So, we are trying to sort that out; it is our number one priority. We are happy that we are arriving at amicable settlement of the situation; this one cannot wait for long. It has to be immediately.

Nigerians seem to be becoming very impatient over the delay in the composition of the cabinet by President Muhammadu Buhari. Is the president capable? I don’t think that notion is correct. We have a very capable president. He is capable as ever. The president is a very careful man. He wants to be sure the kind of people

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Oyegun

he will appoint are people who are passionate about the country. What is really important is the speed of the delivery of his policies. You can see that things are already improving in spite of that fact. You can see in the electricity front, the supply of petroleum etc. What the president is doing is to conduct a very thorough check on the background of the people he will appoint. What about speculations that he is being held back by the inordinate ambition of some party leaders? No. I don’t think that will hold him back at all. Like he said, he belongs to everybody and he belongs to nobody. They should just be patient. He does not want to make avoidable mistakes. What is important is to see whether on a daily basis your life is improving or not. Everything that can be done in these few days are being done and the effect is being felt already. Let me assure the public that peace is on the way. We had a problem in the family, no doubt about that, but we are moving quickly to resolve it. As you can see, we are working hard to see

Hasn’t this crisis given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a leeway to rise up again and upstage APC? Even most of the PDP leaders are celebrating the outcome of the National Assembly leadership election. There was no doubt that when you have problems, your opponent will seize the opportunity to rise up. What is important is how quickly we put our acts together and get all these behind us and move forward strongly. Some of these setbacks, no doubt, will give the other side the opportunity to laugh, but it is temporary and usual wherever you have human beings.

is a card-carrying member of the party. What is important is the qualification of the person and the ability of the person to deliver on the ideas of Mr. President. What we are interested in is the ability of the people to bring up ideas that will help Mr. President achieve the set objectives and the ability to deliver on what the president wants. Secondly, this is an executive function and the president has the right to consult as widely as possible. This means he might pick people within and outside the party. It is a prerogative the president should exercise and we cannot question that. We are quite happy about the way he is proceeding.

Where is the ministerial list coming from: party or from the states? There is absolutely no dispute between the party and the president. We agreed that we shall use all manner of people: politicians, technocrats who can deliver and who subscribe passionately to the agenda of the president, to move this country forward, irrespective of where the people come from; irrespective of whether the person

Some people said you are interested in the post of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). What is your take on this? On this issue of SGF, I have not in any way solicited for any position other than the national chairmanship of APC. I think I am clear enough. Isn’t it? And nobody has approached me that he is considering me either for that position or another.

that the leaders and rank and file don’t start throwing punches.

Some of these setbacks, no doubt, will give the other side the opportunity to laugh, but it is temporary and, usual, wherever you have human beings

Politics | Interview

Air Vice Marshal Femi Gbadebo (rtd) is the Chief Executive Officer of Benola, a cerebral palsy initiative. He discusses the challenges of power, security, and infrastructure and the way forward. APPOLONIA ADEYEMI reports

What do you recommend to the new administration on electoral reform? There were abuses done to the electoral process in the last 12 years. There are basic requirements needed for a political party to be registered for election in Nigeria, we ended up barely managing five registered political parties. When there was a need to guarantee a re-election of a particular political party, a deliberate step was taken to dilute the parties by registering more political parties. Registering those parties was not actually a problem. The number of political parties gradually moved from 12 to some funny numbers like 26. When there are cases like this, the solution should be that after elections, any party that is not able to meet up with a certain level of success should be de-registered, which was not done. Rather, we ended up having 26 parties registered by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) before the recently held elections. If we take a look at other countries like India and United Kingdom (UK), we will see not too many political parties but we cannot take such risk when it comes to Nigeria. I would like the president to look at what the minimum requirements are for political parties to be registered. Hence, all parties that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the number of seats in the House of Representatives should lose their registration. INEC has all the details and in the next couple of weeks they should be able to come out with a final result of the elections. The formal report of the recently held elections should be submitted to the president. Thereafter, the independence of INEC needs to be re-stated and properly emphasised. Funding of INEC should be sourced directly from the budget as we approach another round of elections. Also, the issue of having the tenure of Prof. Attahiru Jega, chairman of INEC almost ending when the last administration was almost over must be corrected. If it requires that Jega should be given additional one year in order to outlive the administration, that should be done. Allegations of corruption in the country are widespread. How should the current administration handle the issue? Corruption is a two-edged sword; there is a giver and also a

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

What president must do to revamp Nigeria, by Gbadebo national conference has not been implemented. What do you think the Buhari administration should do to the confab report? Personally, the confab was not set up properly. It was set up to distract people even though it was something we really need, you could remember that was the period when a lot of people were leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The agenda of the confab was not clearly stated. Hence, the delegates started declaring their own agenda and the whole thing started losing control. Assuming it was done properly, we would be planning to merge some states and not to create more states. The solution to this issue is that another committee should be set up in order to look at issues such as resource control, self-determination, among others.

Gbadebo

taker. When there is good and affordable means of transportation, good roads, affordable housing, among other public service infrastructure, corruption will be a thing of less care. After the provision of basic amenities, the government can now take measures to reduce crime rate in the country. Let me give you an example of how not to tackle corruption. When Prof. Adenike Grange, a former Minister of Health, was embarrassed out of office over graft, herself and her permanent secretary only were the two people that went to court. If you understand government, Grange probably did not know about the existence of the money that implicated her. It was the civil servants working under her that leaked information about the availability of the money to Grange and had probably suggested a formula to spend it. All she did was to approve. So, by dealing with the two, Grange and her permanent secretary only, the system has allowed all those other criminals to remain in the system, to corrupt the next minister or whoever is deployed there to take charge of the ministry. At the end of the day, there is a lot that can be done but it has to start with changes in structure and legally dealing with people who are found to have done something wrong, not arbitrarily. What is your advice on how to improve power situation? People talk about the oil sector as being the most corrupt but to me the power sector is another problem. You can look at it as even the people supplying fuel and those importing generators have interest in us not having regular power supply. So, it is very easy for them to fund the people in the power sector to ensure that

there is no power. And the people in the power sector will continue to claim sabotage, come up with dream ideas and keep buying multi-million naira equipment including gas turbines. But on paper, that is what you get. Yet, there is no power supply. The idea of decentralising the power supply organisation is not really a bad thing, but government has to revisit this issue considering that power provision is not improving as promised.

We have to reduce the number of people in offices in order to reduce the money we spend in paying their salaries

There have been this issue over the duplication of functions by various security agencies. What should be done in this regard? There are some agencies trying to do the same thing. So, the best thing is to merge these agencies. In the area of corruption, there is Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC). What are they really doing? They are doing the same thing. There are so many commissions performing the same duty. We have the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) that has a Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This investigation department was broken down to a special branch which later became the National Security Organisation (NSO) which later became the State Security Service (SSS). In the process, it was realised that these agencies are carved out from the NPF. The State Security Service (SSS) was also carved out of the NPF and they are all going different ways. We need to understand where we are coming from and where we are going to. Similarly, we need to understand what the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is all about. The recommendation of the 2014

How should the Buhari-led government address the problems of refineries? With technological advancement, modern refineries are no longer bogus and complex. Latest technology in refining has become easier, cheaper and more efficient. Therefore, there are some areas where we have to just scrap completely and build new ones. In Nigeria, we love big things, the bigger they are, the more complex and difficult they become when it comes to management. Instead of building one big refinery somewhere, we can build a number of small refineries somewhere that could meet the needs of the people. What are your recommendations on cutting down the cost of governance in the country? We are running the most expensive type of government and this is why people are dying to get to some government positions. This is also why they are also dying not to leave some positions for others to come in. Take for instance, Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, who announced that he will reduce his salary by 50 per cent. I am not impressed. Sometimes the allowances, not the salaries are the main problems. We have to learn how to say no without hurting anybody by so doing. Take for instance, the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, said that one reason why people do not like him in his state was that he cut down number of protocol officials attached to him whenever he is going to Abuja for meetings. According to him, although people kept complaining, the reason is because when he gets to Abuja, all those that might have followed him do not go in for the meeting with him, so he sees no reason why they have to travel to Abuja with him. So, in Nigeria, we have to reduce the number of people in offices in order to reduce the money we spend in paying their salaries at the end of the month.

Politics | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

technocrats in politics? I am an engineer; am I not a technocrat? The word ‘technocrat’ has been used to cheat politicians. We will not accept it again. We have doctors, engineers, accountants and other professionals in politics. So, who is a technocrat? What killed last government was because they believed in technocrats. Somebody was brought from the World Bank as minister and the person crashed the economy in the name of technocracy. Politics is a different thing; we look at the interest of the people. Technocrats are to work for us to ensure that we go the right way; not being in control. We look at the interest of the people; the people want light, let there be light. You don’t need technocrats to do that. If people want drugs in hospital, that should be provided. Let the technocrats say what they need and let us make sure we vote money for them to do it and not to take over our job.

Adefuye

Buhari has no business with Jonathan’s confab – Adefuye Senator Anthony Adefuye, an engineer cum politician, is the Secretary of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF). In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, he says President Muhammadu Buhari has no obligation to implement the report of the 2014 National Conference Do you think President Muhammadu Buhari would bring about the change which Nigerians are yearning for? President Buhari is above 72 years old; he hasn’t got so much time and I can assure you that for the little time he has, he will want to impress Nigerians. He is a man of action. Buhari is not somebody who just speaks; he is a man who speaks with action. I believe with Buhari in power, many of those who have stolen from the country will return their stolen wealth. What are your expectations from the Buhari-led administration? The first thing I want President Buhari to do is to eradicate corruption. The second thing is to provide stable electricity for Nigerians. There must be stable electricity because without power there is nothing we can do. The third thing is

security. The most important thing now is that people want power. Previous governments have spent so much on the power sector without providing stable electricity for people. Individuals have also stolen the people’s wealth. You can imagine selling a power station to one man. Nigeria’s wealth is presently in the hands of a few. It is wrong to sell Nigeria to a few people. The president must work in favour of the people if he wants people to benefit from his government. What about the issue of corruption? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo made attempts to tackle the issue of corruption. He negotiated with some people and detained others. Those who have Nigeria’s money in their hands must surrender it back to the people. There is nothing more than that. An armed robber is an armed robber; whether he stole by night or by day; with a gun or with a knife or pen. How could the issue of insecurity be addressed in the country? There is proliferation of weapons in the country and the president must mop up arms in the system. We must also fight Boko Haram and end militancy by any means. We must depend purely on the police and military. The security agencies must be very active. When Buhari was Head of State, everybody sat right and people queue at the bus stations to enter buses. I believe President Buhari will stop corruption. What is your take on the call for the reduction of cost of governance? If we can eradicate corruption and block all the loopholes, cost of

If the man who set up the National Conference could not implement its report, what is Buhari’s business with it?

governance will reduce. We should look into individual expenses. The most important thing is that very few people are stealing Nigeria’s money. About 400,000 barrels of crude oil are being stolen every day. If you block that alone, Nigeria will be rich. It is impossible to steal 400,000 barrels of crude oil without the cooperation of the government or the system. So, we must start to block the leakages in government. There should be general pay cut in the country as a whole. What I mean by pay cut is not salaries but exorbitant allowances that are overburdening to the system. For instance, there is constituency allowance. There should be nothing like constituency allowance for lawmakers. Lawmakers should keep to making laws and what is important is their performance at the National Assembly. But when a lawmaker gets constituency allowances and fail to deliver those allowances to the people, you create a lot of problems for yourself and these constituencies are not the same. For example, there are three senatorial districts in Lagos State but while Lagos West has 10 local governments, Lagos East and Lagos Central have five local governments respectively and they will still get the same allowance. So, I think they should hands off constituency allowance. Let National Assembly make laws; let executives perform their functions and judiciary must perform its duties. All the frivolous allowances must stop. Some people are advising President Buhari that his cabinet should comprise more technocrats than politicians. Are you saying there are no

You are one of the delegates to the 2014 National Conference; would you advice President Buhari to implement the confab report? I will not advice President Buhari to do anything with the conference report. If former President Goodluck Jonathan, who convened the conference could not implement the report, which he had nine months to act on, what do you want Buhari to do? Jonathan set up the National Conference just to be able to increase derivation and since he was not able to increase the derivation, I knew he was not going to implement the conference report. Even the National Assembly picked some highlights of the conference, he refused to sign it. So, I will not advice President Buhari to act on the report. I will advise the National Assembly to look into it and take up whatever they think we have done right and put it into law. Don’t you think non-implementation of the confab report will amount to waste of resources considering huge amount spent to organise it? I don’t think so. The purpose was to ensure that we have a constitution that is acceptable to the people. So, it is not waste of money. You can’t tell me to advice President Buhari to create 48 states when most of the present 36 states cannot pay salaries. That is one of the reasons why Jonathan could not implement the confab report. There are so many good recommendations in the confab report and there are also many bad things there too, that nobody can implement. So, you believe Buhari should not act on the confab report? Buhari has no obligation to implement confab report. The report has been sent to the National Assembly and they should look at it. If the man who set up the National Conference could not implement its report, what is Buhari’s business with it? There was a conference and it will not be the first conference that its report would not be implemented. When you have conferences, their reports will be implemented and some would not be implemented. There is no government that has responded wholesomely to the report of any conference. It is not in the best interest of national government when people go to conference on ethnic nationalities basis and every ethnic nationality try to grab something for itself. That was what happened at the conference.

16 Politics | Interview

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

PDP’s confidence has returned – Okon Ntufam John Okon is the Cross River State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with Clement James, he reveals the intrigues that played out at the National Assembly where Ike Ekweremadu returned as Deputy Senate President. Excerpts:

You were at the National Assembly when they elected their principal officers and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) played a critical role. What actually transpired? Yes, I was at the gallery of the Senate watching procedures. I was a former Clerk of the State House of Assembly and that election in the Senate, a lot of people have said so many things, but what they failed to understand is that a proclamation is read once. Even the President cannot withdraw the proclamation he has made. In that proclamation, the constitution and not the rules of the Senate takes precedence. I arrived early enough and at about 10a.m., the Clerk of the National Assembly arrived and called the House to order and made a roll call. Now, the issue of quorum is a constitutional matter and the constitution does not state whether it has to be formed at the beginning or end of procedures. So, after the roll call, at least they were more than 60 senators, and then the Clerk called for nomination. PDP nominated Ike Ekweremadu and thereafter, APC nominated Ali Ndume and the voting started. Honestly, there was anxiety in the PDP camp but fortunately for us, Ekweremadu won. So, the Clerk finished there and moved to the chamber of the House of Representatives because the constitution recognises only the Clerk to do that. What led to the choice of Ekweremadu for the position of Deputy Senate President? PDP is a party that just lost an election and it has been very responsible since it lost that election and we have our National Assembly caucus; and our governors also were there. So, what we had to look out for was how we could walk for the interest of the party. So, we had discussion across party lines, even as some senators within APC approached our members for support. Meanwhile, we were meeting with Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara and don’t forget that we have very experienced people in the Senate; people like David Mark, Godswill Akpabio and others. So, after meeting with principal actors, we felt that this is the only way our interest can be pro-

tected. So, the party leadership sent out a message in which it was clearly stated that we would support Saraki and Dogara. We had to make this position open and it was based on politics and concession. The question is, why Ekweremadu instead of another senator from the PDP camp? The constitution of the country is very clear. National Assembly members elect “one of its own.” It never said elect APC or PDP and we saw a window, we needed to capitalise on it. It was a bargain and we had to look at certain things before returning Ekweremadu. As the Cross River State Chairman of PDP and with three senators, what was your role in all of these? Of course, our senators worked with the governor, Ben Ayade, because he is the party leader now. The senators from the state briefed him on the previous meeting that we had and all of them worked together and threw their weight behind the interest of the party. In fact, almost all the party apparatus agreed on what we did. Some people say this is victory for the PDP. What does it portend for the future of the party now? I don’t think it is victory for PDP. I would rather think it is victory for the Nigerian people. The National Assembly works for the entire country. But one thing it has done for PDP, at least, it has re-awaken our consciousness. You know, when you have lost a major election, your morale will be low. So, I see our morale coming back; I see our pride coming back again with what has happened. So, it is a plus for us and it is something that can bring back the unity of the party. It makes us to know that APC is not invincible; it is not as close-knitted as it seems. It gives us the hope that if we unite and work as a team, our opportunity for the future is great. It was actually a victory, but not a major one. Can we therefore say that PDP supported Saraki and Dogara because they were once members of the party?

Okon

It has re-awaken our consciousness. You know, when you have lost a major election, your morale will be low

I am not a Nostradamus and so cannot predict the future. For me, I play practical politics but all I can say is that it is possible Saraki and Dogara approached their former colleagues in PDP. They needed our support and we felt that they needed it more than others who have never been part of us. It is just like being in a class. We may disagree, but that relationship is still there and I think PDP made it very clear that it will be more comfortable with them. The block that gave APC victory came from PDP. If we hadn’t have that crisis that caused five of our governors to move out of the party, I don’t see how anybody would have defeated PDP. It is now clear that we had a crisis we could not manage. But you must know that Nigerians did not vote for APC in the first instance, they voted for Muhammadu Buhari as a person. However, we will see how it goes. And let me assure you that PDP is not going to play the kind of politics that APC played against President Goodluck Jonathan. We respect Buhari, our leaders have made it very clear that we will play responsible politics. We will criticise him when he goes wrong but we will not pull the house down the way they tried to pull us down. We will play very objective, responsible opposition. We are still strategising and we will wait for the right time. But we will not pull Buhari down the way they did to Jonathan. So far, we have not seen anything from him. Fuel has not been sold for N40 and the naira is not at par with the dollar. We are still watching. In most of APC states, salaries are still being owed. You could see that in Cross River State, we have paid up to May despite all our challenges. There were insinuations that prior

to the inauguration of the National Assembly, PDP lawmakers were made to agree that none of them will decamp. Was that true? I don’t think any such thing happened. Politics is a matter of interest and I don’t think there is any need for them to decamp. They have the same right like any other member as well as the same voting right. There was an agreement for them to work for PDP and unite. That was what we emphasized. And there was a circular for them to know the role they would play as an opposition party. When we were in power, our members had the liberty to vote against anybody, including Jonathan. But now, they were made to understand the need for unity, so we are not even thinking about anybody decamping. You were a Clerk of the State House of Assembly at a point. With the inauguration of the State Assembly, what kind of relationship are you expecting between the legislature and the executive? I think they are from the same family. Most of them came through consensus arrangement of the party and some of them were sponsored and all of them were in the same campaign train with the governor. They heard the governor’s programmes and vision for the state and all of them are attuned to supporting the governor to actualise those programmes. I think there is going to be a close-knit relationship, just like it happened between the dissolved House and the immediate past governor, Liyel Imoke. We are carrying that over. The young man who is the Speaker of the House, Hon. John Gaul, is a lawyer and is very exposed. So, I expect a very cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive in the state.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

I can fix Kogi’s problems, says Baba-Ali ing school and today those structures have been dismantled, the reason I just don’t know. We have great schools in Kogi. The GSS Dekina, AAMCO, OSS, TITCOM College, Egbe and so on. Different key schools that when you mention their names then, it’s like you are talking about Harvard. None is working now. These are schools that brought people from all over the country in those days. Why should we now deprive our children that opportunity of integration. For me, if by the grace of God I am elected as the governor, and got sworn in January 2016, by the next academic session in September, we are starting with three pilot schools per senatorial district. There is what I call educational diversity programme and that is our plan that will kick start those schools in the senatorial districts.

Alhaji Suleiman Baba-Ali, a former Commissioner for Health in Kogi State, is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He speaks on his vision for the state. MUHAMMAD BASHIR reports With the chaotic issues facing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, do you think your party will make any impact in the forthcoming governorship election? These challenges you are talking about were there with us when we won 63 per cent of the total votes cast for the presidential election, those challenges were there when we won the three senatorial seats in Kogi State, those issues and challenges were with us when we won six out of the nine seats for the House of Representatives. And why we lost the House of Assembly seats so to say, (mind you we have 11 seats while the PDP have 14 seats), it has to do with some of our candidates in these areas. But even if that was a gubernatorial election, we still would have won, because when you put together the total votes we had from these 11 seats, they are more than the total votes the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got from their 14 House of Assembly seats. The issue we have in Kogi has to do with leadership between the new group within the party and the older group in the party led by Prince Abubakar Audu. I don’t even believe that there should be argument over who is supposed to be the leader of the party in Kogi, because the constitution of the party is clear about that; Audu, as a former governor, remains the leader of the party in the state. What is your take on the power shift agitation in the state?

Baba-Ali

I believe that every person in Kogi State irrespective of his tribe, religion, location has a right to aspire for the highest position in the state. So, by extension, anybody from either the west, east or central senatorial districts should have the right to be able to aspire for the highest office within the land as long as you have the capacity to deliver value. What do you make of speculation that you are fronting for your uncle, Audu. I am 53 years old, my mates have been governors for eight years and have been senators for another four or eight years. So, you think I will come today and say I am fronting for somebody, and if you check my background, I was commissioner in 1999, that was long time ago, I was executive director in a publicly quoted company in Nigeria as far back as 1989. Then in 2015, I am fronting for somebody. I feel insulted why people think such about me. I am running for governorship and by the grace of God, we will get the ticket and I will bring about change that will work for every

Kogi resident, the civil service, change that works for the Ebira man, the Okun man or the Igala man, change that works for the farmers and everyone.

The objective is to bring about veritable unity, love and trust among the various ethnic nationalities that make up Kogi State

What is your view on the concept of free education in Nigeria and youth unemployment in Kogi? I went to public schools all my life. I began my education at Holy Trinity Transferred School, Lokoja, from where I proceeded to Government Secondary School, Koton Kar for my secondary education, Zungeru College of Advanced Studies (ZUCAS), Bida, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Lagos. They are all public schools. I can sit down and tell you they represented excellence at that time. To answer your question, education can be free at the primary level absolutely. At that level, there is no reason why any child should pay to attend primary school. I am coming up with a programme which is part of APC manifesto, “Feed a child a meal a day.” It has a lot of effects; social and economic effect. I also intend to begin a boarding system. I went to a board-

What would you do about the psychological disintegration among ethnics in Kogi State? I have in my programme, what I call the Confluence Cultural Renaissance. The objective is to bring about veritable unity, love and trust among the various ethnic nationalities that make up Kogi State. I have it in my agenda. Now, the greatest problem in Kogi State is the problem of trust among the major ethnic nationalities in Kogi, the Igalas, the Okuns and the Ebiras. The Igalas are scared of the Ebiras, because they feel they will come out against them if they have power and the Ebiras on their part believe that the Igalas have dominated them too long and so also for the Okuns. There used to be love, peace and harmony among us all. To solve this problem, we must take it to perspective and I can say that am the most suited candidate to solve this problem. I understand very clearly the problem. My mum is Igala, my father is from Lokoja and my wife is from the Ebira area. In a way, I am connected to all three senatorial districts. Kogi State can be great again and that is what I will do. I know the problem and I can say that I am the best candidate to fix Kogi State.

‘Akpabio’ll be a stabilising factor in the Senate’ Ita Benedict, a former aide to ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio, speaks on the value the senator will add to the Senate. He also shares his views on recent developments in Akwa Ibom State and national politics. He spoke with TONY ANICHEBE

Benedict

How do you see the movement of former Governor Godswill Akpabio to the Senate? Naturally, you will expect that I’ll be very excited with this development, having worked closely with him during the last eight years. Those years gave me a vantage point to appreciate his unique leadership qualities and his uncommon passion

for the development of Akwa Ibom State. As governor, he championed a new brand of governance that has seen Akwa Ibom rise to become a destination of note and a reference point in almost every serious conversation on governance in Nigeria. You must recall that the last eight years were years of high-wired na-

tional politics. While that contributed to enriching our democratic experience, there were moments when development was almost sacrificed due to bad politics. As a frontline governor and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he contributed to stabilising national politics. So, I see him emerging as a stabilising influence in the Senate. Don’t also forget that as someone who has served in the executive arm, he understands the strengths and weaknesses of that arm of government. Now saddled with an oversight role, he will be in the best posiCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Esther Ikwuagwu, the entrepreneurial amazon

Ozonma J. A. Alowes

owever long or short, the span between our births and death is often enough for one to live an eternal life. Eternal not necessarily in the sense of time, but of models established, philosophies canvassed and archetypes achieved. And these will constitute benchmarks that will outlive our mortal flesh. And after one is gone, living references will be made of him or her. Mrs. Esther Ikwuagwu lived to a grand age of 89. But more than her years on earth, it is the impact on the lives and times of those who encountered her that will last and reoccur as the seasons themselves. It was not just that she was a hugely successful merchant, this was in a time when women were seen as worthy of only petty trading. But hers was not just the success of big balance sheets, though she achieved this. More importantly, it was her systems approach to business, amounting to genius, that makes her, the eagle amongst the birds. In trade or manufacturing, Mrs. Ikwuagwu, showed uncommon business savvy. Hers was an epic that will be worthy of sessions at Harvard, or just any other university business school. As an entrepreneurial case study, her ingenuity will be a veritable mine of business and indeed life strategies for personal coaches, trainers, startups and emerging blue chip corporations. With a cultivated sophistication she was able, despite apparent turbulences, to sense the major market trends and proposition herself to benefit before many others. In her words, money making was hard work, but visionary hard work above all. The market rewards the thinker far above as she remunerators the actor. The first great market act is to think through the market, she never tired of teaching. If one studied under the Mrs. Ikwuagwu business school, as it were, there are several business lessons to take-away, to scoop. One lesson will stand promi-

nent above all others. That lesson is that great wealth is created by perceptiveness. One needs to see, listen and not be distracted by the dim, noise, the bustles of markets. One must lookout only for the critical signals and discern these. This operating business philosophy puts her in the class of some of the greatest minds of our time, especially business thinkers like Ben Graham. Ben Graham is the intellectual father of Warren Buffett of America. Business was a science and creative art form. Business was not just a bundle of balance sheet items, it was also poetry and dance, rhythm and balance. So the critical thing was to see the market as a huge and sprawling epic, with a thousand flourishes. But the gifted merchant must seek out the center of gravity in all these movements and seize the day. Mrs. Ikwuagwu was a triple decker businesswoman. She not only imported materials, especially agricultural and related materials from Israel, she was a famed retailer of cement. But even more importantly she is one of the first and pioneering women manufacturers in Nigeria. Her place in manufacturing history won’t be too far behind those of the Tejuoshos. While the Tejuoshos were in foam and related manufactures, Mrs Ikwuagwu ran a highly successful wig making factory in Port Harcourt. Perhaps what the nation needs is a full entrepreneurial biography of this sigma six lady. The lessons of her enterprise will be a source of inspiration, especially in these times that Nigeria is in dire need of wealth creators. But Mrs Ikwuagwu was a rounded individual. It was not just business and money making that she gave her time. Perhaps she understood, reflexively, that no authority, no success, not rooted in service to other peoples, to greater causes than one, can exist. And she not only deployed her considerable resources to community development, she was active and played personal and advisory roles. Whether it was in Lagos her then corporate headquarters, Port Harcourt, where

she had factories, or Nkwerre, her hometown, her philanthropic gestures are landmarks of compassionate humanism. And like all truly successful persons she made sure her family was never in want of attention, inspired guidance, advice or material comfort. In bringing up her family and wards she always stressed that without the courage and spirit to dare, to push further than the frontiers, no inheritance is worth a penny. She would instruct, it is not the million naira bank balances and estate that a child inherits. It is the spirit to dare. Greatness, she will counsel, is not at the homesteads. Greatness is to be found and founded at the frontiers. Evidentially it is like the children listened. Today they stand as living monuments to her philosophies of achievement and community glory. They are all well icons in their respective sectors. Chief Mike Allison-Ikwuagwu is a lawyer and prominent politician. Chike Allison-Ikwuagwu is a quality assurance and certification mogul. Mrs. Esther David, nee Ikwuagwu, is a United States of America based legal practitioner. And to remember that she achieved all these despite being an early widow, is to salute her sagacity, her indomitable will and courage. Born into the ancient and aristocratic lineage of Nwankpa-Ihemes in Nkwerre, she lived out the lore that greatness must first be genetic, in the genes, even if it’s those of hard work and vision. Later in the years Mrs. Ikwuagwu retired to Nkwerre, her hometown. But it was a retirement of a veritable kind. Due to her immense and immeasurable experience, wisdom and organizational skills, she served as the sage of the community. She was consulted without cease and she was always generous with her insights, giving freely the wisdom that money can’t buy. Her remains will be committed to mother earth on 20th June, 2015. Hers was a kind so rare, it was like an angel visited and humanity was blessed for it. Adieu, humanity will miss you. • Alowes can be reached at ozo@yahoo.com

Buhari, a born again democrat? Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

he political history of Nigeria cannot be comprehensively written without the mention of the military era of December 31, 1983-August 27, 1985. It was the period when the Shehu Shagari democratic regime was sacked from office while all the political gladiators of the second Republic were sent on political recess. The newly elected President of the Nigerian Sovereign State, Muhammadu Buhari, was the Military Head of State, who many Nigerians and the comity of Nations regarded as one of the most brutal despots in contemporary global history. During the period in question, the Nigerian press was tampered with while two fiery journalists-Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor were dumped in prison for performing their professional ideals. Notable politicians including Shehu Shagari and his vice, Dr Alex Ekwueme were arrested and detained almost indefinitely. In particular, the Next-In-Command to Shagari was sent straight to maximum security prison, Ikoyi. Even a lot of innocent Nigerians were equally jailed. Bartholomew Owoh and two others who were adjudged to be drug pushers were recklessly executed inspite of the pleadings of eminent Nigerians and the International Community. However, Buhari was himself shown the way out of office in a counter military coup led by Badamosi Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1985. The popular military coup ended the totalitarian military Govern-

ment of Muhamadu Buhari. In the 16 years of another democratic dispensation, Buhari contested the presidential seat three times-2003, 2007, 20011 and failed against the solid candidates of the Peoples’ Democratic Party. In 2015, he contested against Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a sitting president and defeated him with more 2.7 million votes. Buhari would be known in history as the conqueror of the PDP and its incumbent presidential candidate. He has therefore done what Napoleon Bonaparte could not do being the first to defeat an incumbent president in Nigerian history. I may wish to recall vividly that during the presidential campaigns Buhari, promised Nigerians that he has been converted to be a born again democrat when it became obvious that the Jonathan’s campaign organization consistently brought forward and reminded Nigerians of the draconian military Government of which he was the Head. He equally made numerous promises as his blue-print for Governance and development when voted in as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What is however imperative is to look at and evaluate Buhari so far on whether he is actually learning and imbibing the credentials of a democrat or not. It is certainly too early to take a position on this premise, but the truth must be told for now, no matter the number of his presidential days in office. Inorder to convince Nigerians and the world that his democratic born-againism is real and not a deceit, the president has not indicated the slightest interest in the

sharing of offices in the National Assembly. These offices include the Senate President and his Deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Deputy, other Executive offices of the National Assembly. His party members who told him to intervene in the endless struggles for these positions got the shocker of their lives when he told them point black that he was not interested in interfering in the affairs of the National Assembly on how its officers will be chosen or elected. Buhari’s decision was that members of the National Assembly should be allowed to sort out themselves with a view to allow democracy reign. The attitude of Mr. President in this regard is to showcase the basic tenets of a democratic culture. Again, as President-elect, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State led a group of APC Governors to visit him. Okorocha who spoke for and on behalf of the other Governors told him that after his Swearing-In-Ceremony as president, he should endeavour to make money available for them to pay the salaries and wages of workers of their states. According to Okorocha, their states were financially crippled and therefore unable to pay workers. Buhari wondered what they might have done with their statutory monthly allocations. He added that as far as he was concerned, the Federal Government was not owing the States any money. On the basis of this, he bluntly refused to make any promise. However, the President is gradually changing his position in an attempt to bail out such debtor States from their

financial frustration. The second demand of the APC Governors was to submit a list of ministerial nominees from their respective states to the then president-elect. Outrightly, he rejected the list on the ground that there is no provision in the Nigerian constitution which gives such an authority to the Governors to nominate persons for ministerial positions for Mr. President. He equally stated that afterall, the president does not nominate persons to the Governors to be appointed as commissioners in their states. To the articulate Nigerian, Buhari’s position on the matter was simply sound logic which needs no debate whatsoever. Perhaps, the APC Governors’ Request or demand was to replicate and revive the PDP’s due process of appointing ministers from the state of the federation. And, in which case, such appointed ministers would have divided loyalty and maybe, a greater percentage of the so-called loyalty would tend to tilt towards the Governors who nominated them. This, definitely, would appear to be counter productive to the disadvantage of the president. Last week, after the Swearing-InCeremony of Muhammadu Buhari as president, he said that he was not the president of anybody, group or Associations but the president of all Nigerians. By this heavily loaded statement, those who are of the intention of holding the president to ransome in decision making should better beware. • Wilkie can be reached at pmikky1950@yahoo.com (08023097251)

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Buhari and his ministers

lmost three weeks into his tenure, President Muhammadu Buhari is virtually in a world of his own while the nation eagerly awaits his choice of ministers and myriad of aides that will help deliver the change he promised Nigerians. The appointment of ministers is a constitutional requirement which must be honoured. President Buhari, against all expectations has not hit the ground running although his party , the All Progressives Congress[APC] came out smoking during the campaigns, promising to offer to the people, something different from what the Peoples Democratic Party[PDP] had on the table. The task of managing Africa’s largest economy is enormous. It requires all the experience a leader could gather. President Buhari is not new to the zenith of power even if he is coming for the first time as a democratically elected President. That is why there is growing concern about the slow pace of his administration. The President presented himself to the electorate as one who, having failed in several electoral attempts, knew exactly the quickest ways to bring Nigeria back to life, if given the opportunity. He has the opportunity now and com-

patriots are expecting much. For voters who were wooed with the change slogan, they are also in a hurry for that change to begin. So far, a few appointments have been made by the President. His media team is in place, with seasoned journalists calling the shots. The duo of Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, can stand tall anywhere in the world. As past presidents of the Nigeria Guild of Editors[NGE], it will be right to assume that the president is in safe hands. However, it is taking much longer to add to the team. The appointment of ministers may need input from the party and other stake holders. The Senate and the House of Representatives needed to be inaugurated. That has been done, so the next line of action should be ministerial nominations to be submitted for screening. If President Buhari has to wait for advise from the APC and a properly constituted National assembly before picking his ministerial team, the same does not affect the appointment of key personal staff, beyond his media aides. The very first appointment should have been his Chief of Staff. He does not also have to wait any longer to appoint a Secretary to the Government of the Federation [SGF]. Failure to have some of these key aides around him

was obvious in a recent television interview where he referred to Germany as West Germany and labelled Chancellor Angela Merkel as President Michelle. The international community would not have raised an eyebrow if President Buhari had not returned from the same country where he attended the G-7 Summit on the invitation of Merkel. It would be wrong to say that age failed President Buhari. It was a mistake which should not have been in the first place, if he was properly briefed. German President Joachim Gauck ,certainly was not on Buhari’s radar during the summit, the mix up does not explain the slip. The president of Africa’s largest economy should be at home with the name of the president of Europe’s leading economy. It is also worrying that President Buhari is still not in a hurry to put his cabinet in place. Earlier in the week, while in South Africa for the AU Summit, he put up what did not stand firm, as an excuse.”I do not know why people are so anxious about ministers. But eventually, we will have them,” he told journalists. In being meticulous, the president must understand that government does not operate in a vacuum. He does not have to keep waiting forever until he gets the best . Wherever, however the ministers will come, what the people need is quick intervention. The coun-

try is too big to keep waiting until so many stakeholders are appeased, before action is taken. President Buhari also added, “and since I have to have ministers from politicians and technocrats, I wouldn’t like to make the mistake of getting somebody, who has been involved on account of accountability”. This sounds like keeping the country waiting much longer. Whatever transpired with the transition committee should be past tense now, there is a new regime in place and responsibility must be taken. In choosing ministers, President Buhari must not see it as a reflection of his Spartan lifestyle. There are constitutional guarantees. Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that each of the 36 states that make up the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, must be given a ministerial slot. It is a perfect way of ensuring balance, which other elections and appointments may not accommodate. President Buhari cannot be saving resources for the nation by going for a lean cabinet. That will amount to hurting the constitution. And since some parts of the country, especially the South-East and the South-South geo political zones are asking for a fair share of federal positions, this is not the best time to place personal consideration above constitutional requirements.

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20 Politics

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Akpabio’ll be a stabilising factor in the Senate’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

tion not just to check the executive arm but also to empathise with their challenges, which is the kind of balance Nigeria needs in the legislature going forward. Senator Akpabio is also very passionate about his people, and his eight years as Governor of Akwa Ibom State is a great testimony to that. So, we can also expect that the quality of his representation will be very robust. You can also be sure that he

will champion and support very progressive and people-centred laws to the benefit of his people and Nigeria at large. So, I am very confident that he is going to be an asset to the eighth Senate. What’s your take on the emergence of Bukola Saraki as the Senate President? The emergence of Senator Saraki as President of the Senate is, to my mind, a good omen for our democracy. It signals an era of robust bipartisanship, as we have seen in

recent times in advanced democracies. It was also a demonstration of character and will on the part of senators who put Nigeria first above their partisan loyalties. Having said that, I have heard arguments for and against his emergence, and I will align myself with those in support of the process that produced Saraki. The constitutional requirement for electing a Senate President is one-third majority of senators duly constituted. From what I watched on

Senator Akpabio is also very passionate about his people

television, that requirement was met as at the time the Clerk of the National Assembly directed proceedings. It is quite unfortunate that while the pro-Saraki Senators were busy lobbying their colleagues and gaining ground, their opponents were relying on party fiat to get their wishes actualised. I think they need to stop whining and realise that our democracy has grown beyond the will of a few political investors. More so, the kind of tradeoffs that produced Ike

Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President is a welcome dynamics into our political culture and the earlier we embrace it, the better for our democracy. I am very proud that my boss and mentor, Senator Akpabio was part of this historic moment in our democratic journey. I also salute the forthrightness of President Muhammadu Buhari for respecting the independence of the legislature and I keenly look forward to that kind of mutually respectful relationship between the arms of government as this administration unfolds. How do you see the coming of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as governor of Akwa Ibom at a time the state is in opposition to the government at the centre? I’d like to begin by giving credit to Governor Akpabio who saw these times coming and went for Emmanuel. I also commend the Akwa Ibom people who massively voted for this quality. In Emmanuel, I find a man whose career until recently has centred around creating and managing wealth. Coming from that background, I cannot picture him waiting for allocation to drive development in the state. His close associates have spoken of his integrity. From his brief stint as Secretary to the State Government, we saw someone who is a disciplined time manager, highly principled, and a man who is made for managing our resources in lean times. Talking politics, I think it is of little or no consequence whether Akwa Ibom is in the ruling party or not. I think it will afford the governor the space to look inwards a lot more. I also reason that being in the opposition is a plus as it will give the governor a stronger voice to demand the state’s entitlements from the centre, as we saw in Lagos State during the last three administrations. On the issue of filling Akpabio’s shoe, Akwa Ibom people couldn’t have found a better pair of legs. His commitment to building on the legacies of his predecessor is not in doubt, and this is why he titled his blueprint for the state, “Sustaining Superior Performance.” So, I would say yes, the challenges before him are enormous, but I also see those challenges as opportunities for our governor to put his unique selling point to work for the benefit of the entire state.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, june 18, 2015

News

Interview

APC lacks locus to challenge Saraki, Dogara’s victory in court

Alegeh: We’ll defend rule of law under Buhari

25&26

Law For 13 years, the nation’s anti-graft agency-the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has failed to recover an estimated N1, 354, 132, 400, 000. 00 allegedly looted from the treasury by public office holders. Why is it difficult for the EFCC to bring to book the alleged corrupt politicians? Are the anti-graft laws weak? FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE reports

ntil last week when a non-governmental organization (NGO), Human Development Initiatives (HDI) came out with N1, 354, 132, 400, 000, allegedly looted from states’ coffers between 2007 and 2011 by corrupt politicians and 12 civil servants, not many Nigerians believe that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an agency saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting those accused of economic crimes has failed to live up to expectation in this regards. Reason: Scores of corrupt politicians and the 12 civil servants arraigned between 2007 and 2013 are still having their cases stalled in court, no thanks to a weak anti-graft agency. Last week a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed N19.2 billion allegedly stolen from the Bayelsa State’s coffer by a former governor, Mr. Timipre Sylva, citing “abuse of

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY Editor

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

Owasanoye

Akintola

Anger over N1.3trn treasury loot court process” by the prosecution. Although, the anti-graft agency has gone back to court with fresh charges against the former governor, lawyers believe that the EFCC was the clog in the wheel of justice as its inability to prosecute corrupt politicians and recover stolen funds had nothing to do with the law. There are more than enough laws in the country to fight corruption, they said. Specifically, they said EFCC was to be blamed and neither the court nor the laws. HDI executive director and Professor of Law, Bolaji Owasanoye, described the EFCC’s inability to function optimally as ‘overwhelmed by impunity and prevalence of corruption’. Besides, the Professor of Law said that despite a total of N48, 647,073, 928 budget it received between 2009 and 2013, aside donors from foreign organisations, yet the agency could not recover the looted funds. He described the EFCC as lack-

funds allegedly stolen by politicians ●Ex-governors N146, 840,800,000.00 ●Ex-ministers N7, 050, 000,000.00 ●Ex-legislators N8, 350, 000, 000.00 ●Ex-public servants (Federal 7) N6, 906, 600, 000. 00 ●Ex- public servants (State 5) N7, 275, 000, 000. 00

ing the prosecutorial machinery to meet current challenges especially the nation’s judicial process which allows the accused politicians ‘to endlessly rigmarole the justice system’. According to him, lawyers and some judges also shared in the blame as they often conspire to frustrate judicial process rather than advance the cause of justice. Although Professor Owasanoye singled out poor funding of the EFCC’s operational weakness, he blamed the legislature for its failure to bring the nation’s criminal justice system to international best practices. In a paper entitled Justice or impunity? High profile cases crawling or gone to sleep, Owasanoye gave graphic details of the funds allegedly stolen by politicians as follows: *Ex-gover nors------N146, 840,800,000.00 *Ex-ministers-------N7, 050, 000,000.00 *Ex-legislators------N8, 350, 000,

000.00 *Ex-public servants (Federal 7) ----N6, 906, 600, 000. 00 *Ex- public servants (State 5) ----N7, 275, 000, 000. 00 Others include private sector (Banking industry) N524, 560, 000, 000.00, businessmen,N653,150, 000, 000.00. This, according to him amounted to N1, 354, 132, 400, 000.00. Owasanoye, however sought a concerted effort from stakeholders to prevail on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to enforce existing practice directions on speedy trial of corruption cases, prevent transfer of judges handling corruption cases with a view to punishing complicit judges. Owasanoye was echoed by his colleagues who canvassed a complete overhaul of the EFCC in order to rid the system CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

22 Law

THURSDAY, june 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lawyers seek EFCC’s overhaul

Quakers C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

of ‘overwhelmed impunity and prevalence corruption’. Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, Norrison Ibinabo Quakers, a former chairman Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Monday Ubani, Daniel Iornem, Olusola Otegbade, Abdul Mahmud and Olusoji Tobi are worried that despite various legislations on money laundering and corruption related charges such as the EFCC Act, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act, the Advance Fee Fraud Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, among others, the antigraft agency has failed to bring to justice politicians accused of corrupt practices. To Quakers, there was the need to take the court of the blame, saying the EFCC was the major clog in the war against corruption in the country. He said: “Many times it is either the defence or the prosecution that is causing all these delays. It has nothing to do with the laws; we indeed have enough laws in the country to cater for corruption charges. “But, if you are having challenges in the area of prosecution, a number of things would follow. It’s either the defence are asking for more time or a situation where the prosecution is also ill-prepared to take the necessary steps with regards to prosecuting the case. In situations like this, you have witnesses that are not co-ordinated or are not even there. So, in actual fact, it has nothing to do with the anti-graft laws. The extant laws are there.

Ubani

“I will suggest that we look at the time frame allowed in prosecuting some of these cases as a way out of the problem. For instance, the court must enforce what is known as case management system. This is attained by given a time frame during which parties in a matter must file their processes in order to avoid unnecessary delays. If you look at the EFCC’s Act, it does not permit a stay of proceedings in cases. This means cases must be heard from day to day. If this is enforced by the court, it will help in overcoming some of these delays. So, if the prosecution is ready and the defence is also willing to do its case, I don’t see any reason why a case will linger on for more than six months”. Akintola said: “It is a known fact that the EFCC started on a good note when it started fighting 419, cybercrime and other vices. But, the moment it dabbled into political trial and those of politically exposed persons, the antigraft agency lost focus. “Speaking from experience both as a prosecutor and defence counsel, it was discovered that most of the cases that were taken to court by the EFCC were not properly investigated. In most cases, investigation will be said to be continuing when matters are taking to court. It is when matters are at the court that they will now start to look for pieces of evidence here and there. They will have filed the charges before looking for evidence. If you go and check the proof of evidence of most of the cases in court, there is no prevailing fact as what you will be hearing is that investigations are continuing and yet to be concluded. By then, the accused persons would have been

EFCC is efficient only when it involves poor Nigerians, but the reverse is the case when big men are involved

arraigned before the press. “So, it’s not that the laws are weak. The laws are there. But, the operators of the law, particularly, on the side of the prosecution are not doing the right thing. Most of the time, the prosecution ran into stormy waters, probably because of lack of evidence in which case, documents will have been tampered with or got missing. We only have a situation whereby Investigative Officers are transferred at will or sent back to the police. A new set of officers who knows next to nothing about the cases will now be recruited. These are the prevailing problems”. “So, I will suggest the merging of the EFCC and the ICPC as a way of overcoming some of these problems. This will strengthen it to a competent and knowledgeable prosecution organ. The next thing is to get good forensic lawyers and policemen to man the strategic cases. The systems also need to be computerised. We must also ensure that no case is prosecuted before investigation is concluded”. to a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Ubani, predicated his view on systemic problems associated with the nation’s laws which favour the rich than the ordinary Nigerians. Ubani said: “The laws are there but some people are above the law in this country. The system does not want to punish the big men because they are big. Nigerian system is only after the poor man. It is very efficient when it involves the poor man but the reverse is the case when it involves the big men. So, the problem has nothing to do with

the law but with the Nigerian system”. Iornem said there was the need to consider various laws under which the accused was brought including the evidence before the court rather than heaping blames on the court. This, he said had nothing to do with the laws as there were more than enough laws to rid the nation of corrupt elements should the EFCC live up to expected standards. Iornem said: “The problem is not with the laws because we have enough laws to combat corruption. “Rather, it is as a result of the inefficiencies of the prosecuting or law enforcement agencies. We have a handful of laws that could be applied in cases of corruption or money laundering. There is provision for forfeiture of assets in the EFCC and the NDLEA Acts, which can be achieved through an ex-parte order. “The challenge is with the flat-footedness of the prosecution. Rather than implore the full provisions of the law, they resort to compromise”. Otegbade simply said “the new administration of Muhammadu Buhari must take concrete steps to ensure that all those former governors, politicians who have corruption charges but have been frustrating them, are speedily prosecuted. “In order to deliver on his anticorruption stance, the incoming legislature must amend the legislations for stiffer punishment. I also think that judicial officers as well as other public officials have to appreciate and match in line with public for corruption and corrupt practices as the bane of present day Nigeria”. Mahmud said “the problems we have are in two dimensions: first, our laws have been sufficiently inferiorized by the Federal Government that it ensures that they remain subservient to the ruling party in a very slavish way. “Here, the laws serve as horses to mighty and powerful politicians who ride on them like Durbars. Second, the anti-corruption agencies are insufficiently staffed and poorly remunerated, so staff deliberately compromise arrests and prosecutions for pittances offered to them as bribes. “Was it not Justice Abang who last year bemoaned this sad state of affairs? Sad indeed”. Toki said “what has been causing the delay is the provision for adjournment. The law itself is not weak, but the procedure of the law which is procedural law. That is what has given room for the delay. But now, with the signing into law of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, most of those shortcomings have been taken care of. “Number one, there is no stay of proceedings again, you can’t say because you are on appeal, criminal proceedings will be stayed. Now, criminal matters cannot be adjourned for more than 14 days. Theses ones will make for speedy trial”.

Law

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, june 18, 2015

Lawyers, group brainstorm on UN post-2015 agenda talk shop

CCC and world experts in law and economics review UN’s post-2015 SDGs and Nigeria’s benefits Foluso Ogunmodede

arely three months after the nation’s dreaded general elections, some lawyers and a Denmark-based group-Copenhagen Consensus Center (CCC), at the weekend brainstormed on an agenda being pushed forward for 2015 by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The UN had in 2000 mooted the agenda, among others aimed at reducing if not total elimination of the world childhood mortality by two-thirds. The agenda although had since recorded varying levels of success, the UN and the world are to decide which of the goals would take over in 2015. Following the development, the Denmark-based group, CCC through its local representative, Ms Amuta Okwute, organised a talk shop in Abuja to sensitise Nigerians especially the media on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

CCC in collaboration with some of the world’s top economists, law experts brainstormed, highlighting some gray areas and harped on the good, fair and poor targets, by selecting 19 targets that would be of benefit to people. The talk shop, according to Amuta was to equip the media with the tools and information that would ensure adequate media coverage of the post2015 process by focusing on targets from the poor ones on a country by country basis. Already, the CCC had embarked on the Post-2015 Consensus Project to assess the targets and identify those that would have the desired impact for each $1 spent. The project involves 60 teams of leading economists, Nobel Laureates, NGOs, UN Agencies and international thinktanks to provide a comprehensive review of the targets. The Post-2015 Consensus country specific seminar on the post-2015 development agenda held in Nigeria was the sixth seminar in a series of 10 seminars held around the world. However, the Abuja talk shop aims to act as a start point, counting down to the broader UN Meeting in September. The targets agreed at the UN later this year will guide the global spending of $2.5 trillion of development aid, as well as domestic bud-

gets, over the next 15 years. The purpose of the country specific discussion was to bring together international economists with local sector experts in order to delve deeper into the potential benefits which the post-2015 development agenda could bring to the country and the necessity of prioritising smart targets to achieve the desired benefits for the country. Through a dialogue led by the economists and sector experts across three themes: education, energy and tuberculosis, the participants of the seminar were given a concrete understanding of potential good the post-2015 development agenda would achieve within Nigeria if smart targets were prioritised for each of the theme. At the talk shop were experts in different fields who presented papers on Renewable Energy and Tuberculosis and other areas. For instance, Dr. Bjorn Lomborg from the CCC gave a keynote address while three other international speakers and authors of papers on different topics for the CCC joined the seminar from different parts of the world and spoke via Skype. Also were two speakers from Nigeria on Renewable Energy and Tuberculosis. Dr. Isabel Galiana, an Environ-

mental Economist and lecturer at McGill University who authored a paper on ‘Renewable Energy in Nigeria’, spoke first. Ms. Hannah Kabir of Creeds Energy from Nigeria was present at the event and also gave a presentation on Renewable Energy. Dr. Anna Vassall, a Health Economist authored a paper on ‘Tuberculosis while Dr. Mustapha Gidado, the country representative at KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation of the Netherlands gave his presentation after Vassall and they both participated in a Question and Answer session with the media. Also Dr. George Psacharopoulos from Athens, Greece spoke via skype on ‘Education in Nigeria’, while Mr. Solomon Adebayo from the World Bank contributed to the discussion during the question and answer session with George. However, Nigeria alongside 192 other governments will meet in New York in September to set global targets for tackling development issues often referred to as the UN’s Post-2015 development agenda or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a view to ensuring that government, policymakers and the general public would have better understanding of which of the targets would make the most difference to Nigeria and the world.

Participants at the conference

Alegeh, judges, Ambode others to attend Lagos NBA ‘week’ Mouka

Foluso Ogunmodede

ajor stakeholders in the nation’s justice administration will next week con-

verge in Lagos for this year’s Law Week of the Premier branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Already no fewer than 30 speakers, panelists and discussants have confirmed their participation in the ‘week’ entitled ‘Lawyers tackle future of profession’. In a press conference organized by the association’s law week committee, NBA Lagos branch said it would throw

light on the challenges quacks and other practitioners were posing to lawyers and the justice sector through their unnecessary infiltration. According to its committee’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke, the association’s Law Week would hold between June 24 and 26 at the MUSON Centre. The week will kick-off on June 24 with a keynote address on “The future of the

legal profession: Protection from exploitation.” About 30 Speakers/Panelists and Discussants comprising the cream of Nigeria’s legal profession, have confirmed their attendance in this year’s La The repertoire of break-out sessions are as encompassing as the topics, including sessions on Labour Law, Insolvency Law, Capital Market Practice, Tax Law and ADR/

Simulation. Some ‘unusual’ practice areas have been added to this rich collection, namely Medical Law and Media/Sport Law. However, the often charged Bar/Bench Forum is billed to be as explosive as ever, with the topic as “The Future of the Legal Profession in the 21st Century.” Scores of Heads of Court and erudite lawyers have also confirmed their attendance.

Law | News

THURSDAY, june 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ahamba

Tinubu

Saraki

‘APC lacks locus to challenge Saraki, Dogara’s victory in court’ Tunde Oyesina Abuja

lthough it had made a detour over its planned threat to invalidate the elections of Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President and his House of Representatives’ counterpart, Yakubu Dogara, prominent lawyers were unanimous yesterday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would fail in court should it make its threat a reality. Reason: The lawyers said APC had no locus standi to initiate the action in court not to talk of reversing the election as it had no requisite grounds to approach the court to challenge the election of the National Assembly which produced its principal officers. The two chambers of the house had last week tuesday elected their principal officers where Saraki emerged as the Senate President unopposed and Dogara the Speaker of the House of Representatives having polled 186 votes to beat his closest rival, Femi Gbajabiamila who polled 176 votes. The emergence of Saraki and Dogara had created ripples in the party as the unfolded reality was contrary to the mock election conducted by the party where Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila were nominated

Akeem Nafiu

ustice Sedoten Ogunsaya of an Ikeja High Court has sentenced a 27-year-old trader, Chidi Ibiam, to 21years imprisonment for defiling a 6-year-old girl. Ibiam, a resident of Baruwa in Ipaja, Lagos and dealer in foodstuffs

as the party’s sole candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives respectively. APC however threatened to challenge the emergence of Saraki and Dogara in court. Reacting to this, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ahamba said the election was hundred per cent constitutional. “There was no unconstitutionality in what happened whatsoever, they had the quorum. All these statement about many people not being there and the rest of them and that the house was not in session is not true. “Let anybody saying that go and read Section 62(1) of the 1999 Constitution and after reading it, such a person will know that everything that happened was perfectly legal. “There is no basis for going to court, no grounds to approach the court”. Also reacting, a constitutional lawyer and rights activist, Kayode Ajulo said that the election was in order and followed the constitutional provision and that there was no need to go to court. Ajulo however called on the APC leaders to accept the outcome of the elections and allow peace to reign and also allow the NASS to concentrate on its task of making laws for the country. “For peace and stability to remain,

Lawan and his group should accept the outcome of the election and take solace in the fact that President Jonathan started this peace moves by relinquishing power even before declaring Buhari’s victory. “All I need to let them know is that there should be peace. This is the issue of sharing of offices. To me, I do not think we need to lose our heads over that. “Section 63 of the Constitution is so clear on how Senate President and the Speaker would emerge. Apart from the fact that it talked about proclamation, Section 63(3) fully explained about 1/3 as the quorum. “So going to court will be like displaying ignorance and folly of the law, the court should not just been seen as a playing ground or a dumping ground”. Garuba Idris described the statement of APC as a ‘face saving grace’ and pleaded with the party to learn to respect the wish of lawmakers to determine their own affairs. Idris urged the party leaders to draw a line a line between the internal affairs of a political party and that of the National Assembly, claiming that there was no basis to have tagged the new NASS leaders as traecherous. “I am yet to know the basis for going to court, the provision of the con-

stitution is very clear as the election of the principal officers of the house and what form quorum. “To my mind, all these provisione were followed to the letter in conducting the elections. But we will wait and hear the prayers of the APC when they get to court”, he stated. Another lawyer, Godwin Anazodo counseled APC not to heat up the polity but to accept the verdict of the lawmakers as freely expressed in an election conducted in accordance with their own rules and regulation. He further stated that from what Nigerians saw during the NASS elections, it was free and fair enough for APC to have commended the lawmakers for standing by their own principle, rather condemning them for doing the right thing. Anazodo who did not oppose zoning in any election, however, counseled the party to realize that the law allows the lawmakers to freely choose their own leaders among themselves irrespective of any political affiliation. “I think what happened in the APC is more of moral than legal. And the court is a not a place for moral interpretation but legal. “Going to court will amount to waste of time of the court, wasting legislative time and even wasting the time of counsel in the matter”.

Man jailed 21 years for defiling minor was found guilty of a charge of defilement by the judge. The judge in her judgement said, “I have noted before me all the relevant facts of this case. The defendant is hereby found guilty of the crime of defilement and is sentenced

to 21 years in prison.” The judge also advised parents to start teaching their children the rightful names of male and female genitals. She said “parents should teach their children the right names of genitals and give their wards a

proper sex education.” During the trial, the prosecution lawyer, Adebayo Haroun, informed the court that the accused committed the offence on December15, 2012 and was caught after the victim reported the assault to her mother.

He added that the convict was well known to the victim’s family as he was a neighbour and church member. The six-year-old (name withheld) in her testimony, told the court that the defendant had unlawful carnal knowledge of her

on 12 different occasions including in a shop and at a neighbour’s house. The victim called Ibiam’s genitals “tom tom” throughout her testimony. The offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

Law | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, june 18, 2015

Augustine Alegeh is the President of the lawyers’ umbrella body- the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Alegeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in this interview with FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE, speaks on NBA’s expectations of the Buhari administration, banks’ policy on female members of staff, kidnapping of judges, JUSUN crisis, pro bono and NBA 2015 conference. Sir, a new government has been inaugurated, what are the Bar’s expectations? The new administration is expected to take serious issues such as job creation; infrastructural development and to have a refined fight against corruption for the sustenance of democracy. We believe that if the new government tackles the issue head-on it shall be better for all of us. The new administration must be ready to propose new laws to regulate conducts in the country. A lot of laws are outdated and archaic. Taken from the lessons of the immediate past administration where the proposed bills stayed in the National Assembly for years, though they had been passed by the National Assembly, the former president refused to give his assent. PIB was there gathering dusts on the president’s table close to 14 years, while others stayed between 12 above. Fortunately the new President has a very experienced legal administration in the person of Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN). The executive must designate officers to pursue and bring back the bills. Taking a bill to the National Assembly and left it there like an orphan is part of the problem of the past executive. For a government that controls a National Assembly to send an executive bill to the National Assembly only for such bill to stay for more than three or four months show that something is wrong somewhere. This government must not fall into the trap the former government fell into where bills were just proposed and dumped and we did not know whereabouts of the bills. All leading democracies where there are executive bills, there is somebody who has the task of following up and seeing that they are passed. I believe that the agenda for this government to achieve purposefulness should be close to sorting out the legislations that have been passed, in their first 100 days. If you want to have any useful development, deal with the law, legal issue, or else you find yourself roaming round in circles; you have legal challenges, legal bottlenecks that lead to frustration and this in turn lead to bad governance. We believe that there is an urgent need for a change in the pattern of engagement of the legislature by the executive. The concept of having a liaison officer, who sits down in the NASS, has no meaning whatsoever. Each bill should be given somebody to drive that way, they will achieve

Alegeh: We’ll defend rule of law under Buhari

submitted. What happens is that you recommend those you know and those you don’t know then suffer. So, to avoid this, the committee in its own wisdom, has invited the applicants to Abuja for interview where the basic parameters will be clear to everybody. These include contribution to the Bar activities, payment of practising fees, contribution to branches, verification as a lawyer, payment of NBA stamps. We know that SAN will be appointed judging by number of cases applicants have handled. The policy direction also applies during the consideration of the appointment. If you have sent for the applicants’ files and then the most junior ones are appointed over the senior ones, you really need a serious prayer. If a man with two cases is appointed over a man who has 10 cases, can NBA complain over that? What we are doing this time is to carefully screen these applicants, decide on the number we conveniently recommend, this year and make the list available to the Privileges Committee and to each of the applicants.

Alegeh

success. As the leader of the APC, the President must also have policy direction in the legislation; I mean policy agreement with his members of his party to say this is our policy direction, regarding things we want to achieve. I attended the policy dialogue which the APC organised in Abuja and I sat down beside the Chairman of Judicial Committee who said in all his 12 years in the Senate, his party had never one day called him to say this was their policy direction. So, in those days if he believed right, it went right, if he believed left it equally went left. I think this is not proper. That is why we have those challenges. In every developed country, it is the law that drives development. Without the limit of legal framework, it is difficult for us to achieve what we want to achieve. Take for example, when we have a Constitution that says money due to the Judiciary from the confederated fund of the federation of the state should be paid over to the Judiciary. The question is “which money is due to the Judiciary”? You have a budget which is the estimate of income and expenditure. It remains an estimate.

If you don’t have the finance to back it up, you cannot say money due to the Judiciary. As long as that nebulous provision is still the law, the issue of JUSUN regarding how we disburse money to the Judiciary will persist. Prospective Senior Advocates of Nigeria for the 2015 have scaled the first and second Privileges Committee’s screening, what role does the NBA play in the selection process? The Privileged Committee has done the first and second screening of applicants to be considered for the appointment of exalted Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for the year 2015. The body responsible for the appointment has submitted those considered to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for its comment on the acceptability of the applicants for conferment of the rank of SAN. The NBA has since inaugurated on May 18 a committee known as the General Practice Committee to screen and make recommendation of the list sent to NBA. Its function is to assist the Bar by going through the names submitted to it by the NJC and recommend. The challenge which is very daunting is that no single lawyer can confidently say he knows every name

There are complaints over some banks’ policies regarded as ‘inhuman’ especially to female members of staff. What role can the NBA play in this scenario? We have today banks that have policies that if their female members of staff get pregnant they are terminated. These are the banks where young girls who have just come out of youth corps services are given a target of making N1m within a month or else get terminated. We have offices which believe that women and children do not do justice to their corporate image. No promotion and other things. They are basically dehumanised. I have a misfortune of handling a case of a lady-banker whose boss tapped on the backside inappropriately. Her reaction which was a reflex was to hit after him. But the next of the event was the boss was bold enough to report her and then she was terminated for violence in the work place. It tells the story of what is obtainable in the banking industry, for the man who touches a lady inappropriately to be bold enough to report her. It shows that such conduct is allowed there, a thing the man ought to be ashamed off. He did not only report her, she was officially queried and then terminated. I understand there are many other similar stories. As many as can come out with such stories we will be glad to have them in the conference. We are doing this conference in Lagos because we believe most of this evil happens in Lagos. We want to put it in the front burner for national discuss. We want to invite bank chiefs to come and listen to stories of what they are doing and let us see how they would continue with that. We are inviting all those who have stories to tell in this regard to come forward and tell us. We are actually scouting for persons who have suffered this abuse to come to the conference. We cannot continue to keep mute over this evil or else we would endanger our future. CONTINUED ON PAGE26

26 Law | Interview

THURSDAY, june 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘NBA ready to expose banks with ‘inhuman’ policy against female staff’

Alegeh CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Nigerians had a harrowing experience last month on fuel scarcity, till date fuel crisis is still on the

rise. What do you think the government can do to eliminate this challenge? On the lingering fuel scarcity in Nigeria, it is apparent to see that our oil industry is being run by people who do not have the interest of the country at heart. This nonchalant attitude leads to strike action by relevant unions. NBA’s view is that the PPRA has all enabling laws regulating prices of petroleum. Except we tackle those laws we would

be back to square one. You are by law expected to pay subsidy, take certain steps. There is an urgent need to sit down and review the laws. I say this with the sense of responsibility. Why we all seek change and positive change for our country, we do not seek change that runs contrary to the existing laws. Where we have laws that are bad we change them, we don’t bring bad things to replace good ones. If for example a law makes

it imperative that government should pay a certain amount of money for subsidy and you come and say you don’t like subsidy, and give policy direction that says no more subsidy, you are in the breach of the law. We don’t want that kind of change. We must change, based on law. So, the first thing to do is to amend the law that makes it imperative for government to pay subsidy. It is after we have amended that law that we can then

follow it to the end. We don’t want to see, well intended government policies that run contrary to the position of the law. And all laws are subject to amendment by the legislature. Any policy direction the new government want to take the first thing is to determine if there is any law that stands on its way and amend it first if there is any. NBA will not support any action, no matter its well intention that is

contrary to the law. I will urge that the incoming administration will take seriously the issue of the bills and amending laws to give them legal backing. Some lawyers have made pro bono as an integral part of their practice, what is the NBA doing in this regards? The NBA has concluded plans to establish a National Pro Bono Centre to address all issues relating to pro bono work/services rendered by lawyers to the general public. We are currently looking for an Office space in Abuja and will soon employ staff to work at the Pro Bono Centre. Consequently, the NBA will be organising a training Seminar in collaboration with the UNODC sometime in late August or early September 2015 on the fundamental rights aspects of the investigation, prosecution and trial of terrorism cases. This training seminar shall be free for all lawyers. We believe that when lawyers are well equipped with the letters of the law, the society is better off for it. Court in some states of the federation is still in limbo over alleged refusal by the governmets of those states to release funds meant for the judiciary, what role is the NBA playing to ensure the imbroglio comes to end? The NBA has continued to play a pivotal role in the current face-off between members of JUSUN and the government at both the federal and the state levels. Owing to the important role played by the NBA, the Federal Government appointed the NBA as the official Mediator in the settlement process. The NBA was able to mediate proactively at all levels and was able to ensure the suspension of the JUSUN strike at the national level and in all but eight States of the Federation. In line with the resolution of our NEC in March, we have instituted actions against Benue and Plateau States on behalf of JUSUN. We have secured garnishee orders on their accounts and we believe that these orders would soon be made absolute. Other states which have similar issues are encouraged to furnish the NBA with the requisite information to enable us be able to assist them. Reports reaching us are that at the Federal level, there is substantial compliance. However, there have been issues of persistent delay in releases. For example, salaries for January, February and March 2015 were paid on the 26th or 27th of March.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

27 Health Living

Re-cost of wearing ill-fitting shoes

Health

A pint of blood

Health Interview

Role of laser technology in fighting diseases

Nature Power

Healing powers of onions

PHOTO:WWWCP24.COM

Donate blood, live healthy

s Nigeria joined the rest of the global community to mark the World Blood Donor Day, which is observed on June 14, stakeholders have called for voluntary blood donation to boost depleting blood banks across the country. Despite the appeal for more people to donate, many lives have been lost due to shortage of blood products to transfuse into accident victims and other patients who

Appolonia Adeyemi Health Editor

appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

Social and cultural beliefs are largely blamed for hindering voluntary blood donation which saves lives. Apart from boosting blood banks, research shows that blood donation boosts the health of donors, writes APPOLONIA ADEYEMI suffer loss of blood. The theme of this year’s campaign and celebration: “Thank You For Saving My Life” with the slogan; “Give Freely, Give Often, Blood Donation Matters” focuses on thanking blood donors who save lives every day through their blood donations and strongly encourages more people, all over the world to donate blood voluntarily. For socio-cultural reasons many refuse to toe the path of voluntary blood donation, leaving the setting dominated by touts who trade on their blood as a means of livelihood. This has prompted awareness campaign to shift to making citizens realise the benefits of voluntary blood donation. “Blood collection from voluntary, unpaid donors, whose blood

A man or woman donor whose pax cell volume (PCV) is 40 percent is fit to donate blood

is screened for infections, is the cornerstone of a safe and sufficient blood supply in all countries,” says Dr. Hernan Montenegro, Coordinator for Services Organisation and Clinical Interventions Unit in the Department of Service Delivery and Safety at World Health Organisation (WHO). “More voluntary blood donors are needed to meet the increasing needs and to improve access to this life-saving therapy.” A World Health Assembly resolution adopted in 2010 highlights that a secure supply of safe blood components, based on voluntary, unpaid blood donation, is an important national goal to prevent blood shortages. How to meet the year 2020 WHO set goal that 100 percent of all blood for transfusion should be from voluntary blood donors,

is a challenge as blood shortage is still recorded in the nation’s blood banks with many people shying away from blood donation because of perceived reasons, said Dr. Moruf Adekunle abdulsalam, a surgeon at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). According to Abdulsalam anyone within the age of 18 and 55 years can donate blood. Besides, a man or woman donor whose pax cell volume (PCV) is 40 percent is fit to donate blood. On the average, most people have PCV that is between 30 to 45. PCV explains the oxygen carrying capacity in the blood of an individual. However, if the PCV of an intending donor is low, he will be encouraged to see a doctor for the CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Health News

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Study: Nuts protect against early death E ating half a handful of nuts every day could substantially lower the risk of early death, a Dutch study has suggested. Previous studies had already indicated a link with cardiovascular health, but this is the first to look at specific nuts and diseases. Maastricht University researchers found a 23 percent lower chance of death during the 10-year study in people eating at least 10g (0.3oz) of nuts or peanuts a day. There was no benefit for peanut butter, which is high in salt and trans-fats. More than 120,000 Dutch 55-to-69year-old men and women provided dietary and lifestyle information in 1986, and then their mortality rate was looked at 10 years later. The premature mortality risk due to cancer, diabetes, respiratory and neuro-

Dried peanuts

degenerative diseases was lower among the nut consumers. There was an average 23 percent lower risk of 10-year mortality across all diseases, with a decrease of: 45 percent for neurodegenerative disease; 39 percent for respiratory disease; and 30 percent for diabetes. Prof. Piet van den Brandt, who led the study, published in the ‘International Journal of Epidemiology,’ said: “It was remarkable that substantially lower mortality was already observed at consumption levels of 15g of nuts or peanuts on average per day.” The researchers had taken into account the mitigating factor that nut consumers ate more fruit and vegetables and that women who ate nuts were often leaner, and adjusted the results accordingly, Prof. Van den Brandt said. Culled from BBC

PHOTO: www.alibaba.com

Penicillin tackles stroke for “150,OOO sickle cell children Esther Albert

ith the administration of common penicillin, it is now possible to prevent stroke for the 150,000 children born yearly with sickle cell anemia, before they attain five years. According to a Consultant Haematologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Titi Adeyemo, penicillin can help overcome death from stroke. She stated this during the media workshop for journalists on The Role of Media in Creating Awareness About Life-Saving Treatments and Services for Sickle Cell Disorder in Nigeria, organised by Sickle Cell Foundation recently in Lagos. Adeyemo said it has been estimated that sickle cell disease (SCD) results in the annual loss of several millions of lives yearly, particularly in Sub-Sahara Africa. “Early detection of new bor n children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) with the use of antibiotics and immunisation will help in preventing infections and death before age five. Immunisation is not optional, it must be given to keep the child beyond age five”, said Adeyemo.

Mrs. Ayo Otaigbe, expert genetic counselor, sickle cell foundation (SCFN) also said that as councilor to sickle cell patients, it is her duty to enlighten the patients on how to live their lives and treatments they require to sustain quality living. Otaigbe said that “children who are sickle cell patients should not be exposed to cold during the raining season. The teachers at school need to be infor med about every child with such condition so as to be able to monitor the child at school”. She also said that these children should not be allowed to get involved in strenuous exercises. Also, she noted that sickle cell does not affect intelligence, hence, the child living with sickle cell anaemia should be allowed to go to school to learn like other children. She advised couples intending to exchange marital vows to confirme genotype test from a registered diagnostic laboratory in other to prevent the plight of having sickle cell children on the long run. The councilor of sickle cell patients also provided for their clients the list of courses they could take in the higher institutions that would not be too stressful for them to cope with.

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

Re-cost of wearing ill-fitting shoes Dear doctor,

publication titled ‘Cost of wearing ill-fitting’ shoes in the Thursday, June 11, 2015 edition of the New Telegragh drew my attention to your Healthy Living column. I must commend you over the write up. A lot of people are really suffering from the health impact of bunion which you discussed in that write-up. From experience, most of these casualties arise from football games, visits to non-orthopedic medical centers in the event of injury or dislocation, etc. and usage of shoes for up to 10 hours in a day. I think advice should be extended to men who sit in the office putting on their shoes for several hours. Often, during the weekends when their legs and toes should be relaxed, they put on shoes for additional longer hours as they have social functions to attend. The main purpose of appreciating your write-up is that you have revealed causes of these bunions. You said although, bunions could be hereditary: “most of the main causes might be strong family disposition to history of all types of arthritis, and hypermobility of the big toe”. Similarly, you made me to understand that surgery can be a solution. Your area of expertise is highly appreciated. Furthermore, it may be wise to suggest to the general public to always go with extra foot match to Hammer toes may have several causes but most their work places, so that they can commonly come about due to muscle imbalances relief themselves of great stress PHOTO: marciakeanum.jimdo.com while sitting in offices. Prevention is better than cure. Answer: family history of foot problems. That a Most people without family his- pair of shoe is cute does not mean it is tory of bunions develop the condi- meant for you. tion from wearing ill-fitting shoes For women, open toe shoes and sanbecause of the culture of wearing dals significantly reduce chances of debeautiful shoes. Most people force veloping bunion. themselves into smaller sized As for those using football boots, inshoes. vesting in a good pair of tennis shoes Even if the shoes are their size, and using an insole with them are useful. if it fits tight, it may not be for Similarly, buying an-inch bigger size them. gives your toes space and freedom. Avoid Also, covered pointed shoes are wearing the same shoes over and over, the worse culprits, because they day after day. squeeze the first, fourth and fifth Sometimes, instead of dress shoes for toes together, compressing the men, one can wear sandals, preferably bones. This does not give room for the box square. the toes and bones to receive fresh With regard to medical care, the first air. and immediate thing to do is to see a poIt is possible for one with family diatrist, a foot doctor. history of bunions not to develop it Seeing personnel at non-orthodonx if the feet are properly taken care center complicates the problem as foot of. massages/special oil has nothing to do I recently had surgery for bunio- with bone formation and dysfunction. Even if there is any kind of fracture, nectomy which is very painful after years of abuse of not wearing the severe pain, an immediate X-ray will be proper shoes. Yet, I do not have a necessary.

Health Interview 29

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Role of laser technology in fighting diseases A politician and medical doctor, Dr. Emeka Eze, in this interview with PAMELA EBOH, discusses how telemedicine is helping local communities achieve quality healthcare, the role of technology in addressing cosmetic challenges, among others You are a medical doctor and also a notable face in the politics of Anambra State. How do you marry the two? I am a medical doctor and I have been practicing for about 24 years. I have been managing Toronto Hospital which is one of the biggest private hospitals in Anambra State. So, it is obviously not something I can just let go like that. So, once I am not in the field angling for votes and convincing people to vote the right direction in government, I am practicing medicine. Looking at Toronto Hospital from the outside, one may not be drawn to it but from the inside, it is amazingly well set up as hospitals in developed countries. How are your strategies in meeting global standard? It is a matter of natural discipline. You know, I studied in England and you just have to maintain healthy standards when it relates to health. Also, we are affiliated to Toronto Hospital in Canada and we are required to maintain a certain standard of cleanliness. That is basically what we try to do here. Apart from general medicine, is there any major specialty of medicine practiced here? We do basically everything. We do cosmetic work and we are the only center in Nigeria that does laser cosmetics work. It has been quite fruitful. We are also into surgery and orthopedics, obstetrics and gynaecology,

in fact, the entire medicine. Right now in the country we are the only hospital that has hooked up to do telemedicine with medical experts. Telemedicine is a mother type of cyber medicine that instead of you going abroad to consult a foreign medical doctor, we can put you through with a team of doctors that you can speak with over the cyber. Telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve, maintain, or assist patients’ health status. We have a clinic for that. A lay man may not know what laser is. Can you give more insight on that? Laser is a technology where light is ticked, administered or enthused to cause some form of effect in the human body. The effect can be for treatment or to degrade disease. That is what laser is all about. What we do here is that we use laser to create cosmetic correction. Normally, for you to have some physical or internal changes, you will naturally want to do surgery. That in itself has come with complications of post operative infections or anesthetic complications in the process of trying to get the person to fall asleep so you can perform the surgery. So, progress and medicine has developed laser which can create these cor-

rections without the person going under the knife. With laser, we can do liposuction, meaning that we can take away fats from the body without surgery. So, for people who are obsessed and want to trim down, lose weight or trim their belly, arm and fat from any part of the body, we can do all that with laser. Lasers can do so many skin corrections like taking away stretch marks, unwanted skin colours or birth marks. We can also use it to permanently remove unwanted hair. For instance, there are some women who would want to remove hairs from their chin and chest, they keep plucking it out but with laser, we can permanently remove the hairs and it will not regrow. With laser, we can remove tattoo which has lately become very popular because some organisations such as Immigration, the Military including the Air Force, the Navy, etc, will not take you if you have tattoo. So, most people come around now for tattoo removal and we are very few in the country that do that. We are the pioneers in tattoo removal. I was the one who was able to attenuate a special type of laser machine known as the carbon dioxide laser so that it can be used to remove tribal marks. That is to say that for people with unwanted tribal marks, we can easily take them out.

Eze

How much does it cost to do a laser tattoo removal? Well, the cost of tattoo removal depends on the colour of the tattoo. The monochrome tattoos that are done with black dyes are cheaper but the ones that are coloured are more expensive. When it comes to the monochrome, it is made up of a local dye and that makes it easier to remove. Again, the area where the tattoo is done determines the price also, like some women tattoo their brow and breast, so it gets more expensive when you are doing tattoo removal on those areas be-

cause of their delicate nature. Also the size of the tattoo plays a part in determining the price but more importantly, before we can put a patient on laser tattoo removal list, we do what we call pre-laser analysis to make sure the patient is qualified to receive laser treatment. Certain things need to be checked in the laboratory, like the person’s liver status, blood sugar, etc. If the person is diabetic, definitely he/she cannot undergo laser treatment. So, we do those prelaser laboratory investigations and once the person is certified ok, then the laser treatment can be administered.

Health benefits of blood donation ternational campaign to boost blood banks is geared to save lives of patients that require blood transfusion to survive, medical experts say evidence abound to show that those who donate blood gain tremendous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits: Dr. Agbe-Davies CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 27

administration of medications to boost the PCV. “The total amount of blood in a human body is about five litres and those donating give about 500 mills, which is about one tenth of the blood in their body. Thereafter, within two months the donor’s body regenerates that blood. Whether or not the woman is menstruating, Abdulsalam said “she can donate as as long as she is not breastfeeding and not pregnant.” Although, local and in-

Screening According to Abdulsalam, a blood donor automatically gets screened for specific ailments including hypertension, hepatitis and other diseases to determine is the fellow is healthy to give out blood. In the process, donors with health conditions are identified and that knowledge is the first step to addressing existing underlying ailments. Reduced cardiovascular risk Similarly, “there is a reduction risk of over 40 percent of cardiovascular disease in people who donate blood,” Abdulsalam said. A number

of people have excess iron in their body and iron contributes to atherosclerosis which is what causes cardiovascular diseases. “So, when you donate blood, all the time, you remove the excess iron from the body. That explains why non-menopausal women are less prone to cardiovascular diseases. They lose blood from menstruation on monthly basis.” “Because high body iron stores have been suggested as a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction, donation of blood could theoretically reduce the risk by lowering body iron stores.” Interestingly, in a study published in the April 2013 issue of researchers found that statin cholesterol-lowering drugs improved cardiovascular outcomes at least partially by countering the pro-inflammatory effects of excess iron stores. In this study, the improved

outcomes were associated with lower ferritin (iron) levels but not with “improved” lipid status. Researchers concluded iron reduction might be a safe and low-cost alternative to statins, and according to logic this means that donating your blood, which reduces iron, could potentially help too. Weight loss Furthermore, Absulsalam said, “you can lose calories by donating blood. So more Nigerians are encouraged to donate blood.” Chairman of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), Dr. Adetoun Agbe-Davies said voluntary donors are processed through the eligibility criteria before donation, adding that they must be physically fit. They are also referred for treatment if required and given heamatinics and vitamins. “Refreshments and souve-

Abdulsalam

nirs are given routinely. They are remembered on their birthdays and reminded when due for the next donation. All these have impacted positively on the donors resulting in an increase in repeat voluntary donations”. The Chairman noted that intending voluntary blood donors can visit blood donation centres in designated State own health facilities. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in donating blood for further advice on where to do so.

Health News

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Cholera: UNICEF tasks governments on portable water Appolonia Adeyemi

Seventy million Nigerians have no access to safe water according to UNICEF source

PHOTO: blog.emergenttechnologies.com

‘Herbal medicines, essential part of health care delivery’ Esther Albert

atisfied at the stride, PAXHERBALS Laboratories is making in the promotion and production of herbal medications, the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii has emphasised that herbal medicine has a big role to play in health care delivery in Nigeria.

Also, PAXHERBALS Laboratories, has challenged NAFDAC to support herbal practitioners in drug standardisation, laboratory analysis and training. Orhii made the assertion during an official visit to the Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories in Ewu, Edo State on Monday, June 15. Head of Scientific Research and Development at PAXHERBALS, Prof.

Orhii on an inspection tour of PAXHERBAL production factory at Ewu, Edo State on Monday

Joseph Okogun said, “the call for standardisation became necessary because many herbal practitioners in the country do not have the financial capacity to operate a standard laboratory. If progress must be recorded in local production of herbal medications, the support of NAFDAC in these spheres is key.” Fr. Anselm Adodo, director of PAXHERBALS Clinic and Research Laboratories, said:“If NAFDAC wants to leave a lasting legacy for herbal medicine development in Nigeria, we are your best ally. If you want to set a sustainable standard for herbal medicine promotion and development in Nigeria, we are your best collaborator. If you want to make history by initiating the first clinical trial of herbal products for diabetes, malaria and hypertension (to mention a few) in Africa, we are your best bet.”

Adodo noted that there are thousands of traditional herbal practitioners out there who have efficacious herbal recipes for serious chronic diseases. “They need help and training in standardisation and packaging. Some of them are trying to set up tiny ‘factories’ in their backyard as laboratories. These people may never have the technical and financial capacity to meet NAFDAC requirements for registration.” After a tour of the ultra-modern facilities which include the microbiology, Quality Control, Chemistry as well as Diagnostic Laboratories, the Herbarium, Production and Processing Workshops, Dr. Paul Orhii expressed satisfaction at the high level of scientific research, quality assurance and good manufacturing practice at PAXHERBAL, which he believes is the best of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa.

oncerned by the over 500 deaths recorded as a result of cholera in the country this year, UNICEF has called on the three tiers of government to provide portable water for its citizens while, urging Nigerians to improve on sanitation. In a presentation titled, UNICEF and Emergencies: Preparedness and Response at a two-day workshop on Emergencies, Ethical and Humanitarian Stories Reporting for journalists held in Kano last week, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, UNICEF, Olusoji Adeniyi, urged Nigerians to adopt good personal hygiene practices throughout the rainy season as a strategy to prevent cholera. The workshop was organised by UNICEF in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information to enhance ethical journalism. Adeniyi also emphasised the need to maintain good hygiene practices as key to preventing further outbreak of cholera. Cholera is an acute gastrointestinal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. The bacterium generates a soluble toxin in the intestinal tract that activates watery diarrhea leading to extreme loss of fluid, dehydration and collapse. The fatality rate is usually very high if left untreated, especial-

ly among children and infants. Deaths can also occur in adults in a matter of hours after initial presentation. Noting impact of such outbreak on children’s health, Adeniyi said keeping the environment clean especially during the rainy season reduces children’s vulnerability to the disease. According to him, the best way to combat the disease is for people to ensure proper sanitation and as well as putting an end to open defecation. His words, “The mortality rate of cholera in Nigeria is high. Cholera epidemic in Nigeria has been recurrent for decades due to poor hygiene and poor water supply and use. Early this year, Bayelsa State alone recorded 23 deaths, while no fewer than 25 people died in Anambra State. “The mortality for cholera in 2015 is over 500 in Nigeria and there are so many deaths still occurring. “We need to provide good water to prevent cholera outbreaks and ensure that things we eat especially fruits are properly cleaned before we can consume them.” he said. He said the mortality rate for the outbreak of the scourge calls for prompt action and the need for the provision of good accessible water, adding that not less than 15,000 people die of cholera in Nigeria annually.

Healing powers of onion CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

henever I think of onion and its many health benefits, I cannot but wonder at the mystery of life. Onion is among the commonest vegetables around. It is available in every home all the year round. Have you ever heard of shortage of onions? Because our women can hardly cook without using onions, we take it for granted. It is time we overcome this sickness called ignorance and make use of the abundant gifts of God in Nature. Blessed are you among other vegetables, O Onion; Onion, you that is always available, a ready companion to humanity in troubled days. You that can make both men and women cry. Any wonder then that hired mourners use you to induce tears?

Nature Power Fr. Anselm Adodo, OSB

naturepower@paxherbals.net; twitter: @anselmadodo Some housewives confided in me [please keep this to yourself o!] that whenever they needed a favour from their husbands they would peel onions to induce tears so as to win the sympathy of their husbands! Onion is a common name for many plants of the genus allium of the lily family: The true onion is allium cepa, wild onion is allium vineate, leek is allium ampeloprasum; garlic is allium sativum. Onions are originally grown in Iran and the Middle East before they now spread to other parts of the world, especially the tropics.

Onion is made up of 60 percent allylpropyl disulphide, a volatile oil called sulphured glycosides. Onion contains the following enzymes: sulphur, iron, potassium, magnesium, fluorine, calcium, manganese and phosphorus. It also contains vitamins A, B, C and E, flanovoids [anticancer] and glycoquinine [anti-diabetic]. Onion is regarded as a versatile vegetable because it can be eaten in many ways: raw, grated, boiled or pickled. It is used as flavouring or seasoning. The characteristic pungent taste of onion is due to the presence of the volatile oils, sulphurous.

Onions

PHOTO: www.thehorticulturalchannel.info

Many uses of onion

Onion is one of the most potent natural pro-biotic

Pro-Biotic: Onion is one of the most potent natural pro-biotic. It strengthens the immune system, thus helping to ward of common ailments. For 20 years I have been recommending onions for many sick people and the positive results are endless.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Industry

ICT

Should NAFDAC, SON, CPC be merged?

Enforcing ICT’s local content policy

Business What's news

Nigeria imports N104bn palm oil annually – Investigation Against the backdrop of the inability to meet local demands for palm oil, otherwise called crude palm oil (CPO), Nigeria now spends N104 billion to import 800,000 metric tons of the commodity annually, New Telegraph has learnt.

p.32

Funding stalls N600bn Lagos, Port Harcourt airports projects There are indications that funding has stalled major infrastructural projects in the aviation industry, especially the modernisation of projects at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and the Port Harcourt International Airport.

L-R: Director, Union Bank Plc, Nike Akande; Company Secretary, Somuyiwa Sonubi; Chairman, Udoma udo Udoma and Group Managing Director, Emeka Emuwa, at the bank’s 46th annual general meeting in Abuja. PHOTO: TUNDE ADENIYI

PRESSURE Increase in subscriber growth puts pressure on operators to improve their services

elecoms operators in Nigeria have attracted additional 6.3 million telephone lines to their network in the last four months spanning January and end of April, this year, New Telegraph has learnt All the telecoms networks, including the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators, the Code Division Multiple Access networks, as well as the fixed wired/wireless networks in the country, pulled the figure. According to available data, from 136.7 million active telephone lines in the country as at the end of December last year, the telecoms operators, mainly

led by GSM firms such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat, increased their subscriber-base in the first four months of the year by 6.3 million. This brings the total number of active telephones lines connected on mobile networks in the country to a record 143 million, according to latest data from the telecoms industry umpire, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The figure suggests the momentum in the continuous uptake of mobile telephone lines in Africa’s largest and fastest-growing telecoms market, which also puts pressure on operators to boost infrastructure investment to ensure quality service delivery across networks. Nigeria’s telecoms sector is

INFLATION RATE May 2015.................................9% April 2015................................8.7% March 2015.............................8.5%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate....................12.57% Prime Lending Rate...........17.93% Maximum Lending Rate...26.83%

Kunle Azeez

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The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

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Asst Production Editor

Telcos pull 6.3m new lines in four months characterised by multiple telephone lines ownership, even as industry experts say there is still a large market yet to be served in the country. According to analysts, though Nigeria may have 143 million telephone lines currently, the actual number of individuals with access to telephony might not have reached 100 million, citing the multiSIMming nature of Nigerians

60,000

Total number of base stations need by telecoms networks in Nigeria to be able to offer high quality service

for their position. Nigerians are used to owning more than one telephone line, as they switch from one network to another whenever any of the networks they possess goes bad in terms of service delivery. According to data from the Ministry of Communication Technology, telecoms operators put together currently have close to 3,000 base stations scattered across the country. However, industry analysts say that the telecoms networks in Nigeria would require an average of 60,000 base stations to be able to offer high quality service to their bourgeoning subscribers. Telecoms operators still need to extend their services to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Jun 12)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N217 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N332 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N240

l Foreign Reserves – $29.127bn as at 11/06/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Jun 12)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N307 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N223

Business | News

DEMAND 2.1 million metric tonnes required for domestic use Dele Alao

g ainst the backdrop of the inability to meet local demands for palm oil, otherwise called crude palm oil (CPO), Nigeria now spends N104 billion to import 800,000 metric tons of the commodity annually, New Telegraph has learnt. The country’s domestic demand for the commodity is about 2.1 million metric tons, while the total local production is 1.3 million metric tons, indicating a gap of 800,000 metric tonnes. Many states are currently making frantic efforts to boost the production of the commodity while the sector has also experienced a boost from the private sector. Early in the year, former President Goodluck Jonathan said that private investments in the oil palm value chain of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), had increased by N45 billion. “Nigeria’s oil palm story is changing. We are providing nine million

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria imports N104bn palm oil annually –Investigation sprouted nuts of high yielding oil palm seedlings for farmers, all across the South-East, South-West, South-South and North-Central parts of our country. Over N45 billion in private sector investments in new oil palm plantations are ongoing. We expect 70,000 hectares of new plantations to allow Nigeria to become self-sufficient in palm oil production by 2016,” the former presi-

dent had said. Jonathan said that he was excited that Okomu, Presco, PZ-Wilmar and medium-size oil palm estate operators such as Wilbahi are taking the lead in revamping our vast oil palm plantations. He said that government would continue to support the revamping of Nigeria’s oil palm industry and support the private sector to build new refineries to process

crude palm oil produced in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) has raised the alarm that over 90 per cent of palm oil consumed in Lagos is adulterated. NPPAN’s National President, Henry Olatujoye, alleged that majority of the traders who bring in palm oil, mostly from the South South and South East states, add co-

lourant to the commodity. “These unscrupulous traders first take the palm oil to the farm land and add the colourant before taking it to the open and major markets in the state. And it has been proved that this colourant is unsafe for human consumption and even causes cancer,” Olatujoye said. The NPPAN president, while calling on the new administration led by President Muhammadu

Buhari not to be in a haste to ban the importation of the commodity, said that the Federal Government should provide a level playing field for all players in the industry. “The new government should enforce level playing field for all stakeholders in the industry,” he said. “There should be no special waiver, no duty rebate and no grant for a non investor.”

Telcos pull 6.3m new lines CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

remotest part of the country, as their infrastructure has been concentrated in the urban areas in the past years with sparse network infrastructure servicing people in the rural communities. However, government has, through the Universal Service provision Fund (USPF), been investing in infrastructure rollout in the rural areas, in collaboration with the telecoms operators to bridge digital divide in the under-served and un-served areas of the country. Speaking with New Telegraph, President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, said that the industry players would still need to do more in the areas of infrastructure deployment to service their growing subscriber base. He also noted that while operators have done well in the area of voice service provisioning, much attention needed to be paid to deploying broadband Internet, stressing that data is the future of telecoms sector.

L-R: Director, Center for African Studies, Harvard University, Caroline Elkins; Executive Vice- Chairman, ExxonMobil Upstream Affiliates in Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu; General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, ExxonMobil Upstream Affiliates in Nigeria, Paul Arinze and Executive Director, Center for African Studies, Harvard University, Susan Cook, during the Harvard Alumni’s visit to ExxonMobil Head office in Lagos

ALARMING The last time one of the contractors received payment was in 2013 Wole Shadare

here are indications that funding has stalled major infrastructural projects in the aviation industry, especially the modernisation of projects at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and the Port Harcourt International Airport. This has led to the abandonment of projects worth over N600 billion. Consequently, New Telegraph learnt that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello, visited Lagos and Port Harcourt last weekend and inspected ongoing projects at the airport. At the powerhouse of the Lagos Airport, issues arising from funding came up with the fact that the contractor,

Funding stalls N600bn Lagos, Port Harcourt airports projects Messrs Mantrac Nigeria Ltd had suspended work because the company was being owed. Consequently, some generating plants were not operating as the contractor insisted on reimbursement before he returns to the site. At the new protocol lounge near the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) where about 80 per cent of the work had been done, the Permanent Secretary was informed that the contractor was also being owed, hence work had been suspended. Besides, she was told that the contractor had suspended work until further payment was made. Contract for the landscaping of the surrounding was yet to be awarded. At Port Harcourt International Airport, the contractor handling the construction of the departure and arrival halls of the airport, Messrs Inter Bau Construction Ltd,

said that work on Phase 1 (departure) was between 80 and 90 per cent completion while work on Phase 2 (arrival) “is almost nil.” Chairman of the company, Nath Okechukwu, said in an interview that the second phase of the project was awarded at the cost of N1.7 billion, adding that the last time he received payment for the work was in 2013. “In Phase 1, we have done about 80-90 per cent and Phase 2 is almost nil. In Phase 1, our money got exhausted; we don’t have money, we have to suspend work. In Phase 2, the total sum then was N1.7 billion, but it has gone up, though we don’t know how much we are coming up with. “We hope that very soon they will make some payments so that we may go back to work. The owner of the project has just finished inspection. When she gets

back to Abuja, then we will know what she is coming up with,” he said. He assured that if money is made available, he will deliver the projects before the current administration marks its first 100 days in office. Bello, however, said that her mission was to inspect the projects to know the stages of completion in relation to money spent on them so far. On funding of the projects inspected, she said: “We will look at it and as soon as money is available, the contractors will be mobilised to sites.” On the new terminals at the airports and the level of completion, Bello said: “Work is progressing very well. I am actually happy with what I have seen; I have seen the determination to improve infrastructure at the airports and we are taking what we have seen back to Abuja.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Nigeria, Iran trade volume hits $500m annually p.34

Industry

Should NAFDAC, SON, CPC be merged? As anxiety mounts among Federal Government departments and agencies over possible merger, DELE ALAO looks at the desirability or otherwise of the merger of three agencies that are crucial to the manufacturing sector - the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC)

s the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari seeks to curb public expenditure in view of the drop in global oil price, the country’s main source of revenue, the main area of focus is how to streamline government agencies and departments. A former Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Keith Richards, while expressing his views on the topic: “Manufacturing under pressure - The regulatory burden,” said: “It has been recognised that this duplication and regulatory inefficiencies are a cost and an administrative burden. The Orosanye report itself recommended abolition of 38 agencies, merger of 52 and reversion of 14 agencies to departments. A breakdown of what could be saved was quoted as N124.8 billion from agencies proposed for abolition; N100.6 billion from agencies proposed for mergers; N6.6 billion from professional bodies; N489.9 billion from universities; N50.9 billion from polytechnics; N32.3 billion from colleges of education, and N616 million from boards of federal medical centres. This is in addition to the increased efficiency and savings in the private sector. “But over two years on, nothing seems to have been done.” Insights NAFDAC, SON and CPC, over the years, have through their activities, made bold statements in the country’s economic environment. NAFDAC, for instance, was formed to checkmate illicit and counterfeit products in Nigeria in 1993 under the country’s

Odumodu

health and safety law. The agency is also responsible for regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sales and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and pre-packaged water. Both the country and the international community will not forget in a hurry how the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, as the Director General of the agency, transformed and positioned it for efficiency after many years of lack-luster performance. Many years after her exit from the agency, many stakeholders are still wondering if the current Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii, is fitting into the shoes left by Akunyili. On the other hand, SON is the sole statutory body vested with the responsibility of standardising and regulating the quality of all products in Nigeria. When it was established by the General Yakubu Gowon’s military regime through Act 56 in 1971, it was called the Nigerian Standards Organisation (NSO). The Act establishing the body was amended in 1976 by the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, in 1984 by the shortlived regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari and in 1990 by the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. The statutory functions of SON, among others, are to investigate the quality of facilities, materials and products in Nigeria, and establish a quality assurance system, including certification of factories, products and laboratories; to ensure reference standards for calibration and verification of measures and

Atoki

Orhii

measuring instruments; and to compile an inventory of products requiring standardisation. SON is at present under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Odumodu, as Director- General. Led also by a Director-General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, who took over from Mrs. Ify Umenyi, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) was established to promote and protect consumers’ interests. Its core activities include: to inform consumers; to eliminate hazardous products from the market, ensure that products and services comply with required standards, and to receive, mediate and provide redress to consumer complaints.

Each handle a different portfolio that requires different expertise

Perspectives However, there have been divergent views from many stakeholders. For instance, Chairman of DN Meyer, Mr. Remi Omotoso, kicked against the recommendation that SON and NAFDAC be merged. He warned that if the minority canvassing for the merger of the agencies is allowed to have its way, the nation will go back to where it was before NAFDAC had Akunyili who fought importers of fake and substandard drugs into the country with impunity. Instead of a merger, he urged the Federal Government to look into the constraints of SON with a view to strengthening it and making it more effective and dynamic like NAFDAC. Also, General Manager, External Affairs, PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Mohammed M. Tahir, said: “Each handle a different portfolio that requires different expertise. While NAFDAC regulates food, drugs and cosmetics,

SON sets standards and regulate products other than what falls under NAFDAC’s purview, CPC seeks to promote consumer rights and ensure such rights are not being infringed upon. “They should be left as they are because even as at now, the workload is too heavy for each of them. What we will encourage them to do is to create a common platform to share information. They should be more focussed in their basic responsibilities of delivering social services such as protecting the health of the nation, rather than focus on revenue generation,” he added. Also, the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer, Chattered Institute of Environmental and Public Health Management of Nigeria, George Ayoade, said that such merger was alright if it was to further reduce the cost of governance. He, however, said that it must be done with caution. As it were, one thing is clear, the duplication of roles of CPC, SON and NAFDAC and how the roles are being replicated at the state and local government levels, which has also put pressures on the manufacturers. “There is intra-agency competition in an age of ‘Internally Generated Revenue’ and recent examples include who registers new food products, who oversees promotional activity, and who inspects at the ports; all of which become an expensive minefield for producers. “In addition to fees and barriers, many agencies now levy fines and penalties or even close depots and factories without recourse to any rule of law,” Richards said.

Business | Industry

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria, Iran trade volume hits $500m annually GROWTH Iranian companies in the automotive sector may establish plants in Nigeria

Stories by Dele Alao

he volume of trade activities between Nigeria and Iran is expected to grow from the current $50 million to $500 million annually. Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, who said this at the

1st Iran solo exhibition held in Lagos recently, added that the Nigerian business community should take advantage of the $50 billion business opportunities in Iran. Such opportunities, according the NEPC boss, include health, agriculture and power sectors. The NEPC boss advised investors not to entertain fear, adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran was as safe as any other country. Awolowo noted that developed countries and some African countries had symbiotic trade relationships in terms of value and volume. He said: “Iran has been ex-

porting and importing commodities to and from Europe and some African countries. There is a silver lining at the end of the tunnel.” The executive director said that the nation could not afford to continually rely on oil, whose price had fallen at the global market. Also, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saeed Koozechi, said that the exhibition was to improve trade between the two countries. “It will help to identify

each other and deepen the trade relations between the two countries. Right now, Iranian companies do not know the opportunities available in Nigeria. Nigeria is a very big market, especially with its big population and resources. This situation also applies to Nigerian businesses as they also know little about Iranian companies and the huge potential that the Iranian market offers,” Koozechi said. He added that Iran, naturally endowed with crude oil, had

reduced its dependence on oil revenue, but concentrated on industry and other industryrelated sectors of oil and gas. To Koozech, Iran had achieved 95 per cent of self- reliance in power sector and in 2014, exported $1 billion worth of electricity to neighbouring countries. Also, the ambassador said that Iran exported petrochemicals worth $15 billion in 2014 and had steel industry capable of producing 17 million tons of steel annually.

BoI loan request goes online

gainst the backdrop of the need to stem the failure rate of applications and the inconveniences encountered by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners to approach its office with loan requests, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has introduced an online real time request platform. Managing Director, BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, who disclosed this, said: “We have come up with a loan tracking system in such a way that when you apply for loan, we give you a code. We have also appointed 122 Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to help the businesses write good proposal that will attract loans from banks. Our newly introduced SME Customer Portal is where we have value proposals and contact details of all our customers. Currently we have database for over 400 SMEs. This also makes for easier interaction amongst our customers where they can be encouraged to do businesses together.” He added that BoI also has an online loan application portal and encouraged

deserving businesses to take advantage of it as the bank, in partnership with one of their consultants, has modeled an SME mobile application demo to ensure business template models to assist prospective clients. Also, an executive with the bank, Mr. Philip Ikhile, said that the dearth of SMEs has reached an alarming rate, mainly due to poor accounting skills and IT illiteracy. To check the trend, he said that a package that works for both accounting and non-accounting business people, that allows up to 20 sub-titles, profit and loss account and, indeed, to keep track of income and expenditure of every business is up for their customers. Executive Secretary, Nigerian Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr. Eke Ubiji, commended the bank for the innovation and said it will help his members to stay in business. He also reiterated that many businesses have not grown because of the lack of requisite skill in financial literacy, information technology and funding.

NAC trains 144 technicians Deborah Olayode

he National Automotive Council (NAC) has trained 144 auto technicians after a two-week programme on maintenance and tyre repairs organised in Lagos. Director-General, NAC, Aminu Jalal, an engineer, in his opening remarks at the graduation ceremony, said that the training was meant to close the skill gap of auto mechanics in the repair of modern vehicles. Jalal who was represented by the Special Adviser to the DG, Abubakar Dalhat, also an engineer, said that it was discovered from a skill gap analysis conducted in the country that majority of the mechanics in Nigeria lack the relevant knowledge about ve-

hicle electrical and electronic components’ repair. He disclosed that soft loan would be made available to the 144 technicians to boost their businesses. “Technology in the auto sector advances is needed in the country continually and at a very fast pace as most cars on our roads today are built with a lot of electronically controlled systems. The only way to meet up with this advancement is training and retraining and the council will continue to partner with stakeholders to ensure that our mechanics keep up to date,” he said. Jalal added that the gap necessitated the commencement of various re-training programmes for auto mechanics since 2006 till date.

L-R: Public Affairs Manager, Lagos and West, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, Ms Ifeoma Okoye; Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya; Recovery Manager, LAWMA, Mrs. Tolulope Adeyo and Head, Public Affairs and Communications NBC Ltd, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, at a sanitation exercise in Oyingbo Market, Lagos to Commemorate 2015 World Environment Day.

Miners seek govt partnership to create 300,000 jobs

iners in the country under the aegis of Miners Association of Nigeria, has solicited the support of the Federal Government to generate 300,000 jobs in one year. President of the association, Alhaji Sani Shehu, who spoke on the association’s five-year Strategic Development Plan for Mining Sector at a media briefing in Abuja, noted that with miners being part of the beneficiaries of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) Fund from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), they are prepared to make a presentation to the apex bank on their access to the fund since mining is a specialised enterprise. “As a major stakeholder in the mining industry, the asso-

ciation has, as a matter of responsibility, resolved to work with the present government to actualise her aspirations of generating additional revenue for the nation and creating massive job opportunities for its teeming population. “For this reason, the Executive Council of Miners Association of Nigeria has developed a five -year Strategic Development Plan for Mining in Nigeria. It promises about 300,000 jobs in one year and a contribution of up to 10 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Sheu said. According to him, the challenges in the sector are unfavourable conditions for access to funding, inadequate geological and bankable data, inadequate logistical support and the issues with artisanal mining.

The association’s president added that inadequate funding of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, interference in mining operations by lower tiers of government in Ogun, Oyo, Benue, Cross River and other states are still barriers to development in the sector. Proposing solutions to the challenges, the association urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts at continuous data generation, proper funding of the Solid Minerals Development Fund and adequate funding of the ministry to strengthen its relevant departments to perform their statutory functions effectively. The association also suggested that there should be favorable conditions for access to funding for operators at a single digit interest rates.

P&G injects N6bn fresh investment into Nigeria

rocter and Gamble (P&G) has increased its investments in Nigeria by $300 million (about (N6 billion). The money was invested on its manufacturing plant in Agbara Industrial Estate in Ogun State. The company’s President for India, Middle East &Africa (IMEA), Mohammed Samir,

said that the company’s commitment to growth and development of Nigeria was reflected in its continued investment in the country. On the company’s employees, the IMEA President said: “We place much value on our employees: P&G has a growfrom-within culture and part

of this is making sure we attract and select the best talent in the country and groom them to become leaders in their respective professions. Our employees are taken through extensive training programmes across our global offices and given remarkable corporate responsibilities from day one.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

ICT

Nigeria’s ICT ranking drops to 119th position p.36

Enforcing ICT’s local content policy Though Nigeria has already crafted a local Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy, experts say there is a need for thorough implementation of the policy, writes KUNLE AZEEZ

uting 8.53 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product by the third quarter of 2013, it was obvious that the industry was a key growth industry and as such deserves the design and execution of a well thoughtout local content policy,” then Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

espite being the fastestgrowing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) market in Africa with over $32 billion investment and with expected surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, the Federal Government has not given serious force to the local content enforcement in the ICT sector. It has been argued that a large percentage of the major ICT projects carried out in Nigeria has been handled by foreign companies without contracting part of such projects to indigenous companies, which also have the capacity to deliver such projects. Also, a number of companies operating in the ICT sector, especially the telcos, have also derived penchant lately for outsourcing some of their contract to foreign companies, which come into the country, make money and repatriate same to their countries, at the expense of indigenous IT companies with capacity to handle the job, create jobs locally and retain the revenue made in-country. Capital flight This trend, experts say, is creating a negative impact on the nation’s economy through huge capital flight. According to the immediate past Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Umar Bindir, ICT remains one

Mojeed Alabi

takeholders have called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to fully embrace e-governance model as the best global practice to make real his target. They said that this would help the current government to achieve its objectives of blocking loopholes and wastages in governance and to successfully win the war against the raging insurgency in the North. This advice was offered at a two-day second Covenant University Conference on e-Governance in Nigeria, (CUCEN 2015), which held at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, with the theme: “Prospects

‘NITDA DG, Peter Jack

IT expert, Chris Uwaje

of the sectors in Nigeria that is witnessing high level of capital flight. He said: “I am not happy to inform you that nearly, if not 100 per cent, of the technology required today in Nigeria are sourced from outside Nigeria. We have seen a huge rise in the remittance level based on technology requirements; we have N10 billion to N20 billion going out of the country for the transfer of technology into the country. “The range of technology sourced include software mini computer programme of simple to sophisticated levels, specialised electronic computer programmes, even dragging of fibre optics under the sea, among others.” Policy formulation About two years ago, the Federal Government, through its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy formulation and implementation agency, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), In-

We must promote the patronage of locallydeveloped IT products

formation Technology (IT) took a decisive measure to draft a local content policy for the ICT sector. The event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, brought together IT professionals across Nigeria to discuss the imperatives of a local content policy for the ICT sector in Nigeria. In July 2014, the Federal Government eventually moved to replicate the successful implementation of the Nigerian Content policy in the oil and gas industry in the ICT sector, with the setting up of the Office of National Content (ONC) in the Ministry of Communications Technology. The ONC is to operate as a programme of the NITDA and work closely with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) so as to leverage on the successes, lessons, guidelines and templates conceived and implemented successfully by the Board in the oil and gas industry. “With the aggressive growth in the Nigerian ICT industry, contrib-

FG tasked on e-governance and challenges for civic engagement and participation.” The stakeholders, including members of the academia, industries and government agencies and departments such as the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Edo State Information and Communication Technology Agency, Schlumberger Information Solutions, among others, believed that the best way to cut cost of governance would be to adopt technology. Earlier in his keynote address at the conference, NITDA’s Director General, Mr. Peter Jack, noted that the ef-

forts put in place by the past administration to fight corruption through technology had helped in addressing the challenge of ghost workers and increased the nation’s internally generated revenue. Jack, who was represented at the event by the agency’s Director of Corporate Strategy and Research, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said that Rwanda has been able to achieve success in its adoption of technology in Africa because its President, Paul Kigame, has been the one driving the nation’s ICT policy. Olatunji noted that Nigeria, with about 60 million regular

Internet users, and with ICT contributing about 10 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), if properly harnessed, it will benefit immensely from the potential of technology-driven economy. In his welcome address, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, noted the inappropriate placement of priorities in the adoption of technology as a major challenge facing the country. He said that instead of deploying technology towards tax collection and electronic payment of salaries, government should make the technol-

Challenges The former minister lamented that the hardware local manufacturers such as Omatek, Zinox and others, have been facing stunted growth in the country owing to lack of a robust local content policy to engender effective patronage of the locally-manufactured IT devices. She said that the country had the image of a continuing compulsive consumer of ICT products from other parts of the world, stressing that the ONC will drive local content policy implementation. Citing examples with personal computers, she said that Nigerians preferred foreign brands, with HP and Dell accounting for 60 per cent of approximately 750,000 personal computers (PCs) sold in Nigeria in 2012, while indigenous original equipment manufacturers (OMEs) accounted for about 20 per cent of the number. Experts also say that the scenario is further compounded by the perception that existing local ICT hardware manufacturers produce poor quality, expensive and uncompetitive products. But rather than worry about the challenges, the minister described them as significant opportunities for the ICT Local Content Policy, explaining that the Federal Government had crafted into its guidelines defined steps for indigenous OEMs to recapitalise significantly, so as to enable them to provide significantly-improved after-sales supports, warranty support and customer service. “We have also encouraged the OEMs to collaborate in providing these back office and front C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 6

ogy use citizens-focused. Ayo recognised Government to Government (G2G), Government to Business (G2B), Government to Employees (G2E) and Government to Citizens (G2C) as the major models of electronic governance, but advised Nigeria to adopt the G2C model as the best form that will carry everyone along. He pledged the support of the university to partner any individual or organisation that is working towards achieving the sustainability of technology-driven economy. He said that by deploying technology to all sectors of national economy including agriculture, education, mining, security and the entire business sector, the country will be better for it.

Business | ICT

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria’s ICT ranking drops to 119th position GAP African countries need ICT to bridge existing slit in driving social and economic transformation Stories by Kunle Azeez

igeria’s ranking in the Information and C o m m u n i c at i o n s Technology (ICT) development with regards to Networked Readiness Index has dropped seven places to 119. Networked Readiness Index is a crucial indicator of a country’s ability to implement and take full advantage of ICTs. This is according to a World Economic Forum’s Global Information Technology Report 2015 (GITR), suggests that ICT will help accelerate digital transformation in Africa. African countries need to take full advantage of the potentials offered by information and communications technologies (ICTs) to drive social and economic transformation, according to the Report 2015 (GITR). The study shows that several African countries have dropped in terms of the report’s Networked Readiness Index ranking. While Kenya’s Networked Readiness ranking improved, climbing six places to 86th position, the same is not the case for other major African economies such as Nigeria, which dropped seven places and now ranks 119th. South Africa fell five places and now ranks 75th while Egypt dropped three places and now ranks 94th. Based on the report, ICT

leaders at Cisco, a global ICT firm, have stressed the vital Importance of Networked Readiness to drive social and economic transformation for African countries. Senior Cisco Executives highlighted the considerable challenge facing most African countries as they seek to develop the infrastructure, institutions and skills needed to reap the full benefits of ICTs. According to them, only 39 per cent of the global population enjoys access to the Internet despite the fact that more than half now owns a mobile phone and Africa having one of the highest mobile phone penetration. They also stressed that lack of access to the Internet is depriving many Africans the opportunity to take full advantage of e-learning as well as online financial, data and health services. However, Cisco Executives said that governments can shape policies that will spur development of broadband access in their respective economies. The Cisco experts said that crucial to achieving societal and economic transformation was the ability to embrace the Internet of Everything (IoE), the connections between people, process, data and things, to create unprecedented opportunities for African citizens as well as the public and private sectors. In order to embrace the IoE, they said that African governments and businesses must be fully digitised, supported by a highly robust and secure network. Becoming digital requires an agile IT model, and the ability to rethink core processes for the digital era, the expert added. They said that embracing

Lenovo unveils first projector smartphone, others

global Information Technology firm, Lenovo, has announced the world’s first smartphone with a built-in laser projector that allows users to create a virtual touchscreen or keyboard on any surface. Dubbed Smart Cast, the smartphone was unveiled in Beijing, China, at Lenovo’s first exclusive global technology event, the Lenovo Global Tech World Conference. While there have been a few smartphones on the market with built-in projectors, these have focused on replicating the features of a standalone projector. According to Lenovo, Smart Cast is designed to make smartphones as usable as PCs through virtual technology. The virtual keyboard can be projected onto a table or other surfaces, giving smartphone users a standard keyboard on which to type. The projector can beam the content from the smartphone onto a wall or large screen, making it ideal for making presentations, watching vid-

eos and much more. Also making its debut at the event was the world’s first ‘dual-screen’ smartwatch, Magic View. The smartwatch features a second, virtual display that is 20 times larger than the display of its main, physical screen. The device, which Lenovo says will eliminate the limitations associated with small screens on wearable devices, uses optical reflections to create virtual images. Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo, Middle East and Africa (MEA), Mr. Shashank Sharma, described the new devices as breakthrough product concepts that will change the way people interact with technology. “Lenovo occupies a unique position in the technology industry. This is because we can deliver the devices, smart connectivity and infrastructure required to create a great user experience and satisfy real user needs. More so, we communicate with our consumers everyday regarding how we can innovate together.”

new security, cloud, mobile, social and analytics technologies required to fully digitise takes imagination, investment and expertise, explaining that this is why Networked Readiness is such a crucial indicator of a country’s ability to implement and take full advantage of ICTs. General Manager for Cisco, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Si-

erra Leone, Mr. Dare Ogunlade said: “At Cisco, we have learned that technology helps people find innovative solutions to address societal problems. We believe there has never been a better time to combine human ingenuity and technological innovation to improve the lives of all Africans. “As home to nine of the

world’s 15 fastest growing economies, Africa is ripe for transformation and is an increasingly attractive environment for global business investments. Technology is at an inflection point and African economies need to prioritise ICT adoption to take full advantage of the benefits that embracing digital transformation strategies will offer.”

L-R: Two lucky customers, Mr. Udehigwe Ndubusi Francis and Mr. Innocent Idemili; Pricing Analyst, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Adefemi Adeleke and another lucky customer, Mr. Ikechukwu Agu, during the arrival in Nigeria of 20 subscribers sponsored to this year’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem by MTN in Lagos.

Firm, varsity initiate N400m ICT project

n Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training firm, New Horizon, has entered into a partnership with Babcock University, IlesanRemo, Ogun to lay the foundation for the building a second state-of-the-art ICT skills acquisition center worth N400 million ($2 million). The four-storey building, inaugurated by the company and governing members of the school recently, will contain 2,000 computers, best-in-class education technologies such as in- motionbiometrics (IMBM), SAP LMS Success Factor and UPointer, among others. After completion, Babcock will be able to boast of a 3,000 computer training

facilities, which will most likely be one of the largest in any university in Nigeria. Speaking on the project, Chairman, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Dotun Sulaiman, said that when completed, it will position Babcock as the premier IT learning higher institution in Africa. The building, which will be called New Horizons/ Babcock ICT Empowerment Centre, will be used by undergraduates, post graduates and those outside seeking the university’s international ICT certifications. It is being built beside the present 1,000 computer ICT centre operated by the company in the school. Each floor of the new building will have 500 sitter-

computers, including intelligent boards, multimedia projectors, networking, software, international IT-E biz courses/curricula, furniture, UPS, certified instructors, international exams centre and students courseware/books. Sulaiman said: “When the Chief Executive Officer of New Horizon, Mr. Tim Akano, came up with this project, I said ‘let us go ahead.’ It is something we are extremely very proud of. I am also very proud of what we have been able to do with Babcock University with these certifications. I can tell you from experience in my various roles in the corporate world that graduates of this university are very highly regarded.”

Enforcing ICT local content policy CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 35

office support mechanisms so that economics of scale can be achieved and more jobs created,” she said. Implementation Meanwhile, since the inauguration of the ONC last year, industry observers say that there has not been any remarkable change in the status quo, as most indigenous companies continue to gasp for salvation in ensuring their sustainability in an environment where patron-

age of their competencies and IT products are elusive. “We must promote, in practical terms, the patronage of locally-developed IT products and services, both hardware and software, and this must start with government itself in its public procurement activities,” says an IT expert, Dr. Chris Uwaje. Conclusion As has been the case with other policies in Nigeria where poor implementations have remained the bane of the success of such

policy, the ONC would need to be given adequate force through implementation. “Since government is the biggest spender, this policy mandates all agencies of government to first look for a local developer or manufacturer before proceeding to deal with a foreign entity (in public procurement,” says an industry analyst, Mr. Chunkwuemeka Agbada. Hence, the development of local content in ICT is not just about issuing policies and guidelines but rather through effective implementation.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSday, JUNE 18, 2015

Photo | News

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom (third left); Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Herman Hembe, Ezekiel Adaji and other House of Representatives from Benue State, during the Dogara’s courtesy call on the governor. PHOTO: CEPHAS IORHEMEN

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Committee on Welfare, Nasiru Babala Ila; Deputy Speaker, Sulaiman Lasun Yusuf and Deputy Chairman of the committee, Omosede Igbendion Gabriela, at the inauguration of the committee at the National Assembly in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Emir of Gombe/National Vice-President, Jamatu Nasir Islam (JNI), Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar (right), presenting food items to Internally Displaced Persons in Gombe. PHOTO: NAN

Children of Bakari Dukku Junior Secondary School, presenting songs during the African Child Day celebration in Bauchi. PHOTO: NAN

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R: Managing Director, New Horizons Solutions Limited, Mr. Tim Akano; Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Illishan, Ogun State, Prof. J. A. Kayode Makinde; some members of the school’s management board and Chairman, New Horizons Management Board, Mr. Dotun Suleiman, at the foundation laying ceremony of the 2nd New Horizons facilitated ultra-modern international IT and e-Business skills certification building, at the university campus in Ogun State.

L-R: Commandant, Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State, Mr. Innocent Akatu; ex-officio, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Adebayo Akano and Secretary, Akinyele Inter-State route of the union, Comrade Salami Abdullai, during the sensitisation meeting with the state’s Comptroller of Immigration Service in Ibadan.

L-R: Director, Primary Health Care System Development, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Nnenna Ihebuzor; Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Ado Muhammed and Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Wapada Balami, at the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP), Annual Review meeting in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

One of the granduands, University of Port Harcourt, Chidinma Okezie (middle), with other colleagues, during the convocation ceremony of the institution.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Mom&Parenting

BBC.CO.UK

one A child with ph

A toddler getting familiar with tablet use PHOTO:WWW.TIMESLIVE.CO.ZA

PHOTO:WWW.

Steve Jobs

Why Steve Jobs didn’t let his kids use ipads Oluwatosin Omoniyi

hildren born before the 2000s, are likely to experience a childhood mostly free of technology and certainly without games like Angry Birds, Talking Tom, Subway Surf, Temple Run 2 and Snake Ladder. Now, it is normal to see children with iPads, pre-teens with iPhones, and kids up to date with the latest apps. Therefore, nowadays parents especially technology inclined parents would undoubtedly consider raising their kids with the latest gadgets or with a more hands-on, tech-free approach. It has become a fad in most Nigerian homes to see kids free with gadget. It is even a more common sight to see parents purchasing it for their kids, playing with them on gadgets,

Mom&Parenting

Oluwatosin Omoniyi City Editor

and teaching them on the usage. For instance, Tessy Ibe just clocked two years early this June. She has not started school. But she is familiar with the operation of an iPad. On her father’s gadget, she plays such games as dream football … among other games. She spends an average of 20 minutes at a time, mostly three times a day playing games. In fact, to calm her down whenever she cries, her mother gives her an iPod stuffed with different music. “She knows how to operate it and switch on to the music she likes,” the mother said. According to Johnson Ibe, her father, Tessy can use the iPad on her own when switched on. “You need to see her maneuvering the iPad and other smart phones, searching for her favourite games,” the father said, pointing out that Tessy had learnt the use of the gadgets from her three older brothers, who are aged, 8, 6 and 4 respectively. They are masters of games and gadgets in the home. At their ages, they freely use computers, smart phones, iPads and similar gadgets to play games and other things they feel good at. Olubusola Adebayo is a 9-yearold boy who knows how to operates, phones including all the gadgets in the house more than his parents! His father, Femi, said beyond receiving and making the normal text messages, checking his email on his android, he knows nothing further on his phones. “But my child is a guru on it. Surprisingly, he knows how to hide and search for stuff on our phones!

I’ve seen dangers of technology firsthand. I don’t want to see that happen to my kids

With that, I am very careful with information on my phones,” he said A cross-section of parents who chatted with New Telegraph on how children are getting more obsessed with smart phones and gadgets. Majority of the response was that the world is now technology driven; hence it is a fact and reality to come to terms with. It is just the trend of life, events and as technology evolves. As such, most parents said that they can’t just alienate their kids from others. Olusola Odesola, a parent said it would look awkward for him not to avail his children of smart phones and gadget as that is the direction the world is advancing towards. “It sounds crazy to withhold those things from kids nowadays. Without it, it could set them back socially and academically,” he said. Samson Okenyi, another parent countered Odesola that it could also damage morally and spiritually. “The best thing is for parents to check regularly and even befriend them on the online activities the kids might get involved in. Truth is, we are living in an era technologically driven, as such, we cannot deny our children that exposure but they can be controlled,” he said. Ironically, Steve Jobs, the inventor of Apple and other android phones didn’t let his own kids use iPads. According to New York Times, Steve Jobs didn’t expose his children to much technology, and he didn’t recommend it to other parents. During his interview session with the New York Times, he was asked “your kids must love the iPad,?” The father of

four replied, “they haven’t used it. We limit how much technology our kids use at home!” Expectantly, Jobs’ household was imagined to be filled with the latest Apple products, tech-savvy children, and touch screens galore. But the reality was not even close. In that interview session, Jobs shared his mentality with many other technology executives, like Chris Anderson, the former editor of Wired and now chief executive of drone maker 3D Robotics; “My kids from ages 6 to 17,accuse me and my wife of being fascists and overly concerned about technology, and they say that none of their friends have the same rules,” he said. He added, “that’s because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand. I’ve seen it in myself; I don’t want to see that happen to my kids!” According to a recent research study by Common Sense Media that compared children’s technology use in 2013 compared to 2011, 72 percent of children age 8 and under have used a mobile device for some type of media activity such as playing games, watching videos, or using apps, up from 38 percent in 2011. Furthermore, 38 percent of children under the age of 2 have used a mobile device for media (compared to 10 percent two years prior). The ongoing conversation raises questions about whether toddlers should really be exposed to close-up screens so early on and whether teens are spending too much time on the Internet, especially with the rise of cyber bullying.

40 Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Shocking reason children of older moms don’t live as long

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

Women, why are we so mean to ourselves?

W Smiling mom and child

Oluwatosin Omoniyi

here are plenty of benefits to being a young mom, tons of energy, fewer issues getting pregnant, more time with grandparents ,but a new study revealed one more reason you shouldn’t wait too long to have kids. And it’s a deeply upsetting one for those who’ve waited later in life to have kids. A new study suggests that children born to older women are more likely to have a shorter lifespan. The research, published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, comes from 200 years of demographic data on a large group of Swedish citizens and compared those born to mothers younger and older than the median age of 31. The results showed that a mother’s age at birth was one of the most significant “non-external factors” affecting how long a person lived. According to the study’s author, Dr. Martin Wilding, children inherit from their mothers a crucial cellular component called mitochondria, which generates energy that individual cells need to function. As a woman ages, the mitochondria that exists in her egg cells age as well and get more damaged over time. These defects to the mitochondrial DNA are passed, as is, on to children, which can mean they will have increased chances of being less healthy and thus more likely to get sick. The ray of hope for those older parents: this isn’t the only factor that affects lifespan. Genetics and the environment certainly have an expansive role, so fostering a healthy lifestyle can potentially add years to one’s life. And although the results of the study about mitochondria are clear, it hasn’t been

PHOTO: WWW.SANJUKTAMOORTHY.COM

proven experimentally just yet. Of course, Nigerian mothers reacted differently to this latest research. Kanyisola Ajewole, 56 and mother of two discarded the statement as untrue, describing it as arrant nonsense. According to her, she had her first baby at the age of 34, her second child at the age 43! “Not that I didn’t want to have them much earlier but they didn’t come when my husband and I expected them. I tell you that categorically my children are well and sound as at today. One is in the university, the other in secondary school, so I don’t believe in that nonsense research,” she said. For Lizzy Jerome, mother of one, it’s a blatant lie. “Lately there are statements being made which later proves to be untrue. There have been people who reached the age of 90 and they had mothers who were late in life having children. So, where does that foolish research come from?” she questioned. Kemi Odunayo, a nurse, regarded the research as pointless and stupid! “It is really stupid because there are no specifics or examples. “How much longer life span on average? Causes of

Mother and child

deaths determined? In fact the study sounds more like a healthier lifestyle propaganda piece to me,” she said. However, Dr. Omoyele Kolawole, gynecologist with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH dismissed the research as not true at all. He explained that such children survive but common features associated with children of older moms are medical abnormalities, like Down syndrome and others. “And these types of abnormalities are usually found in children born of women from ages 35 upward,” he said. According to another recent study published in dailymail.co.uk, it said children of older women might be harder to catch and no doubt leave their mothers more exhausted but children born to mums over 40 are healthier and brighter than those of younger women. “The offspring of older women are less likely to have accidents or need hospital care and more likely to have been vaccinated early,” it said. The report added that such children will also develop a broader vocabulary from a young age and achieve higher scores in IQ tests in a range of measures up to the age of five.

Photo: WWW.windsorstar.com

omen, and girls, have a reputation for being mean to one another. It’s usually a very subtle torment: judging, ignoring, criticizing, gossiping, whispering, giggling, ‘eyeing’, excluding… This attitude towards each other exposes something deep and dark within women’s relationships. Whether this stems from a childhood issue or it’s something we learned from society, women are so often mean to one another. But why? Sometime ago, I went to the local government council closest to me to inquire about Lagos state resident registration. I drove into the office and was lucky to find a space to park my car within the compound. In less than 10 minutes I was done, I got all the info I needed from some men on the very long cue, it looked like they came prepared to spend the entire day, their advise was that I come very early if I wanted to leave on time. Walking back to my car, I found there were two cars parked behind; thank goodness the owner of the last car was right inside - making up. I went looking for the owner of the car directly parked behind me, it didn’t take much time to get him, and then I asked nicely the lady in the second car to move her car so I could drive out. We started our cars but ‘madam’ didn’t budge. I got down and met her still making up, I pleaded that I wanted to drive out; she tilted her head back a bit, and rolled her eyelids up and down, and-who-the-hell-is-this expression of hostility that women exude when they’re sizing each other up. She simply looked back up to her car mirror and continued her makeup. At this time all the men standing there where amused and at the same time irritated at her behaviour. Then she asked: “Who asked you to park there in the first place?” She turned to a man who had come to plead on my behalf, “Se staff ni?” When she wouldn’t budge, we just let her be. I sat in my car praying that God would touch her heart. My prayers were answered but differently, one of the men there got owners of three cars parked adjacent me and behind out of their offices to move their cars for me. I was so thankful. It starts in primary school and is perfected in secondary school. The aggression continues through university and then in social circles, even at work. You find it oozing from daggereyed women who wouldn’t allow you a space in front of

them when driving, and seething from fellow moms who feel they know it all. If you’re honest, you’ll probably admit you’ve done it, too. Many have said it’s because we are often insecure, others say we expect too much from each other. Well, there is always a good reason for everything we do. We’re the ones setting the moral compass, if we sit there with our girlfriends gossiping, judging and bringing down other women and being two-faced, and our daughters watch us day in, day out, it teaches them to follow suit. Are we going to raise the next generation of mean-ish girls, or is there still hope for us? Here is one woman’s reaction to this: Personally, I’ve had issues with keeping female friends and presently, I have only one good female friend. I do on occasion have to get with some of the mothers of my community. Just listening to them, I find some of them quite mean. One would imagine, as grownup women, that we would rise above such things and act honorably. But I suppose one cannot have such high expectations, as it can be outside the realm of common sense. For the longest time, I’ve had issues with women over the years, from my very first friends on the playground, who were mean to elementary school where I had to deal with girls who clearly had issues to secondary school where girls judged you. Even in the event of university, a couple years ago, I met with some really rude and condescending girls. They looked like they belonged in the “Mean Girls” movie. It’s just sad. I find many women generally rude, intrusive, cruel, and condescending. Personally, I don’t stand for such nonsense. I’ve had women interested in being “buds” but honestly I’ve found it near impossible to trust women in general. Not that all women are bad, but a lot of them have not grown up at all. In my community, they seem to care what shoes you wear, how you dress, how handsome your husband is, how you look, and if your kids measure up with their kids. Is it any of their business? Nope. That is why I just laugh and move along. From what I’ve learned, women are going to do what they’re going to do. Hopefully one day these women will grow up! We are all off of the playground now. Do you think women tend to be particularly mean to one another? Let’s have your view.

Business | Money Line 41

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Human capital, key to assessing banks’ strength – Analyst

CHEAPEST STAFF

Ethiopia has the cheapest banking workforce on the continent

Limited, Mr. Jude Fejokwu, has asserted. He stated this in a note made available to the New Telegraph. The expert noted: “Human capital is the most critical asset of any company. Employees are entrusted with the assets of a company and are expected to maximise returns on these assets.

Tony Chukwunyem

ow banks fare in human capital performance is usually a good indicator of how strong they are, Senior Africa Analyst at Thaddeus Investment Advisors and Research

Making more from what you presently have goes to the soul of business. The banks that excel in this are good banks and should be sought out by the discerning investor.” Revealing that he has created a model to assess banks from a human capital perspective, the analyst, claimed that the, “model has successfully

been able to rank the banks and allow investors look at companies from a human capital perspective and assess their investment viability.” He said his findings showed that Nigeria has six of the 10 highest paying banks in Africa. South Africa has two while three of the banks

‘Africa has fastest growing high network individual market’

frica has the fastest growing High Net Worth (HNW) individual market in the entire world, the New World Wealth Africa Wealth Report for 2015 has said. The study noted that the number of African individuals classified as HNW has increased by 145 per cent over the past 14 years, compared to worldwide HNW growth of 73 per cent over the same period. The number of new millionaires in Africa is steadily growing, with more than 160 000 individuals holding around 660 billion US dollars in personal wealth at the end of 2014. South Africa according to the report, has the highest number of

wealthy individuals on the continent with the number of dollar millionaires in this country rising by nine per cent since 2007. Luke Martins, a financial planner at Old Mutual Private Wealth Management, said the continued growth in numbers of high net worth individuals in South Africa can be attributed to the country’s continued position as a business and investment gateway into Africa, its appeal as a global investment destination, and its robust physical and financial infrastructure.

“While these factors alone obviously don’t automatically translate into wealthy individuals, they do mean that South Africans with the will, and means, to grow their personal wealth have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy, significant opportunities to do so.” Lesego Monareng, also of Old Mutual Private Wealth Management said South Africa’s BEE policies over the past 20 years had also added to the wealth growth in the country. “In South Africa, the political will to drive eco-

nomic empowerment of previously disadvantaged persons has been a major contributor to wealth creation for many. It has both built the middle market as a feeder into individual wealth achievement and allowed many individuals to position themselves to take advantage of the resulting opportunities.” The analysts add that, education opportunities, entrepreneurial spirit, and a willingness to take calculated risks were some of the key characteristics shared by the country’s independently wealthy.

Economic Indicators As at M2*

N19,142,526.05m

Mar, 2015

CPS*

N18,579,219.49m

Mar, 2015

INF

8.7

May, 2015

MPR

4/6/2015

US$64.03

10/6/2015

US$29,038,180,412

15/6/2015

Bonny Light Ext Res**

Description 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

TTM 1.17 1.86 4.04 6.62 8.74 15.10 19.09

Price 99.01 101.96 105.73 110.27 101.49 68.00 86.85

NIBOR

Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

Rate (%) 15.1000 15.9685 16.8676 17.6790

Bid Yield 13.95 13.84 14.08 13.95 13.89 15.55 14.15

Change (%) -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.06 ▲ 0.04 ▲ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ 0.03 ▲

Change (%) 0.81▲ 0.19▲ 0.03▲ -0.10▼

Price 99.16 102.11 106.03 110.57 101.79 68.30 87.15

Discount 11.56 12.17 12.42

Bid Yield 11.88 12.96 14.11

Change (%) 0.08 ▲ 0.44 ▲ 0.00 ↔

Bid Offer Spot ($/N) 197.23 197.33 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

Offer Yield 13.80 13.75 13.99 13.89 13.83 15.48 14.10

NITTY

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 11.5327 12.8815 13.1472 13.5294 13.7336 14.4139

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 10-Sep-15 17-Dec-15 02-Jun-16

Change (%) -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.06 ▲ 0.04 ▲ 0.00↔ 0.00 ↔ 0.03 ▲ Change (%) 0.51 ▲ 0.85 ▲ 0.78 ▲ 0.06 ▲ 0.02 ▲ -0.07▼

Money Market

Discount 11.31 11.92 12.17

Offer Yield 11.62 12.68 13.79

Change (%) -0.48▲

FG to raise N120.5bn in Treasury bills next week

igeria plans to sell N120.52 billion of 3-month, 6-month and 1-year Treasury bills on June 24, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said yesterday. The bank said in a statement it would sell N31.19 billion worth of the 3-month paper, N39.33 billion of the 6-month bill and 50 billion in the 1-year debt next week, using the Dutch Auction System

(DAS). At an auction later yesterday, the bank offered N143.64 billion worth of Treasury bills of tenors ranging between 3-month and 1-year. In addition, a total of N80 billion worth of Treasury bonds with maturities between 5-year and 20-year are also on offer at the same auction. The results of both auctions will be published today.

First Millionaire emerges in Skye Bank’s promo

businessman residing in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Mukaila B. Hamza, has emerged the first winner of one million naira in Skye Bank’s ‘Reach for the Skye Millionaire Reward’ scheme. Hamza, a former Mainstreet Bank account holder, now merged with Skye Bank, according to a statement from the lender, became the first winner of the scheme, following an electronic draw involving over 400,000 customers, during the unveiling of Skye Bank’s new retail banking project, tagged, ‘Retail Transformation

and Growth’, R-TAG. Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, who urged the winner to invest his reward wisely and continue his loyalty to the bank, made a surprise congratulatory phone call him. Speaking earlier at the launch of the project in Lagos on Tuesday, Mr. Oguntayo, gave assurance that the new business transformation project would bring about customised and needs-satisfying financial solutions in a manner that will exceed the expectations of the customers.

Lender assures travelers on security of card variants

Source:CBN

FGN Bonds

are members of the Standard Bank Group. His analysis further revealed that four of the

top 10 banks are among the 10 worst paying banks while Ethiopia has the cheapest banking workforce on the continent. He also pointed out that three of the top 10 lenders are in countries dealing with hyperinflation: Ghana and Malawi.

Change (%) Rate (%) 0.08 ▲ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 13.83 0.44 ▲ Overnight (O/N) 14.58 0.00 ↔

NIFEX

Bid Spot ($/N) 198.9000

Offer 199.0000

Change (%) 1.88▲ 2.08▲

Change (%) 0.00↔ Source: FMDQ

ccess Bank Plc has reaffirmed the uniqueness of its range of Access Visa cards especially for holidaymakers during the summer period. Specifically, the lender in a statement gave assurance to customers of the security and convenience of electronic payments when they use Access Visa card. The Access Visa card is an international card, which allows cardholders to securely pay for goods and services across all electronic payment channels globally. It is a safe and convenient alternative to cash. The card, which is available in Classic, Gold, Platinum and infinite variants is accepted on Point of Sales (POS) terminals globally free of charge and can be used

for web transactions. It is accepted in over 30 million merchant locations, 2 million Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in 220 countries. Commenting on the value propositions of Access Visa card, Head Card Products, Access Bank Plc, Justin Ijeh, said the card relieves customers of the stress associated with foreign exchange. “Access Bank cards are internationally acceptable and can compete favourably with any payment card either locally or internationally. There is no need for our customers to bother about the stress associated with foreign exchange rate and carrying wads of cash whenever they travel. The Access Visa card is a convenient and acceptable alternative to cash,” he stated.

Business | Financial Market News

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

10-Jun-15

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information.

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description ^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 15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^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)

16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 13-Feb-15 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 193.73 600.00 573.14 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 299.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,746.32

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,413.31

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

1.18 1.88 2.13 2.23 2.97 4.05 4.37 4.68 6.63 8.76 13.47 13.95 14.45 15.12 19.10

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

13.89 13.90 13.94 13.94 13.97 13.98 13.99 13.97 13.87 13.80 16.97 17.48 18.06 15.55 13.99

13.75 13.81 13.85 13.86 13.90 13.88 13.88 13.88 13.80 13.74 16.91 17.40 17.96 15.48 13.94

99.06 101.88 92.65 91.44 92.26 106.07 77.70 105.20 110.65 101.93 89.65 74.20 51.40 68.00 87.82

99.21 102.03 92.80 91.59 92.41 106.37 78.00 105.50 110.95 102.23 89.95 74.50 51.70 68.30 88.12

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.94 1.50 1.86 2.07

2.27 1.00 2.67 2.85

16.01 14.93 16.60 16.79

101.10 101.38 102.12 98.38

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

297.82

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

300.79

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.22

4.44

16.29

99.07

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.31

3.23

15.06

99.33

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.58

4.46

16.93

98.45

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.58

3.48

15.96

99.73

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.86

1.00

14.93

92.21

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.12

1.00

14.95

98.81

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.56

1.79

15.74

96.42

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.94

1.80

15.73

97.23

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.95

1.00

14.93

98.44

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

12.40

09-Dec-18

2.14

1.00

14.94

99.24

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

1.93

4.78

18.71

93.01

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.12

1.00

14.94

100.89

BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*GOMBE LAGOS

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12

15.50 14.50 14.75

15.09 80.00 25.70

02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19

2.56 4.45 2.52

2.02 1.00 1.00

15.97 14.98 14.95

98.99 98.45 99.60

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.78

10-Oct-20

3.07

1.82

15.79

97.62

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.47

1.00

14.92

94.80

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.56

1.00

14.91

100.29

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.22

1.44

15.42

97.84

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.25

1.00

14.98

100.02

99.41

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

451.56 437.78

Corporate Bonds BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.19

1.00

13.05

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.38

09-Dec-15

0.50

1.00

13.19

99.44

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.33

2.63

14.50

99.87

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.31

1.00

14.94

97.72

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.38

1.34

15.28

98.72

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.31

1.00

14.94

96.27

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.56

30-Nov-17

1.54

1.88

15.81

103.59

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.58

3.84

17.77

97.67

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.75

1.00

14.93

104.33 101.46

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

1.75

1.00

14.93

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

30-Sep-18

3.31

3.00

16.98

92.63

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

18-Oct-18

1.86

2.29

16.22

99.21

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

1.94

6.11

20.04

96.98

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.56

2.16

16.11

99.70

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.43

2.76

16.68

94.98

BBB/GCR

FCMB

14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021

20-Nov-14

14.25

26.00

20-Nov-21

6.45

1.80

15.66

94.39

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.56

1.57

15.42

104.12

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

16.29

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.31

1.00

15.03

106.15

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.31

1.00

15.03

91.19

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

178.07

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

172.58

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.67

1.00

14.96

89.79

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

14.96

84.50

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.72

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

6.03

5.83

103.38

104.36

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.91

4.57

100.61

101.58

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.21

6.06

101.03

102.01

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

1,525.10

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.36

4.44

101.00

102.75

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.99

100.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

10.33

9.40

91.52

93.70

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.50

7.09

95.57

96.75

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.38

96.25

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

10.10

9.61

95.69

97.21

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

8.25 AUG 07, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

07-Aug-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

07-Aug-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

9.29 10.33 9.57

9.29 10.20 9.57

95.25 95.64 92.19

95.25 96.18 92.19

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.33

9.89

92.25

94.13

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,499.97

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 15 22 29 36 43 50 57 64

FIXINGS Maturity 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15

Bid Discount (%) 11.24 10.64 12.20 10.65 11.15 11.46 11.15 11.29

Offer Discount (%) 10.99 10.39 11.95 10.40 10.90 11.21 10.90 11.04

Bid Yield (%) 11.29 10.71 12.31 10.77 11.30 11.64 11.35 11.51

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 19.0833 15.7738 17.0239 17.9681

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

16.42

O/N Tenor Call 1M

17.17

REPO

Rate (%) 19.25 19.50

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

198.68 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

198.78 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.94 1.50 1.86 2.07

2.27 1.00 2.67 2.85

16.01 14.93 16.60 16.79

101.10 101.38 102.12 98.38

Agency Bonds 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

FMBN ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

297.82

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

300.79

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 Sub-National Bonds

A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.22

4.44

16.29

99.07

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.31

3.23

15.06

99.33

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.58

4.46

16.93

98.45

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.58

3.48

15.96

99.73

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

DESCENT

Stock market sustains downward trend

Investors’ wealth dip *BAYELSA EDO by N43bn *DELTA

‡ /Agusto ‡ /Agusto

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.86

1.00

14.93

92.21

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.12

1.00

14.95

98.81

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.56

1.79

15.74

96.42

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.94

1.80

15.73

97.23

04-Oct-11 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 taking by investors in the day’s trading. 09-Dec-11 ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR† *EKITI 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 wake of cautious optiThe banking sub12-Dec-13 Bb-/Agusto *NIGER 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 14-Feb-12 ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO 15.50 pervaded ONDO 14-FEB-2019 sector of the financial mism that had Stories by Chris Ugwu 02-Oct-12 BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 services sector was the the market. 15.50 Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 22-Nov-12 equiConsequently , the12-DEC-2019 ASI most active (measured 12-Dec-12 BBB-/Agusto;igerian BBB+/GCR *OSUN 14.75 OSUN BBB-/Agusto ties market*OSUN OSUNpoints II 10-OCT-2020by turnover volume);10-Oct-13 re- fell by 124.2514.75 basis with 27-Nov-13 Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 treated further, or 0.37 per cent to close 106.5 million shares worth 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 31-Dec-13 at 33,478.42,14.50 asEKITI against as the bears by ‡ /Agusto *EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 N1.7 billion exchanged 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 dominated transactions 33,602.67 recorded the investors in 1,255 deals. OUTSTANDING VALUE previous day, while the atTOTAL the close of business Volume in the sub-sector TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION yesterday, causing the market capitalisation of was largely driven by acCorporate Bonds twin market perfor- equities depreciated by tivities in the shares of ETI UPDC 17-AUG-2015 BBB+/Agusto *UPDC mance that measures N43 billion or10.00 0.37 per cent Plc and Zenith Bank 17-Aug-10 Plc. 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 BBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 *FLOURMILLS the Nigerian Stock ExOther financial servicto close at N11.427 trillion06-JAN-2016 14.00 CHELLARAMS BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 es sub-sector also of from N11.47013.00 trillion. change All-Share the A+/Agusto; (NSE) A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 NAHCO 14.25 25-OCT-2016 financial services sector, A-/Agusto(ASI) and market 25-Oct-13 FSDH Index Meanwhile, aFSDH turnover 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 capitalisation to dropUBA by of 204.9 million shares boosted by activities in 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C & I LEASING 0.37 per cent. the shares of FBNH Plc worth N7.4 billion in 3,696 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 Nil *DANA MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER deals was recorded This was due to profit in the followed with a turnover Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

14.00 9.00 of 34.7 million shares 14.50 12.40 valued14.00 at N262.3 million 10.20 15.50 27.00 in 665 deals. 15.50 15.09 The14.50 number of gainers 80.00 at the close ses14.75 of trading 25.70 14.7522, while declin10.78 sion was 13.50 87.50 ers closed 15.00 at 24. 5.00 14.50 Paints Nigeria 4.55 Berger 15.00 4.56 Plc led the gainers’ table 451.56 with a gain of 10.20 per cent to close at N11.24 per437.78 share, while Pharm Deko Nigeria 10.00 2.50 Plc followed with an appre12.00 9.38 ciation14.00 of 4.93 per cent 0.42 to close at13.00 N2.34. Eterna 15.00Oil 14.25 4.74 per cent 5.53 to Plc added 13.00 20.00 close at18.00 N2.65 per share. 0.56 On 16.00 the other hand, 5.40 18.00 Guinness Nigeria 2.54Plc

NIGER

#{r}

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*LA CASERA

IOSCO’s report on securities regulation unveiled

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 *CHELLARAMS he International Organ16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 Nil *DANA isation of Securities 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO Commissions has pub14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 BBB/GCR FCMB 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 lished the report onUBA credible A/GCR 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR STANBIC IBTC deterrence, which identifies 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR STANBIC IBTC key enforcement factors that deterrent is key to our effectiveTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE may deter misconduct in inter- ness as financial services and TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION national securities and invest- markets regulators. This critiSupranational Bond ment markets. cally important report provides 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC A statement obtained from our members with a timely basis 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB IOSCO’s website, said the re- for designing, developing and reTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE port draws on the collective ex- viewing enforcement strategies. TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION perience and expertise of IOSCO I strongly support it”, Chairman members and was produced Issuer by Greg Medcraft said. Description Rating/Agency IOSCO’s Committee 4 on EnActing director of enforceFGN Eurobonds forcement and the Exchange of ment and market oversight at the 6.75 IOSCO JAN 28, 2021ComBB-/Fitch; B+/S&P which is chaired by Information, FCA and chair of the United Kingdom Financial mittee 4, Georgina Philippou, BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P Conduct Authority (FCA). said: “This is an important conBB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 efforts to It identifies key elements in tribution to our global BB-/S&P the prevention of misconduct crack down on financial misconTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE and financial from a range duct and rebuild and strengthen TOTAL MARKETcrime CAPITALISATION of international regulatory au- financial systems post-crisis. Corporate Eurobonds thorities and encourages regula- This is not an assessment tool 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P PLC I tors operating in bothGTBANK emerging but a think piece to encourage 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC and developed markets to conand support securities regula6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC sider how they mightGTBANK integrate tors around the world 6.00 NOVto 08,consider 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P PLC 6.25effective APR 22, 2019 credB+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANKor PLC credible deterrence into new how they can build 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC existing enforcement strategies. ible deterrence strategies.” 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC It said: “Ensuring our enforce“Credible Deterrence is a 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II ment activity acts as a credible key component of any effective 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

#{r}

B-/S&P

16.00

4.50

15.25

2.05

20-Nov-14

14.25

26.00

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Sep-14

16.29

0.10

14-Aug-14

8.75

per cent14.93 to close at98.44 N37.32 1.00 14.94 99.24 per share, May & 4.78 18.71 while 93.01 1.00Baker Plc 14.94 followed 100.89 with 2.02 a loss of15.97 4.91 per 98.99 cent to 1.00 14.98 98.45 N1.55 per share. 1.00close at 14.95 99.60

10-Oct-20

3.07

1.82

15.79

27-Nov-20

5.47

1.00

14.92

94.80

31-Dec-20

5.56

1.00

14.91

100.29

31-Dec-20

3.22

1.44

15.42

97.84

06-Jan-21

3.25

1.00

14.98

100.02

97.62

he Chief Execu- Board meeting on 16 0.19 99.41 tive Officer, Trans- 1.00June, 13.05 Transcorp Plc 09-Dec-15 0.50 1.00 13.19 99.44 corp Ughelli Power Board Chairman, 06-Jan-16 0.33 2.63 14.50 99.87 Mr. Limited (TUPL), the 1.00Tony Elumelu, 29-Sep-16 1.31 14.94 97.72 prehad 25-Oct-16generation 1.38 15.28 98.72 power and 1.34dicted long-term mega30-Sep-17 2.31 1.00 14.94 96.27 investment subsidiary growth, saying, “We are 30-Nov-17 1.54 1.88 15.81 103.59 of 09-Apr-18 Transcorp 1.58 Plc, Mr. 3.84determined to produce 17.77 97.67 09-Sep-18 Fadeyibi, 1.75 14.93 of all104.33 Adeoye has 1.00a quarter power 09-Sep-18 1.75 1.00 14.93 101.46 said that the company is generated in Nigeria and 30-Sep-18 3.31 3.00 16.98 92.63 on track to strengthening its 18-Oct-18 1.86energy 2.29we are clearly 16.22 99.21 17-Feb-19 1.94 6.11achieve 20.04 96.98 chain. this, thanks to the 01-Apr-19 2.56 16.11 99.70 Fadeyibi stated this 2.16cohesiveness of the lead14-Nov-20 5.43 2.76 16.68 94.98 yesterday at the compaership team and the hard 20-Nov-21 6.45 1.80 15.66 94.39 ny’s second Annual Gen- 1.57work of15.42 the staff,104.12 driven 30-Dec-21 6.56 30-Sep-24 9.31 1.00by the TUPL 15.03 106.15 eral Meeting (AGM). CEO.” 30-Sep-24 15.03 91.19 He noted that9.31in 2014, 1.00 According to the TUPL increased gen- board, 2015 will see the eration capacity from execution of expansion 342MW in December 2013 plans through key acqui2.67 14.96 to 11-Feb-18 610MW at the end of 1.00sitions, as well as a89.79 Green01-Feb-21 4.75 1.00 14.96 84.50 2014, a 78 per cent increase field project set to begin year-over-year and a 300 operations in 2018. per cent increase from Financial advisory takeover. firm, Renaissance Capital Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price Group President/ (RenCap), had predicted CEO, Transcorp Plc , Prices that& Yields Transcorp would 28-Jan-21 6.03 5.83more than 103.38 quintuple 104.36 its Mr.Emmanuel Nnorom, profitability by 2017 in said: “Our team is excited 12-Jul-18 4.91 4.57 100.61 101.58 and united. Adeoye has part because of the out12-Jul-23 done a fantastic 6.21 job of as- 6.06look for101.03 TUPL. 102.01 sessing existing generat“We believe the goving assets at Ughelli and ernment’s determination determining a course of to make centralised elecaction for total recovery tricity supply a reliable 19-May-16 6.36 of power 102.75 for the and as a result, we are on 4.44source 101.00 25-Jul-17 6.99 6.99 100.50 100.50 track to achieve 850MW economy , at half the price 02-May-18 10.33 9.40 91.52 93.70 per08-Nov-18 day by year-end 2015, 7.09of the currently widely 7.50 95.57 96.75 22-Apr-19 7.38 96.25 generators, 96.25 which represents a major 7.38used diesel is 21-May-19 95.69 97.21 contribution to 10.10 the coun- 9.61sufficient reason to see a 07-Aug-20 9.29 9.29 95.25 try’s total energy10.33 output.” 10.20 bright future for 95.25 the as24-Jun-21 95.64 96.18 During the TUPL set,” RenCap noted. 23-Jul-21 9.57 9.57 92.19 92.19 17-Aug-15

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.33

9.89

3,650.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1.00

‘Transcorp is strengthening its energy chain’

30-Sep-14 13.25 enforcement strategy . Deter- 15.44 178.07 rence is credible when would-be 172.58 wrongdoers perceive that the risks of engaging in misconduct 11-Feb-13 outweigh the rewards10.20 and when 12.00 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 non-compliant attitudes and be24.95 haviors are discouraged. 21.72 “Deterrence occurs when Outstanding Value persons who Issue Date are contemplating Coupon (%) ($mm) engaging in misconduct are dissuaded from doing so because 07-Oct-11 6.75 they have an expectation of de- 500.00 tection12-Jul-13 and that detection will be 500.00 5.13 rigorously investigated, vigor12-Jul-13 ously prosecuted and6.38 punished 500.00 with robust and proportionate 1,500.00 sanctions.” 1,525.10 The report cautions that Credible Deterrence cannot be one 19-May-11 7.50 size fits all and regulators must 500.00 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 decide09-May-13 what it means for them in 300.00 6.88 the context of their strategic ob08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 jectives, powers and responsibili21-May-14 ties. They also need to8.75take into 200.00 07-Aug-13 8.25 account their own market, eco- 300.00 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 nomic 23-Jul-14 and financial situation. 8.00 450.00

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

01-Apr-14

14-Nov-13

04-Oct-18 1.95 led09-Dec-18 the price losers’ table, 2.14 dropping 5.28 per cent 12-Dec-18 1.93 14-Feb-19 each to close at2.12N174.80 02-Oct-19 2.56 per22-Nov-19 share. Beta Glas Nige4.45 ria12-Dec-19 Plc followed 2.52 with 4.99

92.25

94.13

10-Jun-15

3,499.97

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills^ FIXINGS Money Market (Spot & Forwards) professional,DTM financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information isOffer accurate; however, theBid Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE”Tenor basis and mayRate not be accurateForeign or up toExchange date. We do not guarantee Maturity Bid Discount (%) Discount (%) Yield (%) (%) NIBOR the accuracy,15timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for11.24 a particular purpose of10.99 any of the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information. 25-Jun-15 11.29 22 29 36 FGN Bonds 43 50 57 Rating/Agency 64 78 85 92 106 113 127 141 155 176 190 NA 211 218 225 232 239 246 253 260 267 281 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 288

VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 302

2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 Issuer 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 1-Oct-15 15-Oct-15 29-Oct-15 12-Nov-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 NA 7-Jan-16 14-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 28-Jan-16 4-Feb-16 11-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 25-Feb-16 3-Mar-16 17-Mar-16 24-Mar-16

10.64 12.20 10.65 11.15 11.46 11.15 Description 11.29 10.89 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 11.32 11.23 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 11.70 9.85 27-JUL-2017 12.72 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.40 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.23 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.13 7.00 23-OCT-2019 11.45 11.47 15.54 13-FEB-2020 11.43 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.17 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 13.05 15.00 28-NOV-2028 13.25 12.49 22-MAY-2029 12.71 13.19 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.09 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 13.03 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 12.97 12.50 12.79

10.39 11.95 10.40 10.90 11.21 10.90 Issue Date 11.04 10.64 16-Aug-13 11.07 10.98 27-Apr-12 11.45 27-Jul-07 12.47 31-Aug-07 13.15 30-May-08 12.98 29-Jun-12 12.88 23-Oct-09 11.20 11.22 13-Feb-15 11.18 27-Jan-12 12.92 14-Mar-14 12.80 28-Nov-08 13.00 22-May-09 12.46 12.94 20-Nov-09 12.84 23-Jul-10 12.78 18-Jul-14 12.72 12.25 12.54

10.71 12.31 10.77 11.30 11.64 11.35 Coupon (%) 11.51 11.15 13.05 11.63 11.55 15.10 12.11 9.85 13.24 9.35 14.06 10.70 13.94 16.00 13.91 7.00 12.11 12.20 15.54 12.24 16.39 14.29 14.20 14.19 15.00 14.46 12.49 13.86 14.47 8.50 14.39 10.00 14.36 12.1493 14.32 13.83 14.22

Bonds

7-Apr-16

12.92

12.67

14.47

316

21-Apr-16

12.90

12.65

14.52

330

5-May-16

12.89

358 Rating/Agency

2-Jun-16 Issuer

12.65

Description

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 19.0833 15.7738 17.0239 17.9681

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 581.39

16-Aug-16

Rate (%) 27-Apr-17 10.4916 27-Jul-17 11.5456 31-Aug-17 11.7935 30-May-18 12.3278 29-Jun-19 13.9247 23-Oct-19 14.0305

193.73 13-Feb-20 600.00 27-Jan-22 NIFEX 573.14 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 Current Price ($/N) 22-May-29 BID($/N) 150.00 198.9000 OFFER ($/N) 199.0000 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 299.50 18-Jul-34

16.42

O/N

17.17

REPO

Maturity Date

NITTY

Tenor 476.80 1M 20.00 2M 100.00 3M 300.00 6M 351.30 9M 233.90 12M

OBB

Tenor Call TTM (Yrs) 1M 3M 1.18 6M

Bid19.50 Yield (%)

Rate (%) 19.25 19.75

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D 1M Offer 2MYield 3M (%) 6M 13.75 1Y

13.89 20.00 1.88 13.90 13.81 2.13 13.94 13.85 NOTE: 2.23 13.94 13.86 :Benchmarks 2.97 13.97 13.90 * :Amortising Bond 4.05 Bond 13.98 13.88 µ :Convertible AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.37 Management Corporation 13.99 13.88 FGN: Federal Nigeria 4.68Government of 13.97 13.88 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 6.63 Mortgage Bank 13.87 13.80 IFC: International Finance Corporation 8.76 13.80 13.74 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 13.47 Aviation Handling 16.97 Company 16.91 NAHCO: Nigerian 13.95 17.48 17.40 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 14.45 18.06 Company 17.96 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 15.12 15.55 15.48 19.10 13.99 13.94

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

198.68 198.78 201.81 201.93 Price 202.28 202.13 202.87 203.37 204.24 205.31 Bid Price Offer Price 205.60 207.21 206.28 213.47 99.06 99.21 220.29 226.27

101.88 102.03 92.65 92.80 91.44 91.59 NA :Not Applicable 92.26 92.41 ^ : Market Prices 106.07 # : Floating Rate Bond 106.37 77.70 coupon bonds 78.00 ***: Deferred 105.20 105.50 ‡ : Bond rating under review 110.65 110.95 †: Bond rating expired 101.93 102.23 N/A :Not Available 89.65 {r} :Issuer in receivership89.95 74.20 74.50 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 51.40 51.70 UBA: United Bank for Africa 68.00 68.30 87.82 88.12

4,746.32 4,413.31

12.64

14.59

12.40

14.44 Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.94 1.50 1.86 2.07

2.27 1.00 2.67 2.85

16.01 14.93 16.60 16.79

101.10 101.38 102.12 98.38

*for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

Agency Bonds Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 FMBN #

***LCRM

0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Modified Duration Buckets

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

<3 3<5 >5 Market

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

12.50 KADUNA 1,434.31 31-AUG-2015 1,248.07 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 665.27 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 3,347.65 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

Total Outstanding Volume(Bn)

1,409.48 1,173.14 891.07 3,473.69

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX 297.82

Weighting by Outstanding Vol

40.58 31-Aug-10 33.77 30-Sep-10

25.65 30-Jun-11 100.00 30-Jun-09

Weighting by Mkt Value

12.50 42.85 13.00 37.28 14.00 19.87

15.50100.00

300.79

Bucket Weighting

8.50 0.41 2.16 0.34 4.86 0.26 5.73 1.00

% Exposure_ Mod_Duration

Implied Yield

18.24 31-Aug-15 39.54 30-Sep-15

13.93 0.22 13.83 0.31

42.22 30-Jun-16 100.00 30-Jun-16

14.90 0.58 14.30 0.58

Implied Portfolio Price

105.9567 4.44 111.1998 3.23

78.9238 4.46 100.7930 3.48

INDEX

YTD Return (%)

1,187.13 16.29 1,109.56 15.06

7.1566 99.07 9.5787 99.33

1,109.28 16.93 1,138.95 15.96

10.1552 98.45 7.9388 99.73

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.86

1.00

14.93

92.21

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.12

1.00

14.95

98.81

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.56

1.79

15.74

96.42

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.94

1.80

15.73

97.23

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.95

1.00

14.93

98.44

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

12.40

09-Dec-18

2.14

1.00

14.94

99.24

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

1.93

4.78

18.71

93.01

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.12

1.00

14.94

100.89

Business | Capital Market

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015

Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at June 17, 2015 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 13.05% FGN AUG 2016 Federal Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FG102016S1

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 100.00

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 1,784 1784

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Value Traded 1,863,104.63 1,863,104.63

1,784

1,863,104.63

1784

1,863,104.63

ICT Computer Based Systems Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042 Computer Based Systems Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 32 7 39

Current Price 31.55 34.50

Quantity Traded 268,790 11,573 280,363

Value Traded 8,099,560.16 382,031.18 8,481,591.34

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 22 22

Current Price 2.30

Quantity Traded 450,428 450,428

Value Traded 1,037,761.55 1,037,761.55

730,791

9,519,352.89

Quantity Traded 13,300

Value Traded 19,551.00

Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES

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

61 Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals AGLEVENT 2 Symbol JOHNHOLT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 2 1 99 60 164

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. Building Construction Totals

Symbol ARBICO

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

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

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

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Activity Summary on Board EQTY Real Estate Development Totals

Value Traded 1,071.00 76,761.80 9,504,409.39 47,128,447.29 56,730,240.48

4,550,461

56,730,240.48

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.30

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 265.00 265.00

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.92

Quantity Traded 569,000 569,000

Value Traded 523,480.00 523,480.00

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

No. of Deals 5 1 6

Current Price 52.39 6.29

Quantity Traded 21,123 3,600 24,723

Value Traded 1,091,301.53 23,760.00 1,115,061.53

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 10.50

Quantity Traded 170,157 170,157

Value Traded 1,837,293.51 1,837,293.51

164

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol UAC-PROP

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

Page 763,930

42 No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

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

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

No. of Deals 12 71 4 105 1 193

Current Price 7.00 174.80 19.01 149.90 3.26

Quantity Traded 116,160 6,756,223 2,190 1,238,227 100 8,112,900

Value Traded 794,738.35 1,233,903,127.05 42,385.00 185,595,430.35 310.00 1,420,335,990.75

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

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 178.10

Quantity Traded 7,131 7,131

Value Traded 1,278,749.71 1,278,749.71

Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOURon MILLS PLC. Activity Summary Board EQTY

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL Daily Summary HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM

No. of Deals 19 50 67 (Equities) 13 49 1

Current Price 4.06 6.90 34.55 4.00 8.03 18.05

Quantity Traded 39,616 1,855,086 395,667 317,161 2,856,612 160 Page

Symbol UNIONDICON UTC

No. of Deals 1 2 202

Current Price 11.84 0.50

Quantity Traded 20 2,802 5,467,124

Value Traded 225.00 1,401.00 50,608,495.79

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

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 20 58 78

Current Price 39.90 850.00

Quantity Traded 34,241 323,421 357,662

Value Traded 1,309,808.75 274,906,077.19 276,215,885.94

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

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 27 1 28

Current Price 5.33 1.67

Quantity Traded 472,006 20,000 492,006

Value Traded 2,483,035.08 31,800.00 2,514,835.08

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 55 30 85

Current Price 32.00 45.00

Quantity Traded 310,437 204,231 514,668

Value Traded 9,558,196.92 9,190,766.28 18,748,963.20

14,951,691

1,769,703,020.47

Quantity Traded 18,718,158 748,964

Value Traded 115,747,545.83 3,187,294.50

Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042 CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC

Daily Summary of 17/06/2015 Activity as Summary on Board EQTY Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

Banking ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 N.E.M15:15:42.042 INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Printed 17/06/2015 INSURANCE CO. PLC.© Published byNIGER The Nigerian Stock Exchange PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

599 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK

No. of Deals 102 25

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 6.18 4.23

Page

Symbol ETI

3,729,269

17,158,161.20

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 11,121 11,121

Value Traded 5,560.50 5,560.50

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.98

Quantity Traded 1,010 1,010

Value Traded 3,827.90 3,827.90

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10

Value Traded 5.00

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 4 5

Current Price 3.39

Quantity Traded 950 960

Value Traded 3,372.50 3,377.50

Quantity Traded 1,958,215 42,500 5,000 10,000 300 5,200 100,000 20,000 8,435,978 Page 9,000 4,000 900 100 6,603,638 17,194,831

Value Traded 1,804,652.21 42,796.00 2,500.00 5,000.00 150.00 2,600.00 304,998.35 10,000.00 6,762,416.53 14 5 of 4,500.00 2,000.00 450.00 50.00 3,306,276.74 12,248,389.83 6 of 14 Value Traded 70,414.00 70,414.00

Current Price 1.14

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol ABBEYBDS ASOSAVINGS UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 5 1 7

Current Price 1.25 0.50 5.78

Quantity Traded 500 30,010 10,000 40,510

Value Traded 595.00 15,005.00 55,000.00 70,600.00

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 58 10 398 70 1 55 73 665

Current Price 2.82 4.00 8.92 3.08 0.50 27.50 1.45

Quantity Traded 2,195,515 549,722 16,490,153 8,196,127 3,800 2,736,739 4,564,118 34,736,174

Value Traded 6,209,096.11 2,214,783.50 147,328,545.99 24,876,074.50 1,900.00 75,150,423.32 6,559,597.87 262,340,421.29

158,563,533

2,044,974,595.94

Quantity Traded 2,500 1,202,028

Value Traded 3,975.00 4,120,773.72 7

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

13,091

12,765.90

Page Quantity Traded 10 762,417 241,394 385,321 88,399 10 13,480 50 170,554

14 8 of Value Traded 25.90 16,393,078.10 2,589,255.28 4,257,172.11 15,467,883.46 5.00 57,311.00 519.50 16,886,774.72

Symbol AFRPAINTS ASHAKACEM BERGER CCNN DANGCEM IPWA PORTPAINT PREMPAINTS WAPCO

No. of Deals 1 30 31 23 44 1 3 1 48 182

Current Price 2.72 21.50 11.24 11.07 175.00 0.50 4.25 10.93 99.00

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 1.73

Quantity Traded 42,601 42,601

Value Traded 70,356.75 70,356.75

Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 37.32

Quantity Traded 105,348 105,348

Value Traded 3,931,587.36 3,931,587.36

BETAGLAS

12 12

1,661,635

Page

199

55,652,025.07

1,809,584

59,653,969.18

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.11

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 2,430.00 2,430.00

Metals ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Metals Totals

Symbol ALEX ALUMACO

No. of Deals 2 1 3

Current Price 10.43 7.75

Quantity Traded 3,950 18 3,968

Value Traded 39,248.50 132.66 39,381.16

Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 5.00 5.00

Paper/Forest Products

Symbol THOMASWY

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 0.70

Quantity Traded 201,000 201,000

Value Traded 140,700.00 140,700.00

205,478

182,516.16

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 27,815 27,815

Value Traded 13,907.50 13,907.50

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals JAPAULOIL

6 6

Page

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

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 184 184

Current Price 16.49

Quantity Traded 3,141,025 3,141,025

Value Traded 52,160,220.86 52,160,220.86

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 13 40 12 1 14 123

Current Price 41.98 2.65 179.29 148.00 50.54 159.99

Quantity Traded 1,470,552 165,398 94,623 6,964 3,000 9,480 1,750,017

Value Traded 61,404,257.13 437,479.20 16,851,576.61 1,013,899.41 144,060.00 1,515,652.76 81,366,925.11

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

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 330.00

Quantity Traded 11,016,707 11,016,707

Value Traded 3,305,380,045.99 3,305,380,045.99

15,935,564

3,438,921,099.46

334 No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 5.00 5.00

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 5

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 23,608

Value Traded 18,512.90

Symbol

No. of Deals 5

Current Price

Quantity Traded 23,608

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

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 8 4 12

Current Price 5.25 1.22

Quantity Traded 83,055 73,799 156,854

Value Traded 418,771.00 85,606.84 504,377.84

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 23 23

Current Price 0.57

Quantity Traded 2,640,152 2,640,152

Value Traded 1,487,008.38 1,487,008.38

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST

No. of Deals 1 8 1 10

Current Price 4.07 4.00 3.51

Quantity Traded 1,000 68,490 800 70,290

Value Traded 3,870.00 260,262.00 2,880.00 267,012.00

No. of Deals 4 9 16 29 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.91 1.20 6.05

Quantity Traded 365,000 131,341 130,745 627,086

Value Traded 332,429.62 157,593.60 719,745.65 1,209,768.87 Value Traded 6,719.00

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Current Price 0.91 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.00 0.50 0.81 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Page

Daily Summary (Equities)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Symbol No. of Deals AIICO 31 CONTINSURE 5 CORNERST 1 EQUITYASUR 1 GNI 1 HMARKINS 1 MANSARD 4 MBENEFIT 1 NEM 32 NIGERINS 2 PRESTIGE 1 SOVRENINS 1 UNITYKAP 1 Daily Summary (Equities) WAPIC 42 124

Current Price 1.67 3.45

109

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

Value Traded 3,195,069.92 28,981,988.29 2,967,712.34 5,145,299.80 694,116.25 374,715,286.36 1,770,244,770.82

No. of Deals 1 14

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

AFROMEDIA PLC Advertising Totals

No. of Deals 6 6

Symbol COURTVILLE

OIL AND GAS Totals

Quantity Traded 1,560,713 5,597,452 312,128 2,033,981 711,866 18,965,358 106,527,418

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON

CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 SERVICES Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042 Advertising

Current Price 2.05 5.17 9.50 2.55 0.96 19.51

2,057

Building Materials Totals

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 Electronic and Electrical Products Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

No. of Deals 20 139 37 47 20 380 1,255

Page Quantity Traded 64,600 64,600

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

Value Traded 9,478,973.00 2,349,863.05 905,992.43 298,584.00 17,158,161.20

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 756,404,910.82 5,217,806.18 463,993,302.53 9,994,438.00

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Quantity Traded 213,000 1,513,441 670,700 127,600 3,729,269

ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC IPWA PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC PREMIER PAINTS PLC. LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Quantity Traded 33,726,992 2,960,677 17,210,045 3,981,084

Symbol STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Current Price 44.26 1.55 1.31 2.34

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Current Price 22.17 1.76 26.97 2.54

GUARANTY SKYEBANK

ICT Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042 Paper/Forest Products Totals

No. of Deals 67 47 331 40

FIDELITYBK Daily Summary (Equities)

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 160,703.20 12,589,375.93 13,731,171.25 1,229,792.05 22,892,795.36 3,032.00

Food Products UNION DICON SALT PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals Summary as of 17/06/2015

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals

23,476,100.04 of 14

Symbol DUNLOP

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Daily

Page

Quantity Traded 1,190 18,190 3,389,805 1,127,976 4,550,461

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Current Price 1.54 Current Price 0.94 4.44 2.80 41.80

CONGLOMERATES Totals

No. of Deals 14 45 28 7 109

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Symbol GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Hotels/Lodging Totals Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 Printing/Publishing Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042 ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services

Activity Summary on Board AIRLINE SERVICES ANDEQTY LOGISTICS PLC SERVICES Transport-Related Published by The Nigerian StockServices Exchange © NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol AFROMEDIA

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

Symbol AIRSERVICE

No. of Deals 3

Current Price 2.08

Quantity Traded 3,100

Symbol NAHCO

No. of Deals 21 24

Current Price 5.14

Quantity Traded Page 168,744 171,844

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.60

Quantity Traded 40,766 40,766

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2015 Printed 17/06/2015 15:15:42.042

Page

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 18,512.90

Value Traded 12 of 14 867,986.56 874,705.56 Value Traded 139,419.72 139,419.72

105

3,730,610

4,500,810.27

3,696

204,984,002

7,404,832,631.99

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Quantity Traded 9,814 9,814

Value Traded 14,721.00 14,721.00

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 4 4

Equity Activity Totals

Current Price 1.43

9,814

Page 9,814

3,700

204,993,816

14,721.00 13

14,721.00

7,404,847,352.99

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 3 4

Current Price 10.56 15.50

Quantity Traded 10 121 131

Value Traded 105.60 1,845.50 1,951.10

ETF Board Totals

131

1,951.10

ETP Activity Totals

131

1,951.10

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Features

Fraudsters take advantage of villages in Oyo State to ply their trade, writes SOLA ADEYEMO

Oyo as criminals’ haven

enuine land buyers may henceforth face difficulties in securing plots of land in remote villages, particularly in Oyo State because of the recent activities of criminalminded people. In the past, investors preferred to buy land in remote villages where the cost would not be too outrageous, and where they could practise mechanised farming. Another reason is that the portions of the land could be sold at higher prices in the future when the area would have been more developed. Laudable as the venture has been, many criminals, who use the land purchased to carry out nefarious activities, have forced land owners in the villages to begin to scrutinise intending buyers. This development came to light when on April 29, a crack team of police in Oyo State invaded Isase village, Ijoku in Ona Ara Local Government Area. The police acted on a tip-off that some unscrupulous people were using the village as kidnappers’ den. An industrialist, Chief Debo Omotoso, who was kidnapped in Awe town near Oyo a few months ago, was discovered to have been taken to a village in the local government. He was rescued by the police. At the site, the police also arrested five of the kidnappers, among them a lady who is an indigene of Awe, but resident in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Though one of the three-man gang of fraudsters at Isase village, Ismail Adesina (43), was arrested, two others, including the ring leader, Tajudeen, and Wasiu, escaped into the bush on sighting the police. When the state Police Commissioner, Mr Muhammed Katsina, led journalists to the village, it was gathered that when the suspects wanted to buy the two acres of land, they claimed that they wanted to establish a poultry there as well as rear goats. They later built two houses there - one, a six-room apartment, and the other smaller one has a room. They started operating supposed herbal business there with strangers in exotic cars flocking the buildings erected far away from the village. It was constructed in such a

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

The den

Adesina

way that it was hidden away from the glare of the villagers. It was also fenced. The bigger house appeared scary because in front of it was an enormous effigy, clothed in masquerade apparel. The palm oil and salt poured on its head daily kept it simmering nauseatingly. Beside it was a tree that has molehill with termites appearing from it. In the six-room house were traditional artefact like goddesses of Yemoja. There was one carved in alligator shape. Fake foreign currencies were also found in the place. Behind the house was the smaller one wherein the room was veiled with white curtain. It was discovered that the architectural design in it was such that the door could not be seen, while someone could be hiding behind it, speaking in guttural tone similar to that of a spirit to deceive the victims. It was constructed in such a way that the emergence of any strange person was possible in

such that the victim would think the strange person was a spirit that emerged from the space. The windows in the houses were always closed, throwing the captors into darkness so that they would not know where they were or what was happening outside. Aside from all the scary artefact found in the buildings, the police also discovered a machine with which the criminals were printing fake dollars and euros to dupe their victims. When the villagers discovered the crime going on there, they attempted to drive the suspects away, but they put up a convincing defence that they were using the place as a theatre, with the masquerade and other ritual-like materials. When the police discovered the hideout, however, three exotic cars were found parked in the compound, while only Adesina was arrested. “I am from Beyerunka Compound in Ibadan. Truly, we print fake currency here, but the machine is owned by our leader, Taju. I don’t know anything about it. “We lied to the people who sold the land to us here that we were into theatre business, but we later started doing herbal business. We are not duping people. We only do ‘juju’ for them and we share the money we realise from it according to seniority of when we got here. “We deduct part of the money for the expenses on sacrifices we make. The house belongs to Taju. I only use my own share of the money to eat, sleep and wake up here. The cars you see here belong to our customers. They park them here,” Adesina said. He, however, refused to disclose the identity of the owners and why they parked the cars there. Adegboyega Babatunde, who sold the land to the fraudsters, said the men claimed they wanted to

be doing goat farming and poultry. He said: “Later, we discovered they were duping people in the place. They were keeping people kidnapped from outside in the place.” The Baale, Chief Moses Taiwo, said he had told his people to always henceforth inform him of anybody that might want to buy land in the village. He said: “We need to investigate them very well to know what type of persons they are; what business they want to be carrying out on the land and what type of building they intend to erect there.” On the presence of masquerade in the shrine, the Baale said he was amazed because masquerading had been outlawed in the village in the last three years. “The villagers here are predominantly Christians and Muslims,” he disclosed. Taiwo also suggested that the state government should demolish the two buildings to forestall future occurrence. Katsina disclosed that many criminals had infiltrated some remote villages in the state. The commissioner, however, said that the command would fish them out wherever they could be hiding. He said: “Some of the criminals come from as far as Kogi State. The ring leader is on the run, but we shall get him.” Katsina also appealed to people not to allow themselves fall prey to the unscrupulous elements. He said: “Only God provides. People should not allow themselves to be deceived by these deceptive items. “I am using this opportunity to warn criminals in this state to desist as my command would not spare them. The long arm of the law will continue to catch up with them wherever they may be hiding.”

News

SOUTH-WEST

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lagos exempts agencies from dissolution Muritala Ayinla

L-R: Former Chairman, Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, Mr. Ebenezer Akande; Chairman, Medical Health Workers’ Union, Mr. Julius Achonwa; Chairman JOHESU, Mr. Shehu Sulaiman; Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Mrs. Blessing Israel and Secretary, Johesu, Mr. Chijioke Ejiofor, during a protest over high medical bills and poor equipment by the joint workers of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta in Lagos …yesterday

We owe only May salary –Ekiti

Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Gover nment has refuted media reports purportedly claiming that the state owes workers three months’ salaries, saying it has only not paid the May salary to its workers. In a statement in AdoEkiti yesterday by a media aide to Governor Ayo

Fayose, Lere Olayinka, the state government wondered where the originators of such reports got their facts from. “As at today, the only salary yet to be paid by the Fayose-led administration is that of May 2015,” Olayinka said. He noted that the immediate past All Progressives Congress (APC) government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, refused to pay August and September, 2014 salaries despite receiving

Old age not an excuse to fail, activist tells Buhari Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

human rights activist and Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), Comrade Adeniyi, Alimi Sulaiman, yesterday warned President Muhammadu Buhari, to perform or quit his seat rather than blaming his non-performance on being 72 years old, stating that Nigerians will not accept such excuse. CHRS in a statement by its chairman, Comrade Adeniyi, Alimi Sulaiman, rejected the old age excuse of the President to deliver on his campaign promises, stating that old age was not an excuse to fail Nigerians. He stated that the position of the president was not tenable to the Nigerian public, insisting that Buhari was aware that he was old before contesting for the highest office in the country, which he got through the votes of the Nigerian

masses. He, however, advised the president not to renege on his ‘Change promise’ in all facets of Nigeria or be ready to tender his resignation if he was unfit to steer the ship of the country as he claimed before the election. “All these excuses from President Muhammadu Buhari, are not tenable because age has nothing to do with the performance in governance.” “By now, Buhari should have come out with his government agenda and begin to be executing it one by one; anything short of this is not tenable before Nigeria people.” The CHRSJ boss enjoined President Buhari, to focus on security, employment generation, power generation, corruption and host of others, calling on wellmeaning Nigerians to prevail on him to face the business of governance of the country squarely, instead of travelling all over the place.

federal allocations for the months. He added: “The Fayoseled government has already cleared the August 2014 salary left unpaid by the APC government, leaving that of September to be paid as soon as there is improvement in state finances.” On the May salary being owed, the governor’s aide said; “Allocation of May that was received was not enough to pay salary, leaving the gov-

ernment with the option of waiting for June allocation that is expected to be released next week and the moment that is done, the workers will get their May salary.” Speaking further, Olayinka said; “It is also important to point out that apart from the shortfall in the allocation coming to the state from the Federation Account; the gross mismanagement of the state finances by the immediate past APC govern-

ment is responsible for the present parlous state of Ekiti State finances. “As at the time we assumed office, unpaid bank loan was N15.8 billion, while outstanding payment from the N25 billion bond was N26 billion making it N42.6 billion debt from bank loans and bond alone! N21 billion was outstanding payment to road contractors, while N5 billion was outstanding emoluments to state public servants.

he Lagos State Government yesterday clarified that Managing Directors and Chief Executives Officers of gover nment- owned agencies and parastatals were not affected by the dissolution of boards of parastatals and agencies as recently directed by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. The government, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, also announced that the State House of Assembly Commission was also exempted from the dissolution. Governor Ambode, had on Monday approved the dissolution of all boards of parastatals and agencies of government in the state with the exemption of the State Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission and the State Independent Electoral Commission. The government added that the clarification had become necessary because of different misinter pretations given to the announcement of the dissolution by the media

Osun debt: Omisore’s claim, worthless vituperation –APC lIt will take Aregbesola several lies to cover-up, says PDP

sun State chapter Of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, to substantiate his claim over the N480billion debt profile of the state. The party’s Director of publicity, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, in a statement in Osogbo, said, “the news ven-

dors would have asked the accuser (Omisore), to authenticate at least a couple of his dubious figures and provide some form of evidence to support his claims.” However, Prince Diran Odeyemi, the PDP Director Of Publicity said: “It will take several lies and cover ups to cover a lie whereas truth is constant, again, we implore Aregbesola, to say the truth about the debt portfolio so as to come up with ideas on the way out.” But, Oyatomi described the allegations of Omisore against the Gov-

Adesina Wahab

Protesters want Fayose to annul selection of monarch

Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

Ado-Ekiti

he battle Effort fill the vacant stool of the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, took a new twist yesterday, as some ruling houses in the town during a protest called on the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, to halt the selection process and order a fresh one. The aggrieved persons also faulted the selection process in which Prince

Jimi Adu, one of the favourites to the stool, was alleged not to have a royal linkage. The protesters yesterday, took to the streets in Ikere-Ekiti, to protest their displeasure with the selection process. Drawn mainly from Ogbenuote and Agabaola Ruling Houses, the protesters alleged that Adu’s emergence was against the tenets of the Ekiti State

ernor Aregbesola, published in some national newspapers yesterday, as “the worthless vituperation of a psychopath.” He said, “the only path of honour left for the failed PDP governorship candidate is to produce proof (item-for-item) to authenticate his allegations, otherwise there will be credible reason to doubt Omisore’s stability.” The APC also accused Omisore of being a serial liar, stating that he has consistently demonstrated his penchant for not speaking the truth. The party’s Public-

ity Director remarked that “only someone with psychological disorder would make the kind of claims Omisore made in yesterday’s publication, without a shred of evidence. “We are therefore challenging this PDP megaphone of falsehood to produce, within seven days, proof for every allegation made with corresponding evidence from the source or sources of his silly information.” In a separate statement, the PDP Director Of publicity said: “It will take several lies and cover ups to cover a lie as truth is constant.”

Chieftaincy Law and the tradition of the town that places high premium on the Ifa oracle for consultation before an Ogoga was selected. They described as needless, the ongoing tussle for the Ogoga traditional stool, branding the selection of Adu, by some kingmakers as a flagrant breach of trust and tradition of the town. Briefing newsmen on be-

half of the families, Chief Oladimeji Adegboyega and Prince Francis Aladejebi, claimed that Adu, was not a biological member of either Ogbenuote or Agabaola Ruling Houses. They protesters wielded various placards which read: ‘Ikere-Ekiti needs peace’, ‘We want Fayose to call for fresh nomination’, ‘No to Jimi Alagbado’, ‘No to imposition of Ogoga’, among others.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Police, cyclists clash over ban enforcement in Onitsha

600 displaced in Ebonyi/ Cross River border clash

Okegwo Kenechukwu

Uchenna Inya

Onitsha

o fewer than 5,000 motorcycles and trycycles operating in the commercial city of Onitsha were impounded by the Police yesterday over the enforcement of the order the state government banning their use. New Telegraph gathered that the development

followed the enforcement of the order of the state government on the ban of operators of motorcycles and tricycles in some designated roads, prompting the Police within the Onitsha Area Command to embark on a full scale enforcement of the order. The state government had directed yesterday that all operators of motorcycles popularly called Okada were henceforth

banned from plying major roads in the commercial city. The area includes, Onitsha Owerri Road, Enugu-Onitsha Express Way, Awka Road, New and Old Market Road, Oguta Road, Iweka Road, Niger Street, Ziks Avenue and Port harcourt Road. When our reporter visited the Area Commander and Central Police Station, motorcycles and tri-

cycles numbering over 2,000 were seen parked at different locations in the two stations while their owners were seen standing in groups discussing their plights. It would be recalled that the Anambra State Government had, in a public statement directed law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance of the order. According to govern-

ment statement, any first offender would be allowed to pay a fine of N5,000 and if impounded again the motorcycle or tricycle would be confiscated by the state government. When contacted, the Area Commander Onitsha Area Command CSP Isa Abubakar, said the enforcement was in compliance with the state government’s directives.

L-R: Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Rita Maduagwu; Governor Willie Obiano and Commissioner for Works, Chief Law Chinwuba, during the flag-off of the re-construction work on Awkuzu-Igbariam-Achalla road…yesterday

ABAKALIKI

t least, six hundred persons have been displaced in the renewed boundary dispute between the people of Ochienyim, Ndiagu Amagu Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State and Adadama community, Abi local government area of Cross River State. The traditional ruler of Ochienyim Ndiagu Amagu Community, Peter Azuegu, who made this known yesterday when Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe visited the area to ascertain the level of damage in the renewed violence, accused the people of Adadama of secretly killing the people of Amagu through ambush. He alleged that indigenes of the area including Sunday Ujebe, Nte Anyigor Omar and Christopher Ogodo, were shot dead with their corpse missing when the community was invaded on June 4. Azuegu stated that scores of people were also injured as a result of the attack while others are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.

kill police corporal in Tribunal grants Otti more time to inspect poll materials Gunmen Ebonyi, snatch rifle Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he Abia State electoral petitions tribunal yesterday granted the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the governorship election of April 11 election in the State, Dr. Alex Otti, extension of time for the inspection of materials used for the election.

Otti’s lead counsel, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), had told the tribunal that the petitioner could not carry out the forensic inspection of the electoral materials as earlier ordered by the tribunal because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly failed ‘’to cooperate.’’ Olujinmi, therefore, requested for an extension to give the petitioner

enough time to inspect the electoral materials. However, in his response, Counsel to INEC, Mr. Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN), said that the commission was not served the order of the tribunal, adding that the commission was ready to cooperate with all the parties in the petition. The tribunal had, during its inaugural sitting on May 20, given Otti

three days, including May 27, 28 and 30, to inspect the electoral materials. In granting the extension, Chairman of the tribunal, Hon. Justice Usman Bwala, ordered that the first to the third respondents, including Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, PDP and INEC, be served not later than Friday. The matter was adjourned to Monday, June 15 for mention.

Youths decry use of schools as military barracks Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

youth group, Youth Joint Council of Ukwa, has called on the government to relocate the military from Asa High School, where soldiers were being kept at the height of the kidnapping in Abia State in 2010, saying that a situation in which a major secondary school in the area was turned to a military barrack was an

aberration. The group which champions the cause of Ukwa people in a communiqué after its special congress held yesterday at Umuebulungwu- Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area, strongly condemned what it called the “ unjust conversion of the prestigious Asa High School to a military barracks”. The group, also complained against what it called the marginalisation of the people, in the politi-

cal equations of Abia State, arguing that it would only amount to injustice to sideline the only oil - producing councils in the state even as the oil producing communities. The youths also “frowned at the political appointments so far made in the state as no Ukwa son or daughter was considered for the principal offices in the Executive or Legislative arms of government”. The communiqué signed by National Leader of the

group, Comrade Kingsley Nna Okadigbo, appealed to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to quickly address the continued marginalisation of the Ukwa people, to give them a sense of belonging. The group also tasked the governor to as a matter of urgency revive all moribund industries in Ukwa, such as the Ogwe Golden Chicken Farm, Abia Palm, Akwete Weaving Industry, and Azumini Blue River, to help create employment for youths in the area .

Uchenna Inya

ABAKALIKI

nknown gunmen have killed a Police Corporal identified as Aliah Yusuf, attached to the Ebonyi State Police Command recently in the early hours of yesterday on his way to his residence at Ugwuachara in Ebonyi Local Government Area

of the State. The gunmen were said to have trailed the slain police officer, snatching his riffle before killing him. Confirming the incident to newsmen yesterday, the state Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Ejike Emmanuel, said Yusuf was shot by gun men who trailed him.

48 News Oshiomhole slams Edo PDP over council funds Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

do State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday described as crass ignorance, the allegation by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Dan Orbih, that the state government has misappropriated local government funds. In a statement made available to newsmen in Benin, the state capital yesterday, Governor Oshiomhole, through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said rather than criticise local government administration in the state, Orbih ought to cover his face in shame at the outright plundering of the economy by the last PDP-led government at the federal level to the extent that even the Federal Government could not pay workers’ salaries. The governor said: “For some time now, we have resolved to ignore Dan Orbih and his PDP co-travelers, not because of his obstinacy, but for his deliberate attempt to distract government in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities to the people.”

south - south

Okowa freezes micro-credit account Dominic Adewole ASABA

he Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has frozen the in-flow of money into the account of the award-winning Delta State Micro-Credit Scheme. Reports said the governor wanted to investigate

l Uncovers N200m fraud

whether the scheme was still relevant before committing money into it. The governor also transferred the Assistant Accountant, Government House, Asaba, Mr. Michael Oghene, out of his office with immediate effect, having allegedly traced a fraud of N200 million to his account.

ASABA

he Delta State wing of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is poised for a showdown with the state government over alleged attempt to retrieve the Delta City Buses from the union. The leadership of the union has, therefore, called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to urgently wade into the looming crisis before it escalated. The buses were procured and given to members of the union by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, to cushion the

effect of the removal of fuel subsidy by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Chairman of the union, Chief Ifeanyi Obi, who briefed journalists in Asaba yesterday, said the move to retrieve the buses was in bad faith. According to him, it was sinister to conspire against such a peopleoriented scheme. He said: “Nobody wrote officially or came to discuss the issue with us, but all of a sudden, they want to retrieve the buses, and we believe that the governor will call these people to order. This action is retrogressive and we are pleading with him to quickly intervene.

“We are aware that the issue of buses have not been discussed anywhere. The buses do not belong to the government again. The manner in which some unscrupulous elements are going about collecting the buses is capable of causing crisis, because the owners of the buses may violently resist them.” While he begged for more buses to ease the transportation challenges of commuters across the state, Obi wondered why the few vehicles on the road have come under threat, maintaining that “this will cause more hardship for the people, who are the direct beneficiaries of the scheme.”

Stakeholders move to intervene in JUSUN, Edo rift Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

takeholders in Edo State yesterday met at a roundtable to fashion out ways of ensuring a lasting peace in the disagreement between striking workers of the state judiciary and the state government over the controversial autonomy being demanded by the judicial arm of gov-

The transfer, New Telegraph gathered, has generated fears among workers in the Governor’s Office, throwing those in the accounting department into panic. Besides, Governor Okowa was said to be displeased with the sharp practices surrounding the process of changing

the micro-credit scheme into a full-fledged Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, shortly before the former governor left office, wondering how the accountant accumulated the huge amount involved in the fraud. Former Governor Uduaghan signed the bill he sponsored, transforming

the scheme into an agency of government into law on October 20, 2014. A top government functionary in Asaba, said Okowa was yet to understand the partnership between the agency and the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) for leather works, shoe factory and production of other foods and drinks.

Rivers State Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, on their arrival from the holy land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos…yesterday.

NURTW, Delta govt on collision course over city buses Dominic Adewole

thursday, june 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

ernment. The strike followed the verdict of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on the implementation of its order across the states of the federation. The leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin and its counterpart in the Anglican communion, top Benin palace chiefs, executives of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the Af-

rican Network on Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the Edo State government at the peace meeting, proffered solutions that would end the six-month-old strike by the judicial workers. Sources at the meeting said the stakeholders resolved to prevail on the state government to sign the agreement it earlier entered with the JUSUN leaders.

Wike berates opposition over comments on security Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday berated the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for its comments on the state of security in the state. He said there is security in the state, adding that the safety of lives and property is also guaranteed as against the opposition’s position that there is insecurity in Port Harcourt and that the city is littered with corpses. Wike said since he became governor on May 29, the city of Port Harcourt has been busy hosting international and national conferences and other events, stressing that the opposition was only fixated in painting a negative picture about the state. The governor, who spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while hosting visiting Vice-Chancellors from Nigerian universities to a cocktail, said his administration has brought back peace to the state. He alleged that the opposition’s view was as a result of the elections, noting that; “now that

the elections are over, you will not hear those things again, relax and feel free,” he said. Wike promised that his government would continue to focus on the safety of lives and property, adding that the vicechancellors and other top officials of Nigerian universities, having stayed for three days, had realised that the state is peaceful despite claims to the contrary by the opposition. He said: “We have committed ourselves to hosting many national meetings and conferences since we took over the reins of governance. This we have done to prove that we have restored peace and stability in the state with businesses going on without hindrance. “If you have not come here for your 30th annual conference, you may be tempted to believe that Port Harcourt is an unsafe place. “They created the impression that as you move around Port Harcourt, you will see corpses of people who have been killed. In the days you spent in Port Harcourt, you have noticed that it is a peaceful city with a rich night life."

PHOTOS: TONY EGUAYE

Blood donation campaign gets a boost in Edo Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he campaign for blood donation for accident victims and those in dire need in line with this year’s World Donors’ Day, received further boost yesterday as prominent leaders and members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State made their donation to save lives of victims in the country. Former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and chieftain of the PDP in the state, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had led some leaders and members of the party to donate blood at the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), the SouthSouth centre in Benin as part of activities lined up to mark his 53rd birthday anniverasy and that of his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ivia IzeIyamu, respectively. The former SSG also donated food items, toiletries and cash to inmates of the International Christian Centre, housing over 900 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who are victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the northern part of the country in addition to the initial 400 inmates of the centre.

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, june 18, 2015

Kebbi dissolves boards, parastatals Abubakari Abdul Birnin Kebbi

ebbi State governor, Atiku Abubakari, yesterday dissolved the boards of commissions, agencies and parastatals in the state. In a statement signed by the Head of Service, Babale Umar Yauri at the Government House, the state government said the dissolution was with immediate effect. He added that the boards of four commissions, including the Civil Service Commission, State House of Assembly Commission, the Judicial Service Commission and the State Independent Electoral Commission, were exempted from the dissolution. Yauri said the directive to dissolve the boards was from the governor and that it was meant to improve and promote the state’s civil service. He thanked members of the dissolved boards for their service to the people of the state and for contributing their quota to the service.

News 49

south north - south

Council boss confirms death of two by STF personnel Musa Pam Jos

wo women were yesterday allegedly shot dead in Heipang District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council of Plateau State by soldiers and members of the Special Task Force saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace in the state. New Telegraph gathered that there was accusation in the past of military involvement in killings in the area even as the community was protesting against mounting of check points around the area. Investigation also re-

vealed that last night, there was an attack on the community, which led to the discovery of a military identity card by the villagers in the area, which also culminated in the protest. The protesters were shouting, “We do not want military check points in our area,” “No to military checks points,” among others. Confirming the incident in Jos yesterday, the Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Emmanuel Loman, who spoke on telephone, said a soldier from the STF shot to death two women, who were protesting the incessant attacks and killings in their communi-

ties. According to him, there was disagreement between the protesting women and the soldiers, who were mounting check points in the area as the women moved to their shops across the road, a soldier from the STF, met them inside their shop and shot them at a close range. Loman also added that a middle-aged man, who was also beaten to stupor by the same soldier, is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the area. New Telegraph also gathered that the two women killed were Victoria Bitrus and Abishak Solomon. Abishak was said to be holding her

baby in her hands during the incident. Spokesman of the Special Task Force on Jos crisis, Captain Ikediche Iweha, in a reaction, told New Telegraph that no woman was shot dead by soldiers in the area. According to him, there was a directive from their headquarters of the need to review check points in the area. According to him, while STF personnel arrived in the area to review the check point as well as mount another one, some groups, mainly women and youths, mobilised themselves and were busy destroying the check point being put together by the STF personnel.

He added that in the process, there was a gun shot from the crowd which hit two people. Iweha said: “I am not aware of any death, nobody died in the confusion, except two women that were hit in the crowd who sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.” He appealed to members of the community not to take the law into their hands, but to show understanding to enable STF serve them better. Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report yesterday, it was gathered that the riot policemen that were attached to the STF in Heipang, had been withdrawn by the STF headquarters.

BoI gives out N16bn soft loans in Kano Muhammad Kabir Kano

etermined to revive hundreds of moribund industries and factories in Kano State, the Bank of Industry (BoI) yesterday said it has given out N16 billion as loans to 68 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state. The Managing Director of the bank, Rasheed Olaoluwa, made this known yesterday at the official opening of the bank’s Kano office saying; “You will recall that BoI and the Kano State government partnered under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was executed in June 2013 to set up a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Fund to the tune of N2 billion. This was to be contributed by both parties in equal amounts of N1 billion each, dedicated to the provision of financial assistance for SMEs in the state.

NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Sani Sidi (middle) and management staff of the University of Maiduguri, during his visit to the university …yesterday.

Tambuwal reconstitutes Ramadan feeding committee Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

he Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday approved the reconstitution of the 23-man Ramadan Feeding Committee in the state. This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs,

Imam Imam, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto yesterday. The statement said the appointment was with immediate effect. The former Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru, the Galadiman Gari, same as did its Secretary, Garba Bello, the Director, Social Welfare in the state Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

NGO boosts maternal, child healthcare in Taraba Sabiu Mustapha JALINGO

he Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation,

through another Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Evidence for Action (E4A) yesterday set up a mechanism to promote Maternal, Newborn and

Child Healthcare (MNCH) in Taraba State. The mechanism was set up at the end of a twoday training workshop in Jalingo for stakeholders.

PHOTO-NAN

UNIMAID partners NEMA on disaster management Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

he Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support indigent students and children of those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. The Vice-Chancellor, who disclosed this when the Director General of the NEMA paid him a courtesy call at the university, said: “At least 70 per cent of my students came from the North-

East, which is being faced with insurgency and were mostly displaced, hence the need for your agency to assist indigent and displaced students.” He said: “Just recently, a foundation called “Abdul Kabir foundation” has offered scholarship to 100 indigent students of the university with N100, 000 each, and I believe your agency should also come to assist other indigent students ravaged by insurgency.” He assured NEMA that the university will continue to partner with the agency, especially through the Disaster and Risk Management and

Development Centre. Njodi said the centre, since inception, has graduated 250 students at the Master’s Degree and PostGraduate Diploma levels in Disaster and Risks’ Management, assuring the organisation that the university will continue to render support to the agency in the post-insurgency reconstruction and rehabilitation of the state. He also told the Director-General that most of the staff of the institution are from the North-East, as such the university is also playing host to many IDPs, because according to him, the IDPs are living with their friends and relations.

WORLD | News

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Palestinian split widens as unity government quits

he Palestinian unity government resigned yesterday in a deepening rift with Gaza as the blockaded territory’s de facto rulers Hamas held separate, indirect talks with Israel. An aide to president Mahmud Abbas said prime minister Rami Hamdallah “handed his

resignation to Abbas”, but confusion reigned over when the government was likely to dissolve. It was also unclear what the next cabinet might look like, reflecting the chaotic period for Palestinian politics. Discussions on forming a new government would include consultations with the various

Palestinian factions, including the Islamist Hamas, aide Nimr Hammad said. The government of technocrats was formed last year to replace rival administrations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. “The government will continue to function until we have a new one,” a Palestine Liberation Organisation official

said before the official resignation. “I think what’s coming now is the formation of a government with politicians, not a government of technocrats.” Abbas’s spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said the PLO’s executive committee would hold a meeting Monday, attended by Hamdallah, to discuss the “form-

ing of a national unity government”, but did not elaborate. Officials said the move had been under discussion for several months because of the cabinet’s inability to operate in Hamasdominated Gaza. But Hamas rejected any unilateral dissolution of the unity government and said it had not been consulted.

Tripoli govt welcomes latest UN peace draft

Migrants sit in line after disembarking from the Royal Navy ship HMS Bulwark upon their arrival in the port of Catania on the coast of Sicily.

EU border agency launches ‘hotspot’ to tackle migrant crisis

U border agency Frontex yesterday launched its first so-called “hotspot” in Sicily designed to bring together European and international actors to help Italy tackle the Mediterranean migrant crisis. “We have deployed our staff members only today to start working on the ground in Catania, Sicily,” Frontex deputy executive director Gil Arias-Fernandez told AFP in Warsaw. Italy is struggling to cope with an influx of 60,000 migrants so far this year. Fleeing war or poverty, most arrive by sea from North Africa and many have died during the perilous journey in unsafe vessels run by people smuggling gangs. “We hope that the other agencies

will gradually deploy their staff or their liaison officers in the coming days and weeks,” Arias-Fernandez added, referring to the European Asylum Support Office, Eurojust, the UN Refugee Agency and the European Maritime Safety Agency. Proposed by the European Commission, Frontex “hotspots” aim to pool the resources of all the agencies focused on migration and security to “work together and to create synergies,” he said. “This is a new concept in the places where the situation of irregular migration is more dramatic, especially in the Mediterranean.” European interior ministers failed to reach agreement Tuesday on plans to tackle the migrant crisis as Italy threatened a backlash if other

EU states refuse to share the burden of asylum seekers. The deadlock came as Italian police forcefully evicted dozens of mainly African migrants from their shelter under a railway bridge on the Franco-Italian border. EU members are lukewarm about a European Commission proposal for quotas to redistribute 40,000 Syrian and Eritrean asylum-seekers who have arrived in Europe and resettle 20,000 Syrians living in camps outside Europe. European leaders swore action after some 800 migrants died in a shipwreck in April. It was the worst disaster yet in the Mediterranean in a year in which 1,800 people have died trying to reach Europe while more than 100,000 have arrived.

Egypt reopens Tahrir Square metro station

gypt reopened a major downtown Cairo metro station yesterday after a two-year closure, signaling government confidence in the security situation despite several low-level attacks in the capital. Located below Tahrir Square, a symbol of the popular uprising that toppled veteran leader Hosni Mubarak in 2011, Sadat metro station is one of only two stations linking the network’s two main lines. Authorities shut the station in August 2013 when hundreds of supporters of former Islamist President Mohamed Mursi, ousted by the army after mass protests against his rule, were shot dead at two Cairo protest camps and thousands more rounded up.

Egypt has defended its actions against protesters, saying they were given opportunities to disperse peacefully, and blamed Muslim Brotherhood militants for the violence. The station opened to little fanfare early yesterday with a large security presence. Metal detectors, surveillance cameras, baggage screening x-ray machines and half a dozen policemen greeted commuters at the station’s entrances, not all of which were in operation. Policemen were posted at turnstiles, checking tickets manually. A row of plainclothed policemen brandishing assault rifles and uniformed conscripts also stood guard inside the station. Policemen

manned each side of the platform. “Opening the station is a very good thing. It shows the return of security and the government’s control over the Egyptian street,” said commuter Samuel Aziz, a doctor. “This sends a message of assurance to the Egyptian people, foreign investors and people in other countries that stability has returned to Egypt.” One woman passenger ululated joyfully, another group of women chanted “Long live Egypt,” as they alighted. Militants have stepped up attacks since Mursi’s ouster. While most of the worst attacks have hit the Sinai Peninsula, the focus of an insurgency, smaller blasts have become increasingly common in Cairo and other cities.

he alliance controlling Libya’s capital Tripoli yesterday it welcomed a draft UN agreement aimed at lifting the country out of months of chaos by forming a national unity government. UN envoy Bernardino Leon’s fourth version of a proposed pact between the Fajr Libya Islamist militia-led alliance and Libya’s internationally recognised government contained “positive proposals that could lead to a political solution”, the Tripoli administration said in a statement. However, it added that “modifications” needed to be made before it would sign a final version of the deal. The UN has tried for months to broker a compromise between warring factions in Libya, which descended into lawlessness after the NATO-backed overthrow

of veteran autocrat Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. The oil-rich nation has rival governments and parliaments, and jihadist groups and militants have seized on the chaos to make strategic gains. The conflict has also prompted a huge rise in the number of migrants trying to make the dangerous Mediterranean crossing to Europe, with hundreds dying in shipwrecks and the EU straining to respond. Under the proposed deal, both sides would commit to integrating their militias into a reformed military under direct control of a unity government. But the recognised government, exiled in Libya’s east, voiced its “displeasure” Tuesday with the text drawn up by Leon, who had hoped to get an interim deal in place in time for the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan this week.

Turkey: Journalists detained reportedly for asking about IS

urkish authorities briefly detained three journalists at the border with Syria for angering the local governor with questions about possible infiltrators from the Islamic State group, one of the journalists said in comments published yesterday. In another incident illustrating the continuing crackdown on media freedoms in Turkey, a newspaper editor received a 21-months suspended sentence for allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a tweet. Cumhuriyet newspaper said its reporter, Pinar Ogunc, was questioned Tuesday at the border town of Akcakale, along with journalists working for the Turkish daily Evrensel and Germany’s Die Welt. They were

covering the Islamic State group’s loss of the Syrian town Tal Abyad to Kurdish forces and had asked Gov. Izettin Kucuk if IS militants who may have escaped across the border could pose a threat to Turkey. Ogunc said four journalists were taken to one side where they were berated by officials and three of them were later taken to a police station, reportedly upon Kucuk’s orders. Kucuk’s office denied that he ordered the journalists arrested for asking questions. It said they were submitted to an identity check because of “sensitivities” at the border region. Yesterday, opposition newspaper Today’s Zaman said a court in Ankara convicted editor Bulent Kenes of insulting Erdogan but later suspended his sentence.

Russia, Germany trade accusations

ussia accused NATO yesterday of reviving the ghost of the Cold War by encroaching close to its borders and seeking to change the strategic balance of power, as Germany denounced Moscow’s nuclear weapons build-up as a Soviet-style reflex. Ties between Russia and the West have hit new lows over Ukraine and the latest accusations come after Moscow said it would

enhance its nuclear arsenal in response to Washington’s plans to station heavy military equipment in eastern Europe. “It’s not Russia that’s approaching someone’s borders. It’s NATO’s military infrastructure that is approaching the borders of Russia,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “All this forces Russia to take measures to safeguard its own interests, its own security.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2015

Women’s World Cup

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Man United, Spurs in crunch EPL opener

Kirby doing her fan, club proud

Falcons were not focused – Okon

Arsenal: Dangote banks on refinery proceeds

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Interview

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Did you know? That Portuguese athlete Francisco Lazaro was the first athlete to die during an Olympic Games event back at the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

Iguodala named NBA Finals MVP

• Leads Golden State to first championship in 39 years Ifeanyi Ibeh

olden State forward Andre Iguodala, who was born in the United States to a Nigerian father and an American mother, was in the early hours of Wednesday named MVP of the NBA Finals following the Warriors’ 105-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He became the first player to garner the honour without starting every game, while the

Iguodala

Charles Ogundiya

uper Eagles striker, Gbolahan Salami, has attributed his recent inspiring form to the massive support he enjoys from his wife, Mrs Ololade Salami. The Warri Wolves hitman got married only last December but he told our correspondent exclusively that marriage life has transformed him into a better player. He said: “She talks to me day and night about the need to create a better image for myself on and off the pitch especially in the national team. She has brought calmness into my life. “My wife is like a pillar to me right now. She made me realise many people look up to me to show example and that some of the things I do today will be reference point for our children.

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Golden State Warriors snapped a 39-season title drought. It also marks the first time that the Finals MVP has been on the same team as the regularseason MVP (Stephen Curry) since Magic Johnson claimed the Finals honour in 1980 while playing on a Los Angeles Lakers squad with regular-season MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Iguodala and his Benin Cityborn Golden State teammate, Festus Ezeli, are also the first Ni-

gerians to win an NBA title since Hakeem Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to the title in 1995. Before this season, Iguodala had started 758 consecutive games. This season, he remained in a reserve role until Game 4 of the Finals, when he was substituted into the starting lineup for centre Andrew Bogut. The Warriors then won each of the final three games of the series, overcoming the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game

6 to take the title. Iguodala finished the series with averages of 16.3 points, 4 assists and 5.8 rebounds. In Game 6, he scored 25 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 assists. “My mind was working so many ways,” Iguodala said. “Like, ‘What’s going to happen if you win? What’s going to happen if you lose? How do you approach the game starting? Do you come out firing? Do you let it just come to you?’ “For me, it was just playing my game. If you’re feeling it, shoot it. If you feel like you can make a play for somebody else, make a play for somebody else.”

My wife, secret of my scoring form –Salami “She has been doing well to shape my career. I now play with more confidence and don’t just allow anything to annoy me anymore because I have to make her proud at home. “That I am scoring often now is a result of marriage because I am just a better person in all aspects including my job as a footballer. I play now with responsibility to make myself and my family proud. I also try to avoid any embarrassment” Salami vowed to continue with his goal scoring form for the national team and his club, Warri Wolves. He opened the scoring for the Super Eagles in a 2-0 victory at the weekend against Chad in an AFCON 2017 qualifier before netting another goal on Monday in a 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars in one of the league matches. The former Shooting Stars striker who was outstanding against the Chadians, said Nigerians should expect more from him in subsequent matches. “I am very happy to have scored goals in the two games,” Salami said. “I have been noticed now by defenders, so I need to work harder to maintain my form because to get to the top is easier than staying at the top. “I want to score more goals for the national team and my

club Warri Wolves. We want to be in Gabon for the Nations Cup and we need to win games to achieve that objective. I also want to help Warri Wolves win

the league title.” The striker showered praises on head coach, Stephen Keshi, for believing in the homebased players.

“I ran to the coach after scoring because if not for him, home-based players wouldn’t have made the national team.”

South Africa’s defender Thulani Hlatshwayo (C) vying for the ball with Nigeria’s forward Gbolahan Salami during the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifying football match

Sport

THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Throwing stones at FIFA’s glass house (2) CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

Muyiwa Daniel

he quantum of stones hurled at the top echelon of FIFA since last week got to an unprecedented level when the European Parliament sent a request to President Joseph Blatter not to wait till a successor is found in December to exit the top football job but do the needful by quitting with immediate effect. The pull of the string on the hangman’s noose also got tighter when the director of communications of the same organisation threw in the towel to take away the glare from the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand when the African team of the moment, Mali, not only survived West African neighbours and former world champions, Ghana, but achieved the unthinkable by shocking out Flying Eagles conquerors, Germany, to march into the semifinal with the other African surprise team, Senegal. The FIFA spokesman had told a funny television host that there were three people in a van-Blatter, Secretary-General Jerome Valke and himself, The van was driven by a Swiss Policeman. That gaffe not only got Blatter furious but was enough to cost the guy his job. That meant he wasn’t going to be in Canada for the Women’s World Cup or the South Amer-

on Thursday

md_muyiwa@yahoo.com 08023525087 (sms only) ican version of the Nations Cup, Copa America, where Barcelona’s Neymar is set for a showdown with Argentine, Leonel Messi, a player French respected Magazine, France Football, is urging soccer followers worldwide to compare to Brazilian legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, as the greatest player of all-time. I have been an admirer of Messi since he was 12-year old when he was brought from the slums of La Plata –Buenos Airies ailing with lung cancer. His talent was spotted by the eagle eyes of Barcelona youth scouts and he arrived the Catalan capital with doctors battling for his life. Providence set in as a Catholic Priest revealed just like Mother Mary appeared in Fatimah to those trio in an apparition that all Messi needed to survive was the import of his loving sister. The club managers didn’t go for only the sister but added his mother too. The father arrived later and since then the story had gone from

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Emmanuel Tobi Live from

Canada

gloom to glory until late when the dad and the player were engulfed in tax evasion charges. Messi has deservedly won the World-footballer –of- the- year diadem in blistering fashion and all left for him to conquer remains the World Cup. One of the greatest players, no doubt, and the votes will certainly come from a biased soccer following age-bracket that is below forty-five (45) years. For, if you are that and below you NEVER saw Pele play in 1970 and as such cannot compare. However with the internet, you can obtain information on various social media and google Pele. That will not give you statistics like the Brazilian former sports minister and one who is staying away from the FBI scam on corruption winning three World Cups in 1958 as an 18-year old, 1962 and almost crippled in England 1966 only to return to glory in 1970. It will not compare the kind of jerseys and laced boots with that hard-ball that was all round heavy leather in

the burning sun or heat. It was a time yellow and red cards were hardly “exported” by referees. Not until Blatter as SecretaryGeneral of FIFA got the technical and referees Committees to take a second look into the law books after Dutch striker, Marco Van Basten, was retired early from the beautiful game. Technology has also assisted with the kind of designer boots, balls and well laid-out pitches. The laws are more protective of players, especially the stars like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Yaya Toure and Gonzalo Higuain because they not only lift the game but are part of his bloated economy which has placed this searchlight on those who run the game. And they are fighting back as the cloud thickens against the African Federation led since 1988 by Camerounian, Issa Hayatou, who sat in the Stade de Yaounde, state box Sunday as the country’s national team struggled to a 1-0 win over Mauritania. Blatter has not yielded to the EU call and South Africa is diverting questions to Hayatou on his involvement in the discharge of grants to African federations and the FIFA goal projects on the continent. SAFA President, Danny Jordaan, insisted on the fringes of the African Union summit where

Concluded

Wowen’s World Cup

Falcons were not focused – Okon

Host to play Switzerland in Round of 16

eam Canada will play Switzerland in the Round of 16 at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Canada - which finished atop Group A was guaranteed to face the third-place finisher in either Group C, D or E according to the tournament format. In addition to the top two teams in each group, the top four third-place finishers also qualify for the knockout stage. Tuesday’s action settled the final standings in Groups C and D, meaning two third-place finishers - the Netherlands, on four points, and Switzerland on three points with a goaldifferential of plus-seven - were guaranteed berths in the knockout stage. According to FIFA’s official scenarios for the tournament, any combination of third-place teams that includes a team from both Group A (Netherlands) and C (Switzerland) would result in the latter facing the Group A winner. Despite losses to Japan (1-0) and Cameroon (2-1), Switzerland comfortably qualified for the knockout round, aided by an impressive 10-1 victory over Ecuador. The Swiss boast a potent offensive attack, led by Ramona Bachmann and Fabienne Humm, who have scored three goals apiece in the tournament thus far. Canada has scored just two goals through three group stage games, including Christine Sinclair’s penalty-spot marker against China and Ashley Lawrence’s opener in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.

leaders are battling for the survival of “its despotic leaders” from appearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) with Sudan’s Al-Bashir as the man-on-the-spot, stating that the $10million linked with Conmenbol and Jack Warner were for development. I have read Nigeria’s Amos Adamu’s defence of Hayatou and his comment that Blatter set him up because of his determination to succeed Issa as CAF boss. However, recall that while he was National Sport Commission directorgeneral, NFA presidents were faced by the searchlight of the EFCC and in the transition with Patrick Ekeji top federation bosses, Sani Lulu, Amanze Uchegbulam, Taiwo Ogunjobi and Bolaji Ojo-Oba are still EFCC “guests”. The man who headed the finance committee but had “come clean” Aminu Maigari emerged NFA boss but was soon kicked-out and replaced by Amaju Pinnick. Pinnick had gone on to defend Blatter. Hayatou has remained the “last man standing” in the top bracket. The stones are, however, getting close. Let’s clean this Augean stable. ALL ROUND – Nigeria inclusive. After all that is the “Sai Baba Change” Case closed.

Nigeria’s Evelyn Nwabuoku (left) vying for the ball with USA s Sydney Leroux during the 1-0 loss

Sweden coach undecided on Falcons job

oach of the Sweden Women National football team at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, Pia Sundhage, has said she is yet to decide on her next destination following reports that the Nigeria Football Federation has opened talks with her. Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph in Edmonton after her team’s 1-1 draw with Sweden on Wednesday, Sundhage praised the avalanche of talent in the Nigerian team but declined on her next move. “The fact that we scored three goals against Nigeria and they came back strongly shows that it’s a very strong

team,” the coach said. “From the very beginning, we had the hardest opening game and the hardest group. “They have great character and a bunch of young and energetic players but I don’t think I can say anything about my future now. I will need to meet and discuss with my other crew and see what’s next.” The Swede, who was voted 2012 FIFA World Coach of the Year, also won two Olympic football gold medals with the USA in 2008 and 2012. She was also in charge when the US lost to Japan in the final of the World Cup in 2011.

uper Falcons coach, Edwin Okon, has blamed his team’s elimination from the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup to lack of focus on the part of the players in the 1-0 loss against the USA. Speaking after the game played in the early hours of Wednesday in Nigeria, Okon said the players were not focused enough, and the US only needed to hold on to their lead after Nigeria were reduced to 10 players later on during the match. “It was a great experience for us here in Canada,” Okon said. “We weren’t focused enough in a few situations today. I wasn’t surprised to see USA make substitutions that were more defensive after our sending off as they knew they were playing a good team. “You always have a 50-50 chance in every game. USA made the most of one of their chances and we didn’t, even though we had several.” Meanwhile, coach of the US, Jill Ellis, has praised the Nigerian players for their efforts, saying his team rose to the occasion to maintain their dominance over the Falcons. Ellis said: “Nigeria gave us a good fight, as expected. They’re a dangerous team. I’m happy with the way we played both with and without the ball. We can attack with confidence if we have a good backline.” Nigeria exited the competition with one point from one draw and two losses in three matches, scoring three goals and conceding six.

Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2015

Arsenal: Dangote banks on refinery proceeds

igerian billionaire Aliko Dangote believes the building of an oil refinery in his homeland will give him the finance to secure a takeover of English Premier League side Arsenal. The 58-year-old, who has an estimated wealth of £11.5bn, told the BBC’s Hausa service: “When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for.” American Stan Kroenke is Arsenal’s major-

ity shareholder, owning 66.64 percent of the club’s parent company Arsenal Holdings plc. Russian-Uzbek Alisher Usmanov owns 29.11 percent with the remainder of the 62,217 shares held by minority shareholders including former players and the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust, who own three. Dangote is ranked 67th on the Forbes rich list. He had previously been interested in purchasing the 15.9 percent stake sold to Kroenke for £123m by Lady Nina

Olape reigns supreme at Millionaire Chess Festival Ajibade Olusesan

nternational Master, Bunmi Olape, will compete at this year’s Millionaire Chess tournament in Las Vegas, in the, USA, after emerging as the winner of the maiden Millionaire Chess Festival that was rounded off in Lagos on Monday. The second edition of the Millionaire Chess tourney is scheduled to come up from October 8 to 12, and Olape, a veteran of several international chess tourna-

ments, will be battling for a piece of the one million dollars prize money at stake. The Millionaire Chess tourney is the highest-stakes open chess tournament in the history of the sport. Olape’s victory at the Lagos tournament was assured following a major setback by the in-form Eugene Uwana in his final game when he committed a blunder against Lapite Oluwadurotimi. Olape profited from this by securing a win against Femi

Bracewell-Smith in April 2011 only to pull out. “There were a couple of us who were rushing to buy, and we thought with the prices then, the people who were interested in selling were trying to go for a kill,” Dangote added. “We backtracked, because we were very busy doing other things, especially our industrialisation.” Dangote believes Arsenal require a different ownership in order to be more successful on the pitch. He added: “They are

Adeshina to tie on seven points with Lapite. In the ensuing playoffs, both players drew the first game but Olape won the reverse tie to earn a ticket to Las Vegas for the million dollar tournament. “I am delighted to be back to form and ready to dominate the national chess scene again. It was not an easy task for me because I started badly in the opening rounds but happy to return to winning ways,” he said. In all, 170 players participated in different categories of play in the four-day tournament held at the Chevron Event Centre, Gbagada, Lagos.

Action between Union Bank and Customs during a recent DSTV Premier League Atlantic Conference game

Warriors can’t stop Union Bank – Johnson Ifeanyi Ibeh

yinla Johnson, coach of DSTV Premier League Atlantic Conference side, Union Bank, is confident about his side’s chances when they take on Oluyole Warriors in Ibadan on Friday. The Stallions defeated the Warriors earlier in the season in Lagos and, despite being on the road this time, Johnson is optimistic of another vic-

tory against the Ibadan warlords. “Though the match is going to be tough, considering the fact that the Oluyole Warriors are still struggling for a slot in the final eight play-offs, Union Bank will still come out victorious,” said the former national team star. Besides the game in Ibadan, there will also be action in Lagos as Atlantic Conference league leaders, Lagos Island-

Dangote

doing well, but they need another strategic direction. They need more direction than the current situation, where they just develop players and sell them.”

Finalists emerge at Abesan Cup

gando Football Academy and Rozie FC of Iyana Ipaja will contest the final of the 2015 Abesan Cup after both teams won their semifinal matches. Igando defeated Adonai of Agege 3-2 via a penalty shootout, after scores at the end of regulation time ended 1-1, while Rozie also went through penalty shootouts before triumphing 5-4 over Sammy FC of Ikotun. Scores at the end of regulation time was also 1-1. The venue and final of the competition will be announced in due course by the organisers. According to the coordinator of the annual event, Tayo Adeyemo, the final was postponed to enable Muslim faithful observe the month long Ramadan fasting. Adeyemo also said that the four semifinalists would receive a set of jerseys from the tournament’s official drink, Tasty Time. A Patron of the tournament, Segun Akinwande, has also donated a set of medals for the top three teams. Meanwhile, the tournament’s Grand Patron, Mrs Clementina Doregos, has congratulated the two finalists. The renowned educationist and philanthropist, who is also the cup donor, pledged to continue to support the country’s youths through sports and education.

ers, take on Delta Force, while Nigeria Customs battle Police Batons. Kwara Falcons will also be at home to Dodan Warriors of Lagos in Ilorin. In the Savannah Conference, defending champions Kano Pillars will be at home to FCT Rocks, while Plateau Peaks square off against Gombe Bulls in Jos. Kada Stars will also battle Bauchi Nets in Kaduna as Nigeria Immigrations take on Mark Mentors.

Bida Lions owe survival to Etsu Nupe, says Bello Ifeanyi Ibeh

hairman of Bida Lions FC, Alhaji Nuhu Bello, has attributed the club’s performance in the Nigeria Nationwide League Division One to the unwavering financial support the side has been receiving from the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar. The Bida Township Stadium-based club has been pulling its weight in the Nigeria Nationwide League Division One B and is seeking to make a return to the Nigeria National League following its relegation from the country’s second-tier division at the end of the 2013/14 season. But, according to the club’s chairman, playing in the Nationwide League has not been an easy road to tread for the former Niger State FA Cup champions thanks to the severe cash crunch the club has experienced since both the Niger State government and the Bida Local Government council decided to stop financial

backing of the club. “It has not been easy. Had it not been for Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, our darling club would have been history,” said Bello. “It is only God and His Royal Highness that have been able to rescue this club from extinction. “As I am speaking to you we have not been able to pay our players since December when we brought them together in readiness for the season. But whenever we want to go for matches, whether at home or away, and we approach His Royal Highness he is always ready to give us something. That is how we have been surviving since the state government and every person decided to hands off the running of the club.” He added: “He loves the club and he loves his kingdom. He has done so many things for us, including making attempts to raise funds for us through fundraisers and everyone associated with this club are forever indebted to him for all he has done for us.”

L-R - Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director Access Bank Plc, Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman and nine-year-old Adolfito Cambiaso receiving the Access Bank Cup from Wigwe at the Access Bank Polo Day’ at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor, United Kingdom on June 13.

Ajimobi backs Iyaloja Soccer Tourney Charles Ogundiya

yo State’s first lady, Florence Ajimobi, has thrown her weight behind the recently concluded Iyaloja Cup tournament organised by the Iyaloja of Ibadan land, Labake Lawal. Mrs Ajimobi pledged her support during the final game of the competition played by all

the major markets in the city of Ibadan. Labaowo Market defeated Bola Ige Market 3-0 in the final played at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan. The Iyaloja dedicated the competition to Senator Abiola Ajimobi for his victory during the last gubernatorial elections while thanking Mrs. Ajimobi for her constant

support to marketers in the state. “We are using this event to show our appreciation to the administration in the state for its good gestures to the Association of Joint Traders in the state and to demonstrate our ability on the field of play and our love for football,” she said.

54 International Sport

THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Man United, Spurs in crunch EPL opener

anchester United versus Tottenham at Old Trafford is the pick of the opening-day 2015-16 Premier League fixtures, which were announced on Wednesday. Champions Chelsea host Swansea City, Arsenal welcome West Ham and Liverpool travel to Stoke City, where they lost 6-1 on the final day of last season. The exact time and date of the games are subject to change throughout the season, but the first ball will be kicked on August 8. Championship win-

ners Bournemouth will meet Aston Villa at Dean Court, while Watford travel to Everton and Norwich, who were promoted via the play-offs, host Crystal Palace at Carrow Road. Elsewhere, Manchester City visit West Brom, Southampton travel north to Newcastle, and Leicester City host Sunderland. On just the second week of the season Manchester City will host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, while Liverpoool visit Arsenal a week later, the same day as City visit Everton.

U-20 World Cup

Senegal, Mali crash out

enegal and Mali both exited the Under-20 World Cup at the semi-finals stage on Wednesday, ending Africa’s hopes of taking the title. It was a crushing 5-0 defeat for Senegal in their match, which was virtually over after only seven minutes. Andelinou Correa scored an own goal on five minutes and Senegal’s disastrous start got worse just moments later when Marcos Guilherme

finished off a sweeping move to make it 2-0. Boschilia scored in the 19th and Jorge scored a fine solo effort to make it 4-0 later. The fifth and final goal came on 78 minutes when Guilherme scored his second of the game. Mali fared better against Serbia, forcing extra-time after coming back from an early goal to hold their opponents to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, but eventually falling 2-1.

Marouane Fellaini (right) in action against Tottenham

Messi slams Uruguay despite victory

ionel Messi accused Uruguay of doing little else other than trying to bully Argentina in Tuesday’s Copa America clash. Sergio Aguero scored the only goal of a bruising encounter in La Serena that featured six yellow cards and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino

being sent to the stands in his side’s 1-0 win. Messi felt Oscar Tabarez’s men were to blame for the ugly nature of the game, claiming his team-mates had been left with no choice but to fight fire with fire. “Uruguay wanted to play hard with a lot of contact,” the Barcelona

superstar told reporters. “We demonstrated that we know how to play this way too, even if it is not the thing we want most. “However, we tried to play at the same level during the whole game but Uruguay set out a very tight match. They did not want to play a lot.”

Nadal downplays shock Queens exit

Dieudonne Gbakle of Mali dribbling past Nemanja Antonov of Serbia

afael Nadal insists his shock defeat in the first round at Queen’s Club won’t damage his chances of a strong challenge for the Wimbledon title. Nadal’s disappointing 2015 campaign suffered another setback on Tuesday when the 14-time Grand Slam winner was dumped out of the Wimbledon warm-up event by unheralded Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Yet rather than dwell on the frustration of his early exit, Nadal maintains he is happy he has already got enough practice on grass and put the loss down to the misfortune of facing an inspired opponent. “I prefer to win all the matches. Not just before Wimbledon. I prefer to win all the matches of the year,” Nadal said. “But the year I won Wimbledon in 2008 I

played five matches here, and this year I already had five matches (on grass). “It’s nothing very negative. I won a tournament last week and this week I lost an opportunity. “But my feeling, my thoughts are no different today than yesterday. I’m playing better than before and enjoying being on court more than before.

Judge cites evidence of match-fixing in La Liga

Spanish judge investigating what happened to more than 2 million euro missing from Osasuna’s accounts has said there is evidence the cash was used to fix games towards the end of the 201314 La Liga season. In a statement published Wednesday, the judge said the investigation suggested that of at least 2.4 million euro withdrawn from the club’s accounts, 250,000

was paid to Espanyol players to draw 1-1 with Osasuna on the penultimate matchday. A further 650,000 had been given to Real Betis players, he added, 400,000 to beat Real Valladolid on the penultimate matchday and 250,000 to lose to Osasuna on the final day of the campaign. “The judge continues to investigate other matches, the results of which were allegedly

altered by Osasuna, as well as the destination of the rest of the money taken out of the club’s accounts in cash,” the statement said. Pamplona-based Osasuna, Valladolid and Seville-based Betis were all relegated to the second division, with Osasuna narrowly avoiding the drop to the third tier last season. Betis won promotion back to the top flight and Valladolid finished fifth.

FIXTURES: TOP SIX TEAMS CHELSEA Aug 8: Swansea (H) Aug 15: Man City (A) Aug 22: WBA (A) Aug 29: Crystal Palace (H) Sept 12: Everton (A) MANCHESTER CITY Aug 8: WBA (A) Aug 15: Chelsea (H) Aug 22: Everton (A) Aug 29: Watford (H) Sept 12: Crystal Palace (A) ARSENAL Aug 8: West Ham (H) Aug 15: Crystal Palace (A) Aug 22: Liverpool (H) Aug 29: Newcastle (A) Sept 12: Stoke (H) MANCHESTER UNITED Aug 8: Tottenham (H) Aug 15: Aston Villa (A) Aug 22: Newcastle (H) Aug 29: Swansea (A) Sept 12: Liverpool (H) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Aug 8: Man United (A) Aug 15: Stoke (H) Aug 22: Leicester (A) Aug 29: Everton (H) Sept 12: Sunderland (A) LIVERPOOL Aug 8: Stoke (A) Aug 15: Bournemouth (H) Aug 22: Arsenal (A) Aug 29: West Ham (H)

Nadal

Sept 12: Man Utd (A)

News 55

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2015

Kirby doing her fan, club proud

Kirby

fter keeping his secret weapon under wraps for most of England’s opening Group F match against France, England coach Mark Sampson was less cautious when it came to taking on Mexico in his side’s must-win second outing, handing pint-sized striker Fran Kirby a starting place for the Moncton

showdown. After showing her pace and dribbling skills in the first half, not to mention her ability to think on her feet and invariably make the right decision, the Reading forward made a lasting impact on the game in the second, scoring England’s opener in a crucial 2-1 win. Rewarded for her efforts with

the Live Your Goals Player of the Match award, Kirby was modesty personified when she stepped out of the changing room afterwards. “I just tried to have fun,” said the 21-year-old, who certainly seemed to enjoy herself at the expense of the Tri defence, and made it all look very easy too, quite an achievement for a player making her first ever world finals start. “It was the perfect setting for me,” added Kirby, who seemed at home in such rarefied surroundings. “We moved the ball around well and we were on the front foot. And I was lucky enough to have a few chances come my way.” While the striker might be reluctant to brag about herself, her band of admirers is more than happy to tell the world about her, among them Alex Greenwood, her room-mate at Canada 2015: “I know her too well to be surprised by her performances any more. Fran can become one of the best players in the world if she keeps on applying herself.” “It’s just crazy to get a compliment like that,” said the striker, whose club plays in England’s second tier, WSL 2. “She’s not the only one to believe in me either, which just makes me go out on the pitch and want to repay all the positivity people have shown me.” A fresh challenge The least experienced player in one of the most experienced sides

FIBA 3-on-3 Basketball: Ahmedu tips Nigeria to become global force

Ifeanyi Ibeh

igeria, and other countries that make up FIBA Africa Zone

Three, will in the not-toodistant future become a force to be reckoned with in 3-on-3 basketball, so says the zone’s President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu. Ahmedu, in an interview with New Telegraph on the eve of the FIBA Africa (Zone-Three) Threeon-Three Tour, which gets underway on Thursday at the National Stadium, Lagos, believes the buzz being generated by the Three-onThree Tour will ensure his prediction comes to pass by the time the sport makes its Olympics debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. “It won’t be long before Nigeria becomes a force in 3-on-3 basketball because

what we are doing here, the Tour, will by next year be heading out to all the other countries in our zone,” said the retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army. “As a matter of fact, our partner has bought for us a trailer truck for the haulage of all the equipment needed for 3-on-3 basketball from place to place, in Nigeria and all the countries of FIBA Africa Zone 3. “We want to run a state by state tour, moving from city to city across Nigeria, before heading out to the other countries,” added Ahmedu, referring to the seven other FIBA Africa Zone 3 nations – Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana,

Liberia, Niger and Togo. Asked if he anticipates 3-on-3 basketball to surpass regular 5-on-5 basketball in Nigeria, Ahmedu replied: “It’s already in the Olympics. It will be an event at the 2020 Olympics, so I think it will get bigger than regular basketball before the Tokyo Olympics. “We are good in 5-on-5; it is easier than 3-on-3 basketball, but it is played by the same players. Some of our league and national team stars like Azuoma Dike and Stanley Gumut are going to be taking part in it. They know the value of it and that is why they have registered to take part in this inaugural edition.”

Akinwunmi: Our coaches will get better

Ajibade Olusesan

igeria Football Federation has promised to correct technical deficiencies in all the national teams following the early ouster of the Flying Eagles and Super Falcons at the FIFA U-20 and Women World Cups respectively. The NFF Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, who apologised to Nigerians on behalf of the federation over the performance of the two teams said in a statement released by the Assistant Director, Media, Ademola Olajire, on Wednesday that,

“the federation had noticed deficiencies relating to the technical aspects and moved swiftly to address the situation with the organisation of training courses for match readers and to also buy into the Prozone Match Reading Software. “Unfortunately these tournaments have come too early for us to reap the full benefits of this initiative which will take a little while to come to fruition.” According to the press statement, Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the Youth Development Committee of the NFF, said

the federation also plan to entrench a comprehensive Youth Football Development Policy which will incorporate continuous development of Nigerian coaches. “The NFF is in the process of employing a Youth Development Coach who will oversee the comprehensive Youth Football Development Programme that will be unveiled in the next few weeks, which will ensure proper scouting of players from the age of 13 and below, a seamless transition of the best players along the age grade ladder and ensure that Nigerian

in the competition, Kirby, who Sampson has taken to calling “Mini Messi”, has rewarded his faith in her. Such has been her impact at the tournament already that she can expect an offer or two from England’s elite clubs when she returns home, in between calls from reporters. “It’s new and exciting for a little girl like me to be getting so much attention,” said the shy goalscorer, with a broad smile across her face. “If I’m getting this kind of interest, it must mean that I’m making the people behind me happy, which is a feeling I love. “My team-mates are incredible and they’ve been really good to me. They keep on telling me the same things: ‘Have fun’ and ‘We’re right with you’.” Kirby also has the support of her brother and father in Canada, support that has long been important in her life. She was 14 when she lost her mother, subsequently going through a stage when she saw little point in getting up in the morning or playing football. Seven years on, she has recovered her passion for life and the sport she loves. “I’m on the way to showing myself that I was right to keep on fighting,” she said, pondering the obstacles life has thrown at her. “I make an effort not to look back, but if I do, I try to gain strength from it. More than anything I want to make my family proud and make the most of the opportunities life has given me.”

Shooting Stars continue resurgence under Ogunbote Charles Ogundiya

hooting Stars of Ibadan on Wednesday continued their resurgence under new coach Gbenga Ogunbote as they recorded a good result away from home. The Ibadan side played out a goalless draw against Bayelsa United in one of the Week 12 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League. Before Ogunbote joined the team, Shooting Stars were bottom of the table but the club has since moved up the ladder after recording a win and a draw from the two matches played under the new coach. The Ibadan side had in the last round of matches beaten Lobi Stars 3-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium. In some of the other matches played on Wednesday, Rangers recorded a hardfought 1-0 victory against Abia Warriors while Akwa United defeated Kwara United 2-1. Dolphins lost 1-0 away to Ifeanyiubah while Lobi Stars defeated Nasarawa United 2-1. The game between Sharks and ElKanemi Warriors in Port Harcourt ended goalless while Enyimba defeated Heartland 2-0 in Aba.

NPFL WEEK 12 RESULTS Rangers 1-0 Abia Warriors Akwa Utd 2-1 Kwara Utd Lobi 2-1 Nasarawa Utd Ifeanyiubah 1-0 Dolphins Akinwunmi

teams compete favourably at international competitions henceforth,” the statement also read.

Bayelsa 0-0 Shooting Sharks 0-0 El-Kanemi Enyimba 2-0 Heartland

On Marble

. If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.

World Record

Sanctity of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

– Oprah Winfrey

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

N150

Elephants are the world’s largest land animals now living. The largest elephant ever recorded was shot in Angola in 1956. This male weighed about 24,000 lb (11,000 kg), with a shoulder height of 3.96 meters (13.0 ft), a metre (yard) taller than the average male African elephant.

Gang of five gashing APC apart Political Musings I f Senator Ahmed Lawan and his colleagues who left the inauguration of the Senate to answer the party’s call at the International Conference Center (ICC) Abuja instead of heeding the invitation of the Clerk to the National Assembly were scholars of political science, they would have been privy to the well-known assertion of a political analyst and Director of the Center for politics, at the University of Virginia, USA, Prof. Larry Joseph Sabato that “Every election is determined by the people who show up”. The 57 senators who showed up voted and elected the Senate President and his deputy on behalf of the 109 senators in line with the rules of the Senate. Senators Lawan and George Akume who carried out vigorous campaigns for the number three position and the deputy were not even present to be nominated and ended up giving Senator Bukola Saraki an easy ride to the exalted seat. This development which has ignited a fresh political agitation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) family only brought to the fore an undercurrent that has been eating the party since the merger which was concealed from the public. Those expecting much from the APC as a political party in this dispensation may have to first take a critical scrutiny of its foundation so as to determine if it is strong enough to carry what is being mounded on it. If building experts assert that a house with poor foundation stands the risk of collapse, the same applies to politics. A political party with wobbly foundation is bound to have serious problems sustaining good governance. What transpired in the National Assembly on June 9th 2015 is a fall out of a masked infighting and scheming for control by the posse of five political blocks that metamorphosed into APC. The gangs are the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP). Before the nPDP came on board, the other four had merged and agreed on power sharing to accommodate various bloc interests. But on realizing that they needed further enforcement to be able to dethrone the incumbent PDP, they began a recruitment drive and found an aggrieved group in PDP which they lured in with all kinds of promises. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led five former PDP Governors and their supporters into the new body. The governors are Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state, Rabiu Kwakwaso of Kano state, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako of Sokoto state, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa state and Abudlfatah Ahmed of Kwara state. The weight of the new PDP even though needed, made the others especially the ACN bloc in the party uncomfortable as they saw them as capable of threatening their senior partner status for which they were cruising as the senior prefect of the class. They then began plots that ensured that

IKE ABONYI

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Three musketeers: From left, Tinubu, Buhari, John Oyegun.

the overwhelming new PDP group has little influence in the party structure. This played out at the party’s convention. The ACN, CPC and ANPP group took all the key positions in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. During the APC Presidential primaries, the bloc made sure that both the Presidential and Vice Presidential ticket remained within the fold after Atiku and Kwankwaso were frustrated out in the race. Former Lagos state governor Ahmed Bola Tinubu whose engulfing personality in the defunct ACN merited him the special status of leader of the party still retained the title in APC even after the entry of the new PDP with political personalities as the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The intrigue became more vivid when the Presidential campaign structure was set up and there was an obvious design to sideline the new PDP especially the Atiku group. A mild protest however led to the adjustment that brought in the likes of Rotimi Amaechi and Garba Shehu into the campaign structure. After the election and victory came their way, the intrigue multiplied with each bloc trying to outfox the other. Meanwhile, after the victory, PresidentMuhammadu Buhari who had all along remained subservient to the ACN group for obvious reasons began to gather more strength while showing signs of determination to be on his own. Buhari suddenly but expectedly became the new bride with all the other blocs struggling for his attention. In a situation like this, blackmail and character assassination became an easy tool against each other. President Buhari rightly kept a distance and began preparation for the huge task ahead but not ignoring the machinations around him. The new PDP group in the party therefore

found the National Assembly a possible window for them to be relevant in the system since pointers showed that they were losing out in the scheme of things. By the permutations of the other bloc, the five topmost positions in the government at were to be occupied without new PDP component. The planned roll call; President Muhammadu Buhari (CPC), Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo (ACN), Senate President Ahmad Lawan (ANPP), Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila (ACN) and Secretary to Government of the Federation dangling between three nominees Ogbonna Onu, Chris Ngige and Prof Anthony Anwukah of ANPP, ACN and APGA respectively. The Tinubu controlled APC attempted to zone the Senate Presidency to the north central but on realizing that new PDP could be strong contender in Bukola Saraki, they quickly zoned it to North East but retained the Speaker in the South West because it was favourable to the agenda though they claimed publicly that there would be no zoning in party. This deliberate side lining of the new PDP continued notwithstanding their immense contributions before and during the election. And despite the fact that they entered the group with five state governors including the former Vice President, the same as ACN while ANPP had three governors; CPC, one plus Buhari and APGA, one. The new PDP group found the continued relegation unacceptable and decided to wedge it by urging Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara to ignore the ACN dominated party leadership directives and their stage-managed straw elections. By this development of having two strong candidates in the contest, the ruling party gave advantage to the opposition PDP whose minority vote was going to deter-

mine the winner. Since old friends always stick, and it is also widely said that in politics the only permanent thing is interest, the old and new PDP easily found themselves working together. The marriage has two prong benefits; it gave the new PDP some standing in APC and also activated the dwindling moral of the old PDP especially with the deserving emergence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu as the Deputy Senate President. Apparently realizing the difficulty of upturning the situation, the APC who earlier rejected the National Assembly election as unacceptable made a U turn to say they have come to terms with the reality that the legislators have picked their leaders their own way. Political watchers believe that APC leadership took the right decision as otherwise would have taken them on a wild goose chase which could have further damaged the fragile foundation of the party. However, keen political observers are certain that all is still not well with the party especially against the backdrop of the position of its leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he is not recognising the Senate President and his deputy coupled with the threat of going to court by the Lawan group, demands that PDP deputy Senate President should resign, plus off course, the undistinguished display of the wife of their leader, Senator Remi Tinubu in rejecting a handshake of the Senate President after she was sworn in by the latter. In view of the foregoing therefore, can Nigerians go to bed believing that with APC, the political future of this country is resting on a solid foundation? Does the picture out there indicate hope of a bright future? Can the gladiators ever agree to bury their pride and come to a common table in the interest of their party and the nation? When PDP that ruled this country for 16 years was formed in 1998, over nine political associations dissolved into one and since then what you hear is PDP not any group. The sharing of booty in PDP has been based on geo-political, ethnic and often religious interests and never on individual or group interests. Maybe the APC has a lot of learning to do with PDP if it is to make the desired impact of bringing to fruition the change upon which it rode to power. Perhaps they need to hear out Edmund Burke who said that “party is a body of men united, for promoting by their joint endeavours the functional interest, upon some particular principle in which they are all agreed” Maybe APC needs to tell Nigerians the particular principle upon which they agreed to share positions instead of the current survival of the fittest type of Machiavellian approach to issues which is bound to distract President Buhari. If APC fails to move fast to put itshouse in order, restive Nigerians who vilified PDP and voted them out on March 28, 2015, will begin to agree with Will Rogers who said “the more you read and observe about this politics thing, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other, the one that is out always looks the best.

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