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Vol. 2 No. 463

Thursday, May 28, 2015

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N150

seven FIFA Officials arrested for corruption }51

Buhari to probe spectrum allocations to telecom firms

Kunle Azeez

he administration of spectrum auction in the nation’s

telecom sector may be probed by the incoming administration of Major General Muhammadu Buhari, New Telegraph has learnt.

The area of focus will be on the perceived irregularities in the award of some telecom licensing, especially the issuance of spectrum bands to some

players in the industry under the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Sources privy to developCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

NEW TELEGR

Jurist

Daudu sets

APH THURSD AY, MAY 28,

agenda for

2015

News

Buhari

Atilade, Olanip ekun pledge Lagos ‘NBA support for Week’

23&24

Law

Adoke

Wike: Adok e under fire

six pages of THE law Wike

AKEEM NAFI U writes that inauguratio ahead of tomo n of Presid rrow’s ent-elect, Buhari and Gener some elections, lawye governors elected al Muhammadu in Judge to ignor rs have asked the Bayelthe April 11 sa State Chief General, Mr. e the Justice Minister and Mohamme d Adoke’s direct Attorneyadminister oath of office ive that he of Rivers State on the must , Nyesom Wike newly elected gover constitutio with a nal crisis view to avoid nor ing

Ananaba

}21

Justice Abiri , to admin the oath of ister of office allegiance and oath Judge of Bayel on the gover sa State minister to adin accor the oath dance with nor-elect and oath of officeof allegiance 185(2) of the Const Sectio n ernor on the govthe Feder -elect of itution of al Repub lic of Nige- in accordance River s State ria, 1999. with 185(2) of His direct the Const Sectio n the Feder itution of him howev ive, according al Repub to ria, lic of Nige1999.” likely constier, was to avert a tution Sectio al the state following crisis in of allegi n 185(2) says the ing vacuu Oath the existance and m the Oath Chief Judge in the office of the office shall be administere of of the Custo and the President the Chief Judge d by mary Court of the state or Grand The swearing peal in Rivers Khadi of Apmade strict State which had Court of Appea of the Sharia in of a gover the provi compliance with if any, or Presid l of the state, nor tomary Court ent of the Cusof a state is 185(1-2) of sions of Sectio of n a tion impos the 1999 Constitu- state, if any, or Appeal of the matter for sible. the time being the person for the Adoke said: respectively pointed “It will be internal affair called that apto exerci res som Wike, Chief Barr. Nye- tions of any of se the funcof that state those office in any state. the Gover CON was declar s ed nor-elect However, and this cann State follow of River Adoke urged s state ing the guber ot rial and the nato- range to comply with be usurped Houses of the arelections ment, insist or conducted Assembly Abiri’ ing Justic taken over dependent s invita by the Ine National by ter the oath tion to adminisCommission Electo the AGF (INEC) on ral oath of officeof allegiance and April 2015. 11th 29 on Wike was in accord on May “It is theref ance with 1999 Const ore expec that he will the itutio ted fice on 29th be sworn into of- said must be ‘respen. This, he cted by all’. But his collea dance with May 2015 in accorthe provis Adoke’s direct gues described Section 185(1) ions ive as usurp of the Const of the power tion of the ing of the judici itu- if not ary as Nigeria, Federal Republic of “avala reversed, would 1999. lead nche of “I have reque legal proce to sted the Chief ed-

Shake-up looms in EFCC, ICPC D

FOLUSO OGUN MODEDE JUDICIA RY EDITOR

foluso.ogunmoded newtelegraphonlin e@

e.com © Daily Telegrap h Publishin g Company Limited

ays after the nation Justic e ’s Minis Attorney-Ge ter and neral, Mr. Moha Senior Advoc mmed Adoke , legedly compeate of Nigeria a alChief Judge lled the Bayel sa , Justice to swear Kate Abiri in Gover nor-el the Rivers State’ s ect, Mr. Nyeso Wike tomor m with Sectio row in accordance n 185 of tution, lawye the rs yester Constitioned the day cauminister the state not into a consti to throw crisis. tutional They insist ed that the lacked the Adoke direct Justicrequisite power to e Abiri to the Gover swear nor-elect. in Adoke had the Bayels on May 19 direct ed a State Chief Judge,

CONTIN UED

ON PAGE 22

lPresident-elect considers AIG Ogunsakin, Tsav, Umar to head }5 anti-graft agencies lOutgoing governors, ministers under surveillance

Quick Read

Editorial

National holidays for fallen heroes }19

Jonathan seeks Senate's approval for }7 confab report

President Goodluck Jonathan (eighth left), Vice-President Namadi Sambo (seventh left) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, with other members of the Federal Executive Council after a valedictory session in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Abuja under security lockdown for inauguration lKerry-led US delegation arrives tomorrow Emmanuel Onani and Johnchuks Onuanyim

ecurity has been beefed up in the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT) ahead of tomorrow's inauguration of Major General Muhammadu

Buhari as president. The nation's capital has started wearing a new look

for the occasion that marks the first transfer of power CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SPECIALonREPORT The 8th Senate’s Fresh Generation Godswill Akpabio

Aliyu Wamakko

Jonah David Jang

Stella Adaeze Oduah

Samuel Egwu

Rabiu Kwankwaso

Theodore Orji

Mao Ohuabunwa

Uche Lilian Ekwunife

Buruji Kashamu

Jeremiah Useni

Abubakar Kyari

Ben Murray Bruce

Peter Nwaoboshi

Biodun Olujimi

Dino Melaye

Monsurat Sunmonu

Bayero Usman Nafada

Bala ibn Na’Allah

Isiaka A. Adeleke

Abubakar Danladi

Adeola Olamilekan

Binta Masi Garba

Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim

Mustapha Bukar

Duro Samuel Faseyi

Fatimat O. Raji-Rasaki

Shehu Sani

Mustapha Bukar

Philip Aruwa I Gyunka

Buhari Abdulfatai

Suleiman O. Hunkuyi

Osinakachukwu Ideozu

Danjuma La’ah

Bassey Albert Akpan

Olanrewaju Tejuoso

Mohammed A. Ohiare

Nelson Asuquo Effiong

Achonu A. Nneji

Sabo Mohammed

David Umaru

Umaru Ibrahim Kurfi

Barau I Jibrin

Nnaemeka Anyanwu

Clifford A. Ordia

John Enoh Owan

Mathew A. Urhoghide

Utazi Godfrey Chukwuka

Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi

Gbolahan Dada

Abdul-Aziz M. Nyako

Francis A. Alimikhena

Olaka Johnson Nwogu

Ogba Joseph Obinna

Tijjani Yahaya Kaura

Donald Alasoadura

Rose Okoji Oko

Yele Omogunwa

Ogola Foster

Gershom H. Bassey

Suleiman M. Nazif

Malam Ali Wakili

Abdullahi A. Gumel

Marafa Bashir Abba

Yahaya Abdullahi

Abdulrahman Abubakar

Salihu Hussain Egye

Mohammed Garba

Ighoyota Amori

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

Ahmadu Abubakar

Mohammed Hasan

Isah Hamma Misau

Ibrahim Abdullahi

Muhammad Ubali Shitu

On June 4, 2015, the eighth Senate of the National Assembly will be inaugurated. Of the 109 Senators who will be taking their seats, 75, representing 68 per cent will be fresh in the upper chamber. Who are these fresh Senators? What are their backgrounds and antecedents? What quality of debate and contributions are we likely to see from them? These and more will be the kernel of a special report by New Telegraph on that day. The report presents a unique opportunity for family, friends and associates of these fresh Senators to felicitate with them. For enquiries and participation: Call Biodun: 0802-301-5582, Taiwo: 0803-304-2915, Onwuka: 0803-733-9843, David: 0810-759-1663

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, May 28, 2015

THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, May 28, 2015

Shake-up looms in EFCC, ICPC Donald Ojogo Abuja

major shake-up of the anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), will be one of the major executive tasks to be performed by the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, after his inauguration tomorrow. New Telegraph has learnt that Buhari, with his avowed commitment to fight corruption, will in the shake-up, replace the heads of the two commissions, Ibrahim Lamorde (EFCC) and Ekpo Nta (ICPC), within a few weeks on assumption of office.

A source said Buhari was considering appointing Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, to replace Lamorde. Ogunsakin was once EFCC's Director of Operations before he assumed higher responsibilities. He added that the ICPC may be led by either a former military governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Umar Dangiwa (rtd) or a former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abubakar Tsav. Besides, the source stated Buhari might not immediately remove service chiefs, adding that only the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) will be replaced by a former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdulrahaman Dambazau.

He said: ''A systematic purge in all major sectors will definitely follow, but the swiftest is mostly likely to be the immediate reshaping of the anti-corruption agencies within the first seven days of his swearing-in.'' According to the source, contrary to the widely held belief that the nation’s security chiefs might be the first to be removed from office as soon as he takes over, Buhari’s attention is on the EFCC and the ICPC. “People are only being speculative on the issue of the service chiefs; you cannot just sack service chiefs the day you take over as president; there are routine processes to follow after some intelligence briefing. “Perhaps, those who make such speculations

are not familiar with security and intelligence matters; they have forgotten that this is a democratic and political dispensation; it is not a military coup where all institutions are cleared off the road for a new one to suffice. “Yes, it is true the nation’s security apparatus has to be retooled and redirected in tune with the current fight against terrorism, but that cannot be within the first one week. Rather than do that, I am very sure that the first things likely to happen are the appointment of the new NSA as well as the heads of the EFCC and the ICPC. These are agencies the president intends to overhaul as soon as he comes into office within the first one week in office,” he said.

Pupils at a rally to mark the Children’s Day in Lagos…yesterday.

It was gathered that a scout team was set up by the President-elect last week before he travelled out of the country on a private visit to the United Kingdom. The committee was to look into the possibility of overhauling the nation’s anti-graft agencies with immediate effect. The team, made up of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from the South-East and two retired security top shots from the North, came up with a preliminary recommendation that brought forward the trio of Ogunsakin, Tsav and Umar. The choice of Dambazau was said to be a personal decision of the President-elect. It was also gathered that a nationwide surveil-

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Abuja under security lockdown for inauguration CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has been in power since 1999 to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Some dignitaries have started arriving in Nigeria for the epochal event while the United States delegation, to be led by Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, will arrive tomorrow. New Telegraph witnessed a round-the-clock patrol of Abuja yesterday, as soldiers and policemen were seen either patrolling the town in their vehicles, or at strategic points stopping some suspicious vehicles for thorough checks. On the ever-busy Obafemi Awolowo Way, for instance, soldiers from the Guards Brigade were seen occasionally frisking some vehicles and their oc-

cupants. Also around the popular AYA, armed police personnel, stopped and interrogated some vehicle owners. It was gathered that security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering and processing to prevent any untoward incident during the inauguration. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has also ordered tight security at Eagle Square, hotels and other places considered vulnerable to attacks. He has ordered the immediate mounting of Tactical Operation Points at all entry points into the FCT. Also, traffic will be diverted on all roads leading to the venue of the all-important event. Arase, in a statement by the Force Public Rela-

tions Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, said: "As part of preparations for a hitchfree presidential inauguration, the Inspector General of Police has ordered the diversion of traffic on all roads around Eagle Square on Friday, 29th May, 2015. "He has also ordered tight security at Eagle Square, hotels, key and vulnerable places within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the mounting of tactical operation points on all roads leading into and out of FCT. "The Nigeria Police Force apologises for the inconveniences these arrangements may cause motorists and members of the public." New Telegraph gathered that although about 50

heads of state were being expected for Buhari's inauguration, Kerry will represent President Barack Obama at the event. Buhari, who travelled to the United Kingdom last Friday is expected back today for his swearing-in. The Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu, told New Telegraph in a text message that the president-elect would return early tomorrow. The Abuja metropolis is also wearing a new look with heavy activities in all the hotels and major shopping centres. The APC National Secretariat is also witnessing a beehive of activities as many supporters of the party from states have besieged the place for ac-

creditation. The office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is in charge of the accreditation of persons to attend the handover ceremony. While accreditation of the media and others take place at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, that of foreign dignitaries holds at the Transcorp Hotel. The APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, speaking on the ceremony, stated that only the committee set up by the party could speak on the preparation so far made. However, he stated that the committee headed by a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, was working with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for the ceremony.

lance has been mounted to ensure that outgoing governors whose immunity had stalled proper investigation of "some serious petitions against them" do not go on self-exile to avoid prosecution. Aside the governors, others being put under watch are ministers and some presidential aides whose closeness to the outgoing president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, had made investigations into graft allegations against them ‘impossible and worrisome’. Another source said the EFCC and the ICPC had mounted a nationwide surveillance in order to prevent probe-prone outgoing governors as well as other top officials of the current administration from escaping from the country. He said already, travel schedules, especially those for foreign trips of such officials for the next three weeks were being monitored. Also, airlines operating foreign routes have been mandated to furnish the nation’s anti-corruption bodies with travel schedules of top officials of the current government. According to him, the move is aimed at ensuring that officials who have pending petitions against them, but whose closeness to the outgoing president has prevented them from being investigated, will be made to defend such and possibly cleared before travelling abroad. “There are several petitions against most of the officials, some of them are governors whose immunity will end on May 29; but the most impossible and perhaps worrisome was the case of those without immunity but who are close to President Jonathan. So the measure is not to witch-hunt anyone, but to be sure that those with petitions on their necks clear same,” he said. When contacted on the plans of the EFCC, the commission’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said he was not comfortable with telephone interviews and asked that a questionnaire should be sent to him by e-mail. The mail was sent to him on May 22 while a text message was sent as a reminder four days later. When he did not respond, the mail was resent on May 27; yet without response. On his part, ICPC’s Resident Media Consultant, Mr. Folu Olamiti, said he was not in the country and pleaded for time to clarify from his boss.

News

THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Court restrains IGP, NDLEA, others from arresting Kashamu lAgency vacates senator-elect’s residence Juliana Francis and Akeem Nafiu

Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and nine others from arresting a Senatorelect for Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu. The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, made the restraining order yesterday while delivering judgement in a suit filed by Kashamu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop his planned extradition to the United States over drugrelated offences. Respondents in the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by the Senator-elect are: the Chairman, NDLEA; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Director General, Department of State Security (DSS), The Interpol; National Central Bureau (NCB) and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). In the suit, Kashamu

is seeking nine declarative orders from the court among which are: an order restraining the defendants and their agents from arresting, detaining or otherwise effecting his abduction upon spurious allegation; an order directing the clerk of the National Assembly to accord him every facility and privileges due to him as a Senator-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In his judgement, Justice Abang dismissed the preliminary objections of the NDLEA, AGF, National Security Adviser (NSA) and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). On the objections of the NDLEA, the court held that the insinuations by its chairman, Ahmadu Giade, that he is not a jurisdistic person does not hold water. The court held that the NDLEA Chairman is a natural person that can sue and be sued.

Justice Abang also dismissed the objections raised by the AGF, NSA and the NSCDC. The court said the applicant's claims are in line with the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution. "The claims of the applicant are fundamental rights and the court has the jurisdiction on them," the judge held. A cost of N10,000 was eventually awarded against the NDLEA in favour of the applicant. The same amount was also awarded against the AGF, NSA and the NSCDC. The court went ahead to restrain the respondents from arresting Kashamu for a possible extradition to the United States for drug-related offence based on an existing judgement of the court that was delivered on January 6, 2014. In the judgement, the court had restrained the IGP, SSS, NDLEA, NCS

and the AGF from taking any step from arresting Kashamu based on a petition linking him to a drug offence. Justice Abang held that the order is still subsisting since there has been no order staying its execution. "The respondents cannot in the exercise of their statutory powers, without appealing the earlier judgement, acts on any application seeking the extradition of the applicant," the judge said. The judge, however, declined to grant all the reliefs sought by the applicant that has to do with the involvement of a former Nigeria's President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in his alleged planned arrest. The court also turned down Kashamu's request for a perpetual injunction against the respondents from assuming his position as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The court said the respondents cannot be restrained perpetually from arresting the applicant. They were only restrained from arresting the applicant without a warrant of arrest and from forcefully extradition of the applicant without due recourse to the extradition acts. Kashamu’s request for an order asking the IGP to provide him with six policemen to protect him was also found to be incompetent. The court however ordered the IGP to protect him as other Nigerians. The court further restrained the IGP from withdrawing the security details currently attached to the applicant. The court equally directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to accord the applicant all he deserved as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Meanwhile, the NDLEA

yesterday obeyed the court order as its operatives ended the siege laid to the Lagos residence of Kashamu. NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said the agency has obeyed the court order. He said: “NDLEA has said that it will obey the decision of the court of competent jurisdiction on the ongoing case involving senator-elect, Kashamu. As a government agency and a law enforcement institution that has respect for the rule of law, the NDLEA will abide by the decisions of a competent court. “This is a legal issue and the agency has windows of opportunities to explore legally in advancing its course. NDLEA will not violate court orders or take law into its hands in enforcing its statutory responsibilities. The media shall be duly informed of further developments.”

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

ABUJA

PORT HARCOURT

31o C 24oC Thunder Storms

32oC 23oC Partially Cloudy

23oC 19oC Storm Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka (third left), riding a bicycle with others to the last Federal Executive Council meeting, in Abuja…yesterday.

KANO

39oC 27oC Mostly Sunny

IBADAN

CALABAR

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

32 C 23 C Thunder Storms

30o C 23oC Thunder Storms

28oC 23oC Storm

42oC 27oC Mostly Sunny

31o C 23oC Thunder Storms

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Buhari to probe spectrum allocations to telecom firms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ENUGU

ments in the telecom sector told New Telegraph yesterday that previous issuance of spectrum licences, especially those conducted under the table, would be investigated with a view to sending signals to foreign investors to have confidence in the country as a nation where due diligence is adhered to. According to the sources, the latest of such allocation of spectrum without following due process as contained in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 by the outgoing government was the alleged ‘secret’ deal by Jonathan in approving the allocation of digital divi-

dend spectrum licences to Globacom and Visafone, without following due process of auctioning. An Information and Communication Technology-focused online newspaper, Technology Times, had yesterday reported how Jonathan “secretly” awarded the highly lucrative “digital dividend” frequency spectrum to Globacom and Visafone. The covert deal struck some months back was carried out in anticipation that the president would win his re-election bid, which he lost. According to the online news medium, the approval of the digital dividend spectrum to the two

companies did not pass through the normal bidding process, thereby preventing the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the statutory body, from advertising and supervising the auction. Jonathan, it was gathered, directed that the 800MHz spectrum be issued to Visafone and 700MHz to Globacom. A spectrum auction is a process whereby a government uses an auction system to sell the rights (licences) to transmit signals over specific bands of the electromagnetic spectrum and to assign scarce spectrum resources. Depending on the specific auction format used,

a spectrum auction can last from a single day to several months from the opening bid to the final winning bid. With a well-designed auction, resources are allocated efficiently to the parties that value them the most, the government securing revenue in the process. Digital dividend is highly coveted by telecom companies across the world, as it enables them to launch mobile broadband service, a potential cash cow. The spectrum is available after the migration of broadcasting from analogue to digital, thereby freeing part of the electromagnetic spectrum previ-

ously used for broadcasting. Digital television typically needs fewer spectrums than analogue, according to analysts, and the spectrum to be freed up is expected to help in the deployment of broadband services. Shortly after the presidential election in April, the Jonathan administration approved the transfer of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its mobile arm, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) to the NATCOM consortium led by Skye Bank Plc. However, sources said Buhari would review the CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, May 28, 2015

Jonathan asks Senate to approve confab report lBello confirmed FCT CJ

Chukwu David Abuja

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday forwarded the 2014 National Conference Report to the Senate for consideration and approval, two days to the end of his tenure. Jonathan, who transmitted the report through a letter addressed to the Senate President David Mark, asked the Senate to approve the document in order to enable the executive arm implement the recommendations in it. Mark yesterday read out the letter to senators at a plenary session. He said the fundamental purpose for setting up the conference was to discuss various issues about Nigeria, with a view to finding lasting solutions to the diverse teething challenges threatening national unity. In the letter, which he entitled, "Approval for the implementation of the recommendations and resolutions of the National Conference

2014", Jonathan stated that the national conference was also mandated to come up with strategies to strengthen Nigeria's unity and enhance a participatory and inclusive democratic system of government. He added that the conference was mandated to, in the course of deliberating on various national issues, recognise the need to move the country forward and de-emphasise the narrow interests that negatively affect the nation's progress. The letter reads in part: "May I draw the attention of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the enclosed report of the National Conference, 2014 which was deliberated upon and approved for implementation by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting of 18th March 2015. "The recommendations of the conference on the implementation modalities of the resolutions are contained in Chapter six of the report. The resolutions are classified into three broad categories, constitutional, legal

and policy issues. The report further indicates the nature of the actions to be taken, the objectives to be achieved and the agency that needs to take the actions. "The conference also submitted draft bills of resolutions that require constitution amendments or legal amendments. At the meeting of FEC on 18th of March 2015, council considered and approved the reports of the conference and resolved as follows: that the draft

bills be transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment into law; that the recommendations, resolutions that are outside the purview of the Federal Government be forwarded to the relevant tiers of government for implementations; that relevant agencies of government should harmonise the conference resolutions with extant policies for immediate implementation. "Distinguished Senate President, the report of

the National conference is hereby forwarded to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for consideration and necessary legislative actions." Also yesterday, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Justice Ishaq Bello for appointment as the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Jonathan had, on Tuesday, forwarded the nomination of Justice Bello for screening and confirma-

tion. When the nomination was mentioned for consideration at plenary, it was unanimously adopted for consideration and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action. The committee quickly met and reported back to the chamber within one hour; and the Senate confirmed Bello without any opposition from members.

Boko Haram: Military dismisses 200 soldiers for cowardice Buhari Bello Jos

he Nigerian Army has sacked over 200 soldiers for allegedly fleeing the battlefield when Boko Haram invaded towns in the North-East last year. A report yesterday by the Hausa Service of BBC quoted a source as saying that about 4,500 soldiers had been identified for dismissal, as the military top brass tries to end "cowardice" in the army. The soldiers are being dismissed without appearing before a courtmartial. However, the soldiers said they were being unfairly targeted, adding that they failed to fight because they lacked the weapons to match Boko Haram's firepower. One of the dismissed soldiers, Agunloye Sunday, a private, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, told reporters in Jos yesterday that their dismissal was unjustified. He said they risked their lives for Nigeria only to be treated in an inhuman manner. According to him, some of the soldiers dismissed are between the rank of private and staff

sergeants. He said: “As trained soldiers who were sent to the battlefront to fight, it is our duty to defend the territory of the country and when equipment is not provided, it becomes a problem to do so." He expressed surprise that officers that were sent to Mubi in Adamawa State along with them were not court-martialled. He added that an officer, Lt Col Gambo, was first sent from Abuja to dismiss them but rather than do so, he put them on trial and sentenced them to various terms of imprisonment with hard labour. He said the army authorities were not happy with the decision as Gambo was queried and detained. Sunday said another officer, Lt Col Okoroji, sent again from Abuja to dismiss dismissed them ordered them out of the barracks. He stated that during the anti-terror campaign, their salaries were not paid for about 10 months and there was no feeding allowance, good equipment to fight while they live under poor sanitary conditions.

Director General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo (left), with Chairman of the commission, Mr. Peter Obi, after a board meeting in Abuja…yesterday.

Buhari to probe spectrum allocations to telecom firms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

the last-minute deals approved by the Jonathan administration and some of the other controversial telecom licences issued by the administration. “No one could have imagined that the telecom industry could be so bastardised to this level. The telecom industry in Nigeria has, over the years, been cited as one of the best examples of liberalisation in Nigeria. But from 2010 to date, when 2.3GHz was sold, there has been growing deterioration of the industry management by government, as the law has clearly been put to one side and procedures completely abandoned,” said one of the sources yesterday. According to the source, though, the nation’s market may be rated as one of the fastest growing; it has systematically been distorted and disrupted.

He said investors were being left guessing about the value of their investments. Asked on the propriety of the president's action regarding the digital dividend spectrum approved for Globacom and Visafone, another industry source said: “The president lacks the power, under the law, to make spectrum allocation. The president can make policy, in the way provided for by the law and ensure that those he appoints follow such public policy. “The regulators are created around the world to protect players in the market, that is, to protect consumers of service, protect investors/operators and deliver government’s policy. The regulators are deliberately designed to be independent so that there is no political interference in their functions. “So, the president or the ministers are not to

interfere with the functions of the regulator and in fact, section 25(2) of the NCC Act prohibits ministers and, by extension, the president from interfering in NCC functions and requires the minister and, by extension, president to ensure that NCC functions are independent of any political interference.” Another industry analyst and legal practitioner, said: “The government’s secret non-competitive sale of any highly-sought after spectrums in the bands 700/800/900MHz spectrums will breach clear provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, Nigerian Procurement Act 2007, and the NCC Spectrum Pricing Regulation. “In particular, the sale of the digital dividend spectrum to the two businessmen without allowing NCC to follow due process of spectrum auction, has

breached NCA 2003 Sections 1(e), 4(1)(d), 4(2), 33(3), as well as Public Procurement Act 2007 sections 55(3), 56(3), 57(5,6) and also the Spectrum Pricing Regulations 2 (a) and Section 2(c); and Section 4. The perpetrators can be held liable and subject to criminal prosecution,” he said. But contacted by phone to comment on the development yesterday, the Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, declined comments, saying he was not aware that the president gave spectrum licences to Globacom and Visafone. “I do not have any information on the matter,” he said, adding that NCC has a law guiding its activities, especially with regards to spectrum auction and “we ensure that this legal provisions are followed to the letter at every point.”

News

THURSDAY MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

Jonathan: Probe my administration and others Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan has advised that anybody considering the probe of his administration when he leaves office to extend it to other past governments as failure to do that will be seen as vindictiveness and complete witchhunt. The President stated this yesterday when he presided over a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council FEC at the presidential

villa, Abuja. Jonathan, who had received wide encomium from members of his cabinet, stressed that he has done his best in the last five years through his transformation agenda to improve all sectors of the economy. Former Defence minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) had recently said that considering how the Jonathan administration has incurred a debt of $60bn on the nation with nothing

to show for it, the incoming administration of Major General Muhammadu Buhari needs to carry out a probe. While speaking at the ceremony, President Jonathan said “As a cabinet, we have tried our best. I believe we have done well under very difficult situations. There are a lot of criticisms; people say different things at different times, some of those who make some statements know there are purely political.”

He noted that “some people are even calling for the probe of this government. I agree, in Nigeria there are a number of things that we will probe, very many things. Even debts owed by states and this nation from 1960 up to this time, they say it is Jonathan’s administration that is owing all the debt. “I believe that anybody calling for probe must ensure that these probes are extended beyond the Jonathan administration, otherwise to me, it will be

witch hunting. If you are very sincere then, it is not just the Jonathan’s administration that should be probed.” The President explained that, “I always insist that we have been here for five years and some months including the time I was an acting president. I have always thrown the challenge that those who criticize us should compare what we have done in the various sectors to what others have done.” President Jonathan

pointed out that some governments, during the five year period his administration achieved modestly in various sectors that have impacted on the lives on Nigerians. “I may not need to enumerate but if you look at the rail system and what we have done within this period, the oil sector where there has been so much attack, one good thing we did was the Nigerian content law that revolutionized the oil industry.

Suit to stop Buhari’s inauguration suffers setback Tunde Oyesina Abuja

Executive Director, United Bank for Africa, Dan Okeke (left), receiving the best in ‘Extensive Compliance Category’ Award from Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Otunba Funsho Lawal, during the maiden awards ceremony by the CAC in Abuja.

‘Powerful forces against passage of PIB’ Philip Nyam Abuja

utgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has lamented that the lawmakers could not surmount the forces militating against the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). This is just as the House yesterday officially

transmitted power from Tambuwal to the deputy speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, to act as speaker till the end of the Seventh Assembly on June 4. Tambuwal, the Sokoto State governor-elect, who stated this in his valedictory address titled “the power of the unity of purpose” at yesterday’s plenary, also said the crisis between the House and the executive arm of government was an “unnecessary distraction

and embarrassment to the nation.” He said: “We shed tears of sadness because we did not rise swiftly to defeat the forces that stood ever so strongly against the passage of the PIB.” Speaking on the constant clashes between the House and the Presidency, Tambuwal said: “I must say that the frosty relationship between the Executive and Seventh House was an unnecessary distraction and a

N’Assembly: I’ve no candidate, says Buhari Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

gain, the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated his willingness to work with any leader of the National Assembly that the process throws up, irrespective of what part of the country he or she originates from. In a statement released in Abuja yesterday by the Mallam Garba

Shehu, Director of Media and Publicity, All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organization, Buhari stated that he would not make the mistake of past governments in leadership of National Assembly. According to the statement, this has become necessary in view of the continued name-dropping in some circles linking his name to some candidates. “I am prepared to work with leaders that the

House or Senate select”. Buhari had two weeks ago said, “It doesn’t matter who the person is or where he or she is from; I would work with the person”. He went on to add that “there is due process for the selection of leaders of the National Assembly and I will not interfere in that process.” Also, he added that the media and the public should begin to get used to no more “business as usual.”

source of embarrassment to the nation. It is unwarranted that a ruling party with clear majority boxed itself into that situation. “If the executive fails to recognise the independence of the legislature and expects that it is rubber stamp then frosty relation is bound to follow. I would strongly urge the incoming executive arm and indeed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to avert this unwholesome situation.”

suit seeking to stop the May 29 inauguration of the President-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari, yesterday suffered a setback before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The plaintiff in the matter failed to show up. The plaintiff , a civil society organization, the Incorporated Trustees of Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, had approached the court on Tuesday, seeking to stop the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed from swearing-in Buhari. The case was however

listed for mention yesterday, but when it was called, counsel to the plaintiff Philip Ekpo, was absent in court. Although counsel to Buhari, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN was in court despite the application filed before the court was an ex-parte which did not warrant the presence of the defendant. Also yesterday, an appeal was filed to stop the inauguration of the governor elect of Cross Rivers State, Professor Ben Ayade. In the suit filed at the Supreme Court through Okey Uzoho, the appellants, Dr. Michael Ogar, contested the gubernatorial election in 2011 on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigerian, now All Progressives Congress (APC).

President-elect commiserates with Obasanjo Mojeed Alabi

he President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has commiserated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the recent death of his younger sister, Madam Aduni Oluwasola Eweje, describing it as a huge loss. In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Head of the incoming President’s Media Team, Malam Garba

Shehu, a copy of which was made available to New Telegraph, Buhari expressed sadness that Madam Obasanjo died at a period when her wisdom would be sorely missed. He urged Obasanjo to take heart and bear the loss with equanimity and faith, saying God who knows all things, will strengthen and comfort him, and other relations of the deceased.

Court dismisses suit to stop Wike’s swearing-in Akeem Nafiu

ustice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, turned down an ex-parte application to stop the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri, from swearing in the Rivers State Governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, tomorrow The applicants; Monday Ubani, John Nwokwu and Gabriel Okorie are urging the

court to stop Wike’s swearing-in. However, the judge, while turning down the application, disclosed that granting such an application would amount to “adding insult upon the injury” of the people of Rivers State, who currently “have no judiciary.” The judge further held that though the applicants had a meritorious cause of action because the issues bordered on

the sanctity of the constitution, granting their ex parte application may occasion a state of anarchy in Rivers State. Justice Buba, while refusing the application, said “we cannot all be shallow or be shallowminded. There shall be no room for anarchy.” “I am of the firm view that no court should make the order ex-parte to further compound the problems in Rivers State,” Buba held.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

News

NATIONAL

Oshiomhole to Okonjo-Iweala: Explain how you mismanaged economy Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday accused the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of grossly mismanaging of the nation’s economy in the last four years and feeding Nigerians with half-truths. Oshiomhole, in an article to review the nation’s economy in

the last four years, said Okonjo-Iweala ran the Excess Crude Account as if running a one-man show, He said that Okonjo-Iweala’s recent outcry that oil marketers were falsifying subsidy claims might have been done in fear of the incoming President Muhammadu Buhari. The governor wrote: “As the country transits from one democratic dispensation to another, there is no gainsaying that the state of the nation’s economy is the focal point, especially with

the unending fuel scarcity which is gradually grinding the nation to a halt. No doubt, the best person to explain the state of the economy today is Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, whose management of the nation’s resources in these past four years has elicited different reactions from Nigerians. “As a member of the National Economic Council, I had spoken out at different times at NEC meetings and even in public

on the way the economy is managed under Dr Okonjo-Iweala. Again, I want to share my views with the public on some of the issues affecting the Nigerian nation. “Recently, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy (CME) has been all over the place, pointing in the wrong directions and blaming everybody but herself for the parlous state of the Nigerian economy. Coming after her deafening silence on

the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit of NNPC crude oil sales and receipts, which revealed massive abuse of public trust and stealing of our common patrimony in high places under her watch and the government she serves, it is quite intriguing that with barely few days left in office, she has suddenly woken up from her slumber to realize that oil marketers have been all along falsifying subsidy claims and defrauding the nation of billions of naira and dollars.

L-R: APC National Women Leader, Hajiya Talatu Tijani Aliyu; party chieftain, Dr. Abubakar Baraje; Kogi West Senator-elect, Dino Melaye and Senator Bukola Saraki, during a reception for Melaye in Abuja…yesterday

Constitution amendment: FG, NASS settle out of court Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Federal Government and National Assembly yesterday eventually settled their legal tango over the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. The two parties came up with a new deal. The new deal was, however, okayed by a full panel of the Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mohammed Mahmud. To that effect, the Federal Government filed a notice of discontinuance of the suit against the NASS before the Supreme Court. It would be recalled that the apex court had on Monday advised the two parties to settle the constitutional dispute amicably within 48hours. At the report of settlement yesterday, the apex court had stood the matter down for further con-

sultation and reconvened at about 4pm to endorse the out-of-court deal that both parties settled for. Counsel to the two parties in the suit; Chief Bayo Ojo SAN and Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN for both FG and NASS respectively signed the settlement. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, represented by Ojo, had sued the federal lawmakers over their moves to override President Goodluck Jonathan’s veto of the amended constitution. Jonathan rejected certain contentious amendments and returned the bill. It was however gathered that both sides however conceded to each other in the new deal. Delivering it’s ruling, the apex court unanimously struck out the suit in pursuant to the settlement agreement presented by the parties and the notice of discontinuance filed by the plaintiff counsel.

ENI’s six oil wells shut down over protest Adeola Yusuf

rotesters in the oilproducing Niger Delta yesterday said that they had shut down six Idu oilfield wells run by Nigerian Agip Oil Co. Ltd, a unit of Italian oil major ENI. Rising under the aegis of Egbebiri community, the protesters told Reuters that the treatment meted on ENI was well deserving for a company that allegedly violated agreement with them. A member of the Egbebiri community, Solomon Ogiama, said that his community shut the wells at the field in Bayelsa State on Monday, citing “other various grievances.” Among the grievances, according to him, was a claim that the company owed money for the guarding of its wells since 2014 and that it had failed to pay compensation for oil spills. It was not immediately clear how much oil Agip produces at the oilfield, reports Reuters. An Agip representative was not immediately available to comment. It would be recalled that a similar protest last week let to the shutdown of Nembe oil field. In the same vein, oil workers shut down the operations of United States (US.) oilfield services provider Halliburton.

SUF to unveil 40 APC Senators backing Lawan next week Jonathan signs Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate Unity Forum, a group of All Progressives Congress, APC Senators-elect canvassing support for the Ahmad Lawan/ George Akume candidacy for the office of the President of the Senate, has promised to present 40 APC senators in its fold to the press on Tuesday.

The Forum, which disclosed this while addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex yesterday, noted that the whole 13 senators-elect from the South-West, 20 from the North-West and seven other senators-elect from two other zones of the country were in total support of the course. The leader of the Forum, Senator Barnabas

Gemade, who addressed the press on behalf of other Senators, said the Senate Unity Forum was made up of senatorselect who were united in a common force for the purpose of actualising the aspirations of Lawan (Yobe, North-east) and Senator George Akume (Benue, North-central) for the offices of Senate president and deputy Senate President respectively.

Ekweremadu regrets ECOWAS Parliament’s poor performance Chukwu David Abuja

he Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has described the continued absence of a proper legislative arm as a huge setback for the ECOWAS at 40. He stated this yesterday at the closing of the 2015 First Ordinary

Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja. Addressing the Parliament, Senator Ekweremadu said it was “sad to note that 40 years after its establishment, ECOWAS cannot boast of a regional parliament in true sense of a parliament”. He noted that although an ECOWAS Parliament was inaugurated in year 2000, the Community Parliament had remained a sheer talk shop and a resource

drain since it does not perform any legislative function. He regretted that despite that the New Article 13 of the Supplementary Protocol amending the 1994 Protocol on the Parliament provides for the progressive enhancement of the ECOWAS Parliament from advisory to co-decision making and subsequently to a law making body, the body had remained the same 15 years after it was inaugurated.

tobacco control bill, five others into law Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan has signed six different bills passed recently by the National Assembly into laws. The bills which received assent from the President include the Tobacco Control Bill 2015. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed the development to State House correspondents at the presidential villa. Abati disclosed that other bills signed into law included the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency Act 2015; Equipment and Leasing Bill 2015 and AMCON (Amendment) Bill 2015. Others are the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Bill 2015 and the National Sugar Development (Amendment) Bill 2015.

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Mother stabs three-year-old son to death TRAGEDY While children are being celebrated across the world, a mother stabs her child to death Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ragedy struck a family in Sango-Ota area of Ogun State yesterday as a middle-aged woman allegedly stabbed her three-year-old son to death. The suspect, Funmilayo Adeyanju, was said to have snuffed life out of her son identified as Emmanuel Jumpy, by stabbing him multiple times while the rest of the world was marking Children’s Day. Adeyanju was allegedly impregnated by her biological father which eventually brought about the birth of Emmanuel three years ago. The killing was said to have thrown the residents of Ogunso area of Sango-Ota in Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government Area into

Ogun CP, Val Ntomchukwu

pandemonium. Though details of the incident were sketchy at press time, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, told our correspondent in a telephone interview that the suspect had been arrested. Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, added that the incident happened about 4pm yesterday. He disclosed that when the police asked the suspect questions, she was behaving like someone with unsound mind. The PPRO, however, said the police would seek the assistance of health experts to ascertain the state of mind of the suspect. He said: “The incident happened this afternoon (yesterday) at Ogunso area of Ota. The suspect was behaving funny when asked questions by the police. “The woman is in the custody of the police at Ota Divisional Police Headquarters. The case is still fresh and police need to work on the state of mind of the woman. We may need to seek the help of health experts to know her mental status.”

Again, task force arrests 46 hoodlums Muritala Ayinla

fficials of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offenses (Enforcement) Unit have arrested 46 suspected hoodlums at Oshodi. Among the suspects are seven underage boys while six of them are female. One of the female hoodlums was pregnant and nursing a baby. She is also suffering from oedema, a disease which makes the legs of a pregnant woman to swell. She was later released on compassionate ground. It was gathered that the task force stormed Oshodi between 1pm and 2pm with Black Maria and armed policemen and immediately swung into action. They were later conveyed in a Black Maria to the task

force headquarters in Alausa where they were screened. According to the task force officials, one of the female hoodlums, Cecilia, 23, was caught selling hard drugs with her sister, Tracy. It was also learnt that Cecilia, who hails from Edo State, had been arrested for three consecutive times, while Tracy said she ventured into drug business because she did not want to become a prostitute. The Chairman Task Force, Bayo Sulaiman, said the arrest was part of plans to restore sanity in Oshodi, especially on the rail track from Ladipo bus stop to Cappa bus stop. Sulaiman added that the hoodlums were arrested fol-

lowing a series of complaints received by the government over the continued terror unleashed by the hoodlums on innocent pedestrians. He said: “There have been incessant complaints by the residents of Oshodi over disturbance by hoodlums. The government would not allow the hoodlums to return to Oshodi it cleared some years ago. “Whenever we raid them like that, some of the hoodlums will go into hiding for sometimes. We are still very much in Oshodi and there was no time our men left there.” Sulaiman added that large quantities of hard drugs (Indian hemp) were recovered from the hoodlums.

Biodun Oyeleye

Rainstorm kills four schoolgirls in Kwara

Ilorin

F ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

our schoolgirls were reportedly killed in the early hours of yesterday during a heavy rainstorm at Gure in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. Some other victims, who sustained various degrees of injury, were said to still be unconscious and receiving treatment at a hospital.

The incident, according to the residents, occurred about midnight during a heavy downpour that also rendered several residents homeless. It was said to be the second disastrous downpour in the area in the last three months. Apart from the human loss, the storm also blew off the rooftops of several houses. A resident said that three of

Some of the suspects

the girls were of the same parents while the fourth came to pass the night with them. The source explained that thunderstorm tore through the wall of the building where the deceased were sleeping. The remains of the victims were said to have been buried yesterday, according to Islamic rites. The Chairman of the local government, Mallam Mohammed

Omar-Bio, described the storm as devastating and a pathetic. He promised to send a delegation to the community to condole with families of the victims. Omar-Bio, who spoke through the Public Relations Officer, Mr Jubril Masene, also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other disaster management agencies to provide succour for the victims.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Mother, son, held for robbery

City Briefs 11 die in auto crash Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

The woman

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

70-year-old woman, Moninola Lateef, her 35-year-old son, Modiu, and seven others have been arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Lateef, Modiu and two others were apprehended on Tuesday for robbery. The remaining five suspects were for allegedly abducting a man who just returned to the country from abroad. The suspects were paraded yesterday at the office of the Special Anti-Robbery

Some of the suspects

Squad (SARS) at Magbon, Abeokuta. Briefing journalists, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the septuagenarian was arrested for allegedly taking his son to a herbalist to extract bullets lodged in his body when he was shot during a robbery operation. Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, gave the names of other members of the robbery gang as Wale Okukenu, 30, and Fatai Osho, 28. According to him, the suspects had been terrorising Abeokuta and its environs and had been on the wanted list of the police.

The PPRO disclosed that a locally-made pistol was recovered from members of the robbery gang. He, however, said that the septuagenarian and other suspects would soon be charged to court. On the kidnapping case, Adejobi said the five-man gang abducted a man in Ijebu axis of the state who recently returned from abroad. He added that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday at Ita-Marun, Ijebu-Ode by SARS operatives led by the Officer-inCharge, Tijani Mohammed. The PPRO identified the suspected kidnappers as Ganiyu Olaiya, Segun

Makanjuola, Bisi Akinleye and Bayo Adekunle. According to him, three members of the kidnapping gang who claimed to be Christian clerics and the fourth who claimed to be a herbalist allegedly deceived their victim with an offer of spiritual assistance. He told journalists that the fifth member of the gang lost his life during an exchange of gunfire with policemen at their hideout. Adejobi said the police recovered one locally-made pistol loaded with cartridges and one Cherokee jeep with registration number LND 25 CE from the suspects.

Ghanaian detectives aid oil firm director’s arrest Juliana Francis

etectives from Ghana have facilitated the arrest and arraignment of an oil company director, Elder Christopher Isibor. Isibor was arraigned sequel to a petition by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana, alleging that the accused was into piracy, stealing and money laundering alongside a Ghanaian marketing firm, Auxesia Energy Limited. Isibor is the director of Earth Petroleum Development Limited. Isibor was arraigned yes-

terday before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in stolen crude oil. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when read to him. The Head, Media and Publicity, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren, said during investigations, it was discovered that some Nigerian companies, Earth Petroleum Development Limited, Spiral Oil and Gas Limited, hijacked Vessel MT Sol-

lueshing in March, 2013 and used it to convey 167,000 metric Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) stolen from Nigerian creeks and transported to Ghana. Buba granted the accused bail in the sum of N500 million and two sureties in like sum. The prosecution counsel, Haruna Abdulkadir, asked the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the perfection of the bail terms, a prayer which was granted by Justice Buba. The judge adjourned the case till June 18 for the commencement of trial. Isibor

UNILORIN female students not raped –VC Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

he Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has denied rumours about rape attacks on some female students of the institution. Ambali told journalists in

Ilorin, Kwara State, that contrary to the rumours making the round, a female student died of an illness after efforts by the university medical team to help her failed. This, according to him, was the beginning of the rumour. He said: “Let me say categorically and use this platform to address parents and guardians once again

that there was no iota of truth in that rumour. We have a very robust security arrangement that combines the modern policing system with traditional security people and since we started that relationship we have had it so good. “Yes, the story behind that rumour is that we lost a lady who had been on admission for four days at our clinic. I

think she was a ‘sickler’ and when the clinic realised she needed more attention she was transferred to the teaching hospital. “Unfortunately the doctors were on strike and so she was rushed to another facility. She, however, died before they could get there. Her death coincided with that rape rumour but there was no rape on the campus.”

t least 11 passengers lost their lives when their bus collided with a truck on the ever-busy Ilorin-Jebba Road. Eight others sustained various degrees of injury in the accident which occurred around Oko Olowo village. The Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number GA 52 XA, according to witnesses, collided with the truck marked XA 939 GZA, which was coming from the opposite direction. The Kwara State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mary Wakawa, said the accident occurred about 2am. The destination of the bus could not be authenticated at press time but the truck was said to be coming from Kebbi State and going to Oyo State. A middle-aged farmer living near the scene of the accident said the residents heard a loud bang when the crash occurred and thereafter wailing. But, according to him, they could not come out to verify the cause of the incident until much later. He said: “We heard a big bang around 2am inside our huts and wailing but none of us could come out until dawn when we got to the scene.”

I’ll sanitise C & S, says Supreme Head

he Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church Worldwide and the Baba Alakoso of the Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church, His Most Eminence, Dr. Solomon Alao, has condemned the practice where people of shady character donate ‘dirty money’ to the church. Alao, who is the new head of all Cherubim and Seraphim unification churches, also warned that he would step on toes in sanitising the church, as well as the body of Christ. Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Alao said he would wage a battle against people who desecrated the C & S Churches. He said: “All the babalawo parading as C & C churches clergies will be exposed.” On men of God who go about in convoy of exotic vehicles and others who buy jets for evangelism, Baba Alakoso said men of God did not have any business living flamboyant lives. He said: “What has a priest got to do with owning jets and living flamboyant lives?” The cleric also advised the Presidentelect, Muhammadu Buhari, to pick his team carefully.

Police to auction vehicles

he Lagos State Police Command has asked owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Imota Police Division to remove them within 21 days after the publication. The police also warned that the vehicles would be auctioned to members of the public at the end of the ultimatum. The police list the vehicles as Honda Prelude with registration number JY 432 KJA, Toyota Camry, marked AR 704 LRN and Toyota Hilux van with registration number NH 688 KJA.

News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

All varsities established by Jonathan are illegal, says ASUU Mojeed Alabi

he Academic Staff Union of U n iv e r s i t i e s , ASUU, has described as illegal all the 16 universities and other higher institutions established by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying they lack the necessary legal backing and so may be living on borrowed time. This remark was made by the union’s National President, Dr. Issa Fagge Nasir, while commenting on the recent conversion of four colleges of education to universities by the Federal Executive Council, FEC. Nasir, in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, described the conversion as an assault

on the Acts establishing the colleges, adding that universities are not only established via executive fiats but through thorough consultations with stakeholders and deep understudy of the pros and cons of such decisions. He said, “Our quarrel with the government is that universities are not just established by executive fiats like this administration is doing. So the Federal Government is only compounding the problems already bedeviling the education sector and I wonder if the incoming administration will allow this to stand. “Strictly speaking, the Federal Government is not respecting its own laws, and I wonder how you just transmute an institution without looking at its laws. What happens to its staff, facilities and

infrastructure?” The ASUU president also queried the release of N500 million each to the four new universities as take-off grant, saying the money alone cannot be enough for staff training not to talk of infrastructural upgrade. He said academic institutions like universities are the bedrock for national development and so are not run with-

out defined mandate and vision, and that using them to achieve political gains will only further compound the nation’s problems. He, therefore, called on the incoming administration to critically assess these decisions and make impartial judgment that will benefit the mass of the people and return the country’s education sector’s lost glory.

Transition: ACF accuses Jonathan of sabotage Ibraheem Musa KADUNA

he Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed dissatisfaction with the manner which the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan has been sacking aides, chief executives, making frivolous appointments, awarding contracts and revoking or even relocating some projects at this zero hour of his administration. In a statement signed by its National Publicity

Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim at the end of its monthly meeting held in Kaduna, the group alleged that it is morally wrong and a negation of his earlier statesman posture. ACF pointed out that although President Jonathan had conceded defeat to Buhari and has, at every occasion, pledged to cooperate with him to ensure a smooth transition, the present administration has failed to make the transition smooth as promised, in the last two months.

Customs, Immigrations to deport five Chinese nationals over illegal importation Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

uthorities of Nigerian Immigration and Nigeria Customs Service have concluded arrangement to deport five Chinese business men responsible for illegal importation of textiles to Kano. Principal officers of the two federal government organisations - Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi and the Comptroller - General of Immigration , David Parradang took the collective decision after a joint inspection visit to Kano. The decision was announced yesterday in a joint statement issued by the public

relation officers (PROs) of the two organisations, Wale Adeniyi and Chukwuemeka Obua. Five Chinese nationals were nabbed for operating illegal warehouses in Kano, where prohibited textile materials worth billions of naira were uncovered by Customs anti-smuggling operatives. Identities of the five Chinese nationals involved in the illegal textile warehouse business are, Gao Guoxu, aged 26, with passport No E12893246, Li Yang, 28, with Passport No E39324316 and Zhang Jiantao, 26, with Passport No E00078159. The rest are Zhao Shoumin, 26, with Passport No E32882412, and Zhou Jinxue, 35, with Passport No E23094307.

IPMAN lawyer flays Minister’s adoption of Obasi camp

he lawyer to the Chief Chinedu Okoronkwo led Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Barrister Oru O. Nnanna has faulted a letter from the Labour Minister allegedly recognising the functional chairman of the Association, Mr Lawson Obasi. The letter signed by the minister, Senator Joel D. Ikenya dated 25th May, 2015, reads: “Following the submission of the report of the Presidential Committee set up by His Excellency President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve the leadership crisis in the IPMAN, which recommended that Mr Obasi be recognised by the government of Nigeria as the lawful National of IP-

MAN. “I wish to convey that His Excellency, Mr President has graciously approved your recognition as the lawful National President of the IPMAN.” The letter added that the decision by government was in line with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt and all relevant agencies have been directed accordingly. But in a reaction to the letter, Barrister Nnanna said the letter came as surprise to them because there are two pending court cases on the leadership tussle of the association and therefore the Jonathan led government has no right to interfere with the cases that are in the courts.

L-R: Member-elect, House of Reps’ speakership aspirants, Femi Gbajabiamila; Hons. Yakub Balogun and Mohammed Monguno, when Monguno stepped down for Gbajabiamila in Abuja yesterday. Others are members-elect and supporters of the party.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Nigeria merchandise trade declines by N110.2bn –NBS Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

igeria’s merchandise trade has declined by N110.2 billion to N4,875, N4 billion in first quarter of 2015 compared to N4,985.6 billion figure of preceding quarter indicating 2.2% less, National Bureau of Statistics data on Nigeria’s merchandise for first quarter 2015 obtained yesterday has revealed.

The data also indicated that despite a rise of N275.6billion or 9.3% in the value of exports against levels recorded in the preceding quarter, a decline of N385.8billion or 19.0% in the value of imports had resulted in an overall decline in the value of merchandise trade. The rise in exports and decline imports improved the Country’s trade balance by 71.6% from the preceding quarter, to

Amaechi: Governor’s Forum crisis gave room for looting Emmanuel Masha PORT HARCOURT

ivers State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that the crisis in the Governors’ Forum was the immediate cause of widespread looting and the mismanagement of resources by the outgoing Jonathan administration. Amaechi said that prior to the crisis that rocked the Governors’ Forum, the governors acted as a check on the Federal Government in the spend-

ing of the nation’s funds, but pointed out that the moment they (governors) stopped operating as one, the Federal Government took advantage of the situation to loot. The governor, who spoke at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt during the thanksgiving mass to celebrate his 50th birthday, said he had no other option than to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, in order to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the polls.

N1,584.9billion. In comparison with the corresponding quarter of 2014, the value of total merchandise trade decreased by N639.5billion or 11.6%, while the trade balance decreased by N839.1 billion or 34.6%. According to the data, the value of Nigeria’s imports stood at N1,645.3billion, at the end of Q1, 2015, a decrease of N385.8billion or 19.0% from N2,031.0billion recorded in the preceding

quarter. However, on Year-on year, the value of the country’s imports increased by N99.8billion or 6.5% from the Q1, 2014 value of N1,545.44billion. By standard International trade classification and origin, the value of Nigeria’s imports stood at N1,645.3billion, at the end of Q1, 2015, a decrease of N385.8billion or 19.0% from N2,031.0billion recorded in the preceding quarter.

Gbajabiamila: I can work with Monogonu as Speaker Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

on. Femi Gbajabiamil, representing Surulere Federal Constituency, Lagos State, who is aspiring for the Speakership of the 8th House of Representatives yesterday, has said that he can work with Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monoguno as his deputy. Gbajabiamila stated this at a press briefing at the end of the All Progressives Congress retreat for APC members-elect in Abuja. Monoguno, represent-

ing, Marte, Monhuno & Nganzai Federal Constituency of Borno State, had earlier stepped down for him at the retreat, stating that he would work with him as Deputy Speaker. The lawmaker from Borno State alluded to the credentials of Gbajabiamila for Speakership. But reacting to the gesture, Gbajabiamila stated that he would be pleased to work with Monoguno as his Deputy. Gbajabiamila said, “It is incumbent upon me to react and to respond to that gesture.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, May 28, 2015

Agenda

Cost of governance

Niger Delta

Interview

14, 15

President must fix power – Okorie

Public office holders’ allowances must be cut by 50% – Akuma

Eradiri: Buhari should not scrap amnesty

Buhari should reverse privatisation of power sector – Aborisade

Politics

Security, anti-corruption crusade must top president’s agenda – Tsav to have been awarded on that road and up till now, the contractor has not done anything! He has abandoned the project and ran away. Yet the government said nothing.

Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, believes the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of General Muhammadu Buhari must urgently address the security challenges and fight corruption. He spoke with JULIANA FRANCIS and CEPHAS IORHWMEN. Excerpts: On assumption of office on May 29, General Muhammadu Buhari will be confronted with myriad of challenges, including corruption. What do you think he should do in this direction? Corruption has affected every facet of our society. Everywhere there is corruption. Abuja is the hot bed of corruption, so it’s a very serious problem. If General Buhari says he is going to fight corruption, he should also tackle the growing insecurity problem affecting country as well as the joblessness of our youths. I think what he should focus more on is how to address the issue of security because it has affected the industrial growth of the country. He should also extend his tentacles to the decaying educational system in the country because that will enlighten most people on the need to think positively for the growth of the country. Today, I can see that most people who are surrounding General Bu-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Tsav

hari are immersed in corruption. And like I said, Abuja is the home of corruption. You sit in Abuja and hear of corruption; you see corruption and feel corruption. People who are appointed to serve in government are aiding and abetting corruption. He should be very careful about the people that are going to work with him because most of them will sabotage his administration. He should ensure that anyone whose hands stink with corruption should be seriously dealt with, to serve as deterrent to others. There are fresh cases of people, including ministers and governors who have corruptly enriched themselves while in office. Buhari should make sure that such people are dealt with. Those he is going to appoint into his cabinet, should declare their assets. The issue of power has been a problem confronting the nation. What would be your advice to Buhari in this regard?

The issue of power generation in this country is so unfortunate. The incoming administration should try as much as possible to address the problem. We have refineries that have gone moribund. Buhari should try and revive and sustain them to avoid refining our oil overseas, that practice should be discouraged.

If General Buhari says he is going to fight corruption, he should also tackle the growing insecurity

What is your take on the level of infrastructural decay in the country at present, and what do you think the incoming administration should do to step it up? One of the problems we have in this country is that people have corrupt interests. You can see that President Goodluck Jonathan does not travel by road. He travels by air. He does not know the situation of our roads. The Buhari administration should revive existing roads for easy movement of goods and services. Look at the road between Gboko and Makurdi in Benue State, it’s so bad. Contract was said

You talked about job creation for the unemployed youths. In what way do you think the Buhari administration can address this problem? This can be done by opening new industries and moribund factories revived. If this is done, the issue of unemployment can be greatly minimised. There are many of such industries in Benue State. They are lying wasted. Government has done nothing to bring them back to life. Again, I have observed that the overheads of members of the National Assembly is also too much. The government can use these monies to create jobs and also help provide the needed infrastructure. In this country, we have a distinguishing feature between the rich and the poor. The rich are living in affluence, and the poor are living in squalor and have no houses to live in. Some cannot even afford a one-day meal, so the situation is very bad. Only recently, people were aspiring to go to the Senate but they have forgotten that they have much to do to the society; all they are interested in is how to enrich themselves and members of their extended families. If not for reasons of corruption, why will somebody insists that he wants to hold this position or that position in the Buhari administration? They want to hold positions where they can steal money! There have been clamours for the implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference. Do you think the Buhari administration should implement the recommendations of the confab? I think the All Progressives Congress (APC) government should take the confab report back to the National Assembly. If the National Assembly is convinced about the provisions, why not? They should implement it. That is my position on the issue. How would you rate the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration on security? It was very poor indeed! He CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics

THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

President must fix power – Okorie Chief Chekwas Okorie is the National Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and the presidential candidate of the party in the March 28 election. In this interview with YEKEEN NURUDEEN, he speaks on areas of priority the Pesident-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, must focus on when he takes power on May 29 The new government will take over on May 29, what should be the priority of the Buhari administration? The number one priority and important area is power supply. The way the country is now, we are almost enveloped in darkness. And that is very dangerous for the country. What the situation requires is a state of emergency in that sector. The second area that is as important as the power sector is the area of corruption. Not only that he would set up a body that will be more proactive but he may use the services of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where necessary. He must go all out to look for our money and national wealth in private hands, illegally acquired. It can be found all over the world and there are agencies that are already established to bring these monies back. That should not distract him from performing his daily leadership role. A body that is made up of very trustworthy, principled and upright Nigerians should begin to work immediately on that. And then in addition to that, he should come up with measures that would discourage corrupt practices not only sanctioning and punishing those found guilty but measures that would discourage corrupt practices. The issue of declaration of asset on annual basis, publicly, not just once, not only twice, every year the person is in the office is important. Of course, making security vote accountable. It must be accounted for because it is one critical area of corruption now which even the local government chairmen have security vote, governors have, legislative officers have, not to talk of the president himself. And the amounts are mindboggling and that’s a major area of corruption. How should the president handle the issue of security? The issue of state police must be looked into immediately because we are ripe for community policing so that every Nigerian would have equal stake in security even in his environment. There are states that have successfully implemented vigilante at the community level. It doesn’t mean the central police won’t exist; it will

ment that can lead to expansion of industries and so on and so forth.

Okorie

exist. We have state police in the United States, there is New York Police Department; all the states have their police departments. We can do that in Nigeria. Government must equip, motivate and encourage all security agencies. They must be well-remunerated because they are taking risk that others are not taking and so they should not be paid ordinary stipend. They should be well looked after and if people feel that the job is attractive, they want to join, let them go and join. But those who are already enlisted must be motivated to do their job and they will not want to lose their job if they are paid to do their job, well paid and well catered for. What would be your advice on job

Udengs Eradiri is the National President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC). In this interview with FELIX NWANERI, he speaks on what the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, should do to avoid rocking the relative peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta How should General Muhammadu Buhari administration get started to meet the people’s aspiration? I think that going forward; the incoming administration must deliberately create opportunities both in parliament and in the executive to accommodate other parties that did not support them. Buhari also has to win the hearts

creation? An idle brain is the devil’s workshop. What I can say is that no matter what anybody would say Nigeria is not structured for expansion of the economy. It is not structured to challenge the governor and the state to explore and exploit their comparative advantage which will enable them compete favourably and economy will grow. Nigeria is not structured for various federating units to contribute to the centre. They are there as sleeping dogs waiting for revenue to be shared, revenue mainly from oil. They go and share it among themselves and wait for another 30 days. There’s no way job can be created in this way, there’s no way the economy can grow in this way. So, we are seriously bothered on creation of enabling environ-

What do you think should be done on electoral reform? One of the things that bring people to power when they don’t have the mandate of the people is electoral manipulations. I expect President Muhammadu Buhari who is a major beneficiary of an improved electoral system to up the ante and take the issue of electoral reform to a much higher level that would make every vote to count and only eligible people will vote. We should put behind us the era of underaged children voting during election or the era of declaring public holiday on election day. And the era of using outdated ballot boxes when we already have permanent voters’ cards that are electronically generated and we already have voter’s register that is electronically generated. There is no reason why we shouldn’t go into electronic voting system which is what all the countries are using now. Even developing countries are embracing the technology that makes results available in 24 hours and eliminates the use of thugs. In this way, there would be no need to talk about sensitive materials arriving late and of course that will also save the country of numerous litigations after elections because elections would be transparent and credible and there would be little need for litigations. What should be the immediate action by the new government to address the problem of fuel scarcity? The government should embark on in the immediate term on massive importation of finished products that will last us for the next 30 days. Subsequent to that is the removal of fuel subsidy so that all those wishing to import fuel at a premium would be free to do so. The country is almost grounding to a halt but in the interim, there should be massive importation whatever it would cost that would be for the next 30 days and not more than 30 days.

Eradiri: Buhari should not

of the people of the South-East and South-South because these are two regions that have a history of agitation for self-determination. The situation on ground is a time bomb, so he should not go home and celebrate. He should go back to the drawing board and ensure he does whatever it takes to courts the various ethnic nationalities and co-opt them into his administration. There are insinuations that the incoming government may stop the amnesty programme. What is your take on that? We will not be begging for the amnesty because no government that has vision will wake up and scrap the amnesty programme. I know Buhari has something upstairs, so he won’t contemplate that. He would be shooting himself on the foot if he does that. It is simple economics. If you

stop the amnesty, you will not see the money for your bogus economic plans. But if you sustain the amnesty, there will be more money flowing in. Even in this dwindling economic situation in Nigeria, we still need oil to be flowing in order to have the resources to pay salaries. It is still this amnesty programme that has sustained the economy to the point that we are. They managed to share about N300 billion recently, which is the lowest that we have ever had. So, if they stop the amnesty programme and the over 20, 000 trained Niger Delta youths go back to the creeks, there would be sabotage in large scale, and the entire country will bear the brunt. The APC has rea-

sonable sound minds, they can only review the process if they feel the programme is a conduit as some have alleged. The Buhari administration can review the amnesty programme but not scrapping because the truth is that it has brought peace in Niger Delta, sustained the economy of this country. If you are to set agenda for the incoming government in the area of security, what would be your priority? General Buhari, if he is not a fanatic as we suspect, should be able to call his people to order so that they don’t go ahead killing Christians because the Boko Haram saga is about eliminating Christians in the North. Now that he has taken over

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, May 28, 2015

Chief Solo Akuma is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as well as former Attorney General (AG) of Abia State and Commissioner for Justice. The Abuja-based legal practitioner speaks with EMMANUEL ONANI on what he considers as areas of national priority for the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari What would the new administration do to make life better for the Nigerian masses? First, the incoming government should address the issue of fuel subsidy: he should be courageous enough, within the first 100 days in office, to remove fuel subsidy, because that is an avenue through which money is being stolen from the country. That is one. The second area of priority, is the issue of power, which has to be addressed. He has to look into why some electricity consumers are not being issued with pre-paid meters by the Distribution Companies (DISCOs). All the DISCOs now prefer to issue ready-made bills. Whether there is light or not, they will look at the size of your building and slam you with what they want. So, the issue of power must be addressed, and government must look inwards to produce these prepaid meters. There is a company in Kaduna State, I learnt, that can handle that. How would you want the next President to handle the monster called corruption? The issue of corruption is multifaceted; it is not just limited to those working in government, but in all other sectors, both at state and federal levels. Corruption is viewed in many dimensions, and so, it is an area he has to ensure

Public office holders’ allowances must be cut by 50% – Akuma

There are those that are of the considered view that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is not doing enough in terms of its core mandate of fighting corruption. Do you subscribe to this argument? It’s not as if the EFCC is not doing much; the only point is that EFCC is no more overdramatising their activities, as it used to be, when you had Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Mrs Farida Waziri. They are doing something, but they need to be strengthened, both in personnel as well as funding. That is all the incoming administration has to do to make EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) stronger so that they will be able to hire competent lawyers as external solicitors that could handle some sensational cases. Most of EFCC’s cases today are being handled by internal solicitors, and when the defence side brings a formidable team, you will see the difference.

Akuma

that he deals seriously with. This is because, without dealing decisively with the cankerworm, he might not get the money needed to run his government. He has to also give particular attention to the recurrent expenditure of government. Where you have recurrent expenditure higher than capital expenditure, then you will know that government will likely not make much progress in the allimportant area of infrastructure development. He has to reduce allowances; they are over-bloated. He should reduce allowances of public office holders by as much as 50 per cent. You know a senator takes about N20 million every quarter. What does he do with that? Once in a while or year, he buys 1000 dryers and goes to distribute to his constituents. So, who spends the balance of the quarterly allocations he receives?

scrap amnesty Incoming government should pay attention to the Niger Delta Eradiri

leadership and this leadership is being supported by the West, we expect that the West and their allies will prevail on him to call his

The cost of running government, has to be reduced, if this government must succeed

people to order, so that they can stop the killings going on. In the area of infrastructure, what is your advice to the Buhari administration? My take is that the incoming government should pay attention to the Niger Delta the same way the Goodluck Jonathan government paid so much attention to the North. Go and see the multi-billion dollar projects Jonathan initiated in the North because he felt that he needed to appease them, but even at that, all they wanted was power and no other thing and they have gotten it. We expect them to also give us the same attention, because if the South-South gave them attention, we expect them to also give us attention, after all, the amnesty programme was orchestrated by a Northern President, Bayelsa State was created by a Northerner, and so we have always seen them as people who will always pay attention to our environment. That’s why Ijaw youths are saying let’s allow them the opportunity to

He must, as a matter of national importance, look at the situation. He must also beam a searchlight on other allowances paid to those in the executive. Now, if you want to reduce running cost, you can safely reduce the retinue of aides appointed by ministers; either as special advisers or special assistants. After reducing the number, others can now be seconded from the civil service, where they are already on the payroll of government. This reduction, in my humble view, should also be applicable in the National Assembly; staff of the National Assembly should be used to complement whatever shortfall may arise. There are a certain number of people that are entitled to submit their names. In all, the cost of running government, has to be reduced, if this government must succeed.

take power and see their body language. We have some level of confidence that it might not be as bad as people are insinuating. The 2014 National Conference came up with lots of recommendations, which the Jonathan administration was unable to implement before it lost the election. Would you advice the incoming government to go ahead with the confab report? If you read our communiqué after our meeting, which reviewed the 2015 electoral process, part of our demands from the Buhari government was that he should not scrap the amnesty programme; he should focus on our environment; he should clean up the environment as contained in the UN report and expand it to other parts, and that he should implement the National Conference report. Knowing that his party did not participate in the confab, we call on the international community to the same way, they conspired to remove President Jonathan, to also conspire to put pres-

What new measure should the incoming administration adopt against the Boko Haram insurgency and other violent crimes plaguing the country? You see, everything is about leadership; a leader must be courageous and take decisive actions. Again, no government that wants to do well will allow insecurity to thrive, as was the case with Boko Haram. The outgoing government exhibited some lacklustre performance initially. It is just at the twilight of this administration, that seriousness has been shown in the fight against Boko Haram. You don’t treat such organisation with kid glove; you must come out decisively and treat them with all the seriousness it deserves. You cannot win the war against Boko Haram or kidnapping with anything short of being decisive. So, special forces should be set up, to go after these suspected criminals, arrest them and get them prosecuted. sure on Buhari to implement that report because all Nigerians came together, to discuss and arrive at a common ground, so that our country would be on the right path. The report might not have been 100 per cent acceptable or full proof to solving Nigeria’s problems, but at least, it is a step in the right direction. Do you believe Buhari has what it takes to fight corruption? The truth is that Nigeria will not change until something drastic is done and so far it is within the confines of this democracy to go to court to prove somebody guilty of an offence before you can jail him, the circle of corruption will continue. So, if Buhari thinks that he can bring the military style, he will have his house full of litigations because some of these things that you see are being hyped by the lawyers so that Buhari and his people will jump into it for them (lawyers) to continuously make money.

16 Politics Comrade Femi Aborisade is a former National Secretary of the National Conscience Party (NCP), ex-lecturer at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and political associate of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN). In this interview with SOLA ADEYEMO, the Ibadan-based lawyer sets agenda for President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari. Excerpts: What do you expect from General Muhammadu Buhari as regard to electoral reforms? It is the National Assembly that can appropriately bring about electoral reforms. A key electoral reform that is required is to directly empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to register political parties that do not have programmes or manifestos that conform with Section 224 of the 1999 Constitution. Section 224 of the constitution provides that the programmes, aims and objectives of a political party shall conform with Chapter 2 of the Constitution. The appeal of Section 224 of the Constitution is that it provides for socio-economic rights. It is under Chapter 2 that government is mandated to implement the right to education, right to medical care, right to housing, right to food, right to a national minimum living wage, the care of the aged, the care of the physically challenged, the right to employment or unemployment allowance, etc. By implication, even if a party wins election and fails to implement Chapter 2 of the constitution, such a party ought to be deregistered. In fact, the law should criminalise non-implementation of Chapter 2 of the Constitution. I am aware that Section 6 subsection (6)(c) provides that chapter 2 is not justiciable. But the same section provides that chapter 2 is justiciable if any other section of the Constitution provides for justiciability of Chapter 2. Then, section 13 of the Constitution provides that all authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive and judicial powers shall observe and give effect to Chapter 2 of the Constitution. Therefore, within the context of sections 13 and 224 of the Constitution, no political party should be allowed to continue to exist if it either fails to base manifesto on chapter 2 or fails to implement the provisions of Chapter 2. This is the most important electoral law reform that is required if the government of General Muhammadu Buhari will represent a change in the interests of the downtrodden. How do you expect him to tackle the issue of corruption that has eaten too deep into the fabrics of the nation? The government of Buhari should base its fight against corruption on Section 15 subsection

THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari should reverse privatisation of power sector â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aborisade ideas informing such policies.

What of the security challenges in the land? How could the incoming administration curtail it? Section 14 (2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary essence of government. Therefore, it is beyond controversy that any government has a responsibility to provide security. However, security should be considered from its social and economic components. The economic and social exclusion, pervasive poverty has fuelled the problem of physical security. Therefore, finding a solution to the problem of insecurity, Boko Haram, armed robbery, kidnapping etc, should be considered from the standpoint of measures to address the hydra-headed problem of poverty pervading the land.

Aborisade

(5) of the 1999 Constitution. Section 15 subsection (5) of the 1999 Constitution provides that the government shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of office. The 5th Schedule to the Constitution sets out provisions on the Code of Conduct for Public officers. The Code of Conduct, among others, provide that no public officer shall put himself/herself in a position of conflict of interest; that no public officer should earn income from more than one public office; that no public officer shall run private business; that anyone found guilty of breach of the Code should be removed from office, barred from public office for a period not exceeding 10 years; and the loot shall be seized. If the government of Buhari conducts the fight against corruption on the Code of Conduct, corruption will be largely minimised. For example, the provisions that no public officer shall put himself/ herself in a position of conflict of interest, and that public officers shall not own private companies suggest that no public officer, his relatives and cohorts, should take contracts from government. Public projects should be executed by direct labour rather than continuing the system of governance by contractocracy. Moreover, the government of Buhari should endeavour to bring about law reform in the area of criminal justice system. Currently, the principle in criminal litigation is that any suspect is presumed innocent until proven beyond reasonable doubt. In the area of corruption charges, this presumption of innocence should be eliminated. Anyone who is considered to be living beyond his official legitimate earnings should have the burden to prove that he or she is not corrupt. Power problem appears insurmountable in Nigeria. What do you

suggest Buhari should do in this regard? The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was privatised in order to solve the power problem. However, the fact that the power problem has persisted shows that what is wrong has nothing to do with the ownership structure. Therefore, the privatisation of PHCN should be probed and reversed. The privatisation of PHCN was nothing but looting of the public wealth invested over the decades. It has compounded the unemployment problem. Government should revisit and reverse the privatisation process in the electricity subsector. That is my submission on that.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) ought to be probed

What about infrastructural development? All aspects of physical infrastructure should be revamped. However, it should be done in such a way that the capacity of public agencies, ministries and departments is enhanced rather than undermined. Government should invest in public agencies to construct roads and so on. This can be achieved by collaboration between federal and state public agencies, nationally and internationally, rather than relying on the private sector. Do you think the incoming government should implement confab recommendations contrary to the opinion of some people in the All Progressives Congress (APC)? The policies recommended by the National Conference which the incoming government considers to be in public interest should be implemented in spite of the fact that the APC leadership appeared not to be in support of the confab. That is how to show focus, purposeful leadership. Policies considered to be in the interest of the public should be implemented regardless of the sources of the

How do you think the new administration can revamp the refineries? The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) ought to be probed. The refineries should be able to refine, not just for domestic consumption but also for export. Export crude and importing refined products are products of corruption. The incoming government should not allow this to continue. All those who have incapacitated the NNPC should be brought to justice. That is the practical way to it in short. How could the level of unemployment be reduced to barest minimum? There is a relationship between the degree of unemployment and insecurity in the country. The major source of social insecurity and criminalities in the country is unprecedented level of unemployment. Employment should be provided for the teeming army of the unemployed. About 1.8 million persons are estimated to be joining the army of the unemployed every year. Government should provide employment by creating economic enterprises as opposed to privatisation of public enterprises. Those who cannot be engaged productively should be given unemployment allowances through social security schemes. What is your advice to the incoming government on cost of governance? The cost of governance in this country is unacceptable. The single largest item of expenditure which fuels cost of governance is the disproportionate remuneration of political or elected public officers and their aides. That is why electoral processes have acquired violent life or death character. In order to discourage appeal to public office on the basis of access to limitless source of public funds at the expense of ordinary people, elected public officials and their aides should earn only the national minimum wage plus incidental allowances for meetings, transportation and accommodation. Once this policy has constitutional flavour or backing, only those who want to serve the public genuinely will show interest in contesting elections.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, May 28, 2015

What do you think the incoming government should do to address the problem of power supply in the country? You know that the power sector is not like other sectors; it is one that needs so much investment. In the last few years beginning from the Obasanjo era to the Goodluck Jonathan’s government, so much money had been spent in this sector with nothing much achieved. In my view, the problem in the power sector first has to do with the overall problem of Nigeria; everything is bundled together and because the central government is unable to manage it. The solution to it in the long run is to decentralise the power sector, let every state generate power that it can consume. This is what is done in advanced countries. If you go to the United States, for instance, there is no centralisation of electricity whether it is distribution or generation. You don’t have one body controlling the system but several states doing it differently. So, if you unbundle the power sector and give it to the states, you will see that there will be competition to generate more. The second issue is that we are generating power mostly from gas powered sources and because of this, you find that arrangements were not made to be able to provide enough of this gas to the power stations. So, although we have capacity to generate up to 5,000 megawatts, we have not been able to reach even 4,000 because the ability to supply gas to these power stations does not exist. What we can do is to go back to what used to exist in those days, revamp the pipelines. You know there are pipelines criss-crossing the country and depots all over. Go back to this plan which we adopted at that time, then look at the pipelines, those that are not good, repair them. The interesting thing is that these pipelines are capable of taking anything whether it is gas or petrol and Liquefied Natural Gas. Make sure that the pipes are working properly and then you pump to the various depots. Each of those depots were capable of storing enough at that time that they were built. That is in the long run. The short run is to see how gas can be supplied to power plants. My view is that Buhari takes a short run, the middle term and long term approach. The short plan is ensuring that you supply gas to power plants, you revive the depots and in the long run, you decentralise power and allow the states to generate electricity that they can use. What can be done to address the current fuel scarcity? Do we revive the refineries? I have a very different attitude to what most Nigerians want. Nigerians are against the removal of subsidy. I am sure that if you remove subsidy, in the long run, everybody will be happier for it because it is a big scam. If there is really subsidy on petroleum product, some people are just feeding from the inefficiency in the system. But since most Nigerians don’t want subsidy removed, what Buhari can do like I said on electricity is to go back to the old plan. You know, he was

How do you see Buhari tackling the problem of insecurity particularly the Boko Haram insurgency? This has to also do with what I said earlier; the issue of overcentralization. We have a national police and policing is not something that is done at the centre, it is done in the villages, hamlets and the communities. Let us go back to state policing and let every state has its police system and let’s see how they can use it to secure their various environment. When you look at what has happened in the North-East, you find out that governors have been crying that they don’t control the police. Sometimes they need to take immediate actions on some issues but because they don’t control the police, they need to appeal to the centre for things to be done. Look at the kidnap of the over 200 girls in Chibok, the centre did not even believe that anybody had been kidnapped. It took almost three weeks for government to respond. By then, the harm had been done. One year later, we still don’t know where the girls are. But if the police, for instance, were controlled by the state, there could have been a response and the situation couldn’t have gotten to the stage we are now. Even the whole Boko Haram thing, it is possible for it to have been contained if the states were controlling their own police.

Agber

President must work on quick fixes – Agber Dr. Kwaghkondo Agber is the Head of Department of Media Arts at the University of Abuja. He speaks with ANULE EMMANUEL on what Nigerians expect from the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari the one that built three refineries. We had four refineries and if all of them are working in full capacity, they are capable of supplying half of our requirement if not more. So, revive the depots, let’s all the refineries work at full capacity and you supply to the country. If that is not enough then you import to make up the shortfall. What are you expecting in terms of improving our electoral process? Well, the problem in Nigeria is not completed with the government. Partly, it is with us. Most Nigerians have the tendency to be corrupt and that tendency extends to so many other things. You go to the market, the market woman wants to sell tomatoes, she put rotten ones at the button and the good ones on top. Electoral reforms are good. It is good that the government can embark on electoral reforms but what Buhari can do is to first ensure that Nigerians are well-informed about their rights under the constitution. Most of us don’t know our rights and that is why people give us N500 and get us to do some funny things during elections. Another thing is that some of the innovations in the system

So long as our industries continue to work at zero capacity or at very low capacity, the unemployment level will continue to grow

like the card reader are good. The new government should ensure that they continue with them and that they perform optimally not like some of them were failing during the just-concluded elections. The other thing is that the appointment of electoral officers should not be directly in the hands of government. Let some other independent bodies be responsible for that. In this case, the electoral officer will not have any loyalty to the government in power. In some other countries, political parties together nominate electoral officers but knowing Nigeria and the kind of system we have, I think we should involve an independent body that will be able to do it, may be the National Assembly or any other one. But there is need that they are nominated by an independent body; it will make them as independent as the name is to see how they would be able to conduct the next election. The other one is that there is the gap between when we go to accredit and when we vote. What is the meaning that we do accreditation and then go back to vote? It is time wasting. As you accredit, you should be allowed to vote.

How does Buhari tackle the growing problem of unemployment? You know that government cannot employ everybody. It is not even possible even in the advanced democracies. In the United States, it is not government that employs the large population, same with other developed countries. So, in the short run, there is nothing the in-coming government can do. In the long run, what government can do is that it ensures that the industries that are producing at zero capacity with some even having moved to other countries are encouraged to increase their capacity while those that have relocated also come back. When industries are producing and at very high capacity, unemployment is reduced. If you go to Kaduna, all the textile industries are down. Don’t forget that the textile industry employs a large number of population. You go to Kano, Onitsha it is the same thing. These are places where you had most of the industries. The second one is to revive the railways. Well, there has been some attempts, but I think we should start modernising not just reviving the old railways. Even the Indian system that started alongside with us have been modernised over and over again. It doesn’t run like what you have in Europe but not as bad as we have in Nigeria. So, if you have the trains running at even 100 kilometers per hour, you will see that most people will park their cars and the demand on the road system, petrol would reduce. You also know that railway like the textile employs a lot of people. So, these are some of the things government can do to be able to reduce unemployment. So long as our industries continue to work at zero capacity or at very low capacity, the unemployment level will continue to grow.

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion What does Peter Obi really want? Obiora Aghadinuno

he political tug of war going on between former governor Peter Obi and his successor, Chief Willie Obiano, the governor of Anambra State has continued to astound many observers. Coming against the backdrop of the former governor’s assurances of non-interference when he handed over power in March last year, the raging face-off between the two brothers remains a curiosity to people who had hoped that finally, Anambra had shrugged off the usual ego clashes between her leading citizens. That this needless ego clash has continued to fester against wise counsels and endless interventions by their mutual friends speaks to the deeper psychological inadequacies that characterize the lives of public servants in Nigeria. In this case though, Mr. Obi seems to be the guilty party. After wrestling power from the strong men whose sole purpose of seeking political power was for personal enrichment and setting a record as the first governor to successfully hand over power to his anointed candidate, expectations were understandably high on Peter Obi. Many people had hoped that Obi would ascend to a higher grace; that he knew too well the cost of war to offer his successor peace. Many people had wished that Obi’s unassuming nature and loud simplicity would dictate his attitude to life after service. Alas, they were all wrong. It soon became clear that Obi was only willing to relinquish the office but not the power. The former governor has continued to act as though he is the alternate governor of Anambra State; stage-managing public functions for himself across the state where he is either flagging off a project or commissioning a new one with fanfare and robust media coverage. Obi’s recent visit to St Augustine’s Primary and Secondary School, Nkpor is one instance that stands out as not only unwise but needlessly provocative. As was reported by Valentine Obienyem, his media aide who is infernally drawn to intrigues, Mr. Obi has visited at least one school a month since he left office. Obienyem, irredeemably obsequious and always eager

to go beyond his master’s brief, garnished his narrative with misguided allusions to “costly wines and Epicurean indulgences.” But the point here really is not about costly wines and lifestyles but about Mr. Obi’s new found love for philanthropy, which has prompted the rhetorical question – Is Saul also among the prophets? Seriously, is Obi, a man famous for his tight-fist also, among the emergency philanthropists? Okay. For the sake of argument, let’s agree that this particular Saul is now counted among the prophets; would it be asking for too much to suggest that this strange philanthropy be done in a silent, if not less offensive way? How about simply making a quite donation? Would Obi’s peculiar philanthropy amount to less if it is not turned into a state function? If he performs it in a way that makes it look a little less than an outright eye-ball contest with the man he handed over power to? Beside the notion that Obi is hell bent on an avoidable head-on collision with his successor is also the sad narrative of the infuriating cold-shoulder he has given the man that he fought to install in office. Keen observers believe that the cold war between the duo began immediately after handover, when Obiano began to show unexpected confidence in his own ability. Obi had hoped that the ex-banker would be overwhelmed by the new challenge sooner than later and scurry back to him for guidance. When it didn’t happen, he decided to recoil from him, shunning all invitations to public functions in the state and avoiding open association with Obiano. But what got people talking was that when Obiano began to garner rave reviews from his sterling performance, Obi stood aloof and never for once said what people had hoped he would say to re-enforce the general perception of the man he had campaigned so intensely for. Obi’s silence and deliberate absence from state functions to which he was always duly invited left gaps in the new Anambra story for the public to fill with rumours and malicious speculations. If only Obi had deigned to say one pleasant thing about his successor, if only he had said a simple “I told you so.” If Obi’s aloofness smacked of thinly veiled witch-

hunt, his dogged campaign to drum home the fact that he handed over the sum of N75bn to his successor was simply curious. It is indeed curious that for one whole year, Obi and his battery of aides have turned this singular topic into a tragic refrain. The curiosity deepens when it is realized that at no point has Obiano raised questions about this “great” inheritance. And from the look of things, the state does not seem in imminent danger of bankruptcy. Salaries are not owed and other financial obligations have not gone bad. So, why is Obi suddenly anxious to shove this great legacy of his down our throats? Hello! Be that as it may, whatever Obi has up his sleeve will show itself one day. Whatever that may be, one however hopes that unleashing his media aides to launch dirty calumny campaigns against Obiano as has been the case in the past six months is not a part of it. Nor the planting of moles in Obiano’s cabinet and living quarters to snitch on him and his wife. That is a low down dirty scheme that should not come from a venerated Knight. Truth be told, Val Obienyem’s “young” English and Stanley Chira’s (Mazi Odera) hilarious grunts on social media all in an effort to attack Obiano who they erroneously see as Obi’s enemy, come across as one more reason why Peter Obi may never be finally counted among the greats. Already, questions are being asked about what Obi truly wants. Another term in office as governor? Already, there is a disquieting murmur that Obi who had a turbulent time in his eight years as governor is stricken with a strange malady that makes him fancy himself as the best thing to ever happen to Anambra State, preening and grandstanding in a hollow show of faux statesmanship. The fear is that this illness has reached an advanced stage where Obi now sees himself as the alternate governor of Anambra State, holding state functions with pomp and pageantry. Fortunately, this is a bizarre psychological condition which has yet to show itself in any other ex-governor in Nigeria except Peter Obi. • Aghadinuno (aghadinuno2014@gmail.com) writes from Nsugbe, Anambra State.

The anti-Christ Pastors Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

he life of Jesus Christ cannot be repeatedly told as contained in the Holy Bible and other scriptural texts. As the only begotten Son of God, He came to this world in order to redeem us of our accumulated sins and in the process He was crucified by the Jewish authority. The episode was in accordance with the wish and desire of the Almighty God. From the point of view and opinion of the ardent believers in Christ, (the liberals and fanatics), it is only through the Son of God that mankind can reach the Heavenly kingdom. However, only those who are spiritually pure will get to the Promised Land after they must have undergone the biological processes of history. It is also the cardinal belief of the members of Christendom that the wicked would easily have access to Hell in view of the fact that the doors are wide open without any hindrance. Perhaps, the spacious door is a direct equivalent of some super express roads of five lanes each way. It is a matter of importance to stress that there is only one basic requirement to qualify any human being for the Heavenly kingdom of God or the devilish Hell. That qualification is outright death. This will enable the dead to see clearly the two parallel cities. I am strongly of the impression therefore that only those who are qualified and unfortunate to be there at the moment,

may be able to tell the rest of the story, if they can resurface on earth, once again. I have no doubt in my mind that this assertion may be true to the best of my knowledge because I am still alive by the special Grace of God and cannot be in a position to comment further on this subject. The crux of this piece is to focus on the Anti-Christ Pastors and some of their cotravelers who constitute the membership of such Christian Institutions. While the Satanic Pastors parade themselves as men of God and Revered Gentlemen, some of their members on the other hand usually claim to be more Catholic than the Pope when in fact, they are even more dangerous. I shall firstly spell-out the various classifications of Church memberships and why such characters patronize the places of worship. It must be recognized for the avoidance of doubt that there are a few members who are honestly committed to the service of God Almighty. This group has the intensive belief in Jesus Christ. They equally believe that whosoever has a contrary opinion may have been left behind in spiritual life. These classes of membership do easily believe in Jesus Christ who they regard as their intermediary in Christendom. They easily forget that there is the existence of other religions with their respective intermediaries. For instance, the Muslims strongly believe in Islam and Prophet Mohammed. Will the faithful of the religion not go to Heaven because they do not worship God through

Jesus Christ?. The Hindus and the more than 1,000 religions and followership on earth are classical examples. As far as these other religions are concerned, their members too, are qualified materials for the kingdom of God. Another category are some Church members who have Christian parents and back-ground. Other family members who do not have the same belief are compelled by any means to toe the religion. Those concerned have no other option until they are perhaps of age to take a firm decision for themselves with respect to their preferred religion. They are also those who float churches in order to make money. The establishments of their Churches marks the beginning of money making which announces the end of poverty. Simply put, they see it strictly as family business ventures. Other church members who are not seriousminded Christians are those who patronize the House of God for the purpose of self identification. They only want to be identified as Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Redeemed, Soul Harvesters, Word of Life Bible Church, and so on. The most confused categories of members are the problematic ones. They have tried to find lasting solutions to their visible problems through the Babalawos, Alfas, Oromila, Shango, Herbalists and all manner of refurbished fake Prophets and visioners, crude magicians including some demonic patriarchs and matriarchs,

but all to no avail. Their final bus stop is to seek solace in the Church with the belief that, one day, God Almighty may hear and answer their prayers. The most devilish are some members who are captains of cultic organizations, committed witches and wizards, marine spirit operators, armed robbers, assassins, seasoned ritualists and those who acquired unexplained demonic powers. The major pre-occupation is to test the faith of the real Man of God. In view of the dangerous nature of this class, there is no acclaimed clergy gentleman who would pray to have such members because they are intentionally deadly. Some pastors who are Anti-Christ have the characteristic behaviour and manner of the devil himself. Some of the so-called Pastors who encourage themselves to sleep with both married and the unmarried female members of their Church arecertainly un-Godly and such men do not deserve to live a day longer on earth. Jesus Christ did not establish a Church before he ascended to Heaven. There is no evidence to buttress the fact that Jesus slept with any of his female disciples all through his 33 years on earth. Why then should men of God who are expected to be shining examples become agents of adultery and other vices of gross immorality in the Church? • Wilkie can be reached at pmikky1950@yahoo.com (08023097251)

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

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National holidays for fallen heroes

ast Monday, May 25 was marked in the United States as Memorial Day. It is the equivalent of Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day. The Americans spend the day honouring the brave men and women who died in different wars in defence of the nation or national interests. Our own Remembrance Day is a far cry from what obtains in the US. Apart from the usual ceremony in Abuja and across state capitals, there is much less to remind compatriots that the day belongs to fellow citizens who died in the colours of the nation, in different wars and conflicts, all over the globe. In America, Memorial Day is observed as a work free day. The Star and Stripes take over the atmosphere. People troop to the various memorials, strewn all over the country, to pay homage to the brave warriors. Many family members of the dead, carry along photographs of the departed alongside bunches of flowers to decorate the tombs. The honour reserved for these dead heroes is just enough to lure many into the armed services. It is not exactly so in our climes. Armed Forces Remebrance Day is almost like every other day. There are no holidays and most of the veterans are like the Living Dead. Many are owed their pensions running

into several years, thousand have to travel from far flung, remote areas, to Abuja for verification before they get what is not even enough to feed the dog of an American veteran. There are so many military cemeteries all over the country but they may not be organized like the ones in the United States. For instance the Americans have the National Cemetery at Arlington Virginia. There are the Los Angeles National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and the World War Memorial, in the same District of Columbia, opened in 2004. The Americans may have seen more wars than their Nigerian counterparts. However, our warriors have also seen battle in many parts of the world beginning from the World Wars. Many young Nigerians fought, many died protecting the interest of British colonial masters. Troops from the Royal West Africa Frontier Forces [RWAFF] saw action in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Nazi General Erwin Rommel, had many of these Nigerians battling his Afrika Corps in Tobruk, Libya. Some of them fought in Burma, and as part of their souvenir from the Middle East, came back with sand from the burial site of Jesus Christ. It was their battle experience that ignited nationalism and the struggle for independence since

they discovered that there was no much difference between the bravado of a black man and the bravery of the white man. The attainment of Independence in 1960 also meant that an autonomous Nigeria army was inevitable. The rebranded army began peace keeping operations almost immediately, in the Congo. Infact, Maj. Gen. Johnson Aguiyi Aguiyi Ironsi, became the first African to command United Nations troops. Many Nigerian officers and men who would affect future history were there. Emeka Ojukwu, Yakubu Gowon, Adekunle Fajuyi, Olusegun Obasanjo, Murtala Mohammed, Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Benjamin Adekunle, Muhammadu Buhari, all kept the peace, in the years of Joseph Kasavubu and Patrice Lumumba. Obasanjo was one of the lucky survivors. His platoon was ambushed by Congolese who almost cannibalized another Nigerian officer. It is most likely that the late officer’s remains may not be found in any memorial. There are military cemeteries in Lagos, Kaduna and Abuja. The Karamajiji cemetery in Abuja, is better known as the burial ground of victims of the C-130 aircrash of 1992. Nigerian troops have seen action in Tanzania, Lebanon, Angola, Rwanda, Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Chad. Many of them died as heroes. John Ikeokwu Chukwu died in Angola, Jibril Alade Yusuf died

in Chad. Much earlier, Gen Gowon had as a boy, lost an elder brother, in the Second World War. Ojukwu’s younger half brother, Lt. Tom Bigger, died fighting for Biafra. The Civil War claimed a lot of compatriots. On the Federal side, two service chiefs perished. Army chief Col. Joe Akahan and Air chief Col. Shittu Alao died. The Biafrans lost their Air chief, Maj. Chude Sokei. It is not unlikely that their graves and those of their other colleagues may have been taken over by weeds. President-elect , Gen. Buhari is a veteran of many battles, from the Congo to Biafra and Chad. There is no better time to honour our heroes than under his watch. We demand that January 15 be declared public holidays all over Nigeria in remembrance of these brave compatriots. It would also not be a bad idea to mark out specific cemeteries for the dead. There could one for those who died in Liberia, another for many who lost their lives in Sierra Leone and even one for those consumed by the Boko Haram insurgency. It is an honour to fight and die for one’s country. It also honourable to fight for Nigeria. It is a great disservice not to appreciate the blood spilled by our own in defence of our country or interest . There should be a department under the presidency to oversee the veterans.

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20 Politics CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

didn’t consider security at all. You see what happened in the North-East and kidnapping in SouthEast. Security under him was extremely poor. Looking at the military, Air Force, police and other security agencies, which of these fared well under him? Well, the country is still under Jonathan. Towards the end, the military did very well in combating insurgency in the NorthEast. But as for the police, I can’t remember the police prosecuting any case of kidnapping or terrorism. The army did very well.

THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Security, anti-corruption campaign must top president’s agenda – Tsav Initially, the Boko Haram insurgents were routing and defeating the army, but suddenly, the army rallied and started winning. What could have led to the army suddenly getting upper hands? The army complained initially that they weren’t given enough standard equipment. You must have listened to the complaints of the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima. He said that

he kept on complaining that the Boko Haram insurgents were more and better equipped than the Nigerian Army, but Jonathan didn’t believe him.

Rather, Jonathan was calling him names. Now that the military had been given substantial equipment, they’re doing very well. Do you remember an incident where a jet was found with certain sums of money in South Africa? Yes, I remember! The jet was owned by a pastor. Why must they use a pastor’s jet to go and buy arms? Personally, I think

it was a way of stealing the money. The military are the ones in need of the equipment. They know what they wanted. They should be the ones to buy the equipment. They are the ones that should have made their inventories. Rather it was left in the hands of a pastor; a pastor who was not trained in firearms. Since the military was not equipped until later, what is

your reaction to the soldiers facing mutiny charges and likely to be killed? In the military, you obey the last order. They were not given equipment and many of them revolted because they didn’t want to go and be killed like chickens. It’s however wrong for them to have revolted. I want to appeal to the incoming government to treat their case with compassion. They did that because they love their job, country and lives. What can the Buhari administration do with respect to security, taking into cognisance all the security agencies? He should ensure that all security agencies are well-equipped and kitted. He should provide for them the type of equipment they need and also give them incentives. He should promote and post the right people into the right places. People shouldn’t be promoted based on ethnicity or religion. People who know their jobs, qualified and loyal to the country should be promoted. The condition in Jonathan’s administration was that the military officers became billionaires. Money meant for operations were kept by the senior officers who used it in building houses. I hope Buhari wouldn’t accept that. Buhari had been in the army and had witnessed war himself and fought wars. He knows the requirement of the army and police. The most important thing however is that he should get the right people, into the right places. You once complained of extra-judicial killings in the police. Is there anything Buhari’s administration can do to combat it? The situation is that the senior police officers should rise to their responsibilities. They should be able to supervise their subordinates very well. If they supervise them very well, they would be able to perform. But if they leave them like sheep without shepherd, they definitely wouldn’t be able to perform. Right now, if you go on the road, you’d find policemen taking bribe and sometimes they give change! Yes! I’ve seen it on the road. I’m happy that the Inspector General of Police has come to reduce that. He should not stop at that. There should be constant supervision and patrols, to ensure that the police on the road are doing the right thing. The policemen should also be given incentives and allowances to enable them do their jobs very well.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Jurist

News

Daudu sets agenda for Buhari

Atilade, Olanipekun pledge support for Lagos ‘NBA Week’

23&24

Law

Adoke

Wike

Ananaba

Wike: Adoke under fire AKEEM NAFIU writes that ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration of President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari and some governors elected in the April 11 elections, lawyers have asked the Bayelsa State Chief Judge to ignore the Justice Minister and AttorneyGeneral, Mr. Mohammed Adoke’s directive that he must administer oath of office on the newly elected governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike with a view to avoiding constitutional crisis

D FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY EDITOR

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

ays after the nation’s Justice Minister and Attorney-General, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria allegedly compelled the Bayelsa Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri to swear in the Rivers State’s Governor-elect, Mr. Nyesom Wike tomorrow in accordance with Section 185 of the Constitution, lawyers yesterday cautioned the minister not to throw the state into a constitutional crisis. They insisted that the Adoke lacked the requisite power to direct Justice Abiri to swear in the Governor-elect. Adoke had on May 19 directed the Bayelsa State Chief Judge,

The swearing in of a governor of a state is a matter for the internal affairs of that state and this cannot be usurped or taken over by the AGF

Justice Abiri, to administer the oath of allegiance and oath of office on the governor-elect in accordance with Section 185(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. His directive, according to him however, was to avert a likely constitutional crisis in the state following the existing vacuum in the office of the Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Rivers State which had made strict compliance with the provisions of Section 185(1-2) of the 1999 Constitution impossible. Adoke said: “It will be recalled that Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON was declared the Governor-elect of Rivers State following the gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 11th April 2015. “It is therefore expected that he will be sworn into office on 29th May 2015 in accordance with the provisions of Section 185(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. “I have requested the Chief

Judge of Bayelsa State to administer the oath of allegiance and oath of office on the governor-elect of Rivers State in accordance with Section 185(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.” Section 185(2) says the Oath of allegiance and the Oath of office shall be administered by the Chief Judge of the state or Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the state, if any, or President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the state, if any, or the person for the time being respectively appointed to exercise the functions of any of those offices in any state. However, Adoke urged the state to comply with the arrangement, insisting Justice Abiri’s invitation to administer the oath of allegiance and oath of office on Wike on May 29 was in accordance with the 1999 Constitution. This, he said must be ‘respected by all’. But his colleagues described Adoke’s directive as usurping the power of the judiciary as if not reversed, would lead to “avalanche of legal proceedCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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

ings’. First to fire the shot is Paul Ananaba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria said Adoke goofed following the directive. He said: “If the directive is carried out, it will be contentious and eventually lead to an avalanche of legal proceedings. I expected that the Chief Law Officer would have taken steps to ensure that Section 185 is brought into play formally as it was designed by the Constitution. I expect that the matter should have been taken to the court in line with the provisions of Section 6 of the Constitution which stated that issues and disputes between persons should be brought to the court. The court should have been allowed to make appropriate orders. I did not expect that an AttorneyGeneral, who is half-way in the Executive and half-way in the Judiciary, will give such a directive. In this type of situation, what I expect him to do is to invite all the Chief Judges and the AttorneysGeneral of all the States of the Federation and Senior members of the Bar to come and advise on the way out. I also expect that the Governor-elect can bring an application to the court requesting that he be sworn-in as provided for by the Constitution. “Why we are worried is that the Attorney-General has come by the way of a directive which he does not have powers to make. The Attorney-General of the Federation has no powers over the Chief Judge of a state to give any directive”. Ananaba was echoed by a former chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Monday Ubani who said the Justice Minister had no power to issue such directive on the Bayelsa Chief Judge that she must proceed to Rivers State for the purpose of administering Oath of Office on the governor-elect. Ubani said: “That will be committing two breaches. One, the federalism that we are operating will be breached because as the AGF he cannot give such a directive. Then, secondly, it will also infringe on the principles of separation of powers. The AGF belongs to the executive while the CJ is of the Judiciary. “The relevant Section of the Constitution used the word, “appointment” but what we are hearing is ‘directive’. Can we now say the directive means the same thing as ‘appointment’? “But, I tell you, under the doctrine of necessity and expediency, to avoid a vacuum in governance, some of these illegalities can be overlooked, especially since it was not the fault of the Governor-elect that there is no substantive Chief Judge in Rivers State and he must be sworn-in like every of his counterparts in other states. The law is meant for the man and not man for the law”. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa said “the swearing in of a governor of a state is a matter for the internal affairs of that state and this cannot be usurped or taken over by the AGF. “Although, it is true that Section 185(2) of the 1999 Constitution permits the Chief Judge or the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, of another State,

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Keyamo, others disagree on Wike’s swearing-in to swear in a governor in another State, such function, can only be performed, at the behest of the particular State concerned, in this case Rivers State, and not upon the directive of the AGF. “Nigeria is not operating a unitary system of government and it is not under military rule, as to warrant the intervention of the Hon A.G.F., in the internal affairs of a State, unsolicited. The office of the Hon. Chief Judge of a State is different and autonomous from that of the Attorney-General and the latter cannot issue directives to the former. “The performance of this function by the Hon. Chief Judge is a rare departure from the hallowed principle of observing the territorial boundaries of one state from the other to the extent that such exceptional jurisdiction should be exercised sparingly and upon proper foundation. “We cannot be used to a situation whereby the executive takes over the Judicial arm of government to issue unlawful directives for immediate compliance as if the latter is an appendage of the former”. To a rights activist, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Adoke’s directive was in order as the minister was merely exercising his constitutional powers as enshrined under Section 185 (2) of the Constitution. He said: “Following the protracted stalemate over the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of Rivers State, there was apprehension as to who will administer the Oaths of Office and Allegiance on the Governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, on May 29, 2015. This was laid to rest recently by the directive of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) that the function should be performed by the Chief Judge of the neighbouring Bayelsa State. “It must be noted that by virtue of the provision of Section 185(2) of the 1999 Constitution, the following officers are empowered to administer the Oaths of Office and Allegiance on a Governor-elect: * Chief Judge of “THE STATE” * Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of “THE STATE” * President of the Customary Court of Appeal of “THE STATE” * Anyone appointed to do so who also performs the functions of those officers in “ANY STATE” “A close look at Section 185(2) as analysed above will clearly show that whilst the drafters of the Constitution were very particular in using the phrase “the State” in reference to those officers who should administer the oaths, the last part of the section which allows other persons to perform the function (apart from those stated officers) uses the phrase “in any State”. “In other words, in the absence of those stated officers to administer the oaths in “the State” in question, the corresponding officers “in any State” of the fed-

Keyamo

eration perfor ming the same functions can also administer the oaths”. “If we set this dangerous precedent, then, we shall be witnessing the kidnappings and abductions of Chief Judges, Grand Kadis, etc, in the nearest future on the day of inauguration”. However, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, faulted the AGF’s action saying it is a continuation of the impunity that has characterised the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, “it is unconstitutional for the AGF to be issuing directives to a sitting Chief Judge of a State, in a federation”. He said, “The swearing in of a governor of a state, is a matter for the internal affairs of that state and this cannot be usurped or taken over by the AGF”. “Although, it is true that section 185(2) of the 1999 Constitution permits the Chief Judge or the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, of another State, to swear in a governor in another State, such function, can only be performed, at the behest of the particular State concerned, in this case Rivers State, and not upon the directive of the AGF”, he also said. Adegboruwa noted that, “Nigeria is not operating a unitary system of government and it is not

under military rule, as to warrant the intervention of the Hon A.G.F., in the internal affairs of a State, unsolicited. The office of the Hon Chief Judge of a State, is different and autonomous from that of the Attorney-General and the latter cannot issue directives, to the former. The performance of this function by the Hon Chief Judge, is a rare departure from the hallowed principle of observing the territorial boundaries of one state, from the other, to the extent that such exceptional jurisdiction, should be exercised sparingly and upon proper foundation. We cannot be used to a situation, whereby the Executive takes over the Judicial arm of government, to issue unlawful directives, for immediate compliance, as if the latter is an appendage of the former”. He then urged the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to ignore the AGF’s directive and wait for a lawful request from the government of Rivers State, to that effect. The lawyer also appealed to the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, to formally request the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, to conduct the swearing in saying the fact that the All Progressive Congress(APC) is challenging the election of Nyesom Wike, before the Election Petitions Tribunal, is no reason to frustrate his swearing in, as required by law.

Law | Jurist

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Daudu sets agenda for Buhari He is a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Mr. Joseph Bodunrin Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria reviewed the nation’s nascent democracy in the last 16 years and concluded that none of the emerging political parties had ‘political or social’ philosophy. FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE captures his view on 2015 general elections, post-election violence, police role during elections, agenda for Buhari and sundry issues

pparently reviewing the damage and the attendant consequences of corrupt practices on the nation called Nigeria, a former president of the lawyers’ group, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Bodunrin Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has blamed the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the malaise. He said the party failed to deliver the dividend of democracy to the masses in its 16 year-rule as evident in every area of development. Accordingly, Daudu said “the performance of the PDP in the economic growth of Nigeria, indeed in all spheres of development i.e. infrastructure, power, transportation, political culture, probity and accountability, the legislature and to a large extent, the justice delivery system, which encompasses the judiciary, the provision of security, the creation of a level playing field for Nigerians e.t.c was abysmally low and in these and other unspecified but strategic areas the PDP has failed. Also, he said none of the political parties that had traversed the country’s political firmament in the last 16 years had ‘political or social’ philosophy, lacking fundamental beliefs. However, Daudu proposed an immediate review of problems associated with voter Registration, voter accreditation and the use of the card reader, the amendment of the Electoral Act 2010 to deal with all the issues detected and highlighted by stakeholders since the introduction or usage of the extant legislation and the need for electoral reforms. This, according to him may diminish the legitimacy of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration if they were not brought into the front burner. He said: “Nigerians await with hope the inauguration of another administration, her people are full of expectations, whatever happens, let us preserve the peace, encourage order, breed dedicated Nigerians, discourage crime and hold our elected officials to account particularly to the terms of their oaths of office. Let anyone entrusted with responsibility and the nation’s wealth not only account for what he is entrusted with but be supervised so that a record of his stewardship can be kept. Above all let all entrusted with power fear God Almighty. “It is normally said that we should thank the Good Lord for small mercies; the survival of Nigeria is a cause to continue to be thankful to God the Almighty. It is a big mercy. For this the in-coming

administration must not squander the good will of Nigerians for there is not much left. There are important areas of priority for which a lot of good can come out of, we shall endeavour to explore some of these areas “Although winners emerged and we congratulated them, the out-going President too must be commended for his statesmanlike conduct of conceding the election to General Muhammadu Buhari. There remain very serious issues arising from the elections which must not be swept under the carpet and abandoned there until the next general elections. “These issues which I propose to highlight hereunder are issues that if care is not taken are usually capable of diminishing the legitimacy of government that emerges from such an exercise. “Moreover if not dealt with comprehensively, these problems will resurrect with grave consequences in future. The problems include but are not limited to: Daudu • The problems associated with voter Registration. • The problems associated with voter accreditation and the use of the card reader. • The amendment of the Electoral Act 2010 to deal with all the issues detected and highlighted by stakeholders since the introduction or usage of the extant legislation. • The need for electoral reforms “Some commentators have advocated that INEC, Government of the day and other stake holders be given credit for this most imperfect election. That all and sundry be commended on account of the fact that election was conducted, no matter how bad. They hinge their argument on the fact that it is unfair to judge us along western standards of democracy and that we have, in any event, tried. To such persons it must be said that democracy, truth, honesty and decency are universal virtues recommended by the Almighty for man. They differentiate us from wild animals and it is necessary to say here that our report sheet for this elections which is ‘average ‘ is the direct consequence of how low and corrupt

All the political parties that bestrode the political landscape like the proverbial Colossus had no political or social philosophy

we have become. Since poverty is not a defence for theft. The new administration must take power with the result that it will genuinely take steps to eradicate such ills; this will restore confidence into the machinery of governance and renew the social compact (contract) between the State and the people. Right now, outgoing government or the incoming one must take steps to ensure not only that there is no repeat of the kind of things we witnessed in this election but that a democratic culture based on truth and honesty is introduced into Nigeria. If we do not do so, then, the Promised Land will continue to be an illusion and despite our wealth, we will continue to live in squalor and want. God, the Almighty cannot be deceived as man can. “Indeed, it came to light in the past 16 years that all the political parties that bestrode the political landscape like the proverbial Colossus had no political or social philosophy. No one could say what their fundamental beliefs were although it seemed that their members were agreed on one point, which is that

political power was an avenue to the acquisition of personal wealth and stature in the society. “In established democracies the position of Government on all issues is based on the historical philosophy of the political party in power or in opposition. It is not based on the principle of who stands to benefit the most financially before a policy is passed or agreed upon. The absence of principles and philosophy upon which governmental policy or actions are anchored remains the bane or albatross of our present political system. Our leaders do not possess that moral high ground from which to launch their intent and policies. Before proceeding further, who are those that must take substantial blame for this lacuna? “For me, I have always been worried that the South-West of Nigeria, with its immense human resources, early exposure to western education, unparalleled economic advantage and initiative abandoned its leadership position after the CO NTINUED O N PAGE 24

Law | News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Elections: Appeal Court to hear ex-APC scribe’s objection June 15 Akeem Nafiu

he Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has fixed June 15 for the hearing of a preliminary objection raised by the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) former Secretary in Lagos State, Wasiu Eshilokun, challenging his arch-political rival, Hakeem Masha, to amend the notice of appeal in the tussle over Lagos Island Constituency 1 of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Eshilokun had polled 186 votes to beat seven other candidates in the

primary election conducted by the APC to select a candidate for Lagos Island Constituency 1. But his name was substituted by Masha, who polled 70 votes. Dissatisfied, Eshilokun filed a suit before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Justice Buba, had in his judgement, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Eshilokun as the candidate of the party, saying the evidence before him showed clearly that he won the APC’s primary.

Bulkachua

Dissatisfied, Masha, through his lawyer, Badejo Bonojo (SAN) appealed the verdict, and urged the appellate court

to upturn it. When the matter came up on Monday at the Appeal Court, Bonojo indicated interest in amending one of the three notices of appeal which he filed. However, Eshilokun’s lawyer, Wahab Shittu, opposed to the request, saying the move was an attempt to place something on nothing. Shittu pointed out that Masha filed three notices of appeal. One was dated March 6; the second, March 26 and the third, May 14. The lawyer said those of March 6 and 26 were

wrongly headed at the Federal High Court, whereas they were for Appeal Court. The May 14 notice, according to Shittu, was incompetent abnitio, hence the question of amendment never arose. He said the notice was of mixed law and facts, and that the leave of court was required before such notice could be filed, which was not done in the instant case. However, INEC’s lawyer asked for time to respond to the amendment, an application that prompted the court presided over by Justice

Why police cannot prosecute electoral offenders, by Daudu C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

departure of the generation of the great sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo SAN and his contemporaries from the political stage. It seems from all available evidence that the political 1st eleven in Western Nigeria has abandoned in the majority, the political stage to their mosquito team. It is clear that majority of Yoruba intelligentsia now populate areas such as banking, finance, insurance, cyber-science, law and justice, entertainment, oil and gas etc as opposed to politics. The effect of the abandonment of the political arena as described is now visible for all to see. I will return to this phenomenon when the role of violence as employed by the political gladiators is considered in this presentation. Returning to the thrust of this discourse, firstly, having acknowledged the fact that Nigeria has returned to civilian democracy and apparently now resolved not to allow the military to truncate our political march, it is necessary to consider whether the foundation laid for the transition of power from one administration to the other can stand the test of time and sustain our political march as conceptualised by the 1999 Constitution. Secondly, it is necessary to consider how the electoral umpire INEC has fared in its effort to conduct fee and fair elections in Nigeria and particular how it conducted the 2015 general elections and the flaws, if any, associated with the latter. Violence and 2015 general elections The violence that characterised the 2015 had been predictable. Leading to E-Day, there had been violent expressions of political rivalry among stakeholders and agents of political parties leading to the use of thugs, arson, terrorism and other extreme criminal measures. It is so sad that in the year 2015 our politicians are still resorting to the same vicious tactics employed by our founding fathers in politics. The result is that the polity even post - election is still

Daudu

super-charged. Economic activity has been severely affected due to politics. The magnitude of insecurity arising from political activities reached the point that government introduced elements from the armed forces such as

the Army and the Air force in order to keep the peace during elections. The result showed a slight reduction in the criminal activities during elections when compared to the data from the 2007 and 2011 elections.

Sidi Bage to adjourn till June 15. Justice Buba of the lower court, dismissed the four preliminary objections filed by the APC represented by Femi Falana (SAN) and Masha represented by Bonojo Badejo (SAN). Badejo (SAN) had argued two preliminary objections before the lower court questioning the service of the processes on his client as well as other parties. He had also argued that there was no clear waiver permitting Eshilokun to contest the primary election.

According to the National Human Right Commission no fewer than 58 people have been killed in election related violence from Dec 3, 2014 to February 2015. In Lagos, 11 incidences were tracked with two dead people for each incident, an average of 22 people killed over a span of just 52 days. In Kaduna State, there was within that period, three incidents and nine killings; Rivers has six incidents, including the detonation of explosives and attacks on courts. The impression one gets is that these acts of violence and mayhem can proceed unchecked and unabated, without the intervention or control of the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. The question arises why the NPF is seemingly helpless and hapless in the prevention of these criminal activities? Indeed when arrests are made, why do the suspects appear invincible and beyond the prosecutorial reach of the law enforcement agencies? Under the Police Act the prosecution possesses undoubted powers to prosecute offenders in violation of our penal legislations before any court in Nigeria appropriately designated for such an exercise. It is therefore a regrettable matter that the National Assembly has created an unsalutary state of affairs by denying Police the complimentary power to prosecute offenders apprehended by it for committing electoral offences. The power to prosecute and bring offenders to justice is a necessary adjunct to police powers. Indeed, stakeholders maintain the unassailable position that power to prevent and apprehend criminals without a corresponding power to prosecute is an exercise in futility. Consequently when the Electoral Act 2010 provides in section 150 (2) of the Electoral Act that ‘any prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it”, it has expressly and openly emasculated the Police in its task of securing electoral peace and harmony. This section has far-reaching implications; firstly, it removes prosecutions of electoral offences from the Police and the Federal and States Ministries of Justice and restricts this important exercise to legal officers of INEC or legal practitioners appointed by the commission. The implication is that criminal prosecution will be centralised Quere? Has INEC got the manpower to prosCONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Law | News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Atilade, Olanipekun pledge support for Lagos ‘NBA Week’ PLEDGE

Lagos Chief Judge and a former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun assure the premier branch of support towards its forthcoming Law Week Foluso Ogunmodede

head of June 24 billed for the Lagos branch of the Nigerian

Bar Association’s (NBA) Law Week, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade has thrown her weight behind the branch, assuring them of her support throughout the weeklong programme. Also, a former president of the NBA, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN pledged his support for the branch’s annual event while donating a substantial amount to cushion ‘teething logistical challenge’. The branch’s event billed for between June 24 and 26 will attract who-iswho in the nation’s legal profession.

However, Justice Atilade gave her support while receiving a highpowered joint delegation of the NBA Lagos Executive Committee and the Law Week Committee members in her chambers Ikeja, assuring that the judiciary would play an active role in the threeday programme. “We look forward to the Law Week. I assure you of our participation as usual, especially at the Law Dinner. We would make sure judges attend,” she said. Justice Atilade, who received the delegation alongside Justice Abdulfattah Lawal, Magistrate

Emmanuel Ogundare (Chief Registrar) and Magistrate Demi Ajayi (DCR, Legal) among other senior officers of the State judiciary, also promised the delegation that the judiciary would take active part in the Bar/Bench Forum to be held during the Law Week. The association’s Chairman, Mr. Alex Muoka who led the delegation said that the event with the theme entitled “The Future of the Legal Profession: Protection from Exploitation”, would have special sessions and workshops would and a high-profile Bar Din-

ner in honour of the outgoing Lagos Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), would hold at The City Hall, Lagos. The week would also witness variety night and prison visits. Muoka said: “We need substantial buy-in from the judiciary to make it a success. We are therefore inviting the judiciary towards having a robust Bar/Bench Forum that will discuss issues on the front-burner between the Bar and the Bench, though we still need the regular Bar/Bench Forum.” The NBA Lagos Branch chairman also briefed the Chief Judge on the Stamp

Sitting front row: Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade (middle) with Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Alex Muoka (left) and Justice Abdulfattah Lawal of the Lagos State High Court alongside top judicial officers and branch executives/2015 Law Week Committee members when the later paid the chief judge a courtesy visit recently

Scheme initiated by the NBA national leadership as well as other pressing needs of the branch, even as the Chief Judge pledged to “look into” the issues. Meanwhile, Olanipekun one of the branch’s pillars, having contributed extensively in the upliftment of young lawyers, traced the genesis of the resurrection of the NBA after the 1996 crisis, urging all lawyers to join hands to build the profession. “Law is the profession of the universe now. We are who we are because it has pleased God to make us members of the profession. The Premier Bar has remained at the fore-front in driving initiatives at the Bar. This must be sustained,” Olanipekun said. The former NBA boss said he felt “honoured” by the courtesy visit and commended Muoka on his sterling leadership qualities. Underscoring the pressing need for a befitting Bar Centre for the branch, the foremost lawyer also noted the challenges of successfully hosting a Law Week programme of this magnitude. He however commended the delegation, comprising Law Week Chairman, Mrs. Tolani Edu-Adeola; Branch Secretary, Mr. Adebola Lema and Law Week Director of Publicity, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke for their efforts.

Daudu canvasses uniform criminal code CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

ecute even 10 per cent of electoral offences? By divesting the police of powers to prosecute such summary offences, who will investigate the offences, because, the fallout of this prosecutorial ban is that the police will lose an interest in investigations. At any rate, it is settled law that the Hon Federal Attorney-General can take over or discontinue any criminal proceedings in the Federation or State. So what is the functionality of this provision? It seems clear that the provision which seeks to preserve the independence and integrity of elections under the Act by limiting participation in prosecution to INEC staff or lawyers briefed by her, loses sight of clear constitutional provisions which fetter its power to do so. For instance, section 214 of the 1999 Constitution which prescribes that there shall be only one police force in Ni-

geria and the provision of sections 174 and 211, which vest powers to prosecute criminal offences on the AttorneyGeneral of States and the Federation. Secondly, has the Commission the manpower to prosecute all offences charged to court in the Federation? The answer is in the negative, prosecution is expensive and rigorous business, and it is also a specialized art. Till date, INEC Legal Department is not equipped to prosecute any offender under the Act as the necessary facilities are not in place. In any event, the Commission has stated on many occasions that it does not possess the wherewithal to carry out such additional functions that will cause distraction to its core duties. Great care has to be taken to organise and dedicate a battery of lawyers in the INEC legal department to prosecution of cases. The essence of a democracy is to have functional machinery of

Government, which in turn will provide safety and stability for her people to express their political rights in any atmosphere devoid of rancour and instability. In other words, where hoodlums are allowed to operate freely, troubling innocent by-standers, wishing to cast their votes and or exercise their civic rights, without let or hindrance, the credibility of the election and the integrity of those elected through such chaotic situation would have suffered a fatal blow. Finally by way of recommendation, Government needs to return to the drawing board and fully implement the Hon. Justice Uwais Report on Electoral Reforms which provides for an Electoral Offences Commission and a Tribunal to be its adjudicative arm. This step is imperative for the maintenance of law and order during elections and beyond. Law, order and security This is the greatest priority facing the incoming administration, virtually,

law and order have all but broken down, even those who are meant to protect the people from the harassment of criminals have criminalised their own official acts, police check points even though outlawed still rear its head at odd hours and they have now been converted to illegal toll gates. Apart from the disgrace and odium such behaviour brings to the country countless criminals have slipped through the net because due process has not been followed by the decision makers. The following solution may be apt: • Reorganisation of the Nigerian Police Force. • Enactment of a uniform criminal code. • Resurrecting the fight against corruption by empowering organisations like the EFCC and ICPC. • Tackling corruption among public officers. • Tackling corruption in the private section. • Ensuring that the Rule of Law prevails and that the message to criminals is that when caught,

they will be tried by a court of competent jurisdiction, convicted and sent to jail or acquitted and freed. Judicial powers to the Police where unlawful killings in the name of extra-judicial justice have become the order of the day must be discouraged and eradicated. • Control of civil disturbances. • Combating terrorism. • Maintenance of law and order. The appropriate starting point is to ensure that there is a comprehensive review of the existing economic policy. It cannot be business as usual. Government must note that despite billions of dollars spent on iron and steel and Power, we are still unable to produce steel in any form or provide Power (electricity) to Nigerians beyond 2500 or so Kilo watts when what is minimally required is in excess of 10, 000 kilowatts. Billions are spent on importation of items that we can produce if we had electricity to produce them.

The absence of an engaged workforce is responsible for the high level of poverty in Nigeria which in turn leads to rampancy in the crime rate. The new administration must, as a matter of priority, revive all moribund industries by creating a real fund, not a political fund that will be effectively supervised for industrialisation of key sectors of the economy. As a starting point, all textile industries must be re-organised and revitalised, there should be a ban on almost all food products that are imported, let local industries produce replacements. The President elect stands in a unique position to change the face of Nigeria and imprint himself in the history of Nigeria. To facilitate this, we expect that the administration will: • Genuinely revive the rail industry and make it the moving force for the Nigerian transportation sector. • Make the roads safer and assessable to all Nigerians.

26 Law | News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Group seeks Kashamu’s resignation as South-west leader

S Kashamu

hortly after the embattled Ogun East Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu asked the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to produce a warrant of arrest in line with the extradition treaty before it could enforce an extradition request by the United States of America over his alleged involvement in drug-related offences, a group rose from an emergency meeting in

Lagos and demanded the immediate resignation of the Senator-elect as the South-west leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The group, Egbe Odo said it was time Kashamu stopped parading himself as the PDP leader in the South-west following his alleged drug offences before an American court, insisting that he must step down to give the PDP’s rebuilding process a boost.

Besides, it asked the National Secretary of the party to quit his position since he was nominated by Kashamu. Their resignation, Egbe Odo said would boost the party’s rebuilding process particularly in the Southwest. The group led by their leader, Otunba Olugbemi Olubunmi said the Senator-elect must step down from his position as the South-west leader of the

party with a view to clearing his name, adding that the party could no longer afford to have a suspected baron as its leader especially in its rebuilding process. Olubunmi said: “We believe strongly that only the immediate resignation of Kashamu and his Secretary in the South-west leadership of the PDP can restore the confidence of our party’s members. “This is because the defeat we suffered in the 2015 general elections also has its cause from Kashamu’s alleged drug-related offences as we cannot continue to bring disrepute to the party because of his alleged involvement in the drug offence. “Our position is that Kashamu’s resignation must also affect the PDP National Secretary who was allegedly sponsored and nominated by him to supplant Olagunsoye Oyinlola. “The call for the duo to step down is to enable the party particularly in the South-west to reposition and purge itself of those considered as political liabilities in view of the party’s monumental loss at the polls as Kashamu’s alleged involvement in the drug offence has dented the party’s image in the zone.” Already, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the organ saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting suspected drug barons on behalf of government, has fine-tuned extradition procedure to hand over Kashamu who had been on the wanted list of the American government to the U.S. court. The Federal Government had at the weekend, tasked the NDLEA on how to implement a request by the American government that the Ogun East Senator-elect must be released by the Nigerian government to answer charges against him in the U.S. Kashamu had sued the Federal Government and 13 others, asking the court to particularly restrain the NDLEA, EFCC and others from yielding to the U.S. government’s request by handing him over to the American for the purpose of trying him outside the country on the alleged drug offence. Kashamu, in the suit, accused the InspectorGeneral of Police and 11 others of plotting to abduct and forcibly transport him to the U.S. to face trial on the alleged drug-related offences.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

27 Health Living

Right response to stomach pain

Health

Drug merchants

Health Features

African countries asked to deliver on water target

Nature Power

Wisdom of plants

Given the dangers posed to health, the chaotic open drug market in the country is a menace. With government commitment, strong political will and the enforcement of strict guidelines, sanity will prevail, preventable unnecessary deaths, writes ESTHER ALBERT

or Aina Eleko, it was exciting to know she was one of the 24 Nigerians to visit the United States (U,S) under an exchange programme between Nigeria and America. During the trip to understudy the U.S

Appolonia Adeyemi Health Editor

appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

Odds against ending open drug market Foreign Policy Decision-Making Processes in 2000, Eleko and his team were in Austin, the capital of Texas where they interacted with some officials of the Texas Government. During a short break for lunch in a local restaurant where they placed order and waited for kitchen staff to get the meal prepared, Eleko realised the severity of the headache she had experienced all day. Only then did it occur to her that something should be done to check the headache, which was triggered by extreme cold. Although, it was summer time in the U.S and Eleko was properly kitted in line with the travel guide, the impact of the cold was unbearable for her. Sitting next to the

Many people selling drugs on tables by the roadside or hawking do not have permit

Akintayo

Olufemi

American guide on the tour, she whispered to him: “I need an analgesic a pain killer.” He, in turn passed the message to the manager of the restaurant and after almost 15-minute of waiting which appeared endless, the response shocked Eleko. “Apolo-

gies! We need a prescription to get the drug,” the manager explained. The manager in charge of the restaurant came out of his office to explain why he cannot provide CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Health News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Illegal drugs: Many self-medicate CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 27

the ailing customer with the needed medication, saying giving the drug will contravene American regulation which makes handing anyone drugs without a prescription, a criminal offence. While this may be the approach of America and other advanced nations to handling medications, the same method cannot be said to operate in Nigeria. In this environment, with or without a doctor’s prescription, anyone can procure any medication anywhere. The major determinant is having the financial power to purchase the products. This is made possible by the sale of drugs in the open market where non-professionals lacking the skills about pharmaceuticals dominate the business. In fact, sale of drugs in this environment is an “all comers affair” and that is why unlike in developed countries where a doctor’s prescription is required to procure medicines, in Nigeria, with or without prescription, anyone can purchase any drug ranging from over-the-counter medicines to drugs that require the prescription of medical doctors including antibiotics, codeine, among others. Investigations by the New Telegraph Health (NT HEALTH) has however revealed that given the nature of medicines, they should not be handled by persons without requisite experience. In Nigeria, it’s so bad that individuals without pharmaceutical knowledge and hawk drugs inside commercial buses, in ferries, on the streets, in the highways, among others, turning drugs which are highly sensitive products into articles of trade. Although Section 2 of the Fake Drug Act prohibits the hawking of drugs publicly by a person who is not a professional pharmacist, the way drugs are being brazenly sold by non-professionals in the country, creates an erroneous believe that this practice is in order. On the contrary, drugs are substances that change a person’s physical or mental state. The vast majority of drugs are used to treat medical conditions, both physical and mental. Medical experts claim that going by their nature, every drug is a potential poison such that on ingestion there could be reactions. Olufemi Adebayo, president of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), said, “one cannot just wake up and be selling drugs. You must be licensed to engage in sale of drugs. In this country, many people selling drugs on tables by the roadside or hawking do not have permit. The danger, according to Adebayo is that as long as the authorities in the three tiers of government fail to check the illegality, the operators feel free with the illegal drug sales. According to him, two government agencies involved in the regulation of pharmacy practice, Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAFDAC being underfunded lack the capacity to carry out their statutory roles including checking the menace of illegal sale of drugs. “While the PCN regulates drug premises and personnel, NAFDAC is charged with the responsibility of regulating the products. “We implore the government to improve on finance of these agencies so that they will be able to perform their

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

Right response to stomach pain A Afuye

statutory roles effectively.” “Many victims of illegal sales of drugs are dying in silence without knowing the source or cause of their death, Adebayo lamented, adding that high poverty level in the country is one of the reasons why people patronise illegal drug outlets.” According to Adebayo, hawking of drug is a criminal act, “it saddens me as a professional to see people who are not professional pharmacists hawking drugs and ignorant people keep patronising them”. “When drugs are displayed publicly, it exposes the drug to heat there by reducing the health benefit of such drugs; there are various health implications of hawked drugs to the consumers” According to Adebayo, drugs are supposed to be well packaged in containers and labeled to describe the drug content in full. Adebayo noted that drug hawkers remove the drugs from the containers and expose them to sunlight without good description on how and when to use the drugs. He added that professionals are better trained to guide users on drug use. Adebayo reasoned that poor handling of these products seriously limits their potency, thereby rendering them ineffective. The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo, blamed many Nigerians who patronise the quarks turned drug merchants, saying buyers from this questionable source demonstrate irresponsibility “when they decide to buy drugs from non-professionals. “It is a shame that this is happening,” he said. Olumide noted that in the past when illegal drug outlets were closed down by government agencies, some people still plead for those shops to be opened in order to help the owners earn a living through the illegal sale of drugs. On his part, the National Secretary of ACPN, Afuye Adeoye lamented that it is only in Nigeria that people hawking drugs are found. “Everybody is now a self-doctor and some feel they can determine what drug should be used for a particular ailment” said Adeoye. The poor economy of Nigeria is also another reason why we have drug hawkers around, he said, adding that government that is supposed to address the issue lack the political will to tackle this criminal act.

bout 10 percent of stomach pain will require surgery but a good understanding of the types of pain with regards to the part of the affected stomach will help in getting faster and right response as well as avoid fatality. The most commonly missed stomach (abdominal pain) are appendicitis and small bowel obstruction, the stomach or (abdomen) extends from the lower chest to the groin area and it contains many important organs. Pain can come from any of them, marked by sensation of discomfort. Get medical help if the pain lasts more than one week, when pain is sudden and sharp, in the chest, neck/ shoulder, when vomiting blood or have blood in stool, when the stomach is stiff, hard or painful to touch. There are specific warning signs for certain stomach problems but they are not always 100 percent. For example in low back pain, most cases signify problems with the big artery that supplies most of the lower part of the body and can be deadly. Signs that stomach pain needs immediate medical attention are : severe sudden onset of pain within onehour, severe pain lasting more than 48 hours and pain that comes after vomiting, stomach pain with fever, fast heart beat, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Areas of the stomach with most related problems: Right upper side--pain relates more to gall bladder infection/gall stones, pneunomia, liver problems; pain above the umbilicus can be inflammation of the pancreas, peptic ulcer or signs of heart attack. Pain in right lower side might be signs of appendicitis, ovarian abscess, hernia and left lower side might be problems with large intestine. APPENDICITIS: This is a long thin attachment to the cecum part of the large intestine. It has no function in the body but when it is infected with bacter can either burst or release the bacteria that affect the other parts of the stomach, or if it perforated, pus can spill into the stomach. It affects mostly young people and the elderly and most signs does not show unique signs. Some the risk factors that will cause an appendix to get infected and inflamed are constipation and low fiber diet, eating a lot of refined carbohydrate and parasites. Classic signs to watch out for are lack of appetite, sometimes fever but not always and pain midway on the right lower sign from the umbilicus to the right pelvic bone. Stiffness of the abdomen, guarding (position where the person lies curled

Simptom of stomach pain PHOTO healthprostata.

up and when perforated, will present with high fever, the best diagnostic study will be a CT-Scan of the abdomen but when not available, an ultrasound will be able to make the diagnosis. Immediate treatment with antibiotics and taking straight to surgery for removal helps save lives. The death rate for non perforated is quite low unlike protracted (bursted) appendix with five percent chance of death if not immediately treated SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION: Obstruction along any part of the intestine which can be small or large, and not allowing food, gas, may be of different types. Simple mechanical obstruction of the lumen of the intestine with no blood circulation can compromise. Obstruction affects both passing gas and bowel movement which might lead to nausea , vomiting and bacterial growth. The most common causes are post surgical scars,--scars from previous surgery in the stomach that did not heal well thereby obstructing flow. Untreated hernia is the most common cause. Cancer is another common cause especially with colon and ovarian, pancreatic and gastric cancer. Some minor cause can be abscess or boils inside the stomach, foreign body gall stone. Classic presentation can be in the form of gradually increasing stomach pain, nausea, swollen, tense abdomen and stoppage of passing gas/defecation. The first treatment is the decompression of the intestinal tubes which if successful will avoid surgery but surgery is the treatment of choice in the form of exploratory laparoscopy.

Health Features 29

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

African countries asked to deliver on water target

Lagos tasked on care for the aged Esther Albert

frican leaders must prioritise sanitation from the highest decision making levels and support the proposed UN Sustainable Development Goal to ensure water and sanitation for all by 2030. This is contained in the welcome address of WaterAid to delegates at the AfricaSan 4 conference. The conference which held from May 25 – 27, aims to build momentum to address the sanitation crisis across the African continent. The conference comes at a critical time as UN member nations negotiate the final stages of the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will come into effect next year and determine the shape of development to 2030. Currently more than 70 percent of people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to sanitation, and a quarter of the population practices open defecation. Every year 400,000 children under five die in Africa because of diseases linked to poor sanitation – almost four times as many as in the rest of the world combined. To support monitoring and engagement, WaterAid has just unveiled its redesigned WASHWatch reporting system to track Africa’s commitment to bring water and sanitation to its citizens and support universal access for all. The centrepiece of WASHWatch is a new interactive world map of water and sanitation, which shows predicted progress by 2030 – the target date proposed for the new UN Sustainable Development Goals for achieving basic toilets for all. WaterAid’s new WASH Map demonstrates that despite assurances from African nations that sanitation is a priority; by 2030 more than 66 per cent of the African population will still be living without adequate sanitation – a reduction of only four per cent over the next fifteen years. Political leadership is vital to accelerate progress in financing, monitoring and capacity development, and ensure that no one

n elder citizen, Pa Adedapo Adeniran, 91, has urged the federal government and other state governments to take a cue from Lagos State Government and make healthcare delivery to the aged a priority. The Lagos Lawyer who gave this charge his 91st anniversary recently, commended the Lagos State government, especially, the Fashola-led administration for the high premium it pays to the health of senior citizens in the state. Pa Adeniran, who was Barrister to the Action Group during the time of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and called to the English Bar in 1956 at Lincolins took time off after the event to speak to journalists on matters affecting the health of the elderly in the society and some issues affecting effective health

Availability of portable water will improve sanitation PHOTO homes-kid.com

is left behind on the road to 2030. An additional 50 million people a year will need to be provided with access to safe, sanitary toilets if Africa is to meet its target. Mariame Dem, WaterAid’s West Africa Head of Region, said: “Not enough progress has been made on sanitation and it is time for African leaders to honour their commitments. Some 53.3 million Africans must be reached each year if we are to reach everyone in Sub-Saharan Africa with basic, hygienic toilets by 2030. “This is an immense undertaking, particularly in Africa where the lack of sanitation is so widespread, and it cannot be achieved unless African leaders commit with political will and financing to prioritise sanitation. “We are calling on the African ministers attending AfricaSan 4 to put their promises into action. Their people need dedicated leaders who are willing to rally their resources and do everything in their power to reach everyone in their nations. Ambitious targets alone are not enough.” Poor sanitation has a terrible impact on both the health and economies of African nations, which lose on average between one percent

and 2.5 percent of their GDP to lost productivity and medical costs associated with treating illnesses linked to dirty water and poor sanitation. Access to clean water, basic sanitation and good hygiene practices are basic human rights. They free women and children from the chore of fetching water and the dangers associated with open defecation to allow them to work or attend school, and are critical to good health. Dr. Michael Ojo, WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Representative, said: “Nigeria must see the elimination of open defecation as an urgent priority and important first step towards achieving universal access to basic sanitation facilities and improving safe management of excreta. Access to safely-managed sanitation is critical, not only at the household level, but also in institutional settings, including schools and health care facilities. “Access to sanitation is recognised as a Human Right and therefore attention must be given to ensuring the progressive elimination of inequalities in access so no one is left behind. This implies increased attention to the bottom quintile of the population which includes urban slum, remote rural areas, and marginalised groups especially women and girls.

care delivery, especially, as it affects the elderly. He also, spoke on some steps the authorities can take to help minimise the suffering of senior citizens, improve their health and reduce the pain they go through accessing care especially, in public health facilities. He commented also, on the repulsive attitude of some support staff, which he said, discourages patients from accessing quality care from government-owned hospitals. One of the advises the nonagenarian gave is this: “it is imperative to shorten the number of hours elderly citizen spend in the course of going to seek medical attention in health facilities.” According to him, it is tiresome for senior citizens to go to hospitals only to wait for hours unending to be attended to. This practice he said further compounds the already deplored health.

Avon HMO, SNEPCo provide health care for Anambra Ebere Ameh

eading Health Insurance Company, Avon Healthcare Ltd (Avon HMO) has partnered with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) to provide qualitative and affordable healthcare at IyiEnu Mission Hospital for communities in Idemili LGA and its environs. Speaking on the partnership, Adesimbo Ukiri, MD/CEO of Avon HMO said “When we met with the key leaders, it was clear that the health of their community was paramount and non-negotiable. This community-based health insurance plan provides an ideal opportunity for the people of Idemili to take control of their health. At Avon HMO, we empower people to live healthier, fuller lives so we were very happy to collaborate and develop a Health Plan that adequately catered to the specific health needs of this community at an affordable cost”. Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO) provides healthcare services to individuals, families,

groups, companies and the government and offers a comprehensive line of products and services that cater to the unique needs of all our members, through a network of over 400 hospitals and clinics spread across the 36 states and major local government areas in the country. The Idemili Community Health Insurance Plan kicked off earlier this year and is fast gaining traction. Following subscription, members are able to enjoy access to primary health services and selected secondary health services at the recently refurbished IyiEnu Hospital, the sole designated healthcare Provider. Free from the burden of out-ofpocket payment, all the member has to do to access care is simply present their ID card at the Hospital. The Iyi-Enu Hospital lies in the heart of the community and was refurbished by SNEPCo in 2014. Ukiri commended SNEPCo for improving quality and efficiency of health service delivery in the area and also praised the Anambra State government for its support in making the project possible.

ACPN: Chain pharmacy must play by the rules Appolonia Adeyemi

oncerned about foreign business activities that may stifle the growth and development of community pharmacy practice in the country, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged foreign investors under Chain Pharmacy to ‘play by the rules’. This position was unveiled recently when the ACPN announced its forthcoming 2015 annual national conference scheduled to hold in Akure, Ondo State between May 31 to

June 5. Making the call in Lagos recently, pharmacist Olufemi Adebayo, national chairman of ACPN, said, “the position of ACPN on this is that any foreign investor coming should come at terms with the provision of the existing laws that guide community pharmacy practice in Nigeria.” While he admitted that his group is aware that foreign investors “are planning to come to Nigeria to invest in retail aspect of the pharmaceutical sector”, Olufemi appealed to the federal government to de-

velop a policy that will make fund available to community pharmacists at a single-digit interest rate, in order to make drug affordable to Nigerians. Highlighting how foreign investors operating Chain Pharmacy can stifle the growth of community pharmacies, the national chairman of the ACPN said if allowed to operate without existing guidelines, the intention of the investors is to make profit which will be repatriated to their country of origin. He noted that unchecked

foreign Chain Pharmacies will adversely affect local professionals. Besides, the populace may also lose out in the area of counseling on drug use which community pharmacies readily provide to their customers free as part of their service. While he admitted that there are many areas that foreign investors can play significant role in Nigerian economy, he advised against their operating without necessary guidelines, saying, ‘we are still developing. Our pharmaceutical companies still need a lot

of assistance. The few pharmacies that we have do not have much funding.” On the annual national conference of the ACPN with the theme: “Exploring New Frontiers in Community Pharmacy Practice”, Olufemi said veterinary medicines and the role of pharmacies in the management of chronic diseases are new frontiers the association wants its members to tap into. During the conference, there will be training for members by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in Nigeria and awareness walk.

Health News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nourishing goodness behind Peak success Appolonia Adeyemi

N L-R: Marketing Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Dolapo Otegbayi; Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Tarang Gupta; Olympic Gold medalist, Nwankwo Kanu; and Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Rahul Colaco at the Peak 60th Anniversary Celebration Event held at Eko Hotel on Saturday, May 23, 2015.

50 doctors benefit from renal care training Camillus Nnaji

bout fifty doctors from different hospitals have benefited from a continuous medical education programme organised by OJB Kidney Foundation and India based BLK Super Specialty Hospital. According to the organisers, the idea is to network between Indian and Nigerian doctors with a view to share latest development in renal science. The event is a two day programme which involved a seminar for doctors and health workers on the first day at the St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja. Free screening and consultation held on the second day at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Ojodu, Lagos. Founder of OJB, Babatunde Okungbowa Jezereel said he initiated the partnership so that heath workers in the field of renal science and kidney patients could benefit from the programme. “We

NAFDAC-registered products to sell across ECOWAS region

want everyone to benefit. The patients can get early detection. The doctors are equipped with latest development in renal science” He said , the process of gradually putting an end to medical tourism with huge expenses paid starts at one level where the knowledge is gained and second level being the establishment of dialysis and transplant centers here in Nigeria. Dr. Singh Rana, Associate Consultant Urology, Andrology and Renal Transplant , BLK Center for Renal Sciences said they are here in Nigeria to familiarise and invest their partnership here and subsequently think of establishing a base here for managing specialties and diagnostic centers, interact with local doctors and share new experiences. He added that the collaboration will involve visits, training, screenings, and consultations. The event was concluded with lectures on: ‘Innovations in Intervention Cardiology’ and ‘Renal Health, Treatment and Challenges.’

Obinna Odoh Abuja

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that products registered under it will soon enjoy patronage across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) without further registration processes. Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii disclosed this in Abuja when the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bruno Cabras visited him in his Abuja office. The Ambassador was in company of the management of Italian company Ferrero Group, which produces well-known brands Nutella, Kinder and Tic Tacs. Dr. Orhii said, “We are also undergoing a harmonisation within

the ECOWAS region which will ensure that products registered in Nigeria can go to any ECOWAS country. So instead of 170 million Nigerians, you have a market of over 300 million people.” The management of the Ferrero Group said it is buying $30 million worth of cocoa beans annually in Nigeria for the manufacturing of its chocolate brand and is seeking NAFDAC’s registration for its product to be marketed in Nigeria. Tarek Chazli, agent of the Ferrero Group in Nigeria, said NAFDAC has deepened its advice to the Ferreri Group to come and invest in Nigeria because the country has lots of opportunities and procedures that are essential for a company that is the fourth largest in the confectionary sector in the world.

igeria’s foremost dairy company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO producers of Peak milk brand has attributed the success of the product throughout its sixty years existence to its nourishing goodness. This emerged at the weekend during the 60 years celebration of the Peak brand in Nigeria. During the celebration which was staged at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Saturday, Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Rahul Colaco attributed the success of the Peak milk brand to its nourishing goodness which provides Nigeria with quality dairy nutrition helping them reach their Peak. Secondly, he said the brand is continually exploring ways to stand out of the crowded shelf and “touch our consumers through every stage of their lives,” adding, “Peak has won industry recognition as an innovative and trendsetting brand that delivers superior dairy nutrition across life-stages.” The event was well attended by consumers from all walks of life including top personalities from the media, children and notable celebrities led by former Nigeria international and Olympic Gold medalist, Kanu Nwankwo. Colaco while expressing happiness and appreciation of Nigerian’s loyalty to the product described

Peak as “a truly Nigerian iconic brand”. The Marketing Director, Mr. Tarang Gupta in his closing remarks emphasised that the introduction of Peak in Nigeria 60 years ago gave the people “an experience of a new beginning with sharper minds, stronger body and matchless opportunities to bring out the best in them and reach for their peak. This is the inspiring story of Peak in Nigeria. He added that the story of the Peak brand is about Nigeria and the Nigerian people. “It’s your story, the story of the generations before you and the generations that will come after you. This is the celebration of our great past, happy present and brighter future. “To Peak, there’s greatness in everyone. It lives in us. All we have to do is believe in it, work hard at it and we will surely achieve it. “Peak at 60 is a celebration of your story, my story, our story and the story of our great nation, Nigeria.” he concluded. There was comedy by ace entertainer, Gordons, dance drama and an electrifying presentation of “the foremost symbols and connotation of the Peak elements.” It was an exciting journey into the visual world of Peak, exploring the various symbols on the packRiver, Mountain, Canoe and Palm Tree. This pulsating and captivating story was presented in a fascinating piece of music-drama.

Wisdom of plants F

rom time to time, traditional healers prescribe that certain herbs be harvested only at a certain time of the day. Sometimes they insist that certain plants should be harvested before sunrise and some after sunset. At times they go out themselves in the middle of the night to collect some herbs. This practice in itself is scientifically correct. In the night, when the sun has already transverse the earth and has set for the day, the chemical compounds in many plants, especially trees, settle down to the roots of the trees. In order to get the best out of these roots then, it is advisable to harvest them at sunset, which in tropical countries begins from 5 p.m in the evening. Now, somebody may come and tell you to do your harvesting at 10pm

Nature Power Fr. Anselm Adodo, OSB

naturepower@paxherbals.net; twitter: @anselmadodo rather than 5pm. They may tell you that the roots will not work for you unless you harvest them at 10 or 11pm or midnight. That extra detail or explanation is wrong against the background of our scientific knowledge. But the basic idea of harvesting the root at sunset is true. When the sun begins to rise, plants, especially trees, draw up their chemical compounds and distribute them to the leaves and barks. By the middle of the day, these compounds are fully concentrated in the leaves of the plants. For this reason, the best time to harvest the leaves of medicinal plants is

at midday, when the sun is about to reach its peak. By late after noon, the chemical compounds in trees begin their downward journey back to the roots through the stems and barks. For this reason, the best time to collect the bark of a tree is late in the after noon or in the evening, before sunset. A traditional healer may colour this commonsense science with riddles and rituals, mystifying the whole thing. Today, wisdom beckons on us to reject all forms of deceitfulness. But we must preserve the precious knowledge of our ancestors. That

Harvesting time is significant in potency of medicinal plants

PHOTO: www.finecooking.com

The best time to harvest the leaves of medicinal plants is midday

is what God wills for us. It is not the will of God that we throwaway the wisdom of our forefathers and mothers. The challenge for today’s African thinkers is to sift out the fetish and superstitious from our inherited deposits of knowledge without throwing away the truth. May the silent echoes of the eternal wisdom continue to resound through us.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Industry

ICT

Buhari: Industrialists want power, others addressed

Local contents devt tops agenda for Buhari

Business What's news

Nigeria’s insurance faces economic challenges, says report Despite the robust reforms that have given a little lift to the nation’s insurance sector in the last four years, a difficult operating environment is confronting the market as fluctuating oil prices threaten the country’s economic expansion, New Telegraph has learnt.

p.32

Chinese fishing vessels dislodge Nigerians’, others Illegal Chinese fishing trawlers have invaded Nigeria and other West African waters.

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Smile Telecoms Holdings, Sheikh Mohammed Sharbatly; Director, Smile Telecoms Holdings, Ms. Beth Mandel, and Chairman, Smile Communications Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, during the Smile Telecoms board meeting in Lagos.

INCENTIVES Government has also rolled out a number of other incentives to attract foreign investors 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

he Federal Government has crashed import duties on telecommunications equipment to five per cent in order to encourage the growth of broadband in the country, New Telegraph has learnt. President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, said this in a presentation made at the 2015 Nigeria Diaspora Information Communication Technology Conference (NiDICT) held in Washington DC, United States. Speaking at the presentation, a copy of which was obtained by New Telegraph, Ajayi, who addressed a large gathering of foreign investors at the event, said the Nigerian

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst. Production Editor

FG cuts telecoms import duty to 5% government had embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at engendering broadband investment in the country. With broadband penetration currently estimated at eight per cent, the country intends to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018 in line with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (NBP). “In order to drive broadband investment, the government has removed reduction in the level of foreign entry participation in the telecoms sector; reduced the level of import duties on telecom equipment from 25 per cent to five per cent for the first two years; simplify procedures for importation of telecom equipment and development of related software,” he said.

The ATCON President also noted that the government had granted pioneer status to qualified investors in the broadband sector as well as engaging in constant sale of spectrum to would-be broadband investors. He said more than 96 per cent of the broadband services would be delivered through wireless means. “Nigeria is blessed with abundance of natural resources and, therefore, has what it takes

$10billion Total value of investments Nigeria needs in its broadband in the next five years

to attract attention of would-be investors to this considerably untapped telecommunications market,” he said. Lanre said Nigeria was clearly a major market in the West Africa sub-region with a population of over 170 million people. “Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation and is home to one out of every seven humans that inhabit the African continent,” he said. He noted that KPMG, which is a renowned international consultancy company, recently said that the investment drive in broadband had become imperative, as Nigeria would need about $10 billion investment in its broadband sector in the next CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE April 2015................................8.7% March 2015.............................8.5% February 2015.........................8.4%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at May 22)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N222 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N340 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N245

l Foreign Reserves – $29.789bn as at 21/05/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at May 22)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N301 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N214

Business | News

OPTIMISM The coming of a new government in a few days is expected to usher in renewed vigour Sunday Ojeme

espite the robust reforms that have given a little lift to the nation’s insurance sector in the last four years, a difficult operating environment is confronting the market as fluctuating oil prices threaten the country’s economic expansion, New Telegraph has learnt. A report released by A.M Best, however, revealed that despite this uncertain backdrop, the insurance sector is considered to offer significant potential, with foreign investors attempting to build a profile in the market. The report observed that a sense of optimism was prevailing as the prospect of a new political era is instilling a greater degree of confidence in Nigeria’s future. According to the Special Report, titled, “Nigeria’s Insurance Sector Faces Economic Challenges, but New Government Improves Prospects,” the tumble in global oil prices resulting from the increase in supply from major producers, lower demand from the global economy and a rise in US shale output have increased pressure on the government’s ability to

Nigeria’s insurance faces economic challenges, says report balance its fiscal budget. The local insurance sector in the last four years underwrote a gross premium income of over N900 billion, representing an increase of about 14 per cent from the premium written in 10 years before 2011. Nigeria currently boasts the largest economy in Africa, following the rebasing of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2014. Economic growth

of the country has been strong over the past five years, largely supported by high commodity prices, with more than 90 per cent of total exports derived from the trade of petroleum. Deniese Imoukhuede, Associate Director, Analytics, said: “Domestic insurers, particularly those that maintain insurance portfolios weighted to the oil and gas segment, are likely to feel pres-

sure from the decline in oil prices. This reflects delays, or in some cases, cancellations of infrastructure projects as a result of negative investor sentiment relating to the stability of the economy, and therefore, lower premium revenues.” In spite of such challenges, there appears to be some signs of renewed confidence in the economy following the accession of the new govern-

ment led by Muhammadu Buhari. It is anticipated that Buhari will bring much needed changes by reducing corruption, implementing economic reforms by reducing the country’s reliance on oil and by increasing foreign investor interest in Nigeria through the promise of greater transparency. Should these expectations transpire, greater confidence in Nigeria will likely attract further interests

into its largely untapped insurance market. A.M. Best’s research states that Nigeria’s insurance regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has over the years implemented numerous reforms to improve the perception of the sector and expand the contribution of the industry to the country’s economic output, although to varying degrees of success.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, African Finance Corporation, Mr. Andrew Ali; President/CEO, GE Nigeria, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, and Director, Communications, GE Africa, Patricia Obozuwa, at the GE Global Innovation Barometer Forum in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

RESTRICTED Illegal trawlers operate in exclusive economic zones of African countries

Bayo Akomolafe

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

llegal Chinese fishing trawlers have invaded Nigeria and other West African waters. Already, they have dislodged the local fishing trawler operators. It was learnt that some of the Chinese boats that fished in prohibited areas, lack licences and use illegal nets with tiny mesh openings. It was also alleged that 74 of 92 fishing boats investigated had turned off the tracking devices mandated by international maritime law. A study by Greenpeace accused hundreds of Chineseowned or Chinese-flagged vessels of taking advantage of weak enforcement by African governments to indiscriminately net untold tons of fish off the coasts of Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra

Chinese fishing vessels dislodge Nigerians’, others Leone. In a research conducted by the organisation through its vessel, the Esperanza, it was alleged that over 450 Chineseowned fishing vessels were operating in Africa. It noted that only a fifth of the country’s fishing fleet operates off the coast of West Africa. In October last year, the Nigerian Navy arrested two fishing trawlers where over 5,000 items ranging from small packets to big cartons of fish were found with the suspects accused of engaging in fishing activities within five nautical miles of the coast, thereby contravening their licences. The report said: “Among the worst offenders is the stateowned China National Fisheries Corporation (CNFC), whose ship operators were said to have lied about their locations, underreported the amount of fish in their holds and used damaging fishing methods that are largely banned in Chinese waters.” The report said that government regulators in Beijing

slacked in enforcing regulations that govern overseas fishing. The Director of the China Ocean and Forests campaign at Greenpeace, Mr. Rashid Kang, said: “China is exporting to Africa the kind of destructive fishing practices that depleted local fishing grounds off the Chinese coast. He noted that the Chinese interest in the waters off West Africa had soared in recent years, prompted by a vast expansion of the country’s industrial fishing fleet. Responding to the Greenpeace report, China’s Foreign Ministry explained that the Chinese fishing vessels that operate in the exclusive economic zones of African countries abide by the agreements they have struck with their governments. Its Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, said: “These ships and companies contribute to local employment, increase tax revenue and contribute to the local economy, and are thus welcomed by local governments and people.”

FG cuts telecoms import duty to 5% CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 31

five years with $2 billion investment yearly. According to the Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mr. Houlin Zhao, Nigeria’s adoption of Long-Term Evolution/ Fourth Generation (4G) technology, which is one of the fastest in the world, is highly commendable. Zhao has also encouraged Nigerian in Diaspora to invest heavily in Nigeria in order to tap into its huge investment opportunities in broadband. To attract investors into the Nigerian nascent broadband market, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has specifically announced incentives such as tax holidays of between five and seven years as well as provision of financial incentives of between 15 per cent to 30 per cent of the operator’s capital expenditure (CAPEX). According to NCC, the incentives will indirectly

create an attractive environment for operators to go to areas they believe might be unattractive to roll out broadband services. Meanwhile, Ajayi explained that the country has also entrenched the Open Access model to actualise the growth target for broadband market. He told the audience at the US forum that MainOne and IHS have won Infrastructure Companies (InfraCo) licences for Lagos and North-Central respectively, while the plans are ongoing by the regulator to license five more InfraCos, all in a bid to deepen broadband penetration in the country. It would be recalled that under the NCC’s ‘Open Access Model for Next Generation Optic Fibre Broadband Network’ Licensed, InfraCos are geographically-focused to provide wholesale Layer 2 transmission services on a non-discriminatory, open-access, price-regulated basis.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

A lot of SMEs unable to keep records – BoI p.34

Industry

Power transformers. Inset: Buhari

Barely 24 hours to the commencement of a new administration, many stakeholders in the real sector of the economy have given some insights into what they expect from the new government. DELE ALAO writes

“T

he incoming government should see to accelerated infrastructure development like good roads, transportation system, power supply etc. Corruption and corrupted people should be dealt with. “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) should be encouraged because there the growth engine room of the economy,” these were the words of an industrialist and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Fanol RDS Product Limited, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, while expressing his expectation from the new government. No doubt, so much is expected from the new government in view of various economic challenges affecting the sector. For instance, while reviewing the state of the economy in the first quarter of the year, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) lamented the inflation rate, which remained within the 6.0-9.0 per cent band as established by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). LCCI recalled the gradual increase in the year on year headline inflation during the first two months of the year from 8.0 per cent in December 2014 to 8.2 per cent in January, 8.4 per cent in February, and further to 8.5 per

Buhari: Industrialists want power, others addressed cent in March 2015. According to the National Bureau of Statistics [NBS], the underlying inflationary pressures came largely from food, particularly imported food and exchange rate pressure. However, with an exchange rate depreciation of about 20 per cent over the last six months and having regard to the impact on operating and production cost of businesses, it is an irony that inflation moved up by only 0.6 per cent over this period. This is perhaps an indication that businesses are not able to pass-on the cost increases to consumers. This has naturally impacted adversely on the profit margins of many enterprises, the chamber said. Also, the chamber lamented that the power sector reform and the privatisation that followed have not achieved the desired result. However, on how the country can reel out of some of the challenges stifling business growth, an economist, who is also an industrialist, Henry Boyo, said that in view of the abysmal performance in the power sector, the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, should take a closer look at how Nigerians were left with over N400 billion debt after the privatisation of the distribution network of defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). “It is equally curious that almost two years thereafter, government continues to breastfeed the Discos with selective interest waivers, which have not guaranteed low tariffs or improved performance. “In view of cost implications,

It is curious that almost two years after, government continues to breastfeed the Discos

the new dispensation should advisedly fast track the adoption of gas for generating power, as gas is considerably cheaper at below $3/cubit metre and remains a much cleaner form of energy; besides our gas reserves are multiple times in excess of crude oil reserves,” Boyo said. Also, President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Frank Jacobs, urged the incoming government to appropriate electricity tariff to reflect the actual consumption by industries instead of the current use of estimated billings. This, the MAN president noted, would further improvement in power supply. Jacobs, who noted that electricity generation in the first quarter of 2015 showed slight improvement as generation hovered around 4,000 MW per day, said that transmission and distribution of available electricity output were abysmal in the period due to long time of decayed infrastructure in the system. “These scenarios contrast with the huge energy need of the industrial sector including manufacturing,” he said. He, therefore, called on the new government to make it mandatory for DISCOs to procure prepaid meters from local manufacturers and distribute same to all customers to properly regularise electricity billing. Jacobs also urged the new administration to facilitate adequate local sourcing of Low-Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), especially for supply at reasonable price to industries operating in areas with-

out gas network. Similarly, LCCI president, Alhaji Remi Bello, said that it had become necessary for the incoming administration to undertake a holistic view of the power sector reform. “This should cover the processes of the reform and the capacity of the major institutions in the power delivery chain,” Bello said. The LCCI president also urged the incoming administration to immediately deregulate the oil and gas downstream sector on assumption of office in order to provide an enduring solution to the recurring problem of petroleum product scarcity, corruption inherent in the subsidy regime, the collapse of refineries, lack of investment in the downstream sector, loss of jobs and so on. “Options available to the incoming administration in this matter are very limited. The current regime of subsidy and governments direct involvement in the operations of oil and gas sector should be discontinued. Government needs to get out of the way, so that the sector and the economy as a whole can make progress. This will pave the way for the restoration of normalcy in the sector and attract private capital, boost investments and create jobs. “We appeal to the labour unions and the citizens to give the reform of the oil and gas sector a chance. The current model of managing the sector has done a colossal damage to the Nigerian economy. It is in the overriding interest of the economy and the citizens to quickly deregulate the sector,” he said.

Business | Industry

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

A lot of SMEs unable to keep records – BoI MD The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been described as the engine of growth, but limited by access to finance. In this interview with the media at a workshop in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, bares his mind on why it is difficult for SMEs operators to access loans among other issues Do you think Nigerians should patronise madein-Nigeria goods because of standard? It is in our national interest to patronise madein-Nigeria goods. We all complain about lack of jobs, we complain about economic issues. And if we don’t patronise our local products, we will not make progress as a country. There are people who have invested in facilities to produce here and after they have produced, they can’t sell and they go bankrupt. Consequently, they lay off staff. But if they produce and they are able to sell they can grow, they can hire more people, and there will be economic development and many more. I am not saying that we should support just any local produce because there are people who are local producers who just produce trash. But, where we have companies that are producing to international standards, such companies should be patronised by everybody, the Nigerian citizens, Nigerian government at the local, state and federal government levels. Is BoI looking at bringing in experts to train Nigerians to ensure that local products are up to international standards? We have realised that many of the interventions have not been effective as we would have desired because of the issue of quality standards. We have been working with a number of agencies. For instance, we work with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to support the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria to upgrade their facilities to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) codes of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and I am pleased to announce to you that at least three companies have been certified to meet that standards. What that means is that if there is any international bid for supply of drugs, maybe by United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) or other international agencies, our Nigeria manufacturers of pharmaceutical products can also participate. Standard is very important and I am happy that the Nigerian Standard Organisation (NSO) has also upped its game; they set up a lot of standard certification facilities to ensure that at least if you say this is NSO certified it means that you as a consumer you have the comfort that you are getting a good product. What has BoI done so far under your watch to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)? We have done a lot to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) because it is clear that SMEs need finance but what SMEs need goes beyond finance. We are giving the loans but we are trying to make the process also more efficient. We are trying to assist the SMEs, we are trying to hold their hands. That is why we appointed over 100 Business Development Service Providers (BDSP). The role of BDSPs is to help the SMEs to prepare lendable business plan, business plans that when BoI gets them, it will find them satisfactory and also lend to them. We have seminar with our BDSPs so they understand our risk acceptance criteria. They know exactly what we are looking for.

So, if SMEs go to them, they will really help to ensure that they are able to get the loan. How does BDSPs charge look like? What we have also done is that we know that people are afraid of the fees that can be charged by these BDSPs; we have negotiated and agreed on very reasonable token fees for the SMEs to pay. If you apply for a loan that is less than N10 million all you pay to the BDSPs is just N10,000; if your BoI MD, Rasheed Olaoluwa loan is between N10 million and N50 million all you pay to get your business plan done to international quality is N25,000. If the loan amount is between N50 million and N200 million, the token fee is only N50,000 it is really very reasonable. Even, it took a long time for the BoI to convince the BDSPs to proceed on this basis. The BDSPs have also taken it as part of their own contributions to the economic development of this country. We believe that going forward, the rate of applications, the rate of successful applications, would be higher. And what is BoI doing to support working capital requirement? We are doing a lot to support working capital requirements. You recall that late last year we signed an agreement with 10 banks which we called the 10 SMEs-friendly banks. The essence of that agreement was the interest rate that we negotiated with the banks. The real success story in that appointment of the 10 SMEs-friendly banks is the fact that we have negotiated a reasonable interest rate on behalf of our SMEs with those banks, it is not just an MoU. It is an agreement that if you recommend SMEs for working capital facility they will only charge interest rate of Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) plus six. MPR today is about 13 per cent set by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plus six, which makes it 19 per cent. If you are to approach any of the banks by yourself, the least they will charge you is 25/26 per cent, that is something we have also done for SMEs. A lot of things have been done; we have also extended our national coverage: we used to have seven locations but now we are talking about 14 locations; just to make sure that we get closer to our SMEs. There are a lot of other things in the pipeline, we know that the world is going digital and BoI is also going digital, we are automating a lot of our processing. We want to give our SMEs opportunities to also enjoy the benefit of automation, of digitalisation. The other one is that a lot of SMEs are unable to keep records because first, they don’t

Our nonperforming loan is less than five per cent

have accountants who understand the technical details of accounting posting. What is your risk acceptance criterion on loan recovery? As blending institutions, we develop what we call RAC, Risk Acceptance Criteria, these criteria vary depending on the sector, depending on the customer groupings, depending on whether we are talking about an SME, or a large enterprise that is all about risk management and that is why we have a whole risk management division. The job of the division is to ensure that BoI is able to filter the good quality applicants from the bad quality applicants. Recently, we published something in the papers, we said getting loan from BoI is now as simple as A-Z and what we did was to list the criteria which is very transparent, if you satisfy these criteria you are eligible for a loan at Bank of Industry; you don’t need to lobby anybody, you don’t need to know anybody, it is your application that speaks for you. How do you recover loans? This is very important for this institution to be sustainable when we grant loans, the customers must pay back. First, we make sure that before we grant the loan we have reasonable assurance that customers can pay back. In the event that he doesn’t pay back we need to talk about security/collateral, among others to fall back on. We have a loan monitoring department that monitors loans; we have an automated system that monitors everything that is going on in the bank. The Bank of Industry of the past is different from the Bank of Industry of today. We are very agile now, we have been upgrading our banking application which enables us to automate a number of things and we believe that we will achieve that capacity to ensure that this business is sustainable. What is the level of your non-performing ratio? Today our non-performing loan is less than five per cent, we are even better than some of the commercial banks.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

ICT

Expert to FG: Invest in cyber-capacity devt p.36

Local content devt tops agenda for Buhari The need to prioritise the development of the Nigerian local contents in the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry tops stakeholders’ agenda for the incoming administration of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, reports KUNLE AZEEZ

s a new government steps in tomorrow, stakeholders in the ICT industry have lent their voices to the series of agenda being set for the new government. They underscored the key areas of priority that should be pursued in order to keep the industry on the consistent part of growth. Under the outgoing administration, the ICT industry, supervised by the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has fared relatively well. According to industry watchers, investment in the industry moved from $25 billion to over $32 billion while mobile voice and Internet subscriptions have also witnessed a seeming explosion. It is also instructive that under Jonathan government, a lot of digital activities have been ignited with clear policy directions, which are currently awaiting full implementation. Meanwhile, as the new administration comes into office tomorrow, stakeholders in the ICT sectors have specifically highlighted the need to evolve robust policy for the promotion of Nigerian local contents in the ICT. Other areas, as accentuated by the stakeholders, include the use of ICT to strengthen the country’s perennial security challenge, engendering e-education, e-health, ensuring that square pegs are not put in round holes in the appointment of the new Communications Technology minister as well as strengthening the regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), among others. Local contents Asked what should be the key focus of Buhari in the telecoms sector, the Chief Executive Officer of Teledom International, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, said: “Nigerian contents, Nigerians contents and Nigerian contents, I would say.” He said one of the key missing links in Nigeria today is the poor implementation of local contents policy in the ICT industry. “We would expect General Muhammadu Buhari to evolve effective and robust local content

policy to effectively engage Nigerian companies to participate in the telecoms business,” he said. He said the government should look for how better opportunities may be created for indigenous players “so that they can grow, expand and help in providing jobs for the millions of unemployed youths roaming our streets on a daily basis.” Also, a former President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Dr. Chris Uwaje, tasked the incoming government to believe in ‘IT Nigeria’, a term he used to refer to all technological innovations that come out of Nigeria. He urged for policies that encourage patronage of local companies in the hardware and software sub-sectors. This, he said, is also very key and must be encouraged by the incoming government. e-Security Nigerian economy has been bedeviled with mounting security challenges over the years, leading to loss of lives and property, especially in the north-eastern part of the country. This is discouraging foreign investors from taking their investment to the crisis-ridden regions of the country. But the security challenges, which have threatened the national life of Nigeria as a nation, could be tackled using ICT tools that allow government to detect, apprehend and forestall security breaches. “There are technology tools today that can allow our government to deal with the perennial security problem, which continues to stare us in the face. This will ensure anything against national security happens without being detected by effectively-deployed ICT tools,” said Ekuwem. “We have come to a stage in our life where ICT should be leveraged to engender security of lives and property for our citizens.”

the new government to ensure it continues with the ongoing broadband policy implementation, which seeks to deepen broadband penetration from its current eight per cent to 30 per cent by 2018. “Broadband has been identified as the next big frontier for telecoms revolution in the country. Also, broadband has correlation with economic gains, as a study by the World Bank has shown that for every 10 per cent investment in broadband, a country records 1.4 per cent economic gains,” said President of Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi. He called on the Buhari government to support telecoms companies towards removing all the barriers to the deployment of broadband infrastructure that can help in boosting the country’s digital economy. He said that having ubiquitous broadband would drive tele-medicine and other sectors of the economy.

Buhari

ICT should be leveraged to engender development

e-Education President, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. David Adewunmi, said: “There is a need for the incoming government to look deeply into how we can create ‘smartness’ around our educational system. “We are looking forward to seeing the new government fully promoting ICT-driven education, where we have smart classrooms, smart laboratories, smart halls of residence, and so on.” He said there is need for the in-coming administration to leverage ICT to ensure that Nigeria produced globally-competitive students. Broadband/tele-medicine Stakeholders also expect

Effective regulation Finally, stakeholders called for effective regulation of the industry, ranging from the appointment of a new minister with good understanding of the ICT industry to the strengthening of the existing regulatory agencies such as the NCC and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). This is in order for the agencies to be able to deliver their mandate in an unbiased manner, which, in turn, leads to improved competition that guarantees high quality of service for telecoms consumers. Conclusion Focusing on the key areas highlighted by the industry stakeholders, it is believed, would help in unleashing the potential of ICT industry for the benefit of the economy and entire Nigerians.

‘Nigeria well-positioned for digital economy’

igeria’s Information and Communication Technology is huge and well positioned to catalyse digital economy into the future, the Managing Director, Smiles Communication, Mr. Michiel Buitelaar, has said. Smile Communication is an Internet service provider. Buitelaar spoke during a panel discussion at the sixth Annual Pan-African 1:1 Investor Conference organised by Renaissance Capital in Lagos. He said in the face of dwindling oil revenue with increasing pressure on the economy, leveraging digital economy should be regarded as essential in sustaining the economy by the incoming administration led by Muhammed Buhari.

Buitelaar also identified infrastructural advancement as overriding factor for the immediate expansion of ICT and other sectors such as agriculture, transportation, banking and finance, health-care/medicine, and education. He added that digital economy would be the driver of each of the sectors. The expert, however, stated that Smile Communications aligns itself with the key statistics expected for the Nigerian digital economy by 2018, as released by the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, especially for the emergence of an industry that is less-fragmented. According to the country’s target, the industry expects to

attain 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018 from the present less than 10 per cent. He said: “There are various advantages the digital economic providers have over the traditional. However, to make this happen faster, there are catalysts required for it to even drive other sectors outside the ICT.” Smile management, he explained, believes the new digital ICT will influence other sectors. The Smile Communication boss noted that in agriculture, just like in other countries, the efficiency and productivity is very likely to explode once all the digital economy has entered into their arena. “It is also our expectation

that the impact will become more pronounced within the next 10 years. For emphasis sake, sectors such as agricultural, transport, health-care/ medicine, education, commerce, and, in fact, the whole move of digitisation will have impact on the emerging economy and Nigeria’s economy is well positioned to make their journey better than many others,” he added. Specifically on expected broadband impact on digital economy, Buitelaar extolled the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan for approving the National Broadband Plan (NBP). He expressed confidence in the Buhari government’s compelling posture for firm implementation of the plans.

Business | ICT

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Expert to FG: Invest in cyber-capacity devt DEARTH Nigeria lacks adequate cyber security warriors to tackle impending cyber terrorism Stories by Kunle Azeez

he Federal Government has been urged to take investment in developing cyber capacity in the country seriously in order to ensure it secures its cyber space from cyber terrorism of the current century. Partner at Deloitte Nigeria and the President of Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Lagos, Nigeria, Mr. Tope Aladenusi, made the call in a document made available to New Telegraph. ISACA is the largest association of IT audit, IT risk, IT governance and Cyber Security professionals in Nigeria. As a nation, Aladenusi, said: “We need to invest massively in cyber-capacity development with emphasis on law enforcement agencies, policy framework developers, the judiciary and both the state and federal legislative arms of government. All routes to cyber capacity must be taken.” He said other training initiatives could include widescale Federal Government and

private sector-backed scholarships for students with interest in cyber security. Aladenusi said: “A next step could then be inculcation of cyber security as a discipline of study in Nigerian Universities. We need to win the future and that can only be achieved by educating the present. “The enactment into law of the cybercrime bill is a step in the right direction and the Nigerian government has to be lauded for that achievement. “The incoming National Assembly and President should work together for a flexible and evolving budget that caters to the demands of cyber security. Research and development in cyber security must become fluid and must provide for the future cyber threats.” He also called for the establishment of a joint task force for cyber security and building of a National Cyber Command Centre that will be the go-to center for cyber security in Nigeria. This, he said, would also facilitate cyber intelligence integration for all governmental parastatals and other institutions in Nigeria are also necessary. “Collaboration among stakeholders and cyber-intelligence sharing is key to having a united front against cyber terrorism,” he said. Aladenusi noted that during Nigeria’s counter strikes against Boko Haram, it was

NCC explains lawn tennis sponsorship

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has explained why it threw its weight behind developing lawn tennis sport in the country. Speaking at the official launch of the maiden edition of the NCC Lawn Tennis Championship tagged ‘NCC Tennis Cup’ at the Lagos Lawn tennis Club at the weekend, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said the regulator was attracted to the sport because of a number of attributes it has, which the NCC fancies. The sponsorship, he said, was also in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility. “One would begin to wonder what a telecoms regulator has to do with lawn tennis. We have many reasons to be in it today. We are attracted by a number of the attributes in it. More importantly, we wish to be identified as an organisation, which encourages the use of sports for maintenance of our psychological and physical health,” Juwah said. He said lawn tennis, in particular, was non-discriminatory in terms of age as men, women, youths, elderly play and still have opportunities to excel. “We also have a lot of people who love this game. We have a lot of people, who enjoy the

game by playing for leisure and exercise. We have a lot of people, who have made names and fortune through this game. It is also a popular game across the world, breeding world champions that have made their nations proud while reaping huge fortunes while one tour of tennis,” Juwah said. While stating that eight teams are participating in the tourney, he said that the Commission had already staked N5 million prize money for the overall winning team, adding that the first runners-up will go home with N3 million. The third placed team and the fourth will also win N2 million and N1 million respectively. He said: “We consider this prize as very modest but it is our hope that participating teams and their sponsors will utilise this to further strengthen their squads for not only this tournament but other tournaments that would propel these players to possibly ATP tour rankings.” While reaffirming its confidence in the choice of the organisers of the tournament, the International Tennis Academy (ITA), Juwah said that the commission, through the current sponsorship, would take quality tennis competition to all parts of the country and allow champions in various categories.

reported that, at its time of need, countries were not willing to sell weapons to cater for its needs. “It makes no sense for us to allow such to repeat itself. We have to be prepared and Nigerians can do it,” he stressed. Aladenusi said it was difficult to estimate the level of damage a catastrophic event such as a successful cyber-attack could inflict on the future of Nigeria. He, however, said, “But I am not ready to find out

and I hope Nigerians are not eager to find that out either. This is why it makes logical sense to be prepared beyond Sambisa and Shekau, and look forward to successfully defending our national infrastructure from cyber-terrorism.” Aladenusi, who has been performing ethical hacking and cyber security-related assignments across 16 countries over the years, said in tackling the challenges posed by cyber threats, one top consideration

was for government to identify the country’s critical infrastructure and assess the risks to the systems so as to identify threats and vulnerabilities. “Examples of our critical infrastructure include those supporting our financial and telecommunication systems, systems hosting classified national security information amongst others. On conclusion of the assessment, a long-term roadmap should be prepared,” he said.

L-R: Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Alero Ladipo; Managing Director, Advert Striker Limited, Mr. Ayo Oyebade and Managing Director, Jumia Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Doer, at the West Africa Bloggers’ conference held in Lagos.

22 Nigerian airports to get wireless facility wenty-two Nigerian air- national Airport (MMIA), ing ultra high speed Wi-Fi T ports would be equipped Ikeja. data experience for travelwith wireless facility to Through the project, lers and other users of our create new experience for local and international air travelers. The project would be delivered by Nigeria’s indigenous telecoms solutions provider, Globacom in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Already, the first of the secure airport Wi-Fi facility projects was delivered this week, as the two partners deployed the facility at the Murtala Muhammed Inter-

Globacom said passengers and other users of airports in Nigeria would be able to connect wirelessly to the Internet through their smartphones, tablets, laptops and other smart devices. Speaking at the ceremony, Globacom’s Coordinator, Business Solutions, Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu, said Globacom was “delighted to bring Nigeria up to speed with one of the best trends in the aviation industry worldwide by introduc-

airports, beginning with Nigeria’s flagship airport, the MMIA.” The Globacom executive said the facility would be available at both the domestic and the international wings of key airports across the country. He said the project was successfully completed due to the great vision and passion demonstrated by the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN working with Globacom.

Micro station opens Ibadan outlet

icro Station Limited, one of the leading telecoms and mobile devices retailing firm in the country, has opened its Ibadan retail outlet. The new state-of-the-art retail outlet, according to a statement from the company, offers a one-stop shop where Nigerians can meet all their telecommunications and computing needs. Before now, existing Micro Station outlets in Victoria Island, Otigba Street in Computer Village, Awolowo Way in Ikeja, Oshogbo; Ikorodu, Mushin and Sango-Otta, as well as Kodesho

Road, Ikeja have continued to serve the company’s growing customers in the area of access to affordable, stylish and demandmeeting devices. The company’s Managing Director, Mrs. Tinuola Coutroupis, said this was in line with the firm’s vision to constantly deliver affordable mobile devices to Nigerians. “This latest branch was open for business early in May on Iwo Road, Baba Onilu Bus Stop, Ibadan. We deemed it necessary to site this branch in Ibadan to be able to service our numer-

ous customers from that part of the country,” she explained. Coutroupis also said that the target audience for the new outlet cuts across mobile device users of all levels, considering the economic and socio-cultural nature of the people of Ibadan and its environs in South Western Nigeria. In a related development, Micro Station said it was commencing a customer loyalty programme by the beginning of the third quarter to reward its customers with rebates, freebies and other mind-blowing gifts.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSday, MAY 28, 2015

Photo | News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R: Minister of Information, Senator Patricia Akwashiki; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Mainna; Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurencia Laraba Mallam; Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo; Minister of State Niger Delta Affairs, Hajia Hauwa Lawal; Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and Minister of State Trade and Investment, Kenneth Kobani, at the presidential launching of varieties of clean, safe cocking stoves, introduced by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

L-R: Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago; Emir of Lapai, Umar Bago Tafida; Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Sa’idu Namaska; Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and Speaker, State Assembly, Hon Isa Kawu, during the inauguration of the new Legislative Quarters, in Minna.

Director, Military Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Letam Wiwa (fourth right) and United Kingdom Assistant Chief of General Staff, Maj.-Gen. David Cullen with participants, at the opening of a Seminar on 20 years development strategy plan for the Nigerian Army Injunction with the British Army in Abuja. Chairman (now suspended) of Etsako West Local Government Area, Mr. Alhassan Mohammed (left), exchanging pleasantries within Governor Adams Oshiomhole, after taking his oath of office.

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Kwara State University, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah; Nigerian poet, dramatist and literary critic, Prof. Niyi Osundare; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Banjo, at the Niyi Osundare International Poetry Festival in Ibadan. PHOTO: NAN

A cross-section of the school children being taught at the Internally Displaced Persons’ camp at Kuchingoro in Abuja. PHOTO: NAN

Special Adviser to Rivers Governor on Medical Waste, Dr. Ifeoma Ricketta; Special Adviser on Environmental Health, Dr. Oge Emejuru and chairman of the occasion, Mr. Godspower Ake, at the inauguration of waste water treatment plant and medical waste management facility in Port Harcourt.

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu Branch, Comrade Cyprian Orjinta; Chairman, Comrade Paul Salufu and National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Nwamaka Ezeanochie, during a news conference on their pending industrial strike in Enugu.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Mom&Parenting Growing your child’s emotional intelligence

Today’s world presents children with a wide-range of challenges that can hinder their personal and academic development. It is essential, therefore that parents and educators equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful not just academically but also in life. Oluwatosin Omoniyi writes

arefully inculcating into children and encouraging them especially at early age to explore their feelings through imaginative media and make-believe play, helps healthy emotional growth. For example, Calise Manning is still being referred to as a hero for calling 911 in Michigan, America, and helping to save her epileptic pregnant mother’s life after she fell on the floor following a seizure. According to CNN reports; the four year old girl was quoted as telling the 911 dispatcher, “She’s shaking and she’s having a baby. My mom is really pregnant and she’s having a boy and she really needs help.” The mother was then taken to the hospital where Calise’s healthy baby brother, TJ Manning, was born that morning. Philomena Oluwabunmi’s phone kept rang for several minutes while receiving lecture in the classroom. She eventually excused herself to go outside to be able to answer her call. It was her 19 year old daughter, Ifeoluwa, calling her to ensure that she reached her destination safely. The mother who is doing her doctorate degree programme in Osun State said she taught her daughter since she was five years to be emotionally alert in case of emergency and to be sensitive in case of danger. Ayomide Olugbenga, father of three said it is not enough for kids to be academically intelligent but to be emotionally sensitive as well. He cited an example of a time he had to painstakingly take his time to educate his children on being sensitive. To educate them, he feigned pretence of near collapsing on the floor, “to my horrifying shock, my three kids were just laughing and one in

Mom&Parenting

Oluwatosin Omoniyi City Editor

Developing his kid socially and emotionally

his naughty nature said, ’daddy, get serious.’ I was shocked and angry because if it was indeed a serious situation, I probably would have died,” he said. He started by insisting that they must always call him and their mother every hour of the day till they get home in the evening. According to him, he also taught them the essence of emergency, unity and appreciating sense of love. For Edith Thomas, a teacher and mother of three, she had to resign her teaching job when she sensed that her family was scattering. Her annoyance was that her daughters seemed to care less about one another. She said they don’t call themselves whenever they are not around, “even, when they are in trouble, they do not feel like sharing it among themselves. I just noticed there wasn’t that emotional bond among them,” she said. Thomas explained that she started stimulating her children’s emotional feelings and intelligence by appealing to their sentiments and established that sense of love and unity among them. However, experts expressed that they are ways to nurture a child’s emotional intelligence. Parenting. com, highlighted five steps parents can take to nurture emotional intelligence in a child 1. Acknowledge your child’s perspective and empathize. Even if you can’t “do anything” about your child’s upsets, empathize. Just being understood helps humans let go of troubling emotions. If your child’s upset seems out of proportion to the situation, remember that

Emotions are messages, not mud for wallowing

PHOTO:www.surfexcel.in

we all store up emotions and then let ourselves experience them once we find a safe haven. Then we’re free to move on. Empathizing doesn’t mean you agree, just that you see it from his side, too. He may have to do what you say, but he’s entitled to his own perspective. We all know how good it feels to have our position acknowledged; somehow it just makes it easier when we don’t get our way. Feeling understood triggers soothing biochemicals; that neural pathway you’re strengthening each time he feels soothed is what he’ll use to soothe himself as he gets older. Children develop empathy by experiencing it from others. You’re helping your child reflect on his experience and what triggers his feelings. For little ones, just knowing there’s a name for their feeling is an early tool in learning to manage the emotions that flood them. 2. Allow expression Little ones can’t differentiate between their emotions and their “selves.” Accept your child’s emotions, rather than denying or minimizing them, which gives children the message that some feelings are shameful or unacceptable. Disapproving of her fear or anger won’t stop her from having those feelings, but it may well force her to repress them. Unfortunately, repressed feelings don’t fade away, as feelings do that have been freely expressed. They’re trapped and looking for a way out. Because they aren’t under conscious control, they pop out unmodulated, when a child socks her sister, has nightmares, or develops

a nervous tic. Instead, teach that the full range of feelings is understandable and part of being human, even while some actions must be limited. 3. Listen to your child’s feelings. Often, your child just needs a chance to feel heard while she expresses her feelings. Whether your child is 6 months or sixteen, she needs you to listen to the feelings she’s expressing. Once she feels and expresses them, she’ll let them go and get on with her life. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how affectionate and cooperative she’ll be once she has a chance to show you how she feels. But to feel safe letting those feelings up and out, she needs to know you’re fully present and listening. Assured that it’s safe, children have an amazing ability to let their feelings wash over and out, leaving them relaxed and cooperative. 4. Teach problem solving Emotions are messages, not mud for wallowing. Teach your children to breathe through them, feel them, tolerate them without needing to act on them, and, once they aren’t in the grip of strong emotion, to problem-solve and act if necessary. Most of the time, once kids (and adults) feel their emotions are understood and accepted, the feelings lose their charge and begin to dissipate. This leaves an opening for problem solving. Sometimes, they need your help to brainstorm. But resist the urge to rush in and handle the problem for them unless they ask you to; that gives kids the message that you don’t have confidence in his ability to handle it himself. 5. Play it out When you notice a negative pattern developing, recognize that your child has some big feelings he doesn’t know how to handle, and step in with the best medicine: Play. For instance: Your four year old always wants Mommy. Instead of taking it personally, help him work through his feelings about how much he prefers Mom by playing a game where poor bumbling Dad “tries” unsuccessfully to keep him away from her. Your four year old will giggle and boast and get a chance to prove he can ALWAYS have his mom. He’ll also discharge all those pent up worries that make him demand her. According to New York Times article of September 2013, titled ‘Can Emotional Intelligence Be Taught?’ said emotional intelligence help children secure loving relationships and even a stellar career.

40 Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Empowering homemakers

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

House help risks: Options for working moms

R Cultural exhibition at the centre

Oluwatosin Omoniyi

ore than 152 women gathered to aspire to be ‘A Better Me’, at the library auditorium of the United Nations Information Centre, UNIC, Lagos last Sunday. It was a programme organised by the UNIC and Brightlight Studios for women, with a theme ‘Homemakers Lifestyle and Empowerment,’ as part of activities to mark 70th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN) as well as the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Defying the biting fuel scarcity in Nigeria and the status of Sunday as a rest day, the women clad in beautiful dresses turned up in their numbers to be a part of the programme which also contributes to the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3: Promote Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. In his welcome address, the director of UNIC Lagos, Ronald Kayanja, represented by the Centre’s National Information Officer, Oluseyi Soremekun, stressed that women remained a priority group for the United Nations and reassured that the organisation would continue to make a positive difference to the lives of millions of people especially in terms of vaccinating children; distributing food aid; sheltering refugees; deploying peacekeepers; protecting the environment; seeking peaceful resolution of disputes and supporting democratic elections, gender equality, human rights and the rule of law. Quoting the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, Kayanja noted that “The theme of this anniversary year, ‘Strong UN. Better World’ captures the importance of multilateralism. This is a time of test but far more

Gele tying

one of tremendous opportunity.” He emphasised that the empowerment workshop aligned with the message of the UN Secretary General on UN@70 that the United Nations looks forward to working with people everywhere to build lives of safety, prosperity and dignity for all. The Homemakers Lifestyle and Empowerment Workshop featured the business side of beauty which included Makeup skills and head-gear (Gele) tying lessons; Marriage/Relationship Counselling; Building a Successful Fashion Designing Business; and the Art and Science of making Desserts, Cocktails and Mock tails. The programme also featured exhibition of women’s products from the cultural industry; beauty products; Cakes and Pastries and women wellness products among others. The women brought out their different and colourful head-tie to go through the process of tying elegant, headturning ‘Gele’. The ‘Gele’ tying session appeared to be the climax of the workshop as all the women looked upbeat and determined to learn the art of tying the head-gear. A participant, Ms. Olaitan

Ajilogba, who conspicuously battled to get the tying right for a long period during the session expressed her delight that she eventually mastered the process and ‘tied a beautiful and glamorous head-gear.’ Ms. Aisha Omosun, another participant, noted that the Make-up session was very instructive and educating and would add both social and economic values to the women. The Executive Director of Brightlight Studios, Ms. Lanre Anjola-Oyebode, had earlier explained the rationale behind the programme saying it was meant to grow the number of women who are economically independent and sufficiently empowered to support their husbands in raising educated and morally upright children. Brightlight Studios, she added, would continue to collaborate with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos to empower and improve the wellbeing of women in Nigeria. UNIC Lagos and Brightlight Studios plan to make the Homemakers Lifestyle and Empowerment Workshop an annual event in Nigeria.

ecently I watched a Silverbird TV reporter on the street to get public opinion on the issue of child abduction and whether women should employ the services of nannies in their homes. The responses were quite interesting just as you would expect from discuss on such issue. What I found a bit strange was that certain responses came from the ‘wrong’ people. What do I mean? Women respondents were quick to ask why women would employ the services of strangers to take care of their families, and why not do it themselves. For a minute I wondered if those were women themselves. Maybe they had no idea what it meant to combine motherhood and a full time job. How much better life would be ifwe women stopped‘bitching’ each other and become ‘sisters’ - talk for another day. Surprisingly the men were kinder to the women who employed the services of house helps. They considered that it would not be easy for career women or ‘educated women’ as one man put it to work and still do house chores. One of them advised that women should look for house helps amongst relatives and not strangers. Well said. At a time when the economic situation in the country is generally harsh, and the cost of living is incredibly high, more women have had to leave the home to join efforts with the men to improve the family earnings, many are even the bread winners leaving behind children, households, chores and errands that require attention. So it becomes necessary to pay someone else who equally needs a means of earning a living to do the job. But one question that has come up so often is: Why settle for a total stranger? At first it seemed fine to get someone who is willing to live and work in your home, and some over time begin to see themselves as part of the family they work for. But with the recent cases of children abducted by nannies from homes of their bosses, we all have come to see it was not such a good idea. So where does that leavetoday’s working moms? What options have we got? Day care and after school services. A lot of day care centres and after school services are springing up everywhere. Some are run from homes, others in schools and churches. The only downside I see is that most of them are not open during public holidays and weekends when

you might still need their services. Most of themusually have age limit for children brought to their facilities. If your children are considered too old to be in such a facility, maybe it is an indication that they can now learn to be home alone. When your children have reached a certain age where they are able to do things for themselves confidently, follow instructions and are able to talk to you on the phone about what is happening around them, that might be an option worth considering. Extra precautions are needed here though, like not opening the door to anyone, keeping anything that could harm them or what you no not want them to have access to locked away and leaving them with school work, gadgets or educational TV programmes that will keep them busy for the period you are away. A friend leaves her children with a laptop loaded with activities to keep them busy, she also leaves extra batteries fully charged in case of power outage. I do not advise that it be for too long, call from time to time to check in on them and also let an adult you trust (maybe a neighbour), be on the look out for them in case of emergency. Working from home is an option moms may have to consider especially at a time their children are young and need them around. If your work or business can be run from home, give it some thought. You will require a lot of self-discipline, proper planning and good time management. But it doeshavea lot of advantages, you get to look after your household and at the same time keep your work going. I agree that some cases will require having a house help aroundthe house. Look amongst your relatives or people you knowfirst before considering strangers. Employing people we know has its issues, it is difficult to correct them when there are not performing as expected, a stranger who will take the job seriously becomes more desirable. Well, when you look at the risks involved you find that you are still better off with someone you know. You might consider sourcing for nannies from well organized agencies that provide well trained domestic staff for individuals who can afford to pay. They usually do the requiredbackground checks before sending them to you and also monitor them. These are definitely not all the options there are for working moms, have you got any ideas, please share with us. Thank you.

Business | Money Line 41

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Onasanya, FirstBank’s GMD confirms his retirement

GOVERNANCE

Good corporate governance Ayodele Aminu and Tony Chukwunyem

r. Bisi Onasanya, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, yesterday confirmed his retirement to New Telegraph. An elated Onasanya told this newspaper he was leaving because he had completed his tenure of two terms of three years. Asked why he is leaving at a time that the bank really needed him, Onasanya said he would be setting a bad precedent if his tenure were extended. He said: “It is true that I am leaving. I wont stay longer than my tenure. If I overstay, it would be bad for governance. “I would name a successor and hand over to the successor before I leave.” Reacting to the development, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Ltd, (FDC) Mr. Bismarck Rewane, commended Onasanya for his achievements at the bank. According to him, “Bisi Onasanya came into the saddle at FBN to fill in the very big shoes of two former CBN governors. During his term, the

To handover to successor by October

industry went through major turbulence including a cyclical downturn, stress tests and a surgical intervention by the CBN. His leadership skills saw FBN not only maintaining its leadership status amongst the tier 1 banks, it also kept its iron grip as the bank with the largest geographical footprint, 611 branches, the most liquid and an unprecedented customer penetration. One can only describe Bisi as the consolidator of the consolidated banks of this decade.”

First Bank and UBA both have two terms of three years for their GMDs. Onasanya’s retirement according to a statement from the lender, takes effect at the end of the current financial year on December 31 2015. The statement said that Mr. Onasanya’s successor would be announced in the last quarter prior to his exit in line with the lender’s corporate governance practice. According to the statement, “Mr. Onasanya is

retiring on the heels of an inspiring and enviable career spanning over three decades of diverse management and operational experience, 21 years of which he has spent with FirstBank, serving meritoriously in the last six years as Group Managing Director/CEO. “He has been able to stabilise and modernise the expanding FirstBank brand since his appointment in 2009, thus reinforcing the confidence of the bank’s diverse stakeholders and the global fi-

Decision day for Adesina Tony Chukwunyem

utgoing Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, would find out today if he would realise his dream of taking over from Dr. Donald Kaberuka as President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). The election to the top position of the AFDB is the main event for the day at the on-going annual meetings of the Bank, which started last Monday. Adesina’s main rival for the post is Thomas Sakala,

the Zimbabwean national who has won the backing of South Africa for the position. Although Sakala has worked at the AfDB for 31 years and his knowledge of the workings of the institution is expected to boost his chances in the election, analysts believe that Adesina has the edge over the Zimbabwean in terms of professional qualifications and breadth of experience, coupled with the extensive lobbying for him by the Federal Government in conjunction with the President-elect

Muhammadu Buhari. Other candidates include Dr. Samura Kamara of Sierra Leone, Mr. Sufian Ahmed of Ethiopia, Mrs. Cristina Duarte of Cape Verde and Mr. Jaloul Ayul of Tunisia. Two former AfDB’s staff members are also in the race. They are Mr. Kodje Bedoumra of Chad and Mr. Birama Sidibe of Mali. The AfDB is Africa’s premier development finance institution was established in 1964 to mobilise resources for the economic and social development of its 54 regional member countries by promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

Economic Indicators As at

As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8.7 0.0000 13

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 May, 2015 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 Source: CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 26/5/2015

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Skye Bank to shop for N30bn in Q3 Tony Chukwunyem

kye Bank has said it had completed arrangements to raise additional tier one capital of N30 billion during the third quarter of 2015 to bolster its capacity to explore business and maintain an efficient capital adequacy ratio. Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, according to a statement from the bank, stated this yesterday at a breakfast meeting with stockbrokers in Lagos. Oguntayo said Skye Bank would intensify its customer acquisition drive across retail segments as well as optimise deposit mix through mobilisation of low cost funding to bring down its cost of doing business. Speaking on the business focus of the bank, the bank CEO said retail

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

banking, with particular emphasis on individuals and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), would be accorded top priority. He said the bank had gone into strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to strengthen its retail banking capacity and framework to underscore the importance attached to the new business focus. The Skye Bank boss also spoke of plans to ensure that the bank’s customers imbibe the electronic banking culture to enjoy a pleasant banking experience at all times and across all channels. On the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank Limited, Oguntayo said the acquisition makes Skye Bank Nigeria’s fourth largest bank by branch network, with the total branch network standing at 469 and 887 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

NIBSS, PENOP partner to launch e-pension collection system Tony Chukwunyem

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

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

10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$29,641,562,134

nancial publics.” A seasoned banker and chartered accountant, Onasanya is widely reputed as the architect of the modern FirstBank, associated with various innovative and creative achievements. He was Project Coordinator of Century 2 the new frontier, FirstBank’s far-reaching enterprise transformation project at the turn of the cen-

tury, as well as Project Coordinator of the FirstBank Corporate Transformation project, which has seen the bank accentuating its foothold on modernisation. He also superintended the latest composite Corporate Identity/Brand Refresh of the FirstBank Group. In addition, his tenure according to the statement, saw the transformation of the bank’s training centre into FirstAcademy, which recently clinched the 2015 Global Council of Corporate Universities Award for best impact by a corporate university on the implementation of business strategies.

he Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PENOP) have partnered to launch the Electronic Pension Contribution Collection System (EPCCOS). According to NIBSS, EPCCOS is a contribution collection system, which tracks employees’ monthly pension remittance schedules produced by employers for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and records matching payments to the custodian accounts of the employees’ PFAs. The organisation also described the system as an electronic information repository that provides a uniform method of coordinating pension remittance process and information for

the employers, PFA and Custodian. Speaking at the launch in Lagos yesterday, NIBSS Managing Director, Ade Shonubi, said that the EPCCOS was developed to make it easier for people to get their contributory pension funds paid easily. He said, “What happens these days is that employers come up with a schedule and then pay whoever the PFA is. But sometimes the information does not get sent on time and your contributions are not recorded against you well. What we have done in collaboration with PENOP is to come up with a system, which automates the process so that both the schedules and the payments can be tied together so that it would not be that when payment has been made questions will still be asked about who the payment was made for?

Business | Financial Market News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

27-May-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

4,408.72

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

1.22 1.92 2.17 2.26 3.01 4.09 4.41 4.72 6.67 8.80 13.51 13.99 14.49 15.16 19.14

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

13.89 13.86 13.88 13.89 13.98 14.07 14.08 14.07 13.96 13.90 16.88 17.35 17.88 15.54 13.96

13.76 13.77 13.80 13.81 13.85 13.98 13.97 13.98 13.89 13.84 16.82 17.27 17.79 15.47 13.91

99.03 101.99 92.62 91.39 92.16 105.81 77.29 104.89 110.28 101.44 90.10 74.72 51.91 68.00 87.94

99.18 102.14 92.77 91.54 92.46 106.11 77.59 105.19 110.58 101.74 90.40 75.02 52.21 68.30 88.24

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

0.98 1.53 1.90 2.11

2.27 2.19 2.71 2.85

16.33 16.07 16.58 16.73

100.86 99.89 101.54 97.87

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

298.10

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.26

4.44

16.46

98.89

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.35

3.23

15.84

99.01

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.62

4.46

18.24

97.64

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.62

3.48

17.26

98.98

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.90

1.00

14.87

92.18

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.16

1.00

15.01

98.70

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.60

1.79

15.72

96.40

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.98

1.80

15.67

97.29

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.99

1.00

14.87

98.53

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

1.97

1.00

14.87

99.40

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

1.97

4.78

18.65

92.96

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.16

1.00

14.88

101.00

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

2.60 4.49 2.56

1.00 1.00 1.00

14.93 15.08 14.93

101.06 98.15 99.63

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.78

10-Oct-20

3.11

1.00

14.99

99.42

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.50

1.00

15.01

94.46

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.60

1.00

15.01

99.93

‡ /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

3.26

1.44

15.45

97.73

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.29

1.00

15.01

99.92

99.28

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

452.88 438.97

Corporate Bonds BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.23

1.00

13.15

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.29

1.00

13.19

99.67

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.37

2.63

15.40

99.54

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.34

1.00

14.94

97.67

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.41

1.34

15.25

98.73

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.35

1.00

14.90

96.30

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.36

1.88

15.81

103.34

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.62

1.00

14.87

101.49

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.79

1.00

14.87

104.52

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

1.79

1.00

14.87

101.59

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.32

3.00

17.02

92.52

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

18-Oct-18

1.89

2.29

16.16

99.31

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

1.97

6.11

19.98

97.02

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.60

2.16

16.09

99.75

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.47

2.76

16.78

94.65

BBB/GCR

FCMB

14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021

20-Nov-14

14.25

26.00

20-Nov-21

6.49

1.80

15.75

94.04

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.59

2.11

16.05

101.53

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.35

1.00

15.11

84.26

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.35

1.00

15.11

90.77

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

187.53

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

181.23

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.71

1.00

14.95

89.69

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

15.06

84.64

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

5.80

5.60

104.51

105.50

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.64

4.33

101.38

102.30

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.98

5.83

102.49

103.49

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

1,541.88

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

6.41

3.91

101.00

103.38

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.34

99.80

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

10.69

9.34

90.59

93.78

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.27

6.78

96.20

97.64

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.41

96.13

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

10.39

9.86

94.77

96.43

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

8.76 10.42 9.07

8.76 10.13 9.07

97.21 94.95 94.23

97.21 96.21 94.23

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.29

9.54

92.27

95.54

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,507.15

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 8 15 29 36 43 50 57 64

FIXINGS Maturity 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.83 12.41 12.93 13.42 12.00 13.21 11.72 12.26

Offer Discount (%) 13.58 12.16 12.68 13.17 11.75 12.96 11.47 12.01

Bid Yield (%) 13.87 12.47 13.07 13.60 12.17 13.45 11.94 12.53

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 9.6433 15.0824 16.2018 17.4152

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

8.92

O/N Tenor Call 1M

9.42

REPO

Rate (%) 9.75 10.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

199.24 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

199.34 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21

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

0.98 1.53 1.90 2.11

2.27 2.19 2.71 2.85

16.33 16.07 16.58 16.73

100.86 99.89 101.54 97.87

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

298.10

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Sub-National Bonds

A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.26

4.44

16.46

98.89

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.35

3.23

15.84

99.01

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.62

4.46

18.24

97.64

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.62

3.48

17.26

98.98

UPBEAT

Stock market gains N21bn

19-Apr-10 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 LAGOS Nigerian equities *BAYELSA 30-Jun-10 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 ‡ /Agusto 30-Dec-10 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 ‡ /Agusto EDO advance amid 30-Sep-11 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 ‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTA 04-Oct-11 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER sustained bargain capitalisation, rose by 0.17 Meanwhile, a turnover 09-Dec-11 ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR† *EKITI 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 per cent, as market sentiof 309.7 million shares 12-Dec-13 Bb-/Agusto 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 hunting activities *NIGER 14-Feb-12 A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*ONDO

*GOMBE LAGOS

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.90

1.00

14.87

92.18

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.16

1.00

15.01

98.70

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.60

1.79

15.72

96.40

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.98

1.80

15.67

97.29

14.00 9.00 UBA Plc. 14.50 13.73 Insurance sub-sector 14.00 10.20 27.00 also of15.50 the financial ser15.50 15.09 vices 14.50 sector, boosted by 80.00 activities 14.75 in the shares 25.70 14.75 10.78 of Mansard Insurance 13.50 87.50 Plc followed with a turn15.00 5.00 4.55 over of14.50 53.2 million shares 4.56 valued15.00 at N116.7 million 452.88 in 159 deals. 438.97 The number of gainers at the close of trading ses10.00 2.50 sion was 31, while declin12.00 18.75 ers closed at 15. 14.00 0.42 Vono Products Plc 13.00 15.00led 14.25 5.53 the gainers’ table with a 13.00 20.00 gain of 9.52 per cent to 18.00 0.64

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 worth N3.7 billion in 5,386 ments extended gaining 02-Oct-12 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 streaks following investors’ deals were recorded 22-Nov-12 in the 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 sustained optimism. 12-Dec-12 BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *OSUN 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 day’s trading. Stories by Chris Ugwu 10-Oct-13 BBB-/Agusto *OSUN 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 Consequently , the AllThe banking sub-sector 27-Nov-13 Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 Share Index gained 56.67 of the financial services 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 31-Dec-13 basis points14.50 orEKITI 0.21 per sector was the most active ‡ /Agusto he bulls main*EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 tained their grip cent to close at 34,355.31, (measured by turnover TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE on the market as against 34,298.64 re- volume); with 150.6 milTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION activities, as corded the previous day, lion shares worth N1.03 Corporate hunters Bonds bargain jostled while the market capitali- billion exchanged by in10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 BBB+/Agusto *UPDC for shares of blue chip sation of equities appreci- vestors in 3,180 deals. 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 BBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 *FLOURMILLS companies. ated by N21 billion or 0.17 Volume in the sub14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 sector was largely driven The key market perforper cent to close at N11.674 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 NAHCO FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agustomeasures, the NSE 25-Oct-13 FSDH mance trillion from14.25 N11.653 tril- by activities in the shares 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 UBA of Sterling Bank Plc and lion. All Share Index and market 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C & I LEASING ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

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

10.00

13.75

T Nil

*DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

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 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

Lasaco reports 62% growth in post-tax profit BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 *DANA asaco Assurance Plc has N255.024 million in 2012 year end 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 NAHCO posted 61.88 per cent into profit N275.340 14.25 of FCMB I 20-NOV-2021million in BBB/GCR FCMB 16.45 UBA the I 30-DEC-2021 earnings 2013, while gross premium A/GCR crease in net UBA 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IAto 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR STANBIC IBTC for the financial year ended written also increased N4.965 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR billion or 12 per cent compared December 31, 2014. STANBIC IBTC TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE The group in a filing with with N4.437 billion in 2012. TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION the Nigerian Stock Exchange The company in the second Supranational Bond (NSE) posted a profit after tax quarter of last year adopted the IFC 11-FEB-2018 IFC ofAAA/S&P N445.745 million in 2014 as use of 10.20 Information and Commu11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB against N275.340 million in 2013. nication Technology in marketTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE This indicated a growth of 61.88 ing its services by making its TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION per cent. products available online. Pre-tax profit also rose byIssuer 27 The company, inDescription a statement, Rating/Agency per cent from N412.807 million to said that valued clients were FGN Eurobonds N525.856 million, while the gross able to obtain and pay premi6.75 JAN 28, online. 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P premium written also increased ums for their products from N4.965 billion to N5.633 bilThe Head of ICT, Lasaco, BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P lion in 2014, accounting for a Mr. Deji Ogundele, said that BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 the company was committed growth BB-/S&P of 13.45 per cent. The insurance firm had postto ensuring that its customers TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE edTOTAL 329 per centCAPITALISATION increase in profit enjoyed seamless service with MARKET before tax during the financial the aid of ICT. Corporate Eurobonds year ended December 31, 2013. He said, “The ICT operations 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P I It recorded a profit GTBANK beforePLCtax are on a 24/7 basis to ensure our 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC ofB/Fitch; N413,807 million as against customers get a great service. 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC a B+/Fitch; loss position of N180,090 mil- Our products are 6.00sold NOV 08,through 2018 B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 6.25 APR 22, world 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITHof BANK PLC lion, indicating a growth 329 e-payment systems; the is 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC per cent. actually going digital and more 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC Net earnings grew by 208 transactions are done online 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II per cent from a loss position of real-time. 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD #{r}

Nil

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

B-/S&P

14-Aug-14

8.75

17-Aug-15

0.23

1.00

13.15

09-Dec-15

0.29

1.00

13.19

99.67

06-Jan-16

0.37

2.63

15.40

99.54

29-Sep-16

1.34

1.00

14.94

97.67

10.29

9.54

92.27

95.54

99.28

1.41 for Af- 1.34 98.73connited Bank To be15.25 eligible for 30-Sep-17 2.35 1.00 14.90 96.30 rica (UBA) Plc has sideration, companies 30-Nov-17 1.36 1.88 15.81 103.34 won Corporate Citimust have complied with 09-Apr-18 1.62 1.00 14.87 101.49 09-Sep-18 1.79‘Exten- 1.00the requirements 14.87 104.52 zens Award in the of the 09-Sep-18 14.87 Companies and 101.59 Allied sive Compliance 1.79 Category. 1.00 22-Sep-18 3.32 3.00 17.02 92.52 Act and 99.31 respecUBA 18-Oct-18 in a statement, 1.89 2.29Matters16.16 17-Feb-19 1.97 award 6.11tive industry 19.98 97.02 said it received the statutes 01-Apr-19 2.60 16.09 99.75 Apart at the maiden edition of 2.16and regulations. 14-Nov-20 5.47 2.76 16.78 94.65 the20-Nov-21 awards ceremony from impacting on their 6.49 1.80 15.75 94.04 organised by the 30-Dec-21 6.59Corpo- 2.11respective 16.05industries 101.53pos30-Sep-24 9.35 1.00itively they 15.11 are expected 84.26 rate Affairs Commission 30-Sep-24 1.00 90.77 (CAC) in Abuja. 9.35 to have15.11 performed credThe award is open to all itably well in corporate registered companies in social responsibility. Nigeria and seeks to proUBA said: “Specifically 11-Feb-18 14.95 89.69 mote the culture2.71of good 1.00the independent panel of 01-Feb-21 4.75 1.00 15.06 84.64 corporate governance judges under the Chairin the Nigerian environ- manship of Dr. Chrisment by recognising cor- topher Kolade, Former Nigerian High Commisporate citizens Maturity Date Bid who Yield (%)have Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price conducted their affairs in sioner to the United King& Yields compliance with statuto- Prices dom, looked at financial 28-Jan-21 5.80 104.51 105.50 ry requirements and best 5.60management, work place practices. environment, manage12-Jul-18 4.64 4.33 101.38 102.30 Chairman of the Board ment of stakeholder rela12-Jul-23 5.98 5.83 102.49 of Directors of the Com- tions, innovation,103.49 corpomission, Mr. Otunba Fun- rate social responsibility, so Lawal, said: “The idea industry leadership as behind this initiative is to well as corporate goverrecognise performance nance to select winners. 19-May-16 6.41 3.91 101.00 103.38 and reward corporate 26 companies including 25-Jul-17 7.34 7.34 99.80 99.80 the final list excellence among compa- 9.34UBA made 02-May-18 10.69 90.59 93.78 nies operating in Nigeria, from over 800 companies 08-Nov-18 7.27 6.78 96.20 97.64 22-Apr-19 7.41goal of 7.41that 96.13 96.13 with the ultimate were considered 21-May-19 96.43 improving our 10.39 rating in 9.86and we 94.77 were one of the 9 8.76 8.76 97.21 97.21 the07-Aug-20 global competitivewinners that eventually 24-Jun-21 10.42 10.13 94.95 96.21 ness index”. 23-Jul-21 9.07 9.07emerged.” 94.23 94.23 25-Oct-16

250.00

14-Aug-21

3,650.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

UBA receives corporate citizens award

16.00 “We01-Apr-14 have put in place a num- 4.50 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 ber of 20-Nov-14 platforms to effectively 14.25 26.00 reach out to our numerous cli- 30.50 30-Dec-14 16.45 30-Sep-14 ents by embarking 11.93 on digital 0.10 30-Sep-14 marketing and also 13.25 making it 15.44 187.53 more accessible through the 181.23 various social media market platforms. Once the desired 11-Feb-13 10.20 product is purchased, several 12.00 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 alternative channels are avail24.95 able to make payments easier.” 21.72 Ogundele said payments Outstanding Value could Issue be Date made through Coupon (%) bank ($mm) branches nationwide, Quickteller, Point of Sales (POS), and the 07-Oct-11 6.75 portal. 500.00 company’s e-commerce He added that these alterna12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 tive channels of payment were 12-Jul-13 6.38 built on a world-class web-based 500.00 integrated solution, which com- 1,500.00 bined the core insurance busi- 1,541.88 nesses with powerful administrative and marketing tools. 19-May-11 7.50 Ogundele described the use 500.00 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 of these alternative6.88 channels 300.00 09-May-13 as a great boost to the Federal 08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 22-Apr-14 6.25 aimed 500.00 Government’s initiative 21-May-14 at promoting cashless8.75 economy, 200.00 8.25 which 07-Aug-13 is the best global practice 300.00 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 of driving the economy . 23-Jul-14 8.00 450.00

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

04-Oct-18 1.99 14.87 the price losers’98.53 table, close at N1.61 per share, 1.00 09-Dec-18 1.97 1.00 14.87 99.40 while Unity Bank Plc foldropping 5.08 per 92.96 cent to 12-Dec-18 1.97 4.78 18.65 14-Feb-19 2.16 of 8.70 1.00close at14.88 lowed with a gain N1.68 per101.00 share. 02-Oct-19 101.06 Premier14.93 Breweries Plc per22-Nov-19 cent each to2.60 close at 1.00 4.49 1.00 15.08 98.15 N2.75 per share.2.56 NPF Mi- 1.00followed14.93 with 4.96 per 12-Dec-19 99.63cent 10-Oct-20 14.99 crofinance Bank3.11 Plc add- 1.00to close at N3.26 per99.42 share, 27-Nov-20 5.50 1.00 15.01 94.46 ed 31-Dec-20 7.26 per cent to close at while Interlink Technolo5.60 1.00 15.01 99.93 31-Dec-20 1.44gies Plc 15.45 97.73 N1.33 per share. 3.26 trailed with a loss 06-Jan-21 3.29 1.00 15.01 99.92 On the other hand, of 4.94 per cent to close at May and Baker Plc led N4.43 per share.

27-May-15

3,507.15

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 **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, 8timeliness, completeness,4-Jun-15 performance or fitness for13.83 a particular purpose of13.58 any of the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information. 13.87 15 29 36 FGN Bonds 43 50 57 Rating/Agency 64 71 78 92 99 106 120 127 141 155 169 NA 190 204 225 232 239 246 253 260 267 274 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 281

VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 295 302

11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 Issuer 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 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 NA 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 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

12.41 12.93 13.42 12.00 13.21 11.72 Description 12.26 12.33 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 10.93 11.44 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 9.53 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.48 9.35 31-AUG-2017 12.47 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.23 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.37 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.49 13.30 15.54 13-FEB-2020 12.89 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.14 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 13.16 15.00 28-NOV-2028 13.65 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.27 13.68 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.47 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 13.58 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 13.31 13.64 13.39

12.16 12.68 13.17 11.75 12.96 11.47 Issue Date 12.01 12.08 16-Aug-13 10.68 11.19 27-Apr-12 9.28 27-Jul-07 13.23 31-Aug-07 12.22 30-May-08 12.98 29-Jun-12 13.12 23-Oct-09 13.24 13.05 13-Feb-15 12.64 27-Jan-12 12.89 14-Mar-14 12.91 28-Nov-08 13.40 22-May-09 13.02 13.43 20-Nov-09 13.22 23-Jul-10 13.33 18-Jul-14 13.06 13.39 13.14

12.47 13.07 13.60 12.17 13.45 11.94 Coupon (%) 12.53 12.63 13.05 11.19 11.77 15.10 9.78 9.85 14.02 9.35 13.00 10.70 13.87 16.00 14.10 7.00 14.30 14.17 15.54 13.82 16.39 14.18 14.20 14.33 15.00 14.95 12.49 14.53 15.06 8.50 14.86 10.00 15.03 12.1493 14.74 15.19 14.93

Bonds

17-Mar-16

13.25

13.00

14.84

24-Mar-16

13.39

13.14

15.06

316

7-Apr-16

13.18

330 Rating/Agency

21-Apr-16 Issuer

13.35

344 5-May-16 12.81 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

Description

Modified Duration Buckets

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

<3 3<5 >5 Market

12.50 KADUNA 1,433.70 31-AUG-2015 1,193.87 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 648.06 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 3,275.62 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

581.39

16-Aug-16

Rate (%) 27-Apr-17 13.6954 27-Jul-17 13.7000 31-Aug-17 13.7910 30-May-18 14.2042 29-Jun-19 14.7023 23-Oct-19 14.8328

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) 150.00 199.0000 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 299.50 18-Jul-34

9.42

REPO

Maturity Date

NITTY

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

8.92

O/N Tenor Call TTM (Yrs) 1M 3M 1.22 6M

Bid10.00 Yield (%)

Rate (%) 9.75 10.25

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D 1M Offer 2MYield 3M (%) 6M 13.76 1Y

13.89 10.50 1.92 13.86 13.77 2.17 13.88 13.80 NOTE: 2.26 13.89 13.81 :Benchmarks 3.01 13.98 13.85 * :Amortising Bond 4.09 Bond 14.07 13.98 µ :Convertible AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.41 Management Corporation 14.08 13.97 FGN: Federal Nigeria 4.72Government of 14.07 13.98 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 6.67 Mortgage Bank 13.96 13.89 IFC: International Finance Corporation 8.80 13.90 13.84 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 13.51 Aviation Handling 16.88 Company 16.82 NAHCO: Nigerian 13.99 17.35 17.27 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 14.49 17.88 Company 17.79 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 15.16 15.54 15.47 19.14 13.96 13.91

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

199.24 199.34 201.81 201.93 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 99.03 99.18 220.29 226.27

101.99 102.14 92.62 92.77 91.39 91.54 NA :Not Applicable 92.16 92.46 ^ : Market Prices 105.81 # : Floating Rate Bond 106.11 77.29 coupon bonds 77.59 ***: Deferred 104.89 105.19 ‡ : Bond rating under review 110.28 110.58 †: Bond rating expired 101.44 101.74 N/A :Not Available 90.10 {r} :Issuer in receivership90.40 74.72 75.02 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 51.91 52.21 UBA: United Bank for Africa 68.00 68.30 87.94 88.24

4,746.32 4,408.72

14.87 15.18 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

0.98 1.53 1.90 2.11

2.27 2.19 2.71 2.85

16.33 16.07 16.58 16.73

100.86 99.89 101.54 97.87

12.56

14.57

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

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

OBB

12.93

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Rate (%) 9.6433 15.0824 16.2018 17.4152

13.10

#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

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Total Outstanding Volume(Bn)

1,409.48 1,124.68 871.07 3,405.23

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX 297.82

Weighting by Outstanding Vol

41.39 31-Aug-10 33.03 30-Sep-10

25.58 30-Jun-11 100.00 30-Jun-09

Weighting by Mkt Value

12.50 43.77 13.00 36.45 14.00 19.78 15.50100.00

298.10

Bucket Weighting

8.50 0.41 2.16 0.33 4.86 0.26 5.73 1.00

% Exposure_ Mod_Duration

Implied Yield

18.99 31-Aug-15 38.71 30-Sep-15

13.96 0.26 13.93 0.35

42.30 30-Jun-16 100.00 30-Jun-16

14.91 0.62 14.35 0.62

Implied Portfolio Price

105.4001 4.44 111.0866 3.23

78.4717 4.46 100.3899 3.48

INDEX

YTD Return (%)

1,180.90 16.46 1,108.43 15.84

6.5937 98.89 9.4672 99.01

1,102.93 18.24 1,134.40 17.26

9.5242 97.64 7.5071 98.98

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.90

1.00

14.87

92.18

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.16

1.00

15.01

98.70

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.60

1.79

15.72

96.40

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.98

1.80

15.67

97.29

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.99

1.00

14.87

98.53

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

1.97

1.00

14.87

99.40

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

1.97

4.78

18.65

92.96

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.16

1.00

14.88

101.00

Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015

Business | Capital Market

Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026

Daily Summary (Bonds)

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at May 27, 2015

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

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

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 3 13 26 42

Current Price 0.50 29.50 32.00

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 2.40

AGRICULTURE Totals

CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 Diversified Industries Printed 27/05/2015 A.G.14:59:26.026 LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 5 79 42 126 Daily Summary (Equities)

CONGLOMERATES Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 1.54 3.15 41.40

126

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

Quantity Traded 320,000 53,225 956,987 1,330,212

Value Traded 160,000.00 1,544,631.50 30,659,408.86 32,364,040.36

Quantity Traded 155,982 155,982

Value Traded 375,636.44 375,636.44

1,486,194

32,739,676.80

Quantity Traded 35,000 2,319,981 629,997 2,984,978

Value Traded 51,450.00 7,266,049.34 26,085,793.84 33,403,293.18

2,984,978

33,403,293.18

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 0.90

Quantity TradedPage 463,501 463,501

Value Traded 1 of 12 416,172.29 416,172.29

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 52.70

Quantity Traded 10,870 10,870

Value Traded 598,733.88 598,733.88

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 10.10

Quantity Traded 39,468 39,468

Value Traded 409,739.25 409,739.25

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol SKYESHELT UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 1 7 8

Current Price 100.00 10.00

Quantity Traded 5,000 510,000 515,000

Value Traded 500,000.00 5,100,000.00 5,600,000.00

1,028,839

7,024,645.42

Quantity Traded 101,730 44,925 166,307 819,850 216,616

Value Traded 690,425.75 7,144,257.32 3,330,343.20 124,614,105.58 706,168.16

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

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

CONSUMER GOODS

Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026

Symbol No. of Deals CHAMPION 11 GUINNESS 24 INTBREW 9 NBSummary (Equities) 94 Daily PREMBREW 2

CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC

Current Price 6.78 155.72 20.00 152.00 3.26

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

No. of Deals 140

Current Price

Quantity Traded 1,349,428

Value Traded 136,485,300.01

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

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 178.00

Quantity Traded 1,750 1,750

Value Traded 313,366.00 313,366.00

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

No. of Deals 26 39 106 17 35 2 225

Current Price 4.01 6.55 34.85 3.72 7.75 0.50

Quantity Traded 268,063 1,892,236 1,068,797 597,020 455,936 2,010 4,284,062

Value Traded 1,073,056.16 12,325,216.67 37,336,671.01 2,197,834.40 3,530,262.36 1,005.00 56,464,045.60

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 31 107 138

Current Price 40.00 860.00

Quantity Traded 241,704 1,774,667 2,016,371

Value Traded 9,395,479.82 1,529,970,546.58 1,539,366,026.40

Symbol

No. of Deals 156 30 186

Current Price 5.24 1.61

Quantity Traded 4,863,188 648,452 5,511,640

Value Traded 25,356,894.59 1,017,579.25 26,374,473.84

Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 Food Products--Diversified Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

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

Daily Summary (Equities) VITAFOAM VONO

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

CONSUMER GOODS Totals Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA Daily Summary UBN UNITYBNK

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

No. of Deals 155 53 41 48 155 133 2,008 180 (Equities) 33 189

Current Price 6.29 4.44 21.32 1.84 29.10 2.73 2.17 5.23 10.35 2.75

Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

14,121,305

1,794,434,638.24

Quantity Traded 14,635,428 17,767,941 360,492 3,731,522 13,520,725 20,749,540 27,581,687 27,241,110 444,838 16,661,327

Value Traded 91,861,055.37 79,126,753.57 7,695,587.37 6,954,491.28 390,917,391.73 58,070,452.99 58,484,150.96 144,202,877.09 4,586,463.87 45,159,178.17

No. of Deals 9 23 3 1 3 1 3 14 8 44 1 1 1 47 159

Current Price 1.00 1.02 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.50 3.00 0.85 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.55

Quantity Traded 521,082 2,915,802 840 3,000,000 840 10 2,002,200 1,231,850 36,250,926 3,400,418 2,000 2,000 1,000,000 2,894,967 53,222,935

Value Traded 521,252.00 2,917,009.54 420.00 1,500,000.00 420.00 5.10 1,001,100.00 615,925.00 105,252,778.00 2,815,244.70 1,000.00 1,000.00 500,000.00 1,578,760.36 116,704,914.70

Symbol No. of Deals 28 DailyNPFMCRFBK Summary (Equities) 28

Current Price 1.33

Quantity Traded 1,680,800 1,680,800

Value Traded 2,206,544.09 2,206,544.09

Page No. of Deals 24 8 293 85 4 25 62 501

Current Price 3.05 4.05 9.20 3.12 0.50 30.35 1.51

3,868 Symbol MORISON Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.82

No. of Deals 4 15 9 6 1 35

Current Price 3.58 44.00 1.68 1.26 2.23

Quantity Traded 293,634 154,619 19,994,238 14,089,838 269,915 4,368,950 2,497,905 41,669,099

Value Traded 900,977.19 623,239.45 181,658,765.85 43,447,450.39 134,957.50 132,599,254.43 3,758,223.23 363,122,868.04

247,262,076

1,519,037,714.00

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 1,730.00 1,730.00

Quantity Traded 37,333 52,158 105,894 103,591 1,000 299,976

Value Traded 127,393.19 2,329,032.28 179,506.44 124,309.20 2,130.00 2,762,371.11

300,976

2,764,101.11

Page

Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Value Traded 5,249,722.00 1,775.00 5,251,497.00

10,499,944

5,251,497.00

Symbol No. of Deals ASHAKACEM 9 BERGER 12 CAP 10 CCNN 14 DANGCEM 44 DNMEYER 2 Daily Summary (Equities) PAINTCOM 1 PORTPAINT 2

Current Price 21.50 10.00 41.00 10.50 180.00 0.83 1.33 3.47

Quantity Traded 31,000 65,285 166,633 101,266 1,077,306 5,000 15,000 25,000

Value Traded 670,756.46 650,136.55 6,834,538.00 1,059,975.20 191,387,961.66 4,150.00 19,950.00 91,000.00

Symbol WAPCO

No. of Deals 26 120

Current Price 96.99

Quantity Traded 246,835 1,733,325

Value Traded 23,927,370.64 224,645,838.51

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.65

Quantity Traded 40,000 40,000

Value Traded 69,200.00 69,200.00

Symbol BETAGLAS VANLEER

No. of Deals 9 3 12

Current Price 39.97 11.48

Page Quantity Traded 164,900 221 165,121

133

7 Value of Traded12 6,593,320.00 2,599.78 6,595,919.78

1,938,446

231,310,958.29

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.11

Quantity Traded 57 57

Value Traded 277.02 277.02

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,156,788 2,156,788

Value Traded 1,078,394.00 1,078,394.00

2,156,845

1,078,671.02

Daily Summary (Equities)

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

Page Quantity Traded 95,210 95,210

8 of 12 Value Traded 47,605.00 47,605.00

Current Price 18.20

Quantity Traded 1,316,548 1,316,548

Value Traded 23,876,353.56 23,876,353.56

No. of Deals 7 9 25 17 1 27 86

Current Price 41.00 2.70 185.00 149.56 50.54 159.00

Quantity Traded 36,938 77,400 45,504 57,013 100 51,574 268,529

Value Traded 1,503,739.40 209,780.00 8,248,717.78 8,546,604.72 4,802.00 8,179,062.14 26,692,706.04

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 335.00

Quantity Traded 6,081 6,081

Value Traded 2,077,564.90 2,077,564.90

1,686,368

52,694,229.50

Quantity Traded 39,455

Value Traded 31,490.64

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.50

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

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 165 165

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

Exploration and Production

Symbol SEPLAT

268

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals RTBRISCOE

Current Price 0.80

Activity Summary on Board EQTY SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST EQUITYASUR HMARKINS INTENEGINS LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD NEM NIGERINS STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 Chemicals Totals Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026

Quantity Traded 10,499,444 500 10,499,944

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Page

No. of Deals 7

Current Price

Quantity Traded 39,455

Value Traded 31,490.64

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

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 14 5 19

Current Price 5.35 1.20

Quantity Traded 201,400 11,812 213,212

Value Traded 1,051,240.00 13,915.68 1,065,155.68

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 0.68

Quantity Traded 2,670,000 2,670,000

Value Traded 1,815,600.00 1,815,600.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 3.90

Quantity Traded 245,938 245,938

Value Traded 925,710.08 925,710.08

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 2 12 15

Current Price 1.00 1.15 6.05

Quantity Traded 445 21,298,700 645,986 21,945,131

Value Traded 467.25 24,493,505.00 3,712,694.70 28,206,666.95

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

Quantity Traded 328,787 328,787

Value Traded 185,866.46 185,866.46

Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 LEARN AFRICA PLC Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC.

Value Traded 1,158,316.74 148,786,668.03 1,037,003,387.17 4

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

Current Price 0.50 3.39

Quantity Traded 1,209,488 6,785,144 150,689,242 Page

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

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

Current Price 0.97 22.00

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals

Value Traded 15,579,721.24 19,851,705.15 35,431,426.39

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC.

Quantity Traded 517,855 440,199 958,054

No. of Deals 5 1 6

OIL AND GAS Totals

No. of Deals 23 162 3,180

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES 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

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA PLC Daily Summary as of CEM 27/05/2015 BERGER PAINTS PLC Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026 CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC

SEPLAT Daily Summary as ofPETROLEUM 27/05/2015 DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026

Symbol WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Current Price 28.66 45.10

747

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as of 27/05/2015 FIDELITY BANK PLC Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC

No. of Deals 30 22 52

Page

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

ICT Totals

Symbol

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

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

ABCTRANS

8 8

0.55

Symbol INTERLINK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.43

Quantity Traded Page 54,281 54,281

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

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 5 21 26

Current Price 2.45 6.45

Quantity Traded 33,800 386,700 420,500

Value Traded 83,459.00 2,431,049.20 2,514,508.20

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

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 3.60

Quantity Traded 328,356 328,356

Value Traded 1,160,829.56 1,160,829.56

107

26,245,660

36,146,292.40

5,384

309,711,631

3,715,885,716.96

Quantity Traded 10,700 10,700

Value Traded 16,099.00 16,099.00

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 10 of 12 240,464.83 240,464.83

Activity Summary on Board ASeM 12

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 27/05/2015 CONSUMER Printed 27/05/2015 14:59:26.026 Food Products

MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.57

Daily Summary (Equities) Page

10,700

16,099.00

ASeM Board Totals

10,700

16,099.00

Equity Activity Totals

5,386

309,722,331

3,715,901,815.96

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2 4

Current Price 10.68 2,278.00 15.82

Quantity Traded 10 21 15 46

Value Traded 106.80 47,838.00 238.30 48,183.10

ETF Board Totals

48,183.10

ETP Activity Totals

48,183.10

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Features Serving food laced with poison For almost two decades, a confectionary has served food made from contaminated, unregistered and expired products to over 1.8 million people annually, reports NORMAN OBINNA

any companies in Nigeria, without regard for the health of Nigerians, have continued to alter expiry dates on their products, especially consumables. One of such companies, Chocolate Royale, an elite confectionary, was recently shut by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Apart from the importation, storage and use of fake, unregistered and expired/unwholesome food products to produce consumables for customers, Chocolate Royale was sealed over discovery of six illegal 40ft cold rooms fully stocked with contaminated food products built on sewage and in front of toilets. Not only that. Most of these food products have expired since 2004 while the least was 2013. The most worrisome aspect of it all was the discovery that the management of Chocolate Royale had revalidated the expiring dates of almost all the food products, while 90 per cent of them were not even written in English Language and therefore not registered. While two of the cold rooms built in front of toilets were discovered at the Chocolate Royale headquarters at 267A, Etim Iyang Crescent, another two were discovered at 1, Karimu Kotun residence of the firm’s Chairman, Mr Amin Moussalli, both located on Victoria Island, Lagos. Investigation revealed that Moussalli, who is also the chairman of AIM Consultants with chains of media houses which include Cool, Nigeria Info and Wazobia FM radio stations, as well as Cool and WEE television stations, always travels abroad to source for companies whose food products have few months to expire. The Lebanese receives these products mostly for free or at reduced prices and also gets paid by the companies to evacuate the products which ordinarily would have cost them colossal

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Orhii inspecting some of the expired products.

amount of money to dispose. He then ships the products to Nigeria. This, the man has done for almost two decades. These products are then cleared at the Wharf and kept in the two cold rooms at his Karimu Kotun residence, where they are then transferred to Chocolate Royale headquarters. The products are used to prepare different types of ice cream, chocolate, beverage and pastries for the Nigerian public. At the end of the raid by NAFDAC, which lasted for nine hours, imported fake, unregistered and expired food products worth over N1 billion stocked in the cold rooms were evacuated in six Toyota Hilux vans and buses. This remarkable feat by NAFDAC was as a result of a tip-off from a journalist who, for three years, had investigated the activities of Chocolate Royale, a company reputable for playing host to top Nigerian and foreign nationals, including governors, legislators, managing directors, artistes and others for close to two decades. When NAFDAC officials stormed Chocolate Royale with mobile police officers, they were resisted vehemently from carrying out their duties by some senior staff of the company. Understanding the gravity of what was about to happen if eventually discovered, they denied NAFDAC officials access to the cold rooms and stores to forestall more discoveries. This was after some large quantities of the expired food products were discovered in their freezers, kitchens and bars upstairs, requesting for search warrant from the officials - a ploy later discovered to be a strategy to enable them to evacuate the cold rooms and stores. The atmosphere was charged to the extent that the company’s bouncers almost engaged the NAFDAC officials in a brawl until the mobile police officers applied force and made some arrests. A mild drama ensued when the management of the eatery invited other mobile police officers to the scene to scare NAFDAC officials, who they felt were acting illegally, out of

NAFDAC officials at Moussalli’s house

their premises. But the superintendent of police who led the NAFDAC police team ordered them out. In order to re-strategize, the NAFDAC officials took inventory of the expired products discovered inside the freezers, kitchens and some bars and urged them to signed, while every cold room in sight was sealed. Pretending to have concluded inspection, the team asked Chocolate Royale management to report to NAFDAC office the next day and then stormed Moussalli’s residence where the first two 40ft secret illegal cold rooms filled with fake, unregistered and expired food products built on top of sewage were discovered. On getting to the apartment, however, the foreign security guards and other domestic staff, unleashed dogs on NAFDAC officials and refused to open the main gate leading to the building against all entreaties. When the gate was forced opened and the guards subdued, the cooks voluntarily opened the two cold rooms where the entire products in stock were discovered to have expired, many since 2004 with maggots found in some. At the end, two buses and two Hilux pick-up vans, filled with imported fake and expired products worth over N500 million, were evacuated from Moussali’s house alone. “I know that the products have expired, some since 2004, 2006, 2009, but I am a cook and I take instruction from my boss,” one of the cooks said. “Anytime they need some products to prepare edibles at Chocolate Royale, they come here with van and mine is to give them key to take whatever they want,” the other said. Reacting to the incident after the operation, the Director Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, Mr Kingsley Ejiofor, said the agency had in its custody six persons in connection with the incident. According to him, they were arrested for intentionally obstructing NAFDAC officials while on official duty. He said: “The suspects will be interrogated, while the food products will be sampled and taken to the labo-

ratory for analysis, where the labels and contents will be properly analysed and at the end of the day when the reports are out, that will determine the next line of action.” But in a statement, the management of Chocolate Royale described the invasion of its premises by NAFDAC as a normal routine check. Meanwhile, the NAFDCA Director-General, Mr Paul Orhii, after inspecting the fake and expired food products evacuated from Chocolate Royale, at Apapa Enforcement Office of the agency, said the matter would be thoroughly investigated and the people involved prosecuted, if found culpable. He said: “As you can see, these products are not even registered. Not only are they not registered, they have expired, some since 2004 and they are not even written in English Language, so they could not have been registered. “Not only that, you also noticed that the case is not only that the products have expired, some about 11 years ago, but they attempted to revalidate them, which is also a serious offence.” Investigation shows that minimum of 5,000 Nigerians and foreigners patronise the three Chocolate Royale outlets at 267A, Etim Iyang Crescent, Victoria Island, Shoprite and Lekki. When calculated, it simply means that estimated 150,000 people are poisoned every month and 1.8 million people every year. A medical practitioner, Dr Bassey Richard, who spoke to our correspondent on the phone, said that consumption of fake and expired food products could lead to food poisoning. According to him, this is very dangerous especially to pregnant women and infants. He said: “Eating expired food products will likely lead to food poisoning. Food poisoning causes diarrhoea and vomiting that can last for weeks, lead to fever and in some extreme cases death. “When it has to do with foods prepared with fruits such as nuts, apples and grapes, growth known as mycotoxins can occur, which can cause itchiness, diarrhoea, vomiting and dizziness. It is not advisable to eat expired food products.”

News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Osun assembly passes law on additional LGAs Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

L-R: General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; Fahmeeda Cassim Surtee, Sales and Marketing Director, DStv Media Sales and Chris Hitchings, CEO DStv Media Sales, at the DStv Media Sales Showcase held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos

sun State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law the bill creating addition 31 local council development authorities, three area councils and two administrative units in the state. Speaking at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Adebayo, explained that Osogbo, being the state capital city was bigger and demands to be fur-

Supreme Court affirms Aregbesola’s election

Edwin Usoboh

Tunde Oyesina, Adeolu Adeyemo

he Supreme Court yesterday affirmed the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State in the August 9, 2014 governorship election. The apex court dismissed the two appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, Chief Iyiola Omisore. The court however allowed the cross appeal filed by Aregbesola. In a unanimous decision the seven-man panel of the apex court, said it found no reason why the

concurrent findings of the lower court and Osun State Governorship election tribunal should be disturbed because “contrary to the petitioner’s complaint there is no merit in the petition.” Justice Chima Nweze, in the lead judgment of 71 pages held that he had no difficulties in upholding the findings of the lower court and in effect Governor Aregbesola’s election, in the absent of creditable evidence. The court further held that after a thorough reexaminination of the 380 exhibits and testimonies of 17 witnesses called by the petitioner and 19 other witnesses of the

CD to Buhari: Don’t appoint ex-governors as ministers Babatope Okeowo Akure

he Campaign for Democracy (CD) in Ondo State, yesterday warned the incoming administration of Gen Muhammadu Buhari, against giving ministerial appointments to former governors in the present political dispensation. The group in a statement by its former South-west coordinator, Mr Ifeanyi Odilli, said the performances of the governors in their respective states were nothing to write home about, stating that their appointment could rob-off negatively on the incoming administration. Also, he said there were many tested professionals who could help contribute to the development of the country more than those

who have plunged their respective states into debts. Odilli said the governors have performed bellow the expectations of Nigerians saying virtually all of them are leaving several billions of naira debt in their states. Apart from the heavy debts, Odilli said some of the policies of the governors are anti people saying these policies which many indigenes in their states have kcked against would be injected into the government. His words “we do not want them to inject into the new government bad examples which littered the country. We do not want unnecessary increment of school fees like we have in the Lagos State University (LASU) which was later brought down to N25.000.00 during electioneering campaigns in Lagos state.”

defendant, it agreed with the lower courts that the petitioner was unable to establish case of substantial violation in any of the 13 local government areas that he had complained of irregularities. Justice Nweze also agreed that the tribunal and the lower court’s findings that the petitioner merely dumped the exhibits on the tribunal without linking them to the alleged irregularities. “There is no merit in the appeal and I resolved issues 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in favour of the defendant, although issue one is resolved in favour of the appellant it does not change the case .

“The appeal is hereby dismiss”, the court held. Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam has Congratulated governor Rauf Aregbesola over his pronounced victory at the supreme court as the winner in the last governorship election in the state. Hon. Salaam in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butika, said the supreme court judgement has actually confirmed that, there was no manipulation in the exercise as claimed by the PDP gubernatorial candidate, senator Iyiola Omisore.

ther splitted, while Ejigbo, has not been splitted since 1956 despite its size. Similarly, Odo Otin considered to be the biggest council since 1972, also got two more councils. At the final decision reached on the floor of the House, Osogbo, Ejigbo and Odo Otin Local Governments were given two more councils each, while some other local governments were split with one council each. Commenting on the creation of the local governments, Area Councils and Administrative units, the state lawmakers said it became imperative in order to bring government closer to the grassroots.

Reps-elect’s wife tasks parents on child’s upbringing he wife of the Honourable member of the House of Representatives, representing Ojo Federal Constituency, Mrs. Aishat Obasa, has urged parents to guide their children with the teachings of the holy book for them to enable them to be law abiding. Aishat Obasa linked the prevalent moral decadence among youths to lack of proper home training, arguing that the most important thing the parents can offer to the nation is to invest time and adequate attention to their children. She made this remark in an event yesterday to mark the 2015 Children’s Day cel-

ebration. The event, which attracted children from all wards in Ojo Local Government, was designed to commemorate children on their day. She also noted that the technology has impacted much on children’s reading as reading gadgets such as computers, tablets and smart phones among other emerging technologies made it easy to find reading material and books. She advised parents at the gathering that the holy book must be their ultimate guide to their children’s education. She later cited Proverbs 26:6, which says, “train up a child in the way he should go; when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Lagos cancels sanitation exercise for Ambode Muritala Ayinla

or the umpteenth time this year, the Lagos State Government has cancelled the restriction of human/vehicular movement for the May edition of the monthly sanitation exercise coming up this Saturday, to allow for a hitch-free swearing-in/ inauguration ceremony of the Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

It can be recalled that the state government has not held the monthly sanitation exercise in the last couple of months due to the postponement of the general elections and the Common Entrance examination for pupils in the state. The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, who revealed this said, the cancellation was to allow for a hitch-free swearing-in/inauguration ceremony coming up both

in Lagos and Abuja. Assuring that June edition would be held, Bello, added that the non-restriction on movement was also carried out in order to allow people go about their normal businesses, having been affected by the fuel scarcity. The Commissioner however advised Lagosians to use this period for the usual cleaning of their homes, drainages in their frontages and their general environ-

ment. He further said that both Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and other Waste Managers/PSP across the State will be available to cart the waste generated during the period. “As we gradually approach the peak of the rainy season, Lagosians should dispose their waste through the right channel which are the PSP operators as well as avoid dumping waste into drains.

Workers’ strike mars Children’s Day celebration in Oyo Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he children’s day celebration in Oyo State, was yesterday observed without the usual government participation and fanfare annually associated with it, no thanks to the workers strike that enters its third day today. All the stadia where

the celebration were held remained under lock and keys, especially the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, which had earlier been announced to host the celebration. The renovated Agodi Gardens and Resort, close to the Government Secretariat was however, a beehive of children activities as many parents took their

children to the place to celebrate the event. At the sports complex, it was observed that all the gates leading to the sprawling complex were under lock as security agents who were drafted to maintain law and order there were seen watching over an empty arena. The situation was similar in the most of

fun plazas visited by our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital as low turn-out characterised the celebration. Some private schools however celebrated the Children’s .with their students and pupils, among them The Caritas International School along Akanran in the Ona Ara local government area of the state.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

STRIKE

Ahead of May 29, unions down tools to protest non-payment of salaries Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

our industrial unions in Ebonyi State; The Nigerian Union of Teachers(NUT), Radio ,Television and Theater Art Workers U n i o n ( R AT TAW U ) , Nigeria Union of Local Gover nment E m p l oye e s ( N U L G E )

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Four unions begin strike in Ebonyi over salary arrears and Medical and Health Workers Union(MHWU), yesterday embarked on an indefinite strike over the inability of the state government to pay salaries. In a statement issued by the Chairman and Secretary of the NUT, Comrades Nweke Joseph and Macks Nnaji, the union directed all teachers in public schools in the state not to partici-

pate in the Childrens’ Day celebration, adding that a high powered taskforce has been put in place to ensure full compliance. The union expressed regret that the government has reneged on an agreement with the organized labour in the state prompting the suspension of its one month strike in April this year, following the refusal of the government to fully

implement the minimum wage and pay the September 2011 salary it refused to pay the workers for embarking on strike in that year. Similarly, RATTAWU said it embarked on an indefinite industrial action over the weigh-in allowance a special salary package for workers of the state radio and television which was removed by the government in 2012 and later

restored following the series of strike by the workers with the arrears not cleared by the government since the restoration early this year. Chairman of the union, Comrade Chukwuma Onwe, said that the state radio and television will not transmit, while Theater Arts workers will not perform at state events until the demand of the workers were met.

L-R: Wife of the out-going Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi; Deputy Governor and Governor-elect, Dave Umahi and others, at the Children’s Day celebration in Abakaliki township stadium… yesterday

FRSC embarks on speed limit device sensitisation Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

he Abia State sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Mrs. Stella Uchegbu, has called on motorists to ensure they brace up to the speed limit devices introduced by the corps towards checking speed and attendant road mishaps and deaths, saying there was no going back on the enforcement of the order from June 1. She said in Umuahia yesterday at a stakeholders’ forum that the initiative became necessary to prepare the minds of motorists to cooperate with the command in its commitment to enforcing the installation of the speed limiting devices in vehicles. Uchegbu explained that the speed limiting devices are electronic speed control/regulators installed in vehicles to ensure that vehicles do not move beyond the specified speed limit while in motion. The Abia State sector commander said, the stakeholders’ forum is a replica of what is going on in other states of the federation, stressing that the need to install the speed limiting devices is to reduce road crashes on Nigeria roads, and therefore a call that must be obeyed by all Nigerians.

Teachers’ strike mars Children’s Day in Ebonyi

APC Court strikes out Ufomba’s suit against APGA, Otti Ebonyi insists Nwobasi

Charles Onyekwere

ABAKALIKI

he strike action embarked upon by the Nigerian Union of teachers (NUT) yesterday paralysed the Children’s Day celebration in Ebonyi State, as public schools in the state boycotted the celebration of the event in the state. The event, with the theme: ‘Violence against Children: Addressing the Challenges’ witnessed low turnout of children. In her remarks at the event organized by the state government, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Mary-Joy Umoke, called for concerted efforts to ensure protection of the children against all forms of violence. According to her, a child’s upbringing was a collective responsibility and urged all and sun-

dry to rise and condemn all forms of violence against children. She said ethnic crises, cultism, wars, kidnapping, and child labour, among others, constituted one form of violence or the other against children. According to her, global records indicate that violence resulted in the death of 1.28 million people in 2013 against global record of 1.13 million in 1990. She said out of 100,000 people in Africa, each year, an estimated 60.9 people died in violence related deaths. “This is a time for efforts to be put together to end all forms of violence against children. “We must unite in the global struggle to end crises which result to physical, psychological, mental and social violence against children,’’ Umoke said.

Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

he Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State, yesterday struck out the suit filed by Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, the factional candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2015 elections against the party and the governorship candidate of the party over the governorship ticket, saying it lacked merit.

Ufomba had gone to court to challenge his exclusion as the party’s candidate in the April elections even as he claimed to be the authentic governorship candidate of APGA, having emerged through a properly conducted party primary in the state and not Dr Alex Otti, whom he alleged was a PDP member, but allowed to contest the election on the party’s platform.

In the suit, Ufomba contended that the tenure of Chief Victor Umeh, the then National Chairman of the party had elapsed at the time the primary election was conducted arguing that the primary elections conducted by the Umeh leadership and monitored by INEC was illegal. Joined in the suit were APGA, Dr. Alex Otti, Chief Victor Umeh and the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC].

Group chides Enugu govt over demolition of houses Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

human rights group Civil Rights Realization and Advancement Network, yesterday decried the out-going administration of Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, over recent crises caused by the planned demolition of propertiies belonging to individuals and corporate

bodies in the state. In a statement signed by Olu Omotayo, president of the group, who is also the South-East zonal director of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), it described the planned demolition as reckless; stating that the government had carried out illegal demolitions of properties in the state without regard to due process of the law. It also alluded to the

current tension created in the premises of a private school located on Bissala Road within the Independence Layout in the capital city where bulldozers are said to have moved in for demolition since Tuesday, but were stalled by the resilience of pupils, staff and parents of the pupils of the institution who allegedly kept vigil till yesterday to protect the school.

on as chairman

Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

ollowing the leadership crisis that engulfed the Ebonyi State chapter of the All progressives Congress (APC), the party has said that Mr. Ben Nwobasi, remains the authentic state chairman of the party. The party said all members have decided to toe the line of sanity by abiding with outcome of a state congress conducted by the party, under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which produced the state working committee, led by Nwobasi, among other elected executives. At a press conference yesterday in Abakaliki, Nwobasi and the Secretary, Pastor Victor Elem, said during the party’s primary election, attempts were made by some members to scuttle the exercise, but it became obvious that they could not hijack the party’s machinery.

News

LIE, LIE!

Governor-elect debunks murder allegation, says Amaechi needs spiritual attention Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

ivers State Governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, yesterday dis-

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

I’ve never killed before, Wike replies Amaechi tanced himself from any killing in the state just as he denied ever conspiring with anyone to kill in his life. Wike was reacting to the allegation made by Gover nor Rotimi Amaechi that he (Wike) hired exmilitant leader, Ateke Tom, to kill during the last general elections,

saying that he has never killed anyone to get to his present position life and would not do such for anything. The Governor-elect, who reacted in a statement through Emma Okah, the Chairman, Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Organisation, Rivers State, said that people

no longer take Amaechi seriously. Wike said since he lacks immunity, Amaechi ought to have prosecuted him as governor, adding that the governor only wanted to distract the incoming administration from probing him (Amaechi). “People no longer take Amaechi serious.

Wike did not need to kill anybody to win the 2015 general elections in the state and wondered why the governor, who is the chief security officer of the state, has kept quiet or refused to press for criminal charges against him(Wike) until he is about to be sworn in as Governor of Rivers State,” the state-

ment added. “It is shameful for a man to speak loosely the way Amaechi does and we urge him to seek spiritual and medical attention.” Okah said Amaechi must account “for his misdeeds and looting of Rivers State during his tenure as governor.”

Tanker drivers’ gridlock worries Uduaghan Dominic Adewole ASABA

L-R: Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Judith Amaechi; Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt, Bishop Camillus Etukudoh and Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at the thanksgiving service to commemorate the 50th birthday of Amaechi, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Port Harcourt…yesterday

PDP expels nine Jonathan loyalists in Bayelsa lIt is an act of impunity sponsored by Dickson - Dudafagh Chris Ejim Yenagoa

ess than 48 hours to the arrival of President Goodluck Jonathan to Bayelsa after his six years service to the nation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday expelled nine of his loyalists from the party over anti-party activities in the last general elections. Those affected are the Director for Research and Documentation of the Jonathan Presidential Campaign, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange; the former Speaker of the state, Mr. Nestor Binabo; former Acting Governor and State Coordinator of the Transformation Ambassador of Nigeria(TAN), Chief Werinipre Seibarugu; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Mr. Waripamowei Dudafagh and Mr. Chamberlain Kren Ikidi. Others are, Mr. Osomkime Blankson, Mr. Emmanuel Okponipre, Mr. Ebikapade Dibiya and

Joyce Fouyowei. But Dudafagh described the decision of the party to expel him and others as acts of impunity. He said it was no secret that Gov. Seriake Dickson has brought the PDP to its lowest ebb in the history of democracy in Bayelsa State due to “his bad governance, corruption, poor human relations, acts of impunity, injustice and nepotism. According to Dudafagh, “He is acting like he has conquered the people of Bayelsa and has turned the state to a private estate belonging to him and his family members alone, as the only thing he does is to buy up all available land and build houses all over Yenagoa.” “Gov. Dickson does not have respect for constituted authority or his elders, thus he can wilfully attack and destroy a whole Federal High Court in Yenagoa, just because he feared the Court was going to deliver a judgement that was likely not to favour him. Gov. Dickson’s disrespect

for both President Jonathan and the 1st Lady is very well known. That is the reason he could not even be patient to allow the President peacefully leave office before embarking on the current disruptive actions.” “I wish to draw the attention of the national secretariat of our great party to the antics of Gov. Dickson, part of which is to weaken the PDP so that when he eventually he crosses to the APC as we know he plans to, the PDP in Bayelsa will be too weak to defeat his new party at the polls. That is one of the reasons he is fighting the State PDP Chairman, Col. Sam Inokoba rtd.” “Luckily, his plans are well known to all and Bayelsa people are waiting patiently for the elections to come so that he will be voted out of office ignominiously. If however, Dickson remains in the PDP and gets the PDP ticket by hook or crook, then Bayelsa voters will massively vote Dickson and the PDP out of power.

That much I can guarantee PDP because the general cliché is that it is Bayelsa United versus Dickson and Family.” The Acting Chairman of the PDP, HRH King Serena Dokubo-Spiff, had earlier while addressing members of the State Executive Commit-

tee at about 10.30pm, after a closed door meeting to deliberate and adopt the report of the Disciplinary committee of the party, said they were expelled based on the gravity of the offences under anti-party activities and disrespectful attitude to the party in the state.

he nuisance constituted by tanker drivers in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State has become a source of worry for Gover nor Emmanuel Uduaghan. The gover nor has therefore called for checks to arrest and minimize the number of man-hours lost to such traffic gridlock caused mainly by the tanker drivers in the council area. Governor Uduaghan made the call yesterday while inaugurating a 8.25-kilometre road linking Oghara with the dualised UgbenuKoko road constructed by his administration. According to the governor, land for tank farms were allocated without due consideration for the effects of having tankers plying the roads and where the tankers would use as parking space and as such, proactive measures should be taken to check the menace of the tanker drivers.

Out-of-school children statistics drop to 25% in Delta Dominic Adewole ASABA

he unfettered access to qualitative education that was provided by the Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reduced the statistics of out-of-children in the state to 25 per cent.

The governor eradicated street culture in the state by entrenching learning culture through his EduMarshal Policy and ensured that children of school age have free access to standard education. The former Executive Assistant to the Governor on Education Matters, Lady Stella Blaize,

who spoke during the evaluation seminar on the activities of EduMarshal in the state tagged; “Delta State Edumarshal: The Journey So Far,” in Asaba yesterday said between 2013 and 2015, the geometric progression of the menace has dropped from 45 per cent to 25 per cent.

Pensioners task Oshiomhole over payment of 15% increment Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

ensioners in Edo State yesterday urged the state government to begin without further delay the implementation of the six and 15 per

cent increase in pension for retired civil servants. They stated this at the Quadrennial State Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) held in Benin, the state capital. Chairman of the union, Comrade

I k p o n m w o s a Omoragbon, reminded the state government of an agreement it entered with the union at a meeting held in December 2013, where it promised to pay the increased pension arrears to pensioners.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

News 49

NORTH

Kogi APC kicks, as Wada appoints council heads Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Infrastructure Bank, Abdulrazak Kunle Oyinloye; Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutahu Gbadamosi and Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, during the inauguration of Gbose Automobile Limited in Ilorin....yesterday

Aliyu’s leaving N56bn debt for us, says governor-elect Dan Atori MINNA

he Niger State Governor-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, yesterday said the outgoing government of Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, is leaving a huge debt of N56 billion. Bello, who spoke while receiving a report from the Transition Committee set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Minna, said the new government has to come up with new ways of generating funds and new ways of managing resources in the state. According to him, “I believe each and every

one of us is concerned about the situation in Niger State as it is today. It is not about what we will get as individuals, but it’s about how we position ourselves for the future. “We do not have too much money to spend for the committees because like you said, we are inheriting over N56 billion already as a government. “Now, we have to make some sacrifice, to establish new means of generating funds, new ways of managing resources. Without funding, nothing can work. We have to be very prudent in the way we spend and we have to cut cost. “You may not get what we want today or what

Ngilari sacks local govt chairmen Ibrahim Abdul Yola

arely three days to his handing over, Adamawa State Governor, Bala James Ngilari, has dissolved all the council chairmen in the state, following the expiration of the tenure of local government executives. The governor in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs to the Governor, Mr. P. P.

Elisha, the governor said the dissolution takes immediate effect. He directed that the dissolved council chairmen hand over to the heads of services of their various local governments. Eighteen out of the 21 chairmen were affected as three of the local governments namely, Gombi, Numan and Madagali, were earlier dissolved and are being run by caretaker committees.

you aspire for, but if we are able to move the state and to a larger extent a motion forward, at some point we will meet with our destiny.” Assuring the committee of better scrutiny, the Governor-elect said: “I will go through your report and I will engage people to go through the report, we will look at it, and probably do some more work, because sometimes you have to lump up some suggestions. See how we can understand it better. We want an in-depth analysis with a view to coming up with solutions.” Presenting the report earlier, Chairman of the transition committee and Deputy Governor-

elect, Alhaji Mohammed Ketso, said the committee reviewed the debt profile of the outgoing government and discovered that the debt profile submitted by their report was N56 billion. Ketso said: “After the committee met, we verified and ascertained five sub-sectors namely; Political and Governance, Finance, Economics, Social and Infrastructure. “We made observations and consolidated the report submitted by the sub-committees and made it a single report, which was sent to the PDP transition committee for them to go through and then give us the clean copy. “We did so, but up till

El-Rufai appoints SSG, other aides Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

head of his inauguration tomorrow, Kaduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday appointed key officials of his incoming administration. In a statement he personally signed, El-Rufai named Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), while Malam Salisu Suleiman

is the Principal Private Secretary. The statement further said that Mr. Abu Musa Sheyin, will serve as the Private Secretary to Mr. Barnabas Yusuf Bala Bantex, the Deputy Governor-elect. Other appointments made by El-Rufai yesterday include that of Hon. Bala Yunusa, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative Affairs) and Samuel Aruwan, as his Special Assistant, Media.

Former speaker asks governor-elect to probe Kwankwaso Muhammad Kabir KANO

he former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Gambo Sallau, yesterday called on the incoming administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar

Ganduje, to probe the out-going governor of the state, Alhaji Rabio Musa Kwankwaso. He said the only way the incoming government of Ganduje will survive is for him to probe his predecessor, Kwankwaso. He said Kwankwaso’s adminis-

this moment after waiting for a very long time, they responded through their letter intimating us that they have updated the earlier report given to us. “And we decided on our own to go through the report we have and make necessary recommendations to his excellence to serve as a template for the incoming administration. “In the political and governance sub-sector, we recommended to his excellency to reposition the Local Government Authority (LGA) by de-centralisation, to strengthen the LGA so as to reduce the burden that the state is now facing.

tration squandered the treasury on jobs that are below standard. Gambo Sallau resigned his position and decided to remain in the PDP when Kwankwaso defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said: “Ganduje

should make Rabiu Kwankwaso account for the money he collected from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empower ment Programme (SURE-P) and the over N13 billion pension fund he squandered during his administration.

Lawal, the incoming SSG, had served as Chief of Staff when El-Rufai was Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He was a director in the Nasir El-Rufai Campaign Organisation and had chaired the Kaduna State APC Transition Committee.

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State yesterday condemned in strong terms the appointment of caretaker committees in the 21 council areas of the state by the government, describing the action as affront on the rule of law. The party insisted that the state government, despite an earlier judgement that the constitution of council executives through any means other than the electoral process is illegal, still went ahead throwing caution to the wind and made the appointments. Addressing journalists yesterday in Lokoja, the Chairman of the party, Mr. Haddy Ametuo, said the act is a total violation of the country’s laws.

Suswam pulls out, immortalises Akume, others Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

utgoing governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, yesterday finally pulled down the curtain to end his eightyear rule as governor. He also named streets and roads after prominent sons of the state, including his predecessor, Senator George Akume. Briefing journalists at the end of the state executive council meeting, the governor said the decision to immortalise the leaders followed a recommendation by the committee raised by the executive after a heated deliberation on the matter. Suswam said the personalities were chosen due to their contributions to the growth and development of the state.

IDEAL PEACE INITIATIVE IN A MULTI-ETHNIC SOCIETY

The is to inform the general public that the above named

INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for incorporation under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES: 1. Pastor Sunday Ofordu - President 2. Etsegbe Datsaba Williams – Gen Secretary 3. Ofordu Queen Jovita 4. Amaefuna Samuel Chigozie 5. Isijola Joshua Jaiyeola AIM AND OBJECTIVE To promote peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Any objection to the incorporation of the above ministry should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Garki, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED : GEN. SECRETARY

WORLD | News

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Blair quits as Middle East envoy

ormer Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday resigned as envoy of the Middle East Quartet diplomatic group after eight years in the job, his office said. “Tony Blair has tendered his resignation in a letter to (UN Secretary General) Ban Kimoon,” a spokeswoman for

Blair told AFP. Sources said Blair would officially step down next month. The former prime minister will continue to work with “the US, the EU and others, without any formal role” to support efforts to bring about a two-state solution and will “remain active on the issues and in the region,” a

source said. Reports emerged in March that he was set to leave due to unease in Washington and Europe over his poor relations with the Palestinian Authority, although those claims were dismissed as “incorrect” by State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki. Blair was appointed to

the unpaid position in 2007 by the informal body comprising the United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia, to lead efforts to support the Palestinian economy and institutions in preparation for eventual statehood. Writing on his website in February after visiting the

Gaza Strip still ravaged by the 50-day war last year with Israel, Blair said: “The present state of Gaza is a rebuke: to those of us in the international community who over the years have made so many promises unfulfilled; to those who have offered leadership and failed to provide it.”

ICC upholds order to have Gbagbo’s wife tried in The Hague

Religious leaders and ambassadors at a ceremony against the illegal trafficking of African migrants to Europe via the Mediterranean at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa yesterday.

African Union holds belated ceremony for dead migrants

he African Union yesterday held a small ceremony to pay hommage to hundreds of migrants who have perished attempting to flee the continent and reach Europe. Although there were few in attendance at the event, held in AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, diplomats did pledge more action against human traffickers. “Human trafficking is a low risk business. It is quite attractive. The risk of arrest and prosecution is low. We must make it an higher risk for the organised criminal groups,” said Olawale Maiyegun, the AU’s director of social

affairs. Migrant shipwrecks in the Mediterranean have claimed more than 1,750 lives this year -- 30 times higher than the same period in 2014 and nearly 5,000 since the start of last year. African leaders, whose citizens constitute the majority of the dead, have come in for increasing criticism over their silence on the issue. Last week the secretive Horn of Africa state of Eritrea -- whose citizens make up one of the largest groups of people trying to reach Europe -also claimed that human rights activists were partly to blame for causing the problem. Yesterday’s ceremony at the AU was

the first of its kind held by the pan-African bloc, but only drew a handful of African diplomats and a large number of seats in the AU headquarters’ Nelson Mandela hall were empty. AU commission head Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was also absent. Ethiopia’s ambassador to the AU, however, insisted that Addis Ababa was taking action. “Ethiopia has been taking measures to tackle the problem. There is an urgent need to address the matter more than ever. We are updating our laws to prevent those tragedies and raising awareness with campaigns in our communities,” Wahade Belay said.

Peru lawmakers reject bill to allow pregnant rape victims an abortion

eruvian rape victims who have become pregnant have no legal option but to keep an unwanted pregnancy after Congress voted against a bill to legalize abortion in such cases, an issue that has divided ordinary Peruvians. The vote, late on Tuesday, meant the Latin American nation kept in place a stringent law that permits abortion only if the mother’s life or health is at risk. “It has been decided to shelve this bill, which was proposed by civil society groups that aimed to decriminalize abortion, based on criteria proposed by the Congress committee that the basis of the right to life is from the moment of conception,” said conservative congressman Juan Carlos Eguren. Congressman Julio Rosas said the decision was taken to “safeguard the health of a mother and the greater interests of the unborn child.” Peruvian women’s rights groups

had collected 64,200 signatures in favor of the bill in the past year to support their campaign to get it debated in Congress. Before the vote, campaigners for and against the bill held demonstrations outside the Congress building in the capital Lima, pro-choice activists standing topless with the message ‘Let me decide’ painted across their waists. A recent opinion poll published in El Comercio newspaper found Peruvians were divided over the abortion issue, with 52 percent of people questioned in Lima saying they were in favor of allowing abortion in the case of rape. Rights groups say the plight of pregnant rape victims is made worse by a law that bans public health services from providing emergency contraception - which is however available from private healthcare providers for those who can afford it. The Church’s enduring influence on society, and public

condemnation of abortion, are factors behind the strict abortion laws in Peru and across predominantly Catholic Latin America, where six countries have a total ban on abortion. The Catholic Church and conservative lawmakers argue that abortion infringes on the rights of an unborn child, which should be protected by law at all costs. Women unable to obtain a legal abortion often risk their lives undergoing a dangerous backstreet abortion. The World Health Organization has said botched abortions are a leading cause of maternal death worldwide, accounting for 12 percent of all maternal deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean, based on 2008 figures. The impact of stringent abortion laws on girls in Latin America recently came to the fore when Paraguay denied a pregnant 10-year-old girl an abortion after she was alleged to have been raped by her stepfather, sparking international debate.

he International Criminal Court yesterday quashed Ivory Coast’s appeal to try former first lady Simone Gbagbo at home, upholding a previous order to have her transferred to The Hague for prosecution. “The Appeals Chamber rejects the grounds of appeal... and deems it appropriate to confirm the (trial chamber’s) decision,” Polish judge Piotr Hofmanski said. The world’s only permanent independent body to try the worst crimes rejected the West African country’s request in December to put the former first lady in a local dock, reminding it of its “obligation to surrender her without delay”. Abidjan appealed that decision and proceeded with a local trial, handing the wife of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo a 20-year sentence in

March, which she has appealed. The ICC’s judges however said the Ivorian charges were vague and differed from those she faces before the Hague-based tribunal. Her husband and former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo is expected to go on trial on November 10, together with his right-hand man Ble Goude, facing crimes against humanity charges. Gbagbo’s refusal to concede defeat after presidential polls in 2010 sparked a bloody stand-off in the world’s largest cocoa grower in which some 3,000 people died according to the United Nations. He was eventually toppled in April 2011 by current President Alassane Ouattara’s forces backed by the UN and France. Gbagbo was transferred to the ICC’s detention unit in The Hague in November 2011 but Simone Gbagbo was thrown in jail at home.

Queen Elizabeth sets in motion Britain’s EU referendum plan

ritain’s Queen Elizabeth set in motion yesterday the new government’s plans for an in-out referendum on staying in the European Union, but left open questions about when it will be and what changes to the EU the government wants beforehand. Prime Minister David Cameron, who says he would prefer to stay inside a reformed EU but isn’t “ruling anything out” if it fails to change, was re-elected on May 7 on a pledge to reshape ties with the bloc before allowing Britons to vote on whether to stay or leave. Donning her crown as she sat on a gilded throne in a packed House of Lords, the 89-year-old queen outlined the plans in a speech written for

her by Cameron’s Conservative government as she opened parliament with a traditional display of pomp. “My government will renegotiate the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union and pursue reform of the European Union for the benefit of all member states,” the queen told an audience made up of politicians and lords clad in crimson robes trimmed with white ermine. A law enabling a referendum to occur by the end of 2017 will be introduced into parliament on Thursday, the day Cameron begins a European tour to try to charm sometimes reluctant counterparts into endorsing EU reform. The wording of the referendum question will be disclosed at the same time.

German court rejects Yemenis’ claim against US drone strikes

German court yesterday rejected a complaint by three Yemenis demanding that Berlin bar Washington from using a US base on its territory to operate deadly drones. The three plaintiffs said they survived a 2012 US drone strike that killed two of their relatives and that the fear of another attack had turned their family lives into “a constant nightmare from which we can’t wake up”. However, the Cologne administrative court found that the German government is “under

no obligation to prohibit the United States from using the Ramstein Air Base to conduct drone strikes in Yemen”. The court said it agreed that in principle Germany had a duty to protect people against danger to life and limb emanating from its territory. But it also found that the government had some “leeway in its assessment, evaluation and actions” when it came to foreign policy matters, according to the ruling by presiding judge Hildegund Caspari-Wierzoch.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY MAY 28, 2015

News

International Sport

U-20 World Cup

Athletics

South Africa bribed FIFA to stage 2010 World Cup – US

De Gea won’t force me out of Real – Casillas

Dad backs Iheanacho to shine

Sport

Metu, Brume shine at All-Comers meet

Did you know? That the first Olympic Games held outside Europe was the 1904 Games in St Louis, United States of America.

Seven FIFA officials arrested for corruption T

he FIFA presidential election will take place on Friday as planned despite the arrest of seven FIFA officials on charges they received more than $150m in bribes. Among those arrested is FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb. A separate criminal investigation into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were allocated has also begun. But FIFA has already ruled out a revote, insisting Russia and Qatar will remain the respective hosts. Sepp Blatter faces Prince Ali bin al-Hussein in Friday’s election as he seeks a fifth term as FIFA president. Prince Ali described Wednesday’s developments as “a sad day for football” but declined to comment further. FIFA issued a statement welcoming “actions that can help contribute to rooting out any wrongdoing in football”. Swiss police made dawn raids at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich, where FIFA officials are staying ahead of Friday’s

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

presidential election. The seven FIFA officials were arrested after the US Department of Justice issued a 47-count indictment charging 14 defendants with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies in a 24-year scheme. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, a US law enforcement organisation, also raided the headquarters of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) in Miami. “The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted,” said US attorney general Loretta Lynch. “It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.” The seven FIFA officials arrested were Webb, Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Eugenio Figueredo, Rafael Esquivel and Jose Maria Marin. They now face extradition to the United States. Meanwhile, Warner, a former FIFA vice-president from Trinidad and Tobago, insists he is innocent of the charges. Now 72, he quit world football’s governing body in 2011 after being suspended pending the outcome on an investigation into corruption allegations against him. In a statement, he said the “actions of FIFA no longer concern me”. In a separate move, just hours after the earlier arrests, Swiss authorities opened criminal proceedings over the awarding of the hosting rights to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Electronic data was seized from FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich as part of a investigation into “criminal mismanagement” and “money laundering”. Swiss police intend to question 10 FIFA executive committee members who took part in

Fans during the 2010 World Cup opening match in South Africa

the voting process in December 2010. Three years ago, FIFA hired a former US prosecutor, Michael Garcia, to investigate allegations of bribery over the awarding of the World Cups to Qatar and Russia. However, it refused to publish his report, releasing only a summary in which it said there were no major irregularities. An angry Garcia quit, saying the summary was “erroneous”. World football’s governing body has been dogged by allegations of corruption and wrongdoing in recent years. The latest events are another major blow, although FIFA’s communications director insisted the organisation was committed to reform. “This is good for FIFA,” Walter De Gregorio told a news conference. “It hurts, it is not easy, but it confirms we are on the right track.” De Gregorio said Blatter was “very calm”, adding that the 79-year-old Swiss “is fully co-operating”. FIFA later issued a statement welcoming “actions that can help contribute to rooting out any wrongdoing in football”.

Blatter

INDICTMENT DETAILS • Bribes linked to commercial deals dating back to the 1990s for football tournaments in the US and Latin America • Nine current or former FIFA officials, including Webb and former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, charged with corruption • Four individual and two corporate defendants, including former CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer and Warner’s sons Daryan and Daryll, plead guilty • Alleged scheme “fostered a culture of corruption and greed that created uneven playing field” • “Undisclosed and illegal payments, kickbacks and bribes became a way of doing business at FIFA” • Majority of scheme involved corruption over media and marketing rights to matches and tournaments

Sport

THURSDAY MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari: Before tomorrow comes!

igeria’s capital city of Abuja will be blessed with sunshine as the security will be more than the human beings who have travelled for the first civilian to civilian transition of government in these shores as President Goodluck Jonathan will hand over to his successor, Mohammadu Buhari, a man, I think, mean more business than those who foisted the marriage of those political parties that transmuted into the All Progressives CongressAPC- think. Those who saw Buhari with British Prime Minister, David Cameron, will think that things will certainly not be the same again from tomorrow. And by Tuesday when the 8th National Assembly is convoked, those struggling to become the principal officers in both the Senate and House of Representatives and their colleagues will face the reality that things are not going to be the same again in terms of furniture, dressing, housing and vehicle allowances apart from those jumbo pay and allowances that have turned our politics into dire straits when might, thurgery and stomach infrastructure have become pre-eminent. I wish to recall just like in 1983 that Buhari’s challenge in tackling the economy, youth restiveness, unemployment

Muyiwa Daniel on Thursday

md_muyiwa@yahoo.com 08023525087 (sms only) and security will be added with that of the challenges posed by sport. And as usual football will be the main faceoff. I don’t know if Buhari, as a former hockey player alongside former military number two man to Olusegun Obasanjo- Shehu Yar’Adua -at that Government College in Katsina that refused to admit late Sports Minister, Steven Ibn Akiga, just on the account of religion as contained in his autobiography“my unfortunate brothers and sisters”-an account of people in prison including the days of former President Obasanjo who served terms in Jos and Yola, is still a fan of the game. In the early months of 1983, Alli Jeje led the Flying Eagles to the junior World Cup in Mexico and I recall attending with Ajibade Fashina-Thomas, Fabio Lanipekun, Segun Adenuga, Joe Audu and the four-man team of the Supporters Club with late Deacon George Osho and Alhaji Raheem Ogunsiji, and now “elders” Idris and

Olukokun. Jeje was from Jos just like Sports Minister Buba Ahmed and the Eagles fared not too badly beating the Soviet Union(USSR) with Tarila Okorowanta’s lone strike before being brought to earth by Brazil and Geovanni Silva, while a draw against the Netherlands was not enough to advance beyond the group stage. Later in December of the same year, the ruling National Party of Nigeria won a “landslide” victory for President Shehu Shagari. Buhari’s “boys” struck just two days after Audu and I had returned from a worldwide sports reporting tour that traversed the Netherlands, Germany, USA, Mexico, Brazil and Spain from the sponsorship of his nephew who ran a thriving automobile business. Buhari and his “boys” were so miffed by the “irresponsible governance of the country by the government where the party chairmanChief Meredith Adisa Akinloye-had a champagne labeled in his “honour”. While he was

in office, Buhari had Colonel Ayuba, Group captain Emeka Omeruah and Bayo Lawal as Sports Ministers. Instructively during the Maitatsine riots that hit most of the country’s northern parts, Buhari effected the nation’s currency change at a time Africa’s Pillar of sportsM.K.O. Abiola led the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games appeal fund. I reported the committee’s nationwide tour where I had the privilege of first hand meeting with outgoing Senate President, David Mark,-then as Niger State Governor. I then had to be faced with real burning human flesh as the team was taken around Gongola state by governor Yohannah Madaki and Abiola had to donate more to the relief of victims in that state than the committee got for the Olympics appeal fund. It is forever in the history of the Nigeria Olympic Committee that the committee exceeded the N5million target set for itself and that games in Los Angeles began the leap for the country in the Olympic movement and Atlanta ’96 became crowning glory and the first appearance at the World Cup, USA ’94. This time around, and with Buhari taking the oath of office and allegiance to a Constitution that is yet to be put

together by “we the people of Nigeria” tomorrow, is confronted with the challenges of the country funding the Flying Eagles participation at the World Cup in New Zealand and the female version at the top level in Canada with Africa’s footballer of the year and BBC’s World Footballer of the Year-Asisat Oshoola-competing. The attention will make Buhari and his Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who I understand is the force behind the Redeemed Christian Church of God soccer teamCity of David-be on the hot spot. Reason, the season in Europe is over despite the fact that Barcelona still have the Copa del Rey to play ahead of the June 6 epic Champions League final against “the Grand Old Lady” Juventus of Turin who has won a double in Italy. In England, my darling “Gunners” who are hitting Europe’s Champions League for the 18th straight season also still has a historic date of claiming the FA Cup backto-back. As such, Nigerians who are still battling with the country’s “oil despots” will be unified in thoughts. I don’t know if sport is in the handover note of Jonathan but Just like in 1983, Buhari is faced with the challenges of sport. Right from TOMORROW!

Katsina pitch excites Eagles

T Warner

Webb

o re reve l at i o n s emerged on Wednesday as the US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said FIFA executives accepted bribes to help secure the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Ms Lynch was giving details of the US investigation into football’s governing body. She also alleged bribery was involved in FIFA’s 2011 presidential election and the 2016 Copa America tournament, due to take place in the US. Seven sports officials were arrested in Switzerland on Thursday morning. They are among 14 indicted on corruption charges, accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m (£97m) over a 24-year period. FIFA executives “used their positions to solicit bribes,” said Ms Lynch. “They did this over and over, year after year, tournament after tournament.” One of those indicted, former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, took $10 million in bribes from the South African govern-

Leoz

Esquivel

S’Africa bribed FIFA to stage 2010 World Cup – US Attorney General ment over the 2010 World Cup, the indictment alleged. When details of the indictment first emerged, Mr Warner said he was innocent and said “the actions of FIFA no longer concern me”. The Swiss have also opened a separate investigation into the bidding process for the World Cup tournaments in 2018

Lynch

in Russia and 2022 in Qatar. Swiss police said they would question 10 FIFA executive committee members who participated in the votes that selected the two countries. This is the “beginning, not the end, of the investigation”, Acting US Attorney Kelly Currie said.

he Super Eagles have declared the turf at the Karkanda stadium, Katsina as the best in the country. The Eagles on Tuesday played out a goalless draw at the magnificent arena with national league side, Spotlight FC in a friendly which they used to shape up for the June 13 AFCON 2017 qualifier against Chad in Kaduna. Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye, in a telephone chat with the media from Katsina after the game described the stadium turf as excellent, even as he added that it was a place Eagles would love to return and play. “What they have here in Katsina is an excellent turf. The boys and Coach Stephen Keshi couldn’t believe it. It is a different breed of synthetic turf that is cool and lush green. If only all the synthetic turf in the country were like this, the Eagles wont complain and insist on playing on natural grass turf,” Ibitoye said. He was full of praise for the Katsina state government and the corporate body that constructed the turf Monimichelle for doing a good job. The managing director of Monimichelle, Ebi Egbe, who was in Katsina to watch the Eagles play, told the media that the Katsina turf would be the same as that of the

Keshi

stadium in Nnewi which his outfit is also constructing for Ifeanyi Ubah FC. “I m happy the Eagles have played in Katsina and have seen that the difference is clear when it comes to the job Monimichelle is doing. The turf in Katsina is built with cocoa nut fibre technology, so the pitch can’t be hot and it will remain lush green and smooth as far as it is well maintained,” Egbe said. Egbe charged other state governments to emulate the Katsina state government that has gone for the very best, even as he insisted that the kind of synthetic turf in Katsina is one endorsed by FIFA and cheaper to maintain when compared to natural grass.

Intertional Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY MAY 28, 2015

De Gea can’t force me out of Real – Casillas

ker Casillas intends to stay at Real Madrid and is confident he can hold off the challenge of potential signing David De Gea. “I want to face the season with the belief I have always had over the years, that’s the passion for this position that I have,” he told Cadena SER. “I’ll be in this goal next season and I do not imagine leaving Real Madrid. I would hold off another goalkeeper because I am competitive. But there will never be a problem between myself and Real Madrid. “I’m delighted with the competition. There’s no clause in my contract which says I have to start, I have to compete and fight. I would like to finish my career here, to win titles. What I want and desire is for the good of those who come to the Santiago Bernabeu, the people who call this club their home. It’s not the typical brown-nosing flattery, it is the truth.”

Federer, Wawrinka, Sharapova through in Paris

He added: “De Gea is an awfully nice guy and I’m used to his presence. we don’t have a very close relationship but we have always got on really well. As a goalkeeper it’s clear, he has the future ahead of him. “People are talking about David and others, if finally he comes he will be well received, we will help him, we will help each other in what we’re lacking and we will have to compete like we compete in the national team. “Yes, I think [he can handle the pressure]. No disrespect to Atletico Madrid, which is obviously a great club, but Manchester United is a bigger club, and I’m sure his time at United will have served as a wonderful experience.”

Casillas

oger Federer, Stanislas Wawrinka and Maria Sharapova are all through to the next round of the French Open following victories on Wednesday. Federer had to overcome a few nervy moments in a straight-sets win over Spain’s Marcel Granollers. The Swiss second seed was broken in the second and third set, but regained command to complete a 6-2 7-6 (71) 6-3 win at Roland Garros. He was joined in the next stage by compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka, who claimed a 6-3 6-4 5-7 6-3 win over Dusan Lajovic, despite an erratic performance. Women’s singles defending champion Sharapova also advanced to the third round of the French Open with a one-sided win over Vitalia Diatchenko. Sharapova, the No 2 seed, easily overcame her compa-

triot, closing out a 6-3 6-1 victory to secure a clash with Samantha Stosur. Sharapova has reached three consecutive finals at Roland Garros and the defending champion looked in impressive form, hitting five aces and 24 winners during the contest.

Federer

Djokovic slams Nadal over unfair umpire request

N Dijokovic

ovak Djokovic says it is unfair Rafael Nadal has asked the ATP not to assign chair umpire Carlos Bernardes to his matches. Nadal felt Brazilian Bernardes was “not enough respectful” during a match in Rio de Janeiro, when Nadal put his shorts on the wrong

way round and asked if he could go to the locker-room to change. Bernardes told the world No 7 he would receive a time warning and, after beating home wildcard Quentin Halys 6-3 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the French Open, the Spaniard said it was “better for both of us if we

are not (on a) court at the same time for a while.” World No 1 Djokovic, himself a first-round winner over Finnish veteran Jarkko Nieminen 6-2 7-5 6-2, was critical of Nadal’s request when questioned on the subject. “There are some chair umpires in some matches that I remember that I wasn’t

very happy with how they did their job,” the Serb said. “But I never thought of requesting a chair umpire not to be a chair umpire in my matches. I don’t think that’s fair. I don’t think that’s fair to them. You know, they do their job as best as they can. Of course, sometimes they do it better or worse.”

U-20 World Cup special

Dad backs Iheanacho to shine

elechi Iheanacho will shine bright at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and take the world by storm, according to his father, James. Eighteen-year-old Kelechi has been in fine form for the Manchester City U-21’s, after recovering from an ankle injury

which initially threatened to rule him out of the World Cup, and he’s expected to be one of the stars of the competition. SL10 quoted his dad, as saying: “I told you when you asked me before if he would make the World Cup and I said yes. And I must tell you that he won’t just be a squad

member at the World Cup, my son will shine so bright and become the best player at the tournament because I know his talent. “He’s a young boy that has a lot ahead of him and his future is bright. And I can tell you that this will be the beginning of great things for Kelechi, just as

he has shown at Manchester City,” Iheanacho Snr. said. Iheanacho was the first to arrive in New Zealand for the U-20 World Cup, and was subsequently joined by the rest of the team ahead of their group opener against Brazil on June 1.

Brazil coach upbeat after friendly win

Micale

razil U-20 coach Rogerio Micale was upbeat after his team rounded off their build-up for Monday’s World Cup showdown against Nigeria with a 1-0 win over Australia. Recently appointed coach Micale said after the match: “I am very happy with what we presented in Australia, mainly with the conduct of the players in the friendlies and trainings. We created a lot of chances and could have won by a bigger score. “Also we were tested in defence, which was great for our preparation.” Right back Joao Pedro scored the match winner for the South Americans to give them their second straight win leading up to the high-profile Group E clash against Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.

Brazil had earlier defeated Portugal 1-0 in a test game also in Australia. Monday’s showdown against Nigeria in New Plymouth will kick off at 1pm local time, which will be 2am also on Monday in Nigeria.

Iheanacho

Argentina replace injured star

rgentina have been forced to make a late change in their squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup due to injury to forward, Sebastian Driussi. Driussi is one of four players that fell victims of the crowd violence that marred the Copa Libertadores Superclasico between River Plate and rivals, Boca

Juniors on May 14. The River Plate youngster, key to head coach Humberto Grondona’s plans for the New Zealand tournament, got hospitalised after suffering respiratory problems but has since failed to fully recover in time for the competition. Club mate and de-

fender, Leandro Vega, a member of the 2013 Under-17 squad, who recently recovered from a tear around his knee has been recalled to fill the vacuum for the South American champions. Argentina will first face Panama before a June 2 clash with Ghana’s Black Satellites.

54 Sport

THURSDAY MAY 28, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metu, Brume shine at All-Comers meet Charles Ogundiya

binna Metu and Deborah Odeyemi on Tuesday won the 100m sprint for men and women at the Third AllComers competition inside the UNIPORT Sports Centre, Port Harcourt. Metu finished the race in time of 10.63secs ahead of former junior international, Divine Oduduru and Nicholas Imhodaperamhe who came second and third respectively. In the women category, Odeyemi finished ahead of the field that included

Commonwealth long jump champion, Ese Brume to win the 100m in 12.2secs. Despite been far from her best, Brume, was the champion in the women’s long jump with a leap of 6.34m, a far cry from a personal best of 6.68m. Speaking on the performance of the athletes, the Technical Director of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, said the athletes were coming up. “We expected a better performance, but I can say the athletes are improv-

ing,” he said. “We have to be patient with them, the most important thing now is that we have seen how they are performing and as a federation, we now know the next step to take. “The target now is the first Golden League, as we have concluded plans to select the top four in most of the events for the Golden League and others will have to achieve their time in the remaining All-Comers competitions ahead of the All Nigeria trials in July.”

Sports Editors Guild congratulates Memuletiwon

Metu

igerian Sports Editors Guild, the umbrella body of the managers of sports of the country’s media outfits, has congratulated one of its members, Ben Memuletiwon, who was recently named Editor of the National Mirror. The Sports Editors Guild describes Memuletiwon’s appointment as a demonstration of the fact that hard work and perseverance pays, adding that the pioneer editor of national sports newspaper,

SportsDay, is the right man to take Daily Mirror to a new height in this age of technologydriven journalism. In a statement signed by its president, Tony Ubani, the Guild said: “We want to congratulate our eminent member, Ben Memuletiwon, on his new appointment, which is a manifestation of the maxim that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.” According to the statement, “Mr. Memuletiwon, who has gone through the mills and worked

with some of the brightest minds in journalism from the defunct National Concord to The Sun newspapers, is an apostle of developmental journalism, who has left his mark in the profession. “Trained by the apostles of investigative journalism, Mr. Mike Awoyinfa and the Late Dimgba Igwe, we have no doubt in the ability of the new editor to reposition Daily Mirror and place it among the best newspapers not only in Nigeria, but also on the African continent.”

Obuh

Obuh to join Keshi’s technical crew

here are very strong indications that former Flying Eagles coach John Obuh will soon be named a second assistant coach of the Super Eagles, AfricanFootball.com has exclusively learnt. “Obuh will be soon be announced as an Eagles assistant coach, it could even be as early as next week,” a top source informed AfricanFootball.com “The proposal is for him to work with Stephen Keshi and his first assistant Salisu Yusuf, who replaced Daniel Amokachi.” Obuh led Nigeria to win the 2011 African Youth Championship in South Africa, two years after he guided the Golden Eaglets to the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria. Obuh was on a recent trip to London for a course with the NFF technical study group led by former Eagles skipper Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. His last job was as coach of Nigeria premier league side Enugu Rangers last season. The one-year contract was not extended.

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

COUNTDOWN: 9 DAYS

THE FULL LIST Goalkeepers: Precious Dede (Ibom Queens); Christy Ohiaeriaku (Rivers Angels); Ibubeleye Whyte (Rivers Angels) Defenders: Blessing Edoho (Pelican); Osinachi Ohale (Rivers Angels); Onome Ebi (FC Minsk, Belarus); Josephine Chukwunonye (Rivers Angels); Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels); Ngozi Ebere (Rivers Angels); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons) Midfielders: Evelyn Nwabuoku (BIIK, Kazakhstan); Halimatu Ayinde (Delta Queens); Martina Ohadugha (Rivers Angels); Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels) Forwards: Perpetua Nkwocha (Clemensnas IF, Sweden); Esther Sunday (FC Minsk, Belarus); Asisat Oshoala (Liverpool, England); Desire Oparanozie (EA Guingamp, France); Ngozi Okobi (Delta Queens); Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA); Loveth Ayila (Rivers Angels); Courtney Dike (Oklahoma University, USA); Ini-Abasi Umotong (Portsmouth, England)

Okon releases Falcons’ World Cup final list Stories by Emmanuel Tobi

our-time Africa Women Player of the year, Perpetua Nkwocha, team captain Evelyn Nwabuoku, veteran goalkeeper Precious Dede and

BBC World Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala top the list of 23 players released by coach Edwin Okon for the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals starting in Canada next week. There was no place for goalkeeper Sandra Chi-

ichi and 2012 FIFA U-17 World Cup top scorer Chinwendu Ihezuo. Nigeria play Sweden, Australia and USA in Group D at the championship, with their first match against Sweden in Winnipeg on Monday, June 8.

Chiejine backs Oshoala to excel in Canada

Oshoala (right) with Falcons coach, Edwin Okon

ormer Super Falcons goalkeeper and captain, Ann Chiejine, has backed newly crowned BBC World Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala to shine at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Chiejine, a veteran of four World Cups, while congratulating Oshoala for her feat, maintained that the Falcons would surprise many soccer pundits despite not playing too many preparatory matches. Speaking with New Telegraph, Chiejine said, “Oshoala is a special breed that needs to be celebrated and I’m not surprised with her level of success both at clubs and national teams. “The BBC award is another pointer that she is destined for success at the World Cup. She will not be under any pressure to excel at the tournament because she is used to playing at the top level coupled with her exposure at the Liverpool Ladies club, “the COD United Ladies coach added.

Nkwocha vying for the ball with a German defender

‘Oshoala’s award will boost women’s football’

resident of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has stated that Super Falcons’ forward Asisat Oshoala’s BBC Women’s Player of the Year award will help boost the game of women’s football in Nigeria. “This award has come at the right time, with the Falcons about to start their World Cup campaign, and with an administration that is committed to growing the women’s game in place at the NFF,” said Pinnick who was a special guest at the BBC Radio 5 programme on Tuesday.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

His last cut, the deepest

Thursday with Yemi YEMI AJAYI 0807 991 0957 (sms only) yemiajayi3010@yahoo.com

n some hours from now, the Jonathan presidency will be history. The Otuoke-born politician who providence has been so kind to to have turned him into a government charge in the last 16 years will by tomorrow join the growing league of yesterday men in the country. President Goodluck Jonathan came; he saw; but the jury is still out whether or not he conquered. With just a few hours to the end of his presidency, we can safely say the curtain has fallen on his five-year-old administration. Right from 1998 when he was drafted into politics, Jonathan has always been a child of circumstances. It is certain that in the inner recess of his mind, he knows he would not have got this far but for mother luck. In him, William Shakespeare’s rhetorical question of what is in a name finds a befitting answer. His name has certainly brought him good luck. From being a deputy governor in a provincial state like Bayelsa, fate has thrust him into the national theatre of politics. He has got on a platter, what people like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had spent a huge amount of their time and resources pursuing without much luck. Without any political structure or clout, Jonathan rose to the pinnacle of his political career on the benevolence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. His rise to power is a graphic illustration of Nigeria’s prebendal politics where your ascendance depends more on your connection than on your ability. It is therefore not surprising that since he got to power not on merit, Jonathan has spent the greater part of his tenure settling political IOUs to his various godfathers. The moment he tried to be his own man, he ran into trouble. As he himself confessed at a public function, he was held hostage by political jobbers for the larger part of his tenure. Now he is free and can live his life without the hassles of governance. Just as he can’t wait to be free from us, many Nigerians too can’t wait to see his back. At the risk of committing the fallacy of sweeping generalisation, many Nigerians are happy that they did not give him another chance to remain in power. Jonathan as he exits power, is leaving Nigeria worse off that he met it on assumption of office in 2010 following the death of his principal, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Since he lost his reelection bid in the March 28 presidential election to Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jonathan has lost the zeal to govern. The nation has been on auto pilot since his defeat. As if he is so bitter with Nigerians for rejecting him at the polls, he has inflicted on us a needless crisis in the energy sector. Nigerians are groaning and no one is spared. From artisans to conglomerates

to housewives, they have never had it so bad, especially since the rebirth of democracy in 1999. Schools have been shut; homes dislocated as the ordinary chores of cooking and washing have become an herculean task in the face of the energy crisis while companies and corporations have resorted to rendering skeletal services in view of the prohibitive cost of procuring fuel to power their generators in the face of the collapse of the public power supply system. Despite this national anguish inflicted on us by his unconscionable ineptitude, the silence from our latter-day hero of democracy has been deafening. Perhaps, he even did not know what we are going through as he has never struck me as a president who knows what goes on around him. That was why in his interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour from Davos in January 2013, he could cheekily say that “Nigerians are really impressed with my administration.” Well, he has seen how impressed we are with his administration with the results of the general elections! True, the energy crisis has been with us for awhile; even before the general elections, which Jonathan and his band of travellers were unduly optimistic of winning. At the onset of the crisis, the president had said it would disappear within a few days. Yet, months along the line, normalcy is still a mirage. Thank God Nigerians have learnt not to take their leaders serious. We have learnt not to trust them enough to set much store by their promises. Since Jonathan’s defeat, the energy crisis has worsened. The administration that boasted that it was in power and

Jonathan

As he bows out tomorrow, Jonathan will be remembered more by the socioeconomic dislocation his administration has inflicted on all strata of Nigeria in the last two weeks, than the gains of his Transformation Agenda government till tomorrow, May 29, has lost its balls in tackling head on, some of the nagging problems that have made life more difficult for the citizenry and corporate organisations. It is rather too busy firing and hiring as if it had been deprived of the opportunity of doing so in the last five years, apology to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. It is so engrossed in a wish game as time ebbs away and many Nigerians have resigned themselves to the fact that the nation is on auto pilot and governance on leave till a new epoch dawns tomorrow. However, some Jonathanians have asked us not to blame their hero for the national crisis. They see the current energy crisis as our comeuppance for rejecting Jonathan’s attempt to remove fuel subsidy in 2012. Well, we rejected the sneaky deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry then because the government that wanted us to make sacrifices was not ready to tighten its belt. It was under his watch fuel subsidy ballooned to over N1 trillion in 2011 and it is no secret that the quantum leap in fuel subsidy was as a result of electioneering expenses during that year’s general elections. In his five-year tenure, Nigeria has spent N6.354 trillion on fuel subsidy, an amount that is ten times of the N697.5 billion it had earmarked in 2012 to build six modular refineries with a combined

capacity of 180,000 barrels a day in the country. If their infantile argument, Jonathan’s supporters have said the incoming Buhari administration, which obviously lacks the constitutional power to administer the nation until May 29, should be blamed for the energy crisis. They are the advocates of the conspiracy theory that the APC is intentionally sabotaging the system to prepare ground for excuses for its much-expected failure to walk the talk of its electoral promises. Nobody has put this jejune argument better than Mr. Olisa Metuh, the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Metuh, in a riposte to APC’s claim that Jonathan is handing over a nation in crisis to the incoming President Muhammadu Buhari, said: “...we find it curious and more than a co-incidence that the nation is experiencing an acute shortage of fuel and electricity supply at this point in time, when such has not been the case under the current PDP-led administration. We ask, are there some forces sabotaging the system to create an impression that the APC is inheriting poor infrastructure and complete system breakdown?” His response is just typical of PDP. Under Jonathan, the PDP has notoriously become an expert at looking for scapegoats. For the five years of the Jonathan presidency, we have been offered tonnes of excuses for his running a dysfunctional nation. Here is an administration that wants power without responsibility. That is why it has never accepted responsibility for the sorry state of the nation, including the Boko Haram phenomenon. The current energy crisis, the worst in Nigeria’s annals, has reopened the debate on the need to urgently address the fraud called fuel subsidy. For 16 years, the PDP has bled the treasury white in the name of subsidy. It is the party’s and by extension, the Federal Government’s source of flush fund. It is ironic that in 16 years of PDP being the ruling party, Nigeria has not built a single refinery. We have been offered many laughable reasons why it is uneconomical to build a refinery in Nigeria as if it is not the duty of the government to create the conducive environment to do so. I have always wondered how the government expects a nation that spends about 25 per cent of its national budget on unproductive consumption to develop. But of course, a president that believes the index of development is the number of private jets in the country will not be bothered much about this aberration that has produced many parvenus. As he bows out tomorrow, Jonathan will be remembered more by the socioeconomic dislocation his administration has inflicted on all strata of Nigeria in the last two weeks, than the gains of his Transformation Agenda. Students and pupils will recollect the disruption of their academic activities through forced holiday occasioned by the energy crisis; wives will remember him for turning the chores of housekeeping into a difficult task as they spend more energy and time in search of fuel to cook; husbands will not forget him for making them leave the comfort of their homes to keep vigil at filling stations in search of petrol while companies, when they are preparing their balance sheets for the next shareholders’ meetings, will recount how he has helped in making nonsense of their revenue projections for the year. The youths also have him to thank for turning them into fuel racketeers.

On Marble

Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.

– Jamie Paolinetti

Yemi Ajayi

Sanctity of Truth

His last cut, the deepest

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

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Buhari and the burden of a second chance

merican actress, Rachel Griffiths certainly had the uncommon opportunity available to the likes of Nigeria’s President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari in mind when she said that “there’s nothing as exciting as a comeback - seeing someone with dreams, watching them fail, and then getting a second chance. Tomorrow, May 29, 2015, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, General Muhammadu Buhari will join former President Olusegun Obasanjo in making history as a comeback President. In 1999, Obasanjo walked from prison to Presidency, making history as the first Nigerian to rule the country twice; first as a military leader and later as a democratically elected President. Gen Buhari is coming in tomorrow as the second Nigerian to enjoy such rare privilege. He is retuning to power through democracy three decades after leading his colleagues from the barracks in 1983 to sack the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic. He was however quickly thrown out 20 months later by his colleagues in a palace coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida. The rest is now history, but a dogged Buhari since then has continued to desire to return to power as a converted democrat. He tried thrice through the ballot and failed and even shed tears when he lost the third shot, promising never to try again. But somehow he found himself trying the fourth time under a better organized political machinery, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Buhari is coming perhaps as the first Nigerian since the return to democracy 16 years ago who really desired and prepared for the job. The others had come in accidentally. In 1999, Obssanjo was basking in the euphoria of the freedom he got from the General Abdulsami Abubakar led junta, who released him from prison where the late Military dictator, General Sani Abacha kept him for allegedly planning a coup against his government. He never contemplated becoming President. Even when it was first muffled to him, he jokingly said, he did not leave anything in office as military head of state to warrant his returning. But he eventually made it. Obasanjo’s successor, late Umar YarAdua was actually a disinterested person for the job especially knowing his health status. Further against all political permutations, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan emerged as Vice President to Yar Adua in 2007 and then the President in 2009 through the famous Doctrine of Necessity. The man taking power tomorrow is therefore the only one who desired and in fact, apparently prepared for the job. That perhaps explains why much is being expected of him. To some people, especially the downtrodden in the geopolitical north, the messiah is arriving and taking the throne tomorrow and all their problems would be over. Buhari and his political machine gave credence to these feelings during the campaigns as he promised the people

Political Musings IKE ABONYI

igwebuike2001@yahoo.com 08024024029 (sms only)

Buhari

cloud nine if voted in. He promised to wipe out corruption, the nation’s biggest obstacle to development. In fact in his own words Buhari has said repeatedly, “we must kill corruption before it kills Nigeria”. As far as Nigerians are concerned, the killing of corruption starts tomorrow. Even though not a few Nigerians and political watchers have serious reservation on how he intends to achieve this herculean task given the type of vehicle that conveyed him to the “execution ground”, many others still believe in his enviable anti-corruption credentials even as they are not oblivious of the difference in circumstance, military rule and democratic setting. The fear of some remains that, even if he has the good heart to tackle corruption, has he got the capacity and the wizardry that would be needed to navigate the democratic environment? However, what Buhari would find in abundance is the support of the ordinary voting population who are not likely to be in the same page with the elites on this topic. Another naughty area Buhari has promised to tackle soon after he ascends the throne tomorrow is the Boko Haram problem. Nigerians and the international community are keenly watching on this matter. As a retired General, one expects a better Commander-in-Chief, but for him to make a difference he must find a way of bringing himself abreast with the latest development in military operations. For instance, when Buhari operated as a soldier, there was no internet or GSM, the information gathering system of this time is far away from his analogue time. In this wise, Buhari would need to quickly upgrade to digital or he would find himself

in a lot of guess work like his predecessor. Nigerians would not forget in a hurry how the incoming President once said that while Niger Delta militants were being given amnesty and flown to Abuja in a Presidential jet, their counterparts in the north, were being killed mercilessly. Critical minds did not see any sense in the analogy because while Niger Delta never killed innocent people but only disrupted oil businesses, the insurgents in the northeast killed innocent people who have no hand in whatever is said to be their grievances. All eyes are on Buhari against the foregoing issues. The other critical issue on the front burner for the General is unemployment. This is tied to the other two issues already highlighted, corruption and insecurity. Rightly or wrongly, some research minds believe that unemployment helped largely in sustaining the insecurity problems in the country because of the availability of idle youths for hire for the despicable acts. Also, it is believed empirically too that corruption helped largely to fertilize the ground that bred unemployment in the country. So what it means is that if Gen. Buhari gets these three things right, he might begin to see his comeback Presidency as a huge accomplishment. As we await the latest wonder man on the saddle, the question is, why do people believe so much in Buhari? They say he has been exposed to a lot of window of stealing but he didn’t and that he is not greedy and has not displayed any materialistic tendencies associated with Nigerian public officers as well as his military colleagues. Even though his critics believe that what is going for him as not being materialistic might be his business naivety and inability to create wealth, his other side has dominated his person especially given the fol-

lowing testimonials from these strategic stakeholders. From the man he overthrew as President in 1983, Alhaji Shehu Shagari “The army after toppling our democratic regime have no option but to install Buhari as head of state so as to avoid credibility problems, especially in the sight of the international community because of his being an epitome of integrity.” Then comes former President Obasanjo. “There are only two honest and reliable Nigerians, myself and Buhari. All what PDP is saying of Buhari being fundamentalist are mere hot lies.” Also in his book, Not My Will, Obasanjo said of Buhari, “General Muhammadu Buhari as a member of the Supreme Military Council and as Head of NNPC was by nature taciturn and introvert. But he took any work that was given to him very seriously. He is reliable as he is hardworking and honest, his path of moral probity and rectitude, incorruptible” On his own part, former President, General Ibrahim Babangida said of Buhari, “I respect Buhari. He was my boss. He was an honourable man. And I can say this anywhere”…..“if Buhari quit PTF job as he promises and as we knew him to mean his words, all along, I support the idea of scrapping PTF as no one else can do the job as him. Also speaking of Buhari, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Alhaji Isiaku Ibrahim, said at a Book launch in Kaduna, “Buhari is as clean as the book I am holding”…..“as a member PDP BOT, I decided personally to donate N5,000,000 to Buhari‘s campaign organization because of my firm belief in his ability to right all the nation wrongs. Another eminent Nigerian, Prof. Tam David-West could agree no less. According to him, “The issue of Gen. Buhari‘s presidency was always being derided by the criminals who looted the nation to stupor by embarking upon a campaign of calumny so as to smear his name with a view to denying Nigerians having a leader who can improve their lot.“ The same goes for the former governor of Kaduna state, Senator Ahmed Makarfi who said, “if the truth must be said, Buhari remains the only real threat to PDP wither he runs for the presidency or not, due to his wider followership among the masses that has now hit the elite circle” Going by the views expressed above, can we then begin to say that Nigeria from tomorrow is going into the hand of the man who will really make the change? Will he survive the antics of the hawks? Would Nigerians make the same complimentary remarks on General Buhari after four years? Only time will tell. What Buhari actually needs from Nigerians is prayer because a second chance actually makes one work harder. Be it as it may, tomorrow, Buhari begins his second chance as he climbs the stage to work towards the change he promised Nigerians. He must focus his eyes on delivery. After all, the famous American cyclist and more importantly, cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong has admonished us saying ‘if you ever get a second chance for something, you’ve got to go all the way’’ because a third chance might not come’ God bless Nigeria.

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