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Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 85

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Confab committee retains 13% derivation formula

Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

fter over two weeks of disagreement among its members, the National Conference Committee on Devolution of

Powers has finally agreed that the present 13 per cent derivation formula for oilproducing states should be retained. But a member of the committee and delegate from the South-South, Ms.

Annkio Briggs, disclaimed the agreement. Rising from a sevenhour meeting, the committee said every matter regarding the reintroduction of onshore-offshore oil dichotomy, increase or de-

crease in derivation principle and resource control was resolved in a manner that there was no victor, no vanquished. As it is now, the derivation principle still stands at 13 per cent as contained in

the 1999 Constitution while the issue of resource control can only be reviewed upward after an amendment to Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution. The Section states that: “Notwithstanding

the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3

54 Chibok girls identified in new Boko Haram video lJonathan says students must be released unconditionally lMark urges FG not to negotiate with sect lUS surveillance planes begin search for abductees Tunde Sulaiman, Anule Emmanuel, Johnchuks Onuanyim and Ummal-fadal Babagirei

L-R: President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Mr. James Onotu and Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, after a meeting with Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the State House, Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

he task of identifying girls shown in a video released by the outlawed Boko Haram, purportedly showing some of the over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from Chibok, Borno State, continued yesterday. According to the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, 54 of the pupils have so far been identified as being among those kidnapped from Government Girls’ Secondary School (GSSS), Chibok, a month ago. Boko Haram’s self-acclaimed leader, Abubakar Shekau, had in the video released on Monday, said the sect had converted the C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3

Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

lNyako, Shettima, Gaidam urge senators to reject request Chukwu David and Ibrahim Abdul

ed the Senate to approve the extension of the state of emergency imposed on Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, which have been

wracked by insurgency. If approved, it will be the second time the president is extending the emergency rule he first imposed

on the three states, since May last year. The extant extension is due to expire on May 19. However, governors of

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3

the affected states, Alhaji Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Alhaji Kashim Shettima (Borno) and Alhaji

Goodluck JonaPresident than yesterday requestNo one can stampede me out of PDP, says Oyinlola

IDENTIFIED 1. Agnes Gafane 2. Saraya Stober 3. Hauwa Bitrus 4. Hajara Isa 5. Na’omi Philimun 6. Hauwa Abdu 7. Magret Yama 8. Shitta Abdu 9. Jummai Muta 10. Ladi Paul 11. Roda Peter 12. Filo Dauda 13. Godiya Bitrus 14. Saratu Tauji 15. Ross Daniel 16. Hauwa Ali 17. Hajara Isa Amira 18. Luba Afga 19. Na’omi Luka 20. Saraya Emos Ali 21. Bilkisu Abdullahi 22. Mairama Ali 23. Maryam Ali Maiyanga 24. Dabora Abbas 25. Kabu Mala 26. Halima Ali 27. Yana Bukar 28. Solomi Pugu 29. Lydia Emmar 30. Luba Sanda 31. Saraya Samuel 32. Comfort Habila 33. Rejoice Shanki 34. Gloria Yaga

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2

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No one can stampede me out of PDP, says Oyinlola Wale Elegbede

gainst the backdrop of reports about his imminent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has reaffirmed his membership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that no one could intimidate him out of the party. In a statement issued yesterday, Oyinlola said he had been following a subtle campaign, especially in the social media, by some people suggesting that he had decided to leave the PDP for another party, describing it as false and a ploy by his political adversaries to push him out of the party. While insisting that he remained the National Secretary of the PDP in the face of the law, the former governor said that he would not be intimidated by anyone to abandon that position and the party. According to him, “I want to use this medium to warn blackmailers and all those who believe Oyinlola can be intimidated and forced to exit the PDP, to have a rethink. I am too seasoned to succumb to such cheap blackmail. I will like to remind them that as a battle-tested Gen-

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eral, no one can intimidate me or force me to abandon my right under the law. “Until the Supreme Court says otherwise, I remain the National Secretary of the PDP. I assure my adversaries that I will pursue this legal battle, which they themselves initiated, to a logical con-

clusion.” Oyinlola said he was aware of those behind the false campaign, adding that suggestions that he had silently joined another party was too cheap, stressing that he was “man and bold enough” to take decisions and stand by them openly and with fanfare.

The former governor said the Court of Appeal which reaffirmed him as the authentic National Secretary of the party was clear and unambiguous, adding that the case taken to the Supreme Court by his adversaries would be contested to the end with all powers at his disposal.

“If, for any reason, I need to take drastic political decisions, my adversaries know me too well, I will do it openly and with spectacular public display. I ask my adversaries to stop these silly talks and be man enough to wait for the final verdict of the Supreme Court,” Oyinlola said

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

L-R: Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda; President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari and Managing Director, Aaron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adenuga Adeola, at the foundation laying of NFF/FIFA Regional Technical Centre in Bauchi…yesterday

Nyako, Shettima, Gaidam urge senators to reject president’s request

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) swiftly rejected the president’s request and urged senators to throw it out. In seeking the fresh extension, which will cover a period of six months, the president, in a letter addressed to Senate President David Mark, said: “May I respectfully draw your attention to the State of Emergency Proclamation 2013, in respect of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, which was approved by the National Assembly. “By virtue of the provisions of Section 305(6)(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 as amended, the proclamation aforementioned would have elapsed after six months from the date of approval of the National Assembly. “However, after due consideration of the representations made to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the effect that, while substantial progress had been made to contain the situation and restore normalcy in the affected states, the security situation that necessitated the proclamation of a state of emergency was yet to abate. “It would be recalled that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

had upon consideration of the realities of the security situation in the affected states that had been placed before it, graciously approved by resolution, the extension of the state of emergency for a further term of six months from the date of expiration of the subsisting period. “Distinguished senators, the security situation in the three states remains daunting, albeit to varying degrees, in the face of persistent attacks by members of the Boko Haram sect on civilian and military targets with alarming casualty rates. “In view of the foregoing, I most respectfully request distinguished senators to consider and approve by resolution, the extension of the proclamation of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States by a further term of six months from the date of expiration of the current term. “I look forward, distinguished Senate President, to the usual kind expeditious consideration of this request by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Jonathan’s request to extend the emergency rule in the three states came against the backdrop of stiff opposition from stake-

holders, including governors of the affected states, to further elongation of martial rule in the states. The stakeholders had recently mounted a campaign to dissuade the president from extending the emergency rule in the North-east. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and lawmakers from the North have at various occasions, urged the Federal Government not to extend the emergency rule because the extant one has failed to achieve its objective. For example, NEF, at a press conference addressed in Abuja on April 11 by former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Al-Amin Daggash, called on the government not to extend the emergency rule. Also, Nyako, Gaidam and Shettima issued a joint statement in which they expressed their opposition to the extension of the emergency rule in their states. “On the issue of extension of state of emergency, it is our considered view that there is absolutely no reason to even contemplate an extension of the state of emergency in any of the three states. “It must be noted that a counter insurgency strategy that lasted one year

without achieving the desired result requires a redefinition rather than extension. “The Federal Government should always remember that it has the obligation of protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians in all parts of the country without necessarily putting them under any special condition. “It has the option of putting a security structure in place that can continue and intensify ongoing counter insurgency operations without an extension of emergency rule,” they had said in the statement. The three governors restated their opposition to further extension of emergency rule in their states yesterday as they called on senators to reject the president’s request. Also, Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC- Yobe) called on the president not to further extend the state of emergency in the three states but rather to seek other options in ending the insurgency in the states. The governors implored senators to use their constitutional powers to frustrate the latest bid by Jonathan to extend the emergency rule in the three states. They said rather than reduce the intensity of atCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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

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Confab committee retains 13% derivation formula

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.” A Co-chairman of the committee and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Victor Attah, who spoke to journalists yesterday after the committee’s meeting said: “We have concluded deliberations on the exclusive and concurrent lists, fiscal federalism that has components of revenue sharing, resource control and sharing formula. “Some came to this committee with the mind that dichotomy must be introduced. Some insisted that payment on derivation must be reduced, while some want the states to own and operate all resources within their areas and only pay taxes to the government. “We went through all positions and it was unanimously agreed that the last position was not

achievable because it is a constitutional issue and amendment must be made before that can be achieved because as it is now, all minerals belong to the Federal Government.” According to him, based on the understanding reached by the delegates, some reviewed their position and opted for 50 per cent as minimum payment on derivation. He added: “This obviously seems like irreconcilable positions. Maturity and patriotism of the members came to play at this point as we recognised that there were so many mineral resources left unexplored, which is causing discontent. “We also recognised that the 13 per cent given to community with the resources is not enough and some still want government to reduce it because it was felt that with the 13 per cent the people are still impoverished because it was not judiciously applied. “More than anything, we felt that we must try and maintain the equilibrium that we have in this

country today so that there will be no loser or winner.” Another Co-chairman of the committee and former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie said the committee recommended the creation of National Wealth Fund to take care of the future. “We also recommended the establishment of the Office of the Accountant

General of the Federal Government as distinct from the Accountant General of the Federation “All the decisions reached are unanimous and the members are happy about it taking into consideration the interest of Nigeria moving forward so that development can be even,” he said. But Briggs disowned

the agreement, saying: “There was no unanimous decision because I disagreed. There was even a motion that was withdrawn without the person who moved the motion. I disagreed that the motion should be removed. That is one. “The decision was not unanimous because I was not in agreement with it.

So my voice is not part of it and I specifically asked if I can disagree with the decision that has been made there because the issue was not even discussed in the sense that do we agree or do we not agree.” She said her people would prefer nothing better than to increase the derivation principle from the present 13 per cent.

L-R: Special Adviser on Education to the Lagos State Governor, Chief Fatai Olukoga; Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, at a press briefing in Lagos…yesterday

54 Chibok girls identified in new Boko Haram video CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

However, the names of the freshly-identified 23 girls were not made available as at press time. Boko Haram’s self-acclaimed leader, Abubakar Shekau, had in the video released on Monday, said the sect had converted the schoolgirls to Islam and would be willing to swap them for its members in government custody. However, it was gathered that contrary to the impression Shekau created in the video, not all the girls shown in his broadcast were from the April 14 kidnapping.

IDENTIFIED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

35. Mary Nkeki 36. Moda Baba 37. Hauwa Isuwa 38. Patient Jacob 39. Ladi Jajel 40. Abigel Bukar 41. Fanta Lawan 42. Zainabu Yaga 43. Aisha Lawan Zanna 44. Dokas Yakubu 45. Kabu Mala 46. Maryama Bashir 47. Hauwa M. Maina 48. Mary G. Dauda 49. Susana Yakubu 50. Maryam Abbas 51. Laraba John 52. Hanatu Nuhu 53. Na’ omi Bukar 54. Rifkatu Galang

Some of them were believed to have been from kidnappings by the sect for as long as about two years ago. But President Goodluck Jonathan has rejected the swap offer by the sect, saying the schoolgirls must be released unconditionally. Senate President David Mark also expressed the same sentiment as he asked the Federal Government not to negotiate with the terror group. Efforts to rescue the abductees intensified yesterday as planes deployed by the United States to assist Nigeria in the task began surveillance in Borno State with a view to locating the whereabouts of the schoolgirls. Speaking on the identities of the girls in the video, Shettima said 54 of them had been identified by names. “The children were identified by their names after copies of the video were given to the local government chairman and the parents confirmed that they were students of the Chibok School,” he said yesterday in Abuja while addressing protesters under the aegis of Women for Justice and Peace. Shettima had earlier organised a viewing of the video for the Chibok community to enable the par-

ents and other relatives and friends ascertain the identities of the girls. The exercise involved some parents of the girls, fellow students that include those that escaped from abduction, some teachers, securitymen and some officials of the Borno State Government led by the Chief of Staff to the Government House, Abubakar Kyari. The parents and students were conveyed to the Government House in Maiduguri to make for an open identification exercise. The following names of schoolgirls have been established from the video: Agnes Gafane, Saraya Stober, Hauwa Bitrus, Hajara Isa, Na’omi Philimun, Hauwa Abdu, Magret Yama, Shitta Abdu, Jummai Muta,Ladi Paul, Roda Peter, Filo Dauda, Godiya Bitrus, Saratu Tauji, Ross Daniel, Hauwa Ali, Hajara Isa, Luba Afga, Na’omi Luka, Saraya Emos Ali, Bilkisu Abdullahi and Mairama Ali. Others are: Maryam Ali Maiyanga, Dabora Abbas, Kabu Mala, Halima Ali, Yana Bukar, Solomi Pugu, Lydia Emmar, Luba Sanda, Saraya Samuel, Comfort Habila,Rejoice Shanki, Gloria Yaga, Mary Nkeki, Moda Baba, Hauwa Isuwa, Patient Jacob, Ladi Jajel and Abigel Bukar The rest are: Fanta

Lawan, Zainabu Yaga, Aisha Lawan Zanna, Dokas Yakubu,Kabu Mala, Maryama Bashir, Hauwa M. Maina, Mary G. Dauda, Susana Yakubu,Maryam Abbas, Laraba John, Hanatu Nuhu, Na’ omi Bukar and Rifkatu Galang. The names of the girls are currently being compared with the school records as well as names published days back to ensure accuracy. A community leader in Chibok also told the BBC that school friends had identified three of the girls in the video. A mother had also recognised her daughter from the girls who appear in a group wearing hijabs, the school Chairman, Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Dumoma Mpur, told Reuters. “The video got parents apprehensive again after watching it but the various steps taken by the governments and the coming of the foreign troops is boosting our spirit, even though I have not seen any soldier in Chibok yet,” he said. A father of one of the abducted girls has said his daughter can never convert to Islam as he will prefer she died instead. “I am not really interested in what Boko Haram’s demands are. My daughter is a Christian, she will nev-

er change. I would rather she died as a princess than convert to Islam,” the unidentified father told The Telegraph of London. A relative of some of the Chibok girls expressed optimism after watching the Boko Haram video. The man, who sought anonymity for security reasons, said three of his cousins are among the girls taken on April 14. “The emergence of the video gives me hope that they are still alive, but in other ways it has made me more stressed. I was hoping to see one or two or all of my missing relatives. I was very emotional and the tears were dropping from my eyes. I was told that some of the girls were deprived of their rights and forced to convert to another religion by force,” he told the BBC. He pleaded with the abductors to release them because of their innocence. “I have no problem with what a person chooses to do, but I do have a problem if someone is converted to a religion by force. Their dresses were different from what I am used to, the voices (of girls on the video) were different and the environment was different. That is terrifying – I would never want to force someone to convert to my religion (Christianity).

What I am saying is that these girls are the children of the masses. They do not have any say in the government; they are not the children of politicians or the children of government officials,” he added. However, in line with its commitment to help Nigeria search for the Chibok girls, the U.S. has started flying manned surveillance missions over the North-East. It is also sharing commercial satellite imagery with the Nigerian government, officials said. “We have shared commercial satellite imagery with the Nigerians and are flying manned ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets over Nigeria with the government’s permission,” said a senior administration official, who declined to be named. A team of about 30 US experts – members of the FBI and defence and state departments – is in Nigeria to help with the search. Other officials, quoted by Reuters, said the US was also considering deploying unmanned “drone” aircraft to aid the search. According to a senior defence official in Washington, the US is using a manned MC-12 surveillance aircraft, which is C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4

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Osun sets up panel on public disturbance

It’s a ploy to implicate me, says Omisore Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has approved the setting up of a com-

mission of inquiry on disturbance of public peace in the state. State Commissioner for Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the state, Wale Afolabi, who made this

54 Chibok girls identified in new Boko Haram video CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

based in Niger, to conduct missions in Nigeria. In addition to the turboprop model which has seen heavy use in Afghanistan, U.S. officials are also considering the use of drones. At this point the surveillance missions are not continuous. Head of U.S. Africa Command, Gen. David Rodriguez, was in Abuja yesterday to hold meeting with leaders at the U.S. Embassy, the defence official said. Meanwhile, President Jonathan and his Congolese counterpart President Denis Sassou N’guesso, have demanded the unconditional release of the schoolgirls. The two leaders who met yesterday in Oyo, a city in Congo, also called on the African Union (AU) and its security council to intensify efforts towards eradicating insurgency and other terrorist groups in the continent. A statement by the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Dr. Reuben Abati, said the two leaders made their positions

known in a communiqué at the end of Jonathan’s visit to Oyo for consultations on regional security ahead of a meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council. Both leaders reiterated their condemnation of the mass abduction of the Chibok girls and demanded the unconditional release of the girls and all others being held by Boko Haram. The Federal Government has however been waxing discordant tunes since the release of the video. While Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, said yesterday that government was ready to negotiate with Boko Haram, his Interior counterpart, Mr. Abba Moro and the Senate president have said there will be no negotiations with the terrorists. Turaki told the BBC yesterday that if Boko Haram was sincere, Shekau should send people he trusted to meet the presidential committee on reconciliation. Moro had on Monday ruled out any possibility CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

known in Osogbo yesterday, said the commission was set up by the governor under Section 2 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 29 Laws of Osun State 2002. He added that the commission would also look into the cases of attempted acts of disturbance of public peace anywhere in the state and/or acts and/ or attempted acts capable of disturbing public peace anywhere in the state, in-

cluding but not limited to acts of disturbance of public peace that occurred in the state at Ideal Nest Hotel, Osogbo, on April 2, 2014 and such other places. Justice Kunle Adeigbe is to serve as the chairman of the panel. Other members include Mrs. Bose Dawodu, Barrister Ismail Ajibade while Mr. Bisi Babalola (Director, Legal Reforms) will serve as the secretary to the commission.” Meanwhile, Osun State Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has accused Aregbesola of looking for means of implicating him before the commencement of the gubernatorial race in the state. Omisore in a release by his Director of Media and Strategies, Prince Diran Odeyemi, said: “Aregbesola has combed the courts in Osun State in search of issues and matters that could nail Senator Iyiola Omisore without any luck. “We were also aware

of the orchestrated plan to assassinate Senator Isiaka Adeleke few days after the minor misunderstanding at Ideal Next Hotel, so as to pin it on Omisore and from there initiate another Bola Igelike conspiracy theory. This again failed.” Several attempts have been made by Aregbesola to draw PDP and our candidate out for a battle, but we refused to join him in his trade. Now that he has set up a panel, we can preempt the outcome.

Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (left), presenting food items to a physically-challenged beneficiary in Kaduna… recently.

1.2m

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Pakistan at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

10.71m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Australia in 2019. Source: Itu.int

58.6%

The percentage of households with a computer in developed countries in 2006. Source: Itu.int

Nyako, Shettima, Gaidam urge senators to reject president’s request CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

tacks on the affected states, it had only escalated after the emergency rule had been imposed . Director of Press and Public Affairs to Adamawa State Governor, Mallam Ahmed Sajoh, who spoke on behalf of the governors, noted with concern that more lives and property had been lost during the post-emergency rule era than before it was imposed on the states. He said: ‘’From all indications, the presidency seems hell-bent on disenfranchising the people of the states come 2015, which entails the desire of the president to extend the emergency rule up to the election period.’ ‘’It will only create more hardship for the common people as they have been on the receiving end of the emergency rule.’’ He noted with concern

that many businesses have collapsed just as developmental projects being pursued by the governments have suffered setback. According to him, despite the economic setback the emergency rule has brought, it has failed to ensure security for all as the insurgents have been carrying out persistent and consistent attacks on the people, leading to unprecedented losses of lives and property. He urged the Federal Government to review its strategy in fighting the insurgents, saying that in the first place the declaration of emergency rule and the use of the military to address the insurgency were misplaced as history has shown that the deployment of soldiers to contain internal security usually worsens the situation. On his part, Lawan also opposed the president’s

new bid to extend the emergency rule, saying that there was no need to do so. According to him, what the Federal Government needs to do is to deploy more soldiers and modern weapons of warfare to the area to combat insurgency. He also implored the government to encourage troops deployed in the states by giving them sufficient incentives. He said the National Assembly would be willing to approve a supplementary budget if brought by the president to facilitate proper funding of the military operations in the crisisstricken states. “The state of emergency has been operated for 12 months now and will end on the 19th of this month. I think that should be the end. That is not to say that the military operations in the North-East should cease. Instead, the Federal

Government should deploy more military personnel and modern equipment to the affected states. “What is crucial, essential and imperative is not the state of emergency but the enablement of the military, especially those in the battle front to have state-of-the-art technology and weapons. They should be motivated so that we can have results. The government does not have to declare another state of emergency before they continue. They are already there. “The obsolete arms and ammunition should be withdrawn from them and replaced with modern ones. The National Assembly has always expressed willingness to support further funding for the military operations. The President of the Senate, David Mark, who spoke on our behalf last week,

told President Goodluck Jonathan that the Senate was prepared to approve supplementary budget to further equip the military and boost the morale of the soldiers. Therefore, I am completely opposed to the extension of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. But I support further funding for the military operations in the area,” Lawan stated. The president had dropped the hint of defying the opposition to extending the state of emergency in the three states when during the presidential media chat on May 4, he said he was consulting with a view to taking a decision on the issue. Jonathan had first declared the state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States in May, 2013 to combat the terrorist activities of the outlawed Boko Haram sect, which

has killed about 5,000 people since it began its terror campaign in 2009. At the expiration of the emergency rule in November 2013, the president applied for and got an extension for another six months, since the military operations in the affected states were yet to achieve the objective of eliminating the insurgency and restoring peace to the devastated region. However, despite the opposition to further extension of the emergency rule in the three states, the bomb attacks on Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 14 and May 1 and the abduction of some 274 students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, have undermined the case of the opponents to the elongation of the emergency rule.

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BRING BACK OUR GIRLS

We’ll bring Chibok girls’ abductors to book –ICC Joseph Onyekwere

he prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, has indicated that the abductors of Chibok schoolgirls in Nigeria would be brought

to book, either in Nigeria or at The Hague. Bensouda, who expressed sadness over the abduction said such acts shocked the conscience of humanity and could constitute crimes that fall within the jurisdiction of

CAN holds nationwide prayers for peace, security May 16

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday called for a one-day national prayer tagged `Recover Nigeria’. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the General Secretary of the association, Rev. Musa Asake, in Lagos. According to the statement, the decision became necessary due to the security situation in the country. It said the prayer session, which would be led by the CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor,

would be held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. The statement said the prayers would also be held between 11a.m. and 1p.m. on Friday, May 16 at designated centres across the country. “All state chapters of the association have been directed to coordinate the prayers at designated locations in all states of the federation. “The prayer session will hold simultaneously in churches across the country on Friday, May 16 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

the ICC. “I share the agonizing pain of the parents of the abducted girls as well as their hope that the ongoing national search and rescue efforts will result in the swift and safe return of their children. “International assistance should be made readily available to bolster such efforts, as required by the national authorities. The troubling phenomenon of targeting females during conflicts, this time, in Borno State, cannot be tolerated and must be

stopped. No stone should be left unturned to bring those responsible for such atrocious acts to justice either in Nigeria or at the ICC,” he stated. The situation in Nigeria, he said, has been under preliminary examination by the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC since 2010. According to him, in August 2013, the Office issued a report concluding that there is a reasonable basis to believe that Boko Haram has been committing crimes against humanity of murder and per-

secution since July 2009. “Information gathered by the Office indicates that there has been a sharp increase in the frequency and intensity of attacks attributed to Boko Haram since January 2014, including a significant increase in alleged abductions of women and girls and of sexual slavery,” he said, adding that some of Boko Haram’s alleged crimes would also amount to war crimes, as it has been recently concluded that the situation constitutes a non-international armed conflict.

He said: “As Nigeria is a State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed on the territory of Nigeria or by its nationals from 1 July 2002 onwards. Having concluded that some of the alleged crimes committed in the Nigeria situation fall within subject-matter jurisdiction of the ICC, the Office of the Prosecutor is currently assessing relevant national proceedings in conformity with the principle of complementarity.”

Release pupils, Rawlings urges Boko Haram

ormer President of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings, has appealed to Boko Haram to release the abducted female students. In an emotional post on his website, Rawlings said Boko Haram was pushing its strange agenda with the lives of innocent people.The former leader described this as “unacceptable.” The statement reads, “Boko Haram has made its point. However, making such a point at the expense of the lives of innocent people – men, women and children-- is simply unac-

ceptable. “While welcoming the international intervention, it is equally important to look into the root causes that give rise to these developments. “The ease with which various local activists perpetrated acts of piracy and kidnapping on the oil coast of Nigeria was the first sign of our vulnerability. Military might and force is not enough to overcome terrorists with conviction. “I am in the name of Allah pleading for the return of the girls to their families.”

Protests spread to Benue Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

omen in Benue State under the auspices of ‘Concerned Benue Women’ yesterday joined their counterparts in other parts of the world to stage a protested against the abduction of the Chibok girls. The women, numbering over 200, carried placards some of which carried inscriptions like, ‘ Benue women want end to insurgency’, ‘ Bring back our girls’, ‘Secure our boarders’, further implored the Federal Government to in-

tensify efforts to ensure immediate end to insurgency in the country. The women, who congregated at Nyiman Layout area of Makurdi metropolis, prayed fervently for the release of the female students from the crude hands of the insurgents. The women, who also promised to fast and mourn for the innocent girls, took turns to pray on issues of general insecurity challenges confronting the country, leadership tussle, the frequent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen and epileptic power supply in the country.

Protesters demanding the unconditional release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE.

APC decries forced conversion of abducted girls Yekeen Nurudeen

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the reported conversion to Islam of the Christians among the over 200 schoolgirls who were abducted by the Boko Haram terror group four weeks ago. The party described the development as totally unacceptable and downright unconstitu-

tional. It also described as utterly barbaric the action of the girls’ abductors in forcing them to make statements against their personal convictions. These were contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, after an emergency meeting on the Boko Haram issue. The party reminded

the abductors that Nigeria is a secular state and that the country’s constitution recognises the rights of the citizens to any religion of their choice, hence it is patently wrong and unconscionable to force any citizen to convert from one religion to another. ‘’This whole abduction saga has hit at the very soul of our nation. But just when we felt we had all witnessed the worst

atrocity by the primitive and brutal group called Boko Haram, we are confronted with a totally repulsive scene of teenage girls, literally with guns to their heads, being forced to say they have converted to Islam. ‘’This is appalling, distasteful and unacceptable under any circumstance and we condemn it with all the strength we can muster,’’ APC said.

54 Chibok girls identified in new Boko Haram video CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

of dialogue with the terrorists, saying Boko Haram cannot dictate conditions. Mark expressed a similar sentiment yesterday as he said government would not negotiate with terrorists. “Nigeria will not negotiate with terrorists under any circumstance. If we negotiate with them, they will get a few more people

and then we begin to negotiate again. “You do not negotiate with criminals, you do not negotiate with terrorists. We are going to bring the girls back safe and sound, every effort will be made to rescue them. “For a criminal to parade himself and be asking for negotiation, I think that is the height of insult on any nation,” Mark said

in Beijing, China. According to him, the insurgency persisted because government had initially taken the insurgents for granted. “We had assumed that they were just Nigerians and so we treated them with kid gloves. We perhaps didn’t realise on time that they had international connection. “It is clear to everyone

now that they are not just restricted to Nigeria,” he added. He reiterated that since the terrorists had declared war on Nigeria, no effort would be spared in dealing with them. He promised that the National Assembly would review the anti-terrorism law to make it more effective in dealing with the insurgents.

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Ekiti 2014 APATHY With over 285,794 permanent voters cards yet to be collected INEC is worries their could be deprivations Stories by Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged political parties and politicians in Ekiti State to intensify their sensitisation campaign on

INEC charges politicians on sensitisation voters’ education to correct the apathy being shown by the electorate towards the June 21 governorship election. Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Halilu Pai, said the commission and the political parties must increase their sensitisation programmes to prevent the election from being marred by low turnout of voters. Pai, who spoke through the commission’s Public

Relations Officer, Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin, said the commission was worried that over 285, 794 permanent voters’ cards were yet to be collected by voters 40 days to the election. The INEC commissioner said any eligible voter up to the age of 18, but not in possession of the permanent voter card would be deprived of his right to vote during the election. Pai said: “The commis-

sion is trying its best to raise the bar of voters’ education in Ekiti. But we have to do more considering the new development. “We have appeared on television and radio and distributed leaflets at various stakeholders’ meetings on the need for the people to be in possession of their permanent cards. “INEC is starting the use of permanent voters’ cards for the conduct of elections

in Ekiti State and this underscores the importance of these permanent voters’ cards. “So, the political parties must use the collection of voters’ cards as the kernel of their campaigns. They must sensitise the people about its significance for the election to be a success.” The INEC boss, however, expressed optimism that the electorate would contin-

ue to show more interest in the governorship election, as the date approaches. Pai said: “One thing has always been a trend in the conduct of election in Nigeria, people are in the habit of rushing to do what is necessary few days before election. “So, we are very sure that the electorate will collect their cards. But we will not also rest in educating them until the last day.”

Competence test: Don’t be deceived, Fayose urges teachers

kiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the June 21 election, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has described Governor Kayode Fayemi’s approval of the payment of the 27.5 per cent Teachers Salary Structure (TSS) and the cancellation of the Teachers Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) as the ‘deceit of the century., He said: “Ekiti teachers cannot be fooled by a government that took them for granted for over three years.” The PDP candidate therefore urged teachers in the state not to allow themselves to be fooled by such ‘Greek gift.’ Speaking through the Director General of Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO), Chief Dipo Anisulowo, yeterday, Fayose said; “Fayemi

should rather apologise to Ekiti teachers for refusing to pay the 27.5 per cent TSS that was being paid by the PDP government before he assumed office.” Fayose, who also described Fayemi’s decision to cancel the teachers’ competence test as laughable and deceitful, urged the teachers to take a clue from what happened in Edo State, another All Progressives Congresscontrolled state concerning the competence test as against the state government’s promise on the test during the July 2012 governorship election in that state. He said: “It is a fact that the payment of the 27.5 per cent TSS to Ekiti teachers was approved by the PDP government of Olatunji Odeyemi, when he was the acting governor. The approval was implemented by the PDP government of Chief Segun Oni."

Fayemi promises special attention for Ikere-Ekiti E

kiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has promised to pay special attention to Ikere-Ekiti which he described as the gateway to the state. Fayemi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the June 21 election, said his administration would continue to give priority attention to the town. "Ikere-Ekiti is the gateway to our state and we cannot afford to leave it unattended to. You can therefore see what we have done concerning the renovation of public schools in the town. "We pay monthly stipend to senior citizens and a number of roads have been constructed in the town. I have also flagged off the dualisation of Ik-

ere-Akure Road to complement the one coming from Ado-Ekiti," he said. The governor charged the people to vote massively for him and his party on election day. On the promises by opposition parties that they would offer some juicy positions to Ikere indigenes, Fayemi said the town had produced a governor, deputy governors and that the only thing left was for the town to produce the president of the country. Addressing the crowd, a former stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who joined the APC, Kayode Babade, said the PDP was sinking in the state. He called on the people of the town to vote the APC on election day.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi (left), receiving a royal blessings from the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Adegboye, during Fayemi's re-election campaign tour of Ikere council area... yesterday. With them is the wife of the monarch, Olori Margaret

11.85

17.1m

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

The total population of Chile (representing 0.25% of world’s population) in 2010. Source:Blatantworld.com

Murder trial: Bamidele cautions Fayemi against interference

abour Party (LP) governorship candidate Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the June 21 poll, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, against interfering in the trial of those alleged to have murdered Mr. Foluso Ogundare, a member of LP on November 3, 2013 in Emure-Ekiti. Ogundare, a close ally of Bamidele, was killed by suspected members of the APC during a ward meeting. A serving member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, who is also a member of the APC, Hon. Kehinde Boluwade and six others are being tried at the state high court over their alleged involvement in the killing. In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by Bamidele’s Media Aide, Ahmed Salami, the LP candidate con-

demned Governor Fayemi and members of his party for not showing remorse over Ogundare’s death during Fayemi’s campaign in Emure-Ekiti on Monday. Bamidelesaidratherthan show remorse over the incident, the governor stormed the town in commando-like style with hordes of combined security forces and started bragging that APC would capture the town in the June 21 election. He described the action as another betrayal of trust and an act of intimidation against those he said had not recovered from the pains inflicted on them by Ogundare’s death. The LP chieftain said the killing of Ogundare by APC members was already in the public glare, saying no amount of interference by the Fayemi-led government would spare the accused persons judicial axe.

12,000 The total population of internet users in Equatorial Guinea in 2008. Source: Blatantworld.com

Assembly may not sit until after election

ith less than 40 days to W the conduct of the governorship election in Eki-

ti State, there were indications that the 26-member state House of Assembly may not reconvene until after the June 21 poll. Checks by our correspondent revealed that the lawmakers have tactically abandoned legislative duties for campaign. Since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on political activities, the Assembly has sat on few occasions when matters of urgent public importance were to be discussed. The Assembly’s nor mal plenary was suspended without announcement about one and half months ago, when INEC lifted the ban on party campaigns. It was gathered that the legislators see the election

as crucial to their own electoral survival. The possibility of the lawmakers making it back to the Assembly was largely dependent on Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winning the election. Since the campaign began, the Speaker, Hon. Adewale Omirin, and his Deputy, Hon. Taiwo Orisalade, have been on the campaign train of the governor to all the nooks and crannies of the state. The Assembly, until last week, had 24 APC members with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having two. However, with the defection of Mrs. Bunmi Oriniowo from the PDP to the APC, the opposition party is now left with one lawmaker in the Assembly.

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Leave Okorocha alone, Imo govt tells Orji TALKBACK It is not like these brother governors are at war. But there is a lot of politics dividing Owerri and Umuahia Steve Uzoechi

OWERRI

ollowing scathing remarks against Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state credited to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State over the non- absorption of Imo indigenes sacked from the Abia State Civil Service by the Okorocha administration, the Imo state government has called on Governor Orji to quit engaging in petty invectives that demean his office. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rochas Okoro-

cha on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, urged Orji to leave Okorocha alone to concentrate on developing Imo State. The statement inferred that the Abia State governor was working hard to distract Okorocha with his frequent unwarranted media assaults. The statement read in part, “First and foremost, it is now obvious that the Abia governor has taken it as a state policy to be attacking Governor Okorocha on the pages of newspapers for no justifiable reason and he seems to be deriving a lot of pleasure from that.” The Abia State Governor had alleged that Okorocha had sacked about 2,133 Abia indigenes from Imo Civil Service. But Onwuemeodo explained that, “Since 2011 when Governor Okorocha was elected the Governor of Imo State, he has never thought of sacking any-

body from the state civil service on the ground of state of origin, not to talk of sacking 2,133 Abia indigenes.” Onwuemeodo maintained that Orji was merely seeking excuse for the sacking of his Igbo brothers and sisters from Imo and neighbouring states. “Governor Okorocha is too large-hearted, too broad-minded and too exposed to engage in such

petty action as sacking workers because of their origin. A man who has schools in other parts of the country running free education and catering for children from diverse ethnic backgrounds could not have descended so low as to start sacking workers because of where they come from,” Onwuemeodo stressed. Okorocha’s spokesman however traced the appar-

74.3%

ent rift between the two governors to an incident during the burial of late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu . Hear him: “Governor Okorocha has no problem with his brother Governor in Abia. One cannot remember any problem between the two governors who should be their brother’s keeper, except that when Ojukwu’s

87,000

The percentage of female internet users of Slovakia Republic in 2012. Source: Itu.int

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Guinea in 2008. Source:Blatantworld.com

corpse was brought to Aba stadium sometime ago, the Abia indigenes present booed their Governor while they hailed Governor Okorocha ... That was all. It was not Okorocha’s making. Unfortunately, the Abia governor has been holding that against Okorocha. Hence, his stoppage of an ordinary reception organized for Okorocha in Aba sometime ago with security agents.”

4,640m

The number of mobile-cellular subscriptions of the world in 2009. Source: Itu.int

Pension fraud: Ex-Director asks court to declare EFCC Act illegal Tunde Oyesina ABUJA former Director Dtheetained of Pension Accounts in Office of the Head of

Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Sani Teidi, yesterday asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to determine the constitutionality or otherwise of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act. The former pension boss, who is facing a 22-count charge alongside former Manager of the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc; Mr. Udusegbe Omoefe Eric, for allegedly diverting about N5billion for private use before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the same Federal High Court, is seeking an order to halt

his trial by the EFCC. Teidi in a separate civil suit, is asking the court to declare that the Act which established the EFCC was in conflict with the provisions of section 214 of the Constitution, which made the Act null and void. Opposing the application, counsel to EFCC, Godwin Obla, SAN, said the constitutionality of the EFCC Act, which was passed by the National Assembly in 2004, is in exercise of their constitutional powers to make laws. According to Obla; “EFCC is exercising police powers, but not the police; it is not clear what the plaintiff wants, but what is clear is that this procedure is a complete abuse of the court process.”

Rival Anambra trade unions clash over IGR Onah. O. Onah

Onitsha

fresh crisis is brewing Abetween up in Anambra State two rival trade

unions over the control of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) belonging to the Anambra State government. The Administrative Secretary of Autobike Association of Nigeria, South-East zone, Hon. Livus Ufoh, said the crisis is between his association and three other auxiliary unions. Ufoh, who briefed the press on the looming crisis, warned that unless the Anambra State government intervenes, it may degenerate into un-

manageable proportion that may equally lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state. He said the crux of the matter was the leadership tussle between the association of tricycle operators popularly called Kake-Napep and that of autobike association. Explaining the genesis of the crisis, Ufoh said the Autobike Association of Nigeria is the umbrella body in charge of tricycle operation. According to him, Autobike Association of Nigeria is a trade union that was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja and operates in all the 36 states of the country.

L-R: Abraham Yisa; elder statesman, Shiek Ahmad Lemu and Niger State governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, during the inauguration of the members of Board of Trustees of Religious Centres in Minna, Niger State

EFCC sues prison officers INEC begins voter Dominic Adewole ASABA

Deputy Comptroller of Prison, Delta State Command, Wisdom Wure Diete, was yesterday charged to court for conspiracy and stealing at an Asaba High Court. Also charged was one Peter Ayamede, a junior officer attached to the Ogwashi-Uku Prison by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During cross-examination yesterday, Diete recounted: “My accusers are disgruntled officers, who worked under me, whom I transferred because of intransigence. They turned their beat to guard petroleum products to a point of extortion. Visitors to the prison were asked to pay money before seeing inmates and the guards harassed female visitors and inmates,” he told the court.

He said the prison guards took the telephone numbers of female visitors and called them despite the fact that some of the visitors were married in contravention of prison rules and regulations. While testifying, Diete said while on routine check around the prison premises, he discovered three trucks impounded by the EFCC and brought for safe keeping at Ogwashi-Uku Prisons. He said since the three trucks were not included in his handover notes, he notified the Delta State Comptroller, Mr. Emmanuel Bassey. State Prosecutor, Mr. A. I.Arogha said the accused at various times sold about 180, 206 litres and also gave the then Comptroller, Delta Command 20, 206 litres drums to run the generator of his hotel in Akwa Ibom State.

registration in Benue Cephas Iorhemen

Makurdi

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said it was ready to begin the issuance of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC,s) and the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to eligible voters as a prelude to next year's general elections. Benue State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alahji Baba Abba Yusuf, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the NUJ secretariat in Makurdi said, the CVR exercise was scheduled to commence on May 28 at the ward level. Alhaji Yusuf explained that those expected to participate in the exercise include people who have attained the age of 18 years as at 2011 and now; those

who did not register in 2011 for one reason or the other, as well as those who had problems with the commission's Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines and were not captured during the 2011 voters' registration exercise. The state lINEC boss implored eligible voters in the state to ensure that their names appear in the register of voters during the CVR exercise, maintaining that it is by so doing that they will be able to vote and know where to cast their votes. Yusuf who said, the registration and display of the names of the registrants would be done simultaneously to enable voters check and verify whether their names are verified or not, said only those with the permanent voter cards will be allowed to vote.

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Building collapse: COREN calls for death sentence Philip Nyam Abuja

he Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) yesterday proposed death penalty for quacks involved in the construction of any collapsed building across the country. President of COREN, Engr. Ali Kasim, made the call at a two-day public hearing organised by the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the composition and pigmentation of cement quality with the view to stemming the serial incidence of building collapse in the country. While making his presentation before the adhoc committee led by Hon. Yakubu Dogara (APC, Bauchi), Kasim advocated for additional statutory

powers that will enable COREN prosecute owners and quacks involved in collapsed structures across the country. He said it was time to criminalise the issue of collapsed building, arguing that there was the need for the imposition of stif fer penalties against those quacks and owners who contract them in the construction of collapsed buildings across the country, noting that most of the owners of such collapsed buildings are “very strong that government cannot bring them to book.” According to him; “We need a law to prosecute people who use substandard materials to build and quacks who indulge in these evil acts. I think people who cause others to die should also die,” he suggested.

Goodluck group backs Jonathan’s re-election bid Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he European Coordinator of Goodluck to Goodluck (G2G), a socio-political support group for President Goodluck Jonathan, charged with the responsibility of ensuring the re-election project of the President, Prince Martins Bello Imam Sado, yesterday said giving another four years to the present administration will further help in transforming the country. Prince Sado spoke at the inauguration of the European coordination team of the G2G held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The Netherlandsbased coordinator for G2G European chapter, who commended the giant strides of the Jonathan administration, said the nation has witnessed tremendous development under the PDP-controlled Federal Government. He also lauded the government’s courage in keeping faith with its transformation agenda, especially in massive infrastructural development in road construction, rail networks, university education, power sector and in creating a stable price regime in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry and several others.

SECURITY

Lawmakers make case for more support as Gamboru-Ngala is cut off Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday called on the Federal Government to rebuild the Gamboru Bridge linking the border town with other parts of Borno state. It also called for increased military presence around Gamboru Ngala, where scores of people were killed last week by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect. Gamboru Ngala, a border community between Nigeria and Cameroon located in the eastern part of Borno State was

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Reps want FG to repair Gamboru Bridge l Seek more military presence attacked by insurgents on May 5, where about 300 people were reportedly killed with Gamboru market, trader shops and houses razed down. Days later, the bridge that links Gamboru and other parts of Borno was reportedly destroyed by the insurgents. This resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Abdulrahman Terab (APC, Borno), calling on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineering to fix the Gamboru bridge said to have been destroyed by

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

the insurgents. While leading debate on the motion, Terab described the situation as "threatening the territorial existence of Nigerian state," lamenting that at a time Nigeria and the whole world were trying to find a way of rescuing the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, many innocent people were killed in Gamboru. He said: "As this is the third attack on Gamboru town by the Boko Haram, the affected communities have threatened to migrate to the neighbouring communities in Cameroon, should the Federal Government fail

$US1.573trn The nominal GDP of Brazil (IMF) in 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

to stop incessant attacks on their town." "If swift response to the plight of the victims is not provided, there is the fear of the people in these two local governments completely losing confidence on the government which will result in anarchy," he said. In approving the motion, the House said this action would forestall further attacks by the insurgents, who had previously invaded the town on three different occasions. It further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to "immediately provide relief materials to the victims of the attack" to ameliorate their sufferings.

2.81m

The total population of internet users in Belarus in 2007. Source: Blatantworld.com

Delta rolls out date for LG polls Dominic Adewole ASABA

elta State government yesterday announced the date for its local government elections, putting paid to months and years of speculation as to the date of the polls. The election will hold on Saturday, October 25, this year. The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) fixed the date yesterday after much pressure from members of the Association of Registered Political Parties (ARPP) and wellmeaning chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Although, Chairman of the commission, Mr. Akpoyoma Moses Ogbe, has consistently said the “vote of the people must count,” “elections conducted by SIECs are not only won by the ruling party,” opposition parties in the state have described the semi-

nar he organised in anticipation of the election as a sham. But the Chairmen of the state chapter of Kowa Party, Hon. Jude H. Eze, his counterparts in the Advanced Congress for Democrats (ACD), Comrade Aduku E. Kelvin and the United Peoples Party (UPP), Johnfreeman Chiadikabia, hailed the new development. Kowa Party, however, insisted that; “DSIEC must keep to the time table, keep up to the challenges, make the election free, fair and credible, so that it will not create rivalry between government and the rival parties.” The commission, which was inaugurated May last year, was empowered by law to organise, conduct and supervise local government elections into chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 25 council areas in the state.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (right), receiving a momento from Commander, Operation Polo Shield, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Uyo

Senate threatens FERMA boss Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate Committee on Public Accounts yesterday took a hard swoop on the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Gabriel Amuchi, asking him to resign if he was not ready to account for his stewardship to Nigerians. The committee also threatened to deploy all legislative instruments provided by the constitution to compel him to honour its invitation if he failed to appear on Tuesday next week for an earlier proposed public

hearing on the activities of the agency. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ahmed Lawan, who made the threat at the aborted public hearing the committee formerly scheduled to hold with the agency on May 7 on issues arising from the Auditor-General's report on FERMA for the year 2009, told journalists that the managing director had in the past failed to honour the committee's invitation to the hearing. In an invitation letter dated April 29 by the assistant committee clerk, Mr. Abbas Mohammed, the FERMA boss was asked to submit the fol-

lowing documents: record of financial control and operations; names and addresses of banks operated by FERMA, approval to operate account with commercial bank(s); bank statements, deduction of taxes (VAT and WHT) and evidence of remittances; training/ seminars, workshop, conferences, etc undertaken with details of cost and beneficiaries. Others include schedules of contracts awarded in the past five years, which should include: project title, project location; name of contractor, contract sum; date of award, amount paid to date; actual date of com-

pletion and audited accounts from 2005 to date, among others. However, Lawan became enraged at the Senate hearing room 4, venue of the proposed public hearing, when he discovered that, instead of the FERMA Managing Director appearing, it was the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Taiwo Oladipo who was delegated to represent the agency. After expressing his displeasure, Lawan told Oladipo to convey to the FERMA’s helmsman, the resolve of the committee to apply every legislative sanction against him if he failed to appear in person on Tuesday May 20.

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2015: Southern Kaduna dumps Yero

Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

he people of southern Kaduna have told Governor Muktar Yero not to count on their support in the 2015 general elections because of his insensitivity to the killings in the area. Convener of the ‘Concerned Realists of Southern Kaduna,’ Dr. John Danfulani, who made this known in a press

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conference yesterday, explained what transpired at a meeting between southern Kaduna PDP elders, Vice-President Namadi Sambo and Governor Yero. At a meeting that was held on April 13, the southern Kaduna PDP elders had accused Yero of deceit for stopping all projects that were started by his predecessor, the late Patrick Yakowa, Danfulani said.

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Belgium in 2011. Source: Itu.int

According to him, the southern Kaduna elders also accused Yero of not patronising their political and business class. “Only one southern Kaduna contractor got just N530, 000 worth of contract out of the N3 billion contracts that was awarded by SUBEB,” he added. The elders also accused Yero of arrogance, degrading Yakowa by accusing him of leaving an

14%

The percentage share of Turkey’s arms purchase from Germany between 2005 and 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

empty treasury and disrespecting the traditional, political and religious leaders of southern Kaduna. Danfulani alleged that Yero had lampooned southern Kaduna leaders at the said meeting, insisting that the late Yakowa looted the treasury of Kaduna State. He even “shouted at the Deputy Governor, Nuhu Bajoga, who is about the same age as his biologi-

N1.24bn

The internally generated revenue of Jigawa State in 2010. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

cal father, by threatening him with a sanction for allegedly conniving with the aggrieved elders.” The group also reminded Yero of the praises he showered on Yakowa during his funeral, his promise to be governor for all without discrimination and to continue with all ongoing projects. “It is based on the aforementioned reasons that we are making it

Correspondents boycott police activities in Nasarawa ACTION

Gov. Obiano lives up to promise as Anambra workers may soon wear smiles Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Wazirin Katsina, Alhaji Sani Lugga and Sultan of sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'ad Abubakar III, at a Quranic Graduation in Funtua, Katsina State

Obiano to construct 1,000 housing units for workers Uwakwe Abugu Awka

n keeping with the promise made during the last May Day celebration in the state, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rockland Development Limited for the construction of 1, 000 housing units for workers in the state. During the May Day celebration at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the governor promised to improve the welfare and the condition of service of the workers in the state. He said yesterday that signing the MoU for the construction of the housing units was one of the many programmes lined up to improve the lots of the workers. Also, the governor

had recently handed over four 38-seater buses to the Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezeoke, to ease the transportation problems facing workers commuting from various locations in the state to Awka, the state capital. Speaking shortly after signing the MoU, Governor Obiano, represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Ezeoke, said: “The move was a practical demonstration of his administration’s interest in the welfare of workers in the state.” He charged the private developer to keep to the terms of the agreement and ensure that the 1, 000 housing units’ project was completed on schedule. He expressed the hope that the private developer would bring his wealth of experience in the sector to bear on the

project so as to actualise the dream of the present administration for the workers. Speaking on the occasion, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Obi Eneh, thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in his firm, promising to deliver the job as agreed.

he Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Nasarawa Council, has directed its members to boycott all police activities in the state until the case the police instituted against one of its members is over. The decision was taken at the chapel’s meeting held in its office at Kaura Plaza yesterday in Lafia, the state capital. The chapter frowned at the alleged unlawful detention of the Daily Trust Correspondent, Mr Hir Joseph at the state CID headquarters in Lafia for nine hours before he was later charged to court on

Jos

lateau State CommisPJames sioner for Youths, Hon. Yakubu, yesterday urged youths in the state to shun violence and avoid politicians who are bent on using them to wreak havoc on innocent people in order to rig the 2015 general elections in the state. He said the administration of Governor Jonah

Monday over a news report. The police charged the reporter with “Injurious Falsehood,” and sought that he be remanded in prison custody because, according to them, if allowed freedom from bail, the reporter might interfere in police investigation, as well as do similar reports. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police prosecutor, Mr. D.O. Abolanre, at the Chief Magistrate Court II sitting in Lafia, the police “discovered that one Hir Joseph, a news reporter for the Nigerian Daily Trust Newspaper, with intent to injure or cast aspersion on the credibility of the Nigerian Police Force or achieve personal goals, falsely caused to be printed or reported in the Daily Trust….an article caption: Female NSCDC, Police Personnel Demand Rescue of Chibok Girls.

Ebonyi youths lament poor representation at N’Assembly Ewa Nnanna Abakaliki

he National President of Ebonyi Youth Assembly and chairman, of a Non-Governmental Organization, Chiboy Foundation, Chinedu Ogah, has upbraided National Assembly members from Ebonyi Central Zone, both past and pres-

ent, over alleged non- performance. Ogah who spoke to journalists at his country home, Amike Aba, Abakaliki, noted that both former and present National Assembly members have not attracted any project to the zone since the creation of the state, He cited the road from Nkalagu to Nigercem

Plateau commissioner tasks youths on violence Musa Pam

clear that Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, remains unelectable in Southern Kaduna area of the state. It is a cause we are pursuing vigorously and leaving no stone unturned in making it a reality. “We are aware of divisive plots by the Governor in the ranks of Southern Kaduna people, but as a people we will triumph with God on our side,” Danfulani added.

Jang is determined to champion the plight of youths in the state as they are the future of the state. Yakubu stated this during a courtesy call on him by the Nigeria Progressive Youth and the Nigeria Youth Parliament in his office in Jos. He said it was because of the determination of Governor Jang to give youths in the state a brighter future that he took it upon himself on

assumption of office in 2007, to mentor the youths on quality leadership. The commissioner added that the Ministry of Youth Development was ready to collaborate with youths who have new innovations on how to move the youths forward and to create a conducive environment that would enable them compete favourably with their counterparts in the country.

which he said had not received federal attention because of ineffective representation. "Since 1996, we have been having senators and House of Representative members, but, none of them has made any impact in Ebonyi Central. They talk of rural projects, none of the senators has attracted rural projects. …" Ogah, therefore called on the people of the state to prevail on Governor Martin Elechi, whom he said had been tested and found reliable in leadership to make himself available for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial seat, come 2015. He cited Elechi’s track record in his seven years as Governor of Ebonyi. He re-iterated that Ebonyi Youth Assembly has since endorsed Elechi for the position of senator for Ebonyi Central Zone, come 2015.

10 News DISCORD Different tunes for different folks as caretaker committee chairmen retain positions Sola Adeyemo

Ibadan

rotests yesterday continued to trail the renewed three months tenure given to some of the 25 council caretaker chairmen in Oyo state, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains kicked against Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s action. Upon the three-year expiration of the tenure of the 33 council chairmen last Friday, the governor

N1.89bn

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Tenure extension: APC chieftains kick against Ajimobi’s action sacked all of them and forwarded the names of 25 of the old council bosses, with eight new ones, to the state House of Assembly for approval. The House, presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, on Monday ratified and approved the proposed names from the governor. However, some residents of Oyo town and Ogbomoso, who had besieged the Agodi Government Secretariat, peacefully protested the retention of their chairmen, claiming

that they did not enjoy any dividends of democracy under the council bosses. Some leaders of the party in the Ibarapa Central Local Government followed suit, opposing the return of Mr. Bola Olawoore, as the caretaker chairman of the council. The leaders in separate interviews with newsmen said the return of the council boss was against an earlier agreement that the caretaker chairman and the party chairman must not emerge from the same ward. They threatened to

leave the party if their earlier agreement on position sharing was not respected. According to Mr Najeem Fasasi, the APC secretary in the council; “The new party Chairman, Mr Babatunde David and Mr Bola Olawoore, are from the same Ward 2 in Idere town. “If the party’s agreement cannot be respected, then the party would have risked its chances in future elections,” he said. The party’s Organising Secretary, Mr. Fagbemiro Ayinde, also said all was not well with the party in

85.2%

The IGR realized from direct assessment The percentage of internally displaced persons The estimated percentage prevalence of sources in Lagos State in 2012. to total population of Colombia in 2009. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in girls and Source: National Bureau of Statistics Source:Blatantworld.com women (15-49 years) of Mali in 2006. Source: Blatantworld.com

Ibarapa Central, adding that it was not too late to correct the anomalies now. The Chairman, Igboora APC, Mr. Dauda Ajani, just like others, also faulted the arrangement and called for total adherence to party arrangements. However, the returned council Chairman, Babatunde David, said there was no such agreement, adding that all wards benefitted from the political positions. Meanwhile, Ajimobi has appealed for the understanding of the aggrieved APC members. The governor made the appeal while addressing some party faithful who thronged his office from various local governments across

Court strikes out name in suit against Diamond Bank Joseph Onyekwere ustice James Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday struck out the name of a deceased in a charge preferred against some employees of Diamond Bank Plc and others, over money-laundering. The accused listed in the charge are Diamond Bank Plc and two of its employees --- Lasisi Abayomi and Hillary Ojukwu. They are charged alongside one Onochie Ikenua, his wife; Lizzy Ikenua, and their Company; Oni Oil and Gas Ltd, on a fivecount charge bordering on the offence. At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, the prosecutor, Mr Augustine Nwagu, informed the court of the demise of the fourth accused (Onochie). He, therefore prayed the

L-R: Deputy Leader, House of Representatives, Leo Ogor; President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria , Bala Bawa Kaoje, and President, Federation of Construction Industry, Solomon Ogunbusola, during a public hearing on the composition and pigmentation of cement with a view to stem the serial incidence of building collapse in the country held in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

APC cancels NEC meeting Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

he National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) billed for yesterday in Abuja did not hold. Confir ming the cancellation of the meeting, APC Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the notice of cancellation had been sent to all those who were expected at the meeting. Asked why the meeting was put on hold, Alhaji Mohammed simply said; “The party has other priorities.” He, however, did not give the date when the meeting would be held again.

When New Telegraph visited the party national secretariat in Wuse 2, Abuja, there were only a few party loyalists present while one or two NEC members, who perhaps didn’t get the notice of cancellation of the meeting were also sighted at the secretariat. New Telegraph had reported that the cancelled meeting would hold after a meeting of governors of the party held in Kano last Sunday. When contacted for his comment on the cancellation of the meeting, the National Organising Secretary of the party, Senator Osita Izunaso, did not pick calls made to his cell phone, neither did he reply the SMS sent to the phone.

the state. Ajimobi, who described the reactions from party members as normal, said that there was no way everybody would be satisfied with the appointment and removal of the caretaker chairmen. He explained that he had no grudge against those who were removed from office, adding that his action was aimed at giving others chance to serve at the local government level. The governor further stated that his administration and the party had been very fair in the choice of the caretaker committee chairmen, stressingthatthedevelopment was the outcome of wide consultations within the party hierarchy.

court for the name of the deceased to be struck out from the charge. In a short ruling, the judge struck out the name of the deceased and subsequently adjourned the case to July 21, for continuation of trial. The accused were re-arraigned sometime in February 2012, following the transfer of the initial trial judge, Justice Lambo Akanbi. They had pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail. In the charge, the accused wereallegedtohaveconspired with some alleged drug-traffickers who are now at large, to launder various proceeds derived from illicit drug deal. Ikenua and his wife were alleged to have falsely represented themselves as directors of Oni Oil and Gas Ltd, in a bid to open an account with Diamond Bank Plc.

Influx of inferior solar panels Only Sultan can stop worries NASENI boss insurgency, says Bishop James Nwabueze

ABUJA

ational Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Executive ViceChairman, Mohammed Haruna, has decried the influx of inferior solar panels in the country, saying the company is currently competing with inferior products in the market. Haruna, who stated this during Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo’s visit to the solar panel manufacturing plant, said many of the products in the market were inferior, adding that there were lots of untrained technicians in the system. “The situation is that we are competing with inferior products in the market. A

lot of the products are inferior and there are many untrained technicians in the system, who have knowledge of how to do wiring of electrical installation and they thought that if they could wire a point of light, they could also supply solar. “So, there is dissatisfaction in solar installation and that is why the professionals are now getting involved, which is also why the minister of power is here to see things for himself,” he said. Haruna said the plant, which is currently producing 7.5mw, plans to expand its production capacity to 25mw and also duplicate the plant anywhere in Nigeria, to serve as backup for any private industry that would want to establish a similar industry.

Sola Adeyemo

Ibadan

he only person that can put a stop to the insurgence of the Boko Haram in Nigeria is the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar. This declaration was made yesterday in Ibadan by the presiding Bishop, Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke during a press briefing held at the church headquarters, Garden of Victory, Olaogun, Ibadan. Oke said that the Sultan is the only person that can play the role of Desmond Tutu in Nigeria. In an emphatic manner, he urged the Sultan, the Emirs in the North,

the northern governors, the political leaders who are Muslims, to talk to their sons that Nigeria had been rubbished, defaced, discredited and disparaged by the Islamic warriors enough and that a stop must be put to their act forthwith. Oke said that the Boko Haram insurgents were out against the Church and that the Church does not see the war as acceptable. He particularly frowned at the video recording of Abubakar Shekau, the Boko Haram leader where over 200 schoolgirls of Chibok in Borno were forcefully converted to Islam "under the nozzle of gun", saying that it was un-Islamic because Islam preaches peace.

News

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

EULOGIES

Senate celebrates an outstanding outsider and a former insider

Chukwu David

Abuja

he Senate yesterday paid tribute to legal icon, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa who died on May 4, 2014, urging the Federal Government to immortalise him. The Senate made the resolution following a motion brought to its floor by Senator Hope Uzodinma (PDP-Imo) on the demise of the widely revered legal luminary at the age of 90. Presenting the motion, Uzodinma observed that Oputa served the country with diligence, pointing

Senators pay tribute to Oputa, Pam out that his death was a huge loss to the entire country. "Oputa was one of Nigeria's finest legal icons who served the country diligently in many capacities even before the attainment of independence. "His judicial career spanned 36 years through four regions, states and territories until his retirement from the Supreme Court at the age of 65 years in 1989. "His exploits in the Supreme Court earned him the name ‘Socrates of the Supreme Court.’ His judgements were a compendium of well researched and deep philosophical thinking," he said. The Senate Leader, Sen.

Victor Ndoma-Egba (PDPCross River) described the late legal icon as a moral beacon to the nation. "Apart from being a legal icon, he remained a national moral beacon and he can never be forgotten because his judgements are indelible." Senator Chris Ngige (APC-Anambra) urged the senate to undertake necessary legislative action to ensure the late legal giant was immortalised by the Federal Government. "This Senate should make a strong case for him (Oputa) to be immortalised because this is a man who has left indelible foot marks in the annals of history,” he said.

In his tribute, Senator Ita Enang (PDP-Akwa Ibom) said the late Oputa belonged to the golden era of the Nigerian judiciary. "This is one of the greatest brains of the Nigerian judiciary. He was a liberal man in the management and running of his family," he said. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu noted that Oputa deserved the honour being bestowed upon him by the Senate despite the fact that he was not a member of any parliament. "God blessed him with a long life and he served his country well. He deserves the special tributes being accorded him by the

senators. It is only in few moments that the Senate find time to pay tribute to one that was not a senator, a parliamentarian in any way and this is one of such moments,” he said. The Senate observed a minute silence in honour of Justice Oputa and resolved to send a high powered delegation to commiserate with the family, people and government of Imo State at the burial. Similarly, the Senate also resolved to send a delegation to condole with the family of the late one time Deputy President of the Senate, John Wash Pam who died on May 1. Pam served as Deputy Senate President between

1979 and 1983 under the alliance between the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP). Senator Victor Lar (PDP-Plateau) observed that Pam "brought respectability and honour to the office of the Deputy Senate President." Senator Uche Chukwumerije (PDP-Abia) urged Nigerian leaders to tap into the legacies of the late Pam for the promotion of peace and unity across the country. According to him, "Pam showed that there were more values uniting us that we can tap into to become a greater nation where peace reigned supreme.”

Pollution: Ogun govt seals off eight companies Kunle Olayeni

Abeokuta

gun State government yesterday said it had sealed eight companies across the state for non-compliance with the state’s industrial pollution control and environmental laws. State Commissioner for Environment, Ayo Olubori, who disclosed this at the 2014 ministerial press briefing of the state government in Abeokuta, said the sanction was aimed at minimising industrial pollution in the state. He also said the Ibikunle Amosun administration has engaged and maintained over 1, 000 ad-hoc staff in the last three years to sweep streets in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Sagamu, Il-

aro, Ifo, Ogere and other major towns to ensure a clean and healthy environment. Though Olubori did not disclose the names of the companies shut down, he explained that the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), an agency under his ministry, enforced the closure of the affected companies. The commissioner also pointed out that while the state government remains investorfriendly, it will not tolerate non-compliance with pollution standard by companies and investors operating in the state. He said: “We have shut down about eight companies as a result of noncompliance to pollution standard in Ogun State. "

Stop mixing politics with religion, PDP tells APC Onyekachi Eze

ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to join hand in the effort to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, instead of mixing politics with religion. The party said, although it welcomes criticisms as part of democracy but added that there should be a demarcation between criticism and witch-hunting. “In a proper democratic set up, people do not abuse their president anyhow. It is only in Nigeria that this can happen," describing it as dearth of ideology and discipline. National Publicity Sec-

retary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh at a meeting with Forum of PDP Zonal Publicity Secretaries in Abuja yesterday said the party will never play politics with human lives and assured that PDP-led Federal Government will work hard to ensure security of lives and property. Metuh insisted that in the midst of security challenges, governance must go on and said this was exemplified by the successful hosting of the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) in Abuja last week. “Never in the history of this country have we had such challenges come at a very critical time of our development. We are saddened by the abduction of the students of Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok,” he added.

L-R: Manager, Propertygate Development and Investment Plc, Mr. Olayiwola Ashere; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Adetokunbo Ajayi and Chief Executive Officer, SOFUNIX Investment and Communication Limited, Mr. Sola Oni, at the Propertygate’s Advisory Services Forum in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Power sharing arrangement Lagos may slash LASU fees splits Udi, Ezeagu politicians ndications emerged governor on the modality Leo Sobechi gainst the backdrop of a purported redistribution of political positions in Enugu West senatorial district in Enugu State, youths in Ezeagu Local Government Council have vowed to resist any attempt by some political actors to enjoy automatic tickets. The youth met recently to evaluate suggestions that the position of who represents Udi/Ezeagu federal constituency in the House of Representatives, currently occupied by Hon. Ogbuefi Ora Ozomgbachi, be swapped for the deputy governorship post. Investigation by New Telegraph revealed that following Governor Sullivan Chime’s aspiration to represent the district in the Senate, a power sharing arrangement between Udi and Ezeagu blocs is being planned to have the governorship running mate come from Ezeagu.

But it was gathered that Ozomgbachi, who has occupied the seat in the last 12 years, has been making consultations with eminent stakeholders to explore the possibility of returning to the National Assembly. Ezeagu, where Ozomgbachi hails from, had been representing the federal constituency in the House of Representatives, a situation that was enhanced by the emergence of Chime as governor in 2007 from Udi axis. Sources said while the incumbent state Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Mr. Chijioke Agu, from Obinagu in Udi Local Government Council; has also been engaged in subdued lobby to replace the incumbent in the National Assembly in 2015, the Chairman, House Committee on Works; Ozomgbachi argues that Udi would not be in the Senate and the House of Representatives at the same time.

yesterday that the Lagos State government may soon bow to pressure over the hike in the tuition paid by students of the Lagos State University (LASU) in the state. State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, yesterday said the state government would soon make a definite pronouncement on the issue. The hike in the university’s fees by the current administration had generated criticism among students, parents and lecturers in the state, who remained unconvinced on government’s justification for the hiked tuition fees. Briefing journalists on the scorecard of her ministry, Oladunjoye, who disclosed this yesterday, said the state government accords priority to education and would leave no stone unturned to resolve the crisis. According to her, the aggrieved students were still in a meeting with the state

of payment and the fees considered suitable for the students, adding that the issue of LASU tuition fees was not something government was putting under the carpet. “I have it on authority as I was in the meeting that the governor held with these students. They were saying the school fees were too high and we told them to go back and come with a programme of payment that they think would be suitable for them. “According to His Excellency, they brought that in, a couple of days ago and he is yet to present it to the executive council. So, the issue of LASU is not something we are putting under the carpet or that we are not looking at. “We are looking at it and we have asked the students to be involved in the process of resolving it and they are involved in the process. Very soon, you would hear our pronouncement on the issue."

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abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

WEDNESday, may 14, 2014

0802 393 8212

Two die in police, kidnappers’ gun battle

CROSSFIRE Two suspected kidnappers die in exchange of gunshots with the police Ikechukwu Ucheoma Aba

wo people, Chukwu Orji and Udechukwu Kwuoka, believed to be members of a kidnapping gang terrorising Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State and its environs, were shot dead yesterday, in a gun duel with the police. It was gathered that a member of the gang escaped with bullet wounds, while the suspects died on their way to the Abia State Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba. The confrontation between the Anti-Robbery team from the Aba Area Command took place near Aro Ngwa Junction on Port Harcourt - Enugu Expressway. One short double barrel gun, six live cartridges and one unmarked Passat car were some of the items recovered from the gang. Members of the three-man gang Babatope Okeowo Akure

en of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian M Army have apprehended a

middle-aged woman, Angela Omieh, for parading herself as a soldier. The suspect was accused of being in possession of military uniform, police extract and sworn affidavit for the loss of her military identity card. The Public Relations Officer of the Artillery Brigade, Captain Ademola Adegoke, who paraded the suspect yesterday, said she was arrested following a report by her boyfriend. According to him, Omieh, who resides in Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was upon investigation and search discovered to be in possession of military kits, two pairs of camouflage, camouflage T-shirt and shorts, one pair of desert boots, one jungle hat and three handsets. Adegoke said the suspect had earlier claimed to be a soldier attached to the 149 Battalion but deployed to

IG Mohammed Abubakar

were on their way to Nkporo in Bende Local Government Area when the police who had been on their trail caught up with them. The gang had on May 4 reportedly shot one Mrs Ifeoma Ubah, a resident of No. 66, Mbaise Road, Aba, on the leg,

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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in a foiled kidnapping attempt. “Since that day, we have been trailing them after a manhunt was placed on the kidnappers,” a police source said. He added: “While they were going for another operation at Nkporo from Aba in a car without registration number, we trailed them to Aro Ngwa Junction. “On sighting the police, they opened fire. In the process, three of them were hit by bullets. One of them escaped into the bush with bullet wounds. Two members of the gang died on their way to ABSUTH for medical treatment. “But we were able to recover the car, a double barrel gun and six live cartridges from them.” When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the incident. He said that efforts were already on to track the other member of the gang who escaped with bullets wounds. Ogbonna called on the public, chemists and doctors to watch out and report to the police any patient with bullet wounds who might visit them for treatment.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola

Lagos appeals N10m dam award against LASTMA Muritala Ayinla agos State Government has apLawarded pealed the N10 million damages by an Ikeja High Court in

favour of one Samson Diebie, a commercial motorcyclist, against the state Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and one of its officials. Diebie had asked the court to compel the state government to pay N200 million damages for his injury which led to the amputation of one of his arms. But the court compelled LASTMA to pay N10 million damages for being responsible for the injury and infringement of his right. Speaking on the state government’s plan over the matter, the LASTMA General Manager, Babatunde Edu (an engineer), said the appeal became necessary because of government’s conviction that neither the authority nor its official was responsible for Diebie’s injury that eventually led to the amputation of one of his arms.

Edu expressed o judgement delivere Doris Okwuobi wo in favour of LASTM Court. He said: “The is tion, non-provision tigation and medica others, will swing favour of the autho of Appeal.” Diebie claimed N High Court that he Abule Egba with a MA official someti 2011 while attempt rest with his motorc an accident which amputation of his r The GM, howev motoring public of discipline and hig dards of LASTMA According to him continue to retra monitor their duty ensure that they op ambit of the law.

I make money wearing military NSCDC holds curre uniform – Fake female soldier forgers, vandal Joint Task Force, Warri for her military duty. He explained that Omieh’s boyfriend, Mr Collins Jegede, had narrated how he met the suspect on social network where she dressed in a military outfit. The boyfriend added that he got interested, requested for friendship and later the fake soldier paid him a visit in January 2014 in full military uniform. Jegede was also said to have reciprocated the visit but was surprised that Omieh lodged him in a hotel at Ijaye axis of Lagos State instead of 149 Battalion, Ojoo Military Barracks where she had claimed to work and reside. However, the lady was said to have made another visit on April 17 and Jegede reported her to the officer in charge of a military checkpoint at Owo, on the suspicion that she was a fake soldier.

Buhari Bello Jos

Omieh

Omieh said she bought the military uniforms from Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State following her father’s death in 2011. The suspect said she attended the Nigerian Army School in Zaria but opted out when she had injuries.

She added that she could not continue when her father died and decided to buy the military outfits with which she travels to Cotonou for ‘businesses’. Omieh, however, said she started using the military outfits this year.

lateau State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday paraded two persons who specialised in producing fake currency and one water pipeline vandal. The state Commandant of NSCDC, Vincent Bature, said that the suspects were arrested with fake currency amounting to N219,000 in Kanam Local Government Area where one of them was caught selling the fake currency to some villagers. He added the arrest of the suspect led to his colleague’s apprehension. Bature also paraded a plumber, identified as Dakurama, who was arrested for vandalising water pipelines and diverting water to his house for commercial purposes thereby starving parts of Jos metropolis of water. He added that Dankurama and his cohorts had punctured many

pipelines that led nation of water a water in many par The commanda currency forgers in February while sent to the Centra ria (CBN) for veri According to hi were released on bail for the comma genuineness of th They were, how after the CBN said were fake. “After investig soon hand them ov priate agency for p tion,” Bature adde

Investigating PPMC without Alison-Madueke, NNPC / PAGE 41 | Averting implosion in Cross River PDP / PAGE 43

POLITICS

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Deputy Editor, politics

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WEDNESday, May 14, 2014

Jonathan doesn’t have the nerves to fight corruption –Obadara

p-16, 17

Chibok: Nigeria on the spot

Mrs. Obama

The abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State have been laced with intricacies. In this report, ETAGHENE EDIRIN examines the intrigues, drama and political horseplay that have trailed the abduction

ver the last few weeks, nothing seems to have dominated the polity like the kidnap of over 200 female students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The students between the ages of 12 and 15 were preparing to write their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations when they were forcefully abducted by members of the Boko Haram terror group. In spite of the fact that Nigerians were almost getting numbed by the several attacks perpetrated by the sect, the kidnap of the young female students shocked citizens, who viewed it as one too many by the sect, and one that cannot be overlooked. They have ever since been calling for action on the part of the security agencies and government. The act not only provoked a loud outcry spurred by emotional grieve, it also generated international outcry, and condemnation. Ever since the kidnap, several intrigues, drama, intricacies and political horseplay have characterised the issue. There have been claims of rescue, denials, and allegations of a set up against the government, issues over their identities, whereabouts and safety.

Mrs. Jonathan

Mrs. Kwarmbula

Even, politicians, though unanimous in denouncing the act as an evil one, still did not fail to use the episode to lambast, or defend government, depending on which side of the divide they belong. Protests marches have been held in several parts of the country, as well as in several other countries, to galvanise governments into taking definite steps that will eventually lead to the unification of the girls with their families and loved ones. Daring parents’ experience When news of the abduction filtered into town, many of the affected parents in Chibok expected to see immediate action on the part of government, in terms of mobilisation of security forces to go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime. After waiting unsatisfactorily for some time, some of the aggrieved parents took their fates in their hands and went in search of the school girls. Their trail led them to the Sambisa forest, which has become notorious as the hideout of the terrorists. One traumatised parent, who spoke during a visit by the state’s governor, Kashim Shettima to the school, lamented that they sacrificed their lives to go into the

forest because the military allegedly failed to enter the forest and rescue their children. They stated that over 200 volunteers armed with only cutlasses, bows, arrows and sticks braved the dreaded forest, but had to turn back when someone told them that the Boko Haram terrorists would slaughter them all considering their firepower. Narrating his ordeal, one of them, Mallam Amos Chiroma said: “We saw a lot of strange things in the Sambisa forest but we will not be able to disclose all for security reasons…. If soldiers had accompanied us to the forest, we are optimistic that our missing children would have been rescued, or we would be satisfied if we can just see the dead bodies of our daughters.” Army mix-up Few days after the girls went missing, the Nigerian Army issued a statement that 129 of them had been rescued by the military, and that only eight of them were still with their captors. Defence Headquarters, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade claimed that the principal of

CROSSFIRE

Even without the Boko Haram crisis, the nation ran itself as if on autopilot. The Jonathan administration did little and depend on the ingenuity of the Nigerian people to fend for themselves and cover up governmental shortcoming -Bisi Akande

Nigeria is not on autopilot. There is a government in place, there is a President who is also the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces. To give the impression that the President is doing nothing is dishonest -Reuben Abati

the affected school confirmed that only eight students were still being held by the terrorists. This announcement prompted parents to troop to the school to retrieve their children. However, in a swift reaction, Borno State government and principal of the school, Mrs. Asabe Aliyu Kwarmbula said it was a lie, and that the girls were still missing, contrary to military claims that the Joint Task Force (JTF) had rescued most of the girls. Kwarmbula particularly denied reports credited to her that she told Olukolade that most of the girls abducted had been rescued, with only eight still missing. “The statement credited to the military spokesman was a blatant lie, I never spoke to the Defence Headquarters’ spokesman as widely reported by national and international media,” she said. Based on this, the Defence Headquarters retracted its earlier statement, saying that it had depended on field reports which it had found out to be misleading. It, therefore, confirmed the statement of the school principal and state government that the girls were yet to be rescued. Boko Haram claim After a period of silence, despite the rumpus that had accompanied the disappearance of the girls, the leader of the Boko Haram terror group, Abubakar Shekau came out to claim responsibility for the kidnap. In a video release, he said the Islamist organisation would sell the girls. “I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah,” he said in the video, chuckling as he stood in front of an armoured personnel carrier with two masked militants wielding AK-47s on CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Chibok schoolgirls: Intricacies of CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

either side of him. On Monday, the group again released a 27-minute video where about 130 of the abducted girls were shown wearing the traditional Muslim hijab. Shekau claimed that they had converted the girls to Islam. He however offered to release the girls in exchange for his members in the custody of the security agencies. Protest marches and condemnations Protests marches were held in several parts of the country condemning the act, and further calling for the rescue of the girls. There have been protest marches in the nation’s commercial hub, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the seat of the power, as well as in Akure, Calabar and Abeokuta among others. These protests also attracted many prominent Nigerians, who were joined by hundreds of other citizens. They demanded that security forces do more to rescue the kidnapped girls, while vowing to continue the protests until the girls are returned. It started with a protest by aggrieved parents and relatives of the girls who gathered at the Eagle Square, Abuja, urging government to take drastic actions. From the square, they took their protest to the National Assembly, where they were addressed by leadership of the National Assembly. Some of the protesters, especially women, who could not hide their pains, cried openly in grief. According to Charlotte Obidairo of Youth Empowerment and Development Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), “this is the beginning. Until the girls are back, we will continue. I think this is the first step and we will mobilise more and more people.” The protests have been anchored on the message “Bring Back Our Girls”, which has become popular world over. From the local scene, the protests spread to other parts of the world, as the slogan went viral on the internet. It became globally trending issue on several social media platforms, including, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Demonstrators gathered in London, Los Angeles and other parts of the world to air their grievance over the kidnap of the schoolgirls. Online tweets have also continued to express the disgust of people around the globe who have joined in the campaign to see that the girls are set free. The campaign slogan ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ has continued to receive mention in virtually every major media source in the world, and has gone viral on the internet, as Nigerians and foreigners took to social media to express their concern, with many world leaders, statesmen and international celebrities joining in. What started as a local matter became an international affair. Former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton wrote on Twitter: “We must stand up to terrorism.” South African President Jacob Zuma said: “We call on the African Union and the international community to rally behind our sister nation, Nigeria. We condemn terrorism in every shape or form and from whichever quarter it comes from.” Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop said her government condemns the kidnappers, and that “Threats against the welfare of these girls by Boko Haram are appalling.” Actress and UN envoy, Angelina Jolie, said she was sickened by the thoughts of the missing girls. Others who shared solidarity messages were award winning artistes, Mary J Blige, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson and Wyclef Jean. APC blames Jonathan Back home, as much as the opposition political party, All Progressives

Some of the Chibok schoolgirls as seen in the Boko Haram video released on Monday.

Jonathan

Congress (APC), said it would not point fingers at a time like this, it still did not mince words in laying the blame of the abducted students at the doorsteps of the Jonathan administration and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Interim national chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, at a media briefing in Lagos on Sunday, stated that “first, the administration was in denial, believing the girls were indeed not kidnapped and that the whole abduction story was choreographed to embarrass the President and dim his chances for re-election in 2015, which is the only thing that matters to the President and his party, the PDP, now.” He also lamented that “since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its terror campaign, thousands of Nigerian citizens have either been killed or maimed, while the economic and social activities in a whole section of the country have been paralysed.” According to him, “Nigeria is at war! And Nigerians are asking: How did we get to this sorry pass? Could we have averted the situation in which we have now found ourselves, a situation in which Africa’s most populous nation, and one said to have the largest economy on the continent, is now lying prostate, begging the world for help? How did a country that has been at the vanguard of maintaining peace in other countries since 1960 now become something of a panhandler? How can we restore peace to our country and provide safety and security for our people?” Akande asked. The presidency, however, viewed Akande’s opinion as partisan blackmail.

Shettima... after a meeting on the rescue of the missing Chibok girls at the Presidential Villa, Abuja recently.

We saw a lot of strange things in the Sambisa forest, but we will not be able to disclose all for security reasons…. If soldiers had accompanied us to the forest, we are optimistic that our missing children would have been rescued Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati in a statement in Abuja, stated that “this government is not engaging in blame game,” adding, that the issue of national security should go beyond partisan politics and that indeed, “government is on top of the situation.” Another bigwig of the APC, former military Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, also came down hard on Boko Haram, which he said has hidden under Islam to unleash terror on Nigeria. According to Buhari, the abduction of the schoolgirls has underscored the threat facing Nigeria as a nation from “the actions of misguided persons masquerading as adherents of Islam”. He condemned the video by the sect’s lead-

er, in which he claimed his group was responsible for the kidnap and threatened to sell the pupils. “That horrific video posted on the Internet is a clear manifestation of the mindlessness of the bigots. It shows them for whom they are, such men cannot threaten nor should they be allowed to violate our sovereignty. It is clear from what they profess that they are not followers of God. They do not mean well for our country and her citizens. I am a Muslim, I am versed in the teaching of Christianity and I understand both religions to seek peaceful co-existence of all humanity.” Buhari who had been accused in the past of complicity in the Boko Haram activities by the PDP, also said that “there is no justification whatsoever for this unrestrained disregard for the sanctity of human life. It has no place in the Holy Quran and neither does it have a place in the Holy Bible.” According to him, “now is not the time to play politics. Now is also not the time to trade blame and amplify our ideological differences. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and nothing should divide us as a people.” Allegations of foul play Following the turnout of events which increased tension and pressure on the Presidency to rescue the girls, some Nigerians, mostly politicians began to express scepticism over the veracity of reports that the girls were actually kidnapped. They supported their arguments by explaining that it would be impossible to move such number of

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abduction, flood of activities

government to stem the Boko Haram menace, Australia, Britain, China, Israel, Canada and the United States of America (USA) without giving specifics offered to help track down the girls. Other countries worried by the terrorist activities in Nigeria, had at one time or the other offered to help out. But Nigerians had been sceptical about accepting such helps. However, after the kidnap of the Chibok girls attracted widespread global condemnation, the US again offered to help in rescuing them. This time, the government wasted no time in grabbing the offer. US State Department spokeswoman, Marie Harf, had stated that Washington will help Nigeria with “counterterrorism assistance” in the form of intelligence sharing and was standing by to assist “in any way we think that is appropriate”.

L-R: Iyalode of Yorubaland, Alaba Lawson; Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, his wife, Funsho; wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola and others during a protest march.

people across such spaces without being detected. Some also described reports that a few of the girls escaped from their captors as fallacy, as it would have been impossible for them to do so alive. To further support their claims that the issue was a trumped up situation to discredit the government, some argued that the particulars and identities of the girls were being covered up by the school and parents of the girls. Dr. Kema Chikwe, National Women Leader of the PDP called on the authorities of the school, to release the names, pictures and other details of the abducted girls. Chikwe was reported to have noted that there were many unanswered questions concerning the kidnap. She allegedly went on to question whether the girls were actually abducted in the first place, suggesting a conspiracy scenario the PDP government was yet to speak about. She later denied that the report which was carried by an online news portal was misrepresentative of her views on the matter, saying: “The calculated political misrepresentation of my speech should be disregarded, as my prayer point remained that God in his infinite mercy will secure the release of the girls.” Equally, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo also allegedly described the uproar generated by the girls’ abduction as a scam. In a message posted on his Facebook page, he urged his friends to pass on the message as no girl was kidnapped as claimed by the military. Revelation As the individual identity of the girls was threatening to undermine the search for the missing girls, a list containing 180 names was made public from an unexpected source. In a statement, president/founder of Old Time Revival Hour, Kaduna, and immediate past chairman of Northern States Christian and Elders Forum (NOCSEF), an affiliate of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye revealed the names of the girls. He stated that the school was targeted by the Islamic sect because 90 per cent of the population within the local government are Christians. Owojaiye called for prayers from Nigerians for the safe

return of the girls, adding that government needs to start making plans for the welfare of the girls once they are returned. CAN consequently demanded N50 million as damages, and overseas scholarship, for each of the girls to be sponsored by the Federal Government. FG sets up committee In efforts to rescue the girls, President Goodluck Jonathan set up a committee to map out strategies, liaise with authorities and interface with security services. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, stated that the committee, whose work would largely be fact-finding, would liaise with the Borno State government and establish the circumstances leading to the school remaining open for boarding students when other schools were closed. He said the committee will also liaise with parents of the missing students to establish the actual number and identities of girls abducted; ascertain how many have returned; mobilise the surrounding communities and the general public to support the rescue strategy and operation among other terms of reference. Lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, who was nominated to be part of the committee turned down the offer, saying “there is nowhere in the world where civilians have ever been assembled to look for dreaded armed terrorists…. Seriously, I don’t want to be part of that joke”. Patience Jonathan steps in, wept Seemingly unsatisfied with the handling of investigations in the matter, and continued absence of the girls from their homes, wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan, summoned a fivehour marathon meeting of stakeholders to unravel the mystery behind the girls’ disappearance. Among those summoned to the meeting were the Borno State Commissioner of Police, state Commissioner for Education, chairman of the local government, Divisional Police Officer in charge of Chibok, wife of the village head, the school principal and the school’s gateman. Others were at least two teachers from the school, the chairman and secretary of the school’s Parents Teachers Association, two house parents, two parents of the missing children, as well

Mrs. Jonathan also issued an ultimatum, by which time, she said, if the schoolgirls were not found, she would not hesitate to lead women on a protest match to Maiduguri to demand for their whereabouts from the Borno State Governor, Shettima as two parents whose children had returned home. Mrs. Jonathan also issued an ultimatum, by which time, she said, if the schoolgirls were not found, she would not hesitate to lead women on a protest match to Maiduguri to demand for their whereabouts from the Borno State Governor, Shettima. At one of the meetings, the First Lady broke down in tears. “We must have our children. If not, we will match to Borno and ask the governor to give us our children. We will match to the National Assembly to see the Senate President and will also match to see the President,” she said. Mrs. Jonathan said she had been dealing with the issue secretly since the news of the abduction broke and had decided to come to the open, adding that failure would not be an option. “Within three days, something will happen. We will get to the root of the matter. I don’t come out and go back empty. I have come out and something must happen. We will not fold our hands and see our children kidnapped, our husbands, sons, daughters also being killed. We should be more concerned. “We will form a committee to call on appropriate persons to come and answer questions. They must answer us. If they say they won’t answer us, then they should go and bring our children. The demonstration will take place at their doorsteps.” Foreign assistance Based on the seeming inability of

U.S., U.K, China to the rescue In response to calls by President Jonathan for international support in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group, the United States offered to deploy troops and equipment in Nigeria to assist in locating the schoolgirls. The offer was quickly accepted, after about 22 days with no headway in rescuing the girls. Abati, in a statement, stated that the offer of assistance was conveyed to Jonathan by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, in a telephone conversation he initiated on behalf of Obama. Abati further said: “Mr. Kerry assured President Jonathan that the United States is wholly committed to giving Nigeria all required support and assistance to save the abducted girls and bring the reign of terror unleashed on parts of the country by Boko Haram to an end.” Also, China promised to assist the Federal Government in its quest to rescue the girls. The Chinese Premier, Mr. Li Keqiang, made the promise during a bilateral talk with President Jonathan in Abuja as part of his official visit to Nigeria, for the World Economic Forum. In a joint press conference at the end of the talk, Jonathan said China promised to help Nigeria sustain its sovereignty, and that the Premier promised not only to help rescue the abducted girls, but also to assist the country in its fight against terror. He said: “We agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of defence and security and strengthen cooperation in counter terrorism, anti-piracy and combating organised crimes.” William Hague, British Foreign Minister, said the United Kingdom will also help Nigeria secure the release of the girls, by offering tactical help. “The actions of Boko Haram in using girls as the spoils of war and spoils of terrorism is disgusting. It is immoral and it should show everybody across the world that they should not give support to such a vile organisation,” he said. Canada and France have also promised to join forces in rescuing the girls and tackling the Boko Haram scourge which has plagued Nigeria for over four years now, leading to the death of thousands of people and destruction of property worth billions of naira. With such forces mounting against the Boko Haram group, some political analysts insist that the end of the terror group may have come, especially with respect to their operations in Nigeria. They however fear for the lives of the young girls, whom they say may end up as casualties of the pending war to exterminate the terrorist sect. As President Jonathan puts it: “Foreign governments have offered to help end the crisis and I can say that the kidnapping of the girls is the beginning of the end of terror in Nigeria.”

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Jonathan doesn’t have the nerves Senator Olugbenga Obadara, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament says President Goodluck Jonathan doesn’t have the nerves to fight corruption. Obadara, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial district in the National Assembly, in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, also speaks on his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) quest to take power at the centre from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 elections, on-going National Conference, among other issues. Excerpts: What is your assessment of the just-concluded congresses of All Progressives Congress (APC) especially in Ogun State? In Ogun State, we went to the ward congress on April 5 with much enthusiasm and support from our legion of party faithful. Unfortunately, the Ogun State congress committee led by Ope Salami were not fully ready because they came on April 4. Coming on April 4, when they ought to have displayed the names of the aspirants 48 hours going by the guidelines, forms were not made available and when those forms were made available, they were only given to a section of the party. As a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I did not see any form in my ward and as a party loyalist and leader of my people, I called and reported. He promised that those forms would be made available and they were never made available. I have so much evidence to prove this. What is even funny and threatening is the competence of the man to the extent that he allowed people that did not pay the requisite amount of money to be aspirants. The guideline is so clear; if you did not pay, you cannot be a contender. And to all intent and purposes, he did not even provide forms for those people who paid and have tellers as evidences as enshrined in the guidelines for the ward congress. Our national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and the party had reiterated that you must present your teller as evidence that you have paid before you can contest. Many people because of the education we gave to our people; he who wants to contest must go and pay and I can assure you that Ogun Central that I am the senator has 74 wards and 36 aspirants in each of the wards paid with evidences of their tellers but they were not provided forms. Justice has to be done and for justice to prevail, the people who paid as at April 4 must be declared the winner at their different wards. Apart from the crisis that emanated during the ward congress, there were also crises during the local government and state congresses. At the ward congress there was no faction but you cannot go to local government without finishing from the ward. Everything started from the ward and if we did not finish that of the ward, we can’t go to local government. So, definitely as a lawmaker and not a lawbreaker, I will not participate in breaking the law of my country and law of my party. Definitely, those people who paid must be the one to continue the journey. Is that the reason why APC is having two factions in Ogun State? Believe me, that is the reason because he who did not emerge from the ward cannot go to local government and I am sure the national leaders of our party taught us not to be illegal. But many people have attributed the crisis in Ogun APC to leadership tussle between Governor Ibikunle Amosun and former governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. That is not it. People are just saying what they like. Governor Amosun himself said Osoba is his leader; he is the leader of the party in the state. I do not in any way believe in people saying Amosun or Osoba faction. What we believe is justice and rule of law. Osoba stands for justice, stands for things to be done properly. He is a fantastic party man. Osoba is 74 years old and he must be able to face the truth. Osoba is the father of the party in the state. Do you think a two-term governor in the state will want to destroy his state and legacies? No. Have you ever seen somebody who doesn’t passed primary school going to secondary school or university? You must first pass your primary education; so primary education is like the ward congress. If you do not passed ward congress, can you move to local government congress? To go to university; if you do not paid the prescribe fee for JAMB, can you write examination? Can you be matriculated? If you allow impunity to stand, that is injustice. It is generally believed that the 2015 election is the heart of the crisis in Ogun APC as some see Amosun planning to install his loyalists. 2015 is still far off. Who do we know would be alive tomorrow? I believe so much in the efficacy of God.

I am doing my work fantastically as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with 89 projects in the state. And it is on record that I am the only South-West member of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the Senate that is chairman in the Senate. And not just a chairman but the chairman of super Grade ‘A’ committee, which is Privatisation Committee. I am the only member of the party in ECOWAS Parliament; I am the only one representing them in the United Nations. Are you telling me, I have not served my people meritoriously as first timer in the National Assembly? That tells you that I am really pushing myself, elevating the status of Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. It has never been this good. How true is the speculation that the likes of you, Senators Akin Odunsi and Gbenga Kaka are fighting Amosun because he is planning to stop your re-election? When you are saying that Amosun is not trying to give ticket, without being immodest APC is a party and APC is the one to even give the ticket to the governor. This is a party issue. There is no way a governor can just wake up and start giving party tickets to people. It cannot work like that. Don’t you foresee APC losing Ogun in 2015 as a result of the crisis? Ask anybody, including the governor this question. I am the advocate, the peace manager and agent of peace in the state. Ask anybody involved, from the beginning of this problem I have been to the house of the state chairman many times. I have been to the national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and our national leader, Bola Tinubu many times. I have been to Osoba’s house and I have been to the governor’s personal house in Lagos and his office many times preaching peace; that we do not appreciate the work of God enough. There is nothing that would make us to get to this stage, if we believe in the efficacy of God and how we were helped by God to be where we are today. Nobody should play God. We need ourselves in order to get a good result at the poll. The APC as a party will not lose Ogun State in 2015. I am a democrat and a complete gentleman and I consider myself without being immodest to be highly cerebral. Everybody knows how we got to this place and I am sure God will intervene. Our party will maintain and keep the leadership in the state beyond 2015 by God’s grace. There are speculations that some APC chieftains are planning to defect to opposition party if their interests are not protected

Because the President we have doesn’t have the nerves. See what happened with the issue of Stella Oduah. See the N10 billion private jet saga, see the pension scam. Did the President do anything?

Obadara

ahead of 2015 elections… I do not know of that. I am not even in anyway bring myself to think of such. This is the house we built together. This is the house we suffered together. Don’t forget this is not my first time, we did everything possible and I was a

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to fight corruption –Obadara target to be killed before this time. This will not be a time that I will jump ship to anywhere. I remain a democrat. I remain a man with justice and a man who is serving his people. I was born by the first chairman of Odeda Local Government, who was a mate to Chief Obafemi Awolowo in primary school and who was with Awolowo in Action Group (AG). We remain progressives; that is what was in my blood and we shall work together to make sure we answer the callings of our people. Should you be denied the APC ticket in 2015, what would be your next line of action? The whistle has not been blown for us to start the contest for 2015. When our party declares it open, I believe my people would be reasonable enough to return me to the National Assembly. So, you are confident that you will go back to the Senate in 2015. Only God knows where anybody will be. I believe so much in God and I leave my next step in the hands of God to determine. Not by individuals. It is God and I believe God will do what is right in my life. Is APC not threatened by Labour Party or PDP in Ogun State? We are not in any way threatened. When the chips are down, people will see. It is going to be a mass movement. We have had people that have been senators in the past, what I achieved in the last two and half years is unprecedented. You have schools built, community centres built, you have roads, provision of water, health centres and lots of empowerment done in the livee of people in the 74 wards that I represent. Let anybody who has been a senator, my predecessors point to what they have done. My people are not fools; they are highly intelligent. My people know how best to serve them. My people know that I have sacrificed for them. APC has expressed its determination to take over from the ruling PDP at the centre; do you see the opposition party winning 2015 presidency? We will get it; we will be the government at the centre in 2015 by God’s grace. Nothing is really bringing us back. The Second Niger Bridge, which the President flagged off, they are now telling us that they did not do environmental impact test. How would you go and flag something like that without you following the due process. Look at our security; 234 schoolgirls in the forest for almost three weeks and the president is dancing samba dance everywhere. Tell me what is positive about this country? Enough is enough since 1999. We know our party; APC has the template for progress. We have people of impeccable character; people who can really see that this nation move forward in every sphere of economy. As a member of the Senate, how would you described the relationship between the National Assembly and the executive? As a chairman of a committee in the Senate, putting me in the position of leadership in the Senate, we know that the executive is playing a lot of lip service. They are not working as expected with the quantum of money we release to them. It is quite a shame that we are not getting what we expect as dividends of democracy. If they want to talk they will say the National Assembly is being overpaid. In N4.7 trillion budget, National Assembly has only N150 billion to be spent by 5,000 people in the National Assembly Commission; that is 2.7 per cent of the budget. It is highly offensive. But the federal lawmakers col-

There is no jumbo pay anywhere... What is N150 billion in N4.7 trillion? Is that not 2.7 per cent for an arm of government? We have three arms of government and for an arm to collect 2.7 per cent of the budget, that tells you that whatever they are saying is a big fallacy lect jumbo pay. There is no jumbo pay anywhere. N150 billion per year for 5,000 people! Go and check your records. What is N150 billion in N4.7 trillion? Is that not 2.7 per cent for an arm of government? We have three arms of government and for an arm to collect 2.7 per cent of the budget, that tells you that whatever they are saying is a big fallacy. What is your take on the view in some quarter that National Assembly members should operate on part-time basis? Let me tell you, if that is what the country wants, I do not fear anything. As a person, if it is part-time, it will even be good for me. I will be back fully in my businesses and make more money. Are you saying you are not making more money as a lawmaker? I am telling you, what I have worked for in my life is what I am even spending on politics. Everybody expect a senator to build school, community hall, construct roads, health centres, send their children to school, and embark on many empowerment programmes. Where does that comes from? But there is a provision for constituency allowance? People do make mistake; constituency allowance you are talking about, you are only to give them place to cite them. They don’t give you money. Go and check again, I stand to be corrected. You only bring that constituency project to that area, you are not to handle the money. The money is not given to anybody. I stand to be corrected. What is your take on the position of some people that technocrats are better in public office than politicians, what is your take on this? That is why they made me a chairman of privatisation. I became chairman September 2011 and by 2013 we have privatised power. For successfully privatising power, I was highly commended by the Committee for Investment in Africa and there were also commendations from many places. As the chairman of privatisation committee, why is it that there has not been improvement in the power sector, which government privatised? There cannot be any improvement because before it was totally decay and extremely bad. If you buy something of such, what do you do? You first do a lot of scrapings to make sure that you are getting things and you start on a good note. That is what is happening. I have gone round and I am still going round on oversight. You will see that by the time they finish proper harmonisation, infrastructural development at those places, you will see massive improvement. You see, government has no business to be in business. They are to provide enabling environment, good legislative responsibilities and legal backing to the working of the private sector. A private sector driven enterprise is best for any nation to develop. Some people have described the National Assembly as corrupt institution… No, that is not a fair judgement by anybody. Have they pointed at somebody that has really corrupted the establishment, the National Assembly? Has anybody pointed accusing fingers to anybody that we stole anything? We are not executives; we are not to implement or even to enforce the law, we are to provide the law. Where does corruption comes into it? But the National Assembly has embarked on several probes without anything concrete coming out of such. We are not to implement, ours is just to pass recommendations to the executive to implement. So, why is the delay in implementation of what you passed to the executive?

Because the President we have doesn’t have the nerves. See what happened with the issue of Stella Oduah. See the N10 billion private jet saga, see the pension scam. Did the President do anything. We are not to implement. Are you saying the President does not have the nerves to fight corruption? Yes, he doesn’t have. How would you describe the state of corruption in Nigeria? It is huge; we should not deceive ourselves and it is killing our nation. So what do we do? That is why we said there should be a constitutional amendment that would make our suggestions, bills we passed, motions we passed on the floor mandatory. Do you see the ongoing constitutional amendment scaling through? It will scale through. We are not chasing a lost battle. For the betterment of this nation, things would change. And the constitution amendment committee is working powerfully. Do you see the ongoing National Conference providing the change that many Nigerians are yearning for? I am an agent of change in my life. If the national conference comes up with anything that we know is going to help this nation, there is nothing too bad for us to take. But at present, the National Conference do not have any legal backing. The National Assembly is the authentic body elected by the people to represent them. Even when they finish the conference, they cannot even bring the report to the National Assembly; only the President can bring the report to us. And when President brings it to us, we will look at it as good Nigerians and we would work on it. The issue of subjecting the report of the constitution to National Assembly approval is one of the issues many Nigerians seem to be against. Can the President just pick somebody to go and write constitution? Go and read the constitution of Nigeria. But some people are of the view that the outcome of the conference should be subjected to a referendum? Is referendum in the constitution? To even pass the referendum is to first put it in the constitutional change before referendum can hold. So, you believe National Assembly still have a role to play in the ongoing National Conference Of course. President cannot take it and just start issuing order. No, he is not a military government. As APC is aspiring to take over central government from PDP, opposition parties, especially the PDP are also battling to take over South-West from APC. Do you see APC losing South-West in 2015? It is an out of order for them to say they want to change. As we are aspiring to change at the federal, what we know is that our electorate would determine who they want; who will serve them better; who will stand by them, who is truthful, genuine and who is a team player. That is where we are. Do you really have confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections in 2015? In the present time whether, we like it or not, INEC is the one to conduct the elections. My advice is to make sure that you carry everybody along. You can only win where you are popular. If you have people who are determined and they monitor their ballot boxes, there would be less manipulation. And that can only happen if you trust your people, you treat your people well, carry them along and not to be an emperor. So you believe people will determine the outcome of the election Yes. It is people that will determine 2015 elections not politicians. Don’t forget that in South-West we are knowledgeable and we know our rights. What is your message to Nigerians, especially people of your constituency? Let the people of my constituency stay on. Let them judge me by my performance and I know they are with me. Let them see me the way I served them and stand for truth at all times. And for people of Nigeria, let them be able to see what APC is working to give them to make a positive change in their lives.

More stories on Pages 40-44

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

LITERATURE

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TONY OKUYEME

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

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

Poetic wakeup call to mend fences with twigs of unity Book Title: HeartBeats In The Mangrove Author: Fabiah Briggs Publisher: Inner Postures, Nigeria Limited Year of Publication: 2001 Number of Pages: 146 Reviewer: Oladipo Kehinde

eart Beats In The Mangrove, a collection of poems by Fabiah Briggs brings to the fore a creek of a low tide with three thematic movements namely: nature and environment; history and contemporary happenings and praise worship. The latter segment echoes Miltonian sensibility of paradise lost as evident in ‘Cymbals to the Creator’. The nation needs the help of renaissance Moses. The discovery of oil has caused a paradigm shift from Agriculture and no nation can survive without it. God used Joseph to save lives when there was famine in Egypt and all the land. Nigeria should borrow a leaf from that and bring back the good old days. Fabiah writes in “They Destroy With Much Impunity” O gracious God, pray hearken when we wail. The poet’s thematic preoccupation depicts the rich natural resources the country is endowed with. Corruption, kidnapping and violence have become the anthem of the

Fabiah’s poems give a picture of the reflective mood of the deplorable conditions of the Niger Delta. The political gladiators’ are merging and vetting the aspirant for the next election

day. Nothing seems to work out on the platform of dialogue. Fabiah writes: Blood becomes the aesthetic value/ respect for human souls violently vanished. The Niger delta youths pick up arms. Insecurity has become our day’s mares. Angst of impoverishment from class crass, creating policy that chokes the nation with fear and insecurity. We survive to destroy the chain of dependency syndrome. Collective negligence of our leaders. In “Millions Melt Away”

the Poet’s lament: Trillions grow wings/ And fly away into oblivion/ Some tucked away anonymously/ In foreign bank account! A wake up call in the midst of plenty. Fabiah’s poems give a picture of the reflective mood of the deplorable conditions of the Niger Delta. The political gladiators’ are merging and vetting the aspirant for the next election. The land is famished. The citizens breathe the mountain air. The land is keen on

virulent ideology, invidious looting. Words lurking horns in flimsy debates. Violence foisting discrepancy. The Poet put it thus in “Bind Us Lord”: How beautiful it would be/ If we hold in unity/ Networking bridges of oneness/ And breaking the walls of division/ Forgetting all the past/ Stepping on of toes/. We pray for the peace of nature to flow into the land as sun flows into trees. Let the sun of understanding shines on every dark spots on the land. “This river of oil belongs to us. The metaphors of our thoughts are unbroken. The Niger Delta militancy is a result of the deplorable backwardness of the oil producing state. The youth restiveness is another time bomb. Amnesty will be given after killing one another in the long run. What seems very important to us, we turn away from it and we are facing the consequence. We have compromised moral and ethical values.” Fabiah‘s artistic eyes points the way forward with a rhetorical question in this volume. The oil has caused riff, rancor and discord. The Poet depicts: “We will continue to receive the pain/ While they steadfastly extract the gain? Every question needs an answer.” Little will go round when there is love. The nation needs to settle its differences and stop the senseless killing and bombing. The oil is a blessing not a curse. In “Curse or Blessing” The Poet writes: “Sucking out oil/ From all the veins therein/ Why press they your womb. It is really sad for the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) to break the fences they mend. The Boko Haram insurgency is militating against the peace and unity of the land. Terrorists tail to terrorize.” Fabiah recommends: “Mend your fences quickly with the twigs of unity”. Love is the medicine for pain, anger and the peace of love, on all.

Ayakoroma lauds NICO Enugu State Office

he Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has commended NICO State Office for the effective and efficient way it was representing the Institute, saying the idea of decentralizing, to bring the services of NICO closer to the states, has further reaffirmed the strategic position of NICO in harnessing culture for national development. Dr. Ayakoroma stated this when he paid an unscheduled visit to the State Office on Tuesday, 6th May, 2014, to assess its level of performance. He expressed satisfaction with what he saw on ground

and commended the State Head, Mr. Nwajagu Nnaemeka, as a focused person who is ready to run along with the vision of management. The Executive Secretary also stated that the NICO Enugu State Office was strategically placed to serve the people of Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, to ensure that the Institute reaches out to all the people across the South-East geo-political zone, giving thanks to God Almighty for His favour, which has improved the visibility of NICO, compared to the conditions he met on assumption of office. He disclosed that his coming to Enugu was like homecoming, as he did his Na-

tional Youth Service in “the coal city,” some three decades ago, describing Enugu, as a home of rich culture and tourism potentials, and commending members of staff in the State Office, especially Corporate Affairs, for their effective job performance. On issues concerning staff promotions, promotion arrears, capacity building workshops, and other welfare packages, raised by staffers, Ayakoroma assured that management will handle them appropriately within the available resources. The visit was spiced with the typical presentation of kola nuts (with palm wine) and traditional Igbo attire to Ayakoroma by the State Head, Mr. Nwajagu Nnaeme-

Ayakoroma

ka, just as the staff, ceremoniously, named the NICO boss, “Ome nke ahuru n’anya” (the great achiever) of NICO Enugu.

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EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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

WEDNESday, MAY 14, 2014

No to new face of terrorism

uddenly, Nigeria is the cynosure of global eyes as worsening acts of terror campaigns by Islamic insurgents have left the country’s anti-terrorism Act lame and fatigued. By extension, these have also put a wedge on the nation’s rising profile as a continental economic powerhouse, as well as cast a slur on its entire security system. While the entire world worried about the fate of more than 200 female students abducted from their hostel at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the satanic aberration called Boko Haram, the impenitent leader of the outlawed terrorist sect, Abubakar Shekau has taunted the global community, that he abducted the girls and threatened to sell them if the Government failed to meet its terms. In league with the UK, France, Canada and massive support from others, US as arrow-head is now mobilising and deploying precious resources such as men, money, material and technology, to repel the torrent of Boko Haram’s insurgency. More heart-warming is the fact that the initiative of the western nations and allies has also awakened interest now being shown by African countries that should have seized the opportunity provided by the Boko Haram menace

to close ranks and make a bold statement that insurgent groups have no chance to survive and hold any part of the continent to ransom. This is why we commend the cooperation recently being shown by neighbouring countries like Cameroun, Chad and Niger. Though it remains regrettable that bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) have failed to seize the day and etch their identity in the fight to stamp out the embarrassing insurgency in Nigeria, we believe that they and indeed all other structured institutions can still claw back to relevance by joining forces with other countries to defeat the terrorists. It has become necessary to jointly mobilise against the seemingly mysterious modes of operation adopted by the promoters and kamikaze foot soldiers of the Boko Haram sect. Insurgency in the country has gone beyond mere borderline skirmishes and now requires maximum strength and well knitted strategies and balanced focus as the huge losses arising from incessant attacks and wanton destruction of lives and property now transcend Nigeria’s national boundaries. When the United Nations building in Abuja was bombed last year by the sect, for instance, it was not only Nigerian citizens that were affected. It is also neither safe nor in the interest

of anybody or country to give the sect and its members any elbowroom to operate and migrate since the delicate and complex architecture of terrorism which terrorists understand better and faster makes it relatively easy for them to regroup, reinforce and restart their abhorrent acts. We believe, in spite of the various shades of opinion on the involvement of America and other countries in the fight against terrorism in the country, that the efforts of our government and security agencies should be complemented with whatever weaponry, expertise and technology they can muster now to bring back the abducted girls and sufficiently repress the insurgency, if not totally rout the terrorists. This aside, the five essential parts of Nigeria’s Anti-terrorism Act cover acts of terrorism and related offences, terrorism funding, and terrorist properties, mutual assistance and extradition, investigation and prosecution. The intricacies of these make cooperation among nations inevitable in handling the insurgents and decoding their complex webs if the fight against terrorism must be sustained and eventually won. In the Act, terrorism or acts of terrorism include attacks upon a person’s life, which may cause bodily harm or death; kidnappings, as well as the destruction

of government facilities or private properties in a manner likely to endanger human life or result in a major economic loss. The Act also classifies the hijacking of aircraft, ships, or other means of public transport, as well as the manufacture, possession, acquisition, transport, supply, or use of weapons and explosives as terrorism. The propagation and dissemination of information in any form calculated to cause panic, evoke violence, or intimidate a government, person or group of persons, also fall within actions the Act seeks to deal with or prevent. We completely reject all acts of terrorism, especially the emerging new face of it that aims to revive the infamy of slavery. At whatever cost to the nation and the entire world, this new face of terrorist acts and its dire consequences must not be allowed to stand as the new normal. Boko Haram’s proclivity for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), transporting and using same to inflict bodily harm and destroying public buildings and properties is not acceptable. The group’s resort to kidnapping and abducting young school girls is the height of irresponsibility, insensitivity and sheer satanic assault that must be resisted and urgently quelled by the world beyond wailing and condemning the inhuman act. The right time to act is now. GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director/DEIC FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALLA Managing Editor, North YEMI AJAYI Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board GEOFFREY EKENNA News Editor PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

OPINION

Boko Haram, Jonathan and the Northern elders

Femi Fani-Kayode

n 4th May 2014, Abubakar Shekau, the leader Boko Haram, proclaimed: “I am going to marry out any woman who is twelve years old, and if she is younger, I will marry her out at the age of nine. You are all in danger. I am the one who captured all those girls and will sell all of them. Slavery is allowed in my religion, and I shall capture people and make them slaves. We are on our way to Abuja and we shall also visit the South. I am going to kill all the Imams and other Islamic clerics in Nigeria because they are not Muslims since they follow democracy and constitution. It is Allah that instructed us, until we soak the ground of Nigeria with Christian blood, and so-called Muslims contradicting Islam. We will kill and wonder what to do with their smelling corpses. This is a war against Christians and democracy and their constitution’’. It is self-evident that Mr. Shekau is not only a dangerous, barbaric, sadistic, delusional, homicidal, misogynistic, paedophilic, psycopathic and sociopathic cold-blooded murderer all rolled into one but his words adequately reflect the sheer ruthlessness, callousness and depravity that has seized the Haramite mind. There is no doubt in my mind that he is possesed by the most cruel and vampiric demons and that he has a bloodlust that is second to none. Even Al Qaeda, with all it’s wickedness, have apparently condemned the latest atrocity committed by Boko Haram in Chibok. Yet despite their unspeakable depravity they appear to have a few powerful friends at home who are speaking for them. Permit me to give just one example. Instead of joining the rest of the civilised world and insisting that the terrorists must be utterly crushed, a group known as the Northern Elders have said that the Federal Government ‘’should pay billions as ransom to Shekau

and release all detained Boko Haram members’’ and that there must be ‘’no foreign forces in Nigeria”. They have also demanded that ‘’force should not be used’’ in securing the freedom of the abducted girls. These demands repugnant. It is the same people that did not want troops to be deployed to the area in the first place. It is the same people that did not want a state of emergency to be declared in the north. It is the same people that have been urging the government to negotiate with Boko Haram for the last three years. It is the same people that have consistently asked that Boko Haram should be treated with kid gloves and that they should be offered amnesty even though the islamist group have slaughtered no less than 10,000 innocent people in the last three years. It is the same people that are suggesting that Boko Haram is actually a creation of the CIA, MOSSAD and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). It is one of these northern elders that referred to Boko Haram as ‘’freedom fighters’’ who are simply ‘’fighting for justice’’ only last year. It is another that said that members of Boko Haram ought to be treated ‘’in the same way as the Niger Delta militants’’ and that they should be rehabilitated, resettled and paid large sums of money only last year. It is another that said that ‘’muslims should only vote for those that would protect their interests’’ and that he would see to it that ‘’sharia law is implemented and applied throughout the whole country’’ in 2001. It is another that said that Nigeria was created by the British and granted independence by them in 1960 on the clear understanding that ‘’a northern muslim would always lead the country’’ in 1994. It is another that said that if the north does not have it’s way on the voting formula at the Constitutional Conference he would lead his people ‘’out of Nigeria and into the Camerouns’’ just over a month ago. It

is another that said that they would make our country ‘’ungovernable’’ if a southerner was elected into power in 2011. It is another that said, only a few weeks ago, that our country ‘’would burn’’ if Jonathan or any other southerner contests for the Presidential election in 2015. It is another that told us last year that ‘’poverty was the root cause of Boko Haram’’ and that the south was receiving too much money whilst the north was not receiving enough. How much more of these provocative rationalisations, threats and rhetoric can we be expected to take? Just three weeks after the Haramites have abducted almost 300 young school girls at Chibok, burnt down their school and kept them as sex slaves, just a few days after they abducted eight more at Warabe Village, Borno state, just two weeks after two bombs went off in Nyanya, Abuja killing a total of 150 people between them and just three days after no less than 350 innocent people were slaughtered by the terrorists in Gamborou Ngala, a border town with the Camerouns, these northern elders are saying that force must not be used against them. This is unacceptable and their suggestion must be treated with the contempt that it deserves. I do not know what it will take for the Nigerian people to accept the fact that Boko Haram is the greatest evil that our country has ever had to contend with and that there can be no dialogue with such demons. I do not know what it will take for these northern elders to accept the fact that evil is evil, that you must never negotiate with terrorists and that their ‘’gentle way’’ simply cannot work. The truth is that until every single one of the Haramites is hunted down, brought to justice and despatched to hell there will be no peace in our country. We must also eliminate those who secretly encourage, fund and protect them. • Femi Fani-Kayode (ffk2011@aol.com) writes from Lagos

Bisi Akande, a gloater’s rendition and diatribe Kayode Ojo

cursory look into why the interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, addressed his world press conference on Sunday gave an impression that he was a truly concerned elder who wanted to speak to the issue of the insurgency that has escalated in the last few weeks. At a point, he said that it was time for all to rally to save the country, as if some have stood idly by while the insurgency raged. A deeper reading of his text at the press conference showed a sinister motive beneath his attempt at statesmanship. It was a gloater’s rendition by a man who was in the serves-them-right mode, wanting to gain cheap political capital out of a situation brought upon the nation by elements within his own party which he failed to acknowledge. He declined to tell us it was the failure of leadership at the state government level occasioned by the desperation of a former governor of one of the APC states that ballooned this security situation out of hand. That governor, who now wants to occupy one of the highest offices in the APC, is still being fingered by many in the state for the destabilization there.

It would be recalled that a former chieftain of one of the parties that coalesced into the APC, told Nigerians how he warned the former governor of the implication of keeping youths in his state unemployed and using them to score political gains. Except Akande does not want to remember, Nigerians still remember what transpired then. Rather than gloat over what we have on our hands, he should give us fresh ideas outside what government is doing as contained in his 10-point suggestions. The government has already told us about these; so, we do not need a coloured rehash of them from those who do not wish Nigeria well. If the North-East is what APC can show as an example, it can well be imagined what the party will do with Nigeria if they ever mount the saddle in the country. Akande says that since 2009, when President Goodluck Jonathan was actually not in office, Boko Haram launched its terror campaign, killing and maiming thousands of citizens, while the economic and social activities in a whole section of the country, run by APC governors, have been paralyzed. According to him, since January 2014, Boko Haram has killed over 1,500 people, mostly civilians, minus the 95 people who died in the two bombings at Nyanya in

Abuja, and the over 150 who were killed in Gamboru, Borno State, last week. He declared that Nigeria is at war! And like others, he sought to know: “How did we get to this sorry pass? Could we have averted the situation in which we have now found ourselves, a situation in which Africa’s most populous nation, and one said to have the largest economy on the continent, is now lying prostate, begging the world for help? How did a country that has been at the vanguard of maintaining peace in other countries since 1960 now become something of a panhandler? How can we restore peace to our country and provide safety and security for our people?” It is obvious that, except the elder has a bout of forgetfulness, he will remember that we got to this pass as a result of the radicalisation of some impressionable minds within the Borno/Yobe axis, and indeed other parts, for political reasons by those he well knows, and who wine and dine with him at party meetings. And what is strange about Nigeria asking the world for help? Didn’t an embattled and troubled United States of America seek the help of the world when it needed to fight the axis of evil and terrorists it claimed were a menace, shortly after the twin towers bombing in New York? Or was Akande sleeping when this happened?

Except Akande has not been in the country in recent times, or is again selectively forgetful, he would have observed that one of the chieftains of his party, who he wants the world to believe does not have a hand in the emboldening of the terrorists, has changed gear and now appears worried that the situation requires every patriot to be involved in resolving, rather than exacerbating. General Mohammadu Buhari knows more than his co-travelers that he needs a functional Nigeria if he must achieve his life ambition of running her. Those who have been meeting with Buhari in the open, and undermining him secretly, would not be able to understand him since they have been local champions, and have not handled matters at the federal level. Akande added that statements made by key leaders of his party, including Buhari, were distorted and taken out of context to justify PDP’s claim that the APC is the sponsor of terrorist attacks, adding that opponents of APC say a party that has 35 interim officials, 18 of them Muslims and 17 of them Christians, is an Islamic party that is in cahoots with Boko Haram. He stated that no amount of disclaimer by the APC impressed its accusers. • Kayode Ojo sent this piece from Ketu, Lagos State.

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EDUCATION

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KAYODE OLANREWAJU, Editor, EDUCATION

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Education is more than a luxury; it is a responsibility that society owes to itself. - Robin Cook

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

INSENSITIVITY

Stakeholders have condemned the continued closure of polytechnics and colleges of education, and called for the sack of the minister for the Federal Government’s insensitivity to the plight of the sub-sector.

Polys, colleges of education in trenches

Mojeed Alabi

hese are not good times for the nation’s polytechnic and Colleges of Education sub-sector. Almost 10 months to the indefinite nationwide strike embarked upon by polytechnic teachers, under their umbrella union, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), there seems to be no end in sight. The polytechnic teachers have vowed not to return to their classrooms and workshops, if their demands were not met, and even despite the Federal Government “no work, no pay” rule slammed on the striking teachers. The union and other key stakeholders are blaming the Federal Government for its insensitivity to the plight of the polytechnic sector. ASUP had on October 4, last year, embarked on the nationwide job boycott, which has since paralysed academic activities in the nation’s polytechnic system. Now, stakeholders and students have continued to express palpable fears that all is not well with the sub-sector, the supposed critical sector and bedrock of technological advancement and technical development of the country. The sector, which trains middle-level manpower for the economy, has been in the trenches for almost 10 months, without any tangible moves by the Federal Government to restore the system. The polytechnic teachers were also joined in the orgy of strike by their counterparts in the Colleges of Education, under the aegis of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), who have since down tools, thereby putting on hold academic activities in their institutions over non-implementation of their agreement with the Federal Government since 2009. Part of ASUP’s 13 grouse since 2009, and as presented to the Federal Government include: the constitution of Governing Councils for polytechnics; migration of lower cadres

YABATECH gate

l Stakeholders: Sack Education Minister now l Minister’s Aide: Allegations frivolous, baseless The union has more than enough reasons to embark on strike in view of government’s repeated failure to address its demands on the CONTISS 15 salary scale; release of white paper on the Visitations to Federal Polytechnics; Need for commencement of the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Polytechnics; attention to worrisome state of stateowned polytechnics nationwide where union members are reportedly victimised. Other demands include; resolution of the continued appointment of unqualified persons as rectors and provosts of polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technologies; imposition of professors from outside the polytechnic sector as rectors of polytechnics; refusal of state governments to implement approved sal-

ary packages (CONPCASS) for polytechnics, and the 65-year retirement age; insistence of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to include federal polytechnics in the IPPIS; continued recognition of the National Board for Technical Education as the regulatory body for polytechnics as against the union’s call for the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission (NPC); reluctance of government to review the Polytechnics Act; reluctance of the Office of the Head of Service to approve the revised scheme of service for polytechnics, and the non-commencement of the re-negotiation of the FGN/ ASUP agreement as contained in the signed agreement. To sensitise the public to their plight and that of the sector, and the urgent need to prevail on the government to implement their demands with a view to resolving the lingering crisis, the union, in recent times, had embarked on series of rallies and protests at state and national levels. They are calling on wellmeaning Nigerians and key stakeholders in the sector to

Wike

prevail on the government to meet the union’s demands with a view to ending the strike and moving the system forward. Also, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has chided the Federal Government over its handling of the ASUP and COEASU strikes, firing back at its “no work, no pay rule” for the striking teachers. While calling on the Federal Government to respect agreements it entered with the unions, ASUU National President, Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge said: "It is not good for a government

to enter into an agreement with trade unions and renege.” His words: “What the Academic Staff Union Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union are facing is not different from what ASUU faced and their demands are in order.” However, stakeholders have heaped the blames of the failure to resolve the crisis at the door steps of the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, whom they described as an incompetent handler of the education ministry. Wike, a lawyer, who replaced Professor Ruqayyat Rufa’I in the ministry, had been described as a round peg in a square hole, going by the manner in which he has been handling the crisis. Towards this end, ASUP had during its massive protest in Abuja demanded the immediate removal of the Minister, alleging poor handling of their demands and resolution of the crisis. The striking lecturers, who were dispersed with teargas by the men of Nigerian Police, were said not to have been addressed by the Minister at the Federal Ministry of Education complex. Tracing the crisis to December 2012, ASUP recalled how it issued the government a 30-day ultimatum which expired on January 31, 2013, as a result of failure to address any of their demands. According to ASUP National President, Mr. Chibuzor Asomugha, the union has more than enough reasons to embark on strike in view of government’s repeated failure to address its demands. He said: “We have given the government more time to respond, which never came. This compelled the union to issue another 21-day ultimatum on March 25, 2013, which expired on April 22, last year, and it was followed by the declaration of a one-week warning strike which dovetailed into an indefinite strike beginning on April 29, 2013. “The strike was later suspended in July, but to resume again on October 4, as a result of what the teachers claimed as the insensitive nature of Federal Government to their plight, by completely neglecting the sector and the union’s demands.” On its call for the removal of the minister, the union alleged lacks the basic knowledge to run the education ministry, regarded as the bedrock for national development. Asomugha, in a recent interview with New Telegraph had CONTI NUED ON PAGE 22

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FG sets up committee for HND, degree dichotomy Emeldah Ogene Abuja

f the current move by the Federal Government to end the dichotomy or disparity between graduates of polytechnics and universities is anything to go by, holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND) will soon smile. Apparently, the Federal Government has inaugurated a 12-member committee that would work on the review of the content and curriculum of the Higher National Diploma for polytechnic graduates, as part of efforts at meeting the demands of the striking members of the Academic Staff

Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in a bid to end the disparity. The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, who inaugurated the Committee, however noted that the issue of disparity between the two sub-sector had been lingering for a while in the country. “Some of you may recall that when the issue of dichotomy between the HND and Degree holders came up in 2005, the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, pronounced the removal of the ceiling from the career progression of the HND holders, in order to make their public service career to terminate at the same level

with their university degree holder counterparts.” Wike charged the committee members who were given three weeks to submit their report on the curriculum review to do a good job so as to produce the expected results. The minister added that the committee was also saddled with the responsibility of designing a programme that will enable the polytechnics award Bachelors in Technology (B. Tech) degree. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr MacJohn Nwaobiala, who is also the Chairman of the Committee, assured that the members will justify their ap-

pointment and produce the expected results. Meanwhile, a group of holders of HND, under the aegis of the Higher National Diploma Holders Association of Nigeria, has expressed its displeasure over the continued discrimination against HND graduates in the civil service. The association’s legal adviser, Mr. Kelvin Emeka Okoro, while addressing journalists in Abuja, urged the Federal Government to strengthen the practical aspect of HND curriculum with a view to repositioning the polytechnic sub-sector towards consolidating the nation's economy.

Participants at the 'Bring back our girls' protest at the University of Sussex, UK, organised by Patience Bamidele, a Nigerian

Polys, colleges of education in trenches CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

challenged the competence of the minister to man the ministry effectively, alleging the education ministry is not a law chamber where one looks for excuses, rather than face the reality. Also lending their voice to the removal of the minister, the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Ebonyi State chapter in a separate statement urged President Goodluck Jonathan to remove the minister, over his alleged role in appointing a successor of the Rector of the polytechnic. The College of Education Academic Staff Union passed a vote of no confidence on the minister, accusing him of handling the education sector with his political entangling in Rivers State politics. In the same vein, the National Association of Polytechnic Students, who condemned the poor management of the crisis rocking the polytechnic education, are also calling for the removal of the minister. But, in a swift reaction, the Special Adviser to the Supervising Minister of Education on Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, said the allegations against the Minister are frivolous, baseless and untrue. He said: “How could they claim that because of the ASUP/COEASU strike or the 10.5 million out-of-school chil-

dren, the Minister is not working? Most of these issues did not start with him, he inherited them and even the ASUU strike he inherited he resolved within short period. About the out-ofschool children, I can tell you that this UNESCO figure had been there since 2011, and this is even just an assumption, it is not accurate. “We are very sure that since the Minister took over the basic education all the Almajiri school system, the vocational education for girls, among others would have reduced the figure considerably, but because we could not conduct fresh school census since then as a result of the insecurity in the north, we cannot adequately tell the new figure.” On the issue of the minister’s involvement in politics of Rivers State, Nwakaudu said the Minister has always been a politician and more than 70 per cent of the members of the cabinet are politicians, so should he abandon politics because he is now a minister? He argued further whether others have abandoned theirs, describing those saying so as agents of opposition and I doubt if you (the Correspondent) are also not one of their agents. On efforts to resolve the crisis, Nwakaudu had earlier in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, insisted that the institutions would reopen within

a week or two, but which had since lapsed. According to him, the Federal Government has streamlined ASUP’s 13 demands to all-encompassing four, and that the only remaining grey area is the N40 billion salary arrears, which he insisted, will soon be resolved. He said: “The Federal Government has made a lot of concessions on this issue and I can tell you sincerely that within the next one week or thereabout, the strike will be over. We are meeting with the leadership of both unions and it is unfortunate that the strikes have lingered for this long. The N40 billion being owed is being suggested to be split because even the N92 billion ASUU arrears were also split on installment.” But, however, ASUP President (Asomugha) vehemently debunked Nwakaudu’s claim, accusing the government of not carrying the union along in its decisions and cannot in anyway dictate to his members when to resume except the union’s 13 demands are adequately and completely resolved. Asomugha, who was furious at the pledge by the Federal Government that the campuses will be reopened soon, described the statement as deceptive saying all issues that could guarantee the resumption was yet to be resolved, even now that the Federal Government had declared a “no work, no pay” rule based on

its alleged refusal of the teachers to suspend their strike and return to work. According to Asemogha, when the union suspended the strike in July, last year, and agreed with the decision to pick out four of the issues for quicker resolution, the Federal Government, continued to drag its feet by subjecting the union’s leadership to unfair treatment whenever it called meetings. His words: “Let me be frank with you, the Federal Government is not in any way committed to quick resolution of the crisis. We understand the President met with both the Ministers of Labour and Education on Monday over the crisis but up till this moment nobody is interacting with us on their resolution. “On the issue of our salary arrears, we do not know how the Federal Government has come about the N40 billion naira, what we know the government is owing our members is N20.4 billion and we want to believe that it is either the Federal Government is intentionally raising the figure to confuse the public or they are ignorant of the truth.” Similarly, the South West Chairman of ASUP, Mr. Babatunde Dosumu, said the minister should be allowed to face his governorship ambition, while suggesting that an educationist should be appointed in his place.

LASU fees: Students propose 100% increment, not 725% Victoria Ewoh

ollowing the protracted crisis rocking the Lagos State University (LASU) in which the institution had been shut several times due to disruption of academic and administrative activities in the last three years, over the new school fees regime, the students have suggested downward review of the fees by 100 per cent instead of the over 725 per cent increment by the government, to end the crisis. The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, in order to resolve the lingering crisis, had ordered the students to come up with their proposal on the resolution of the crisis. Towards this end, the students, under their umbrella union, LASU Students’ Union proposed a reversal of the new fees to between N46,500 and N65,500, representing 100 per cent increase of the original N25,000 paid by the students before the introduction of the new fees regime by the Fashola administration. Addressing journalists at a press briefing held at the institution’s School of Communication, Ojuelegba campus, the Students’ Union President, Nurudeen Yusuf, said the union, after consultation with the concerned students and parents, concluded that they could not afford the new fees. He, however, said that returning students should pay the proposed N46,500, while new students should pay N65,500, warning that if the Lagos State Government, the proprietor of the state university, failed to respond to the union’s proposal, the students will embark on a mega protest and rally that will ground socio-economic and political activities in the entire state. The union also warned the students not to make any payment to the university until the proposed reversal is approved, saying such payment made by any student will not be refundable. Yusuf said the current 725 per cent increment introduced by the university management since 2011, has denied many applicants the opportunity to enroll at the university, even as the President hinted that the development has led to a sharp drop in admission to the university.

Obafunwa, LASU VC

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MBHS: 136 years of quality education delivery EXCELLENCE

With the mandate to mould and groom young ones, 136 years on, old boys of Methodist Boys High school (MBHS), Lagos are recounting the gains of their alma mater, which is waxing stronger in breaking new grounds in nurturing future professionals and leaders. Kayode Olanrewaju

serene and beautiful learning environment and aura of academic excellence, welcome to Methodist Boys High School, fondly called MBHS by its old boys situated at the high brow Victoria Island, Lagos. When the seed was planted on March 14, 1878 at 11, Broad Street, Lagos, by its founding fathers, including Governor John D.A. Dumaresq., C.M.G., with Rev. W. Terry Coppin, the pioneer Principal with W.B. Euba and J.H. Samuel as Assistants, little did they know that the school will today grow to an oak of academic excellence, whose old boys are the movers and shakers of the society. The school, which took-off at a "beautifully furnished school building with educational appliances of the most modern description," on Broad Street, the financial hub of Lagos, opened its doors to the first set of 12 pupils on April 1878. But, before the end of that year the school’s enrolment had grown to 23 boys and seven mission agents-in-training. At the planning stage, the school was aimed at serving a two-fold objective; a training institution for African mission agents and a grammar school, in which the emphasis was on the latter. Among the first 12 students were George Stone Smith, who later became known as Dr. Orishadipe Obasa of Ikija, and Dr. John Randle. It was established with the aim of preparing young men for commercial and literary life, the school which no doubt was directed at the professional and businessmen in Lagos. Some of the subjects offered at inception include English and Orthography, Writing, Dictation, Arithmetic, Algebra, Grammar, History (secular and sacred), Geography, Classics, Prose Writers and Prose. Other subjects were Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French and other Modem Languages, Geometry, Trigonometry, Bookkeeping, Drawing, Rhetoric and Logic, Moral Philosophy and Political Economy, as well as Roman and Grecian Histories, Mythology and Antiquities, Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Chemistry, Physiology, Geology and Botany. By the end of 1879, barely a year after the school started, the number of students on the enrolment had risen to 35 with five mission students, while by 1896, the enrolment had increased to 70 with eight members of staff. But with the opening of the Wesley College, Ibadan in 1905, the training of mission agents

MBHS compound

ceased to be undertaken by the school. With the motto 'Non sibi sed aliis' (Not for us but for others), Methodist Boys High School, relocated to its present 14 acres site on Victoria Island in 1983, following the approval of the Lagos State Government, under Governor Lateef Kayode Jakande. The school did take seriously from the start not only the task of imparting knowledge, but also of really fashioning men "unto the likeness of God" with strict Christian upbringing. To foster this, the students’ attendance at morning service was compulsory at the Trinity Methodist Church and in the evening at Wesleyan Church, Olowogbowo, while Sunday school at Tinubu was also compulsory. As part of character moulding and training, the boys were made to contribute £15 annually to the British and Foreign Bible Society, as a practical way of inculcating in the students the spirit of love and charity, a tradition that has survived till today. From its original motto “Numquam non paratus”, which was changed to 'Non sibi sed aliis' (Not for us, but for others), the Methodist Boys High School, according to its current and 28th Principal, Reverend Philip Adebayo Okunoren, being the second oldest and foundation secondary school in Nigeria, will continue to project equality in the treatment of all students no matter the race, colour, religion, or social status. “Methodist Boys High School is an institution of learning that provides qualitative education to all, through the inculcating of high standards of education into the daily lives of individuals that pass through the corridors of this prestigious school,” he said. Some of the old boys of the school, which has produced notable scholars and professional, who are movers and shakers of society in all spheres of human endeavour include Brig-Gen Mobolaji Johnson

(former Military Governor of Lagos State); the late Commodore Adekunle Lawal (former Military Governor of Lagos State); Chief Segun Osoba (former Civilian Governor of Ogun State); Fola Adeola (former Chief Executive Guaranty Trust Bank); Senator Adolfus Wabara (former Senate President); Dr. O. Obasa, the senior foundation scholar; the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, First Governor General and President of the country; Sir Louis Mbanefo; Sir Kofo Abayomi; Chief H.O. Davies; Chief Adeleke Adedoyin; Dr Akinola Maja (Co-founder of National Bank in 1933); E.J. Alex Taylor; Mr. Justice J.I.C Taylor (former Chief Justice of Lagos State); F.B. Cardoso (former AccountantGeneral of the Federation); Prof. Ola Rotimi (a renowned playwright); Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi (former minister and a renowned Economist and playwright); Professor Oladele Ajose (pioneer ViceChancellor of University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University); Professor Monekoso; Pa M. O. Onafowokan (first Nigerian Architect); Professor E. Latunde Odeku (first Nigerian Neuro-Surgeon); and Professor A. B. Aderibigbe. Other in the roll include Professor B.A. Williams; Professor G.O. Olusanya; Professor Salako; Professor Femi Kujore; Professor Sofowora (former Nigerian ambassador); Professor Osunkoya; Professor Afolabi Toye; Professor Ogunlana; Justice G.B. Coker; Justice A. Fatayi Williams (former Chief Justice of Nigeria); Justice F. Dabiri; Justice Y. A. Jinadu; S. O. Williams (former Federal Commissioner); Dr. L. A. Balogun; Akin Laguda (former Federal Commissioner); M.K. Gbajabiamila (former Lagos

State Commissioner); Dr. A. Olabimtan; Chief Olabode Ogunlana (former Secretary of World Scout Foundation); Oba Micheal Adeniyi Sonariwo (the Akarigbo of Remoland); Oba Samson Adekoya Adesanya (the Onijagba of Ijagba,Sagamu); the late Oba Olufunso Adeolu (the Alaaye Ode of Ode Remo); the late Air Marshall Nureini Yussuff (rtd and former Chief of Air Staff); Vice Admiral Babatunde Elegbede; and Fabio Lanipekun (renowned sports broadcaster), among other. The list is inexhaustible. Tracing the journey of the school, Rev. Okunoren, said the school has a unique tradition of excellence, and has built an image that towers it above other in terms of provision of qualitative education in an excellent environment, specifically conducive for the best of learning. Today, the school, which has excellence as its hallmark, modern day subjects in a wellequipped science laboratories, computer laboratory, music room, adequately equipped intro-tech workshop, with qualified and quality teachers. But to the Principal, the forceful take-over of the school by the Lagos State Government was a real setback and the darkest period in its history and growth of the school. While regretting how Lagos State Government took over its landed property in Ojo, where the Lagos State University (LASU) is presently housed, he said: “Lagos State Government bastardised our school and stunted it growth. That period was the darkest era in our history as a school. The school was outright neglected throughout the period of its taken-over by government without any infrastructure added to it.”

Methodist Boys High School is an institution of learning that provides qualitative education to all

Okunoren

Okunoren, an old boy of the school added: “We were taken to Ojo for expansion in 1975, where the Methodist Church, the Proprietor of the school, had built the administrative block, constructed a block of 26 classrooms, two modern science blocks and residential buildings for the principal and the vice-principal. Before we knew what was happening in 1980, the state government took over the land and its existing structures for the take off of LASU.” Basking in the euphoria of the school’s achievements and the loftier height's it has attained in its 136 years history, the Principal lauded the old boys for their immense contributions to the school’s accelerated development and growth. “Our old boys are doing wonders,” he stressed, saying the school, which currently has an enrolment of 300 pupils, and 64 members of staff including teaching and nonteaching staff, also grouped the pupils into four House – Disbury, Handsworth, Kingswood and Westminster. According to him, the 59/63 set donated a building of fiveroom apartment for senior teachers’ accommodation, which was handed over to the school on December 4, last year, while the United Kingdom chapter donated computers and software, refurbished the Chemistry laboratory, the Rotary Club International through 59/63 set also donatCONTINUED ON PAGE24

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At Covenant varsity, Nobel Laureates, economists chart direction for economy TALK-SHOP

For two days last week, economic experts and other professionals converged on Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State to deliberate on investment opportunities in Nigeria and the African continent. Mojeed Alabi

rior to the World Economic Forum on Africa that ended at Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, last week, in which world leaders, economic experts and policy makers gathered to beam a searchlight on the world and African economic order, the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, between May 5 and 6 assembled experts and economists, specifically those in the field of economic theory and practical, to discuss investment opportunities in Nigeria and African continent in particular. The forum also brought together two Nobel Prize Winners in Economics, Professors Thomas Sargent and Eric Maskin; as well as the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Serah Alade; and Dr. Jonathan Aremu of the ECOWAS Common Investment Market, among others.

At the opening ceremony of the talk-shop, which was tagged: “First Covenant University International Conference on African Development Issues,” participants expressed optimism that the outcomes of the conference would go a long way in assisting the nation’s economic drive. The theme of the workshop was “Rising Opportunity for Investors in Africa and the Prospects of an Economic Miracle.” The university, according to its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, organised the conference in view of the urgent need to shift global attention to major economic vectors conducive to economic growth and poverty alleviation on the continent. According to him, the last one decade has witnessed the reversal of the poor economic indicators of famine, extreme poverty and low growth rates, which he said characterised the preceding decades. One of the Nobel Laureates, Prof. Thomas Sargent, who described the initiative as a great intervention expected of a good academic institution, said he was convinced that the conference would provide solutions to any impediment identified to have hampered or hampering the country’s eco-

Sargent (2nd left); Oyedepo (3rd left); Alade (4th left) and other participants at the opening ceremony.

nomic potentials. The CBN governor, Dr. Serah Alade, on her part, said bank was delighted to be part of the initiative, stressing the need for all stakeholders on the African continent to come together to proffer solutions to the various challenges facing the continent’s economic growth. She said she was convinced that the investment opportunities in Africa would be tapped by global investors and that the current insecurity challenge facing Nigeria and other African countries will not deter investors from coming into the country. According to the Chancellor of the university and founder

of Living Faith Church Worldwide (aka Winners’ Chapel), the Proprietor of the institution, Dr. David Oyedepo, the recommendations at the talkshop would be collated and presented to the Federal Government for implementation. Bishop Oyedepo said: “I strongly believe we have a listening government and I understand this conference will come up with far-reaching decisions and recommendations on the possible ways of aiding the government’s initiative to revive the nation’s economy. This university is committed to building global leaders and change agents, who will be released to the world to make meaningful impacts.

“This is part of our strategies to achieve the set target of becoming one of the global 10 best universities by the year 2022, when Covenant University will be 20 years old.” The event, which drew participants across major professions and endeavours including the banking industry, organised private sector and academia, among others, was attended by the Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Alex Otti; the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu; former Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Prof. John Ifediora of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, USA, among others.

CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

ed 285 treated mosquito nets to the school. As part of the set’s golden jubilee anniversary celebration, a N100 million endowment fund of N4 million in the next 25 years was launched towards the development of the school. Apart from this, the Principal hinted that the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFM), Dr. D.K Olukoya donated a chapel – Methodist Chapel of Light to the school. Other facilities in the school are well-ventilated classrooms with sizable student-teacher ratio; two ICT laboratories; Fine Arts studio; plantation farm to support the students’ agriculture practical; a wellequipped hostels, regular power and water supply, a basketball court, and the Centenary Hall donated to the school by the old boys association. Okebukola With adequate facilities in place for quality teaching and learning, Okunoren noted that school has continued to excel in academic and external examinations over the years, adding the students have also been winning laurels in Lagos State competitions, sports and in other academic competitions both at the state and nationally levels. Describing MBHS as mission school of excellence, he said the school offers quality and all round standard education based on moral and spiritual upbringing of the children.

MBHS gate

Staff quarters

Waxing stronger at 136 His words: “We don’t joke with morning devotion, Bible study and moral instruction. We believe strongly in moral upbringing of our students. Every Friday we collect money from our students as donation to motherless homes and less-privileged in the society. We do this to inculcate in them the spirit of love and giving.” The principal, who reiterated that the management places high priority on teachers’ development, hinted that no fewer than 23 teachers had been sponsored to seminars locally and overseas to improve their skills and knowledge. “We believe in training and re-training of our teachers to bring the best standard out

of them,” the Principal said, noting the school fees is affordable, while the teachers are well remunerated. Setting his vision for the school, Okunoren, listed as priority infrastructural development, achieving and winning of academic laurels for the school in all subject areas, as well as taking the school to highest standard in moral rectitude and discipline as the bedrock of quality education and which is required to properly prepare the students to face the future without fear. “My vision for MBHS as the principal and old boy is to train and produce students who are not corrupt and who and well-equipped to face the

challenges of life as adults,” he said. Despite the achievements of the 136-year-old school, the Principal said the school is facing the problem of inadequate infrastructure to meet its needs, even as he appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola, whose father was an old boy of the school, to do more for the school, especially in the area of provision of students’ hostels. The list of the principals of the school from inception include Rev. W. Terry Coppin 1878 – 1883; Rev. George W. Baxter 1883 – 1884; Rev Edmund Tomlin 1884; Rev. M. J. Elliott 1885; Rev. J. H. Wellington 1886 – 1889; Rev.

W. B. Euba 1889 – 1896; Rev. J. H. Samuel 1896 – 1902; Rev. W. B. Euba 1902 – 1912; Rev. A. W. Moulton Wood 1912 – 1918; Rev. H. W. Stacey 1919 – 1927; Rev. J. A. Angus 1927 – 1932; Mr. J. T. Jackson 1932 – 1943; Rev. W. Roberts 1943 – 1946; Mr. A. B. Oyediran (old boy) 1947 – 1955; and Rev. S. A. Osinulu 1956 – 1962. Others are Mr. D. A. Famoroti 1963 – 1978; Mr. O. O. Soewu (old boy) 1980 - 1981 and 2004 – 2005; Chief. A. A. Osuneye (old boy) 1981-1989; Mr. E. F. Olukunle (old boy) 1990 – 1994; Prince. S. O. Saibu 1995 – 2001; Mr. Ademola Johnson (old boy) 2001 – 2004; Rev. S. A. Ogunniyi 2005 – 2007; Mr. J. A. Oyegbile (Acting) 2007 – 2008; Rev Samuel O. Osinubi 2008 – 2009; Mr. F. F. Akinsete (Acting) 2009; and Rev. Titus Kayode Fatunla 2009 to 2012.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

FG is insensitive to polytechnic sector's plight, says ASUP President Almost 10 months to the indefinite nationwide strike embarked upon by the polytechnic teachers under, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), it seems there is no end in sight. ASUP National President, Dr. Chibuzo Asomugha, speaks with EMELDAH OGENE on the insensitivity of the Federal Government to the plight of the lecturers and proffered solutions to the crisis stagnating polytechnic education in the country. The Federal Government said it has met almost 90 per cent of ASUP’s demands, but why has the union failed to suspend the prolonged strike? If the government had met 90 per cent of the union`s demands, it stands to reason that, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics should be reasonable enough to have suspended the strike. The Federal Government has not met even 20 per cent of our demands. We have 13 issues that we brought before the government in 2012. Of the 13 issues raised, we will say that government met only one in totality and set up a NEEDs Assessment Committee, which is the second one and the NEEDS Assessment Committee has not yet submitted its report. Besides, ASUP is being accused by the government for the protracted strike, saying the union also refused to accept the offer of N20.4 billion arrears in two installments. Can you shed more light on this? Well, that is not the situation. What happened is that, there was a salary structure approved for all the workers’ unions in the nation’s tertiary institutions in 2009. It is only in the polytechnics that the salary structure has not been implemented and when it was about to be implemented in 2010, it was for a segment of the senior staff leaving out the majority of the staff and we have been asking the government to stop paying the polytechnic workers as civil servants. The approval later came in 2013, during the negotiations for the implementation, but the Federal Government has not been able to fund it. Of course, the funding of the arrears is the N20.4 billion we are talking about; we are talking about salaries of workers that have been owned since 2009; we are not talking about allowances but salaries which have not been paid. That is the situation and our position. We never at any time of the negotiation rejected installmental payment. It is just a mere propaganda. Even at the intervention of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), we agreed that we are going to accept this payment in April and July, and that was the agreement ASUP reached with the Minister of Labour, Mr. Emeka Wogu and he was supposed to take the agreement back to the Presidency for approval and ratification. That was about four weeks ago and up till now nothing has been done or heard about it. So, what the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr.

Nyesom Wike is saying about the whole issues is not true. The government said both parties in the ongoing dispute signed an agreement to pay and receive the arrears in two installments which ASUP later rejected. What informed the union’s later position? It will not be far-fetched for a responsible government official at that level to say one thing and back it up with proof. If, there is any agreement let him show the world the agreement that we signed with him. There was no such agreement. What we have is that the government came out with a proposal; which they put down on paper, and no agreement was reached by the two parties (Federal Government and ASUP). We took the government`s proposal back to the National Executive Council (NEC), which is ASUP’s body empowered by the union Constitution to either call the union to strike, or call-off strikes. Of course, NEC looked at the government`s proposal and resolved that the Federal Government did not appear to be serious in any way to resolve the issue or end the strike, and that was why NEC rejected the government`s proposal at that time. The arrears is not the major issue, but against it is an issue. However, let me say that we cannot pretend to be ashamed of asking for salaries that had been owed the union since 2009. We have critically looked at our demands and they are in three dimensions. First, we want to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks of the polytechnics; we want to tackle the capacity of members of academic staff; and lastly, we want to shore up the integrity of polytechnic products in the labour market. These are the things we are asking for and Nigerians should not reduce our agitations to mere money. All the same, let me ask these questions. One, has the government addressed the discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates? Has the government addressed the review of the polytechnic that has been in the National Assembly for the past three years? Has government been able to look at the re-negotiation of an agreement it entered with ASUP in 2009, that it will be renegotiated in 2012? Has the government addressed the issue of the National Polytechnic Commission? Has the government addressed the issue of the appointment of unqualified persons as Rectors based on

The Federal Government has not met even 20 per cent of our demands political considerations? Has the government addressed the issue of proper funding of the polytechnic sector? Ironically, the government has not addressed any of these issues and government is talking about the N20.4 billion, as if that is the only issue in ASUP demands. ASUP has accused the Federal Government of being insensitive to the plight of the polytechnic sector. Can you explain further? Of course, that is very clear. Let us even start with the issue of strike, ASUP began its strike in April 29, last year, three months after it suspended the strike, the Academic staff Union of Universities (ASUU) began its strike just about the time ASUP suspended its strike. Immediately ASUU began its strike, the government entered into a negotiation with leaders of the union, but failed to conclude the negotiation with the union until five months later. It was when the Federal Government was able to resolve all the issues ASUU raised that ASUU called-off the strike and went back to classroom. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) resumed the suspended strike because the government reneged on the promises. The government has not bothered to enter into any tangible discussion with the union and you can see the discrimination against polytechnic sector. What will you say is delaying the President’s intervention to yield the desired result? Honestly, the government should answer this question. You know, when we met, the union shifted grounds to com-

We are ready to suspend the strike, but let the government do its own part

Asemogha

promise and even made some suggestions. We also suggested to the government how to raise money to pay the arrears. The union had an understanding when we met in March 26 with the Minister of Labour that within one week the minister should come back to us with an approval of the understanding we had which ASUP will take it to its NEC as a basis for reviewing the strike. It is over one month after, and the feedback has not come. Are we to blame ASUP for this negligence? We are ready to suspend the strike, but let the government do its own part. All we are asking the government is a commitment to dialogue, not even the real actualisation. But as at the time we reached this agreement in late March, we said pay us in April and let us start discussion on other issues, and then put them to actionable position in two months’ time. So, if you look at it, you will find out that what we actually demanded the government to do is to make a commitment towards fruitful dialogue, which the government has not been able to do. This has been the longest strike ever in the history of ASUP, yet nothing positive seems to have been achieved, can't the union retreat in order to re-plan its strategise? This is not an issue of retreating because we are not at war with anybody. ASUP is not fighting anybody, what happened is that a significant segment of Nigeria`s development is threatened and if that segment is threatened then the wholeness of the development of our nation is threatened as well. It is a significant population of this country, who ordinarily do not have people who speak for them; who are not particularly privileged and are being denied its constitutional right to education and enlightenment. Sadly, it is a deliberate perpetration of ignorance and ASUP is saying, this cannot continue. The polytechnic system at the outset was supposed to bridge a middle level manpow-

er gap; it was supposed to boost the nation’s drive into a technological age, but rather we have started playing politics with that very critical sector of the Nigerian economy and the future of Nigerian people. We are playing politics with the future of young people and our union at this time happens to be in a position to call the government order and its responsibilities and that is what we are doing. Whether it is retreating, surrendering, advancing or whatever it is, what is the overall effects on people who today feel they are so privileged that the problem of polytechnic sector does not concern them. But they should realise that it is a social effect, which will stair us in the face, if not now, it will come later in the future and we have a responsibility as a union to remind the government of their responsibilities. All we are saying is that the government should do what is needful ascertain the future of our country. The students are wasting away at home while some of them are engaging in one nefarious activity or the other. Is it not high time the union deemed it fit to suspend the strike in their interest, that of the nation and polytechnic education? We have tried as much as possible to end the strike. But I want to say this that the strike is also in the interest of the students, going by the 13 areas of demands before the government. Perhaps, except for the salary arrears, there is no other issue that is bothered on welfare issue of academic staff, all the other issues are those that concern the future of the students that we are talking about. It bothers on the quality of the degree of certification that we are awarding them; the quality of education they are getting; the environment where they get the education; the personnel that are dishing out the education, and so on. So, it is also about the students, it is not just about been in school, but it is about graduating with what and into what market.

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Hope to return History to schools rises Mojeed Alabi

L-R: Chairman, NIBFT, Mr. Samuel Kolawole(left); Chairman, House Committee on Education, Sulaiman Aminu (right) and other guests at the conference on e-book organised by NIBFT at the University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Group petitions FG to rescue Kogi teachers Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

civil society organisation, under the aegis of the Great Transformation Support Initiative (GTSI), has petitioned the Presidency, over the plight of primary school teachers in Kogi State. In the petition signed by the organisation's National Chairman, Ambassador Ojie Mark Ojie, he said the continued closure of all public primary schools in the state was adversely affecting the future of over 1.350 million pupils and their teachers. He, therefore, sought the Federal Government’s quick intervention in the matter to save and secure the future of

the children, education and the state. The state Coordinator of the organisation, Mr. Zacch Jonathan, had earlier raised the alarm that the primary school teachers are being owed five month salaries. While lamenting the continued closure of the public primary school sub-sector in Kogi State, the group in their petition, wondered that the schools were shut down for six months in 2011; five months in 2012, and almost a whole year in 2013, he wondered also that the teachers have vowed not to return to the classroom this year until their demands are met. The organisation stressed the important role of teachers in the delivery of educa-

tion, saying that the incessant strikes is capable of affecting negatively the standard of primary school education in the state. The group called for immediate implementation of the National Minimum wage for primary teachers, urging the state government-led by Idris Wada and the state wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to work in tandem for the benefit and development of primary school education, the pupils and their teachers, as well as the government. Following the crisis, Governor Wada was said to have dissolved the management of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), led by Alhaji Usman Jibril.

School owner advises FG on security challenge Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

iqued by the security challenges bedeviling the country, President, Educational Legacy College, Dr. Ibraheem Saka Ominiwe, has said that as a way out, President Goodluck Jonathan should urgently convey a meeting of all past heads of governments of the country. Ominiwe, who gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, disclosed that it had become necessary considering the negative effects of the challenges on the nation’s socio-economic development. According to him, the President should as a matter of urgency call his predecessors to a meeting, where the problems would be discussed with a view to proffering lasting solutions to it before it is too late. He said: "As the adage goes, where there are elders in a town, such town will never go astray; and a stitch in time they say saves nine."

On the abducted Federal Government College, Chibok, Borno State school girls, he pleaded with the Boko Haram sect, the abductors of the girls, to release the students safely for the sake of God and humanity, saying the insurgents should be reminded that "if you train a female girl, you have trained a nation while two wrongs can never make a right". While reacting to the abysmal performance of candidates in the just-released Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, conducted by the Joints Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), he noted that the rate of failure was the reflection of the state of the general wellness of the nation’s educational system. "One should thank the management of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board for ensuring that this year’s UTME questions did not leak. If there was leakage, definitely we would not be able to know the true picture of the quality

of our secondary school graduates who are potential UTME candidates each year", he said. Against the backdrop of the claim that the standard of education has fallen, Ominiwe said rather than falling, the standard is improving day-inday out. "You will agree with me that looking at the subject content, most topics that were taught at 200 Level at the university about two decades ago had been incorporated into the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) syllabus in the secondary school," he explained. The school proprietor, however, lamented that teachers are not adequately remunerated to serve as a morale booster, saying "most of the Nigerian students nowadays pre-occupied themselves with mundane things such as being fanatics of foreign football clubs, as well as surfing the internet and watching films which are non-academic and counter-productive to their education and overall development."

he waning prospect of the subject of History in Nigerian schools, especially in the secondary schools and universities has become a source of worry to stakeholders in the discipline. According to them, the neglect of such relevant subject in the study of the foundation of human existence is the source of the many indignities of bad leadership, corruption and poor moral values, which they insist currently stare the country in the face. As part of efforts to address the situation, stakeholders in the field of History in the country and the entire African continent, will on Wednesday May 21, gather in the boardroom of the University of Ibadan to debate the fortune of History with a view to finding appropriate ways to revive it in schools. The event, which is tagged Historiography, is part of activities marking the 85th birthday celebration of one of Nigeria’s foremost and renowned Historian and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Emeritus Jacob Festus Adeniyi Ajayi, popularly known as J. F. Ade Ajayi. The lead discussant at the event, according to the organisers, is the former Nigerian Permanent Representative and President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Prof. Michael Omolewa. Omolewa, who is billed to speak on the theme: “Lessons for the Profession of History Taught by the Life of the Historian, J.F Ade Ajayi,” however told the New Telegraph in an exclusive interview that he

will confront the issue of History in Nigerian school curriculum in his presentation. He called on stakeholders in the education sector and the media to join hands in the efforts to bring back History to schools. Also, on May 26, Omolewa said a book dedicated to the life and career of the Emeritus Professor will be launched at the Main Hall of the new University of Ibadan International Conference Centre. The book launch will be the high point of the ceremonies marking the birthday anniversary of Prof. Ade-Ajayi, he described as an icon, role-model, eminent historian, Pan-Africanist, a distinguished academic and administrator. The book, which is titled: J.F Ade Ajayi: His Life and Career is co-edited by the duo of Omolewa and the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Jide Osuntokun, also a renowned Professor of History. Ade Ajayi, a former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG between 1972 and 1978.

Ade-Ajayi

Plateau SUBEB sacks 77 teachers, begins biometric exercise Musa Pam Jos

he Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has wielded its big stick on 77 teachers with fake Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) teaching in various government primary schools in the state. The state SUBEB Chairman, Ngo Lyop Gloria Mang disclosed this in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph in Jos that the board discovered the fake teachers through proper investigation and verification of their certificates at various Colleges of Education the affected teachers claimed to have attended and obtained their certificate. The Chairman, who noted that the required qualification for teaching in primary schools is NCE certificate, saying any teacher without genuine certificate will not be

accepted in the state teaching force. Ngo Mang maintained that the teaching profession is not a collection of quacks and that the board will not accept quacks in its system, she said: "We will not employ quacks and put them in the profession, because we want quality and qualified teachers and this government will not in any way tolerate them." Her words: "Those teachers who do not have the requisite qualifications will be shown the way out of the profession. Most of the sacked teachers either have diploma certificates not even in Education, but in other disciplines. When I assumed office as the Chairman, we gave them five years with which to acquire relevant certificates in Education but they refused to do so. For us in the board, the best thing to do in order to bring sanity to the system is to show them the way out."

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Sikiru Akinola OAU

hen fresh students at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe, resume on June 1 for the new academic session, they should be prepared for hard times on campus. But the students are to face a new fees regime. The authorities of the university have offered reasons for the upward review of the fees and why the students are to pay more for their education in the university. The management-led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole, cited dwindling federal allocation, inflation and economic realities as some of its reasons. A release issued by the university’s spokesman, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju and made available to New Telegraph, stated that the Senate approved the adjustment in the municipal charges to enable the university meet the students’ needs. Olanrewaju said the old order where new students in the Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Technology and Pharmacy, as well as College of Medicine paid N12,300; N13,700 and N17,200 respectively is no longer realistic in this present-day Nigeria. The statement said: “Accordingly, the Senate has unanimously agreed to further improve on the ratings of the university as the best in the country, especially in terms of providing sound and quality teaching to its students. It, therefore, enjoined parents and guardians of new students to assist the university in this regard by being financially active in the payment of the new fee. “We would like to also inform the general public that tuition is still free at Obafemi Awolowo University and that acceptance fee remains N20,000. Even at the new charges, we are still the best and the cheapest in West Africa and students from other universities could attest to this assertion.” Olarewaju pointed out that the Senate of the university has constituted a committee to take care of the financial constraints of indigent students, adding that the university will continue to do its best in uplifting the standard of education in the country.

Fees hike: OAU students ready for showdown

l Management gives reasons

Students gather to discuss the new fees

However, the leadership of various students’ union on campus including the newly elected members of the Central Executive Council of the Students’ Union, hall executive council and the students’ representative council, have reviewed the development and vowed to strongly oppose it. The new fee regime, they claim, will now make new students to pay as much as N72, 400; N78, 400 and N81, 400 depending on their faculties, “and this is in addition to the N20, 000 acceptance fee which was introduced three years ago.

It would be recalled that the introduction of the acceptance fee led to the closure of the university and proscription of the students’ union on February 23, 2011 following the students protest against the management action. The ban was only lifted three months ago, with the elected student leaders awaiting their inauguration. The student leaders issued a release after their meeting, which was jointly signed by the President and General Secretary-elect of the students’ union, Ibikunle Isaac and Shittu Olatayo. They said

the proposed increment was irrational, adding: “We cannot stand to bear the brunt of a failed and irresponsible government by jeorpadising and negotiating our future. It must be reiterated that it is our right and not a privilege to be adequately educated under the United Nation's Child Right Act." The statement reads further: "We may have all come in different ships, but we are in the same boat now as Great Ife. The leadership of the union has embarked on intellectual tactics and strategies as regards this issue by proper

UNILAG names park after late VC Mojeed Alabi

t was a solemn session last Sunday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, as

members of the university community, family members and associates of the late ViceChancellor of the university, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe,

Guests at the unveiling of Sofoluwe's statue. INSET: VC, Bello and Sofoluwe's wife, Olufunmilayo.

gathered to honour him. The solemn session was the second anniversary of the death of the late Vice-Chancellor. The event was the commissioning of a park, which was named after him in recognition of his contribution to academic and physical development of the university, where he lived and spent most of his live. The park, situated directly in front of the university’s Senate Building, according to Sofoluwe’s successor, Prof. Rahman Bello, is designed to reflect the serenity, calmness and humility that characterised the life and times of his former boss. Eulogising the late ViceChancellor, Rahman, who briefly reflected on the character of Sofoluwe, said his death was a huge loss to the university community, adding that as an alumnus of the institution, “Sofoluwe lived and died for UNILAG because he achieved so much for the university

engagement, consultation and consolidation with internal and external forces to wield their influence for us on this shocking hike in our fees.” Towards this end, the students resolved and called on the management to inaugurate their elected executive members before Friday, this week. They urged the various workers’ unions on the campus including ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT to support them, while calling on the students to use the social media to popularise their war against the new fee regime. within his brief tenure as a vice-chancellor.” “We were all in the boat to take this university to the Promised Land, but suddenly Sofoluwe abandoned the ship and left us behind. It was hard to cope with his loss, but we are very sure that wherever he is today, our former boss would be happy that the ship has not sunk,” Bello said. The head of the committee that designed the new Adetokunbo Sofoluwe Park, Dr. Mike Adebamowo of the institution’s Department of Architecture, said the park has at its centre the statue of the late Professor of Computer Science and surrounded by few seat that will make it impossible for people to abuse the purpose for which it was built. Responding on behalf of the family, the wife of the late Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Olufunmilayo Sofoluwe, thanked the university community and the family members for their support and encouragement, promising to keep up the good works of her late husband.

EDUCATION | CAMPUS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Ex-Minister suggests special funds for young entrepreneurs Hameed Muritala Unilorin

ormer Minister of Sports, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi has called on the Federal Government to create a special purpose fund for young entrepreneurs, and train them on how to use the funds judiciously. This, according to him, is one of the ways in which the problem of youth unemployment in the country could be tackled. “For us to tackle the menace of rising youth unemployment, we must tackle the problem of lack of funding. This is why the Federal Government should create a special fund dedicated to young entrepreneurs,” he said. He stated this while delivering a paper at the annual public lecture of the Association of Business and Social Sciences Students (ABSSS), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter. The public lecture, entitled: “Menace of Youth Unemployment in Nigeria: Is There really no Way-out?” was organised in honour of the former Minister. Abdullahi, who lamented the growing rate of youth unemployment in the

country, also advised the students to design a template that will make them diversify into vocational and entrepreneurial skills. This, according to him, would go a long way in helping to address the alarming rate of unemployment, which could be traced to the menace of insecurity confronting the nation. He encouraged the students to identify and develop their unique selling points in order to help them overcome the challenge of unemployment in the society, stressing that they must always take responsibilities for their lives. Abdullahi said: “You have to take responsibilities for your lives and don’t look for excuses. I know what poverty means because I grew up with it. I was a bus conductor in Ilorin to send myself to school. We must stop pretending about our problems.” He advised them to know the direction they are heading if unemployment problems must be solved, adding that the society requires people with skills and critical thinking to solve the multifaceted problems facing it. He, however, decried the nation’s system of education, saying that it has

UNILORIN gate

failed to adequately train and equip students to meet the requirements of labour market. “We have to restructure our education system and make it functional to meet the requirements of the labour marke,” Abdullahi said, even as the former Minister noted that 80 per cent of students are in the higher institutions of learning not because they felt the conscious need, but because they considered it as the next thing in their lives after secondary education. He said that the essence of going to school was for students to become economic agents and contribute actively to the growth and development of their society.

Also the Sub-Dean, Students’ Affairs Unit of the institution, Dr. Abdulraheem Yusuf, who said the country is faced with the problem of corruption which must first be addressed for unemployment to be tackled, noted: “Youth of this generation are now faced with new challenges that require new thinking with various opportunities that they have to harness.” The high point of the occasion was the presentation of award of Leadership Excellence to the former Minister (Abdullahi); the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali; former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and lecturer in the Political Science Department, Prof. Mojeed Alabi.

Lawmaker rewards winner of UI students’ union league Hammed Hamzat UI

lawmaker and member of Oyo State House of Assembly representing IbadanNorth Constituency I, Olusegun Olaleye has rewarded the winner of the University of Ibadan (UI) Students’ Union league, Mode FC of Tedder Hall. Olaleye, an alumnus and former Students’ Union President of the university presented the winners with cash prize. The cash prize and trophy

Winners of the students union league.

NANS Zone B inaugurates excos amidst rowdy session Emeka Onwudinjo UNIZIK-NAU

he inauguration ceremony of the newly elected members of executive council of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone-B, was conducted in a rowdy session at the main auditorium of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State following a protest by a section of the students, who had insisted that one of the elected officers should not be sworn-in. The members of executive officers, who are expected to pilot the affairs of the zone for the next one year, were elected during the Zone’s convention held at the Cross River College of Education, Akamkpa, Cross River State. The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youths and Students’ Matters, Mr. Aguocha Chidi and

Dean, Students’ Affairs, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Magnus Chima-Offor advised the new executive members to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors by working together as a team. Those sworn-in at the ceremony include the Deputy Coordinator from UNIBEN, Ekutu Richard; Secretary General from FUTO, Okafor Chuks; PRO (Delta State University) Pedro Chibuzo-Obi; Director of Sports (Ebonyi State University) Eze Paul; Director of Action and Mobilization (ESUT) Victor Ezenagu; Director External Affairs (Ambrose Ali University) Enadamen Aliyu; Director of Special Duties (University of Uyo) Aniefie Inyang; Treasurer (Abia Polytechnic) Okwuisi Rodney; Financial Secretary (UNICAL) Ogah Mercy Awu; and Assistant Secretary General from UNIPORT, Comrade Lah Ledogo

Amabu. However, trouble started when a group of students from Abia State Polytechnic, who stormed the venue of the inauguration, insisted that the Treasurer, Okwuisi Rodney from the polytechnic should not be swornin, as the Treasurer of the zone, alleging that he is no longer a student of the polytechnic. According to the leader of the group, Nwamu Chikezie Clinton, Rodney had been expelled from the polytechnic and had also been declared wanted by the polytechnic management. But, amidst their protest, the Chairman of the 2014 Convention Committee, Comrade Aruna Kadinu, went ahead to swear-in the new exco members, describing the students as enemies of progress. He stressed that all the candidates were thoroughly screened and satisfied qualified for the election by the Department of

Security Service (DSS) before the exercise was conducted. Anambra State Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano, who represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Youth Mobilization, Chinedu Obidigwe congratulated the new officers and charged them on hard work, commitment and selfless service. While restating the support of Anambra State to the course of the association at all times, the governor said: “But you should avoid violence, drug abuse and addiction, malpractices of any kind, kidnapping and armed robbery. Let us join hands in building a better society.” In his acceptance speech, the new Zonal Coordinator, Okorie Ikechukwu thanked their colleagues for considering them worthy to lead the union, assuring them that the new officers will embark on a four-point agenda.

was received by the Captain of Mode FC Team, Ibraheem Badmus, while the first runner up and second runner up teams were also rewarded with cash prizes at the closing ceremony of the league, which took place at the Students’ Representative Council Chamber. The ceremony was attended by members of the Students’ Union, led by the General Secretary, Akinbuluma Ayokanmi and the six teams from the various halls of residence that participated in the soccer league. The League was coordinated by the Sports Secretary of the Students’ Union, Opeyemi Akindele and chaired by former Sports Secretary of the union, Emmanuel Otto. Presenting prizes to the winners at the ceremony, Akindele said that David Adelore of Ochollo FC, Nnmadi Azikiwe Hall won the highest goal scorer prize for netting 12 goals in the tournament, while the Best Team of the league award went to Premier FC of Mellanby Hall. The Mode FC of Tedder Hall emerged the winner of the league after scoring 21 points from 10 matches; while Noble FC of Sultan Bello Hall came second with 18 points from 10 matches, and Premier FC of Mellanby Hall placed third with 14 points from 10 matches respectively. Ayokanmi, on behalf of the organisers of the competition and other members of executive of the union, thanked the lawmaker for sponsoring the league, and urged other alumni of the university to give back to their alma mater.

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Science lecturers sharpen pupils’ skills at seminar

The students during the procession.

Amid tears, UNIBEN students mourn colleague

ears flowed freely last week as the students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) mourned one of their own. The entire university was thrown into mourning mood following the death of a 19-year-old 400 Level Law undergraduate of the institution, Ceasar Augustus Ekeoba, who died as a result of a protracted illness. Ekeoba was said to have died on May 6, as a result of Cerebral Abscess he developed, which culminated in

his death. Until his death, he was the Class Representative, and whose leadership qualities engendered him to his lecturers and mates who loved. As part of activities lined up to honour him, the students trooped out in large number to participate in a procession organised on the campus in his honour. Some of the students and his admirers, who spoke of Ekeoba’s death, which they described as a great loss to the family, the university and

the law profession, recalled that Caesar as he was fondly called had done UNIBEN Law Faculty proud in several competitions where he won laurels for the institution. To them, Ekeoba, the Master of advocacy and an intellectual had gone. “He and some students had just returned from the U.S.A where they had gone to represent Nigeria at the Jessup Moot Court Competition in Washington DC, before he died,” one of the students said in a sad note.

he curtains have been lowered on the outreach programme for secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. It was organised by Women in Science for the Developing World, Ekiti State University chapter, in collaboration with African Women in Agricultural Research and Development. The main objective of the programme, is to nurture the pupils early in life for careers in science and technology. The outreach programme was held at the Oodua Auditorium of the state university with the theme: “Role Modeling for Female Students in Science and Technology.” According to the President of the organisation, Prof. Esther Yetunde Aderibigbe, the idea behind the exercise was to create awareness for the young girls about the vast opportunities in career in science and technology. She said the African continent and the world would in fu-

Aina, VC

Ekiti varsity on path to greatness, says VC

kiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti ViceChancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, has stressed that the university was on the path of becoming one of the best universities in Africa. He made the declaration during the presentation of the Entrepreneurial Studies’ plan for the university, saying the institution introduced the entrepreneurship training

Kemi Busari OAU

he maxim “All work without play makes Jack a dull boy,” was brought to the fore last week, as students of Awolowo Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) set aside a day to celebrate their Ewa Day. Ewa (beans), a staple food is identified among students as common food, apparently because its cheap and has the capacity to sustain them for longer hours. Having identified Ewa as a strong staple food of residents of the hall over the years, the students therefore set aside a particular day in their calendar to celebrate beans, popular called ewa, among the Yoruba race, to appreciate the impact of the Ewa in their sustenance on the campus. This year’s annual event, which coincided with the celebration of Hilarity, another attribute of the residents of the hostel, was held last Saturday. Despite that many students were not aware of the event due to the little or no adequate publicity for the celebration, apparently because the Hall Executive Council had not been inaugurated, they got wind of the event by the arrival of a large bag of beans to the hall. The students had to troop out en masse to take part in the preparation of their favou-

ture greatly be in need of their contributions in the areas of scientific research and technological discoveries. The Vice-chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina praised members of the organisation for their role-modeling efforts and urged other individuals and organisations to emulate the organisation in the quest to properly equip the young ones for the future.

for its students as part of the turning around mechanism and transformation of the university to produce graduates who would be skilled and self-employed. However, the Programme Consultant, Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan, who noted that the training had been developed to benefit all and sundry, said: “This project, when commissioned will improve the economy of the state.” “It is going to equip the students with vocational skills that will contribute towards their development and that of the economy of the state,” she noted. Mrs. Olaniyan pointed out that entrepreneurship training would also be more beneficial to the female students, who when at home to take care of their children, “rather being at home doing nothing, they could make sundry incomes by engaging in skill acquisition venture already learnt in school.” At the event were principal officers of the university including the Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre, Prof. J. O. Oloyede.

Students eating ewa

OAU students celebrate Ewa Day in grand style rite meal. The cleaning and other preparations for the cooking, which had begun at about 10:30am was done by female students, who expressed delight at the experience. While the cooking was ongoing the students were singing and dancing round the cooking pots on fire, which according to them, was part of the catalyst needed by the food to be well cooked. By 2 p.m, while the dancing and singing were still going on, the aroma of the cooked beans had already taken over the entire hostel

as the students in their hundreds held various containers such as buckets, bowls, nylons, paper bags, among others to take their share of the “commonwealth.” Several of the students came with loaves of bread in which they created holes in the middle for the beans to be served. Just as the beans was being shared, a 200 Level undergraduate in History Department, who lives in Block Two of the Hall, Mayowa Shedrach, ran a commentary of the event to add colour and glamour to the ceremony.

The Night of Hilarity programme, popularly among the students as “Aro Night” commenced at about 10 pm that evening. The programme featured several activities as the students dressed in different funny attires and performed various performances. The night also featured songs, rap and dance performances from members of the Awolowo Hall and other hostels, who joined in the celebration. While speaking on what it takes to organise the programme, one of the organis-

ers, Adeleye Adedayo, said it was hectic organising the programme due to lack of funds and energy that went into it. He said: “We spent about N30,000 in getting things together. We ordered each room to pay N200, but whenever we moved around to collect the money, some rooms offered as low as N10. We did not allow this to frustrate us. But the interesting thing was that we were determined and sustained by passion and motivation to keep the tradition alive and that it must not die.”

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

EDUPEACE with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)

More degrees, less sense W Cutting the tape is the VC, Prof. Vincent Tennebe while others watch.

NOUN commissions laboratories to boost learning Mojeed Alabi

new set of laboratories which will enhance research development and pave the way for effective teaching and learning of science-related courses have been inaugurated by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) at its main campus at Victoria Island, Lagos. The major research areas of the laboratories include biological, chemical, clinical and environmental, among other disciplines in sciences. The research facilities, according to the Dean of School of Sciences, Professor Mba Okoronkwo, will boost the university’s vision of developing its strategies in teaching, curriculum development, innovation, research, administration and service delivery. He added that the diagnostic laboratory, apart from serving the purpose of learning for students, it will also complement the operation of the university’s clinic by providing modest, basic medical laboratory tests and other services. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe explained that the university had partnered various relevant higher

institutions close to its campuses nationwide in order to provide the laboratory with the needs of the students, adding that the essence of the laboratories is to avail students close to the main campus the use of the facilities and to set standard in its service delivery. Tenebe, who commended the institution’s governing council for approving the project, thanked members of staff and students of the university for making the project a reality. He enjoined them to make good use of the facilities, promising that his administration would continue to work hard to improve the quality of the university’s academic standard and infrastructure. The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Prof. Sidi Osho, commended the university management for its vision and efforts at making the vision a reality. Osho, who is currently on sabbatical at the NOUN School of Agricultural Sciences said the choice of NOUN is to experience the workings of an open university and distance learning system as against the conventional system, which she is already used to.

Elizade Varsity institutes students’ forum Kayode Olanrewaju

s part of measures to foster harmonious relationship between the management and the students, the management of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has inaugurated the Students Consultative Forum of the institution. While inaugurating the Forum, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Valentine Aletor, affirmed that it was instituted in response to the need for a sustained harmonious relationship between the management and the students. Aletor, who lauded the excellent behaviour of the students since the takeoff of the university, urged them to continue in the path of moral and academic excellence, in which the university is founded. The Vice-Chancellor warned the students not to see the forum as an arm of students’ union, saying the management employed appointment process in selecting members of the executive committee of the forum rather than election used in electing students’ union leaders. According to him, criteria such as good academic standing, moral uprightness and leadership quality, among others were used to appoint members of the executive committee. The Vice-Chancellor advised the students to maximize their interaction with members of the committee, even as he implored them to channel their opinions,

observations and dissatisfactions to the university management through these officers. Aletor, who tasked members of the executive committee on the need to be role models and shining examples to their colleagues, insisted that that is the only way in which they could gain their respect. In his remarks, the Registrar, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro enjoined them to listen to complaints of their colleagues and reminded the students that need to have students’ representation in decision making process of the institution was part of the reasons why the forum was inaugurated. Adegbenro, who pledged the readiness of the university to continue to carry the students along in all policies that affect them, congratulated members of the Executive Committee on their appointment. He said they should see their appointment as a challenge to take the university to loftier heights. Meanwhile, the Acting Dean of Students, Dr. Ezekiel Adeleye, admonished the officers to relate closely with their colleagues in order to be acquainted with their feelings, adding that their appointment should not detach them from the other students. He disclosed that good leaders are those who live in the midst of their people to know their needs and understand them, and particularly advised the Welfare Director to prepare himself for the enormous challenges ahead.

hile speaking at the opening ceremony of the 28th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Mathematical Society hosted by the University of Ilorin on June 23, 2009, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University and President of the then Association of African Universities, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, said something that stuck to me. It bordered on an aspect of our education that is often taken for granted. According to him, “we must allow our education to permeate our lives. We must not be an accountant who does not have a personal budget. We must not be a doctor who is drunk. We must not be a policeman who aids and abets corruption, which he exists only to eliminate and curb. We must not be a Customs officer who wears a contraband uniform. We should not be leaders who will not promote law and order in the society.” However, the irony is that what he advocated against is the reality of Nigeria where we have more degrees and less as people do not practise what they know or are supposed to know. As he said, it is real that we have accountants who do not have their own personal budgets. We have doctors and medical students who smoke and drink, though they know that such habits are injurious to health. Today, we see religious leaders who promote hatred and utter incendiary statements because of vain political expediency and we find teachers who connive with students and parents to cheat. We have lawyers who break the law and we know how some criminally-minded people in high places decide to study law for the purpose of knowing how to break it with ease. We find journalists who misinform the public and media houses publishing rumours with some of them losing credibility and reputation in the process. While the issue of policemen aiding and abetting corruption is commonplace among us, we also have political leaders who overtly or covertly promote violence. Yet, we know that the purpose of government is to sustain peace and maintain law and order. There are states in Nigeria today where senior government officials are known to connive or sponsor thugs and unskilled workers to foment trouble in order to score some political points. We have people going to school, acquiring certificates and obtaining degrees without being “educated”. We have people who go on strike and later get paid for the work not done. Our education has been reduced to acquiring more degrees, which do not often translate to sense. George Carlin, the late American philosopher-comedian, who inspired the title of this piece, lamented this contraction when he x-rayed the paradox of our modern life when wrote that “we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses but smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgement, more experts but more problems, more medicine, but

What we need is to act on what we know and avoid the syndrome of more degrees and less sense

less wellness. “We’ve cleaned up the air but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever but we communicate less and less. These are times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days for two incomes and more divorce, fancier houses but broken homes…” The purpose of education is selfdevelopment, character reformation and the attainment of a total man. The purpose of education is not just seeking employment. If one is employed by an organisation or government, it is good. However, it is wrong to assume that the only reward of education is material. Being educated and being rich are not always the same. It is therefore desirable for students to think of what they can do with their education, the value they can add to the society with their training despite the harsh socio-economic situation, while they are still in school. At the risk of repetition, an “educated” person would not behave like that graduate of Ekiti State University who wanted to commit suicide by jumping on the main road from a moving vehicle in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last month because he had been seeking a job without success for 10 years. He had been wrongly wired to assume that the sole purpose of education is to seek employment, not to help himself with his knowledge. This is what Imam Ghazali wrote on putting translating knowledge to action. “Let it be known very well that knowledge will not save a person unless it is put into practice. Let me clarify this point with an example for you: supposing someone fully armed suddenly met a lion in the mountains, no matter how brave and how good he might be in using a gun and a sword, could not save himself from this lion unless he used his weapon? By the same token, however deeply learned a person may be, his knowledge will come to naught if he does not act upon his knowledge.” What we need is to act on what we know and avoid the syndrome of more degrees and less sense. As we go through the trying times of many people talking before thinking thereby heating the polity, we should always remember Robert Frost’s definition of education: “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” l Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Acting Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin.

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS Champion Breweries shops for N11.6bn In a bid to reposition its business, Champion Breweries Plc has filed an application for a Rights Issue of 6,300,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N1.85 per share worth about N11.6 billion.

}p-32

Liberia to export eggs to Nigeria, others In the next few months, Liberia will commence exportation of eggs to Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin and other West African countries following the commissioning of a 95,050-capacity hatchery in the country by its government. The hatchery was established by Obasanjo Farms Liberia (OFL).

}p-32

‘NEXIM not under obligation to support Bash Ali’s project’ Managing Director of NigeriaExport -Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Robert Orya, said the investment development bank is not under any obligation to support Bash Ali’s World Guinness book of record fight project with N150 million .

}p-33

Who becomes APCON’s new chairman? Notable advertising practitioners with intimidating records are in the race for the chairmanship position of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). Expectedly, one of them will grab the job.

}p-39

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

CHUKS ONUANYIN, Energy NNAMDI AMADI, Reporter

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

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

GROWTH Nigeria's telecoms industry is expected to continue to grow despite challenges Jonah Iboma

he growth in Nigeria’s mobile phone subscription is expected to reach 200 million by 2017, according to Informa Telecoms & Media. Although details of the growth pattern were not released, cost is, however, expected to be an issue to operators, especially with the recent move by government to mandate operators to invest more on infrastructure in order to improve service quality. MTN is expected to continue to maintain its lead in the market while other operators are expected to register some impressive growth. Nevertheless, against the backdrop of this expected development, telecommunication experts are predicting that major mobile phone operators such as MTN, Etisalat and Bharti Airtel will not quit the country, despite increasing operational costs and security challenges. Currently, Nigeria has about 170 million connected lines although about 120 million of these are active subscriber lines and annual net additions are about 12 million subscribers. It would be recalled that when Etisalat announced plans to sell some of its West African businesses, Nigeria was not listed. Telecoms analyst at International Data Corporation, Spiwe Chireka, said that MTN would defend its presence in Nigeria despite the challenges it faces. "Nigeria has become MTN’s key market and it has overtaken South Africa. From the group’s perspective it’s a promising market. The challenges with the regulator have been long coming, because for a while now it has been sanctioning MTN to improve quality of service." Director and analyst at Africa Analysis, Dobek Pater,

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyeama, and Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, when the former paid courtesy visit to Access Bank recently

said the Nigerian market was "extremely important to MTN." According to him, “the Nigerian market is the biggest consumer market and key market apart from South Africa and Iran, and still expanding. It is still a potential enterprise market for MTN Business and we will start to see what is happening here and in Nigeria two to three years from now." He said from a strategic and revenue perspective, Nigeria remained "a must-keep" market for the operator and could

Dele Alao

he Public Investment Corporation of South Africa is making its presence felt across Nigeria, Ghana and some African countries with its stance at Ecobank and billions of dollars to invest in other sectors. It was learnt that the fund’s foray into other African countries is being closely watched, and for good reason. PIC’s investment budget represents one of the biggest capital allocations in Africa except for multilateral lenders and global mining companies. Since embarking on its Africa strategy two years ago, PIC has announced just three

possibly sacrifice profit for competitiveness. "MTN might take a decision to absorb its profit margins and not pass the cost to consumers," he said. Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has been witnessing consistent growth since 2001 when mobile telephony made its entrance into the country and the sector was opened to global investment. From a paltry 400,000 subscribers, the sector witnessed a massive growth of 170million connections in about 13 years.

The growth, which the market witnessed forced companies such as MTN, Airtel and Etisalat to change the business plans in order to cope with consumers demands for services. The recent rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross domestic Product (GDP) showed that the telecommunications and information services sector contributed 8.68 per cent to the Nigerian economy equivalent to N6.97 trillion ($44.3 billion) out of the total reCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

South African firm expands to Nigeria, others investments so far, and all are direct: the stake in Ecobank; a $289 million investment in Dangote Cement, the largest listed company in Nigeria; and a 2.4 billion rand stake in Tanzania’s Tanga Cement Co. “They’re tiptoeing their way,” says Emerging Capital Partners’ Aimé. It has more than $2 billion under management and has invested in more than 50 companies, and exited 28. The South African government has proclaimed that it wants the country to become

the continent’s center of regional investment. Some money managers, like Sokhela, believe most South African pension funds are merely looking to test the waters rather than placing aggressive bets. In mid-March, the board of directors of Togo-based Ecobank Transnational ousted CEO, Thierry Tanoh over allegations of mismanagement. The leadership change CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor ABDULWAHAB ISA, Finance Editor

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Nigerian Mobile phone subscribers to hit 200m by 2017

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor

NEW TELEGRAPH

‘17M NIGERIANS TO BENEFIT FROM MORTGAGE REFINANCING COMPANY’ }p-34

INFLATION RATE March 2014...........................7.8% February 2014........................7.70% January 2014 ........................8.00%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Maximum Lending Rate..25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at May 9)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N167.00 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N234

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at May 9)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N262.70 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N215.88 Source: CBN

32 BUSINESS | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Champion Breweries shops for N11.6bn FRESH FUNDS Champion intends to ask its shareholders to cough out more money Chris Ugwu

change as well as completion of all conditions precedent, the transaction was successfully implemented with the crossing of the shares in Champion Breweries from Consolidated Breweries to Raysun on the floor of the NSE. Managing Director, Consoli-

dated Breweries, Mr. Boudewijn Haarsma, said as a result, Raysun now owns a 57 per cent equity stake in the total issued share capital of Champion Breweries. The Chairman, Consolidated Breweries, Prof. Oyinade Odutola-Olurin, had said that as

part of the sale, Raysun would be assigned all of the rights to and interests in the debt owed to Consolidated Breweries by Champion Breweries. She said that the sale would reduce Consolidated Breweries’ exposure to Champion Breweries’ debt balance and

n a bid to reposition its business, Champion Breweries Plc has filed an application for a Rights Issue of 6,300,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N1.85 per share worth about N11.6 billion. N11.6billon is expected to be raised at the end of the exercise. In a report obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the Right Issue is on the basis of 7 new ordinary shares for every 1 ordinary share held. The modest recovery in the capital market has paved the way for firms to raise capital. Just last week, Unity Bank Plc said it had concluded arrangements to raise a total of N39.2 billion via Rights Issue of 38,446,689,710 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 50 kobo per share and Private Placement of 40 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 50 kobo per share. From the Rights Issue, which is on the basis of one ordinary share for every one ordinary share held as at December 16, 2013, the bank targets to raise N19.2 billion, while additional N20 billion is expected from the private placement. Mid last year, Transnational Incorporated Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and two other listed firms raised about N32.47bn from the capital market. The other two companies are Wapic Insurance Plc and Resort Savings and Loans Plc. Meanwhile, following shareholders approval at the extraordinary general meeting, Consolidated Breweries recently completed the sale of 513,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in Champion Breweries Plc to Raysun Nigeria Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heineken International. The company said that following the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Ex-

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

wasn’t hatched at the bank’s headquarters in Lomé or Nigeria, its largest market. Instead the demand for change was led by PIC, the South African pension fund that is Ecobank’s biggest shareholder. It was learnt that African companies would have to get used to PIC’s influence, the $135 billion-in-assets institution, which manages South Africa’s largest pension fund. PIC has a responsibility to exercise “moral suasion” across the African market, the fund’s CEO, Elias Masilela, told Institutional Investor. By taking a leadership role in branching

L-R: Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Olusegun Awolowo; Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), Ms Arancha Gonzalez and Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Joseph Odumodu, at the ITC/ Stakeholders Roundtable meeting in Abuja.

eliminate the losses from Champion Breweries’ operations that were merged with Consolidated Breweries group’s financial performance. She said: “Champion Breweries has recorded losses over the years, and has relied on financing from Consolidated Breweries in the form of intercompany debt. The associated interest burden of the intercompany debts on Champion Breweries has negatively impacted its profitability. “Champion Breweries’ losses, coupled with the high cost of financing Champion Breweries’ operations, have in turn, negatively impacted our group earnings. Therefore, it is in the best interest of both parties for the company to be owned by Raysun, where Champion Breweries’ financing and restructuring needs can be more adequately met.” Odutola-Olurin stressed that the sale would further optimise Consolidated Breweries’ operations by reducing excess production capacity, which it no longer needed for its own brands and directly aligned Champion Breweries with Heineken, via ownership by Raysun, thereby assuring of a clear focus on Champion Breweries’ turnaround.

Liberia to export eggs to Nigeria, others Bayo Akomolafe

n the next few months, Liberia will commence exportation of eggs to Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin and other West African countries following the commissioning of a 95,050-capacity hatchery in the country by its government. The hatchery was established by Obasanjo Farms Liberia (OFL). This hatchery commissioning will also help to boost the activities of poultry farmers in the country, many of who, over the years, have spent thousands of dollars to import chicks from neighbouring countries. The ceremony was held on Saturday May 10, 2014, at Obasanjo Farm in Gbah Forloi, in Grand Cape Mount County. It was learnt that the new poultry would make Liberia to

be self-sufficient in poultry products and as well an exporter of poultry products. The hatchery has the capacity to produce an average of 31,680 eggs weekly while the farm is expected produce between 22,000 and 24,000 broiler chicks per week and at least, 10,000 pullets (layer chicks) depending on demand. Established in 2013, the farm spends over $200,000 annually to import maize from neighbouring Ivory Coast to feed the chickens. The hatchery was commissioned by Liberian Agriculture Minister, Florence Chenoweth. General Manager of Obasanjo Holdings Limited, Adeyemo Jamiyu, said that it was indeed a dream come true for both Liberians and the OFL, noting that it would enable local poultry farmers access the right kind of

products that will enhance their productivity. He noted that there is no need to worry about the importation of day-ol-chicks anymore as the hatchery will now do it all. Jamiyu said that the mandate of OFL which emanated from a joint meeting between President Sirleaf and Obasanjo was to promote and support the revival of the poultry industry in Liberia. The general manager said that the essence of the farm was not limited to provision of direct employment of Liberians, but also to stimulate selfemployment, especially in the poultry sector viz-a-viz rearing of broilers and layers; marketing of poultry products (eggs, live and frozen chickens); production and marketing of feed raw materials (maize grains,

South African firm expands to Nigeria, others out beyond South Africa, he explained, PIC can demonstrate the benefits of investing across Africa to other private sector investors and pension funds in South Africa, a process he calls the “crowding in” of capital. The Pretoria-based PIC acquired a 20 per cent share of Ecobank for $250 million in 2012. It was the fund’s first investment on the continent outside South Africa and a baptism by fire. In 2013, Ecobank’s executive director of finance and risk claimed that Tanoh, in connivance with a former chairman,

Kolapo Lawson, was attempting to sell bank assets below market prices and to write off a loan to Lawson. But Tanoh denied the allegations of awarding himself a huge bonus and failing to raise capital, as he had promised to do. Although, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Tanoh in early 2013, things came to a head only earlier this year when PIC began to publicly criticiSe the CEO. In March PIC’s chief investment officer, Mr Daniel Matjila, sent a letter to the bank’s interim chairman demanding

Tanoh’s resignation; he cited a laundry list of grievances, including misleading shareholders and the board, and called him “technically and immorally unfit,” according to press reports. PIC hasn’t hesitated to assert its views at some of the South African companies it holds stakes in, but such activism is rare elsewhere on the continent. Masilela spoke a few days before the boardroom coup, but he made clear that the pension fund was determined to expand its portfolio across Africa and, if necessary, to use its financial clout to effect change.

soya beans meals, oyster shells and bone means). He noted that OFL was positioned to achieve these tasks by providing necessary inputs to poultry farmers and also play a key role in production and management of poultry. “We have put in place necessary facilities for rearing of commercial layers for production of table eggs; hatchery for the production of quality dayold chicks; feed mill equipment for production poultry rations (layer mash, grower mash and broiler mash). “There is also manpower for distribution/marketing of veterinary products. Training of poultry farmers and extension services will be offered as situation demand. We count on you to realise the dreams of our two great leaders.”

Nigerian Mobile phone subscribers to hit 200m by 2017 C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

based GDP estimate of N80.22 trillion ($510 billion). This compares with N364.4 billion ($2.3 billion) in the 2012 non-rebased GDP time series. The licensing of GSM companies earlier last decade has led to an unleashing of economic activity from e-commerce to mobile payments. The potential in the sector can be seen in MTN, which reported 2013 full year revenues of N793.6 billion for its Nigerian operations.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

REJECTED Funding of sport is not the mandate of NEXIM

Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

anaging Director of Nigeria-Export -Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Robert Orya, said the investment development bank is not under any obligation to support Bash Ali’s World Guinness book of record fight project with N150 million . Speaking in an interview with New Telegraph, Orya said he had been receiving abusive text messages from some faceless aides of Ali trying to stampede the bank to dole out N150 million to support the boxing bout. His words: “I have been receiving all sorts of abusive text messages from his men. The chap said I’m under obligation to give them money. I am not a member of LOC, but a member of staff, Mr.Kadiri Suleima, was mandated to represent the bank. It got to a stage last year that Bash Ali stormed here with large crowd saying that the Federal Government had asked his

‘NEXIM not under obligation to support Bash Ali’s project’ committee to take N150 million from NEXIM bank.” According to the NEXIM chief executive, “funding of sports is not the mandate of the bank. If a Nigerian engaged in sports and as a government agency we want to support, there is a level to which we can support under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We don’t have an obligation to support Bash Ali with N150 million.” He said that NEXIM was not the only one enlisted in the LOC and wondered why Ali chose to hold the staff hostage in his effort to get finance. “We have other government agencies that are members of LOC, but he has not been able to do what they are doing today. They blocked the office since morning harassing my staff. I sent a senior officer to go and call Ali to see me in my office but he refused to come,” he said. Ali and his team had arrived NEXIM bank last Tuesday in a convoy with the hope of keeping scheduled appointment with the NEXIM Managing Director, Mr. Robert Orya.

But, the MD, apparently enraged by the retinue of crowd that accompanied Ali to NEXIM, told him to direct his team to wait outside while he come in for the meeting. Ali’s insistence on attending the meeting with his aides Orya’s objection degenerated into hot exchange of verbal assaults as Nigeria’s acclaimed boxer hauled unprintable words on the NEXIM boss in the presence of policemen drafted to the scene to prevent breakdown of law and order. Ali told New Telegraph in an interview that “Orya who was and still a member of LOC

set up by President Goodluck Jonathan has refused to do what he is supposed to do four months in to the inauguration . He claimed that he does not have the mandate of Mr. President. We have called several meetings which he attended, others he sent representative. I got here and he said I should show him a copy of the mandate from Mr President.” Ali further said that NEXIM bank and other corporate organisations were members of LOC inaugurated on January 14 this year by the Minister of Sports/Chairman National Sports Com-

mission towards realising his Guinness World Book of record title fight to be held in Nigeria. To facilitate the hosting of the fight, the International Boxing Union (IBU), in a letter dated April 2, 2014, addressed to the minister and a copy made available to Bash Ali, IBU granted extension of deadline to April 30 and it expected a sanction fee of $1 million to be transferred to it and a letter guaranteeing the safety in Nigeria of the 132 member countries to be received by it not later than 5pm on April 30.

FG urges more investment in renewable energy James Nwabueze ABUJA

he Federal Government has urged potential investors in the power sector to consider renewable energy sources such as coal to power, hydros, solar, wind, and bio-mass. Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, who gave the charge at the just concluded World Economic Forum in Abuja, said that the diversification had become necessary going by the incessant attacks by vandals on gas pipelines. New Telegraph recalls that around March this year, the nation lost about 2,100MW of electricity as a result of gas shortage due to vandalisation of gas pipelines. “Over reliance on gas for generation, vandalisation of gas pipelines, transmission stability and reliability, sustainability of off-grid solution models are among challenges facing the sector,” he had stated. The power minister said that 70 per cent of the nation’s electricity supply industry are made up of thermal gas-fired turbines, stressing that over dependence on gas has remained one of the major challenge in attaining the desired efficiency in the sector. “We would like to have a ro-

bust energy mix in order not to concentrate investment on gas-fired turbines. Seventy per cent of our generation capacities are thermal gas-fired turbines and then the rest hydros. We need renewable energy, we need more hydros, we need solar, wind, we need bio-mass and all these are very critical,” he stated. He maintained that solar and/or wind-powered electricity will be cost-effective in areas where electricity cannot be supplied, especially in the rural, riverine and areas remote to current grid/energy sources such as water falls. The minister who noted that electrifying Nigeria will be a source of economic and social development, disclosed that about 600 million people, (70%) of sub-Sahara Africa are without access to power and 85 per cent of this population are in the rural areas. To this end, the minister said that the Federal Government had already commissioned three pilot projects within Abuja and its suburbs including, Shape, Durumi and Waru under a project tagged Operation Light up Rural Nigeria. According to Nebo, the plan is to replicate the project in every senatorial district of the country.

Boxer, Bash Ali, blocking the enterace of NEXIM Bank for failure of the bank's alleged sponsorship arrangement with him.

FG tasked on value-addition to exportable goods, services Amadi Nnamdi ABUJA

he International Trade Center (ITC), an agency of the United Nations (UN), has urged the Federal Government to employ competiveness agenda, standards and value-addition in order to achieve greater economic transformation of the Nigerian economy. Executive Director of the Center, Ms Arancha Gonzalez, gave the charge at a Stakeholders’ Roundtable meeting organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Abuja. The Abuja meeting was a follow-up to discussions at Geneva, when Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, Chief Executive Officer of NEPC visited the ITC earlier in the year. Gonzalez said that the value-addition approach to trade would help in leveraging the

abundant potentials of the country’s small and medium enterprises. She said: “Our focus is on how to better leverage the potentials of the small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. They are the future engine for growth but most importantly for job creation for the many women and youths that are in the job market. “In productivity, building on quality, building on standards, building on branding, making sure that the skills of Nigerian entrepreneurs are up to internationally acceptable standards are important,” she said. While pointing out that Nigeria has a huge untapped potential in the agro process and services sector, the ITC chief executive promised to assist the country in capacity building of entrepreneurs, assuring that all the issues raised at the meet-

ing in form of requests could be documented into a Strategic Development Plan for consideration and sent to the Center for onward review, study and possible assistance. Meanwhile, for the convener of the meeting and Executive Director of NEPC, Awolowo, the platform had availed local entrepreneurs the opportunity to ponder on the importance of value- addition. According to him, “one important thing we have put before the ITC is training Nigerian companies so that they can bid for UN programmes and share in the services/donor windows offered. The UN programmes generate about USD 90 billion yearly, no Nigerian company has been able to bid successfully, yet Nigeria contributes a lot to the UN and to peace keeping, particularly in West Africa.”

34 FCT | BUSINESS WATCH

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

‘17m Nigerians to benefit from Mortgage Refinancing Company’ Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Alhaji Gimba Ya’u Kumo, recently fielded questions from journalists at a leadership forum in Abuja during which he spoke on the activities of the bank as well as the various challenges facing it. Kumo spoke on the efforts being made by the bank to make houses affordable to the people. LATEEF IBRAHIM was there.

Why is it that the cost of mortgage in Nigeria is not affordable and quality not guaranteed? First of all, there are two types of houses being managed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. The ones that we are funding and those funded by private estate developers. Some of these houses you see collapsing every day are those funded by estate developers. When we realised that there are issues on and off, we then asked that if you identify a house that was not funded by us, we have to go and inspect and ensure its quality, using our in-house professionals, engineers and surveyors. Most of these houses that you see lacking in quality and the costs are high are not those we funded. If you see the ones we funded, the prices are controlled. For example, the Aviation Village in Abuja that the President commissioned recently is one of the mortgages that were controlled and monitored by us. The houses we built are in line with the world best practices. We will not allow a situation where a Nigerian will take a mortgage for 30 years and start facing problems within the first two years. That was why the National Housing policy was introduced in 2012. The Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development had equally constituted a committee which myself and one of my executive directors are members. I am even chairing two of the sub-committees to ensure that houses in Nigeria are built within internationally acceptable standard, and the cost are controlled, but the problem of Nigeria is enforcement. Once the National Building Code is lunched, we will start using the professional institutions to enforce the laws because most of the buildings creating such problems are not the ones built by professional bodies. We are now insisting on inspecting the houses. We have equally put all necessary frameworks in place. The price of some of the houses we are building now are not even up to N10 million, they are selling at between N7.5 million and N8 million. Henceforth, we advise that before you take any house that we did not build, we have to go and inspect it with our professionals.

We have asked the Lagos State government to reconsider the high charges of land titling. Do you know that cost of titling a land alone in Lagos and Port-Harcourt is 30 per cent of the construction cost? mal employments. But those people like mechanics, traders and farmers are going to be under the informal sector. We have two products, the informal sector cooperative development loan and informal sector cooperative mortgage facilities that will be given to individuals. Some of them had come up in Lagos, but others will be coming up soon.

Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Gimba Ya’u Kumo

Last year, the Federal Government launched Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company and $300 million was made available for the company. What collaboration do you have with them to ensure that these mortgage institutions get the money? The Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC), with the $300 million from World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC), is being driven by the Federal Ministry of Finance. It was meant to address the issue of long term housing financing deficit. What that fund is going to do is to address

What that fund is going to do is to address the medium and upper class housing requirement, because the funding for the NMRC is going to be market-driven and most Nigerians that falls within the 17 million housing deficit will benefit

the medium and upper class housing requirement, because the funding for the NMRC is going to be market-driven and most Nigerians that falls within the 17 million housing deficit will benefit. The best place for this category of people to seek for houses is the FMBN. We are working together with the NMRC to achieve our target. We have accessed part of the fund, specifically $25 million to finance low income housing. There is another $3 to $5 million that has been set aside to finance Guarantees. Most of our people are low income earners that cannot afford equity contribution, so another $25 million will be set aside to provide for equity for those who cannot afford it. So, about $50 million out of the $300 million will be coming to us based on the arrangement with the Ministry of Finance. We have set target for ourselves jointly under the chairmanship of the minister of finance to achieve progress based on the modes we have already established. Mortgage in Nigeria revolves around government and big private companies, don’t you think there is the need to provide mortgage to the grassroots as being practice in America? We discovered this big challenge when we came on board in 2011, and that is why we said that the National Housing Fund (NHF), which is the only source of funding that comes to us, only address the needs of those under for-

There seems to be low level of awareness when it comes to mortgage financing in Nigeria. What is FMBN doing to move up the awareness? I totally agree with you about the low awareness of the majority of Nigerians. We are working assiduously to make marks in this all important sector .This is part of the collaboration and I hope it will be a continuous one. You the media have the vehicle through which people can tell the world whatever they are doing to positively affect humanity. We will continue to carry out sensitisation awareness to achieve more. On the issue of those in the private sector, we will need separate sensitisation, reason being that there are sensitisation programmes that are jointly done by FMBN and Nigeria Employers Consultative Association. We are currently doing one in Enugu, Port-Harcourt and we will soon move to Lagos to complete it. Henceforth, we will be sending invitations to the media to be part of the sensitisation workshops we are doing round the country. The major problem concerning housing, especially mortgage, has to do with existing laws. Why is it not possible for the Land Use Act to be amended? Secondly, from the legal perspective, the mortgagor and the mortgagee in the South-West, especially Lagos, the process there is more tedious than what we have in the North. Can there be uniformity? I cannot do justice to this question because I’m not a lawyer. But we have asked the Lagos State government to reconsider the high charges of land titling. Do you know that cost of titling a land alone in Lagos and Port-Harcourt is 30 per cent of the construction cost? We have been talking to them but I am optimistic that we are making progress. We have advised them to come up with policies and programmes that will reduce the cost of titling in Nigeria. After several discussions we have made some progress as they have reduced the cost to a certain level but we will be pressing them to bring it down the more. For example, Kwara and Taraba states have done absolutely well. If other states can emulate these two states, I am assuring you, we must have gone a long way.

BUSINESS | THE INVESTOR 35

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Investors’ education vital for market growth

Chris Ugwu

otwithstanding improved investor confidence in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the sustainability is key to full market recovery. Trading on stocks and other securities are more complex and volatile than other markets especially after the global financial meltdown. Investors in the Nigerian bourse, like their counterparts in other climes, need to be well informed in order to take informed decisions about various investment products in the market and avoid scams. Also, investors need to learn to take responsibility for their financial decisions. The regulator is always blamed for whenever investors are misled. Since education helps improving financial literacy of investors, the most effective investor protection starts with a well-informed and educated investor. In the light of the lessons learned from the stock market collapse, there efforts to strengthen the Exchange’s investor education and awareness function, especially for retail investors. In spite of the considerable gains recorded by the Exchange, it is believed by some experts that if the tempo is to be maintained, the latter should continue to deploy available resources towards educating investors, particularly retail investors and creating awareness of the important function the capital market plays as an enabler of national economic growth and a wealth-creating avenue for investors. Foreign investment The need for an enhanced campaign remain important as local investor’s appetite for investment in stocks have continued to wane due to what market watchers believed was lack of adequate investors’ awareness. The latest report from the Exchange shows that Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) transactions, which accounted for 49.28 per cent at the beginning of the year, increased significantly to 78.25 per cent at the end of March 2014. In contrast, domestic transactions decreased significantly from 50.72 per cent to 21.75 per cent over the same period. However, this represents an overall decrease of 8.31 per cent in total transactions, broken down into a 50.42 per cent increase in FPI transactions and a 60.68 per cent decrease in domestic transactions. In comparison to the same period in 2013, there was a significant increase in total FPI by 62.90 per cent, whilst the total domestic transactions reduced by 49.43 per cent. However, the FPI outflows outpaced inflows, which were the reverse when compared with the same period in 2013. Overall, there was a 9.84 per cent increase in total transactions in comparison to the same period in 2013. Regulators’ efforts The Exchange had admitted that despite these gains, it recognises that challenges still persist around low investor confidence and conversely, tremendous upside opportunities for greater participation, especially at the retail investor level.

“One of our core strategic pillars for enhanced market performance and growth, is to develop a strong investor protection framework,” Head, Corporate Services Division, Mr. Bola Adeeko, had said at a forum. He noted that back in February 2012, the Exchange kicked off its financial literacy programme as a first step in protecting investors, adding that the programme aims to enhance investors’ understanding of the basics of investing around portfolio construction, asset allocation and risk diversification. “We will continue our focus on retail investors, working through the professional bodies. Given how long most of these bodies have been in existence and their very expansive membership rosters, we believe that they will provide our investor education effort an excellent gateway into retail investor population,” he said. The Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, who spoke at the ‘retail investors’ clinic for shareholders association, recently said that the improved regulatory environment and performance of quoted companies from 2012 till date, has positively impacted on stock market prices and overall market indices. The programme sought to enhance retail investors’ understanding of the basics of investing around portfolio construction, asset allocation and risk diversification. Oscar, who noted that the Exchange had adopted a zero-tolerance stance on dealing member firms and listed companies’ violations, said the Bourse proposed several rules to codify the accepted mode of engagement in our market. He stated: “The ‘Investor Clinic’ aspect of the programme, which is a flag ship product for our financial literacy efforts, has been delivered in partnership with stellar organisations such as Morgan Stanley, Stanbic IBTC, Greenwich Trust and FBN Capital, just to name a few. These have primarily been focused on particular segments of the investing community to discuss the finer details of investing and to shed more light on the capital market ecosystem. The two clinics convened last year, targeted professional bodies and religious associations; now we have shifted gear to a very important constituency, the registered shareholders association, as ably represented.” The NSE CEO noted that in line with one of the Exchange’s core strategic

The Commission has been forced to rely exclusively on revenue from market operations to finance its activities following the refusal of the National Assembly to give it any allocation in the 2013 and 2014 budget

Ms Oteh

pillars for enhanced market performance and growth, the Exchange is instituting a ‘strong investor protection’ framework and “we have re-constituted the Board of Trustees for the Investor Protection Fund (IPF).” Fot the Securities and Exchange Commission, “an educated investor is a protected investor as he is better able to take informed investment decisions.” Impediments But safe for zero allocation, which has crippled the SEC from advancing the course of retail investment education, the Commission under leadership of Ms. Arunma Oteh, had outlined various investor education strategies and outreach programmes to improve the understanding of the retail investor and restore investor confidence. For Example, in July 2011, the Commission collaborated with the Rivers State Government and successfully hosted an investor/issuer education outreach for the government and people of Rivers State. Over 1000 participants were offered critical insights into the market. As an ensemble of capital market, experts participated over the interactive sessions presided over by the SEC. This was done to educate the citizenry and government of the state on the benefits of investing in and sourcing funds from the capital market. Given the centrality of social media to stakeholder management in the 21st century, the Commission incorporated the use of Facebook and Twitter into the stakeholder management matrix. The deployment of this neo-media has enhanced public awareness on the market and also created a platform for an increased

number of Nigerian and foreigners alike to interface with the Commission directly. The Commission has been forced to rely exclusively on revenue from market operations to finance its activities following the refusal of the National Assembly to give it any allocation in the 2013 and 2014 budget unless the Director-General, Ms Arunma Oteh was removed. This lack of funding has caused the SEC to become more creative financially in raising its revenues, which typically come from daily statutory charges for purchase and sale of shares on the Exchange, for which 0.3 per cent of consideration fees from market operators goes to SEC. Mr. Emeka Madubuike, ASHON President, said that the commission might not carry out any capital intensive project this year due to the zero allocation. Madubuike said that all the capital market development initiatives aimed at restoring investor-confidence would be affected by lack of funds. According to him, the capital market committee programmes aimed at taking the market to the next level have remained unrealised due to budget limitations. He called for quick resolution of the lingering impasse in the interest of the market. “The problem should be resolved by the executives as soon as possible to avoid taking the market back and front,” he said. The ASHON boss, who said that he could not explain how the commission survived in 2013, added that zero budgetary allocation was a threat to the regulation of the capital market.

BUSINESS | MONEY

Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

wo destructive bomb explosions, which ripped through Nynanya, a precinct settlement of the Federal Capital Teritory (FCT), Abuja, at an interval of days, have heightened public awareness on sophistication of terrorism. Before the Nynaya explosions, several deadly attacks within and outside Abuja were carried out by the Islamic sect, the Boko Harram insurgents, leaving in their trail huge human and property causalities. While global leaders have risen in unison to rescue Nigeria and its economy from the tight grip of insurgents, efforts have also been stepped up by financial regulators to beam searchlight on funds and proceeds that could aid terrorism. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), last year, sustained two pronged exercises: Know-Your –Customers programme, and strengthening of antimoney laundering, terrorism rule. While KYC targets simplifying accounts procedure, the anti-money laundering draft is aimed at blocking sources of terrorism financing and money laundering. Imperatives of KYC The CBN under the now suspended Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, last year, set deposit limits for all categories of account holders and introduced three-tier Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for banks. The policy pegs a maximum single deposit amount at N20,000 and maximum cumulative balance at N200, 000 at any point in time on the Low Value Account. It also places a maximum single deposit of N50,000 and a maximum cumulative balance of N400, 000 on the Medium Value Account. However, for the High Value Account, no limit was placed on cumulative balance. The policy also categorised bank customers into Low Value Accounts (Level One); Medium Value Accounts (Level two) and High Value Accounts (Level three). According to the apex bank, the KYC requirements regime will ensure application of flexible account opening requirements for low-value and medium value accounts and these are subject to caps and restrictions as the amounts of transactions increase. This means that account opening requirements will increase progressively with less restrictions on operations. The main objective of KYC is to promote and deepen financial inclusion. The apex bank structured NYC in a way that accounts remain attractive to customers of different social and economic levels while close watch is kept on the risk involved. To underscore the importance that CBN attached to the exercise, a circular to all banks and other financial institutions (OFIs) signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Chris Chukwu, last year, explained that the policy became exigent after the CBN recognised that access to basic banking facilities and other financial services is necessary in achieving the policy on financial inclusion. He advised banks to adopt the new KYC requirement, adding that the proposed deposit limits is meant to reduce the risk of money laundering and terrorism financing. He said that the Low Value Accounts are subject to close monitoring by the financial institutions and less scrutiny by bank examiners. The CBN director said that the accounts could be opened at branches of banks by a prospective customer or through banking agents and no amount is required for its opening. However,

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Need to strengthen KYC, anti-terrorism financing laws

President Goodluck Jonathan

such accounts prohibit international funds transfer. According to him, the Medium Value Accounts can be opened face to face at any branch of a bank by agents for enterprises or by the account holder but the accounts are strictly savings with no amount required for its opening. Also, where cross-checking of client’s identity cards information is not completed at the point of account opening, withdrawal would be denied. Chukwu added that for the HighValue Accounts, banks are required to obtain, verify and maintain copies of all the required documents for accounts opening. Account is to be opened at the bank branches by physical presence of the prospective customer and the accounts could be both savings and current. For mobile banking products, the account attracts a maximum transaction limit of N100,000 and daily limit of N1 million while such products are subject to the CBN Regulatory Framework for Mobile Payments service For its successful drive, banks are required to have robust, effective and efficient anti-money laundering/ combating the financial terrorism (AML/CFT) solutions with screening tools in place that will monitor the various thresholds. “All accounts, no matter how low the transaction or the risks, must be subjected to continuous suspicious transactions monitoring by financial institutions which will determine when incremental KYC requirements need to be provided by the customers,” Chukwu said in a circular to banks. On its part, CBN said that it will ensure the establishment of appropriate processes and procedures for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the regulatory framework. Similarly, non-compliant financial institutions are to be sanctioned in line with the provisions of extant laws and regulations. The introduction of the new KNY is to bridge existing gap estimated at 64.1 per cent, representing 56.3 million adult Nigerians said to lack access to financial services.

Acting CBN governor, Sarah Alade

Checkmating terrorism financing The import of deploying illicit funds to finance terrorism and other vices was not lost on the CBN. Findings have revealed that insurgents got sponsors who aid their terrorism activities by providing logistic and funds. To check this trend, CBN, last year, published an exposure draft amendment of its anti-money laundering as part of measures to ensure the emergent law meets with international best practice. A circular by CBN signed by Mr. I. T. Nwaoha, Acting Director, Financial Policy & Regulation Department, last year, enjoined banks to alert authority whenever they suspect a transaction to relating to money laundering or terrorism financing. The CBN, in the circular, urged the financial institutions, to, within 72 hours, write the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) transactions that are suspicious. The apex bank charged financial institution to “identify and verify the identity of the customer and the beneficiary, whether permanent or occasional, and irrespective of any exemption or any designated threshold that might otherwise apply; and make a suspicious transaction report (STR) to the NFIU, in accordance with FATF recommendation 20.” The suspicious transaction suspicious transactions to include those involving frequency that is unjustifiable or unreasonable; is surrounded by conditions of unusual or unjustified complexity, and appears to have no economic justification or lawful objective. It also includes transactions,

The introduction of the new KNY is to bridge existing gap estimated at 64.1 per cent, representing 56.3 million adult Nigerians said to lack access to financial services

which “in the opinion of the financial institution, involves terrorist financing or is inconsistent with the known transaction pattern of the account or business relationship.” Banks and financial institutions were encouraged to seek information from the customer on the origin and destination of the fund, including aim of the transaction and the identity of the beneficiary. A new requirement added by the CBN in the anti-money laundering draft requires financial institutions to “report to the CBN or the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions on terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their financing, including attempted transactions.” For terrorism combat, CBN said banking secrecy or preservation of customer confidentiality shall not be invoked as a ground for objecting to the measures set out in this regulation or for refusing to be a witness to facts likely to constitute an offence under ML/ TF laws, regulation or any other law. To demonstrate her resolve to implementing anti-money laundering laws and its strong stance against terrorism financing, the apex bank, last year, applied strictest sanction on 20 Bureau De Change (BDC) by revoking their operating licenses for allegedly engaging in foreign exchange malpractices. CBN, in addition, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the allegation against them, which became manifest after they had purchased unusual large amounts of foreign exchange from the deposit money banks, without proofs of accountable utilisation. Conclusion Given the fact that the Boko Haram insurgents have more sophisticated weapons than the military and against the unsubstantiated allegation that they receive funding from abroad (even if locally financed, which is more likely), these funds are channeled through the financial system. And this is why the CBN must be strict and enforce sanctions on any bank that aids terrorist financing.

BUSINESS | BRANDS & MARKETING 37

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Who becomes APCON’s new chairman? POLITICS All eyes are on government as it continues to play politics with the appointment of new APCON chairman.

otable advertising practitioners with intimidating records are in the race for the chairmanship position of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). Expectedly, one of them will grab the job. However, whosoever eventually emerges will have to wait for a while. Reason: APCON’s supervisory ministry, the Ministry of Information under Labaran Maku, seems not to be in haste to announce the appointment of new APCON chairman. For Lolu Akinwunmi, who still holds sway as APCON chairman, it seems an endless wait on the hot seat. APCON was established by Decree 55 of 1988. Akinwunmi, an unassuming advertising practitioner, was appointed the chairman of APCON on August 2010 for a three-year tenure, which ended

Ufot

Akinwunmi

Nnorom

on August 2013. But the Federal Government through the Ministry of Information is yet to announce the appointment of a new APCON chairman. The delay, according to sources, might not be unconnected with heighten political activities in the country. “The increased level of political activities especially with the 2015 general elections might have caused the delay in announcing a new APCON chairman,” a source in the industry under the condition of anonym-

ity said. Another source, which also pleaded anonymity, said that the ongoing powerful lobby on the need to go back to the status quo in the appointment of any APCON chairman might have been responsible for the delay. It has been a tradition that the most senior Fellow in the hierarchy of the profession is appointed as chairman. This was the tradition until Late May Nzeribe, was appointed as chairman ahead of Ayo Owoborode, who was a senior practitioner

to Nzeribe. This scenario also played out in the appointment of Akinwunmi, number 59 on the APCON list of Fellows. Industry sources said there are intense intrigues between those who want a return to status quo and those who prefer the current arrangement. Nonetheless, findings revealed names of certain advertising practitioners who are interested to take over from Akinwunmi. The contenders include the chief executive officer, Bates Cosse, Funmi Onabolu, who

had led the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) as president; Willy Nnorom, one of the oldest serving members in the council, who has also served APCON and AAAN in various capacities including, chairman of APCON Committee on Advertising Practice Reforms (ACAPR). Others are chief executive officer, SO & U Saatchi and Saatchi, Udeme Ofot; the current chairman of Advertising Standard Panel of APCON, Ade Akinde and the past chairman of Outdoor Association of Advertising of Nigeria (OAAN), Babu Akinbobola. There are also contending issues surrounding the position of the chairman. Over the years, other members of APCON sectoral body especially OAAN, have been agitating for the chairmanship of the regulatory body. Will the Federal Government revert to the status quo in the appointment of a new APCON chairman? Will it give the opportunity to any practitioner outside AAAN, whose members have since occupied the position to become the chairman or will the current pattern of who the minister of information “is well pleased” occupy the position? The next few weeks will determine.

Institute, S’African firm to develop marketers PARTNERSHIP NIMN seeks new ways to develop new crop of professional with Institute of Marketing Management (IMM), South Africa.

he National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has partnered with the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM), South Africa. The alignment seeks to develop a uni-

fied marketing syllabus that would enhance trans-border opportunities for the nation’s marketing professionals. The President and Chairman of Council of the institute, Mr Ganiyu Koledoye, noted that the collaboration with IMM had become imperative to enable the institute build a new crop of marketing professionals in the country by leveraging on the superior marketing pedigree of the South African marketing body. He said as part of the plans, both bodies had concluded arrangements to develop a unified marketing

syllabus and certificates that would enable certificates of graduates attending those courses to be recognised beyond the nation’s labour market. He explained that the institute had decided to reengineer the profession by collaborating with marketing bodies that boasted of rich marketing pedigree to enable it prepare the nation’s marketing practitioners for the challenges of a re-based economy. “Nigeria, with a re-based economy boasts of opportunities in the area of commerce. I think we should

Chivita wins quality award hivita Premium Fruit juice CQuality has emerged Africa’s Best Juice Brand at the

2014 Africa Quality Achievement Award. Initiated by the Africa Quality Institute (AQI) in collaboration with IBMN Integrated Services, the Africa Quality Achievement Award, is organized with the support of South Africa Quality Institute (SAQI) and the Chartered Quality Institute (UK). Chivita Premium Fruit juice with 100 per cent fruit juice content from the stable of Chi Limited, according to a statement, was adjudged the winner because of “its consistency in the market, creativity, value and bespoke packaging

of the juice that allows for the best delivery.” Speaking after receiving the award in Lagos recently, Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan, said the award did not come to him as a surprise. “We are happy to receive this accolade for Chivita Premium from Africa Quality Institute (AQI), as it validates our core values as a responsible and ethical organisation,” he said. “The award not only underscores Chi Limited’s commitment to and passion for creating the highest quality juice available on the market today, but also to successfully growing an ethical business

dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier lives through the consumption of natural, organic fruits.” The Africa Quality Achievement Awards- 2014 is an Annual Event initiated at celebrating leadership innovation and creativity in quality management in Africa. The award is aimed at identifying, recognising and rewarding companies, personalities and product that apply quality assurance culture and quality management best practice to the analysis, planning and implementation and control of policies designed to achieve corporate objectives in both profit and non-profit making organizations in Africa.

have the intelligence of playing in that market. If our marketers are not well equipped to cope with market trends, we will end up being a consuming nation and not making a maximum use of such opportunities,” he said. On his part, the Group Sales and Marketing Manager, IMM, Mr Kevin Mottram, said that the collaboration was informed by the need to drive marketing profession in the continent. “We believe marketing should not be seen as secondary to any profession, hence the need to infuse quality in it,” he said.

Koledoye

Red Star Express donates to less privileged Express Plc has visthe Red Cross OrphanRageeditedonStar Makoko Street and the

Old peoples’ Home on Lancaster Road, both situated in the Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. The visits, according to a statement, saw officials of the logistics company donating items, mostly food and kitchen appliances. The Marketing Manager, Red Star Group, Ngozi Ochokwu, said the visits are activities of the company that has been established as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, which is tagged “Icare Project”. The initiative is

aimed at alleviating the plight of the less privileged in the community. Gloria Chiekwe, the Administrative Officer of the Red Cross Orphanage Yaba, while appreciating the visit commended the Logistics Company for donating to humanity. She said some of the commodities given are used to assist unfortunate victims of natural disasters and accidents. Feyisayo Olaore, Matron of the Old Peoples’ Home also commended Red Star for the donations, tasking other corporate business organisations to emulate the gesture.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Maritime versity, shipyard to gulp N162bn MANPOWER Maritime university and shipyard/dockyard in Deltal State to provide manpower for Nigeria Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said that the Maritime University in Okerenkoko and shipyard/ dockyard in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, will gulp $1 billion (N162 billion). Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, disclosed this to President Goodluck Jonathan and maritime stakeholders at the palace of the paramount ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, before the flag off of the Maritime University at its temporary site in Kurutie. Akpobolokemi sought a five-year moratorium from the Federal Government, a period which the agency would not contribute to the Federation

Accounct to enable it invest in all its projects. He said: “We are all aware that this is the hub of oil activities in Nigeria, this is a major shipping route. You can see the sea yourself. You can also see Escravos tank farm loading crude, gas and so on. “So, all the natural conditions are available there, the necessary draft for the ship yard is also there and that is why we are setting up these two projects here. “We call for our exclusion for at least five years because of the capital intensive nature of the projects, after all, the projects are for Nigerians, they are Federal Government projects and when you see that some sectors go back to the Presidency for incentive and or bailout, then you know we are also qualified, considering what we are doing for our people and government. “Some other agencies go to the Federal Government to ask for bail out but we don’t do that; we are talking about what we are contributing within some period. Cumulatively all these projects may go up to a billion dollars and you can image how expensive it is and that is why we are asking for it.”

Akpobolokemi explained that NIMASA was training 2,505 Nigerians at different maritime universities and academies abroad, saying that what the agency was doing was a very big boost. Also, the agency was assisting and helping the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron to grow. “On Maritime Academy, Badagry, we had a provision in the budget to commence activities. We started a process and the land was given as a loan by the previous administration,” he said. At the event, President Goodluck Jonathan said that there were plans by the Federal Government to build coastal

railway system that would cost about $ 15 billion to link some Niger Delta communities. He explained that no society could develop in the absence of peace, saying that the return of peace in the Niger Delta region led to the establishment of the university in the area. He said: “The Federal Government is not only going to build coastal roads in the riverine areas, but will also construct coastal railway system that will link the region and other regions of the country.” He noted that roads alone cannot solve the problem of transportation in the country. The president blamed the non-lasting of Nigerian roads on heavy loads which they are

subjected to. He stressed the need to diversify the transport system,adding that rail system still remains the cheapest means of transportation and Nigeria would not be left out in that regard. “Until we get railway, we cannot talk of effective and robust transport system. That is the cheapest way you can move goods. Our roads fail easily because of the heavy loads it carry. “I had that discussion with the Premier of China who just left us some days back and they are totally committed. It is a project that cost between $ 12-15 billion that will link Lagos through the South-West, South- South, South-East and up to the North.

NPA floats Maritime Safety Centre MONITORING Navigation simulator is to be installed by the NPA to monitor the channels and ports Ports AuthorNa igerian ity (NPA) has established Maritime Safety Centre, (MSC) designed to provide training to all categories of its marine officers at all levels. It reaffirmed total commitment to the improvement of the marine services being offered to its stakeholders and ports users. The authority’s Managing Director, Malam Habib Abdullahi, who paid an unscheduled visit to the site located at the NPA Dockyard premises in Apapa said that work would commence shortly with the first phase to install a Full Bridge Navigation Simulator. He explained that the navigation simulator would allow NPA pilots and tug-masters to gain regular refresher training in line with requirements of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). He disclosed that the project was being anchored by the business development and joint venture division of the authority in conjunction with its joint venture partners. Abdullahi added: “The navigation simulator facility

would also serve the authority in allowing the pilots to plan and practice calls to Nigeria by the current trend of larger ships. For example, the recent trial calls at Onne of the container ship Maersk Copenhagen, at 249 metres long. “NPA pilots used navigation simulation to develop the plan and to practice maneuvers for the visit in December last year, which proved successful and will now result in weekly visits by these larger vessels to Apapa, Tin Can and Onne ports, commencing this month.” Also, the authority has unfolded plans to commence the monitoring of offshore operations to ensure compliance in all operations. The Port Manger of Onne Port, Munir Umar, disclosed this in Houston, Texas, at the just ended Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). He explained that the authority had commenced training of its personnel in preparedness for approval by the central management. He said: “We train our officers on how to monitor offshore operations, as I said earlier, that is where the money is.” “You know we have a new management which is focused on this investment. Earlier management did not do enough but the new management under Alhaji Abdullahi Habib is focused on this issue and we are investing on it and we are training people on it.”

L-R: Executive Member, Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Prince Ayo Adedoyin; Chairman of NISA, Chief Isaac Jolapamo and Secretary, Capt. Niyi Labinjo, briefing journalists at the International Maritime Press Centre,Apapa, Lagos.

Shippers’ Council advocates effective pricing system N

igerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has declared that it would sustain a port pricing that would boost port operations and make the nation’s ports the hub of shipping. Its Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, disclosed this at a one-day summit titled: “Achieving fair and equitable port pricing system in Nigeria” organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos. He noted that an efficient port pricing would lead to improved asset utilisation and cushioned capital flight. Bello who was represented by the council’s Chief Operations Officer, Compliance and Monitoring, Mrs. Celine Ifeora, said that ports play a crucial role in the economy of any country, hence it must be given the utmost attention that would ensure smooth movement of cargoes.

Bello stressed that a right pricing would lead to prosperity and growth of the ports. The executive secretary said: “A wrong pricing can guide port to inefficiency or even extinction. Also, a high pricing could deprive a port of high patronage of vessel and cargo. “Wrong prices will reduce demand for cargo services and when the demand for port services is reduced, equipment at the ports will be underutilised even with monopoly, high port prices will hurt those the port is supposed to serve.” The shippers’ council boss noted that when the right price is fixed, it would instill orderliness and curb all sorts of abuses. However, the Chairman of the Nigerian Ship Owners (NISA), Chief Isaac Jolapamo, who commended the Federal Government for giving the

council the statutory responsibility to regulate the port, noted that it was only Nigeria that ships are brought to without money to do business. “This is why when the council was given the responsibility, many kicked against it so that the status-quo can remain. We must have a starting point. What government has done is good for the industry,” he said. Also, the executive director, Admin and Human Resources of SIFAX GROUP, Dr. Phil Ofulue, said that no terminal operator can single handedly fix rate without involving the relevant stakeholders and advised the council to ensure an effective pricing system. He said: “We cannot take bank loan with exorbitant interest rate and charge peanuts, the stakeholders have their roles, likewise government, the regulator should ensure a win-win situation for all.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Concessionaire groans as NPA blackouts terminals FAILURE

Nigerian Ports Authority failed to install electricity at the Tin Port Concessioned terminals

ndigenous conglomerate, Sifax Group, said that its subsidiary, Port and Cargo handling Services Limited, has been spending heavily to supply electricity at its concession area in Tincan Island Port. It blamed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its inability to provide infrastructures, especially in the area of power supply to illuminate the port. The group noted that NPA did not provide fire equipment at the terminal. General Manager Administration and Human Resources of Sifax, Dr. Phil Ofulue, dis-

closed this at a summit organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos. He said that since the concession of the ports in 2006, Ports and Cargo Terminal at the Tin Can Island Port, which is managed by Sifax Group has not had electricity supply. This, according to the concession agreement, is supposed to be one of the responsibilities of the NPA as landlord of the port. Ofulue said that the terminal had to run on generators and that it had to buy generating set every six months. The general manager added that since the port concession, the company had been able to invest and develop its terminal at the Tin Can port. “If you get to the Tin Can Port, you will see the efforts we have made in terms of equipment, improving infrastructure, but government also has

its role to play in this business. “Since May 2006 when we took over Tin Can, we have not had NEPA light, we have been buying generators every six months because we need light every day and night in order to illuminate the port if we want to have an hitch-free operation.” Ofulue said that in 2005, when the port was concessioned, other agencies at the port also ought to have been reformed. Even though he refused to mention names, Ofulue said that some major agencies are spanners in the wheel of operations at the port. He noted: “We expect that not only NPA will be reformed, other relevant agencies also need to be reformed, some major agencies are yet to be reformed. “If you call nine out of 10 clearing agents and importers, the source of their worry lies with these agencies.”

BUSINESS | MARITIME

Agents angry as new vehicle tariff takes off next month ustoms clearing agents op- Comptroller Tunji Aremu, who erating at the Port and Ter- met with the agents, said that Cminal Multi Services Limited the directive to commence im(PTML) has withdrawn their services over the unexpected implementation of the new tariff on imported vehicles by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of the command. Customs management had, in March this year, suspended the implementation of the new automotive policy after a peaceful protest by some clearing agents against the introduction of the policy. The Federal Government through the NCS management had directed that implementation be shifted to July 1. But it was gathered that the implementation of the policy was carried out only at the PTML command. An executive of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr Ugochukwu Nnadi, confirmed the development, saying that his association was surprised by the development. He noted that the agents operating at the terminal had suspended their services, adding that they would not go back to work until the 35 per cent duty rate is reverted. Nnamdi alleged that the Area Controller of the command,

plementation of the new vehicle tariff came from the customs headquarters in Abuja. He added: “In fact, one of us, Alhaji Ramin, was telling the controller to tell the Customs headquarters in Abuja that agents will not accept that but the controller said that he does not have the power to do that and I see reason with him. “The only thing he will tell Abuja is that we have withdrawn our services because of the implementation of the new rate and as long as they cease to revert to the old rate, we will continue with the strike.” In March, the Customs began the phased implementation of the auto policy after the Federal Government reduced vehicle levy to zero per cent. Contrary to the 30 per cent levy and 35per cent duty proposed in the policy earlier, government had shifted grounds that imported vehicles should pay only 35 per cent duties without levy. The Customs spokesman of the Apapa Area 1 Command, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpa, said that the Federal Ministry of Finance had rolled out a fresh policy on the implementation of the policy.

Ports record drop in Roro vessels traffic in March here was a reduction in the number of vessels laden with Timported vehicles to Lagos seaAn oil tanker at the Folawiyo tank farm

NIWA bans canoe passenger operators in Lagos RESTRICTION Canoe operators have been banned from carrying passengers to avoid mishap

he National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has restricted the activities of canoe operators in Lagos State to fishing and personal uses. The authority said that movement of passengers by canoe has been banned. According to its Area Manager, Mr Muazu Sambo, some of the mishaps recorded in recent times in Lagos and other parts of the country were caused by canoes. He said: “Most of the operators are very young and inexperienced to operate the canoes.” Sambo said that NIWA had the power to ban the use of canoes as a means of moving pas-

sengers. He said that NIWA had commenced full enforcement of safety rules on waterways and that ferry operators without prerequisite safety precautions would no longer be allowed to operate. He noted that safety measures on waterways had become necessary following the recent boat mishaps in the state. It was revealed that the authority had posted permanent staff to jetties in the state to enforce compliance with safety measures. Also, the management had introduced passenger manifest to trace passengers in event of any mishap. Meanwhile, the management of NIWA has embarked on the second phase of the National Safety and Awareness Campaign in Igbokoda, Ondo State, and Lagos State respectively. According to Mr Tayo Fadile, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, “during the town hall meet-

ings, the Marine Department of the Authority will educate waterways and boat users on the need to always wear a life jacket and how to make use of a life jacket.” He explained that other safety rules and regulations would be explained to the stakeholders at the event, while hundreds of life jackets and other informative materials will be given out free to boat users by the authority. Fadile added that the safety campaign was in an effort to stem the frequent boat mishaps that were reported in Niger and Lagos states recently. It will be recalled that the management of the authority visited Malele and Nupeko riverine areas in Niger State for similar campaign recently. The management of the authority explained that the awareness campaign will eventually be carried out in all the six geographical zones of the country.

ports in March this year compared to what was recorded in January and February. It was revealed that fewer Roro vessels sailed to the PTML and Five Star Logistics terminal at Tin Can Island port, Lagos, compared to previous months. But in February, a total of 7,400 units of used and new vehicles were recorded. January recorded 11,563 units of new and used vehicles at the Lagos ports terminals. Some port users attributed the reduction in Roro vessels traffic to the on-going construction at the terminals while others said that government policy on vehicles had deterred vehicle carriers from calling at the

PTML and Five Stars Logistics terminals. However, statistics obtained from the NPA has also revealed that in the last three weeks, only three vessels laden with vehicles called at the terminal. At Five Star Logistics terminal, there was also a fall in the number of vessels which berthed with vehicles. Reports of the daily berthing meeting of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) also revealed that no car carrier berthed at both PTML and Five Star Logistics terminal in March. But, it was also confirmed that Standard Flour Mill (SFM) handled many vehicles in March. It received 975 units of vehicles that came in aboard two vessels, MV Hoegh Kunsan and Hoegh Masan.

New container shipping service to Lagos begins in June hree container-shipping lines have jointly anTnounced the commencement

of a weekly direct service between Asia and ports in West Africa. The inauguration of the ‘WA1’ routing will commence westbound operations next month. The services will reach ports in Apapa, Tema in Ghana; Lome, Togo; Abidjan; Cote D’Ivoure The liners, Japanese Mitsui

OSK Lines (MOL), Taiwanbased Evergreen and Chinese company, COSCON, said that the new link would enable them to enhance coverage in their African markets. The service will use 12 vessels commencing westbound from Shanghai on June 2, 2014 and eastbound from Lagos on the July 7, 2014, with six of the ships being operated by MOL, four by Evergreen Line and two by COSCON.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Averting implosion in Cross River PDP

Imoke

The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is likely to go into the 2015 elections a divided house, except its leadership act fast and resolve issues over the governorship ambition of one of its members, CLEMENT JAMES reports

n the last seven years, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has made some mileage out of democracy in spite of daunting challenges. The leader of the party in the state, Senator Liyel Imoke, often called “the gentle giant”, has piloted the affairs of the party with uncanny wisdom, tact, resoluteness and statesmanlike courage. To the governor’s credit, and by extension the entire leadership of the party, the state has witnessed immense political stability and sterling economic progress, with tourism being the flag-ship of the administration’s programme. Some of these achievements include, but not limited to, execution of massive rural infrastructure such as roads, electricity, robust health programmes and construction of modern classroom blocks. Similarly, the government has attracted investments running into billions of naira into the state, thus boosting the economy and generating employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the state. For instance, Wilmar Nig. Ltd., an agro-based company has brought in investment worth more than one hundred million dollars, while General Electric is proposing to invest twice the amount. The Nigeria Flour Mill, which was almost drowned by recession, has since bounced back, with activities in the company reaching pitch high, while massive expansion has been undertaken by Unicem, one of the biggest employers of labour in the state. The tourism sector has not been idle as it has contributed a huge quota to the economy. Record from the state tourism bureau shows that during last year’s Calabar Christmas Carnival, tourists flooded the state, with more than 50, 000 tourists. Besides, companies sponsoring some aspects of the carnival plough in millions of naira in sponsorship deals, thereby enhancing not only the image of the event, but also raising the revenue profile of the state. All these

Agba

have been achieved in spite of the fact that in 2012, the state officially lost the Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroun and 76 oil wells to neighboring Akwa Ibom State which adversely affected its share of federal allocation. Many people who have been in sympathy with the leadership of the party have continued to be amazed at the dedication to project execution and commitment to fulfilling obligations to civil servants in the state. Of course, the diversification into agriculture and the close monitoring of revenue to avert leakages have contributed to the magic. However, all these gains may be blown away by a dangerous political wind as the PDP, which government has deftly guided the economy, seems to be embroiled in a squabble that observers say may not skate over division. Although the full picture of the disagreement is still evolving, events in the last few weeks in the party have raised concern over the ability of the party to go into the next election as a family. Until recently, the unsuspecting public did not know that the larger PDP and a group within the party were at dagger’s drawn until the state party chairman, Ntufam John Okon flew the kite last week. For the dissenting group, it was all it needed to launch a sneering attack on the leadership of the party. The bone of contention is the ambition of one man, Prince Goddy JeddyAgba who until now, was not known to many people in the state but who has been made very popular by reason of controversy. As the story goes, Agba, a native of Utugwang central in Obudu local government of the state and current General Manager (Crude) NNPC, saw an opportunity in the zoning window of the party and choose to take advantage of it. His decision has since opened the flood-gate of cheers and jeers, depending on who is involved. For the state party chairman, Agba is not known to the party as a member. In an interview last week with New Telegraph, Ntufam Okon insisted that the party cannot register a civil servant, saying the NNPC Manager must first resign his appointment before he can be allowed to register as a member. His words; “He is not a member of PDP for now. If he comes in and asks to be registered, we will register him. There are procedures for registration. As far as we are concerned, Jeddy-Agba is not a card carrying member of PDP in the state.” This seemingly honest comment by the head of the party in the state drew the ire of the dissenting group led by a former Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Sandy Onor. The group also

Okon

The two parties must not forget in a hurry that only last year, they dined and wined together. Dragging themselves in the public few months later gives a picture of old men with youthful exuberance last week called a select group of journalists to its office at Marian road to vent its spleen on the chairman. Sandwiched by a former Commissioner for Works in the present administration who also was a former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Venatius Ikem, and former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Ibor, Onor took the party chairman to task on the issue of Agba’s membership. “Let me place on record,” Onor said, “that Prince Goddy Jeddy-Agba is a member of PDP.” He explained that Agba registered in his ward, Utugwang central and has remained a contributory member of the party ever since. Onor alleged that the party chairman was issuing out threats and intimidation and said his group, which he called “Jeddy-Agba Support Network” was not campaigning but “consulting and discussing,” an act he claimed did not in any way infringe on section 101 (1) of the Electoral Act. He further averred that the group was conscious of the position of the Act which restrains it from displaying the party’s logo or symbol. He alleged that the state party chairman was on a mission of selectively “pillorying” those who do not agree with what he considers to be “sacrosanct.” Onor, a former university lecturer, contended that Jeddy-Agba was the “best man at the moment” to lead the state and warned that the group would resist any attempt to sideline him, urging the chairman to refrain from issuing out “threats and intimation which is clearly out of order.” Observers of political development in the state are very much concerned about the action of “barring” on the part of the leadership and the nature of “resistance” by the group. For a party that has weathered all the storms together as a family, including being removed by the court twice as winner of elections (2009 and 2012), it is surprising that a contour is manifesting

at a time the party is supposed to present a formidable candidate against a rejuvenated opposition in next year’s election. For the party that has all along prides itself as being a “family”, the evolving scenario may not augur well as the electorate would feel really disappointed in the turn of event. It would be recalled that in the post 76 oil well crisis with Akwa Ibom State, many people hailed the patience, restraint and candor of the governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke. In fact, Imoke’s mien during the period was generally applauded as that of a statesman. He related well with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Obong Godswill Akpabio as if nothing had happened and was always quick to appeal to his people to allow time determine the matter. The “gentle” and “unassuming” Senator Imoke took the judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter in his strides and gave an outward impression that the state could survive without oil. His philosophy has since vindicated him as the economy has been running without oil money. It is worth noting the fact that the personalities involved in this battle of wits have their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Onor was the campaign Director General to Imoke in the campaign leading to the 2011 governorship election and served as a commissioner in his administration in both the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment respectively until December last year. For Venatius Ikem, he was the party’s national officer, holding the office of the National Publicity Secretary during Obasanjo’s democratic regime and thereafter returning home to head the Ministry of Works as Commissioner before being relieved of his post. On the other hand, the party, headed by Senator Liyel Imoke has a huge reserve of eminent personalities who can match the wits, brains and brawns of the seemingly isolated group. Of course, the state chairman wields enormous powers and could cause a stir or subdue the storm at the snap of his fingers. However, observers are of the opinion that the harmonization of the different strengths will make noticeable weaknesses pale into insignificance. There is no doubt that in situations like this, interests play up, but such interests can be properly managed if the parties involved identify a common goal and strike a compromise. In these days of consensus arrangements, wisdom entails that hard line posture is CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

fortnight ago, the House of Representatives through its Chairman on Public Affairs Committee, Hon. Zakari Mohammed and his Public Accounts counterpart, Hon. Adeola Solomon Olamilekan at a joint press conference announced the suspension of the planned investigation of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke over allegations of spending N10 billion on a chartered private jet. The investigation of the minister and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was earlier scheduled to commence on April 28. The House spokesman had disclosed that: “We expected that she (Alison-Madueke) should be here today. But we (House) have been served with court processes, notifying us that she and the NNPC have gone to court. The import of this is that, for us as legislators, it is our responsibility to expose corruption, but of course this is another demonstration of the frustrations we face from government. “However, as a law-abiding arm of government, we would tarry a while and take legal advice about this issue. Maybe that was why she (Alison-Madueke) did not show face today (Monday). This is to tell you the kind of haste people go to condemn the legislature and the frustrations we face every day we embark on such investigations. “This is a clear case of a matter which is under investigation, or supposedly will go into investigation, but is being frustrated. We are studying the papers and taking position.” But following this declaration, an Abuja Federal High Court judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed denied issuing such an order and consequently summoned the House to explain its claim that there was a court order restraining it from going ahead with the investigation. Although, the House is yet to make any appearance, Justice Mohammed has insisted that the lawmakers must appear before him to explain the source of the restraining order. However, the Public Accounts Committee seems to be continuing with the investigation as it has issued a one-week ultimatum to the managing director of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) and its Managing Director, Mr. Haruna Momoh to appear before it or face criminal charges. The PPMC is a subsidiary of the NNPC. The fresh invitation was contained in a memo dated April 30, signed by the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Solomon Adeola Olamilekan and addressed to the Managing Director. According to the memo, both the PPMC and its managing director have one week to submit in a written form all what they know about the charter of the 850 Challenger aircraft. The committee explained that the action to summon them was based on the response from Vistajet International Limited, one of the companies involved in the transactions. According to the memo, “It was observed that you and PPMC played a central role in the charter of the 850 Challenger aircraft, you are therefore requested to submit a memorandum on your involvement and that of the PPMC in the said transaction.” The memorandum, according to the committee, shall include but not limited to the following: “Details of the financial transaction on the amount paid by NNPC/PPMC to Vistajet International Ltd for the charter and maintenance of the 850 Challenger aircraft and other related aircraft such as the OE-LXR GLOBAL EXPRESS XRS from January 2012 till date.” The memo further requested that:

Tambuwal

Alison-Madueke

Investigating PPMC without Alison-Madueke, NNPC Last week, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts gave the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) a week ultimatum to furnish it with details of its alleged involvement in the charter of 850 Challenger aircraft by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. PHILIP NYAM reviews the ultimatum vis-a-vis the suspension of the probe of the minister, based on an alleged court notice. “Details of any financial liabilities that may be currently outstanding on the charter and maintenance of the 850 Challenger aircraft and other related aircraft used by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Alison-Madueke for both national and international trips. Copies of the agreement (if any), between NNPC/PPMC and Vistajet International Ltd over the charter and maintenance of the 850 Challenger aircraft 0E-LXR GLOBAL EXPRESS XRS and other related aircraft by the minister. “The manifest in the custody of the committee revealed that you have always been in the company of the minister while on international trips on board the said aircraft, you are therefore required to furnish details and particulars of trips (with the minister) embarked upon by yourself with the minister and the justification for such tips.” The committee warned that failure of the PPMC and its MD to submit the memorandum as required would be considered as a criminal offence and would be treated as such. It reiterated that apart from the submission of the memorandum, the PPMC and its MD would also appear before it for a public hearing on a date to be communicated to them in due course.

Probing without minister It is a fact that the minister has gone to court to challenge her investigation by the House but what is not clear is whether there is a court order restraining the lawmakers from carrying on with the exercise. The judge who purportedly issued the order has distanced himself from it and summoned the House spokesman to explain the source of his claim. Although, this is an issue before the court, if the judge who reportedly granted the order has exonerated himself, then, it is as good as concluding that such does not exist. But the minister and the NNPC had in a motion ex-parte on April 11 dragged the House before the Federal High Court, Abuja asking it for an order of interim injunction restraining

This is a clear case of a matter which is under investigation, or supposedly will go into investigation, but is being frustrated

them from summoning or directing her appearance before any committee, particularly the Public Accounts Committee set up by the House. The minister also wants the court to stop the defendants (House) from issuing a warrant compelling her to attend the committee investigative public hearing on the lease of aircraft by the NNPC pending the determination of the suit. The bone of contention is whether the investigation of the PPMC would be feasible considering the fact that it is a subsidiary of the NNPC, which is already in court with the House. Would the PPMC cooperate with the Public Accounts Committee now that the minister, the ministry and the NNPC have initiated a legal battle that may last till the end of the current 7th Assembly? There is every possibility that the PPMC will also shun the ultimatum and perhaps apply to join in the suit against the lawmakers because the NNPC and the ministry cannot be treated differently. In the event that the PPMC did not honour the committee’s memo, would the House initiate criminal charges against it as threatened? Is it just a mere threat? Although, Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had reiterated that the investigation of the N10 billion jet charter allegations has not been abandoned, but with the legal suit, it seems this exercise is truncated. The response of the PPMC would however decide whether the investigation persists.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

As hammer falls on Ebonyi lawmakers The suspension of three members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly is generating controversy in the legislative body. LEO SOBECHI gives an insight into the intrigues that led to the suspension and the plot to bring back the sacked Deputy Speaker of the House

acts have emerged why Ebonyi State House of Assembly suspended the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Blaise Eze Orji; Barristers Eni Uduma Chima (Afikpo South West) and Frank Nwaka Onwe, representing Ohaukwu North State Constituency. Though the House said it suspended the three lawmakers for alleged insubordination and attempt to cause disaffection between the legislative and executive arms of government, New Telegraph investigations revealed otherwise. During an emergency plenary, the embattled legislators were suspended following a motion to that effect moved by the member representing Izzi West, Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and seconded by Hon. Chike Ogiji, representing Ikwo South constituency. Speaking while seconding the motion to have the affected lawmakers suspended from the Assembly, Ogiji contended that the activities of the affected lawmakers were capable of disrupting the harmonious working relationship between the two arms of government. When the question was put to vote, 19 of the 24-member legislature okayed the suspension through a voice vote. However, sources within Ebonyi State Government House and the Legislative Complex said the lawmakers were axed for their boldness to challenge the speed with which the Assembly passed the government’s application for a fresh N15 billion bond from the capital market. It was also gathered that ever since the Speaker of the fourth Ebonyi House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Nwankwo was impeached barely six months into the term, mutual suspicion and constant fear dominated activities of the Assembly. “Weeks before the issue of suspension came up, there were serious plans to impeach the Speaker, Chukwuma Nwazunku for his alleged lack of capacity, bad grammar and poor understanding of legislative process. The Speaker was also accused of procuring a degree certificate at the state university even before completing his five-year course in the Work and Study Programme, (WASP) of the university,” a source in the Assembly told New Telegraph. The source added that most of the legislators complained that the Assembly continues to depreciate in reputation due largely to the comportment and carriage of the House leadership. He said that it was in the bid to ward off possible impeachment that the Speaker allegedly reached an understanding with six influential members including Odefa Odefa, Ogbonnaya Kingsley Ikoro, Chris Garuba Usulor, Frank Onwe and Blaise Orji. The source added that a female member of the legislature who was once a commissioner was also placated by the Speaker to ensure that two-thirds majority needed to oust him could not be achieved. The source explained that prior to

Members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly with Governor Martins Elechi (second left) at a recent public function.

the suspension of the legislators, three factions existed in the Assembly led by Odefa, Usulor and Nwifuru respectively. But upon discreet searches, a source in the Governor’s Office confided in New Telegraph that the state government was peeved by the effrontery of seven legislators who directed the Speaker to demand the sum of N1 billion from the governor as their own share of the N15 billion bond facility. “They actually demanded that N1 billion be given to them as reward for expeditiously passing the application for the N15 billion bond facility. Whether it was in jest or earnest, the solicitation for N1 billion gratification fed the impression that the bond was being procured for purposes other than which it was being sought,” he disclosed, adding that government took the position that only the suspension of the seven legislators involved could assuage its wrath. However, New Telegraph gathered that while moving the motion for the suspension of the affected legislators, Nwifuru decided to leave out some of the culprits who Abimbola Jones

ith less than a month to the governorship election in Ekiti State, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his investiture as Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) said that anybody who rigged the forthcoming election in the state would be roasted alive. This statement cannot be ignored because the same statement was credited to another leader of the party in 2011 that if Goodluck Jonathan won the presidential election, Nigeria would be made ungovernable. Till date, Nigeria has been made partially ungovernable by the same group of people who want power by all means. The poser for the Asiwaju of APC is: who was he speaking for? And if there was a clan he was speaking for, it could not be more than the dregs of the society who would be used as thugs to cause mayhem in Ekiti in order to perpetuate his political fiefdom in the state. As a leader of a party, what is expected of Tinubu on such occasions is for him to

are dreaded for their violent tendencies. As the suspension of the three legislators continue to generate tension in the Assembly, it was gathered that questions are being raised as to whether the House attained the mandatory two-thirds before passing the executive bill for bond. Not that alone, New Telegraph was informed that the subterranean moves to restore the former Deputy Speaker, Valentine Okike Uzor to the position of Deputy

Perhaps on account of the weak leadership of the House of Assembly or fear of impeachment or even lack of capacity, sittings have been sparing and debates shallow. The current Speaker, who is a first timer, is often derided for his faltering grammar

Speaker is unsettling the peace of the Assembly. A legislator from Ebonyi North Senatorial zone, who disclosed this plot to New Telegraph in confidence, said most members would resist the plan to bring Uzor back unless Nwankwo would be restored as Speaker. “Our stand is that once any person is impeached he cannot regain the position. If they want to bring in a doctrine of necessity we would want it applied to the former Speaker,” he maintained. He said some of those who are angling to bring back Uzor want to impeach the Speaker and within days attempt to impeach Governor Martins Elechi before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries. Perhaps on account of the weak leadership of the House of Assembly or fear of impeachment or even lack of capacity, sittings have been sparing and debates shallow. The current Speaker, who is a first timer, is often derided for his faltering grammar. The 24-member Assembly is made up of mostly young people with modest education and experience. None of the suspended legislators agreed to speak to New Telegraph ostensibly not to jeopardize ongoing efforts at political settlement.

Tinubu’s recipe for tell the students of the university to be of good behaviour, and not to propagate and recruit students into political thuggery The imperative of Tinubu’s statement on the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State (and by extension Osun because Osun comes on the heels of Ekiti) is that he has successfully taken the message of violence to the people they intend to recruit in weeks to come to serve as riggers and thugs for the APC as they always do. It would be recalled that in Tinubu’s Lagos State, the APC was shamefully beaten by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the local government elections even in the ward where Tinubu resides. Tinubu and his cohorts did everything humanly possible to make sure that the mandate of the people was stolen. It beats one’s imagination why Tinubu and his APC are already shout-

ing about rigging. If actually they had the people’s mandate in the instance to represent them and they have done well, should they be afraid of election? It goes to show that the Asiwaju of some selected Yoruba leaders has already developed cold feat because he is fast losing his political estate, which is the South-West. Tinubu made the same noise during the Ondo governorship election and his party placed a distant third in the end of the election. It is obvious that if APC, as a political party and the ruling party in Ekiti has done well, Tinubu would not need to incite people to violence in the forthcoming election. But by using the language of threat and violence to cow the other political parties in the race is a clear indication that the party he speaks for has lost confidence in itself. Interestingly, facts on ground in Ekiti reveal that the APC is jittery because of the entrance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ayo Fayose,

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We are approaching 2015 and the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have zoned the next governorship to Lagos East Senatorial District. What is your take on this? The issue of zoning is done in order to allow people from each of the zones, especially the senatorial districts to have equal representation and with that, it is done in order to also arrest the crowd of people that might have been waiting to contest for the governorship. So, if the party leaders, the national leader of the party has zoned it to Lagos East, I believe that is the right thing to do and we have formidable candidates from that zone that can produce a governor that we could call our own governor. How do you see religion being introduced to Lagos politics against the backdrop of agitation from some quarters for a Christian governor in 2015? Everybody has a right to complain and every organisation has the right to make a demand. But in Lagos State, we don’t play religion with politics. Religion should not go together with politics and we leave it to where it should be. Governor Babatunde Fashola is a Muslim and his wife is a Christian. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a Muslim and the wife is a Christian. So, we don’t play our politics in Lagos State with religion. The next governor is not coming to come and preach on the pulpit. A governor as a Muslim is not coming to preach Quran but to give the people the best governance and that is our take and that is where we stand. How prepared is APC to retain Lagos in 2015? That is sure banker. Lagos is a nogo area. We started with Lagos; we captured all the South-West, except Ondo State. Then about 15 states are with us now, so APC is on ground and APC is ready for the election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is just waking up from its slumber in Lagos State and there is nothing they can do despite all their gimmicks. We can all see what Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is doing as a minister, bringing armed soldiers to come and invade his own state. The power of land belongs to the state government; the land is invested in the hands of the state governor, so whatever a state governor is doing on any land he is using his power. But you can see what Obanikoro is doing; bringing soldiers to come and invade Lagos and disrupting the state activities from giving out the best to the people. The just-concluded APC congress has left

Ekiti poll

whom they fear has the magic wand to wrestle power from the ruling party in the state. It is on record that Fayose in

Tinubu

Lagos Assembly not Fashola’s rubber stamp –Avoseh Hon. Hodewu Suru Avoseh is a second term legislator in the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) representing Badagry II Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Health. He believes that the state legislative arm is not a rubber stamp to Governor Babatunde Fashola. Avoseh, a former Minority Leader of the Assembly, also speaks on the relationship betwen the executive and legislative arms, among other issues, in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

and those who have been saddled with the responsibility now to to work together. For example, in my own local government, Badagry Central Local Government, it was rough from the beginning. The congress didn’t hold on the scheduled day, especially the local government congress. Then we sat down as leaders of the party, we called everybody together and resolved our differences and today, come to Badagry, you will see us at our general meetings without any complain despite the fact that some people we are aggrieved. We have taken up the challenge and we must work together for the victory of the party. There is no rancour and we will continue to talk to ourselves, working with ourselves for us to get the best. The fallout of the party congresses is not going to have any negative effect on us in the 2015 elections. People are ready to work together because it pays them for their party to win than for their party to be in the opposition. They know it. The PDP described the Lagos State House of Assembly as a rubber stamp that has not been able to put its feet on the ground to challenge the governor whenever he is making policies that is considered antipeople. Do you share this view? Give me an example because I am not aware of that?

Avoseh

many members of the party aggrieved, how do you intend to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of 2015 elections? It is always a common thing that whenever there are elections; either congress to elect party officers or to choose candidates for normal election, some people must be aggrieved. You can’t do it in a perfect way that every-

body would be happy. Those who lose will cry foul and those who win will be happy but it is left with the party

2003 defeated an incumbent governor, Niyi Adebayo of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to become governor. Tinubu at the investiture said that “no government that wants people’s votes will be doing what they are doing. They are planning to rig the elections but be ready to protect your votes. It is going to be rig and roast.” Haba, Asiwaju! Tinubu should not be seen to be harbinger of violence; instead, he should be preaching peace as an acclaimed leader of his people in the South-West. The painful aspect of this statement was that it was made before the students whose mind is fertile and easily prone to manipulation of any sort, and these students had already been strategically told by Asiwaju that studying is not necessary but thuggery is it all in the name of protecting the votes. In any case PDP should be the party to cry about the plot by the ruling APC government in Ekiti to rig election and not the other way round. But the party, analysts content, is crying wolf as it has come to the reality that Fayose has what it takes to return the state to PDP. The former governor of Lagos State

should note that the students that he is preparing for war are in that school to learn and to be responsible citizens; not to be stuffed with the idea of violence as suggested by the message he delivered to the students on the occasion. There is no crime in soliciting votes from the students for his party but encouraging the students to be handy for thuggery is criminal, and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. The like of Tinubu should note that you do not get power by killing those you are supposed to rule. It is high time that Tinubu and his like stopped using “janjaweed” approach in soliciting for people’s mandate because the electorate are wiser. Preaching violence as Asiwaju has done, is bad leadership by someone who occupies a frontline position in the politics of the country. I admonish him to stop inciting the people because violence will beget violence and the entire polity would be the worst for it. So, Asiwaju of APC, spare us this invitation to a barbaric culture of violence. •Jones sent this piece from Ikeja, Lagos State.

One is on the issue of ban of commercial motorcycles (okada), demolition and... Between you and I, to be candid, how do you see the law restricting the movement of okada? It is a law in Lagos but in Abuja there was no law or debate to ban Okada. In Rivers State, there was no law put in place to ban okada. In most of the Northern states, there is no law made to ban okada. So, it is the okada riders from this various states they have banned that trooped into Lagos to come and wreck havoc on Lagosians. So, it is a law that we made and we stand by that law and nobody can say that law is anti-people. Go to our hospitals now, go to the emergency units, see the number of accident victims compared to what happened before the law came into existence. So people would talk. We know we are doing our best and we are doing what we know we should do for the people. Do you agree that Lagos House of Assembly is a rubber stamp? I don’t know which angle they are looking things from. Lagos State House of Assembly is a legislature that stands on its own. Let me tell you one thing; the governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola knows his onions and he knows the Assembly as a House that is very formidable; it is a House that doesn’t need direction. Especially when it is time for budget because it is then that the executive will try to lobby one way or the other but immediately Governor Fashola delivers his budget speech and presents it to the House, he doesn’t want to know what happens to the budget again until the House does what is right. So, the House is on its own, working on its own and we have been doing that with all sincerity of purpose. You can see what is happening in Lagos in terms of the turning around in the state and it is because of what we have all resolved to do for Lagos State and everybody. Lagos is Nigeria and we are getting it right. Look at the country; you can’t compare Nigeria to Lagos because we are sincere and we are doing our best in making sure that the people get it well.

44 POLITICS

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Ekweremadu: Praxis of consistent loyalty On Monday, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu turned 52. In this piece, Sufuyan Ojeifo, a journalist, pays tribute to the lawyer turned lawmaker

n Monday May 12, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu was 52 years old. He was celebrated by his colleagues in the Senate and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was also celebrated by his friends in and outside government. The tributes summed up the man’s quintessence and the praxis of his loyalty since he stepped in the saddle as Deputy Senate President on June 5, 2007. I am sure that his good nature has not changed from the first institutional assessment by the Senate on May 12, 2008 when he turned 46. The Senate had, in a letter signed on its behalf by the then Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, stated in part: “…often, our dear nation finds itself thrusting its fate in the hands of young men like you. It is not an accident of history; therefore, that at 46, and indeed, (as) one of the youngest members of this Senate, you occupy the exalted position of the Deputy President of the Senate. For us, it is a mark of great honour for which we hereby renew our resolve. “You have enormous responsibilities and challenges of nation-building placed on your shoulders. History will eminently remember you for bringing honour and respect to the Office of the Deputy President of the Senate. You have confined yourself to building confidence in the leadership of the Senate, supporting without flinching the chair of our chamber, bringing unequalled camaraderie to our members and standing by our resolutions and decisions. Without doubt, your leadership style and moderation is something to emulate. “We recall that early in life, you have shown remarkable leadership qualities in your community, local government area and your state. Your antecedents in both the private and public sectors are strong strands of bold commitment to service. Indeed, as far back as 1997, for a tenure of just 16 months, you earned for yourself the Best Local Government Chairman in Enugu State. In the Senate since 2003, you have shown immense courage to stand for the truth and what is best for our country.” It was a revealing portrait of Ekweremadu lucidly painted by his colleagues. The assessment has stood the test of time. In the last seven years, he has demonstrated practically his commitment to leadership in followership; the praxis of consistent, persistent loyalty. I posit without any fear of contradictions that nothing has changed negatively to taint the beautiful narrative of his work relationship with his boss, the Senate President, Senator David Mark. Rather, the story has been very positive and inspiring. The narrative about the increasing unity in the Senate, which is a product of the accommodating leadership style of Mark, has understandably rubbed off, positively, on Ekweremadu who has the privilege of occasionally presiding in plenary whenever Mark is not around. Sitting in for Mark is conventional and finds accommodation in the extant rule of congress (parliament). The usual cooperation and respect accorded to Mark are transferred to Ekweremadu. He enjoyed the overwhelming support of his colleagues, first, on June 5, 2007 when the Senate was inaugurated. That day, he did not have any opposition in his bid to become Deputy Senate President. After the tension-soaked

Ekweremadu

election of the Senate President, which saw Mark defeat his opponent, Senator George Akume, with a wide margin, the election of Ekweremadu, who was a product of the same political decision that produced Mark, was therefore an icing on the cake. The same process repeated itself for the Enugu-born politician in 2011 when he was re-elected as Deputy Senate President for another four-year term. Ekweremadu is a man of destiny. In the fifth session of the Senate, some powerful forces had favoured him for the position of Senate President, then ceded to his South-East geo-political zone. But that did not crystallise as Senator Ken Nnamani beat him to the coveted position. He was thus content with his chairmanship of the Committee on Federal Character and Government Affairs. Before his appointment, he was Chairman of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development. He was also a member of other committees such as Committees on Internal Affairs, Capital Market, Judiciary and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). As a ranking member of the Senate, who discharged his legislative mandate creditably in the fifth session without any negative incident, it was thus easy for his candidature to enamour the National Caucus of the PDP, which anointed and adopted him unopposed

Ekweremadu has continued to deploy his background of training as a lawyer to advantage. He understands the rules of the Senate and has the capacity to intervene through constitutional points of order to change, redirect or guide Senatein-plenary on knotty constitutional issues for the position of the Deputy Senate President in the Sixth Senate. He had applied himself to the demands of his office. He was evidently supportive and loyal to the leadership of Mark. He demonstrated this during the legal battle by Mark to validate his mandate after it was “annulled” by the Benue State Election Petition Tribunal. While some people were reportedly plotting to replace Mark in the event that he lost the court case, Ekweremadu did not waver. He remained, persistent, consistent and steadfast to the end. A brilliant legislator, Ekweremadu has continued to deploy his background

of training as a lawyer to advantage. He understands the rules of the Senate and has the capacity to intervene through constitutional points of order to change, redirect or guide Senate-in-plenary on knotty constitutional issues. He is a good example of how to flourish in the legislature. He has been largely instrumental to the sponsorship of many bills, including, among others, the State of the Nation Address Bill which has been passed into law; Private Investigators and Detective Bill and the Amendment of River Basin Authority Bill. He also played a leading role in the pushing through of the Doctrine of Necessity that empowered Goodluck Jonathan, who was then Vice President, to act as President with full powers when President Umaru Yar’Adua (now late) was incapacitated. The list of his accomplishments is long. He has been very active in the ECOWAS Parliament. He was appointed the first Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the ECOWAS in September 2007; he is currently Speaker of the sub-regional legislative body. He has also in recent times emerged a forceful presenter of papers and keynote speeches on critical national and international issues bordering on political economy. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees/Founder of Ikeoha Foundation, a platform with which he engages his people for development through award of educational scholarship for students from Enugu West Senatorial District and micro-credit financing to farmer groups in the zone. He has garnered a good number of awards, honours and commendations, to wit: Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR); Knight of the Order of the Good Shepherd, Diocese of Enugu, Anglican Communion; and Dr. Kwame Nkurumah Africa Leadership Award (2005), among others. Holder of traditional chieftaincy titles of Ochiagha Ndigbo (Prime Minister of Igbo land or the custodian of Igbo culture and tradition), Ikeoha of Aninri Enugu and Ikeoha of Ebonyi State, and indeed Ikeoha Ndigbo, Ekweremadu, who was a legal practitioner and Lecturer in Law at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (where he studied as a student), had begun his political activism and engagement in 1997 when he was elected as Executive Chairman of the Aninri Local Government Council on the platform of the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP). His imprimatur was evident on the development of infrastructure in the area and was voted the Best Local Government Chairman of the Year. He has continued to use the instrumentality of his senatorial seat and position to influence infrastructure development in his Senatorial District. I believe that Ekweremadu must have, long before then, reflected deeply on his political odyssey thus far and projected, yes, prayed for the unfolding journey that is ahead. This is wishing the Dike Eji Eje Mba (Worthy Ambassador), a title recently conferred on him by the Oduma Community of Enugu State, good political fortunes in the years ahead.

Averting implosion in Cross River PDP CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 0

met with candid persuasion. The two parties must not forget in a hurry that only last year, they dined and wined together. Dragging themselves in the public few months latter gives a picture of old men with youthful exuberance. Suffice it to say that all those involved in the current drama have, one way or the other, contributed to the building

of the party at different times and this has brought the party to the enviable position it currently occupies, thereby consigning the existence of opposition parties to the briefcase. Observers are therefore worried that the hard line posture of the party leadership and the seeming insubordination of the group portend serious danger to governance in particular and democracy in general. It is for this rea-

son that many feel that the statesmanlike disposition of the governor be deployed to produce dialogue, concession and accommodation. This is given the fact that wielding the big stick by the leadership of the party may be resisted by the group. The manner, nature and texture of such resistance may not be known, but it will surely give the opposition the opportunity for a leveraged buyout.

METRO 45

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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Woman escapes lynching Mosque attack: We will for carrying grandchild sue masquerader –Group Juliana Francis

woman who sells foodstuff at the Cemetery Market area of Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos State, yesterday escaped being lynched by an angry mob, which believed she stole a new-born. This happened shortly after the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, said in a statement that the police were deeply concerned about the increasing tendency by some citizens to resort to jungle justice. A witness claimed that the woman was carrying a baby just delivered by her daughter (names withheld) in a private hospital in Aiyetoro, Ajegunle and was going to her house at Abukuru Street, also in Ajegunle when some people saw her, thought she had stolen the baby and pounced on her. The woman’s attackers said there was no way a woman her age could have given birth to a baby. The woman’s attempts to convince the mob that her daughter, a footballer, delivered the child same day were rebuffed by the mob which tore her clothes. At a point, the baby began to bleed from the umbilical cord because of the attack. “The woman cried that they should not kill her and the child and pleaded that they should investigate before attacking. “The woman even showed them some new clothes belonging to the baby which were in her possession but they did not listen,” the witness said.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ajegunle Police Division, CSP Abayomi Agbana, was alerted and he drafted a team of policemen to the scene, thereby rescuing the grandmother and the baby from the mob. The police also invited the medical director of the hospital, where the woman’s daughter delivered the baby. The doctor identified the granny, adding that he told her to take the baby to her house because the baby’s mother was anaemic. According to the doctor, the baby was delivered around 8.45am. He told the police that the mother could not breastfed the baby because of her poor health condition. But speaking on the marked increase in jungle justice, in the country, Mba said the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, hd warned citizens to desist from such reprehensible acts. He said: “Every Nigerian citizen is entitled to the fundamental right of fair hearing; the IG insists that none is guilty except a law court of competent jurisdiction expressly says so. “He therefore has directed Zonal AIGs, Command CPs and other field commanders to take adequate measures to ensure that the rights of every Nigerian citizen, including those of suspected criminals, are protected. “The IGP warns that any person found to be involved in any acts of impunity or jungle justice must bear the full wrath of the law as two wrongs cannot make a right.”

A motorcycle damaged during the attack

Taiwo Jimoh

hamsu-deen Islamiy, an Islamic organisation, attacked by a masquerader and its followers in Idimu area of Lagos State has threatened to take a legal action against the assailants. The group told our correspondent yesterday that it would seek redress in court for the destruction of items in the mosque and bodily injuries inflicted on its members. The Missioner of the group, Alhaji Abdulakeem Robiu, said a meeting called by the Oba of Idimu, Dada Azeez Olayeni, the Olugoke 2, after the matter had been reported at the Idimu Police

20 suspects arrested after robbery, murder Juliana Francis bout 20 suspected robbers have been arrested by policemen from different divisions at the Ajegunle area of Lagos State, after a resident was robbed and shot dead. The deceased, identified as Richard Ebegbune, from Delta State, was killed at Omoniyi Street, on Sunday. Ebegbune was said to have left his house at Adedayo Street, to visit his friends at Omoniyi Street when he

was killed. A resident said that the bandits, who were many, wore face masks, adding that many people were injured in the robbery operation. A witness, who gave his name as Dele, residing at Market Street, said that the robbers pointed guns at him and dispossessed him of his two phones and the N5,500 he had on him. Dele, who claimed that the robbers were over 100, said they dispossessed

many people of their money, mobile phones and other valuables in some streets in the area. He said: “They looted shops as people abandoned their goods and took to their heels. I must commend the police who came and chased them away. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko, Superintendent of Police (SP) Nosiru, risked his life as he chased the hoodlums.”

Station failed to resolve the crisis. According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at the Idimu Division advised the two parties to go home and settle the matter amicably. He said: “After the police had advised us on what to do, the Oba of Idimu persuaded us to effect the release those in detention. “Before we consented to the oba’s request, we asked him to replace the vandalised property in the mosque and foot the bill of those injured in the attack. Oba Olayeni said he look into it and promised to replace items destroyed. “We have also been summoned to a peace meeting on Wednesday (today) at the palace of the oba. We are going there with the bill of what we have spent on the injured worshipers and the damaged property in the mosque. “An estimation of about N26.869 million is what we want to table before them. We have evaluated the damaged property. This includes the bill for the treatment of the worshipers.” But when contacted on phone, the palace spokesman, Chief Moruf Oriyomi Ojugbele, who doubles as the Elemo of Idimu, said there was no promise to replace the damaged property. He said the police asked them to go and resolve the issue because it was “two fighting”.

My drug would yield N2.4m profit in Kenya – Suspect Juliana Francis

51-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Odeyemi Ademola Ayodeji, said that he decided to traffic illicit drug because of $15,000 profit (about N2.4 million), he would make after selling the drugs in Nairobi, Kenya. Ayodeji said he owed too many people, adding that one of his wives returned to her parents’ home because she could no longer withstand the financial hardship under his roof. The suspect was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to smuggle 3.870kg of substances which tested positive for methamphetamine to Nairobi. He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, during outward screening of

passengers on a Kenyan Airways flight. “I cannot sleep because of debts. I would have made a profit of $15,000 from selling the drug in Nairobi. “As a result of my condition, my senior wife has gone to live with her parents because of hardship. “I intended paying my debt and starting a business with the $15,000. Kindly help me; I am married to two wives and have three children,” Ayodeji said. Methamphetamine, often called Ice or Meth, is a crystal-like powdered substance that sometimes comes in Ayodeji with the drug large rock-like chunks. It is odourless, bitter-tasting and He said: “The drug was dissolves easily in water or packed in white transparent alcohol. polythene and hidden inside The MMIA NDLEA Com- his bag containing soup ingremander, Hamza Umar, said dients like pepper, melon and the drug was found inside the crayfish.” suspect’s luggage. Speaking on the arrest, the

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, called for stiffer punishment to deter people from drug trafficking. He said: “Getting money from drug trafficking is criminal and must be discouraged.

“We need stiffer punishment to deter people from drug trafficking. The pain of spending 15 years in prison will prevent more people from getting involved in drug smuggling.”

46 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

13-May-14

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 9.20 29-JUN-2014 9.25 28-SEP-2014 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

9.20 9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

45.00 100.00 535.00 435.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 75.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

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

0.13 0.38 0.95 2.26 2.96 3.21 3.30 4.05 5.13 5.45 7.71 9.84 14.55 15.03 15.52 16.20

10.32 10.77 11.51 12.40 12.28 12.23 12.24 12.28 12.41 12.36 12.62 12.64 12.89 12.92 12.95 13.05

9.18 10.35 10.91 12.32 12.22 12.11 12.12 12.18 12.33 12.27 12.56 12.59 12.85 12.88 12.89 13.00

99.81 99.41 93.44 101.20 106.80 93.79 92.31 95.07 113.30 79.18 118.20 108.60 113.68 97.16 70.52 79.60

99.96 99.56 93.94 101.35 106.95 94.09 92.61 95.37 113.60 79.48 118.50 108.90 113.98 97.46 70.82 79.90

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

4,264.84

Issuer

Agency Bonds

AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

Description

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

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

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.47 1.03 1.52 2.58 2.94 3.15

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 3.20 1.00

11.87 14.23 14.15 14.20 15.42 13.23

94.77 86.79 104.27 95.24 88.57 91.13

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.23 0.42 1.30 0.90 1.20 1.21 2.93 1.77 3.64 2.61 4.39 2.61 2.61 3.19 3.26 5.53 3.23 3.94 6.54 6.64 3.94 3.98

1.56 1.34 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 1.21 1.00 1.00 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

12.02 12.14 16.20 14.69 16.16 15.18 17.81 13.03 14.05 14.00 13.29 13.20 13.41 13.23 13.24 14.31 14.97 15.01 13.46 14.41 13.71 14.22

100.35 100.70 95.76 98.99 97.83 100.71 82.71 101.37 99.83 100.14 102.26 102.94 113.91 103.20 105.79 100.70 99.49 99.28 100.16 102.43 111.06 110.71

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 14-Nov-20

0.40 0.60 0.64 0.78 0.86 0.94 2.38 2.45 3.38 2.00 2.16 2.32 2.32 4.36 2.43 2.52 6.51

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 4.52 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.00 2.29 6.11 2.76

11.76 16.27 19.82 16.18 12.40 14.14 13.19 13.53 16.76 14.05 15.66 17.39 17.25 13.29 14.48 18.31 15.21

99.85 98.44 98.32 95.71 99.86 100.30 99.59 101.43 90.53 107.92 100.78 101.42 101.96 102.24 102.58 97.80 100.14

11-Feb-18

3.75

1.00

13.26

91.14

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# NAHCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 14-Nov-13

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

175.67

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.95

4.80

110.15

111.06

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.24

4.03

103.35

104.14

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.38

5.26

107.09

108.00

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

4.06

3.37

112.14

113.38

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.31

4.39

104.12

105.92

GTBANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC AFREN PLC ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC AFREN PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 10.25 APR 08, 2019 6.25 APR 22, 2019 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 6.63 DEC 09, 2020

08-Nov-13 25-Jul-12 09-May-13 08-Apr-12 22-Apr-14 07-Aug-13 09-Dec-13

6.00 7.25 6.88 10.25 6.25 8.25 6.63

400.00 350.00 300.00 300.00 500.00 300.00 360.00

08-Nov-18 25-Jul-17 02-May-18 08-Apr-19 22-Apr-19 07-Aug-20 09-Dec-20

6.16 6.89 8.36 5.20 6.17 7.18 6.34

5.91 6.52 7.78 4.63 6.01 6.75 6.10

99.39 101.00 95.04 113.63 100.34 103.83 101.12

100.36 102.06 96.95 114.77 101.02 105.43 102.06

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE **Treasury Bills DTM 9 16 23 37 44 51 58

Maturity 22-May-14 29-May-14 5-Jun-14 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14

3,460.00 Bid Discount (%) 9.75 10.10 9.90 9.95 9.95 9.90 9.75

Offer Discount (%) 9.50 9.85 9.65 9.70 9.70 9.65 9.50

Bid Yield (%) 9.77 10.14 9.96 10.05 10.07 10.04 9.90

FIXINGS

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.6667 12.4865 13.2854 14.1222

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

O/N Tenor Call

10.50

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

162.50 162.42 162.68 163.28 164.45

162.60 162.70 163.06 164.01 165.79

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto KWARA A-/GCR NIGER A+/Agusto KADUNA A/Agusto *EBONYI Nil *BENUE A+/Agusto *IMO A+/Agusto; A+/GCR LAGOS A-/Agusto *BAYELSA A/Agusto EDO A+/Agusto; A+/GCR Wednesday, May 14, 2014*DELTA A-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER A/Agusto; A-/GCR† *EKITI A-/Agusto *NIGER A/Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO A/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS A/Agusto; A-/GCR *OSUN A/Agusto *OSUN Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI A/Agusto *EKITI A-/GCR *NASARAWA Sanctity of Truth

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 12.701 trillion, representing an 14.75 OSUNof II 30-SEP-2020 increase N130 billion or 1.01 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 per cent as market sentiments 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 remained negative. 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 At the close of transactions, 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 14.00 15-Oct-09 14.00 31-Aug-10 12.50 30-Sep-10 13.00 30-Jun-11 14.00 30-Jun-09 15.50 19-Apr-10 10.00 30-Jun-10 13.75 30-Dec-10 14.00 30-Sep-11 14.00 04-Oct-11 14.00 09-Dec-11 14.50 12-Dec-13 14.00 14-Feb-12 15.50 02-Oct-12 15.50 22-Nov-12 14.50 cent 12-Dec-12 to close at N2.6614.75 per share, 30-Sep-13 14.75 while Costain WA Plc followed 13.50 with27-Nov-13 a loss of 4.62 per cent to 31-Dec-13 15.00 close31-Dec-13 at N1.24 per share. Cour14.50 tiville Business Solution shed 06-Jan-14 15.00

Stock market sustains northward drive TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Stories byBonds Chris Ugwu Corporate A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO he bulls yesterday Aa/Agusto GTB mainµ Nil tained their stronghold NGC Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC Stock on the Nigerian A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS Exchange (NSE) as major BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS blue-chip companies joined A+/Agusto; A-/GCRof gainers, NAHCO the league the A-/Agusto market capitalisaFSDH causing A/GCRand the All-Share UBA Index tion *C & I region. LEASING toBBB-/GCR remain on the green BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA# Market watchers have attrib# A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR uted the resurgence*TOWER of bulls to AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER# normal market forces, which A/Agusto; A/GCR usually occurs afterUBA period of Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *LA CASERA profit takings by investors. BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS# The key benchmark indices A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO

31 stocks appreciated in price as against 16 that depreciated in value. Fidson Heath led the 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCOCare 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY gainers’ tableTRUST with18-DEC-2014 a surge of 17.00 cent NGC 31-DEC-2014 7 per to close at N2.60 per 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 share while Wapic Insurance 12.00 FLOURMILLS followed with 9-DEC-2015 a gain of 5 per 14.00 to CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 cent close at 83 kobo per 13.00 NAHCO share. Red29-SEP-2016 Star Express addFSDHcent 25-OCT-2016 ed14.25 5 per to close at N4.62 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 among other price gainers. 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 On the other hand, Custody MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 Insurance led on the price losMPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 ers’ table, dropping by 4.66 per MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

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

AFREN PLC ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC AFREN PLC

4.23 per cent to close at 68 kobo, 572.90 government to push for manamong other price losers. datory listing of major governFurther analysis of the ment owned enterprises that trading showed that11.50 the Bank- 11.80 have been privatised. 07-Oct-11 07-Oct-14 0.40 18-Dec-09 18-Dec-14 0.60 ing subsector of the13.50 Financial 13.17Managing Director, Crane 01-Apr-10 17.00 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.64 Services sector remained the Securities Limited, Mr. Mike 17-Aug-15 the appeal 0.78 most17-Aug-10 active during10.00 the week 15.00 Eze, who made 09-Dec-10 by turnover 12.00 09-Dec-15 0.86 (measured vol- 37.50 in chat with New Telegraph 06-Jan-11 14.00 shares 1.50 06-Jan-16 0.94of ume); with 91.9 million yesterday, said that revival 29-Sep-11 13.00 15.00 2.38 worth N1.1 billion exchanged the equities29-Sep-16 primary market 25-Oct-13 in 1,705 14.25 5.53a necessity 25-Oct-16 2.45 by investors deals. is if new listings 30-Sep-10in the Banking 13.00 30-Sep-17 by The 3.38 Volume sub- 20.00 are to be attracted Ex30-Nov-12 0.94 30-Nov-17 2.00 sector was largely 18.00 driven by change. 09-Apr-11 16.00 2.16 activity in the shares of GTB 8.01He noted 09-Apr-18 that modification 09-Sep-11 3.63 09-Sep-18 2.32 and Fidelity Bank. 18.00 of the listing and post-listing 09-Sep-11 16.00 1.00 09-Sep-18 requirements can align2.32 the 22-Sep-11 14.00 35.00 22-Sep-18 4.36 Exchange with international 18-Oct-13 15.75 3.00 18-Oct-18 2.43 best practices, thus encourag17-Feb-12 17.00 0.54 17-Feb-19 2.52 ing more cross border listings. 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.51 the potential of local market The analyst, who lamented 175.67 resilience of the Nigerian that the country missed the economy. opportunity of compelling He11-Feb-13 said that the telecoms companies to3.75 list 10.20 perfor12.00 11-Feb-18 mance of the company in on the NSE when Nigeria 12.00 2013 shows its determination Communications Commisto continue to grow profitably sion (NCC) licensed them, Date Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) and Issue sustainably . Coupon (%) said in attracting major priNestle he said, achieved vate companies that occupy strong growth in 2013 in Ni- the commanding heights of geria07-Oct-11 with a turnover of 500.00 the economy to list, the 4.95 gov6.75 28-Jan-21 N133.084 billion, indicating ernment must as a matter of 18-Dec-09 of 14 per5.13 12-Jul-18them fiscal 4.24 an increase cent over 500.00 necessity grant N116.707 billion recorded in incentives. 01-Apr-10 500.00 5.38 the previous year. 6.38 Eze, who12-Jul-23 said companies He said the 2013 results 1,500.00 list their securities in Stock reflect a focus both on Nestle Markets for several reasons short-term performance seek- but basically to have access to ing to grow faster11.50 than the 450.00 long-term capital, 01-Feb-11 01-Feb-16 explained 4.06 markets and on the that capital19-May-16 formation is5.31 the 19-May-11 7.50 longer 500.00 term08-Nov-13 making the right deciessence of an efficient Stock 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 6.16 sions25-Jul-12 to ensure sustainable Market. 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 6.89 profitable growth into the fu- 300.00“New issues that facili09-May-13 6.88 02-May-18 8.36 ture.08-Apr-12 tate capital08-Apr-19 formation takes 10.25 300.00 5.20

6.25 APR 22, 2019 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 6.63 DEC 09, 2020

22-Apr-14 07-Aug-13 09-Dec-13

6.25 8.25 6.63

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Analyst advocates mandatory listing of state enterprises

Nestle to increase share capital

maintained upwards trends, as he management of Nestle TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Nigeria Plc is poised to inbargain hunters took positions crease the company’s marmajorly from Medium CAP Supranational Bond stocks ket share capital through its AAA/S&P led by Fidson IFC Health 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 Care and Wapic Insurance. sustainable growth strategies. TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Continuous bargain activities They also promised to conwitnessed in Conglomerates, tinue to promote healthy hyRating/Agency Issuer Description dration in Nigeria. Financial Services, HealthThe chairman of the comcare, Industrial Goods and FGN Eurobonds Services sectors also contrib- pany, Mr. David Ifezulike, said uted to B+/S&P the outlook recorded this at its 45th General 6.75Annual JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos. yesterday . BB-/Fitch; JUL 12, 2018compaHe added5.13 that the In the same vein, the FGN marBB-/S&P ket capitalisation of equities ny was set to unveil its new BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 appreciated by N130 billion Nestle Water factory located BB-/S&P during the day. in Abaji, Abuja, by the end of TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Specifically, at the close of May, 2014. The new factory, which ocbusiness, the NSE All-Share Corporate Eurobonds cupies 14.13 11.50 hectares, cost N4.6 Index points FEB 01, 2016 B-/S&P; rose B/Fitch by 394.33 AFREN PLC I or 1.01 per cent to closeGTBANK at 38,955.02 billion and has great potential PLC I 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/S&P;38,560.69 B+/Fitch from recorded the for future expansion. 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 GTBANK PLC According7.25 toJUL the25,chairman, previous day while the mar2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC the new investment ket capitalisation of equities 6.88 MAY 09,underpins 2018 B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC strong belief in grew to N12.831 trillion from the company’s 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch

1.56 12.02 100.35 1.34 12.14 100.70 4.44 16.20 95.76 3.23 14.69 98.99 4.46 16.16 97.83 3.48 15.18 100.71 5.59 17.81 82.71 1.00 13.03 101.37 1.79 14.05 99.83 1.80 14.00 100.14 1.00 13.29 102.26 1.00 13.20 102.94 1.21 13.41 113.91 1.00 13.23 103.20 1.00 13.24 105.79 1.94 14.31 100.70 2.74 14.97 99.49 2.74 in the 15.01 99.28 place primary market. 1.00 13.46 Although new bond 100.16 issues 1.94 14.41 102.43 have in recent past inundat1.44 13.71 111.06 ed1.95 the primary new 14.22 market, 110.71

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Investors gain N130b UPBEAT

17.00 05-Aug-14 0.23 6.00 15-Oct-14 0.42 8.50 31-Aug-15 1.30 16.50 30-Sep-15 0.90 13.00 30-Jun-16 1.20 18.50 30-Jun-16 1.21 57.00 19-Apr-17 2.93 50.00 30-Jun-17 1.77 25.00 31-Dec-17 3.64 50.00 30-Sep-18 2.61 9.00 04-Oct-18 4.39 20.00 09-Dec-18 2.61 12.00 12-Dec-18 2.61 27.00 14-Feb-19 3.19 20.00 02-Oct-19 3.26 80.00 22-Nov-19 5.53 30.00 12-Dec-19 3.23 11.40 Market analyst 30-Sep-20 has called 3.94 87.00 27-Nov-20 on the Nigerian Stock6.54 Ex5.00 31-Dec-20 6.64 change (NSE) intensify ef5.00 31-Dec-20 3.94 forts in lobbying 5.00 06-Jan-21 the Federal 3.98

500.00 300.00 360.00

22-Apr-19 07-Aug-20 09-Dec-20

6.17 7.18 6.34

equity issues have virtually disappeared. New listings are essentially in pursuit of equity as against 1.00 capital 11.76 99.85debt 5.21 16.27 98.44 finance, which companies 8.71obtain 19.82 98.32 the can easily from 4.88 16.18 As a 95.71 money market. result, 12.40 99.86 is the1.00incentive to list afresh 2.63 14.14 100.30 Realmost non-existent now. 1.00 of the equities 13.19 99.59 vival primary 1.34 market is a 13.53 necessity 101.43 if new 4.52 16.76 90.53 by listings are to be attracted 107.92 the1.88 NSE,” he14.05 said. 3.48 15.66 In a bid to salvage 100.78 invest5.20 17.39 101.42 ment in the stock market 5.06 17.25 101.96 from further depreciation, 1.00 13.29 102.24 NSE had introduced new sets 2.29 14.48 102.58 of 6.11 requirements for compa18.31 97.80 nies seeking listing 100.14 on the 2.76 15.21 secondary segment of the Nigerian capital market. The NSE’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. 13.26 Oscar Onyema, 1.00 91.14 said that the new listing requirements was part of its commitment towards chamOffer Yield (%) Bid Price Price pioning Nigeria andOffer Africa’s economic growth and develPrices & Yields opment. He NSE would 4.80 said the 110.15 111.06continue the interaction with key 4.03 103.35 stakeholders in the 104.14 capital market on ways to develop 5.26 107.09 more initiatives that 108.00 will be beneficial to all stakeholders in the market. Onyema noted that the new listing was part 3.37 requirements 112.14 113.38 of 4.39 a number104.12 of initiatives 105.92that was 5.91introduced 99.39by the NSE 100.36 designed to make the Nigerian 6.52 101.00 102.06 market a gateway to the Afri7.78 95.04 96.95 can market. 113.63 4.63 114.77 6.01 6.75 6.10

3,460.00

100.34 103.83 101.12

101.02 105.43 102.06

13-May-14

DTM Maturity 9 22-May-14 FGN Bonds16 29-May-14 23 5-Jun-14 37 19-Jun-14 Rating/Agency Issuer 44 26-Jun-14 51 3-Jul-14 58 10-Jul-14 65 17-Jul-14 72 24-Jul-14 79 31-Jul-14 86 7-Aug-14 93 14-Aug-14 100 21-Aug-14 NA NA 107 28-Aug-14 114 4-Sep-14 149 9-Oct-14 205 4-Dec-14 240 8-Jan-15 254 22-Jan-15 268 5-Feb-15 282 19-Feb-15 296 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE5-Mar-15 331 9-Apr-15 345 23-Apr-15 359 7-May-15 Rating/Agency Issuer

Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) 9.75 9.50 10.10 9.85 9.90 9.65 9.95 9.70 Description Issue Date 9.95 9.70 9.90 9.65 9.20 29-JUN-2014 29-Jun-07 9.75 9.50 9.25 28-SEP-2014 28-Sep-07 10.10 9.85 4.00 23-APR-2015 23-Apr-10 10.15 9.90 13.05 16-AUG-2016 16-Aug-13 10.10 9.85 15.10 27-APR-2017 27-Apr-12 10.00 9.75 9.85 27-JUL-2017 27-Jul-07 10.20 9.95 9.35 31-AUG-2017 31-Aug-07 10.70 30-MAY-2018 30-May-08 10.10 9.85 16.00 29-JUN-2019 29-Jun-12 10.25 10.00 7.00 23-OCT-2019 23-Oct-09 10.50 10.25 10.45 10.20 16.39 27-JAN-2022 27-Jan-12 14.20 14-MAR-2024 14-Mar-14 10.40 10.15 15.00 28-NOV-2028 28-Nov-08 10.80 10.55 12.49 22-MAY-2029 22-May-09 10.75 10.50 8.50 20-NOV-2029 20-Nov-09 10.80 10.55 10.00 23-JUL-2030 23-Jul-10 10.65 10.40 10.80 10.55 10.80 10.55 10.80 10.55 10.65 Description 10.40

*from the Amortising

Agency Bonds #bonds, the average is Risk Premium is a life combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

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

Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) Bonds NIBOR 9.77 OBB 10.25 Tenor 10.14 Tenor Rate (%) 9.96 O/N 10.6667 Spot O/N 10.50 Outstanding Offer 10.05 (%) 1M Value 12.4865Date 7DYield Coupon Maturity TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield (%) (N'bn) (%) 10.07 3M 13.2854 14D REPO 10.04 6M 14.1222 Tenor Rate (%) 1M 9.20 45.00 29-Jun-14 0.13 10.32 9.18 9.90 Call 10.25 2M 9.25 100.00 28-Sep-14 0.38 10.77 10.35 10.28 1M 12.11 3M 4.00 535.00 23-Apr-15 0.95 11.51 10.91 10.36 3M 12.98 6M 13.05 435.27 16-Aug-16 2.26 12.40 12.32 NITTY 10.33 6M 13.89 1Y 15.10 452.80 27-Apr-17 2.96 12.28 12.22 10.24 Tenor Rate (%) 9.85 20.00 27-Jul-17 3.21 12.23 12.11 10.47 1M 10.0404 9.35 100.00 31-Aug-17 3.30 12.24 12.12 NOTE: 10.70 300.00 30-May-18 4.05 12.28 12.18 10.39 2M 10.0812 16.00 351.30 29-Jun-19 5.13 12.41 12.33 10.57 3M 10.3180 :Benchmarks 7.00 233.90 23-Oct-19 5.45 Bond 12.36 12.27 10.86 6M 10.9873 * :Amortising 10.92 9M 11.7460 µ :Convertible 16.39 600.00 27-Jan-22 7.71 Bond 12.62 12.56 AMCON: 9.84 Asset Management Corporation of12.59 Nigeria 14.20 75.00 14-Mar-24 12.64 11.05 12M 11.8760 15.00 75.00 28-Nov-28 14.55 Government 12.89 12.85 11.63 FGN: Federal of Nigeria 12.49 150.00 22-May-29 15.03 Mortgage Bank 12.92of Nigeria 12.88 11.62 FMBN: Federal 8.50 200.00 20-Nov-29 15.52 11.73 IFC: International Finance 12.95 Corporation 12.89 NIFEX 10.00 591.57 23-Jul-30 16.20 Contractors Receivables 13.05 13.00 11.60 LCRM: Local Management 11.84 Current Price ($/N) NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 4,264.84 11.97 BID($/N) 161.9800 O/N: Overnight # 12.03 OFFER ($/N) 162.0800 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company Risk Avg. Life/TTM 11.90 Africa Portland Cement Company Issue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value (N'bn) WAPCO:West Maturity Date Premium (Yrs) (%) 28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

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

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.47 1.03 1.52 2.58 2.94 3.15

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 3.20 1.00

93.79 94.09 92.31 92.61 95.07 95.37 113.30 NA :Not Applicable 113.60 79.18 Rate Bond 79.48 # :Floating ***: Deferred 118.20 coupon bonds 118.50 108.60 108.90 113.68 †: Bond rating expired113.98 97.16 97.46 70.52 70.82 79.60 79.90

NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United Bank for Africa

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

11.87 14.23 14.15 14.20 15.42 13.23

94.77 86.79 104.27 95.24 88.57 91.13

1,304.32

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

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

Bid ($/N) PriceOffer ($/N) 162.50 162.60 162.42 162.70 Bid Price Offer Price 162.68 163.06 163.28 164.01 99.81 99.96 164.45 165.79 99.41 99.56 165.72 167.69 93.44 93.94 168.19 173.58 101.20 101.35 176.10 185.43 106.80 106.95

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 924.08 888.07 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 1,107.22 951.30 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 470.89 591.57 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 2,502.20 2,430.94 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09

Weighting by 31-Aug-10 Outstanding Vol

30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 36.53 19-Apr-10 39.13 30-Jun-10 24.33 30-Dec-10 100.00 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13

14.00 14.00

Weighting by Mkt 12.50 Value

13.00 14.00 15.50 36.93 10.00 44.25 13.75 14.00 18.82 14.00100.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 Bucket 8.50 Weighting 16.50 13.00 18.50 0.37 57.00 0.39 50.00 25.00 0.24 50.00 1.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14

% Exposure_ 31-Aug-15 Mod_Duration

30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19.33 19-Apr-17 39.65 30-Jun-17 41.03 31-Dec-17 100.00 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20

0.23 1.56 0.42 1.34 Implied 1.30 4.44 Implied Yield Portfolio Price 0.90 3.23 1.20 4.46 1.21 3.48 12.33 113.0316 2.93 5.59 12.55 126.8988 1.77 1.00 13.05 87.7589 3.64 1.79 12.71 112.3081 2.61 1.80 4.39 1.00 2.61 1.00 2.61 1.21 3.19 1.00 3.26 1.00 5.53 1.94 3.23 2.74 3.94 2.74 6.54 1.00 6.64 1.94

12.02 12.14 16.20 INDEX 14.69 16.16 15.18 1,073.57 17.81 1,074.53 13.03 1,062.39 14.05 1,065.66 14.00 13.29 13.20 13.41 13.23 13.24 14.31 14.97 15.01 13.46 14.41

100.35 100.70

YTD Return 95.76 (%)

98.99 97.83 100.71 7.3570 82.71 7.4530 101.37 6.2392 99.83 6.5658 100.14 102.26 102.94 113.91 103.20 105.79 100.70 99.49 99.28 100.16 102.43

48 BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Price stability pivotal to National Savings Strategy –CBN • No legal framework for oil, gas exports savings • Canvasses weekly FAAC cycle mittee that currently no legal framework exists for savings from oil and gas exports and that the creation of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) should be supported by a constitutional provision, as is the case with other oil producing countries. Noting that the CBN has the mandate to deliver price stability to achieve sustainable growth, she stressed: “Critical to achieving price stability is an efficient National Savings Strategy. “There is a minimum national savings and investment requirement that guarantees price stability and sustainable growth.” According to the acting CBN governor: “The cost of managing liquidity has been on the increase because of low national savings, particularly the absence of fiscal buffers. “The CBN increases rates to control money supply and inflation; this leads to increased portfolio capital inflows which by extension, builds up external reserves.” Outlining further concerns of the apex bank to the committee, Alade stated that the liquidity created by activities of government and lack of national savings impacted on interest rate levels, efforts to build external reserves and realization

FISCAL BUFFERS Nigeria needs to build fiscal buffers to maintain price stability Louis Achi ABUJA

n efficient national savings strategy is an imperative to creating price stability that will drive sustainable national growth and decrease upward pressure on domestic prices, Acting governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Sarah O. Alade, has said. She said this while briefing the National Conference Committee on Economy, Trade and Investment in Abuja. The naira has weakened 0.8 per cent against the dollar since the start of the year to trade at N161.55 as at yesterday. Yields on Nigerian Eurobonds due July 2023 dropped 36 basis points in 2014 to 5.56 percent. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index retreated 6.9 per cent this year, the worst in Africa among 93 global indexes tracked by Bloomberg. Besides, Nigeria’s foreign-exchange reserves have declined 13.1 per cent this year to $37.9 billion by May 5, 2014. Alade further told the com-

Alade

of the price stability objective. “The lack of national savings from crude oil exports erodes national fiscal buffers and expose the country to major devastating shocks,” she revealed. Explaining the process of fiscal operations and need for savings, she said: “Banking system liquidity exhibits a pattern that reflects liquidity cycle linked to government fiscal operations and maturing securities. “Fiscal operations associated with Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) produce devastating shocks to macro-economic management. “FAAC-induced shocks are disruptive to interest rate deter-

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

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

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

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

Offer 163.38

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

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

 Customers get N12.7b refunds

he Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) yesterdays released a new code of conduct to guide banking operations in the country. The President of the institute, Dr Segun Aina, announced the release of the code at a news conference in Lagos. The new code was entitled "Professional Code of Ethics and Business Conducts". The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Bankers' Committee had established a Sub-committee on Ethics and Professionalism on Dec.19, 2000. Aina said the objective of the code was to instill discipline in the banking profession. "It has become imperative to combine key factors of three former codes of conduct to produce a single and virile comprehensive code. ``The provisions in the code govern the behaviours of both individual and corporate bodies in the banking industry. "It applies to all strata and cadres of employee in the industry, including executive di-

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

rectors, mangers, officers and supervisors, whether full-time or part-time. "It enunciates the guidelines on the handling of reported cases, petitions and complaints "The code shall be read and implemented in tandem with subsisting statues,'' Aina stated. The Registrar of the CIBN, Dr Uju Ogubunka, said the Ethics and Professionalism Division of the institute received a total of 113 petitions with petition claims amounting to N185.4 billion in 2013. According to him, 98 cases have been fully resolved with total claims of N5.9b. He said, however, that N2.7 billion had been awarded to petitioners as refunds. The registrar explained that the sub-committee had received a total of 1,504 petitions with N227.7 billion claims out of which 1,350 had been resolved and N12.7 billion refunded. The First Vice-President of the institute, Mrs Debola Osibogun, said the code guaranteed that those who had ulterior motives had no hiding place.

FMBN reaffirms commitment to affordable housing Abdulwahab Isa

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

Other measures she listed included ensuring stable exchange rate and reserve accretion; constitutional amendment to compel all tiers of government to save at source from their proceeds of the Federation Account; making withdrawals from ECA and SWF difficult and contingent on fulfillment of certain conditions. Also recommended was the need to change the monthly FAAC cycle to weekly so as to remove the volatility associated with wholesome liquidity withdrawal by NNPC towards FAAC. In her final submissions, Alade presented some policy proposals to the committee for consideration in its work.

CIBN releases code of conduct for banking

ABUJA

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

mination, exchange rate stability and control of inflation.” Alade noted that FAAC disbursements tend to exert the most significant and persistent influence on external reserves and exchange rate, adding : “Monthly FAAC allocations and pattern of disbursements have been the major cause of liquidity and short-term interest rates savings in the money market.” On what must be done to break the cycle wholesale distribution of oil earnings, she stated that sufficient fiscal buffers must be created. Besides, she stressed the need for the creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) with legalization of the creation of Excess Crude Account.

he Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, (FMBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to provide Nigerians with quality and affordable housing. It also assured that everything was being done to bridge the housing gap in the country which currently stands at about 16million units. A statement by the bank quoted FMBN Chairman of the Board of the Bank, Chief Bisi Ogunjobi, making the declaration at the conferment of sterling Award for Excellence in Leadership and Entrepreneurship on the managing Director of the Bank, Gimba Ya’U Kumo by

the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) yesterday in Abuja. Egunjobi said the current board and management of the bank has been trying its best to change the perspective Nigerians have of the bank by putting actions and policies in place that have impacted on its ability to deliver on its mandate. Commenting on the award, National President of AYF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gujungu said the award was initiated as part of the Forum’s overall effort to promote the public and private sector-led socio-economic development in Nigeria with the view to recognize honour and encourage leaders that have promoted and excelled in leadership activities.

Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014

Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 Sanctity of Truth

Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET 49

Daily Summary (Bonds)

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at May 13, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 30 24 54

Current Price 34.33 35.01

No. of Deals 40 40

Current Price 3.30

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals

94 Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 4 2 194 77 277

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 1.52 1.21 3.69 55.87

277

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

Quantity Traded 146,858 191,357 338,215

Value Traded 5,056,046.38 6,641,621.14 11,697,667.52

Quantity Traded 766,674 766,674

Value Traded 2,474,498.32 2,474,498.32

1,104,889

14,172,165.84

Quantity Traded 43,600 500 13,813,210 581,971 14,439,281

Value Traded 63,222.50 575.00 50,210,281.85 32,525,426.87 82,799,506.22

14,439,281

82,799,506.22

Page

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 1.24

Quantity Traded 299,461 299,461

Value Traded 372,066.90 372,066.90

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 33 33

Current Price 71.99

Quantity Traded 239,713 239,713

Value Traded 17,456,674.70 17,456,674.70

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 27 27

Current Price 17.68

Quantity Traded 236,345 236,345

Value Traded 4,166,844.95 4,166,844.95

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 11.02

Quantity Traded 3,000 3,000

Value Traded 31,410.00 31,410.00

778,519

22,026,996.55 Value Traded 281,261.94 72,486,987.10 1,605,778.45 473,016,247.98 547,390,275.47

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 CONSUMER GOODS

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

74 Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW Daily Summary NB

No. of Deals 3 58 12 (Equities) 132 205

Current Price 13.79 180.00 25.00 155.06

Quantity Traded 21,454 402,702 64,600 3,068,876 3,557,632

Page

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 85.80

Quantity Traded 46,627 46,627

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

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UNIONDICON UTC

No. of Deals 58 69 79 22 61 1 11 301

Current Price 8.00 9.16 68.00 3.80 12.01 14.11 0.51

Quantity Traded 451,453 2,272,625 667,952 534,700 3,715,540 120 617,645 8,260,035

Value Traded 3,590,489.45 20,923,121.08 45,733,355.42 2,034,109.00 43,882,731.50 1,609.20 318,609.40 116,484,025.05

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

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 29 57 86

Current Price 70.95 1,070.00

Quantity Traded 146,573 158,168 304,741

Value Traded 10,213,767.67 169,043,058.30 179,256,825.97

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 4.24

Quantity Traded 16,700 16,700

Value Traded 70,020.00 70,020.00

Symbol No. of Deals PZ Summary (Equities) 57 Daily UNILEVER 47

Current Price 35.50 49.00

Quantity Traded 309,421 388,638

Value Traded 10,862,932.11 19,032,366.63

Current Price

Quantity Traded 698,059

Value Traded 29,895,298.74

12,883,794

877,096,758.03

Quantity Traded 7,072,770 1,586,684 1,309,063 17,546,698 20,109,704 14,686,505 4,451,338 6,315,111 1,018,908 281,585 3,132,133 14,489,323 91,999,822

Value Traded 66,675,107.88 10,232,455.60 17,230,917.49 34,251,532.21 550,932,425.04 54,739,062.67 9,921,456.66 43,318,491.82 10,195,657.02 140,792.50 2,952,118.10 330,912,472.87 1,131,502,489.86

Household Durables Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page Symbol

No. of Deals 104

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 STERLING BANK PLC. Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 NPF MICROFINANCE Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC

718 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK Daily Summary ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 180 54 71 164 475 189 43 184 73 5 32 (Equities) 235 1,705

Current Price 9.50 6.47 13.30 2.00 27.99 3.80 2.30 6.99 10.02 0.50 0.93 22.91

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

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

Current Price 0.95

Quantity Traded 534,201 534,201

Value Traded 511,640.98 511,640.98

Symbol

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 1.35

Quantity Traded 200

Value Traded 258.00

Current Price 3.31 2.66 13.50 3.92 0.59 22.00 2.42

3,154 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 7 55 16 11 1 6

Current Price 2.70 2.60 68.30 1.70 1.23 1.57

219,700,771

1,816,095,044.96

Quantity Traded 7,443,884 7,443,884

Value Traded 3,721,942.00 3,721,942.00

Symbol CWG NCR TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1 2 4

Current Price 5.48 15.99 1.97

Quantity Traded 200 2,600 5,437 8,237

Value Traded 1,042.00 39,520.00 10,221.56 50,783.56

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,002,000 1,002,000

Value Traded 501,000.00 501,000.00

10,047,121

5,356,965.56

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM IPWA PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 65 40 17 14 29 6 4 4 51 230

Current Price 20.00 10.00 38.70 9.30 225.00 0.50 1.50 4.63 112.50

Quantity Traded 654,613 345,885 101,896 147,500 75,829 343,441 110,000 10,750 510,174 2,300,088

Value Traded 12,837,161.06 3,444,298.29 3,968,299.14 1,399,851.06 17,057,189.66 171,720.50 165,510.00 52,245.00 56,558,191.76 95,654,466.47

Symbol AUSTINLAZ CUTIX

No. of Deals 1 7 8

Current Price 2.00 1.89

Quantity Traded 200 33,767 33,967

Value Traded 420.00 60,780.60 61,200.60

2,334,055

95,715,667.07

238 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 6.47

Quantity Traded 50 50 Page

Value Traded 307.50 307.50 of 13

307.50

Page

No. of Deals 198 198

Current Price 16.00

Quantity Traded 4,210,350 4,210,350

Value Traded 67,293,482.32 67,293,482.32

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

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 26 4 71 30 22 17 170

Current Price 49.20 3.61 148.99 131.00 51.72 160.00

Quantity Traded 57,414 54,000 309,070 60,130 37,879 27,929 546,422

Value Traded 2,691,872.24 185,220.00 44,319,218.37 7,515,903.79 1,861,374.06 4,309,622.15 60,883,210.61

Exploration and Production

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 26 26

Current Price 640.00

Quantity Traded 98,971 98,971

Value Traded 62,925,716.51 62,925,716.51

5,364,403

191,356,739.44

Quantity Traded 345,000

Value Traded 377,765.00

408

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 22

Current Price 1.10

Symbol

No. of Deals 22

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 345,000

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

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 21 2 23

Current Price 4.62 2.13

Quantity Traded 504,540 11,370 515,910

Value Traded 2,207,716.20 24,900.30 2,232,616.50

Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST

No. of Deals 1 5 1 7

Current Price 4.55 0.58 3.88

Quantity Traded 200 245,300 200 245,700

Value Traded 866.00 142,268.00 738.00 143,872.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 2 10 6 18

Current Price 1.80 1.59 3.97

Quantity Traded 1,500 121,000 23,652 146,152

Value Traded 2,565.00 198,946.00 93,481.83 294,992.83

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.84

Quantity Traded 131,700 131,700

Value Traded 110,628.00 110,628.00

Current Price 2.15

Quantity Traded 30,000

Value Traded 67,500.00

Current Price 5.52

Quantity Traded 1,199,448 1,229,448

Value Traded 6,297,865.34 6,365,365.34

139

2,613,910

9,525,239.67

5,207

272,376,154

3,123,332,305.37

Current Price 1.34

Quantity Traded 3,300 3,300

Value Traded 4,224.00 4,224.00

3,300

4,224.00

Current Price 0.66

Quantity Traded 3,600 3,600

Value Traded 2,484.00 2,484.00

3,600

2,484.00

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES Transport-Related Services NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals AIRSERVICE

Page Symbol NAHCO

No. of Deals 59 61

Daily Summary (Equities)

10Value of Traded13 377,765.00

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

CONSUMER Totals Daily Summary as ofGOODS 13/05/2014 Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors NAVITUS ENERGY PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 3 3 3

Symbol UNIONVENT

No. of Deals 1 1 Daily Summary (Equities)

OIL AND GAS Totals

6,900 Page

Equity Activity Totals

5,211

272,383,054

6,708.00 of 13

3,123,339,013.37

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Value Traded 578,934.06 7,034,545.55 1,308,999.00 174,495.72 1,755.00 88,185.20

Current Price 0.50

Symbol OANDO

CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Value Traded 3,221.69 617.00 4,096.69

No. of Deals 1 1

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

EQTY Board Totals

Value Traded 9,319,405.05 3,477,048.26 288,037,236.26 43,693,763.77 23,000.00 236,498,685.11 72,167,041.43 653,216,179.88

Page

Symbol OMATEK

SERVICES Totals

Quantity Traded 2,863,878 1,307,161 21,431,555 11,267,328 40,000 10,747,030 30,012,757 77,669,709

Quantity Traded 221,206 2,708,455 19,249 102,751 1,500 56,200

Value Traded 1,083,240.00 1,083,240.00

Value Traded 254,330.00 254,330.00

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

No. of Deals 16 16

No. of Deals 83 30 657 203 2 46 179 1,200

Quantity Traded 1,593,000 1,593,000

Quantity Traded 508,660 508,660

SERVICES

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

Current Price 0.68

Current Price 0.50

Value Traded

Quantity Traded 2,001 1,234 3,435

No. of Deals 1 1

No. of Deals 14 14

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

Value Traded 5,870,348.27 1,050.00 3,058,598.50 1,421.00 4 of 13 727,240.00 2,152,863.28 1,681,820.50 136,620.00 2,456,729.53 7.50 569,347.92 304,347.09 1,281,522.50 11,257.00 96,749.00 5,500,250.00 7,010,465.46 30,860,637.55

Current Price 1.61 0.50

9,186,914.53

Symbol COURTVILLE

OIL AND GAS Totals

Quantity Traded

No. of Deals 2 5 8

3,109,361

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Daily Summary as of PETROLEUM 13/05/2014 DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD SEPLAT Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 7,442,072 1,000 6,115,197 2,842 Page 1,454,480 4,146,796 3,363,641 62,100 2,940,464 15 1,073,864 542,307 2,563,045 22,514 193,498 11,000,500 8,569,269 49,493,604

Symbol INFINITY UNHOMES

Value Traded 9,186,914.53

Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 Chemicals Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Current Price

Quantity Traded 3,109,361

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price 0.79 1.05 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.54 0.50 2.25 0.84 0.50 0.53 0.57 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.83

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

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals

Page

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 Processing Systems Printed 13/05/2014 15:15:24.024 CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals Daily Summary as of 13/05/2014 ICT Totals 15:15:24.024 Printed 13/05/2014

Current Price

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 61 1 10 1 1 13 1 3 32 1 12 6 1 1 1 7 73 225

ABBEYBDS Daily Summary (Equities)

No. of Deals 96

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST GUINEAINS HMARKINS INTENEGINS LINKASSURE MANSARD NEM NIGERINS OASISINS PRESTIGE SOVRENINS STACO STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

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

Value Traded 4,000,312.80 4,000,312.80

Symbol

HEALTHCARE Totals

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

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals Totals

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 2,021.00 17.78

Quantity Traded 12 50 62

Value Traded 24,252.00 889.00 25,141.00

ETF Board Totals

25,141.00

ETP Activity Totals

25,141.00

Page

50 WORLD | NEWS

hud Olmert became the first former Prime Minister of Israel to be handed a prison sentence, of six years, after a court in Tel Aviv yesterday sentenced him following his conviction for bribery. Olmert was also handed a fine of 1million Israeli shekels (almost 290,000 dollars). Tel Aviv District Court Judge, David Rosen said he must report to prison on September 1. However, his attorneys were expected to ask for a delay until the Supreme Court hears his appeal. Also convicted were a host of other top Israeli officials and businessmen, in what has been termed one of Israel’s worst exposed bribery schemes.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Former Israeli PM, Olmert jailed 6 years for corruption The court found Olmert and a dozen other defendants guilty on March 31, following a two-year trial. They were tried for smoothing over legal and zoning restrictions for a massive construction project, Holyland, in south-western Jerusalem, in return for money. Olmert was the mayor of Jerusalem at the time. Report says the verdict, unless overturned, spells the end of the political career of a former hardliner turned centrist and supporter of the two-state

solution to the Middle East conflict. He served as prime minister from 2006 to 2009 and was a trade minister from 2003 to 2006. “Olmert abused his senior position as a public servant to promote his interests and received huge sums,” Judge Rosen wrote in his 50-page sentencing statement. Prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari said the sentence sent out a strong message to public office holders, adding that “whoever takes or gives bribes, will

go to jail for a long time.” She called the ruling “an important milestone in our war against corruption in public service.’’ “I only hope that this lesson will be learned,” she added. Olmert’s spokesman, Dan Amir, slammed the punishment as unjust and extreme. The conviction, he said, was “based on a house of

Jordanian ambassador freed after Libya kidnap

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (2nd L) walks out of his sentencing hearing for a corruption case at Jerusalem’s District Court Sept. 24, 2012 in Jerusalem, Israel

UN to feed 6.5 million Ethiopians

he World Food Programme (WFP) will help to feed nearly 6.5 million Ethiopians this year, the United Nations agency said yesterday, with the country hit by locusts, neighbouring war and sparse rainfall. “We are concerned because there is the beginning of a locust invasion in the eastern part of the country, and if it’s not properly handled it could be of concern for the pastoralist population living there,” WFP spokeswoman Elizabeth Byrs told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. “And in the northern part of Ethiopia, there has been less rain than average for the third or fourth consecutive year.”

Ethiopia is also dealing with growing refugee numbers due to the conflict in neighbouring South Sudan, sapping WFP’s budget for feeding new arrivals in the country, which is at risk of a shortfall as soon as next month. More than 120,000 South Sudanese have crossed over into Ethiopia in the past six months, mostly women and children who are arriving “famished, exhausted and malnourished”, WFP said in a statement. The recent influx has brought total refugee numbers to 500,000 in Ethiopia. The U.N. also provides food for millions of needy or undernourished Ethiopians, including 670,000 school children and 375,000 in HIV/AIDS

programmes. Ethiopia’s overall situation has vastly improved over recent years and the economy now ranks as one of the fastest growing in Africa. But deep problems remain. Malnutrition has stunted the growth of two out of every five Ethiopian children and reduced the country’s workforce by 8 per cent, WFP said, citing Ethiopian government data. The International Monetary Fund expects Ethiopia’s economy to grow 7.5 percent in each of the next two fiscal years but says the government needs to encourage more private sector investment to prevent growth rates from falling thereafter.

cards” of “theories, presumptions and assumptions.” However, the former PM always maintained his innocence and “with that truth, we will go to the Supreme Court,” Amir said. President Shimon Peres, who is currently in Norway, said that while the sentence was “part of the legal process in a democracy,” it produced a “sad day” for Israel.

ordan’s ambassador to Libya has been freed after being abducted by gunmen in the capital ,Tripoli ,last month. The envoy, Fawaz al-Itan, was released unharmed and was flown back to Jordan yesterday. Meanwhile, Jordan has freed a Libyan Islamist militant jailed for life, whose release was reportedly demanded by the kidnappers. However, Jordan’s Foreign Minister denied this had been a “prisoner exchange or deal”. Diplomats have been the targets of a number of abductions in Libya in recent months amid continuing instability. The central government has struggled to assert its authority over the armed groups and tribesmen who helped end Muammar Gaddafi’s 41-year rule in 2011. Mr Itan was kidnapped in the Libyan capital on April 15, when masked gunmen shot at

his car, wounding the driver. The diplomat arrived in Amman yesterday and was greeted by relatives and officials. “They (the kidnappers) treated me in a civilised and humane manner,” he told reporters after disembarking. Observers said he looked healthy, but tired. Investigators earlier said the kidnappers had demanded the return of Mohamed Dersi, a Libyan militant who was jailed for life in 2007 for plotting to blow up an airport in Jordan. A Libyan Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed to the BBC that Dersi had been released and was in Libya, but declined to say where he was. The release come days after Libyan said it had ratified an extradition accord with Jordan, AFP reports. Most of the targets of abductions since the revolution have been Libyan officials, including senior members of the government and their families.

U.S., China spar again on South China Seas dispute

hina hit back at the United States over the disputed South China Sea yesterday, after U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry said recent Chinese moves in the resource-rich waters were “provocative”. Tensions rose last week after China moved a giant oil rig into an area also claimed by Vietnam. Each country accused the other of ramming its ships near the disputed Paracel Islands. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, rejecting rival claims to parts of it from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia

and Brunei. “He (Kerry) said China’s introduction of an oil rig and numerous government vessels in waters disputed with Vietnam was provocative,” U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, referring to a telephone call between Kerry and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in which North Korea was also discussed. “He urged both sides to deescalate tensions, ensure safe conduct by their vessels at sea, and resolve the dispute through peaceful means in accordance with international law.”

Isaac Success to join Flying Eagles

Mourinho demands more from Hazard

Ligue 1 African Player award excites Enyeama

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SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

Terry

Cahill

NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS

That this is the first Premier League season to feature two teams scoring over 100 goals (Man City on 102, Liverpool on 101). Chelsea (103) in 2009/10 are the only other Premier League team to score 100 in a single season

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WEDNESday, may 14, 2014

Terry, Cahill not a threat at Chelsea - Omeruo

Omeruo

Don’t expect much from Glasgow, Oshodi tells Nigerians Charles Ogundiya

he President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Wahid Oshodi, has stated that Nigeria should not expect medals from Team Nigeria at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Oshodi said given the lack of proper preparation, Nigeria would find it difficult to make any impact at the Games. “We had the Nigeria Olympic Committee

meeting and nothing was done. There is issue of funding. The National Sports Commission is telling us there are no funds for now, we all know the situation in the country. “I am not one to criticise, we are looking forward to seeing the minister. Daniel Igali who is the chairman of our technical committee has said it all, Solomon Ogba has reiterated it, if we don’t get the money to go into proper camping, Nigeria shouldn’t expect medals from the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

He however said he is optimistic that the table tennis team can spring some surprises at the Games, as he looks forward to opening camp in Lagos after the European season at the end of May. “The professional season closes by the end of May, and all our players will be coming home. Whatever decision is taken, we will be starting with a camp here in Lagos at the newly refurbished Table Tennis Centre at the Teslim balogun Stadium,” Oshodi said. Oshodi

52 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Taiwo, Utaka wish Eagles success Ajibade Olusesan

urkey-based Nigerian internationals, Taiye Taiwo and John Utaka, have put behind them the disappointment of being omitted from the Super Eagles squad to the FIFA World Cup and are now praying for Nigeria’s success at the Mundial. The two players have been outstanding for their respective clubs in the Turkish Super Lig in the outgoing season and some pundits had predicted that the duo could launch a comeback into the national team after several months of absence but Coach Stephen Keshi proved they were never in his plan when he released the 30-man list last week. Sivasspor striker, Utaka, said he was a little bit disappointed that he was not even considered for selection but he had to respect the decision of the coach.

Dike(left), contesting with an opponent in a match

Isaac Success to join Flying Eagles Charles Ogundiya

ormer Eaglets striker Isaac Success is expected to fly in next week from his base in Granada, Spain to fortify the Flying Eagles attack. Flying Eagles Secretary, Auwal Aliyu Ibrahim, said a formal contact would again be made to Success’ Granada FC of Spain club. “Coach Manu has asked that Success joins the rest of the squad in Kaduna as soon as he arrives Nigeria on holidays,” Aliyu Ibrahim said. Granada did not respond to earlier contacts for the player to be released in time for the Flying Eagles African Youth Championship second round, first leg qualifier in Tanzania. The striker was part of Granada’s plans to beat relegation from La Liga. He was an unused substitute for two of the club’s league games. Granada are still in danger of relegation as they are just two points clear of the drop zone and they face Real Valladolid away in a final game on Sunday.

NTF holds referees refresher course in Abuja

Four Nigerian players T jailed in Tanzania Emmanuel Tobi

atest information from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania revealed that four Nigerian football players have been sentenced to six-month jail by Kisutu Resident Magistrate court after pleading guilty to illegal stay in the country. They are Andrew Okoro (23), Chika Ulugbe Odia (25), Chikere Messaiah (22) and Onyenkwu Daniel (22). The Magistrate charged that Okoro and Odia were found unlawfully living in the country at Shayo Guest House at Tandika in Temeke District, while Messaiah and Onyenkwu were caught inside Tanzania Assemblies of God Church at Chango’mbe

without having any valid documents allowing them to live in Tanzania. Okoro and Odia appeared before Magistrate Frank Moshi on Monday, and after pleading guilty they were each fined TZS100,000 shillings (less than N10,000)- or serve a six-month jail term. The duo opted for the jail term after failing to pay the fine. Two other Nigerians Chikereke Messaiah and Onyekwu Daniel also had to serve six-month jail after each failed to pay fine to the tune of TZS 50,000 shillings (less than N5,000)- having pleaded guilty to illegal presence in the country. Magistrate Gabriel Mirumbe had no option other than to hand them the jail sentence. Okoro claimed that he came to Tanzania for trials with rele-

Vietnam wins Standard Chartered Trophy tournament

Isaac (left)

“Obviously, as a player who loves his country, you will feel bad that you are not in a position to represent and help your country, especially in a major competition like the World Cup. “I have played at the World Cup and I know how it feels to play in such a massive tournament. But there is nothing I can do because I cannot select myself, that is the job of the manager and we have to respect whatever his decision is,” he said. For Taiwo, it is unnecessary to brood over the omission saying that, “The manager has taken his decision, we can’t change anything and what we all need to do now is support the team in prayers. They need the support of everyone, including myself and as a true Nigerian, I have to give them my all.”

IETNAM on Tuesday emerged winners of the 2014 Standard Chartered Trophy tournament at Anfield, Liverpool. After shocking the defending champions Thailand 2-0 in the semi-finals, the Vietnamese underdogs completed a surprising run of results by beating Singapore 1-0 in the final. Thailand finished third with a 2-0 win over Hong Kong in the classification match for third and fourth place. Unfortunately, Nigeria fell short again as teams from Asia and the Far East dominated the 5-aside Futsal tournament sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank and hosted annually by Liverpool Football Club. Losses to Thailand, Korea, MENA plus two draws against Kenya and eventual finalists Singapore already condemned the Nigerians to first round elimination.

gated top flight side of Ashanti United, but could not make a breakthrough. Okoro claimed that he was supported to gain access into the country by his manager Aishi Shaban who took his passport and $500 before flying to South Africa. Odia who was a football player with Mwanza-based first division club of Toto Africa said he lost his passport and reported to the police station only to be advised to check with his embassy for assistance. Reading the facts, prosecutor from immigration department Patrick Ngayomela told the court that the accused admitted after being arrested that they were to join Ashanti United but their bid failed to materialise.

he Nigeria Taekwondo Federation is orgasizing a National Poomsae/Kyorugi referee seminar/refresher course from June 1 - June 8, at the Velodrome of the National Stadium Package A, Abuja. According to a statement signed by the Secretary General of the federation, Sunny Obot, the course is expected to attract referees from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Resource persons in the one-week event are: Grand Master Kim Jin Beom (Technical Adviser-Nigeria Taekwondo Federation from Korea). Assistant resource persons are G M Emmanuel Peters, Maggie Binga (vice president, NTF), Dr Ferguson Oluigbo and Mr Mike Ugboko.

World Cup: Leon Balogun concedes to Injury

uper Eagles and Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun, has said he is at home with the decision of the national team’s technical crew not to pick him for the World Cup, since he was just recovering from a toe injury he copped in the Eagles friendly game against Mexico in Atlanta, United States recently. Speaking to Super Eagles Media Officer Ben Alaiya on phone from Germany, Balogun, said it would have been unfair if a player who was just recuperating was picked ahead of a lot of others waiting in the wings.

“I have to be realistic; I had little or no chance of making the World Cup team because I have just started running now. I did five times, three minutes yesterday and today I have done three times, eight minutes and should be back playing in two weeks but that will not get me ready for the World Cup”, he said on Tuesday afternoon. Balogun while praising the Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and its leadership also had good words for Coach Stephen Keshi, declaring that all through the NFF and the coach have kept a tab on his health.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

SPORT | EURO FOOTBALL

Mourinho demands more from Hazard

Hazard

ose Mourinho demanded more from Eden Hazard in presenting the Belgium playmaker with Chelsea’s player of the year award. The self-proclaimed Special One has heaped praise on Hazard for his improved work ethic this season, but was

critical of the 23-year-old’s lax marking in the Champions League semi-final second-leg loss to Atletico Madrid. “Next season we want more from you,” said Mourinho, before adding “you win the kid (Hazard)” and handing over the trophy at the Stamford Bridge awards ceremony on Monday night. With tongue in cheek, Hazard, chosen ahead of Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and John Terry for the award, had words of consolation for his overlooked team-mates. Hazard, who scored 17 goals this term, said: “Maybe next season, you have to work a bit more.”

Robben: Joining Bayern best decision

rjen Robben says leaving Real Madrid for Bayern Munich was the “best decision” of his life. The Dutch winger, a treble winner with Bayern last term, traded alliances in the summer of 2009 following a two-year spell at the Bernabeu. “Leaving Madrid for Bayern was the best decision of my life,” Robben told Bayern’s website. The 30-year-old then went on to Robben

Kaka eager for Milan stay

aka has reiterated his desire to stay at Milan for another season to play his part in making the club a force once again. Reports have suggested the playmaker could move to MLS expansion franchise Orlando City in the closeseason. But the 32-year-old is determined to see Milan compete for honours in the

discuss his club’s upcoming DFB-Pokal final against Borussia Dortmund in Berlin on Saturday. “If we perform to our potential and play as a team we have it in us to win the cup,” Robben reasoned. “It’s a very good season, and if we win the cup we can call it superb. “But we know all about their quality. They’re a superb team, so we know what to expect. We’re playing a great team, and those are always the matches you look forward to.”

2014-15 campaign following a frustrating season in which Clarence Seedorf replaced Massimiliano Allegri as coach. He told Rai 3: “My desire is to stay for one more year, “It is for the club to decide what to do and what project should be implemented. “This year has been tough for everyone at Milan and there have been a lot of problems and a coaching change. “But I think this crisis can put us on the right path.”

I will end my career at Santos- Neymar

razil star Neymar intends to finish his career where it all started at Santos, but could also represent other clubs in Brazil. Neymar, 22, left Santos for Barcelona in June last year in his first move to a European club, and he has been tipped to star at the FIFA World Cup. “This is something to think about, I want to play for another team in Brazil, it wouldn’t be a problem to sit down and hear an offer,” Neymar said. “The club can be from Sao Paulo, from Rio de Janeiro or from any other state of Brazil, the only thing that is certain is that I will end my career at Santos.” Neymar said there were several reasons behind his decision to leave Santos,

including a new challenge in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. “It wasn’t just about the money, that’s not why I left,” he said. “I wanted to live a dream, play other competitions, play the Champions League, grow, evolve, learn another language, that’s what motivated me to come to the European continent.”

Nigerian League Rendezvous

charlesog2001@yahoo.com,

08098042287

Nasarawa penalties! Stories: Charles Ogundiya

t has become a constant occurrence for Nigeria Premier League side, Nasarawa United, to be awarded penalties during games at home in Lafia. With 11 matches played so far in the season, Nasarawa has been awarded eight penalty kicks, with most of the penalties converted. Nigeria League Rendezvous can

recall that last season, Victor Namo, who won the top scorer gong for the season, scored many of his goals from the penalty spot in the colours of Nasarawa United. Speaking about the issue, some fans expressed their reservation on the award of penalties for the team especially when the club is playing at home, while some were of the opinion that most of the penalties were legitimate.

Have Kwara Utd fans leant their lessons?

fter the match involving Kwara United and Supreme Court in Abuja at the weekend, it was alleged that the Afonja giant fans, attacked the officials after the team lost the game 2-1 to the home team. The alleged attack was the second by the same team against a team in Abuja. There was also a case of violent during the Ilorin side’s game against TEAP FC earlier in the season. According to reports, the Ilorin fans

sometimes promised to pay the team back in their own coin anytime they visit Ilorin, the home ground of Kwara United. Last season, when in the Premier League, Kwara United forfeited three points, three goals after the unruly behavior during a league match against Warri Wolves, the team was later banished to Lokoja, leading to their relegation at the end of the season despite having the best away record.

Fracas after the game between Supreme Court and Kwara United in Abuja

NNL reaches half way mark

ast weekend, the Nigeria National League season reached half way mark with the quartet of Wikki Tourists, Kwara United, Mighty Jets and Adamawa United occupying the top position in Group A. In Group B, the battle for promotion continues to be fierce and the teams will have to take the second stanza more serious to achieve their ambition of gaining promotion. Shooting Stars currently occupied the top position on the league table. Meanwhile, Kogi United Chairman, Abdul Adama, has applauded the performance of his club in the ongoing season. Adama who is also the Special adviser to Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada , on Public Private Partnership, PPP said;

“No regrets with our first round performance, I’m okay with our results, I think we should be commended, this is just the half way trip, we can still get better.” Sharing the same sentiment with Adama, Acting Head Coach of Kogi United, Yinka Kelvin, declared that the club would make adjustment in some areas to improve their performance in the second round. “I think we’ve tried, we’ve come a long way and I really commend the players for their commitment and attitude, I do hope they will improve on their performance more for the second round” Kogi United had seven wins, one draw and lost seven matches to record 22 points from 15 games.

Ibenegbu bounces back with joy

F Neymar

with charles Ogundiya

ormer Heartland midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, is happy to be back to the field of play after overcoming an injury sustained during the second leg of Warri Wolves Confederation Cup match against Bizerte of Tunisia. Ibenegbu popularly known as mosquito will thus feature for the first time for his

new club, Warri Wolves in the league as the team seek to consolidate their position in the league. “I am happy to be back to play in the league. Football is what I know and to be on the side line nursing injury is something one cannot stand, but I thank God that I am back to help my team,” he said.

54 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Terry, Cahill not a threat at Chelsea -Omeruo Ajibade Olusesan

uper Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has said he is not afraid to compete with top Chelsea stars, John Terry and Gary Cahill for places in the defence of the Stamford Bridge side. The youngster has been on loan since he signed a two-year contract with Chelsea in 2012 and he is expected to return to the Stamford Bridge at the end of the second loan stint at Middlesbrough next month. Though the player could be sent on another loan spell if Chelsea extend his

contract this summer, the player insisted that he can still hold his own in the starstudded team if Coach Jose Mourinho decides to keep him. He will have to compete with club legend, John Terry, and one of the top defenders in the world, Gary Cahill, if he is to get playing time at the Bridge, and the former Standard Liege player said he cannot be intimidated by the illustrious duo. “I really don’t know if Chelsea will ask me to stay in the team or I will go on loan. There is something about my contract which still needs to be sorted out. But If I will have to stay that means I will have to

work hard so that the coach can consider me for selection. “I know it is not going to be easy competing with some big guys in the squad, but I am still young and have a lot to learn. I don’t see them as threats because I am getting more mature now which is good for my game, but I cannot be scared if I am called upon,” he said. When asked to speak on the state of his contract with Chelsea the youngster said; “I will leave that to my agents to sort out. They are working on it while I concentrate on football.” Omeruo is in the provisional World Cup team of the Super Eagles for Brazil.

Nomination begins for 2014 Nigerian Sports Award Emmanuel Tobi

nmissable Incentives Limited, organisers of the prestigious Nigerian Sports Award have on Tuesday, revealed that entries for nomination from the members of the public for the various categories of the award will open on May 14, 2014 and close on September 7, 2014. Speaking at the Press conference to herald the activities for the 2014 edition of the award which is also the third edition, General Manager Unmissable Incentives Limited Mr. Kayode Idowu disclosed that the award ceremony will hold on November 13, 2014 at Muson Centre, Lagos. Idowu disclosed that the media category of the award has been expanded from two to four in response to the clamour from the Sports Journalists. He declared that from the 2014 edition of the award, the media category will now include Sports Journalist of the Year (Print), Sports Journalist of the Year (Radio), Sports Journalist of the Year (Television) and the Sports Photo Journalists of the Year which will all be determined by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. He stressed further that some deserving Nigerian Sports Heroes will be bestowed with the honour of the Life Time Achievement in Sports award by the Nigerian Sports Award in line with the ongoing centenary celebrations of the nation.

Enyeama making a save

World Cup: Glo launches theme song for Eagles, fans

elecommunication company, Globacom has launched a mega project to mobilise massive support for the World Cup campaign of Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, as the team intensifies preparation towards the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, in June. Tagged Go Ahead Eagles, the campaign includes a series of inspirational songs, television commercials and Nigeria’s first online reality show which will enable Nigerians follow and engage with the team real time throughout their drive for glory in Brazil. Speaking during the official launch of the campaign in Lagos on Monday, Head of Operations, Globacom, Mr. Bisi Koleoso stated that the Go Ahead Eagles campaign will galvanise the support of millions of Nigerians toward ensuring that the Super Eagles not only excel in Brazil, but also set the record of being the most successful African team at the World Cup by being the first national team on the continent to make the last four. “The Super Eagles MUST GO AHEAD,” he stated, adding that all the communication materials in support of the team will be released with the theme One Nigeria, One Team, One Network. Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, Country Manager, Google, with whom Globacom is partnering to activate the online leg of the campaign, said the telecom company had leveraged the power of technology to mobilise support for the Super Eagles.

New players boost midwestern Oil & Gas Tennis Championship

Ligue 1 African Player award excites Enyeama A

Ifeanyi Ibeh

Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has expressed joy after becoming the first goalkeeper to be named French Ligue 1 African Player of the Season. Enyeama who kept 11 consecutive clean

Bring back our Uche, Kalu begs Keshi ut of favour Eagles’ striker Ikechukwu Uche yesterday received a tremendous boost as former Abia State governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu made a passionate plea for his inclusion in Stephen Keshi’s final squad. Kalu, who spoke from London through his Special Adviser Kunle Oyewumi said,” as a passionate football fan, I appeal to my good friend, Keshi, to have a change of mind and include Uche in his World Cup team.The boy should be forgiven since he is now remorseful.” The ex-governor praised the Eagles manager for recalling the duo of Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie, and prayed that Uche would also get a reprieve.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

“Football is a competitive game; we should not allow personal interest to override national aspirations. I salute Keshi for bringing back Yobo and Osaze. I wish he could extend same to Uche,” Kalu added. Uche has been in splendid season for Villarreal and many fans are shocked that he was unable to get Keshi’s nod. The young man whose exclusion was blamed on tactical flaws says there is no love lost between him and the Big Boss. Another World Cup miss will be an evergreen pain for Uche whose last game for the Eagles was in February 2013.He had also missed the South Africa 2010 Mundial after leading the goals chart in the qualifiers due to injury.

sheets in Ligue 1 matches during the first half of the 2013-14 season, is also the first Nigerian to win the Marc-Vivien Foe prize, named after the Cameroon international midfielder who died aged 28 of a heart attack in 2003. The Super Eagle has played all 37 league games for his club Lille this season, conceding only 25 goals. He was voted top ahead of Toulouse’s Ivorian defender Serge Aurier and Lyon’s Cameroon defender Henri Bedimo to succeed last year’s winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon. “It’s amazing, a great honour and I deeply appreciate it. I must first give glory to God, my team-mates, family and our beautiful fans for their remarkable support. “It’s a reward for team effort and having great people in front of me. Together we’ve endured a tough but interesting season,” Enyeama told BBC Sport He also hopes winning the award will lead to greater recognition for goalkeepers. “It’s not easy for goalkeepers to win among outfield players, so this one is special. It will hopefully encourage and open the doors for other players between the sticks,” he said.

bout 20 new junior players stormed the inaugural Midwestern Oil & Gas Junior Tennis Championship which began on Tuesday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club. The players who are aged between 10 and 14 are from Edo, Kogi, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna and Lagos. On arrival on Monday, some of the players were taken to the national stadium to watch the CBN Senior Championships where they saw some of Nigeria’s best players in action. In some early round matches for girls, Kasara Adegboyega from Ibadan beat Toyosi Adewusi from Ekiti 9-1 in the Girls 12 while rising 11 year-old star Marylove Edwards who played in the qualifying event of the senior CBN Championships defeated Oyindamola Oyekan from Ogun State 9-0. In some of the boys matches, Gabriel Friday from Kaduna, who had dominated the boys 12 category, started his entry into the boys 14s with a 9-2 victory over Junadu Morenkeji for Ogun. Ebuka Ezewoko from Edo was even more ruthless in the boys 16 dropping only six points in beating Ayo Samuels from Lagos 9-0. A total of 158 players are participating in the tournament which is part of ITA Junior Tennis Circuit run by the International Tennis Academy. The tournament is scheduled to end with a grand finale on Sunday May 18.

CBN spends N450bn to print new notes – Alade Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

cting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Sarah Alade yesterday disclosed that the bank was spending N450 billion to print new notes. Alade also said that about 90 per cent of cash withdrawal in the country was within the range of N500,000. This, she said, informed the decision of the bank to limit the granting of third party cheques to not more than N500,000. The Acting Governor of the CBN spoke when she appeared before the National Conference

NEWS 55

FROM THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Committee on Trade and Investment. Speaking on the imperative of the cashless economy policy, she said the CBN was spending N450 billion to print new notes. She said the bank still needed to educate people on the policy. She explained that the bank only added a cost to withdrawing more than N500,000 and not a total ban. The Acting Governor further explained that the need for charges on deposits was to discourage cash transactions. She said the bank was planning to carry out biometrics of the rural dwellers to convince those at the lower rung

of the ladder to embrace the policy. The Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, Mrs Stella Onyejelewho, representing the Managing Director, told the Committee on Public Finance and Economy that the mission of the Fund was to establish a saving base for the country and ensure future stability for the economy in times of stress. It is also to enable development in the nation’s infrastructure and a tool for attracting foreign direct investment, Alade said. She explained that the fund has signed a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Africa Finance Corporation and Global Finance Corporation and Stanbic IBTC was appointed as the local consultant of the fund; adding that an additional $550 million proceeds of the Eurobond given to the fund. She said the focus of the fund, under the infrastructure funds, was the second Niger Bridge and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The team from the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) led by the Executive Director Corporate Services, Dr. Garuba Zakawanua, was also at the Committee

Staggered Poll: Jega, Confab disagree over 2015 Louis Achi Abuja

hairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has declared that it would be impossible to conduct elections into all elective posts in one day. According to the INEC boss, while addressing the national Conference Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters, as currently constituted such would be impossible for the commission. “INEC, as it is now, cannot hold elections in one day. The associated logistics is going to be enormous. The cost and the risk will outweigh the benefit of trying it. “Another issue will be the announcement of re-

Committee members tackle Gambo over fake report Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Committee on Political and Electoral Matters, National Conference, Olusegun Osoba; INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega; Chairman of the committee, Ayocha Ayu and a member, Sola Ebiseni, at the meeting of the committee with INEC management in Abuja.

Confab backs rotation of offices of president, govs, council chair Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

he National Conference Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government has recommended that the office of the nation's President should be rotated among the various geo-political zones. The committee also suggested that the office of governor should be rotated among the three Senatorial districts in each state, while the same principle of rotation should be applicable in local government councils. T he committee stressed that rotation of

political power should be enshrined in the country's electoral laws. A co-Chairman of the committee, Major-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), explained that the decision was aimed at making governance all-inclusive and to eliminate agitation which always arise from ethnic or sectional marginalization. His words, "Today (yesterday) we took a decision on rotation as a policy in moving our country forward. It was a consensus reached by the committee that the policy should be enshrined in the electoral law and political party constitutions. "It was recommended that the policy must

embrace matters of special groups like women, youths and people living with disabilities. "It was decided that the rotation must include the office of the President, then the governors must rotate between the three senatorial districts while the same policy would also be effected at the Local government level. "We felt that if this was effected, no ethnic group or kindred would keep the office in perpetuity while others would feel marginalized. "With this, it was believed that everyone would have a sense of belonging and feel as part of the system", he said. While admitting that

the recommendation might appear as nothing new from what is presently being employed by political parties, the former Minister of External Affairs believed that enshrining it in the electoral law would eliminate all doubts and manipulations by unscrupulous politicians. "What we did was for the generations behind us as most of us are not likely to run for any office again and I want to believe that the coming generations would be more Nigerian more than some of us had been and not see themselves as tribal or ethnic champions," he explained. He assured that patriotism and the necessity to move the nation forward would prevail over alleged division in some Committees over some contentious issues.

sults. It will take at least a week to tabulate and announce it and this will create tension. “That is why we at INEC maintain we take a step at a time and keep on improving. We do not support doing all the elections in one day in 2015.” The committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters had recommended that INEC should conduct elections into all elective offices at the state and federal level on same day. A member of the committee and former national president of the Nigeria Union Journalists, Mallam Sani Zoro, explained that the committee arrived at the decision after careful study of the staggered elections in the country.

EMPERS flared among members of the National Conference Committee on Security on monday, following which they engaged on shouting match with a co-Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Mohammed Gambo Jimeta. The members accused Jimeta, a former Inspector General of Police, of trying to impose a predetermined report on the committee. A member of the committee, who sought anonymity, said the row almost degenerated to fisticuffs. The committee members, it was gathered, were shocked when the former Inspector General of Police presented what was considered "a premeditated report" to the com-

mittee for ratification. The delegates claimed that they were not part of the report. According to the member of the committee, who divulged the information to reporters, “We were taken aback when the chairman of our committee presented a report to us for consideration, when in actual fact, we are yet to discuss the report of the various sub-committees created to discuss issues of security. “The situation was so tense that the two cochairmen, Gambo Jemeta and the former DirectorGeneral of the National Security Organisation, Chief Albert Horsefal nearly exchanged blows. "We were on the verge of collating the report and yet a report was presented to us as the outcome of the Committee on National Security.

CSOs must remain defenders of minimum wage Louis Achi Abuja

he organised labour and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) have been urged to defend the national minimum wage to ensure that it is not abolished. This counsel was delivered by the Gover nor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with the members of the National Conference Committee on Civil Society, Labour and Sports. He also called on the CSOs to expand their horizon and fight other

forms of injustices in the society. According to Oshiomhole, the minimum wage is a global phenomenon,not necessarily a requirement of the law but aimed at ensuring that salary does not fall below a particular standard as negotiated by the parties involved. He said this becomes imperative as a result of societal nor ms, neighbourhood labour situations such as equal work and equal pay among the same professions and the application of equity, justice and fairness in the payment of workers salary.

World Record

On Marble

Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.

– Aldous Huxley

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

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha WEDNESday, MAY 14, 2014

Akemi Kato (Japan, b. 13 December 1970) The lowest golf score over an 18 hole course (male) is 55, and was achieved by Rhein Gibson (Australia) at the River Oaks Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma, USA on 12 May 2012.

N150

Moving Nigeria away from chaos T IvoryGlory he Nigerian Nation is tottering, even with several pretenders of different hues and colours drooling over the Jonathan Presidency. A crowd of otherwise respectable old men under the canopy of Southern Nigerian Peoples Assembly have gone on a talking spree, ostensibly to counter the efforts of an equally vociferous group of Northern elders who they claim are all out to sabotage the Jonathan Presidency. Current national debate is sharply polarised between two contending factions, those who are for the continuation of the Jonathan Presidency, and those who are opposed to it. Little effort is spared to interrogate the merit of the case, the health and progress of the nation, the welfare of its people, particularly the more than 100 million Nigerians that are living in grinding poverty. The recourse to mundane banal sentiments, the exploitation of ethnicity and religion by bigots and irredentists cannot solve the myriad problems confronting the nation. This country undoubtedly is sick and needs immediate rescue to bring it out of the current morass. Who will bail the cat? Unfortunately, the story of political leadership in Nigeria is replete with abysmal failures and total disappointment. The fact that Nigeria today, 54 years after political independence, is still afflicted with all imaginable forms of human crisis is common knowledge. From massive unemployment, scathing poverty, hunger, youth restiveness, to absence of very basic common amenities that are taken from granted even in some other African countries, like power, water, housing, including ethnic sectarian and class tensions, increasing social inequality, to the invasion of the land by anarchists and terrorists, challenging and calling to question the very essence of our nationhood. Nigerians now die in their thousands from what they commonly call brief illness, that is if they are not sent to the great beyond by the merchants of death, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other bomb throwers. Child Headed Households are on the increase. The central government, nay the Nigerian State can no longer protect the citizens, who now live in morbid fear. The Nigerian State is on leave, or more appropriately absent without official leave (AWOL),has clearly abandoned the raison ‘d’ etre of the State’s emergence historically, that is, the protection of lives and property. A significant portion of the country, has been left to dare devil evil men, members of Boko Haram, who have since changed the gear in violent uprising in Nigeria, after the founder, the late Mohammed Yusuf was allegedly killed in

Nkemdili Nnonyelu

aunnonyelu@yahoo.co.uk - 08122801926 (sms only)

police custody. Either to court justice, or to appease the group, federal Government of Nigeria quickly arraigned some policemen who are currently facing prosecution. This “canonisation” of Yusuf in the midst of mindless bloodletting by his Boko Haram group is totally unacceptable. The history of nations bears eloquent testimony that states that have proved incompetent, incapable of providing political and economic dividends to its people lose the support, trust, and confidence of its citizens. In such States, the legitimacy of governments acting on behalf of the state is vitiated and eroded. If this unwholesome situation is not addressed, as in the Nigerian case, and it persists for a long period, then we can safely describe that entity as a failing or crisis state. Make no mistake about this; if Nigeria is not a failed State even though it is labelled as such by predominant failed state literature, it is of course failing. I am not an alarmist; what I will not do however is to play the ostrich, and pretend that all is well like the Okukpes of this world. Visit the United States, or United Kingdom, or even South African Embassies, you pity Nigerians. How they engage the services of Marabouts and prayer warriors to leave their country, how they hold thanksgiving in different churches or mosques, if they are lucky to have these visas, as if they are being released from hell. To most Nigerians, even at the risk of sounding unpatriotic, life in Nigeria is like a sojourn in hell. Only those who have something to do with state power, or who know those who enjoy certain affinity with political office holders, power centres at the federal, state or local can talk gleefully about Nigeria. The rest, if they have not resigned their fate, live in regrets, or at best cynical. This is the “true truth”. We shall not allow this to continue, for even the so called opposition are as clueless, as the ruling party in the centre. Progressive, radical followership, people’s power must come to the rescue. Nigerians have for too long being taken for unsolicited ride. President Obasanjo wasted 8 solid years, without anything to show for it. His anointed Vice President, now President Jonathan has also not been

imaginative. In the States and local Governments, only very few are doing well, while others are mediocre, no matter the political party in power. To stem the tide, and abort the imminent apocalypse, Nigerians, particularly the masses must rally together. It only took the combined efforts of hundreds of women, and a minuscule number of men to rouse the imperturbable sensibilities of the Jonathan presidency who had misfired with its initial lethargic dithering in dealing with the tragic captivity by the nihilistic sectarian Boko Haram, of young school teenage girls, frittered away in the middle of the night from their school dormitories. In my column in this newspaper, two weeks ago, I said assuming without conceding there were any justifications, or plausible reasons for the activities of Boko Haram; by their current action, their propensity to deal with young innocent girls, they have crossed the red line of terror. No matter how long it takes, they will be brought to justice. Jonathan’s dilatory style infuriated considerably a great many Nigerian women, who in a rare spontaneous show of peoples power, set several cities aglow with their call on the federal authorities and Boko Haram “Bring Back Our Girls”. This call from a distinguished crowd of women has rendered the presidency uncomfortable, as world cities, global organisations’ leaders have all embraced the call. Michele Obama, America’s First Lady, David Cameron, British Prime Minister, and Pope Francis have all joined in the crusade “Bring Back our Girls”. Following these demonstrations, the Chibok incident has become the major issue in the world today, and with it, a new resolution by the international community to put an end to the inglorious, nefarious activities of the terrorists Boko Haram Organisation. Although we are yet to witness the release and safe return of the Chibok girls, we are beginning to see some mobility on the part of the military hierarchy, who, few days ago visited for the first time Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, the scene of the ugly incident, to see things for themselves. This may be a prelude to an expected presidential visit by President Jon-

athan himself, to commiserate with, and reassure the families of the affected students, that the Federal Government, as the custodian of national security will do all in its powers to ensure the release and safe return of their daughters and wards. This is the least expected of President Jonathan. In 2011, the subsidy revolt nearly paralysed the nation, and it compelled the Presidency then to reverse the increase in fuel. The June 12, 1993 riots quickly forced Ibrahim Babangida then Head of State to step aside, bringing Chief Ernest Shonekan to head an illegal Interim government. At least the courts said so. Why Shonekan still attends National Council of States meeting, was even decorated by Jonathan during the centenary celebration is one of the many absurdities of the Nigerian nation. Serial failure of leadership in Nigeria compels that we go beyond the beautiful treatise by late renowned writer Chinua Achebe “The Trouble With Nigeria”. Achebe then surmised that leadership or lack of it is at the root of our continuing, social, moral, economic and political crises. It seems to me, that what we shall be calling for in Nigeria is a paradigm shift in followership, where the citizens demand as of right, how they should be governed, and who shall govern them. A conscious followership, not the docile and complacent, that our “leaders” have exploited to no end, is the key. It is because that we have not held our leaders accountable, have not collectively and objectively insisted that the right thing be done, that Nigeria, 54 years after political independence still is emblematic of poor governance.

OmoBaba

HOW TO END BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY - APC

- Is anybody listening?

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