Binder77777711111 wednesday, may 28, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 99

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FG to build gas pipeline from Calabar to Kano …as gas flaring drops to 11%

James Nwabueze Abuja

he Federal Government has concluded plans to construct the

longest gas pipeline in the country from Calabar via Ajaokuta to Kano State to ensure steady supply of gas to meet growing market demand across the

country. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ohi

Alegbe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday. According to the statement, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke,

gave the hint while delivering a paper titled: “Encouraging Investment in Gas Production, Supply and Consumption” at a three-day national conference on gas resources, organised by the Senate

Committee on Gas Resources in Abuja. “By the end of the year, we will be commencing, via Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, the nation’s longest pipeline CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Chibok girls

Obasanjo in secret talks with Boko Haram

l33 soldiers, policemen, others killed in Yobe, Borno lAbductee escapes from sect’s custody

Hassan Jirgi and Ibrahim Abdul

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a bid to facilitate the release of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from Chibok, Borno State over 40 days ago. A report yesterday by Agence French Presse (AFP) said Obasanjo met with people close to Boko Haram in a bid to broker the release of the schoolgirls. The report came just as the terrorist sect continued its terror campaign with attacks on Buni Yadi, Yobe State and Gwoza, Borno State, during which 33 persons, including soldiers and policemen were killed. It was also gathered that

First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan (middle); wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Helen Mark (fourth right), with children cutting a cake to mark the Children’s Day in Abuja... yesterday. Photo: timothy ikuomenisan.

Demands for Chibok girls’ release resonate at Children’s Day celebration

lKids give Jonathan’s wife letter for Shekau Our Reporters

he abduction of over 200 pupils of Government Girls’ Secondary

School, Chibok, Borno State, kidnapped about six weeks ago, yesterday dampened the celebration of this year’s Children’s

Day. The occasion however provided another avenue for people to mount pressure on the Federal Gov-

ernment to expedite action towards their release. From Lagos to Abuja, Owerri to Port Harcourt and Ilorin to Lafia, the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Lamido breaks silence on presidential ambition }4 LAGOS

Storms

29OC |24OC message was the same: Boko Haram should free the schoolgirls and end their long-drawn ordeal. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Kids give Jonathan’s wife letter for Shekau CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

But while some states marked the occasion with rallies during which demands were made for the release of the abductees, others cancelled the celebration outright. Some children took the campaign beyond the parade ground with a letter to Boko Haram, delivered to the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, to release the abductees. The Federal Government on its part reiterated its commitment to the protection of children from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The Senate also seized the occasion to demand the release of the girls. Amid the growing demand for the release of the schoolgirls, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, told reporters in Abuja that the Federal Government would not shirk its responsibility towards the children. According to her, Children’s Day is meant to be a day of fun and merriment for children. She said the activities of terrorists had, however, taken away the joy of celebrating the day due to the recent kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno. The minister said the children represented an important segment of the society, both in their signif-

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

32o C 23oC Thunder Storms

PORT HARCOURT

30oC 23oC Storms

KANO

38oC 25oC Partially Cloudy

ENUGU

31oC 23oC Storm

IBADAN

28oC 22oC Storm

CALABAR

27oC 23oC Storm

MAIDUGURI

39oC 26oC Partially Cloudy

ONITSHA

31oC 23oC Storm

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi reading to pupils of New Church State School, Degema to mark this year’s Children Day. With him is Mrs. K. Kalango.

icant population and also as the reservoir of the future leaders of the country. “I wish to assure you again that the Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure the safe release of our innocent school girls. “We also want to put on record our appreciation of the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces as they battle the insurgents and strive to get our girls released,” a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted her as saying. Some children seized the occasion to write Boko Haram through the first lady. They presented two letters to Mrs. Jonathan at the presidential villa, Abuja for final delivery to the leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau and President Goodluck Jonathan. Although the content of the letters was not disclosed, it is believed that they made a demand for the release of the Chibok girls. Addressing the children, at an event she hosted to mark the occasion, Mrs. Jonathan said it was unfortunate that she could not deliver the letter to the sect directly since she did not know any of its members. She explained that she would deliver the letter to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) or the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh for onward delivery to the sect. Mrs. Jonathan also called on Nigerians, especially those carrying out protest on the abduction of the schoolgirls to focus on terrorists other than government for the release of the students. The Senate also mark the Children Day’s during plenary with a plea with the Boko Haram sect to re-

lease the schoolgirls. However, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, wondered why Badeh would say the military has discovered the location of the abducted girls, only to describe it as a military secret. Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, who spoke at plenary in Abuja, urged the abductors to release the girls in the spirit of the Children’s Day celebration. Ndoma-Egba also drew the Senate’s attention to the challenges confronting the Nigerian child today. But unlike in some other parts of the country where rallies were held, pupils of various schools in Abuja shunned the annual celebration. Instead, the schoolchildren stayed in their various homes for fear of a possible attack. The popular Eagle Square in Abuja, where major national events, including the Children’s Day celebration usually take place, was empty yesterday. At the old Parade Ground, situated in the Central Area of the nation’s capital, which is normally used for such events, it was devoid of activity. At the Millennium Park, where kids usually go to catch fun during festive periods and public holidays, only a few children were sighted with their parents and guardians. Most schools, which normally take their pupils to various places of interest during the celebration, did not do any of such things this year. But unlike Abuja, rallies were held in Lagos during which participants demand the release of the Chibok girls. The state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), in his address, mad a passionate appeal to Boko Haram to release the abducted schoolgirls unconditionally, saying the

abductees cannot provide the demands of the sect. Fashola said if the sect had any disagreement with anybody, it could only be with adults and not the innocent children. According to him, the Chibok girls did not deserve the pains and suffering they are currently going through in the custody of the sect. He, however, commended the participating pupils for their empathy with the missing children and the concerns they had shown through the modest celebration. Fashola’s counterpart in Rivers State, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, in his address, blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the abduction of the girls. Amaechi, at an interdenominational church service marking the Children’s Day celebration in Port Harcourt, accused Nigerians of complicity in the crime against the Chibok girls by voting the ruling party in power, saying ‘’ the change needed in the country, is to vote PDP out in 2015 general election.’’ In Ogun State, the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and hundreds of students drawn from the 20 local government areas of the state prayed for the release of the abducted schoolgirls. Christian and Muslims clerics as well as primary and secondary school pupils at an inter-faith service to mark the Children’s Day, prayed God to touch the hearts of the terrorists and ensure freedom for the abducted pupils. Speaking at the prayer session, Amosun described the abduction of the pupils as an attack on every Nigerian. While calling on all citizens to rise up to the challenge, the governor said the continued captivity of

the girls was unacceptable. His wife, Olufunso, expressed regret that the fun and warmth that often characterise the Children’s Day had been blighted by the abduction of the Chibok girls. She, however, assured the children that mothers would continue to pray and give necessary support that will aid the quick release of their colleagues. Schoolchildren also trooped out yesterday to participate in the Children’s Day celebration, held in Ilorin, Kwara State. Most of the children and their handlers arrived at the venue of the programme all dressed in their various school uniforms as early as 8am. The programme was however scaled down in deference to the mood of the nation. The usual march past was cancelled as the children took time to pray for the release of the kidnapped Chibok girls. Some of the pupils carried various placards and banners calling attention to the continued plight of the abductees and asking for their release. In his message, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed urged stakeholders to ensure that the Nigerian child, especially the girlchild, lives in a peaceful atmosphere that is conducive for growth and well-being rather than the present state of insecurity in the country. Prayers were also said for the release of the abducted girls at the celebration of Children’s Day in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. Speaking at the occasion, wife of the state governor, Mrs. Salamatu AlMakura, urged children to respect their parents and be of good behaviour and should not allow themselves to be used by evil men to cause trouble in the society.

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 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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Nigeria adds 1.1m subscribers to MTN group lOsun shuts down MTN base stations over unpaid taxes Jonah Iboma and Adeolu Adeyemo

TN Group yesterday said its subscriber base has increased by two per cent in the first four months of 2014 ended April 30, boosted by a strong performance by MTN Nigeria, which added 1.1 million new users. The top African mobile telecommunications firm added that the combined group achieved double digit revenue growth in the period. Earnings before inter-

est, tax, depreciation and amortization margin improved against the first four months of 2013 and the 2013 full year margin, mainly due to cost-cutting measures, MTN said. However, the group’s South African operation remains under pressure, reporting a decline in revenue in the first four months of 2014 compared with the same period a year ago, according to MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Sifiso Dabengwa, while delivering a speech at the group’s annual general meeting

yesterday. “This was due to the reduction in retail rates and the April 1, 2014 reduction in interconnect rates. “This trend is expected to continue for at least the next two quarters reflecting the adjustments made to retail tariffs. Data revenue remains the largest contributor to revenue growth with 14.5 million data users on the network,” he said. In April, MTN reported that its South African operation reduced subscriber number by 824,768, bringing total subscriber to 24.9

million for the period ended March 2014. MTN Nigeria helped offset the poor performance in South Africa by recording healthy revenue growth in local currency, thanks to an increase in outgoing voice and data revenue. “The Nigerian operation continues to maintain good network quality and capacity, enabling it to enhance its competitiveness and offer attractive value propositions,” said Dabengwa. In another development, the Osun State Government yesterday shut down

L-R: Wife of GOK Ajayi, Olayinka; daughter, Mrs. Tola Oyekanmi and Chairman, Afenifere, Lagos State, Mr. Supo Sonibare, during the lying-in-state of Ajayi at his Lagos residence…yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

some of the MTN base stations in the state over its refusal to offset outstanding taxes and fees owed the state amounting to N399 million. The Acting Chairman/ CEO of the state Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji, made this known

to newsmen in Osogbo, the state capital. According to him, “the ongoing exercise will not be limited to MTN, but will be extended to other telecommunication companies, banks and other tax debtors found guilty of owing the state government.”

Lamido breaks silence on presidential ambition Dahiru Suleiman DUTSE

igawa State Governor, Mallam Sule Lamido, yesterday broke his silence over his 2015 presidential ambition, saying the environment is not ideal for now. Lamido said he was more concerned about peace being restored to Nigeria. He also said nobody could force him out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “For me, I haven’t seen the environment for aspiring for the presidency in 2015 going by the current circumstances we are passing through in the country,” he stated. “I don’t have the belief to go for the presidency now. I rather prefer to struggle for the restoration of peace and stability of our great country. “I want the country to be thoroughly reconciled

first, since to me the country’s corporate entity is in jeopardy due to political crisis. “By Nigerian history, you cannot pick a president from outside since popularity doesn’t make anyone become a president except on the basis of certain peculiarities.” On insinuations that he might dump the PDP, Lamido stated: “No any amount of molestation, challenges, smear campaign or intimidation that will force me out of my original party. “PDP, as a political party, is owned by Nigerians not an individual, who can dictate or force any decision on anyone without the consent of the majority.” On his performance, the governor said: “Without any contradictions, we have restored government of decency which encompasses discipline, honesty, committed and transparent administration worthy of emulation.”

I was asked to pay N60m to FG to build gas pipeline from Calabar to Kano be named VC, don alleges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

from Calabar via Ajaokuta to Kano State,” Alison-Madueke stated. Represented by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, the minister said at present, the Federal Government was constructing the strategic East-West pipeline while the Lagos end segment of the Escravos to Lagos Pipelines System (ELPS) is nearing completion. She explained that almost 500km of new gas pipelines have been completed and inaugurated, including the doubling of the capacity of the EPLS between Escravos and Oben and the extension from Oben to Geregu and River Imo to Alaoji respectively. The minister said by the end of 2018, the backbone pipeline infrastructure for gas would have been delivered, concluding an initial phase of over

2500km of gas pipeline infrastructure development. She said government was strategising to leverage on the full potential of gas to achieve massive impact on the economy and the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “We are focused on jumpstarting gas supply to enable usage in gas to power, gas based industrialisation, compressed natural gas for transportation and commercial usage, cooking gas for domestic usage and regional pipeline for gas export,” the minister stated. She said that for government to support the aggressive short-term demand growth in the power sector, a domestic gas supply obligation regulation which mandates a certain amount of gas supply for the domestic market pending the full maturation of the market was introduced. She expressed confi-

dence that the market will ultimately drive itself for supply growth, adding that the long run expectation is for less dependence on supply via obligation. In order to boost investor confidence in natural gas in the country, she said government had reviewed the contractual framework for gas through the development of worldclass standardised gas supply agreements in addition to Network Code which governs the flow of gas across the nation’s pipeline network and provides rules for open access. According to her, the use of natural gas instead of petrol has translated into significant savings for over 4000 taxi drivers in Benin who are already using this alternative energy source. Also, the minister said the Federal Government’s efforts at eliminating gas flaring had made a sig-

nificant impact as flare out rate dropped from 25 per cent to 11 per cent of production. “Many of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) are fast approaching full flare out as the gas obligation and infrastructure growth have all combined to enable utilization of hitherto flared gas,” Madueke stated. Speaking in the same vein, Yakubu, while presenting a paper titled: “Nigeria’s Gas Resources, Current and Future Expectations,” at the conference, put the country’s current gas production at about 8.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d). He explained that of the total production, 3.5bcf/d (41%) is exported; 2.3 bcf/d (28%) is consumed domestically for power and industries; 1.2 bcf/d (15%) is used in the upstream for gas re-injection while the balance of 0.8bcf/d (10 per cent) is flared.

Uwakwe Abugu Awka

he Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Greg Nwakoby, yesterday disclosed that his failure to part with N60 million demanded by some vested interests robbed him of being appointed as the varsity’s vice-chancellor. Nwakoby alleged that after he came first in the selection process put in place by the Governing Council of the university, some people asked him to bribe them with the sum so that he could be named VC. He told reporters in Awka that after the selection committee released its report in the early hours of Saturday, the chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (rtd), had

congratulated him after issuing him with the result which showed that he came tops. The Director of Information and Public Relations of the university, Mr. Emma Ojukwu, had in a statement yesterday said: “After an exhaustive meeting held on Monday May 26, 2014, the Council voted eight members for Prof. Joseph Ahaneku and three members for Nwakoby.” But Nwakoby faulted the voting procedure by the council after the selection committee had finalised the process during which he said, he emerged tops with Ahaneku trailing behind him. Nwakoby accused some members of the Governing Council (names withheld) of compromising themselves in the selection process by denigrating their positions to ask for gratifications.

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APC moves to stop Nyako’s impeachment

…Kwankwaso, Adamawa lawmakers meet Ibrahim Abdul Yola

trong indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced moves to frustrate the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako by the Adamawa State House of Assembly. The impeachment process was believed to have been hatched by the Presidency in order to teach Nyako a bitter lesson over his latest confrontation with the Federal Government. But the APC, it was learnt, was perfecting a strategy to ensure that the planned impeachment fails. The party has thus sent two of its governors to intercede between Nyako and members of the state House of Assembly. But of the two governors, only Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was on hand during the meeting as the Governor of Sokoto,

Aliyu Wamakko could not make it due to a rainstorm which prevented his plane from landing at the Yola International Airport . Thus, only Kwankwaso and Nyako attended the closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Ahmadu Fintiri; Deputy Speaker, Kwamoti Laori; Majority Leader Ishaq Bala Mohammed and others which took place at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Yola . During the meeting, which lasted several hours, it was learnt that the members dispelled the rumour that they were being prodded by the Presidency to impeach the governor, saying that their recent action of checkmating the executive was in tandem with their constitutional duties which they swore to uphold. Kwankwoso, who “mediated” in the meeting simply told newsmen

that he was in Yola to see Nyako for discussions that were beneficial to the two states. “I am here to see my senior brother. We had some good discussions that are very much relevant

to Kano and Adamawa states,” Kwankwaso said. However, in a mark of support, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday endorsed the move of the Assembly. The state chairman of the party, Chief Joel Madaki, during a solidarity

visit to the House said the party was in full support of the latest actions being taken by the legislators. “We have been following the trend of events since the House is fighting for the downtrodden, hence we are here to identify with the lawmakers.

“Your ultimatum to the state is timely because you are carrying all the people of Adamawa State. We are here on this visit for the people of Adamawa State and not PDP; please do anything that will better the development of the state,” he said.

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun (middle); his wife, Olufunso and some school children, during the Children’s Day celebration for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls organised by the governor’s wife at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta...yesterday

Obasanjo in secret talks with Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

panic has gripped students of Adamawa State University, Mubi, over a threat letter purportedly written by Boko Haram to attack the institution. It was learnt that the meeting between the former president and Boko Haram associates was held last weekend at Obasanjo’s farm in Ota, Ogun State and was attended by relatives of some senior Boko Haram fighters as well as intermediaries. “The meeting was focused on how to free the girls through negotiation,” said a source who requested anonymity. Obasanjo had previously sought to negotiate with the insurgents, including in September 2011, after Boko Haram bombed the United Nations building in Abuja. He had flown to the sect’s base in Maiduguri, to meet relatives of former Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf, who was killed in police custody in 2009. But his efforts did little to slow down the spate of attacks Boko Haram has unleashed on the people, especially in the wake of Yusuf’s extra-judicial killing. Although Obasanjo’s spokesmen could not be reached to comment on the reported negotiation, the source told AFP that Obasanjo had voiced concern about Nigeria’s acceptance of foreign military

personnel to help rescue the girls. However, amid efforts to rescue the abducted schoolgirls, Boko Haram has continued its killing spree as it attacked Buni Yadi, in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing 24 soldiers and policemen. Witnesses told New Telegraph yesterday that the insurgents who struck on Monday evening, killed 10 soldiers and 14 policemen, including the Division Police Office (DPO) and Divisional Crime Officer (DCO). The insurgents also razed the palace of the Emir of Buni Yadi. The attackers, who were armed with various weapons, including petrol bombs, attacked the military base in the town and the police station near the army base. They also destroyed other public buildings. A resident who escaped during the attack said the attackers drove into the town in pick-up trucks, armoured cars and motorcycles. Motorists conveying passengers to the town returned to Damaturu, the state capital, saying they heard sounds of explosions and gunfire from there. “As we ran for safety to other villages, we were ambushed by another set of the invaders who started firing sporadically. Some fell on the ground, while

others were shot in their backs and legs,” another resident said. This is the second attack on Buni Yadi in less than two weeks, coming after Boko Haram abducted the district head and a businessman in the town. The insurgents, in another operation, attacked various communities around the rocky mountains of Gwoza in Borno State, killing nine villagers and setting ablaze houses and churches in the area. The insurgents also hoisted their flags in Ashigashiya ward of Gwoza Local Government Area and are currently celebrating in the area which they have now declared their headquarters, according to a report by an online news portal, Premium Times. The report said apart from the nine people killed, several others were left with bullet injuries while residents fled to the hills. A local government official, Nglamuda Ibrahim, said in Maiduguri that the displaced people had since Monday night been calling for help. According to him, the residents, from their hideout on the hills, have spotted the gunmen who are preparing to launch another attack on them. “As we speak now, I am still receiving distress calls from them, they were all crying and calling for help; no soldier or police official had gone there yet. “The Boko Haram gun-

men mounted their flags in Ashigashiya which is now like their headquarters. “In last night’s attack, six churches were burnt, eight persons were killed and several others seriously injured. We cannot count the number of houses that were burnt in Chinene village of ChikideJoghode-Kaghum ward. They also attacked Amuda village where one person was killed and several others injured,” he added. He listed the names of some of those killed in Chinene village as Bulama Dajiba, Bulama John, Haruna Wadda, Bitrus Kurma, Haruna Kwatha, Haruna Waruda, and Shaibu Galva. “We are calling on the military authorities in the state to quickly go up there and help us rescue those poor villagers, their wives and children before the imminent danger of the gunmen attack caught them up in the mountains. We have a detachment of soldiers that were deployed in Gwoza but none of them cares to go behind the mountains, even though everyone hears the sound of the shootings there,” he said. The people of Gwoza are not the only ones living in fear of attack by Boko Haram as panic has gripped residents of Mubi in Adamawa State over a threat letter purportedly written by the sect to attack the state university, among other places.

New Telegraph learnt that school officials had received threats allegedly from Boko Haram, to attack the school. According to a student who simply identified herself as Mary, despite efforts by the school authorities to allay fears of attack, the people have been living in fear. Another student said many students had stopped sleeping in the hostel to avoid being caught in any attack by the sect, which they expect to happen in the night. He added that a hostel known as ‘Barde Hall,’ is now empty of students as they have fled to other places for safety. “The tension heightened on Monday morning when students in Barde Hall awoke and found a letter placed on a wall that was written in the Hausa language. The letter, when translated into English, reads, “Last warning,” a student said. However, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Alkassum Abba, has assured the students of their safety, saying that measures are being taken to protect them. It was however learnt yesterday that one of the abducted girls had escaped. National Chairman, Kibaku Area Development Association, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, confirmed the escape of the girl to an online news portal, TheCable, but he refused to reveal the identity of the girl, say-

ing it could re-endanger her life. “The girl is currently at a location I cannot disclose. But I can assure you that she is safe,” he said. He added that four other girls escaped last week, but they were shielded from the media because of their safety. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government yesterday summoned an enlarged security stakeholders’ meeting to further strengthen security in the state against any attack. Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ishmael Olalekan Alli, while declaring open the meeting, said it was informed by the need to ensure the security of lives and property in the state. According to him, the need is further heightened by the numerous security challenges bedevilling the country. He lamented that innocent people are being killed daily by Boko Haram. He said: “In view of this great threat to the security of our nation, I believe this meeting is crucial as it would afford us the opportunity of addressing these issues and proffer solutions. “Also the meeting will allow participants to be informed on the necessary steps to prevent the Boko Haram insurgency, incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and any form of threat to peace in Oyo State.”

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Ekiti 2014

Fayose raises the alarm over cloning of vest Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Peoples Tandhe Democratic Party its candidate in the coming election, Mr Ayo Fayose, have raised the alarm that some sympathisers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have cloned some campaign items of the party and its candidate. The PDP, in a petition written to the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command by the State Secretary, Dr Tope Aluko, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday said the items being cloned included the campaign vest of Fayose, PDP branded vehicles among others. According to the petition, the intention of the people involved in the act was to go about perpetrating violence and making security

agencies and people to lay the blame on Fayose and the PDP. The PDP accused one Niyi Adedipe as being the one the APC was using to perpetrate the fraudulent act. The PDP scribe said that the letter became necessary in order for the police to investigate the allegation. Aluko said that the APC had planned to use its thugs to impersonate PDP members by wearing Fayose's vests and causing mayhem so that Ekiti people would think Fayose was responsible for violent activities in the state. Aluko disclosed that some vehicles were being branded in other parties' colours at the Ekiti Government House and therefore urged the police to act promptly in order to prevent the state from being plunge into anarchy.

INEC sensitises drivers, youths on peaceful poll AWARENESS

Electoral umpire shows how prepared it is for Ekiti election Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday concluded a two-day sensitisation programme for youths and members of various drivers' unions in

Ekiti State as part of preparations for the coming governorship election. The event was held at the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort. In his message, the National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega said the electoral umpire was ready to conduct free and fair election. Jega, who was represented by Prof Lai Olurode, noted that INEC could not do that alone except other stakeholders supported it.

He added that a peaceful atmosphere was vital to the success of the election and stressed the need for all parties to abhor violence. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Alhaji Halilu Pai, expressed confidence that the sensitisation efforts would yield positive results. Pai warned youths and drivers against allowing themselves to be used to foment trouble during the election. He gave the assurance

that INEC would not disappoint the people of the state during the poll. The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Usman Yasin, warned any member of the union who allows himself to be used as thug would be severely dealt with. Yasin, who was represented by Mr Gabriel Kolawole, stated that the union leadership would not condone indiscipline and trouble making in any form.

Governor urges people to vote right he wife of Ekiti State TFayemi, Governor, Mrs Bisi has urged the electorate in the state to vote rightly and wisely in the coming June 21 governorship election in the state. Addressing market women and traders in Ekiti South-West, Ido/ Osi and Irepodun/Ifelodun local government areas of the state yesterday as part of her market outreach efforts, she also decried political violence. Fayemi decried the destruction of public utilities and Governor Kayode Fayemi's campaign billboards in some parts of the state. The Ekiti First Lady added that acts of violence were undemocratic.

"Vote wisely and vote for the APC governorship candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi, come June 21 this year. He has done well for the people of the state and for women in particular. "If you return him, he is going to even do more for you. The Eight-Point Agenda of the administration is on course and more goodies are still coming from the government," she said. Fayemi also used the occasion to educate the women on the need to vote properly, so that their votes would not be voided. She was accompanied by APC women leaders and women holding positions in the administration of Dr Fayemi.

Accord candidate picks Olumilua's daughter as deputy Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

he governorship canTJune didate of Accord in the 21 election in Ekiti

State, Mr. Kole Ajayi, has announced a new running mate for the election. She is Mrs. Bolanle Olumilua-Oyesanya, a lawyer by profession, and is also a daughter of former Governor of the old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua. According to the Director of Publicity, Kole

Ajayi Campaign Organisation, Mr. Iyaniwura Ifedayo, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, she replaced Mr Akin Adeolu, who was earlier nominated for the post. Adeolu reportedly withdrew for personal reasons. The new running mate is a lawyer by training and hails from Ikere-Ekiti. Her nomination has since been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Chairman, State Council of Obas, Oba Adamo Babalola; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Aderemi Ajayi, during a meeting with the Governor, at the instance of the traditional rulers, ahead of the June 21 governorship election, in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

Fayemi, Fayose tango over Bomb attack allegation: Quiz alleged importation of thugs Awe now, Bamidele tells police Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

s the Ekiti State governorship election draws near, Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor, Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to trade accusations over plan to import thugs into the state. The said thugs are to be used as election monitors. Levelling the allegation, a group, Ekiti Youth Emancipation Movement (EYEM), described by the PDP as sympathetic to the APC, said Fayose and the PDP candidate in Osun State, Chief Iyiola Omisore, have concluded plans to bring in thugs comprising miscreants from Osun State and Niger-Delta

militants under the guise of poll monitors. EYEM, which made this allegation in a statement signed by its President, Taiwo Olatunji, in AdoEkiti on Tuesday, alleged that both Fayose and Omisore had already succeeded in registering spurious groups as monitors in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State. "Their real intention is to use these so-called monitors as a cover to bring in thugs and guns. These poll monitors, we gather, have already been registered with INEC. These Fayose and Omisore's imported thugs masked as poll monitors would then be deployed in all polling units with cloned voter cards on election day with the mandate to destroy ballot boxes and papers wherever APC is leading in the poll.

Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

abour Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has called for the immediate arrest of the Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Jide Awe, over allegation that the opposition parties are planning to bomb some public utilities in the state. Bamidele said it will be a great security threat and shirking of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility on the part of the police and other security agencies should they play the ostrich about such weighty allegation, taking cognizance of the litany of bombings and killings that have been witnessed in some parts of the country, culminating in the death of thousands of innocent Nigerians.

In a statement in AdoEkiti yesterday by his media aide, Ahmed Salami, Bamidele charged the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the State Security Service to invite Awe to Abuja to provide evidence to substantiate this misdirected allegation. The LP candidate also absolved the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, of culpability in the violence that erupted during the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mega rally in Ikere on Saturday, saying that the governor did not invade Ekiti with hordes of thugs as claimed by the APC. Awe at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Monday alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and LP were planning to attack the Government House and the APC secretariat located in Ajilosun Area with explosive devices.

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15 years of democracy: Falana calls for revolution FAILURE Delegate to the National Conference, Femi Falana, thinks there is no democracy in the country Juliana Francis awyer and human rights’ activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has described the 15 years of democracy in the country as a waste. He called on Nigerian

youths to embark on a revolution, in order to bring the country out of the woods. This was even as he tasked journalists to interrogate politicians who are alleged to be serial killers and ensure that they are put on trial. Speaking during the weekend at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Falana said 15 years of democracy has only seen the ruling class smiling to the banks, while the masses still live below the poverty line. According to him, the way out of this situation was a revolution,

beginning with youths and journalists, who he expected to question an alleged serial killer, presently vying for a political position in Ekiti State. He said journalists were not doing enough in terms of checkmating the excesses of politicians. He wanted journalists to help the country by interrogating and probing the past of politicians. “You all watched Barak Obama’s debate and all others, but here we don’t care, it’s all about religion, ethnicity and other primordial considerations. If you know a politician,

who’s a murder suspect, as in the case of Ekiti State, you must tell him and find out whether he had been tried! “There’s one of the candidates in Ekiti State, who’s a murder suspect. He’s a serial murder suspect. We must insist that he should be put on trial and that’s how a society is developed. But if we all clapped for them, we’re not going to make it!” Further describing politicians from all the parties as bourgeoisie, Falana said they were the ones, who democracy had smiled upon.

He continued: “According to the President, quite a number of Nigerians, about 125 of them, now have private jets. When you’re told that Nigeria’s economy has been rebased, that’s for the bourgeoisie that can smile to the bank. “But for the average Nigerian, about 113 million of them live below the poverty line. It’s been 15 years of enormous waste. It’s been 15 years of corruption, stealing or whatever you want to call it.” Stressing that it was more or less years of irrelevance, Falana added that

there were militating problems of insecurity of lives and property, of unemployment and infrastructural decay, among others. He further said: “During those 15 years, Nigeria has become the butt of jokes before the international community. Just a few days ago, the President of Uganda was making a jest of Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. “There’s nothing to write home about the past 15 years. This is civil rule, not democracy, we’re still far away from democracy; It’s been 15 years of unprecedented impunity.”

Census: IBB cautions against religion, tribe Dan Atori

MINNA

Peaceful protest in Sokoto by National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ and other women groups, for the release of abducted Chibok school girls…yesterday

29.3%

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

The percentage of international aid that goes to education. Source: Un.org

11%

The percentage share of Israel’s arms purchase from United States between 2005 and 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

ormer military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday cautioned that the issues of religion and tribe must be discouraged in the conduct of the forthcoming census exercise so as to avoid unnecessary controversy. He spoke yesterday in Minna, when he played host to a team from the National Population Commission (NPC) led by Aliyu Datti, a national commissioner in the commission. General Babangida said wrong perception about what census was about that characterised past head counts in the country, rendered the exercises controversial, a development he said should be discouraged. He identified the inclusion of religion and tribe as part of information required in a head count as one of the main causes of controversies trailing each census exercise in

the country. This he said has further heightened the suspicion of outcome of every such exercise. According to him; “Those who are fanatical about religion or tribe will want the outcome to be in favour of their religion or tribe. We should try and remove all these things that tend to cause controversy. We are all Nigerians. We should not go to war over census.” The former leader admitted that the 1991 Census conducted by his administration failed to impress it on the people that census was not about religion or tribe, but about numbers needed for planning at all levels of government. Babangida while commending the sensitisation drive of the NPC for the next exercise said; “If we are able to make the next exercise look like a normal routine exercise devoid of all those issues, it will help get rid of attendant controversies after such exercise.”

We’ve not borrowed a dime Four NNPC depots may from bank, says Ajimobi run out of fuel weekend State Governor, Abi- administration has been lSupply cut to Mosinmi, Ibadan, Ore Delta APC youths Osaidyoolathat Ajimobi, yesterday prudent in the management in spite of the of the meager resources acdwindling federal allocation to states in the federation, his administration has not borrowed from any financial institution to execute the various development projects currently going on in the state. He also dismissed rumours that his government is giving attention to foreign contractors above local ones in the execution of the projects, stating that over 70 per cent of the projects on-going were being executed by indigenous contractors. Governor Ajimobi spoke while fielding questions from newsmen on a live programme on stateowned media organisation, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration. The governor said his

cruing to the state from the federal level and also from internally generated revenue to better the lots of the people. Ajimobi, who said all the roads currently being dualised in Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Iseyin, would be completed by June, assured the people that work on the dualisation of Idi Ape-BasorunAkobo-Olorunda Road, estimated to gulp N7 billion, would commence soon. On the recent arrest of a factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a. Auxiliary) by the police, Governor Ajimobi said the arrest was carried out by officials of the Lagos State police command following the gunrunning allegation leveled against the NURTW chief.

and Ilorin enter day 4

Adeola Yusuf our depots of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) may run out supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol by weekend, investigations by New Telegraph showed on Tuesday. The four depots in Mosinmi in Ogun State, Ibadan in Oyo State, Ore in Ondo State and Ilorin in Kwara State have experienced a four day cut in supply. This came as the NNPC, which announced the shutdown of System 2B pipeline that transports product to these depots said that the pipeline fire in Arepo is still raging because some volumes of fuel are trapped in the facility.

The corporation had earlier declared that it had shut down the System 2B pipeline, which transports petroleum products from Atlas Cove in Apapa to depots in Mosimi, Ibadan, Ore and Ilorin. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, told New Telegraph on telephone that the preliminary investigations showed that the incidence was caused by vandals. “As precautionary measure, we have shut down the system 2B pipeline. We have also spoken with the Police and what they told us is to keep off. They are on top of the situation because they have called for reinforcement.

wade into party’s crisis

Dominic Adewole

ASABA

ouths of the All ProgresYDelta sives Congress (APC) in State, under the aus-

pices of Delta APC Youth League, yesterday waded into the factional crisis rocking the party in the state. The youths want Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh’s faction of the party to accept Rev. Jones Erhue’s faction as the authentic executive in the state. A statement signed by the state Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ufuoma David in Sapele, the group expressed dismay that Okotie-Eboh constituted a parallel executive of the party in the state after he was defeated during the party’s state congress.

According to him, Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh has embarked on a journey of futility, having participated actively in the APC congress held in Asaba last month but lost to Rev. Erhue. “Power is given by God and hence, people should learn to accept defeat in a free, fair and credible election such as the type that brought in Rev. Jones Erhueled executive,” the statement said. OntheallegationthatOkotie-Eboh was being “sponsored by those that have held the state back since 1999, the groupurgedOkotie-Ebohnot to allow himself to be used by these people who are already jittery over the wide acceptance of APC in the oil rich state.”

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Boko Haram: Court okays additional evidence against Ndume Tunde Oyesina Abuja

T L-R: Airport Manager, Mr Tokumbo M. Arewa; site engineer, Mr. Mwaogu Mathias; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria [FAAN], Saleh Dunoma; Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom and the Director of Air Operations, Ministry of Aviation, Capt. Alkali during the inspection of facilities and new perishable cargo terminal under construction at the Makurdi Airport, Benue State…yesterday

MEND lauds Amaechi over release of members Joe Ezuma

Port Harcour

he Movement for the TNiger Emancipation of the Delta (MEND)

yesterday commended the Rivers State government for the release of its former Commander, Mr. Tamunotonye Kuna (aka Commander Obese) and the 53 fighters under his command. In a statement by Jomo

Gbomo, MEND said the members were held at the Port Harcourt prison without trial since December 2010. Justice Boma Diepiri of the state high court in Port Harcourt, had on May 13, discharged and acquitted the accused MEND members who were facing trial for participating in an uprising in the state some years ago.

It claimed that Mr. Kuna voluntarily submitted weapons, gunboats and several items to the Joint Task Force (JTF) after being deceived that he would be a beneficiary of the Amnesty Programme and lucrative pipeline protection contracts, but was subsequently arrested while the JTF lied to Nigerians that he was captured after an attack on his camp in River State.

Edo monarchs taunt PDP chair over comments Cajetan Mmuta

BENIN

or daring to disparage FAdams Edo State Governor, Oshiomhole, over

his alleged dragging of the royal institution into politics, traditional rulers drawn from Edo South senatorial district yesterday chided the state Chairman

of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, for his uncomplimentary remarks. The royal fathers recently visited the governor shortly after some members of the APC left en masse for the PDP, where they tagged the defectors’ action as selfish. But the monarchs led by the younger brother of His

Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, the Enogie of Obazuwa, Prince Edun Akenzua, in a reaction told newsmen that Chief Orbih’s comment was an insult to the Enigies. He urged the PDP chairman to tender an unreserved apology to the royal institution without delay.

Children’s Day: Elechi calls for unity among Nigerians Charles Onyekwere

ABAKALIKI

bonyi State governor, Chief Martin Elechi, has called on all Nigerians to embrace peace for the unity of nation and in the interest of children yet unborn. Elechi made the call during this year's Children’s

Day celebration held at the township stadium, Abakaliki. The theme of the celebration, “Unite for Peace of Nigeria, Unite for Children,” was apt and thoughtful owing to the challenges of insurgency and violence threatening the existence of the country because ‘by the very fact of

their dependence and vulnerability, children are often the greatest victims of strife.’ The governor observed that children's day celebration has remained an annual platform to bring issues connected with the welfare of the children to the front burner of national policy and discourse.

Osun passes 2014 budget Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

sun State House of Opassed Assembly yesterday the 2014 budget

with a plea to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local government and tertiary institutions to strictly follow and properly

comply with the budget implementation guidelines as approved. Commenting on the budget in a statement in Osogbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Bade Adeshina, commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the prompt

surveillance of troubled areas in the North-East.

he Nigeria Air Force Tindigenous (NAF) yesterday said its Unmanned

The clarification, according to a statement signed on behalf of the Director, Public Relations of the Air Force, by one Alaba, J. O; was necessitated by a pub-

Abuja

Aerial Vehicle (UAV) GULMA was yet to be deployed for aerial

ment, through its counsel, E. Orji, a Senior State Counsel in the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had in a motion urged the court to allow him file additional proof of evidence against Ndume. Ndume’s counsel, I. A. Kaigama, in his response told the court that the motion will over-reach the judgement of the Court of Appeal. He described the motion as a gross abuse of the process of the court and has no fact to convince the court to grant it.

Oshiomhole nominates ex-women leader as commissioner Cajetan Mmuta

BENIN

over nor Adams GState Oshiomhole of Edo yesterday nominated

the former interim Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Mrs.ModinoEmovon, as commissioner in the state

executive council. The governor in a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe, dated 27th May, 2014, said; “May I respectfully convey my compliments to Mr. Speaker and forward for the gracious consideration of the House, the name of Mrs. Modino Emovon, as nomi-

nee for commissionership. He urged the House to “kindly facilitate her expedited confirmation.” Mrs. Emovon was, until recently, the Women Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria and Interim Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress.

Court to hear suit over APC acronym, July 3 Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

Federal High Court Afixed sitting in Abuja yesterday July 3 for hearing in

the suit filed by African Peoples Congress (APC) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the registration of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) as a political party in 2013. At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Ikoro. N. Ikoro, informed the court of two pending applications dated July 8, 2013 and May 15, 2014 respectively. He, however, withdrew his earlier application which sought to restrain INEC from registering the All Progres-

sives Congress as a political party; hence the defendant had already registered the party. “We wish to withdraw the application dated and dated 8 July, 2013 for obvious reasons. This matter was pending in court, but INEC went ahead to register the All Progressives Congress. So, it is no longer relevant,” Ikoro submitted.

Nyanya blasts: FCTA spends N25m on treatment of victims Johnchuks Onuanyim

Abuja

he Federal Capital TFCTA, Territory Administration, yesterday revealed that it has spent N25 million for the treatment of Abuja bomb blasts’ victims. Secretary of the FCTA

Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Ademola Onakomaiya, made this known while receiving donation of relief materials to victims of the twin bomb explosions. Onakomaiya was represented by Director, Administration and Finance, Mr.

Charles Nnodim, who gave the hint. Dr. Mike Aghaowa, Head Clinical Services, who welcomed the delegation of the Evagenlical Church of West Africa (ECWA) concurred, explaining that the development has deeply affected the economy of them hospitals.

Ajimobi commends Airtel’s contributions to Oyo attention given to the approval of the budget. He also enjoined all contractors handling various projects and programmes in all MDAs including local government and tertiary institutions to execute quality jobs that would meet the standard and expectation of the governor.

‘NAF yet to deploy surveillance drone’ Emmanuel Onani

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday granted the Federal Government’s request to file additional proof of evidence and call additional witnesses against Senator Ali Ndume, who is standing trial over an alleged link with Boko the Haram. Ruling on the application yesterday, the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole held that it will be against his judicial powers to shut out any evidence.

The court further held that the document tendered and marked rejected cannot be tendered again, through any of the witnesses. “Having regard to this state of the law, the primary duty of the court is to accord both parties the right to fair hearing,” the Judge held. He later adjourned the matter till June 30 for continuation of trial. Ndume was charged before the court in 2012 for allegedly having link with the Boko Haram. The Federal Govern-

lication by a national daily (not New Telegraph), which alleged that the Federal Government missed an opportunity to locate the whereabouts of over 200 students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State abducted last month.

he Governor of Oyo TAjimobi, State, Senator Abiola has commended

telecommunications company, Airtel Nigeria, for enriching the lives of indigenes of the state through its investment, innovative value offerings and robust Corporate Social

Responsibility programmes. Speaking, recently, when top Airtel executives paid him a courtesy visit, the Governor lauded Airtel for its positive contributions towards uplifting indigenes of the state and for creating employment opportunities through its Business

Process Outsourcing programme. The Governor also pledged further partnership with the company on more initiatives within the state just as he unfolded to the Airtel team his vision for Oyo state,developmentplans,projects and key achievements.

NSCDC distributes operational vehicles to commands Johnchuks Onuanyim

Abuja

he Nigeria Security and T(NSCDC) Civil Defence Corps yesterday

distributed another set of operational vehicles to the state commands of the corps. The vehicles distributed

according to the spokesperson of the corps, Mr. Emma Okeh, were Hilux and surveillance vehicles. Okeh also recalled that the corps earlier in April distributed five Hilux vehicles to the five units of the Joint Task Force (JTF) formation in the Niger Delta to enhance effective operation

of the task force. This distribution was to enable the operatives carry out their mandate without compromise, especially as it involvestheprotectionof critical infrastructure of governmentandnationalassetssuch as in the oil and gas sector, telecommunications, power, transport, among others.

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SON, Dangote agree on cement classification Siaka Momoh

he Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Dangote Cement have agreed with the classification of cement quality and its use as recently stipulated by SON. Following the release recently of the classification of cement and its uses by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dangote Cement Plc has expressed its satisfaction and support for the move pledging to abide by the classification. The company said it had complied with the grading of cement and had gone ahead to produce to specifications rolled out by the regulatory authorities. SON, in the wake of the building collapses

across the country and the attendant controversies on the quality of cement being produced in the country summoned the meeting of stakeholders in the building and construction industry. The meeting undertook a review of standard of quality of cement and came out with a classification of cement types and their appropriate uses as a means of stemming the suspected misapplication of the product which has contributed to the building collapse menace. SON in the new classification exercise warned members of the public to adhere strictly to the stipulated application of cement types and save the nation the embarrassment of incessant structure failures.

Ondo gets female speaker Babatope Okeowo AKURE

ith 13 votes to nine, the Ondo State House of Assembly yesterday elected Mrs Jumoke Akindele representing Okitipupa constituency two as the new Speaker of the Assembly. Akindele, 48, defeated Mr Oyebo Aladetan representing Ilaje constituency 2 in the Assembly in a keenly contested election. She replaced the late occupier of the office, Samuel Adesina. With the election, the

first term legislator becomes the first female speaker in the history of the Sunshine state and she performed her first duty by dissolving all the committees of the Assembly. She also directed the Clerk of the Assembly to retrieve all the properties of the Assembly in the custody of the Chairmen of the committees within the next 24 hours. The election was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Francis Dare Emiola and he called for nominations from the floor of the House.

In the nominations, Hon. Alex Banso from Akoko North East constituency 1 nominated Soji Akinkuolie. His nomination was seconded by Kunle Olujuyigbe. In the second nomination, Hon. Olotu Fatai from Akoko North east nominated Akindele and her nomination was seconded by Kemi Adesanya. In the third nomination, Gbenga Edema nominated Aladetan while Olatunji Dairo seconded the nomination. All the nominees accepted their nomina-

tions. However, when the Deputy Speaker called for election, Akinkuolie who had earlier accepted his nomination did not vote for himself neither did those who nominated him. Even when Emiola asked him if he was not going to vote for himself, he sat in his chair without any response. Announcing the result of the election, Emiola said Mrs Akindele having polled the highest number of lawful votes was declared the winner of the election.

NSA denies custody of military's budget Emmanuel Onani

he Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has denied a media report that it manages funds meant for the Nigerian Armed Forces. ONSA made the rebuttal in a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), Karounwi Adekunle. The statement noted that the budget of the military, as had been the tradition over time, is

administered by the Ministry of Defence, which it said, defends such estimates, before the National Assembly. The statement reads in full: "Our attention has been drawn to the false and misleading story published in TELL magazine of June? 2, 2014 alleging that "for some years now defence funds have been under the management of the National Security Adviser, NSA, instead of the Ministry of Defence where the funds were traditionally administered".

Human rights protection non-negotiable - IGP Emmanuel Onani ABUJA

he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police, to guaranteeing and protecting citizens' human rights. The IGP made the pledge yesterday in Abuja, while declaring open a National Workshop for Commandants of Nigeria Police Training Institution on the Development of the Nigeria Police Force Human Rights Trainers' Guide. Abubakar, who was represented by the Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Investigation Department, Peter Yisa Gana, Leo Sobechi

even years after he mounted the saddle, Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State says his administration has not completed various projects inherited from

noted that "policing in a democracy is premised on the observance of the rule of law and adherence to human rights protection." He pledged the readiness of the force to, at all times, partner with relevant human rights agencies and groups. Earlier, Executive Director of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), a Non-Governmental Organisation and organisers of the workshop, Dr. Uju Agomoh, identified the need "to promote the mainstreaming of human rights in the Nigeria Police Force Training Institutions", as one of the objectives for organising the workshop.

A cross-section of members of the Nigerians United Against Terrorism on a protest rally over the abducted chibok girls in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Stop playing politics with Chibok girls, says Suswam ABDUCTION

Benue governor urges opposition to face the menace of abduction instead of disturbing FG with demonstrations Anule Emmanuel

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has warned politicians in the country to desist from playing politics with the security situation in the country, particularly the recent abduction of over 200 secondary school girls from Chibok, Borno State. Speaking with State House Correspondents yesterday after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the presidential villa, Governor Suswan said such

an action was capable of bringing down the country. He said what Nigerians should do at the moment is to join hands with government to tackle the security challenges in the country as well as condemn the act of abduction of the girls. "The late Tai Solarin said that when there is vibration, a lot of people confuse it to mean crisis. He said when you are constructing a tall structure that is meant to last for several years, you vibrate. You mix cement and concrete and vibrate it. It is not to bring down the structure but to strengthen it. "What we are experiencing in Nigeria is vibration. We will pass through it. Look at the history of developed countries. They passed through it. We are passing through a phase that

requires all of us to be cautious of the things that we do. If this country goes down, it is not PDP alone that will go down. This is not a party issue. All of us must be on the same page on this security issue. We can't discuss politics if there is not peace. "People should not play politics with security matters in the way that I have seen people play politics with Chibok girls. Instead of condemning the animals that are perpetrating these acts, people are condemning the government. If people are throwing bombs, kidnapping our children, instead of people to join hands with government, they are demonstrating against government. It has become job for the jobless who will gather everyday to condemn

Why I have not completed Egwu’s projects, Elechi his predecessor, Dr. Sam Egwu, mainly because they are not priority projects. Elechi, who spoke during a Democracy Day

media interaction at the Government House, Abakaliki; pointed out that against the background of where the state was coming from, such projects like

the high rise Trade Centre building and the Salt City Hotel did not surpass the road and bridges his administration embarked upon in ranking.

Short of calling them prestige projects, the Ebonyi chief executive disclosed that his administration had to review the projects with a view to

government instead of condemning the acts itself. People are playing politics with this and it has the tendency and potentials of consuming everybody not just President Jonathan or the PDP government, if we continue the way I have seen some people carrying on" he said. Speaking on the Fulani/Farmers clash in Benue State, Suswam explained that relative peace has returned to the state. "It has substantially come down. We don't have very serious issues, we have had incidents of where some of the herdsmen raped a woman, but we are dealing with that. We have arrested them we are dealing with that through the police and other law enforcement agencies. Outside that, the situation has substantially calmed down". raising their design and improving their durability adding that in the case of the five star hotel, which had been ongoing for the past eight years, “it was discovered that a lot of money had been spent on it”.

10 News EXPLOITATION Egbama-Gbaramatu community asks for a fair deal from oil company Joe Obende

Warri

jaw youths under the auspices of EgbemaGbaramatu Graduates Employment Front, have rejected the slots allotted to them in the Chevron Ogere Vocational Training Programme (TTP) in protest against the low number of slots. They were rather demanding for the admission of all those interviewed to assuage an alleged marginalisation of Ijaw people in previous exercises by the multi-national oil company. The group made this known in a statement

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Marginalisation: Ijaw youths reject Chevron’s slots signed by Mr. Moses Yabrade and Mr. Asoki Victor, chairman and secretary respectively of Egbema-Gbaramatu Graduates Employment Front. They expressed displeasure over the manner Chevron allocated the training job slots for the Ogere Training Programme. The group alleged that the Ijaws had been marginalised, deprived and shortchanged virtually in all aspects since the inception of the programme some years ago as the figures speak for themselves. The hardship facing Ijaw communities, they maintained, was a fall-out

of the unbridled activities of oil and gas exploration and exploitation companies led by Chevron in their domain. “Chevron has conducted over five Vocational Training Programmes (VTP) in Ogere and abroad and has trained over 500 persons for employment with the entire Egbema and Gbaramatu people having less than 20 of the said figure.” This figure they said

“was less than 0.5 per cent on the average, not to mention the fact that only 10 persons from Egbema and Gbaramatu extraction have been employed by Chevron direct job openings over the years. “It is also on record that we are very much underemployed in labour and casual jobs that do not even require much academic qualifications, not to mention the fact that we do not have anybody

658,470

3.16

at the managerial level of Chevron’s administration despite the fact that some of our personnel have proven themselves worthy of such positions, because they pulled the company through and sustained its daily operations during the Warri crisis,” the statement said." It also said because of underemployment by Chevron over the years, tension rose in 2012, when all Egbema and Gbara-

The total number of internet users The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions in Honduras in 2008. per 100 inhabitants of Cameroon in 2011. Source: Blatantworld.com Source: Blatantworld.com

matu graduates resolved to shut down the company’s entire operations in the swamp, but for the quick intervention of the elders, royal fathers and regional development committees, which prevailed on them. The group wondered why Chevron had ignored all agreements reached in the past to correct the perceived marginalisation of their people.

$US26bn

The total expenditures of South America and Central region on diabetes (20 – 79 years) in 2013. Source: Idp.com

Peace Alliance urges FG to negotiate with Boko Haram Ahmed Miringa

MAIDUGURI

socio-political group, the Peace Alliance, which is a coalition of 36 civil society groups, non-governmental organisations, youth organisations, students associations, women organisations, labour and trade unions and associations in Borno State has called on the Federal Government to negotiate with the members of the boko Haram sect for release of the Chibok schoolgirls. The group also said such negotiations would also ensure lasting peace in the region and country at large. Peace Alliance, which organised a peace walk at Yerwa Central Primary School, Maiduguri and matched to the Government House to regis-

ter their position on the Chibok schoolgirls and security challenges bedeviling the state, said there was the need for dialogue between Boko Haram and the government. Chairman of Peace Alliance, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, said the Federal Government must negotiate with members of the sect to bring to an end the lingering insurgency in the state, sub-region and the country. “We are urging all stakeholders to stand up to work for our security. We are suffering; our people are being killed daily, murdered, and slaughtered in their homes. “We are all suffering, this is not about which state, region or tribe or the religion you belong to, this is about Nigeria and internal security,” the group stated.

US announces visa renewal programme United States yesterTvisahedayprogramme announced a new called the

expanded DHL Drop Box Visa Renewal Programme that would commence on June 2, 2014. The programme allows certain visa applicants who have previously been issued US visas to renew them without attending an interview. The expanded DHL Drop Box Visa Renewal Programme covers B1/B2 visas that have expired not more than two years prior to reissuance and F, L and H visas that have expired not more than one year prior to reissuance. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the US Embassy in Nigeria website’s Drop Box page at

http://nigeria.usembassy. gov/niv_dropbox.html The CGI visa appointment website will ask applicants a series of questions reflecting the criteria for the expanded DHL Drop Box Visa Renewal Programme. Qualifying applicants will be prompted to print a letter confirming their eligibility for the programme, instructing them to drop off the letter with their passport, application confirmation sheet, passport photos, visa fee receipt, and appropriate documents to one of the DHL facilities in Abuja or Lagos. The application packets would then be adjudicated and returned to the applicant’s selected DHL location within 7-10 business days.

New Speaker, Ondo State, Mrs. Jumoke Akindele (left), taking the oath of office in Akure…yesterday. With her is the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Micheal Bode Adeyelu

Rice millers must relocate, Elechi insists Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

bonyi State governor, Eterday Chief Martin Elechi, yessaid rice millers in

the state capital, Abakaliki, must relocate to any of the three rice mill clusters his government set up in Edda, Ikwo and Iboko, insisting that there would be no going back on the decision. Elechi, who made this known in a media chat with journalists to mark this year’s Democracy Day, said the millers were being unnecessarily difficult, adding that they ‘just have to move.’ He said the state needed the land the millers presently occupy for development purposes, explaining that the mountain of refuse generated by the millers was not healthy for a modern state capital. The governor said when he assumed office, the military barrack in the state

capital was the first establishment to receive his marching orderstomovetheirshooting rangetoasaferlocation,away from civilian population in the state capital. According to him, they acquiesced and moved to Amasseri in Afikpo North, where they currently operate from. The saw millers and stone crushers also received similar notices to relocate and they cooperated and moved. "But the rice millers took us to court and even when the court gave verdict in our favour, they are still refusing to move. They are talking of their machines and buildings and all that. Some of them think I will die and the matter will go away. Some think if they hold on until my term of office expires, my successor will look at the problem differently. “Well, they will move before I bow out.” governor Elechi promised.

Oshiomhole inaugurates 100,000-litre water projects Cajetan Mmuta

BENIN

do State governor, Adams Ecommissioned Oshiomhole, yesterday two indus-

trial borehole projects built by his administration for the use by the officers and men of the 4 Artillery Brigade, Benin City. The two projects are expected to provide 100, 000 litres of water in their overhead tanks and both are connected to power generators when electricity in the national grid fails. Oshiomhole said the gesture would end the hardship of potable water scarcity suffered by the soldiers in the last five years. He lauded the efforts of the soldiers in stemming crime in the state. According to him, “Edo State government is indebted to officers and men of

the army as represented by men of the 4 Brigade. You have in addition to your constitutional role identified with government and people of Edo State by participating in the internal security of the state. “A lot of the kidnappers and violent criminals that have been arrested have been as a result of the fire power provided by officers and men of the brigade which complements the efforts of the State Security Service as well as the police. I know on occasions, your men paid the supreme price. “Today, we can say that Edo State is the safest in the South-South geo-political zone. That is as a result of the commendable role of the officers and men of the brigade. Therefore the brigade deserves all the support that will bring comfort to it,” the governor said.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Joe Ezuma

PORTHARCOURT

he Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Rivers has dismissed as false the claim by Governor Chibuike Amaechi that the State-owned Braithwaite Memorial Hospital (BMH) is a referral hospital. The PDP, in a statement on Monday, signed by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser, Media to the State party chairman, Prince Felix Obuah, said BMH lacked the basic facilities and infra-

610,506

PDP takes on Amaechi over Braithwaite Hospital

structure to function as a referral hospital. The party stressed that that was why the state premier General Hospital has continued to operate like any other hospital, with mainly patients suffering from common ailments and expectant mothers as its clients. ''It’s not enough to

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Honduras in 2012. Source: Itu.com

announce that BMH has been upgraded to a referral hospital when such claim cannot be matched with action.Worse still, the so-called health centers which functions Gover nor Amaechi accused the BMH of usurping are only there in name where they exist at all,'' the PDP stated. According to the par-

$US88bn

The total expenditures of Western Pacific region on diabetes (20 – 79 years) in 2013. Source: Idp.com

NEWS

fact that he has failed in the health sector, having diverted '' all the billions of naira earmarked for the healthcare and welfare of the people to personal and All Progressives Congress (APC) interests.'' The only way to redeem the deplorable state of the health sector in the state, the party said, is to provide the facilities and infrastructural needs of the BMH as a referral hospital and equip the health centres properly, including recruitment of qualified medical personnel.

ty, ''Only one doctor is attached to each of the health centers which operate only on week days, and in most cases two days in a week, some having no electricity and water to function effectively, always asking the few patients that patronize them to buy their own drugs because they have none to give.

''These are the main reasons that account for the crowd at BMH, Port Harcourt as going to the health centers is a great risk, especially in serious cases,'' the statement maintained. The PDP argued that rather than blaming the management and staff of BMH, Amaechi should acknowledge the

3.14m

Niger faults APC over criticisms of Aliyu

The total population of Madrid, Spain in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

Dan Atori MINNA

s the feud between the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues in Niger State, the Niger State Government has described the APC's criticism of Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu-led Government in the state as cheap blackmail.  Reacting to APC’s claim that most of the bond projects executed by the current administration were substandard, the Commissioner of

Information, Communications and Strategy, Danladi Ndayebo, in a statement made available to journalists in Minna, expressed surprise that the opposition party “delved into an area it clearly has little or no knowledge about.” “It is amazing that a party that claims to have a blow-by-blow account of the goings-on in government does not know that the state government has since paid up the N6billion bond it took to finance some important projects in the state,” Ndayebo said.

Isyaku: Why teachers quit INCENTIVE

University don wants more for teachers to improve the standard of education Children performing during the Solution Media and InfoTech Limited May Day celebration at Tafawa Balewa square, Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Babatope Okeowo

Same sex marriage: We won't succumb F to blackmail - Senate Leader

AKURE

Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

enate Majority Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, has said that Nigerians would not succumb to blackmail of those practising and supporters of same sex marriage as they are in the majority

CHANGE OF NAMES

ONYEDILI

I, formally, Miss Onyedili Ndidiamaka Patience, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Ndidiamaka Osilonya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSILONYA

I, formally, Mr. Shadrach Ashiedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Shadrach Ejimakeoye Osilonya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

and their right of claim should not override the larger interest of the society. Senator Egba stated this in Abuja yesterday while delivering a paper titled “The Relevance of the 2013 Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, in Relation to Nigeria’s Penal Code Provision on Sodomy” at the National Theology Seminar on Same Sex Union themed “Union of Persons with Same Sex Inclination: A Call for an African Christian Conversation” organised by the Pastoral Affairs, Theology (Ethics) unit of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Abuja. The Senate Leader, who spoke through his Special Adviser Legal, Ignatius Itcha, said marriage is the root of the family and of society and must not be corrupted saying " that is the

ultimate relevance of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013,” His words: “Societies, cultures, civilizations and religions have been confronted with issues of acceptable individual and society behaviour. Addressing these issues is usually underpinned by certain moral and ethical questions. Some of these issues have been in focus from ancient times and has remained so despite religious injunctions, moral obligations, cultural orientation and legal prescriptions. “One of such questions relates to human sexuality in the context of sexual relations and acceptable sexual behaviour. The question is should all sexual behaviour be acceptable just because it appeals to a few conceited minds or dies it

not matter that such behaviour goes against the order of nature, public morals and the existence of the human race? Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Ethics and Morals, Dr. Sarah Jibril, said the importance of ethics in national development cannot be over emphasized and that “As Nigerians and believers in God, we do not believe in same sex marriage” Secretary General of the CSN, Rev. Ralph Madu, said there are harsh and discordant notes from various stakeholders, who believe in their own rights that people who share the same sex inclination are either to be protected or out-rightly condemned and that the discussions on same sex marriage is more of moral

ormer Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Kabiru Isyaku, has cited loss of status, low salaries, poor teaching and learning conditions and lack of career progression as reasons many people opt out of the teaching profession. Isyaku made his position known in a paper titled: “ Teachers and the Quality of Education: 50 years after Ashby Report’’ which he delivered, at the 50th anniversary celebration and 33rd (Special Convocation lecture) of Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) Ondo. While emphasising the important role of teachers in the education system, the don said for them to contribute meaningfully to national development, efforts should be intensified to develop their capacity, through in-service training, workshop and seminars. He spoke extensively on the report of the Ashby Commission (AC) on

Teacher Education, which he said was set up in Nigeria in 1959, by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), to conduct an investigation into the country’s need in the field of post-secondary certificate and higher education, for a period of 20 years and make recommendations. On the AC report, Isyaku, lauded members of the body, and said credit should be given to them for submitting a report, which according to him, later led to the establishments of colleges of education in several parts of the country where courses lead to the Nigeria Certificate in Education. He also spoke on the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), National Policy on Education (NPE), National Teacher Education Policy, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the Report on National Political Reform Conference (2005) and listed their contributions to educational development in Nigeria. While acknowledging the achievements recorded in Nigeria’s education system 50 years after the submission of the Ashby report, the University don, however, listed areas, which he described as militating against the development of teacher education in the country.

12 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sanctity

Wednesday, M

Chi now

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

Wednesday, may 28, 2014

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

0802 393 8212

Hoodlums lay siege T to Lagos community

Abiodun Bello

he Society of S (SSPN) has ca to immediate situation in the c The call came to rescue the ove The SSPN Pre yesterday that th barrage of securi agencies had bee

IUNDER SIEGE Residents of Magbon community now leave at the mercy of criminals, who allegedly enjoy the protection of the law enforcement agency Sunday Ojeme

he residents of Magbon in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have accused the police of giving cover to criminals in the community. According to them, the hoodlums have committed a series of crime including the killing of five innocent souls. The latest victim, a youth leader and a member of the Federick Faseun-led Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Mr Joel Ajose, was killed about three weeks ago by the criminals, who some members of the community alleged were well known to the police. Following the development, the youth have threatened a showdown if the police hierarchy failed to replace the Area Commander at Area K Police Command and the Divisional Police Officer at Morogbo Police Division. It was gathered that prior to Ajose’s murder where he was relaxing with four of his friends, another indigene of the town was killed in circumstances similar to that of the OPC member. It was alleged that each time a criminal was arrested in the community and handed over to the police, the suspect not only finds his way back to the community as a free man but also goes ahead to organise the murder of whoever was in the forefront of his arrest. Giving insight into what might have led to Ajose’s murder, the Vice-Chairman of the Community Development Association, Mr Sola Olabintan, said on April 1, one Kenneth, an allegedly known criminal in the community, and another young man had disrupted business activities at the community’s shopping complex by brandishing a gun publicly before the late Ajose apprehended and handed him over to the police. Olabintan said that after they were made to write statements, the case was eventually turned against him (the vice-

chairman) and he was detained alongside the suspects. He said: “After handing the suspect (Kenneth) over to the police, I was invited to write my statement. But I was surprised that the police suddenly turned the case against me, saying I was the one who sent someone to bring the gun from my house. I was detained for five days. Even while we were at the station, the suspect boasted before the area commander that he was going to deal with Ajose for bringing him to the station. “And on May 2nd, Ajose was relaxing outside with friends. The hoodlums came from the back, shot him and also attacked him with machetes. “Another person who was also hit by a stray bullet later died because they kept firing and took their time to kill him. “That is the problem we are facing in this community. Anytime someone is arrested and handed over to the police, they will turn the case against the complainant and before you knew it the suspect would be freed then he comes back to kill the person who facilitated his arrest.” Olabintan said he was again arrested by the police for inviting journalists to the

Ajose and his wife

scene of the murder on the allegation of being a cult member, which he denied. The Baaleof Magbon, Chief Zaccheus Kolawole Agbaje, also condemned the attitude of the Area Commander and the DPO, saying that the community would be better off without the presence of the two officers in charge of policing there. He said: “We are appealing to the Federal Government to come to our assistance re-

Ajose, after the atta

garding killings here. I don’t know the job of the police in this community. Instead of investigating cases reported to them, they will turn a complainant to the accused. “We have been trying our best for peace to reign in this community but the police have been making this impossible. “The area commander has even gone as far as calling me a fake baale.” When contacted, the state Police Public

Relations Of said it was n connive wit community. She, howe from the Are ing her concl When our she promised at press time

Benue varsity female students protest atta Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

emale students of the Benue State University Makurdi, have protested attack on them by gunmen. It was gathered that ten gunmen recently attacked and raped female students of the institution, which has caused trepidation in university community. The gunmen, who invaded the female hostel built by Governor Gabriel Suswam about 11pm on the fateful day, raped, beat up the students and forcefully collected other valuables items including handsets worth thousands of naira. The attack came barely two weeks after the principals of Government College, Makurdi (GCM) and the neighbouring Mt. Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School (MSGSSM), received a purported letter threatening to visit

Gov. Suswan

and abduct schoolboys. When our correspondent visited the university on Monday, hundreds of female students of staged a protest march to the office of the Vice-

Chancellor, Prof. Charity Angya, to demand an explanation on while the attacks were directed at them. It was gathered that the students embarked on the protest because the university authorities had kept quiet over the incessant attacks. One of the students, who on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen shot a 100 level female student of the Department of Psychology and snatched her iPad, handsets and money. She said: “That is not all, just last week, a female student who went to read and the rains caught up with her was raped by four boys and left unconscious until security men in the school discovered her and took her to the school clinic for treatment. “She has since refused to return to school apparently because of stigmatisation.” Another student, who gave her

name as J the protes men were phones an dents, insi pictures o order not the institu The vic assured th adequate s The ins Officer, M comment But the Prof. Arm the incide Adejo, serious se stitution, liaise wit agencies t part of me within an

LG POLL: PDP KICKS AS APC SAVOURS VICTORY / PAGE 41 | BETWEEN TAMBUWAL’S ORDER AND ALISON-MADUEKE’S SUIT / PAGE 16

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, POLITICS

I DIDN’T MASTERMIND KIDNAP OF DUTCH NATIONALS –OFEHE

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2014

p-14 POLITICAL NOTES

Furore of a royal endorsement t a recent public function, AAkiolu the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan endorsed the can-

L-R: Interim national chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the presentation of the party’s flag, ahead of the June 21 governorship election in Ado-Ekiti.

Endorsements rain on Fayemi A head of the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, political gladiators and power brokers from different parts of Nigeria last Wednesday stormed Ado-Ekiti to drum up support for Governor Kayode Fayemi’s re-election bid. At the affirmation rally held at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, thousands of supporters and well-wishers trooped out en masse to declare support for Fayemi and witness the official presentation of All Progressives Congress (APC) flag to Fayemi. Governor Fayemi during the rally also unveiled his development agenda for a second term with a pledge to recommit himself to the good of the people and offer more service. He declared that he had kept faith with the people. After a minute silence was observed in honour of victims of last Monday’s multiple bomb blasts in Jos, Plateau State; prayers were held for the safe return of over 200 female students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect. Speaking at the rally, APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday, May 21 presented the party’s flag to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State for the June 21 governorship election. TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE reports that the event was a season of endorsements for Fayemi from APC leaders leaders in their respective solidarity messages charged Ekiti people to vote massively for Fayemi on June 21st. APC governors also added colour to the event by presenting cards of endorsement to the party’s flag bearer, one after the other, as symbols of endorsement. Speaking during the presentation of APC flag to Fayemi, the party’s interim national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande said Fayemi was found worthy

of representing the party as a candidate in the gubernatorial election. He later prayed to God to bless the aspiration of the party. Former Head of State, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) said the governor has performed during his first term in office and should be given another chance. “I congratulate the governor for his capacity to move and deliver. What he has done in the last three and half years has

CROSSFIRE

There seems to be a grand plot by the Jonathan administration to silence all criticisms and sweep all ongoing corruption investigations and government incompetence under the carpet in the guise of uniting to fight terrorism. This is fraudulent -Lai Muhammed

spoken volume of his capacity as a leader in this trying times,” he said. Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu appealed to Ekiti electorate to come out en masse and vote for APC in the election. He also charged the electorate to be vigilant on the election day and ensure that every vote counts, adding that they must not be intimidated by the presence of CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

What does he know about competence? What does he know about running anything? People who have never run a poultry are grandstanding about running a country... There is nothing in his record that grants him the authority or audacity to talk responsibly about competence -Reuben Abati

didature of Mr. Akinwumi Ambode for the governorship seat of Lagos State come 2015. Speaking at the launch of a book written on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Ambode, who is the immediate past Accountant-General of the state, Oba Akiolu said the elders in Lagos State had met and endorsed Ambode as the next governor of the state. He, however, added that the resolution of the Lagos elders did not mean that others would be stopped from contesting the election. The royal father’s declaration was viewed by many watchers as an echoe of the wishes of certain power blocs within the state, and an attempt to foist the aspirant on Lagosians. This they say, is very unbecoming of a royal father that should ensure, or at least seen, to be neutral in politics by ensuring a level playing ground for all aspirants, thereby giving everyone a sense of belonging. As much as Oba Akiolu is entitled to his personal opinions, does the reverred traditional leader not know that his subjects abound in other political parties, who are also gunning for the governorship seat of the state? Where does Oba Akiolu draw the line between his monarchical powers which allows for absolute exercise of powers, and the ideals of democracy which encourages participatory involvement of the people in the chioce of who governs them? Has Akiolu, who should be a father figure to all residents of the state not stepped on the sensibilities of the electorate by seemingly usurping their rights to choose through their votes, their choice of who should be their governor? Why would a first class traditional ruler, a public servant paid by the taxpayers of the state dabble into the mukky waters of politics by involving himself in the shenanigans, tricks and manipulations of politics, totally ignoring the fact that political parties have procedures for picking their torch bearers, who will then present themselves to be approved by the electorate, as obtains in a true democracy?

14 POLITICS What is your take on the state of insecurity in Nigeria, especially the Boko Haram insurgency? It is a very worrisome situation that calls for urgent attention. Boko Haram has succeeded in destabilising the peace and security of our great country but we can never allow them to win the war. Any terrorist act targeting the defenceless civilian population is an act of cowardice. There is no moral or religious justification to kidnap over 200 schoolgirls and claim that Allah is in support of your action. The state of insecurity in the North-East has crippled commercial activities and has also affected influx of foreign investment to the country thereby branding Nigeria as a terroristinfested country. I am happy that the world has woken up to the danger and reality that we must join hands to free these girls. I see the end of Boko Haram.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

I didn’t mastermind kidnap of Dutch nationals –Ofehe Comrade Sunny Ofehe is a human rights activist and Founder/ Executive Director of Hope for Niger Delta Campaign (HNDC). In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, he speaks on the state of insecurity in Nigeria and the recent kidnap of five Dutch nationals in Bayelsa State, among other issues.

How do you see the international assistance being offered by some foreign countries like United States, Britain, France, China and others to rescue the kidnapped Chibok girls? I have always been a proponent of Western backed intelligence to fight the scourge of Boko Haram. The mistrust among our security agencies has and will always militate against the battle to win the war against the terrorist group. The best way you can fight insurgency is by gathering intelligence with sophisticated method. A terrorist threat to one is a terrorist threat to all. The world cannot stand and look while the country is ravaged by terrorists that filter in from neighbouring countries. If we don’t stop them now, who knows how far they can spread. The idea of foreign countries coming to support us is a welcome development. These girls need to be found and rescued. I have been in a kidnap situation and can readily tell how terrible their situation will be at the moment. Who knows if they are already being raped or facing all sort of inhuman treatment from their captors who are obviously drug-induced. The earlier they are found the better for them and their family. We must work hard and cooperate with Western countries assisting to put an end to Boko Haram. At a period Nigerians were battling with the kidnapp of the Chibok girls, yourself and four Dutch nationals were kidnapped at Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. What is your take on this? The kidnap was not only embarrassing but very shameful. It destroyed the aspect of my campaign which has tried to portray the region as a safe place for white people, particularly when your mission to the area can be associated with helping the ordinary people of the community. We were in the Dodo River Communities of Amutu II and Bilabiri II, the same communities I had visited along with one of the white people, Mr. Jandries Groenendijk in 2009. We were there to inspect a new 45 bed hospital built by Chevron under the GMOU programme. The idea was to make a report on the project and look at the impact it may have on the people of the communities hosting two major oil deep sea drilling sites with a combined capacity of more than 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day called the Bonga Oil Field and EA Field, but yet living in complete abject poverty. We were going to write a comprehensive report on our findings in the next edition of Inside Niger Delta magazine and also produce a short documentary film. The ultimate aim of this feature was to attract material and manpower support for the sustainability of the hospital. In all fairness, the visit attracted every member of the community. We were well-received by the people and the King of Nduwini Kingdom hosted us at his palace and walked us to the hospital for the inspection. We finished and stopped briefly at the King’s palace of

Ofehe

Bilabiri II before setting out to embark on the more than two hour trip to Warri when we were attacked just in front of Letugbene. They shot sporadically and positioned themselves between our two speedboats and entered our boats whisking the three white men and a woman into the first boat and then myself and the other cameraman who was also with us into the second boat. The whole operation lasted around 10 minutes and we were all gone. It was a very shocking and traumatic experience but I am happy also that none of us was harmed during the ordeal. Unfortunately, one of the community members in the other speedboat died and my sympathy goes to the family and the people of the community. I am very happy that the kidnap was widely condemned by individuals, groups and government. At this point in our development, such a dastard act must never be encouraged in our region. There is no justification for such criminal act and all efforts must be done to ensure that such incident never occurs again in the region. What do you think is the motive behind the kidnap? It is still too early to know the sources that may be responsible for the satanic act but what is sure is that it didn’t happen from the ordinary. There were forces behind it and I know the God who saw the good heart with which we went there will expose those behind the attack. The attack is a huge setback to the struggle to emancipate the Niger Delta region from poverty and hopelessness

The attack is a huge setback to the struggle to emancipate the Niger Delta region from poverty and hopelessness and to prove to the world that the region is relatively now peaceful and to prove to the world that the region is relatively now peaceful. I never expected that action against a group of white people visiting the region for humanitarian purposes. We are working with the relevant authorities in Nigeria to ensure that the criminals are apprehended and made to face the law. The arrest of the people involved will help us to unravel those who are behind this attack. Whatever the intention of those behind it, it is the region that has suffered greatly. There were reports that you masterminded the kidnapping saga for selfish reason. How do you feel about this accusation? The writer of the article was sponsored to write that article. He received monetary promises from a Dutch journalist in The Netherlands and also collected money from a source he was trying to launder their image. We are

gathering the evidence and at the appropriate time we will make it public. It is quite a shame that a journalist will feature an article based on lies and lacking evidence for personal greed. The writer never made contact with me and has never met me in his life. What will I gain from masterminding the kidnapping of people who are very dear to me? The lady and the man are part of the production of Inside Niger Delta magazine. The cameramen are very close to me and apart from this trip we have other major planned documentary projects. This is not the first time I am going into the region with white people. I have been there before with the same three white people, so it is not their first time to Nigeria. I have also been to the region with a Dutch Member of Parliament. My goal is usually to ensure that people from the West can see the poverty situation that our people are living in despite being an oil-rich region and work together to find ways the lives of the people can be improved. We were in the Niger Delta also to promote the second edition of our Inside Niger Delta magazine and that whole plan was thwarted after the incident and now our plans upon return has also been suspended because my colleagues are trying to recover from the shock. These are big losses to me already. In life, they say time is always the fairer judge and in this situation only God and time will vindicate me. Clear conscience they say fears no accusation. My friends who were victims know me and know I cannot plan such satanic act against them. I care more for them and care less for those behind the sponsored rumour. With your sad experience in the Niger Delta struggle, are you not afraid for your life? In 2007, my mother was assassinated by unknown people in Benin City and since then she has not been given a befitting funeral. Unfortunately, the Nigeria Police have not been able to unravel those behind the assassination. For as long as this remains unsolved, the Nigerian authorities will be held responsible for the death of my mother. I have had to endure some very dangerous and risky situation both in Nigeria and even in The Netherlands. In 2010, we were detained alongside the Dutch Member of Parliament, Nnimmo Bassey and a Dutch Embassy consular officer when we visited a gas flare site in Oben, Edo State. In the same 2010, I narrowly escaped a bomb attack at the Delta State government lounge in Asaba. We left my room and one hour later a bomb planted just directly under the room I slept went off ripping the whole of the room apart. In 2011, the Dutch police stormed my house with around 25 member squad and arrested me for trump up charges including terrorism. The terrorism charge was later dropped when we discovered that the prosecution had falsified the wire-tapped evidence. The case is still on and almost four years down the road we have had no trial. I am very much afraid but somehow we have to stand up against the injustice in the Niger Delta. There is always an attempt to criminalise me by profiling and feeding of wrong information. I have learnt to walk with my head high because my conscience is very clear. In life, I believe that our protection is in the hands of God our creator. It is Him who watches the motives behind our choice of life and chose to stand for you whenever the enemies try to malign you. I strongly believe that God has called me to serve the ordinary people, tough as the stride may be I will never give up.

POLITICS 15

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

I’m not returning to the Senate, says Solomon Senator Ganiyu Solomon is a major contender for the 2015 governorship seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. Since 1998, he has been a major force in Lagos politics, having been a local government chairman, member of the House of Representatives and two-time member of the Senate representing Lagos West. In this interview, GOS, as he is fondly called, speaks on his ambition, Oba Rilwan Akiolu’s pronouncement on 2015 governorship, zoning and religious factors in Lagos politics. AYODELE OJO reports You have made your intention to run for the Lagos governorship on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) known, but some leaders in the party are not disposed to your aspiration. In the light of this, are you contemplating returning to the Senate? The business of governorship cannot be left in the hands of a few people. Let me quickly say that democracy translates to participatory governance, which means everybody gets involved. And that differentiates it from a dictatorial government. Dictatorial government is just about a few people, and that was what we had during the military era. So, when we are talking of democracy or, in this instance, governance in the state, it cannot be in the hands of a few, no matter how enlightened, no matter how powerful they are. It has to be in the hands of everybody. I am sure nobody has come out to say we are not looking in your direction; we’re looking in this other direction. We may have some perceptions, or interpret certain utterances, but the level we are now – for instance, in my party – we are in a new party, and the leadership of that party, from day one, in response to cynicism from some people, said, ‘look, we are guaranteeing internal democracy.’ I remember when Chief Bisi Akande spoke on this. And part of what he said, apart from fighting corruption, is that in this our party, we are going to make sure we imbibe the culture of internal democracy. So, anything that will make the party look at another direction, instead of a particular direction, will make it short on internal democracy. So, to me, it’s about perception. Some people may say the body language of the leadership is tilting towards this person; at the end of the day, it’s about perception. I say this because I relate with the leadership; none of the leaders have said, ‘I don’t think you can go,’ or ‘you’re not going,’ or has sent somebody to me to say ‘you’re going back to the Senate.’ As far as I am concerned, the issue of the Senate is closed; I am not going back to the Senate. That is settled. Recently, the Oba of Lagos practically shut the door on other aspirants when he endorsed Akin Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State. What is your take on this? Let me say that in making the pronouncement, Kabiyesi was expressing his preference. He has also expressed his personal opinion. We are talking of

Solomon

a party now; I don’t know which part or provision of the constitution of the party says a traditional ruler endorses or can endorse. Whatever he says is his personal wish, which is not the same thing as the wish of the generality of the people. At the end of the day, we have a party structure. Let me also tell you that he made the pronouncement at a time we had not even concluded putting party structures in place. So, it couldn’t have been in consultation. With who? Is it with the political leadership? Is it with the traditional leadership? We have had different opinions since then. We deliberately did not come out to say anything about it because we felt it was a political statement. And what do you do with political statements? You either respond or you leave it. In this case, we decided to leave it. It has happened a number of times when a traditional ruler in one state would say, ‘this is the person we want.’ At the end of the day, the man would not go anywhere. It has happened several times. I don’t want to cite instances. Even in Lagos, it has happened. In my own case, such statements would not deter us. It will not deter the party man. You go around, meet them. The party members are determined. This time around they want to have a say in who becomes their candidate, and who eventually rules their state, because we are all stakeholders, just like any other person. What is the weight of a vote? Every vote carries the same weight, regardless of the status of the individual. So, what anybody can do is to go behind his chosen, preferred, aspirant, mobilise people behind him, and provide a level playing field. And there must be transparency. Whoever wins becomes

the party’s candidate, every other person queues behind him. It is not by pronouncement; it is not by proclamation; yes, they were using proclamation years ago to annex, to cede land, to cede society, to cede country, but not now. That is now out of vogue; this is democracy, you can’t do that. So, we will just leave it at that – it is political and we, politicians, take it as political, and consign it to its proper place. Between consensus and primaries, which would you recommend to your party in the selection of candidates? Now we have a much more bigger party; that means it has also increased our stakeholders. And let me also remind you: recently, we had a very aggressive membership mobilisation drive which brought a lot of people into this political party. These people now are interested; how do you do consensus? Do you do consultation down to the grassroots level? Do you do consultation up to various sectors of the political parties? Because you need to do that. Then, how do you now aggregate their opinions? If you meet a

I don’t know which part or provision of the constitution of the party says a traditional ruler endorses or can endorse. Whatever he says is his personal wish

particular group, they would have somebody. If you meet another group, they would have a different person. So, you have to meet various groups at different levels, up to the lowest rung of the ladder, from the top to the bottom. How do you now aggregate their preferences? You have to do it; it has to be very scientific. Whatever you do, you must make sure it can stand the test of time. What is that test of time? The election. So, you don’t take things for granted. What I will recommend is to have primaries. It will put everybody’s mind at rest. What we are saying now – maybe I should let you know the thinking of party members: they are not talking of gubernatorial election alone; they are saying, at every election, presidential, governorship, national and states’ assemblies, let there be primaries. We have done it before; we did it in 1998/99, the heavens did not fall. Nothing happened, and that was how Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged. It was direct primaries, everybody voted in his or her ward, and they collated everything and he emerged. At the end of the day, everybody else queued behind him. So, that’s my recommendation any time, and it is in line with what the party has already started doing. They have done it in three states: Anambra, Osun and Ekiti. Even in the cases of Osun and Ekiti, it is very instructive. There were unopposed candidates, but because the party insisted that whether you are half or one, there must be direct primaries. They still went ahead and did the primaries. That is how it is supposed to be. That is how we can groom this democracy; 15 years after, we CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

16 POLITICS

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, last Wednesday directed the House Committee on Public Account (PAC) to continue with the investigation of the allegations of expenditure of N10 billion on the charter and maintenance of a challenger 850 private jet by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. Tambuwal’s directive came to many as a surprise because of the position of President Goodluck Jonathan on the matter in the last Presidential Media Chat. President Jonathan had during the chat berated the House for embarking on a witch-hunt and for inviting the minister for interrogation. He equally cautioned the House against actions that may transmute into ‘parliamentary dictatorship’. President Jonathan made these remarks after the minister had sued the House challenging its power to investigate her. Curiously, the President claimed ignorance of the suit filed by the minister. After this comment, nothing much was heard about the impending investigation until the Speaker gave the standing order last week. While given the order at the plenary, Tambuwal noted that “there have been widely reported stories in the media insinuating that the House has dropped the investigation on this issue.” The speaker dissociated himself from media reports insinuating that he had directed that the investigation be discontinued following some underhand transaction with some interests in the matter. He affirmed that the House will not abandon the investigation, explaining that the House had consulted Justice Mahmud Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja who supposedly granted a restraining order stopping the probe and other stakeholders. “It was widely reported that I ordered that the investigation should be stopped. But it was my position that we should hold on until I receive a legal briefing on the matter, as even the Judge himself had said he didn’t issue an injunction to halt the probe. In view of this, I therefore urge you (Public Accounts Committee) should continue with your investigation and turn in your report accordingly,” he said. Following Tambuwal’s directive, the investigative committee has drawn out a timetable indicating that the exercise would hold between June 17 and 19. Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed who disclosed this said PAC met and decided that it would give ample opportunity to all those involved to prepare adequately. According to him, the committee has already received memoranda from whistle blowers as well as Jet Hanger and Vistajet and was poised to go the whole hog in unravelling the truth about the allegations. “We want to dig into this issue and we are prepared. We are going the whole hog. I want to believe that all the stakeholders are responsible people and will surely cooperate with the committee. On our part, we will keep our eyes on the ball and not lose track,” he stated. Mohammed further stressed that the judge of the Federal High Court where the minister’s suit was filed has declared that he did not issue any order restraining the House from continuing with the investigation. Diezani returns to court But as Mohammed, who is also a member of the PAC was expressing optimism that all stakeholders would honour their invitations, the minister and the NNPC who are at the centre of the probe returned to the courts. Since the Justice Ahmed Mohammed had declared that he never granted a restraining order, the minister and NNPC now seeking the order to shelve the investigation. In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/346/2014 before Federal High Court, the plaintiff are seeking to restrain the National Assembly from probing them over the alleged N10bn chartered jet scandal. Respondents in the suit are the Senate and the House of Representatives. Alison-Mad-

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Between Tambuwal’s order and Alison-Madueke’s suit

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, last Wednesday, directed the Public Accounts Committee to resume investigation into the allegations of reckless spending of N10 billion on a chartered jet against the Minister for Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. PHILIP NYAM previews the probable scenario when the probe reopens.

Tambuwal

ueke is praying the court to declare that the Senate and the House of Representatives lacked the power to conduct any investigation into allegation of fraud, corruption or criminal activities against her. She is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the National Assembly from summoning them “or any agencies under the applicants’ supervision or control, to appear before them for the purpose of giving evidence and/ or producing any papers, books, records or other documents, which relate to the unpublished official records of the applicants without the consent of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria first had and obtained by the Respondents or their Committees.” The fresh suit by the minister and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was filed through her counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN). The applicants presented five issues for determination. Among the issues is “whether by virtue of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) particularly sections 88, 89 and 214 thereof, the respondents or any of their committees are legally and constitutionally empowered and/or competent to personally/ physically probe or conduct investigation into allegations of fraud or other criminal activities said to have occurred in the agencies under the applicants’ supervision or control, when there exist agencies that are legally and constitutionally empowered to carry out or conduct such investigations into alleged fraud or other criminal acts and prosecute offenders upon conclusion of their investigations.” With this development, it is clear that this investigation is still born. The arms of law are very slow and in Nigeria they are very slow. Therefore, before this matter is determined by the court, it may

Alison-Madueke

take a long time. Most importantly, with the kind of attention and sentiments that have been invested into this investigation, this matter would drag on to the Supreme Court. Perhaps, the tenure of the present House would elapse before this is determined. With this fresh suit, the minister and NNPC may secure an injunction against the House and should this happen; the expeditious manner the committee intends to dispense of the investigation would be distorted. Allegations against the minister It all began on March 21, 2014. Following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Samuel Adejare, the House mandated PAC to investigate the alleged misuse of public funds by the minister through the charter of private jet. Tambuwal, who presided over the session, however did not allow debate on the matter. He had submitted that it was against the spirit of fair-hearing and preemptive to debate when investigations were not concluded. Adejare had deposed that reliable evidence available to him indicated that Alison-Madueke allegedly “sunk

We want to dig into this issue and we are prepared. We are going the whole hog. I want to believe that all the stakeholders are responsible people and will surely cooperate with the committee

N3.120 billion” into the maintenance of the plane. According to him, the minister used the plane as a private jet dedicated to the service of herself and her family. He further alleged that the minister spent 500,000 Euros (N130 million) monthly to maintain the plane. The lawmaker noted that in recent times, Nigerians experienced acute fuel shortage due to dwindling national revenue. According to him, the development has “reduced the quality of governance and deprived the people of dividends of democracy”. He said that he was not unaware that part of the money for the maintenance was spent on payment of allowances to the crew of the plane, hangar parking and rent, based on a lease agreement. These are the allegations the minister is saying the House lacked the power to probe into. But whichever way one looks at the scenario playing out in this investigation, it is good for democracy. It will certainly set precedence and put a nail to an issue that has been controversial since the return of democracy in 1999. There has been a prolonged argument for and against the National Assembly sitting on a matter that is in court. Now is the time for the courts to set the records straight whether the parliament can attend to matters that are under adjudication without prejudicing them. Similarly, like the minister and the NNPC are seeking to find out, the courts will tell Nigerians the extent of the oversight powers of the legislature. Are there boundaries or none? Can the legislature summon anybody it so wishes? Can it investigate any matter under the sun? Alison-Madueke’s suit may surely delay the course of the investigation but it will also provide solution to a nagging problem in the relationship between the legislature and the executive. It is interesting to note that the minister had in the past submitted herself to scrutiny by both arms of the National Assembly, so whatever may have informed her decision to seek legal intervention, it is left to be seen.

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Emergency rule: Senate in give-and-take CHUKWU DAVID reports on how the Senate was able to resolve the contentious issue of extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states

hen President Goodluck Jonathan brought a letter to the Senate on Tuesday May 13, requesting the lawmakers to approve the extension of the state of emergency for another six months in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, senators received the correspondence with mixed reactions. While some saw reasons to extend the emergency rule and supported the request, others did not see any reason for extending the emergency rule, which was imposed in May 2013, to combat the Boko Haram sect, who inadvertently declared war on Nigeria about five years ago. A careful observation of the pattern of reactions to the President’s request by the legislators, indicates that the politicians’ positions were influenced by sectionalism, partisanship and religious inclination. This, however, have been the factors that, in most cases, direct the decisions of the members of the parliament when it affects certain critical national issues since the enthronement of democracy in 1999. For instance, it was noticed that most of the members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from inception have been in total support of the decision of the Federal Government to declare martial rule in the three North Eastern states. This is because they know that any failure on the part of the government of the day would be ascribed to the incompetence of the PDP. Therefore, it is natural that they would not want the government of their party to be ridiculed as a failed one. Conversely, those in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) were not favourably disposed to supporting the extension because, even the national leadership of the party has been criticising the president for the lingering crisis. Again, it was also observed that Senators of core northern origin – NorthEast and North-West were most vehemently opposed to the proposal to extend the state of emergency in the affected states. They argued that, for the fact that the military could not tackle insurgency and terrorism in the three states within 12 months was an indication that emergency rule was not the solution to the problem. Then, the last factor and perhaps the most influential, which determined the opinions and resolutions of the members of the Upper Chamber in the critical issue of emergency rule extension was religion. An objective examination of the handling of the emergency rule extension also revealed that, while majority of those opposing the emergency were Muslims, those who supported it were essentially Christians from either the North or Southern Nigeria. Right from the first day the request of President Jonathan got to the Red Chamber, the Northern senators, most of whom are of the APC and from the North East and the North West, expressed their opposition to the proposal. For instance, the Northern Senators’ Forum met and addressed the media to the effect that they were not going to give approval to it. Addressing the media shortly after the meeting, Senator Umaru Dahiru (Sokoto-PDP), who is the Chairman of the Forum, noted that the senators extensively deliberated on the matter and

Lawan

concluded that extending the emergency rule was not the best way to tackle the insurgency in the North East. His word: “Our meeting this afternoon discussed basically, the issue of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. Everybody in attendance made contributions and a lot was said. The majority position is basically that we are not going with the state of emergency. That is our categorical position because we are not convinced that it is only the issue of emergency rule that could make the security personnel to achieve success in the area. “We believe a lot of things ought to be addressed in order to conquer the issue of insurgency. So, our own position is that we are not going to support extension of the emergency rule in the area. We are going to engage the three governors in the affected states; we want to know what went wrong to be able to come up with better ways to tackle the crisis. However, the government must work for the benefits of its citizens. “The leadership of the affected states and our forum here are saying no to emergency rule.” Dahiru noted that the constitution required two-thirds majority of votes of the legislators for a state of emergency to be declared or even extended, threatening that the members of the Northern Senators’ Forum would kill the request. “The constitution requires two-thirds majority in terms of voting. Of course, we are going to vote on the issue. If we can outnumber them during the voting fine, but of course, our position is that we are going to vote against it. Technically, Section 304 subsection 6 states the requirements of how the state of emergency should be declared and our own position is against it and obviously, we are going to stand by it.” Corroborating the statement of Senator Dahiru, Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe- APC), in a seeming pessimistic voice, said that the insurgency in the country would persist, citing examples of other nations that have been battling with terrorism for many decades. He also insisted that the North was resolutely opposed to the proposed extension of the state of emergency in the three states, pointing out that the situation could still be tackled without emergency rule. “We are against state of emergency.

Dahiru

Those in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) were not favourably disposed to supporting the extension because, even the national leadership of the party has been criticising the president for the lingering crisis What we require is effectiveness of those who are there and that does not require state of emergency. What we need to do is to ensure that whatever resources are appropriated are utilised properly. The military had conducted very massive operations in Nasarawa, Benue, Zamfara and recently in Katsina. Those states were not under a state of emergency before those operations were conducted. “What you need to do is to continue to get the right arms and re-strategise until you get to the situation where people would feel better. And you don’t have to be under state of emergency,” Lawan argued. However, despite the stiff opposition from the Northern senators, the Senate on Tuesday May 20 unanimously ratified the extension of the state of emergency. Meanwhile, the senators who opposed the extension ensured that they got some conditions attached to the approval, which by their own calculation would facilitate effective combat of the insurgency as well as cushion the effects of the devastating activities of Boko Haram in the affected states. One of the conditions is that there should be special recruitment into the Armed Forces of screened and vetted youths, particularly those in the civilian JTF who will receive emergency training and deployed in the troubled zone in order to beef up the strength of the troops and win the hearts of the locals. Other conditions upon which the dissenting senators supported the extension were: that the Federal Government

in conjunction with state governments should come with an Economic Marshal Plan to revive the economy of the economically and educationally backward parts of the country. They also implored the Federal Government to seek and secure multi-lateral support for the marshal plan. The Senate further resolved that President Jonathan should prepare and submit to the National Assembly, supplementary budget to meet any supplementary financial requirements needed to combat insurgency. Moreover, the Upper Chamber impressed on Mr. President to immediately approve intervention funds to the affected states for development so as to cushion the adverse effects of the war against the terrorist, which has lingered with catastrophic impact on the inhabitants of the affected states. In addition, the Senate resolved that the Federal Government should expand the military cooperation and collaboration with the international community on the rescue of Chibok schoolgirls, to the overall arrest of the ugly incidence of terrorism in Nigeria. It also implored the Federal Government to ensure proper kitting and arming of the Armed forces deployed to arrest the insurgency and adequate welfare care for troops as well as full military operations should be undertaken by the soldiers on sustained basis to rout out the insurgents. Finally, the lawmakers resolved that the Ministers of Defence and Police Affairs; National Security Adviser; Director-General, State Security Services; should report to the Senate on monthly basis of progress made in combating the insurgency, on the basis of which Senate can take any decision it considers necessary on the issue. President of the Senate, David Mark, commended his colleagues for their cooperation and painstaking discussions that took place and the subsequent approval. He said: “Let me also say emphatically here that we have requested that certain issues be resolved as quickly as possible. We stand shoulder to shoulder behind our colleagues from all the states affected. We take this in the same vein that we are all equally affected and that this is a national issue and not a sectional issue in any form.” Briefing journalists after the plenary, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, said the Senate was in closed session in order to arrive at a consensus on the issue. He further pointed out that some of his colleagues, who had reservations equally had their positions resolved, resulting in the unanimous passage of the emergency rule. Abaribe also expressed optimism that the Senate did not contemplate that any of the conditions would not be met or intentionally neglected by the executive. Looking at the conditions attached to the ratification of the emergency extension proposal, analysts posit that the first four conditions were used as a trade-off to pacify the aggrieved Northern senators to rescind their opposition and support the course in the interest of peace, unity and corporate existence of Nigeria. Although the brouhaha had been resolved, the most important thing now is for Nigerians to unite in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the country. It is also high time Nigerians especially politicians and those in positions of authority jettisoned ethnoreligious cum partisan politics while taking decisions on issues of critical national interest.

MORE STORIES ON PAGES 40-44

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2014

LITERATURE

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

TONY OKUYEME

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

“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” ― C.S. Lewis

From Ekat, The Land is Ours Title: Tears From An Old Man’s Eyes Author: Bob Ekat Publishers: The Pen Society Pages: 74 Reviewer: Oladipo Kehinde

oetry comes naturally to Ekat like leaves on trees; and with this collection he feeds the readers with the fruits from his tree of creativity. He is the son of his age, but shares same page with perceptive old men who cannot but lament when society’s moral values are abused. Thus he says: “And I break down and cry for my land / I share these thoughts so that we can stand / Rebrand / Put our hands on the sand / And make our land grand”. The eyes of a poet search for beauty within lines, even while the mind wallows in the placid pleasure of the imageries. Ekat satisfies these desires. His imageries are wrapped in nice-sounding words which tickle the mind; words which do not hide the passion behind them. In “My Words”, he proves this: My words are like Vitamin to my being / Upholding me when I’m ill / Helping me with the bills / And making my world real.” In line with the title of the collection, the tears are like rain drops. These are tears of wasted years. Who will wipe the old man’s tears away? Change is a soothing balm and panacea for bleeding hearts. This is a wakeup call for change. A poet is an observer. Ekat echoes Alfred Lord Tennyson in rhymes and rhythms which make the poems musical to the ears. Ekat is a living proof that poets are not in fact afraid of voicing hard, bitter truths. In “Take My Life”, he writes: “Ah, death can’t be worse / Than living in this curse / Where our country’s purse / Is the property of the political boss”. The rhythm and pace of these poems capture the experiences of the poet in a voice and with a grace every listener can appreciate and admire. The poet cries for a change in the country as things seem to retrogress instead of progress.

The themes of hardship, love, adventure, nature, revolution, and death cut across this collection. The mood dictates the tone. The imageries are vivid in our minds. The poems have robust messages. The diction makes strong appeal to our emotion

The land is all that we have and no one is greater than it. The poem “The Land is Ours” reflects Niyi Osundare’s “Eye of The Earth”. Here, Ekat makes refer-

ence to the irrational, senseless killing in the northern region of Nigeria, and wonders if modern Nigeria reflects the dreams of our forefathers. The perpe-

trators are nameless, faceless, and senseless. The country is colonised internally by centrifugal forces and something is not just right. Thus, he laments: “… O, this land of our forefathers / This is not the land, the land of our forefathers.” In “Arise Africa”, Bob states that Africa is a methodological assertion of a black man’s race. He believes that Africa is old enough to provide for her descendants. He writes that every African should rise up against the concerted forces and their stooges who are bent on holding the continent to ransom, thereby making our past heroes restless in their graves, as their children are enslaved by their leaders on their land. In the poem, he expressed his deep love for the black man’s black skin thus: “Thy colour is thy sunny strength / Blazing black radiance all around the earth”. I will not be forgiven if I end this review without talking about the lighter side of the poet, Ekat. He loves the African woman. He believes the African woman is the most finely crafted piece of art created. And this deep love is evident in some of his works like “The Girl From My Village”, Strange Angel”, “Yemisi”, and others. These poems bring to mind the poem of Leopold Sedar Senghor, “Black Woman”. The themes of hardship, love, adventure, nature, revolution, and death cut across this collection. The mood dictates the tone. The imageries are vivid in our minds. The poems have robust messages. The diction makes strong appeal to our emotion. Personification and apostrophe appeal to the sense of sight and vision. Ekat is a rhyme master, an image maker, a messenger, a revolutionary and an adventurer.

May Vintage Wine: ANA Lagos celebrates Mabogunje Tony Okuyeme

oet and business consultant, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje is the guest for this month’s edition of Vintage Wine and Fresh Blends event organised by Association of Nigerian Authors, Lagos State chapter. The event which holds on Saturday May 31, 2014 at 3rd Floor, GCC Building, Chapel of Christ Our Light, University of Lagos, Akoka, at 2.00pm, five senior secondary schools take part in the Vintage Literary Contest involving a five-minute theatrical interpretation of the poem “Life’s Journey” from Mabogunje’s book, The Duet. Announcing this in a release, the chairman of ANA Lagos, Mr. Onileagbon Amos Olufemi stated that the choice of Mrs. Ma-

Mrs. Mabogunje

bogunje as the Vintage Wine for this edition of the literary feast is informed by her contributions to mentoring human resources and helping them to grow through her life and writing.

“She is especially made for the programme because her life and writing have revolved around mentoring human resources and helping them to grow. She will share her wealth of experiences in the literary and business worlds with teenage and aspiring writers who hope and work to succeed in the fields of creative writing and other chosen careers. “Five senior secondary schools have confirmed their readiness to take part in the ‘Vintage Literary Contest’ involving a five-minute theatrical interpretation of the poem “Life’s Journey” from her book, The Duet. The schools are: National College Gbagada, Gbagada, Lagos City College, Sabo, Yaba, Reagan Memorial Girls Baptist College, Sabo, Yaba, Ikosi Senior High School, Ketu, and Aunty Ayo Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi.”

Our VISION To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

Our MISSION To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Sanctity of Truth w w w.new telegraphonli ne.com

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

WEDNESday, MAY 28, 2014

Agony of the Nasarawa widows

n commemoration of the May 7, 2013 massacre of security operatives by Ombatse cult members in Alakyo, no fewer than 50 widows recently staged a protest in Nasarawa State, demanding the immediate release of the corpses of their husbands for proper burial and the payment of their entitlements. Mrs. Victoria Elisha, the widows’ spokesperson, said if their demands were not met on the expiration of the ultimatum, they would relocate to the government house to drive home their point and frustrations. “We give the state government three weeks to give us the corpses of our late husbands. We demand to be shown the bodies of our husbands for us to be sure they were among those that were killed,” she said. The widows also urged the Nasarawa State Government to redeem its pledges including that of employing them to cushion the effect of the loss of their spouses. They also accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar of selective treatment in the payment of benefits of their spouses, saying only benefits of the senior officers had been fully paid. The widows also berated the Northern States Governors Forum for failing to redeem the pledge of N100 million. This is a national scandal. It is very disheartening that all the

promises have not been redeemed one year after the brutal and calamitous killings. This sad story is quite familiar and is a reflection of the Nigerian situation. It is becoming a familiar narrative across the country about the agony, trauma and neglect of people in such circumstances. Even retired security operatives and other public officers who worked tirelessly for the country also suffer the same neglect as their pensions are not promptly paid. But, the difference in this case is that while the dead are gone and forgotten, some of the retirees are alive to witness the neglect by the same country they had once served. This is an unacceptable display of irresponsibility. Those security officers made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to keep others safe. The suffocating silence around this serious issue reflects the blatant lack of support and concern for law enforcement officers. Let us remember, these were men and women who had performed one of the hardest and most selfless jobs in the society. Is this supposed to serve as a lesson to those who are alive to always ‘plan’ for the rainy day? Losing a breadwinner can be excruciating in our society, which lacks adequate safety nets to cater for the needs of a greater majority of the people. The miserly financial mitigations cannot assuage

the pains, losses and deprivations of the widows and their children. These people must be suffering aggravated damages psychologically, emotionally, and physically with little or no counseling for trauma management. Some of the women are just housewives without any means of livelihood, or petty traders who are now incapacitated by the sudden passing of their spouses. Above all, they lack inheritance and land rights and consequently are at the mercy of their brothersin law. Perhaps, the official who played to the gallery to attract ovations did not take these situations into play, and if they did, N100million compensation would hardly go a long way. We urge the authorities to quickly resolve all issues related to this matter amicably so that they dead can continue to rest in peace while the living can face the future with hope. The governors and the IGP should act in the name of compassion and justice and leave no issue to chance at ensuring that everything is done in the best interest of all. Otherwise it amounts to a betrayal. The tradition of distributing food items to bereaved families is scratching the issue on the surface. The immediate need of the family members may be food on the table quite alright, but it goes beyond the provision of a one-off meal by the employers of the deceased. It

may even be seen as trivializing the issue on ground. There is a popular saying – give a man food, you feed him for a day, but teach a man how to fish, and you feed him forever. To some extent, it is aimed at alleviating hardship of the family, but it is not enough because they will still be hungry if nothing permanent in the form of jobs is done to salvage the situation. The Federal Government must declare zero tolerance for the killing of security agents especially by militia groups. We acknowledge the challenges facing the security agencies in the discharge of their duties and the unfriendly terrain under which they work. But, this has not deterred their commitment to their responsibility of safeguarding the nation, its people and interest from threats. The IGP should, as a mark of honour, bring to justice the perpetrators of the Alakyo massacre. It is downright barbaric and totally unacceptable. We cannot continue to watch in silence as our security men are mercilessly and needlessly killed in the line of duty. We also advocate continuous training and re-training of security agents as well as the provision of necessary weaponry for them so that they can adequately protect themselves while carrying on their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property. 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 28, 2014

OPINION

Jonathan and the opposition

Turning Point

PRINCE M. A. WILKIE

uwa1950@yahoo.com 08023097251 (sms only

oodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is, perhaps, the most abused President in any democratic dispensation. President Shehu Shagari (1979-1983) was also highly criticized but his critics were not as vulgar then in their use of language as Jonathan’s critics are today. Let the point be made: criticisms are good for the president as it is, indeed, for any other person in in high office. But, it is imperative that criticisms are constructive. Because, come to think of it, those who consistently criticise others are not always the best perfect. To behave as if they are perfect is to be untrue to themselves because there is certainly no perfection in nature. Jonathan and those political gladiators on both sides of the divide are obviously not perfect. The intention of the opposition is to find fault with Mr. President, express acidic criticism, point out real or perceived flaws and move ahead to abuse and insult him. This has been the scenario in the Nigerian democratic dispensation for now. Even the trio of Doyen Okupe, Reuben Abati and the recently sacked Ahmed Gulak, who are Mr. President’s men, have tried as much as possible to dilute their words and sentences when responding to issues raised by the opposition. I am convinced that this is due to the fact that they may have been cautioned by Mr. President not to behave like those destructive critics. I deeply appreciate that the opposition, usually driven

by members of leadership of a major political party is opposed to the party in power and is prepared to replace it if elected in the next election. But, such ambition, legitimate as it is, is not a license for use of abusive words when talking about the President of the Federal Republic. In this vein, I wish to mention one Alhaji Lai Mohammed of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). He sees nothing good in what Jonathan does. He is the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the APC. I am told that he is a lawyer by profession. Lai Mohammed is perhaps, a man who talks without recourse to any decency and the feelings of others. In Warri, my city of abode, our pidgin English describes such people as those “who dey talk anyhow”. The local interpretation is that the persons so concerned speak from both sides of their mouths and would never say anything reasonable. That is the vivid “talking status” of the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). And when Lai Mohammed appeared on one of the television channels in time past, what I expected to see was a vibrant, eloquent, robust oratory and good command of the subject matter. I thought that he would be a direct equivalent of Ebenezer Babatope, the famed Professor Jerry Gana, Walter Ofonagoro and perhaps, Labaran Maku in the discharge of the duties of information and publicity. This was not to be. However, I must appreciate that Lai Mohammed is brilliant whenever he is opportune to put his pen on paper despite his aging standing. Another opportunistic critique of President Jonathan is Governor Chubuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. The man who has drummed-up his achievement to high heavens is a hater of the President and the federal Government of Nigeria. At different fora, Amaechi will always descend on Mr. President and paint a devil out of him. That of Rivers State Commissioner of Police was recently redeployed when it became obvious that they worked at cross- purposes with each other, is a special case study. I strongly believe

that the redeployment of the police commissioner was in the overall interest of peace in that state. Amaechi is still of the impression that Mr. President was strongly behind the re-deployed police commissioner at the time when their differences became irreconcilable. The controversial appointment of Justice Peter Agumagu as the substantive Chief Judge of Rivers State is pending. He was appointed by Governor Amaechi against the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), ostensibly because he believes Mr. President is using the NJC to scuttle his appointment of the Chief Judge of his State. Justice Peter Agumagu, the embattled Chief Judge has dragged the NJC and members of an Investigating Panel constituted by the Council to court. The purpose is to pray the court to quash the decision of the non-recognition of his appointment by the NJC. He also sought some other reliefs. As part of the opposition, the 37 PDP members in the House of Representatives who defected to the All Progressives Congress have threatened to impeach Mr. President and even drag him to the International Court of Justice at the Hague for human right abuses and genocide against the people of the North East of Nigeria. President Jonathan, at the moment, is contending with the problems posed to his administration and to Nigeria as a whole by Boko Haram, a terrorist outfit which has killed many people in the said North East and a few other parts of the north and Abuja. Recently, the terror gang kidnapped more than 250 secondary school girls from their hostels and till date, there are attempts by Mr. President to their safe release safely. This type of ruthless opposition cannot swing voters’ sympathy to the APC and I am of the view that the party should re-define its tactics. It will be in the fundamental interest of the APC and its propaganda machine to halt negative criticisms and toe the line of maturity. To ignore this advice is to prepare the grounds for the party political oblivion and for the Lai Mohammeds of this world to just end up as political hustlers and jobbers, come 2015.

America’s doomsday prediction: McCain, Hillary got it wrong (1) Collins Eakyn

ne of Africa’s greatest figures, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, coined the term ‘neo-colonialism’ to encompass the yoke of expectational burdens imposed on developing countries by elements from advanced countries or former colonialists. Neo-colonialism is the idea that, even though the actual occupation and overt control of a country may have ended, some economic and political fingers of imperialism still seek to influence life in what is derogatively tagged the Third World. Elements of this continue to manifest in Nigeria’s engagement with the international community despite the lip service being paid the supremacy of the sovereign status of Africa’s largest economy and the biggest gathering of black people in the world. Those who have followed this trend of events since most nations in the continent regained their freedom from colonialist and started a process of self-rediscovery readily argue that the journey to full economic, political and cultural independence would not, by any means, be without challenges. Of course, the greatest threat to this vision is the negative effect of neo-colonialism---a situation in

which those who have refused to let go of the stranglehold of the past still believe that everything must be measured from a prism set by the West. It is, therefore, not surprising that while much of America and people in other parts of the world continue to stand in solidarity with Nigeria, especially in the battle against a devious sect of terrorists called Boko Haram, Senator John McCain, “some guy” from Arizona who made a failed bid during the 2008 United States presidential election tends towards being one of such odious fingers. In an interview with the Daily Beast newspaper, McCain rightfully spoke of supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorists but he went overboard by advocating arbitrary raids on Boko Haram without regard for Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty. Truly, McCain inexplicably discountenanced our nation’s pains to reveal his utter contempt for Nigeria, America’s largest trading partner in Africa and Nigeria’s President whom he described as ‘‘some guy called Goodluck Jonathan’’. Former United States Secretary of State, Senator, and First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton is another such finger. An American-owned website, http://rare.us/story/6-inconvenient-

truths-about-hillary-clinton/ unequivocally presents an unflattering picture of Hillary’s ill-chosen controversies, starting from being fired as a 27 year-old lawyer, over lying and unethical behaviour. Her lie about being shot at by a Bosnian sniper during a Balkan visit in 1996 turned out to be a global blunder as CBS News’ Investigative Reporter, Sharyl Attkisson, uncovered the farce in the story. At present, she is occupied with her presidential aspirations as well as allegations of lies and cover-up over the incidents that led to the September 11, 2012, murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens and 3 other Americans by Islamic militants in Benghazi, Libya. Without doubt, the gaffes from McCain and Clinton do not represent the prevalent opinion in America about Nigeria and its anti-terrorism efforts. Nigeria has cause to really appreciate Americans’ solidarity and empathy with the abducted school girls and their families. President Barrack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, US Congressmen, celebrities and countless other American citizens have been actively supporting us by tweeting, making telephone calls, supporting the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign. Conclusively, most Americans have demonstrated the oneness of true humanity in the face of

unusual adversity. But could anyone in America have given McCain’s statement any regard if it was the other way round, coming from a failed Nigerian presidential aspirant who seeks to deprecate the American people and their president? Back home in Nigeria, the past few years has witnessed heinous terrorism acts which some have described as a coded message being conveyed to President Jonathan – “Quit while you still have life”. Any leader who quits in the face of such unjustifiable blackmail risks being judged harshly by posterity. Just few years ago, several doomsday predictions assert with pseudo-divine finality that Nigeria’s house will fall by 2015. Although Nigeria has passed through several unnerving turbulent times, including a Civil War, it has remained a resilient nation, forging ahead in spite of many odds stirred mostly by mischievous political forces. It becomes even more disappointing when political elites who constitute opposition forces carry their quarrels with President Goodluck Jonathan’s too far. • Eakyn, a political scientist and public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.

My plan is to leave a good legacy, says Okeke }p-25

CAMPUS

Day UNIPORT students reached out to community }p-29

EDUCATION

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/education

KAYODE OLANREWAJU, Editor, EDUCATION

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2014

15 years of democracy

Jonathan

Wike

Okojie

Nigeria's education: Paradise lost? Dashed HOPE

Fifteen years into democracy, Nigeria’s search for a magic wand that will revolutionise its education system, and position it as one of the best in the 21st Century, is still elusive. Kayode Olanrewaju and Mojeed Alabi

n the 15 years of democracy, and 54 years of attainment of nationhood, the search and dream of the country to evolve a functional education system that will leapfrog the sector and rank the country among the best in the comity of developed economies, have remained elusive. Despite efforts by successive government since 1999 at galvanising and setting the education sector, the fulcrum of national development, on the path of growth, have absolutely yielded no fruitful result. No wonder, it has been a sorry tale of acute underfunding, poor infrastructure and dearth of facilities, obsolete and lack of equipment for research, shortage of qualified teachers at all levels, poor teaching and learning environment in most schools, leading to rapidly sliding fortune of the sector. Besides, with the startling revelation of dwindling school enrolment with about 10.5 million Nigerian children of school age out-of-school, rising illiteracy rate, and the recent Boko Haram insurgency, that has totally grounded education in some

Budgetary allocation to the sector 1999-2014 Year Allocation % 1999 N23.047b 11.2 2000 N44.225b 8.3 2001 N39.885b 7.0 2002 N100.2b 5.09 2003 N64.76b 1.83 2004 N72.22b 7.8 2005 N92.59b 8.3 2006 N166.6b 8.7 2007 N137.48b 6.07 2008 N210b 13 2009 N164.64b 13 2010 N249.08b 12 2011 N356.51b 2012 N400.15b 2013 N427.52b 2014 N493.45b -

northern parts of the country, Nigeria has nothing to show for its education sector. Also stagnating the system are inadequate admission spaces in tertiary institutions, whereby less that 20 per cent of millions of youths aspiring for higher education yearly could secure admission; mass failure in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME); examinational malpractice; poor library and Information Technology facilities; incessant strikes; cultism; poor and welfare of teachers, as well as lack of political will on the part of the government at all levels to fix the ailing sector. More worrisome is that despite the huge recourses so far invested in the sector by Federal Government in the past 14 years, which is running to over N2 trillion, the country has nothing to show for it. To this end, key stakeholders

List of newly established Federal Universities 1. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State - North-Central. 2. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State - North-Central. 3. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State - North-East. 4. Federal University, Wakari, Taraba State - North-East. 5. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State - North-West. 6. Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State - North-West. 7. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State - South-South. 8. Federal University, Ndufe-Alike, Ebonyi State - South-East. 9. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State - South-West.

MinisterS 1999-2014 Prof. Tunde Adeniran Dr. Babalola Borishade Mrs. Chinwe Obaji Prof. Fabian Osuji Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili Dr. Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu Dr. Sam Egwu Prof. Rukayyat Ahmed Rufa’I Mr. Nyesom Wike

in the system, especially parents, guardians and students are expressing concern that government at the federal and state levels are slacking in their approach in taking bold steps that will put the comatose and sliding education system on the path of reckoning. Today, the story of the nation’s education sector development from primary and secondary schools to higher institutions is that of gross neglect, stagnation and regret. Nigerians are not happy that the country which founded Yaba College of Technology and the University of Ibadan in 1948, and today has about 130 universities (46 federal, 37 state and 50 private); 76 polytechnics (public and private); 29 colleges of education; 159 technical colleges and several thousands of primary and secondary schools, and that 54 years after independence the government is yet to evolve

a strong education sector that will bail the country out of its socio-economic and technological woods. Despite various failed attempts by the government, including the 1969 National Curriculum Conference, organised to design the objectives and philosophies of education and pave way for the development of a national policy on education; 1973 conference of a consortium of experts and stakeholders to leapfrog the nation to rapid industrial growth and development, the conference which came out with a new document that formed the country’s first National Policy on Education, which began in 1977, has failed to serve as the pathway to the delivery, administration and management of education in the country. This policy failed to marshal the desired goals due to various inclement and unfavourable policies ranging from catchment area, federal character, educationally disadvantaged and advantaged as well as state of origin in the disbursement of funds, allocation of resources, admission process and appointments introduced into the nation’s education system. Faced with the palpable fear of poor education system, the then Western and Northern regional governments in the

50s came up with different policies on education. While in the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, then Premier of the Region introduced the Universal Primary Education (UPE), which was followed by the Eastern Region by Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe. The policy brought significant relief to the regions in terms of education development. The forceful take-over of primary and secondary schools founded by missions and some private individuals by the Second Republic government, especially in the South-West, to pave the way for the implementation of the UPE, was another turning point in the educational life of the country, which the nation was grappling for till the introduction of democracy in 1999, when some state governments, especially Lagos State returned such schools to their owners. Determined to bring out the nation’s ailing education sector from it woods, the Federal Government in 1999, under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, however, took a major step with the relaunch of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in which N144.7 billion had been spent between 2009 and 2013, apart from N113.507 billion spent in the early stage of the programme. Another giant stride was the resuscitation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2002 to provide access to university education through distance learning. In its move to address the problem of space in our universities to meet the yearly teeming admission seekers, and to massage the ego of some geo-political zones, the Federal Government in the last three years established CONTI NUED ON PAGE 22

22 EDUCATION

15 years of democracy

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Nigeria’s education: A pipe dream CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

Amaechi

no fewer than nine federal universities, across geo-political zones without existing federal universities. But, despite the introduction of UBE, NOUN and establishment of the nine federal universities, all these initiatives have failed to yield the desired goal of addressing the over-subscription of university education, and reduce the rising figure of out-ofschool children, which UNESCO puts at 10.5 million Nigerian children. Between 1999 and 2014, the Federal Government has licensed 50 private universities, established and many Almajiri schools, while some state governments have also established universities for their states, all in attempt to create more access to education at all levels.

Fagge

On the budgetary allocation, the government between 1999 to date set aside between 5.09 and 13 per cent to the sector, but which is still far from the 26 per cent stipulated by the UNESCO for a country which wants to do well in its education sector. But, for whatever percentage the government has allocated to the sector in the last 14 years, stakeholders described it as a quantum of budget, which has failed to address the quality need of the institutions in terms of what the budget could achieve in the areas of infrastructural development. Presently, the nation’s poly-

Onifade

technics and colleges of education have been shut for over 10 months without any concrete move from the government to resolve the crisis and bring back the institutions to the mainstream. The Academic staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, and its Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU counterpart, are fighting poor funding, lack of facilities for teaching and research, inadequate admission spaces, and undue interference in the management of higher institutions by the government, a situation the country has been struggling with over the years without any tangible solution in sight. Only last year, the Nigerian universities system was closed following the indefinite nationwide strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which kept the striking lecturers and their students away from the classrooms and laboratories for over six years. Several universities are in a hurry to increase fees in their institutions without recourse to the socio-economic well-being of the people, whose monthly minimum wage is N18,000. At the just concluded 20th Nigerian Economic Summit, on Roadmap to Sustainable Education System, and with the theme: “Transforming Education through Partnerships for Global Competitiveness,” stakeholders expressed worries over the myriad of problems confronting Nigeria’s education system. The summit underscored the required urgent surgery that must be performed on nation’s education sector, if it must fit into the 21st Century projection for achieving the Education For All (EFA) goal and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which the government had openly agreed that the country could not meet, given the prevailing challenges. However, the yet to be released over 230 abducted school girls of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, killing and maiming of students and teachers and burning of schools in the North-Eastern part of the country by the Boko Haram Islamic sect, is an albatross in the quest to build a virile education sector. But the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, deferred in the area of funding of the system, saying the government was not deficient in the funding of the education sector, as stated by stakeholders. Reeling out figures and statistics, the Minister revealed that between 2009 and 2013, the Federal Government has invested N144.7 billion in the basic education sub-sector alone, while since 2005, the FG had dedicated dedicated two per cent of its education vote as assistance to the states. At the level of tertiary institution, the government, he noted is also intervening through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocation, under which it has allocated N268.484 billion to universities of which N233.33 billion had so far been accessed. For the polytechnics, N129.33

Several universities are in a hurry to increase fees in their institutions without recourse to the socio-economic well-being of the people, whose monthly minimum wage is N18,000. billion had also been allocated, out of which N116.99 bn had been accessed, while for colleges of education, Wike pointed out that the Federal Government through TETFund had released N124.38 billion to the sub-sector. “Of this amount, N106.25 billion was accessed by the colleges, thereby reducing the presence of the Federal Government in the sector,” the minister added. Former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesilsi expressed dismay that the nation’s education sector was performing poorly despite increase in public and private sector funding. While acknowledging the importance of funding to the sector, Ezekwesili traced the most critical challenges in the system to governance and accountability processes. Therefore, in his views, Prof. Dipo Kolawole, former ViceChancellor of Ekiti State University, who is currently at the Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), bemoaned the level of underfunding of the education sector, saying the government should evolve political will that will ensure proper funding of the sector. While attributing the sliding fortune of education system to what he described as ‘gross inadequate funding’, he said this resulted in lack of functional libraries, poorly equipped laboratories, shortage of research equipment to translate university goals, as well as shortage of learning spaces. The former Vice-Chancellor, who blamed undue interference and politicking in university management by government and proprietors of private universities, where he said the level of stability is in question, however advised on the need for universities to have endurable and uniform programmes and policies that will guide them to have universal relevance. To Prof. Ademola Onifade, Director of Centre for Environment and Science Education, Lagos State University (LASU), Nigerian education sector over the years has not made any appreciable progress in terms growth and sectoral development.

The focus of these global institutions is to make our institutions build middle level and low income manpower for the economies

“The country at every level of governance has been battling with the same problems of education over the years. It has been the problem of poor funding, lack of admission spaces in higher institutions, poor teachers’ remuneration and welfare, dearth of facilities.You can go on and on and on. It is a story of woes and government has refused to tackle these problems head long only for the country to continue to struggle with these problems every year,” he said. For instance, Onifade noted that the problem of admission space is yet to be addressed, saying over a million candidates write the UTME yearly but the less than 350,000 are admitted. His words: “It has been like this over the years, but it has not been resolved. What of the issue of shortage and unqualified teachers in our primary and secondary schools, has it been resolved. Not at all and we have continued to struggle with it over the years without solution. Let us consider teachers welfare and remuneration; it is zero and we want quality education. That cannot happen because government is shying away from its responsibility. I don’t know why the government cannot take teachers’ welfare seriously if it wants to move the system forward.” To move the system forward, Onifade explained that education from primary to secondary schools should be free. On funding, the don hinted that with the underfunding the government is joking with the future of the country, even as he accused the government of paying lip service to education development. “Now, the argument of the government is that it is investing huge amount in the sector, though it looks quantum, but in actual fact what is the quality of the investment in terms of what it could do in the system,” Onifade noted. According to him, the government should as a matter of exigency begins to see how it can meet the 26 per cent of the country fiscal budget in education, if the sector is to fix. The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) did not differ in his assessment of the nation’s education sector, which he said, suffers policy imposition. According to Dr. Nassir Issa Fagge, who lectures at the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the education system has really not witnessed any significant improvement within the last 14 years of democracy, in the true sense of overriding development. There is a reason for this, and that is because the Bretton Woods, that is, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have taken over the control of the nation’s economic system, and as a result they have kept on imposing unfavourable education policies on Nigeria. “The focus of these global institutions is to make our institutions build middle level and low income manpower for the economies, but leaving the upper class as the exclusive rights of the advanced economies and the few sons and daughters of the rich,” the union leader said. He lamented: “The Nigeria

Akpabio

University System Innovation Project, which ASUU has kept on opposing since 2001, was introduced to reduce our universities to commercial ventures, and the results are the frequent hike in fees we have currently experiencing on our campuses. This is to further send more students out of the system, and part of the consequences is the general state of insecurity we today found ourselves. Who do we expect to pay the high fees being introduced? Is the children of over 60 per cent of the population that lives on less than two US Dollars a day? Forcing people out of school will only aggravate the security challenges we are currently battling to address, and so far, our efforts at resolving them are only window dressing.” To Fagge, there are schools without facilities and in which their low poor performance is exposed when they are admitted to higher institutions.

Ezekwesili

He spoke of how ASUU had consistently advised the Federal Government and other stakeholders on the need to have an internally structured education policy that will drive researchbased education system and not the theoretical centres we have reduced our universities to. In a nutshell, he hinted that all efforts in the last 14 years to reposition the education have been misdirected and there is need for redirection. However, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Senate President, Salahudeen Lukman, from the Kaduna Polytechnic, noted that the last 14 years of education in the country has been a terrible experience in terms of quantum development of the sector. Tracing the problems in the sector today, he said: “It is unfortunate that in the last 10 months or thereabout, polytechnics across the federation have been shut, while the colleges of education have suffered similar fate. Yet, we pretend as if all is well with the nation’s education system. Our generation may witness harder times in future if the government failed to address the challenges facing the education sector,” Lukman argued.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Musa Pam Jos

niversal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Executive Secretary, Dr Suleiman Dikko, has commended Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang for accessing the UBEC funds for the development and revamping of the state’s education sector. Dikko, who gave the commendation in Jos, the state capital, during his maiden official visit to the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), noted that such deliberate steps would go a long way to enhance the development of basic education sub-sector. He described the governor as one of the few governors who are active in accessing their counterpart funds and using it judiciously for developing the education of the younger ones in their states. "I want to first and foremost commend the state Governor, Jonah David Jang, who has shown tremendous concern for basic education,” Dikko stressed, adding; Governor Jang is among the most performing governors in basic education and I really appreciate what I saw on ground." He said: "Based on what I have seen so far, the entire schools in the state are renovated and the governor has always been prompt in accessing the state’s marching grant." Speaking on the essence of his visit to the state, the Executive Secretary, however, noted: "I am here to see how basic education is being accorded priority in Plateau State and how it is being conducted in the state. I am very happy and impressed for what I have seen, as far as on-going renovation of schools;

UBEC lauds governor for accessing FG marching grant in terms of provision of furniture for it will be a foolhardy for a government to renovate the schools without providing furniture for students and teachers. "If the governor continues with what he is doing, there will be no problem regarding furniture and school renovation in Plateau state, particularly if he continues to access the state’s matching grant," Dikko said. The Executive Secretary, who hinted the Governor Jang is among the few governors that have accessed their marching grant up to 2013, added: "I am satisfied with the projects I have seen, these are two things

that we are looking for in UBEC; how the governors are promptly accessing their marching grant, and Governor Jang is up to date, he has accessed the state’s marching grant up to 2013, which is very noteworthy and besides he is using it judiciously in developing the whole school system. He charged the state Universal Basic Education Board on the need to train and re-train the teachers for effective delivery, saying training of teachers is a means of improving the quality of education. Some of the schools visited by the Executive Secretary in-

clude Primary School Laranto and Township Primary School in Jos North Local Government Area. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Ngo Lyop Gloria, assured the UBEC boss of Governor Jang administration’s commitment to revamp the state’s education sector. She, however, pointed out that the state government is making and will continue to make teaching and learning friendly in the state through provision of conducive learning atmosphere for the pupils and their teachers.

Lagos NUT wing during its rally against abduction of the Chibuk school girls by Boko Haram.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Kenyan student’s poster adorns DStv Eutelsat 3B rocket launch

he EUTELSAT 3B Satellite of the Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL), a Zenit-3SL rocket operated by Sea Launch AG from the ocean-based Odyssey Launch Platform in the international waters of the Pacific Ocean, has been launched. The launch on Monday, which was scheduled at the opening of a 54-minute launch window, according to MultiChioce Nigeria, was a memorable occasion for 16-year-old Kenyan student, Eva Chemngorem, as the rocket’s fairing was decorated with her winning poster. Eva, it was said, is one of the two winners of last year’s DStv Eutelsat Star Awards. “The competition is in response to a growing need to popularise science and to create excitement about space technology in young people,” MultiChoice added. This pan-African initiative, which is collaboration between MultiChoice and Eutelsat, is geared towards encouraging students to either write an essay or design a poster about the benefits of satellite technology on the continent. Since its inception, the competition has drawn over 3,000 entries across the continent and has invigorated a passion for science among the younger generation. Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Africa, Nico Mey-

er said of the award: “These awards have afforded young people the opportunity to not only grow their confidence levels, but to also represent African continent on the global stage. MultiChoice Africa is encouraged every year by the success of these awards to plough back more resources into this initiative as it becomes more evident that the future and development of this continent lies in the hands of young people.” Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who stressed the glowing value of space for technological advancement,

social inclusion and economic growth, added that: “Space is a fantastic environment for sparking interest in science by African students and for developing knowledge in the high-tech sector that will benefit the continent. He said: "A rocket launch is an exceptional moment that brings people together from around the world. We are delighted to honour the creativity of Africa’s young population and to see the artistic work of Eva Chemngorem, who we welcomed in Paris last year, decorate the rocket taking our latest satellite into space.”

“Built for Eutelsat by Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat 3B is designed to increase and diversify Eutelsat’s resources and footprint at its 3° East orbital position. The first satellite to assemble Ku, C and Ka payloads in a single platform, it will operate up to 51 transponders. Its innovative tri-band configuration will enable customers to select from three frequency bands adapted to data, telecom, broadband and professional video services that are connected to a wide range of footprints covering Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South America.”

L-R: National Treasurer, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Mr. Grant Orugbani; Registrar, Delta State Polytechnic, Mr. Benson Omonode; Rector, Dr. Clara Sogbaike; President/Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Dr. Nelson Uwaga, and Registrar/Chief Executive, Mohammed Sulaiman, during the Institute's visit to the polytechnic.

Chibok: Teachers condemn governor’s attitude Mojeed Alabi

rimary and secondary school teachers in Lagos State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and their pupils, have condemned the attitude of the state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, for its allegedly refusal to receive them during their rally to the Government Office, Alausa in Ikeja. The teachers pupils and ....the protest to express their support for the global call for the release of the abducted school girls of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The teachers, who expressed anger over what they described as the “governor’s arrogance’ had protested from the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, to Alausa, government seat, where they met pupils of Government Senior and Junior Colleges, and Girls’ Senior and Junior Colleges, Iyana-Ipaja, who had trekked to the Government Office from their schools unaided. The pupils, who were led by two SS II students - Oluchi Ugo and Oladimeji Taiwo, expressed shocked that for over one month that their colleagues in Chibok, Borno State were abducted by the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic sect, there has been no news of their where about. According to them, they have continued to live and learn under palpable fear, over the rumoured threat letters from the sect which had been received by their schools. The pupils said: “We decided to buy card boards and markers with which we wrote our placards to express our displeasure against the development, including the killing of 173 of our teachers in Yobe and Borno States by Boko Haram. “We are unhappy with the way our government is responding to this issue. And as you can see, trekking all the way from Iyana-Ipaja down here without the governor addressing us shows that the government does not like us and they don’t care about us. “One of us just collapsed here, and it is because of the stress, but we will not leave here until the governor promises us that we are safe and our fellow students are brought back.” After more than two hours that no government official attended to them, the teachers’ union volunteered vehicles to convey the students back to their schools, since they insisted they would not trek back except the government provided them vehicles. However, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga; Commissioner for Transport, Kayode Opeifa, and his Energy counterpart, Taofik Tijani pacified the visibly angry teachers. Olukoga, who said the teachers did not inform the government of their protest, pleaded on behalf of the governor, explaining that Governor Fashola had been away outside the state in the last few days.

24 EDUCATION | INTERVIEW

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Educationists advises FG on education reform

Emeldah Ogene Abuja

f the Federal Government has its way, the moribund School Feeding programme, will be revisited, as the scheme has the potential of ensuring increase in school enrolment. The Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja while declaring open a technical meeting on Home-Grown School Feeding and Health Programme, organised by the Partnership for Child Development (PCD). Wike said it has become imperative for the Federal Government to encourage all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to introduce the programme in their school system. The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala said the Home-grown School Feeding Programme, would increase girl-child enrolment in schools. He added that there is the need to re-visit and resuscitate the school feeding initiative by re-awakening the interest of state government and other stakeholders in the programme towards the overall benefits of the school system. Meanwhile, the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, hinted that the programme which was named "O'Meals" in the state, was introduced in May 2006, and which was re-launched in April 30, 2012, has recorded huge success in terms of increase in enrolment of children in public schools across the state by over 25 per cent. Aregbesola said: “The HomeGrown Feeding Programme for school pupils is consistent with our government's goals of banishing poverty, hunger, creating jobs and wealth, creating functional education, restoring healthy living and engendering communal peace and progress.”

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

L-R: Student of Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, Ikoyi, Akwape Abel; Director/Principal, Ajiboye Ahmed Olabode; Specialist, Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Okanu Ibeanu and Student of Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, Ikoyi, Joshua Martins, during Etisalat's presentation of sporting materials to Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, Ikoyi, at the school premises.

FG set to revisit school feeding programme However, the governor stressed that the objectives of the "O'Meals" of Osun State is to improve the nutrition and health of school children, as well as the reduction of poverty and stimulation of small and medium scale enterprises development. “Over 3,500 people are employed in the programme, the financial implication of feeding our elementary school pupils is about N12.7 million every school year, while the sum of N601,400 is paid to 307 community caterers as transport fares on a daily basis. The financial implication of O'Meals is shared between the state and the local government councils on a 40-60 per cent ratio,” he added. Professor Don Bundy, representative of the World Bank, expressed optimism about the country's seriousness towards the school feeding programme, which according to him, apparently indicates that one fifth of Africa's school children are fed

by government every day. He said: "School feeding programme is a serious business and many countries are doing it all over the world. Countries such as United Kingdom feed their children in the first three years in school, in Russia about 53 million children are fed every day; India feeds 130 million children, and these countries are doing this to protect the poor children and also help in growing school enrolment.” According to Bundy, no fewer than 20 African countries are implementing the programme, ranging from those that are fully led by the government to those that are partially supported by development partners. To the Executive Director of

Partnership for Child Development, Leslie Drics, appropriate designed school feeding programme has been shown to help get children into school and also retain them. She added that once children are in school, the programme contributes extensively towards avoiding hunger and enhancing the children's ability to learn. “Over one billion people in the world go to bed with hungry and continue to be threatened by food insecurity, the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme is increasingly being seen as contributing to the achievement of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger,” she noted.

resident of the Nigerian Association of Educationists for National Development (NAEND), Prof. Oyetunde Awoyele, has urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the proper monitoring of the nation's educational system, as well as providing the sector the required funding. Awoyele gave the advice during the 12th annual conference of the association held at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. According to him, the purpose of the conference was to re-appraise the educational system and offer solutions and suggestions to the Federal Government and other key stakeholders for the sustenance of national development. The conference attracted educationists and major stakeholders in the education sector from various institutions in the country. In his contribution, the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies of the host institution, Prof. Segun Anthony Ogunsaju, noted that unqualified leadership, political influence, shortage of qualified teaching staff, ineffective supervision, misappropriation of funds and examination malpractices were responsible for the ineffectiveness and instability of the nation’s education system.

Alabi tasks stakeholders on moral subjects in schools Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

takeholders in country’s education sector have been urged to ensure that subjects which will address and teach values, moral, ethics and principles are sustained in primary and secondary school curriculum. Towards this end, subjects such as History, Social Studies and Handwork are important subjects that must be promoted in our schools because they are the custodians of the tradition of every tribe. This was disclosed by the former General Manager, Corporate Affairs Department of the Oodu'a Investment Company Limited, Oloye Lekan Alabi at the '2014 World Culture Day' held at the Cultural Centre, Mokola Hill, Ibadan. The event organised by the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, in collaboration with International Institute for Cultural Orientation had its focus on the sustenance of indigenous language and traditional values in the Nigerian society.

Alabi, who chaired the event, said that civilisation should not be an excuse for the decay in traditional values in the society, adding that “every cultural heritage and language must be promoted because God created all of them.” He also noted: “No race should play inferiority to another; so it is important to note that culture, tradition and civilisation are the same. But when you play down your own, foreign civilisation takes over such society. Every race has its own forms of civilisation as improved as time goes on. “Subjects such as history, social studies and handwork and crafts are important subjects that must be promoted in schools, because they are the custodian of the tradition of every tribe,” he stressed. Alabi wondered how several communities and societies in the country had abandoned their language, culture, traditions and religious beliefs for foreign culture, pointing out that some parents were guilty of forcing their children to speak foreign languages, especially English.

Nestle Creating Share Value Officer, Mr. Bola Audu flanked by the First and third place winners of the maiden Nestle Healthy Kids quiz competition for pupils in Oyo State.

Cleric opens N15m education centre for Edo pupils Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

rhaighewu Education Centre, located in Uvbe, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, has been opened. The centre was established by Evangelist Eddison Oduagbon Erhaighewu, Head of Administration of Faith Triumphant Worship Centre (aka Faith Missionary Church), Ikpoba Hill, Benin, Edo State following the approval of the Edo State Government. Inaugurating the centre, Evangelist Erhaighewu urged

Nigerians living abroad to invest in the country rather than encouraging capital flight. According to him, investing in the country would help in opening up more investment opportunities by creating employment and support the Federal Government’s transformation agenda for job creation for the teeming unemployed youths in the country. The well-equipped school (centre), which offers free launch, uniforms and books to the students, is the pet-project of Brazil-based Pastor Lucky Erhaighewu, the General Overseer of the church.

The cleric disclosed that the ministry, which has been in existence since 17 years ago, is desirous of giving back to the society through provision of qualitative education to the pupils. He recalled that he has spent over N15 million on the project in order to achieve quality and standard. “Pastor Erhaighewu, the founder of the school, has put up this education centre as part of his community development efforts and also to champion the educational advancement of the people of Uvbe and the country at large,” he said.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

My plan is to leave a good legacy, says UNIZIK Registrar Mr. C. C. Okeke, a lawyer is the fourth substantive Registrar of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. He joined the Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH), now (Nnamdi Azikiwe University) in 1990, as Administrative Officer at the Awka Campus. In this interview with ODOGWU MMADUKA, he speaks about his experience, upbringing and legacy as a Registrar. How was your school days look like, if we want to compare it with what obtains today for the young ones to draw inspiration from it? Well, during my school days, life was a bit difficult that at some points in my life, there were difficulties for me to forge ahead with my education because of my background. And, at a time there was contemplation whether I should go into business or continue with education since funding my education was not quite certain. Nobody was ready to sponsor me through secondary school to university. By and large, I engaged in some menial jobs and also in auxiliary teaching. My eldest brother who was to sponsor me was also having his children in school and so it was difficult for him to fund my education at the same time. However, it was through the menial jobs, that is the auxiliary teaching that I secured admission into the College of Education, Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, Imo State. At that time, it was tuition-free, feeding was free, accommodation was free, and even we were paid book allowance. After my Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in French Language, and proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) for a Degree programme in BA/Education in French. I went to the University De Grenoble III, France for a year for Diploma certificate, D’etiles Francese. I obtained my Masters Degree in Public Administration and LL.B in Law also at the UNN and I was called to bar in 2003. Were you engaged in some extra-curricular activities? I was a very active person. I was a footballer. In fact, when I was in the secondary school, and there happened to be a football match and I wasn’t playing, my team would be in a serious mess. After my secondary school education I was playing for some local clubs but at that time people didn’t value football. I was only doing that because I was interested in doing it. I enjoyed engaging in one extra-curricular activity or the other and today anywhere I find myself I like to belong to one association or the other where I can contribute my quota. I mean where I can champion a course. That is how I involved in doing Masters of Ceremony for people who always wanted me to anchor their ceremonies. Most often it was not for money, or any other thing, but out of chair interest. As the fourth Registrar of the uni-

versity, how has the journey been? I was appointed in 1990 as an Administrative Officer with the then Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH), and I was deployed to the College of Applied Natural and Social Sciences at Awka Campus. The College was one of the four colleges of ASUTECH then. The College of Engineering was located at Enugu; College of Agriculture was at Abakaliki, College of Applied Science and Social Sciences was located at Awka, where I started my career; and the College of Medicine was at Nnewi. But, however, the university was changed to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Unversity, Awka, after the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, former President of the country and the Owelle of Onitsha. You said economic hardship nearly threw you out of school. Can you shed more light on this? Yes, in fact, my socio-economic background coupled with the economic hardship at that time almost prevented me from going to school because after the Civil War, there was this idea that we should not all be allowed to go to school, and that some of us should go into business. And, indeed, the fact was that there was nobody to sponsor me. Even though some of my brothers had already started working, they also had their own responsibilities of fending for their children. At a point, when I got to Form III it was becoming rather difficult to continue my education. One of my sisters’ husbands took over the sponsorship of my secondary school. Even when I was admitted into the university, he stilled continued without relenting. He said anywhere I wanted to go that he was ready to fund my education. And, so that was how I completed my university education. There were challenges, but with determination, which is the key to success, one is bound to succeed in life. I enrolled for my LLB programme in 2000, then I was a Senior Assistant Registrar. Before you were appointed as Registrars of the university, some people had served in that position, what will make your tenure tick as UNIZIK Registrar? Well, one challenge we have is that of the enormity of the responsibilities of the Registry in the university system. The Registry is a very important department, where all records of staff and students are kept. The Registry is divided into seven

Okeke

Today, our students get their transcripts on demand since we now process them using ICT units, and the entire seven units are under my supervision, and these seven units are manned by Deputy Registrars. The registry was centralised in its operations. Of course, the Registry has grown so large in size and responsibilities. What I did was to change this status quo and decentralise its operations. So, I reorganised the units to - Senate unit, Council unit, General Administration unit, Examinations unit, Admissions unit, and Records unit. Each unit has its head and each will individually request for whatever would be required to run their various offices. But, they will channel such through my office, which I will then forward to the ViceChancellor. I have to justify the need for whatever they want before the vice-chancellor, who would then approve. So far, this system has given every one a sense of belonging in the operations of the registry and the university system. I want to say that I succeeded in doing this because of the existing good relationship between the Vice-Chancellor and myself. But despite this, one of the major problems of a Registrar is that he is always at the centre of activities, whether good or bad. The Registrar is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor on day-to-day basis. The Registrar is responsible to the Chairman of university Governing Council by virtue of his position as the Secretary to Council. One of my predecessors once described the Registrar as a tree standing on the way to a farm

and anybody going to the farm cuts or marches on it. He is at the centre of the students and staff matters, Senate and Council matters, among others. Consequently, it takes the grace of God and special wisdom for a Registrar to manage his superiors, peers, subordinates and even the students. My good relationship with the Vice-Chancellor is predicated upon my belief that “he who worships a king would become a king”. I have always learnt to be loyal no matter the circumstance, and if I may ask who does not enjoy loyalty? It is a Vice-Chancellor that relates well with his Registrar that approves the workings of the registry. So, I thank God for the opportunity to work with someone like Prof. Boniface Egboka who has been able to give me some soft landing in making sure that the units of the registry are moving on very well. And then, on the issue of ICT, we have improved a lot on ICT in carrying out our operations including keeping our records. Before, whenever our students demanded for their transcripts and it would be difficult to process because they were done manually. But, today our students get their transcripts on demand since we now process them using ICT. It is no longer like before when many people were not aspiring to do their postgraduate programmes because of lack of transcripts. Today, virtually all graduates want to do their postgraduate programmes just because of the efficient and effective system or operations. So, the demands for transcripts have become so high all over the world, and to be able to meet such demand for transcripts it requires dedicated staff and effective operating system. And, of course, I have been able to identify some very good members of staff who are now deployed to the Records Unit to make sure that complaints

about none release of transcripts have reduced drastically. In other words you grant your subordinates autonomy in running their units? Exactly. What I now do mostly is to supervise. You will discover that some of the Deputy Registrars are performing very well because I gave them the sense of belonging in the operations of the system. I now concentrate more in assisting the Council and Vice-Chancellor in policy formulations, and in the effective administration of the institution. Again, what I now do is to supervise them because as a Registrar, I have so many things to coordinate. So, if you now saddled yourself with those duties that your subordinates can handled effectively without delegating authorities, you are neither doing so in your best interest, nor in the interest of the university. What legacy do you want to leave behind when you are out of office? I have said it repeatedly that as a leader you don’t gain anything by allowing the people or you workers to leave your office unhappy. And again, you don’t gain anything by not solving the problem you know you can solve for those that walked in into your office. I have told them (Deputy Registrars) that they don’t gain anything by keeping a student waiting or having a problem without intervening to see how much that problem could be solved. I have told them that why they are here, I mean in the university, is because of the students, and probably members of the public who come for one thing or the other. And for goodness sake, you don’t have to wait for gratification of any form, or claim that you are very busy and for that flimsy excuse you don’t do your work. As an administrator, as a Registrar you should be up and doing, you should be able to come to work early once God has given you good health. And you should not use your position to malign anybody simply because you feel you in a position or in authority. What is this position after all, if it is not granted by God? And, so this is the legacy I want people to keep; I have always emphasised it, I have sung it repeatedly. Sometimes ago, a security man was reported for extorting some students for no just cause and I ordered him to refund the money immediately. I cannot wait to see anyone taking money from a candidate because you want to offer that person admission or you want to assist the person to secure admission. Or they take money from somebody because you want to assist him get a job in the university. Discipline, decorum, contentment and ability to serve humanity are the legacies I want to leave behind. When I was growing up as an upcoming administrator, I dreaded doing things that were not Godly. What will I gain exploiting people because I am in a position given to me by God? My prayer is that anybody coming to take this position should not abuse the office so that the society would be better for us. The university is not a business premises, it is a centre of excellence. No matter the circumstance you find yourself, you should live above board as far as the situation is concerned.

26 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Furore over new fees regime at OAU lStudents, ASUU vow to stop varsity

A cross section of students during their protest.

Kayode Olanrewaju and Mojeed Alabi

ollowing controversies trailing the proposed new fees regime by the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the management-led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole, has explained the reasons for its action. In a release, entitled: “OAU Tuition Fee: We are Moderate and Considerate,” by the university’s Information Unit and which was made available to the New Telegraph, the institution said: “We deem it necessary to inform the general public, particularly the parents and guardians of our students and all lovers of education in general, that the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has been most compassionate in taking all factors that would enhance the teaching of sound practical academic knowledge into consideration before arriving at the present moderate adjustment of our charges.” According to the statement, it remains incontestable that OAU, rated the best university in Nigeria for the third time running by the Spain-based Webometric Ranking International had, before now, been charging what some people regarded as ridiculous and unrealistic fees despite its sustenance of solid academic standard which OAU is noted for all over the world. Giving the breakdown of the students’ current fees, the university spokesman, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, said the students were charged based on their courses and faculties.

For instance, students in the Faculties of Administration, Arts, Education, Law and Social Sciences are paying N5,300 per session; while their counterparts in Sciences pay N7,800; those in Agriculture, Technology, Environmental Design and Management pay N10,300; and students in Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry and Pharmacy pay N12,800. He pointed out that apart from the fact that more than 93 per cent of the students use hot plates, boiling rings and pressing irons that consume high electricity, the accommodation fee is N2,590 per session. Towards this end, Olarewaju noted: “Therefore, having carefully, critically, analytically and comparatively weighed the pros and cons of all indices that are useful for uninterrupted maintenance of our academic standard, the University Senate, at its sitting on Monday 5th of May, 2014, unanimously agreed and approved that N71,150 for new students in Humanities and Social Sciences; N78,400 to be paid by students in Sciences; and N81,400 by those in Clinical Sciences and Pharmacy. Piqued by the university’s action, the students took to the streets on Tuesday, last week, barricading the Ibadan-IleshaIfe Road to protest the new increment in tuition fees by the university. Commuters, especially those going towards Ilesha, Ado-Ekiti, Ondo, Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan routes were stranded for hours on the road. The undergraduates joined by the Postgraduate students were

protesting the fees hike from N17,000 to N100,000, apart from the N20,000 Acceptance and accommodation fee. The Chairman of the Postgraduate Hall, Mr. Falola Olabisi, expressed disappointment at the new development, saying the university did not involve them before taking the decision and that the introduction of N800,000 for executive MBA programme; N170,000 for MSc, among others was draconian and anti-masses. Similarly, it will be recalled that the introduction of N20,000 Acceptance fee led to a protracted students protest which resulted to the proscription of the Students’ Union and its activities in the university few years ago. The union was only restored last year by the Omole-led administration. Meanwhile, members of the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) rose from its congress last week, saying if the fee is allowed to stand, it would create more armed robbers, prostitutes, vandals, and agents of the dreaded Islamic sect - Boko Haram.

Omole, VC

Community hails corps member over relief materials

tioro Community of Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State and one of the host communities of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) has lauded a corps member serving at the university, Godwin Afiene, for providing the community with some relief materials. Afiene, a 2013 Batch 'B'

corps member, was said to have among others things, organised a skills acquisition programme on carpentry (PVC ceiling fixing) for youths in the community, distributed materials to widows, donated two First-Aid Boxes to the community and exercise books to some indigent pupils. Speaking shortly after the

presentation of the relief materials, the community head, Chief P. Adewumi, who spoke on behalf of the community, said: "Many corps members had served in this community, but this is the first time a corps member has done these remarkable things. Mr. Afiene has imparted our community positively.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

FG, World Bank launch project to assist varsities Emeldah Ogene Abuja

he Federal Government has launched the African Centres of Excellence (ACE) project which is designed to address specific areas of common regional specialisation among higher education institutions in the West and Central African sub-regions. While launching the project, the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike said the progress so far made in higher education in Africa will lead to the realisation of its potentials, through the universities. The ACE project is a World Bank supported initiative, which offers African universities to leverage on improvement of agriculture, health, science & technology through research, with the hope of meeting the needs of development in the specified areas. However, World Bank, the Minister noted has invested $150 million in the initiative to promote the project, while each of the participating centres will receive $8 million. Over 52 proposals were said to be submitted by participating universities in the Sub-regions, in which only 19 proposals scaled through the guidelines, out of which Nigeria won 10 centres. According to Wike, it is a thing of pride that Africa and Africans are thinking towards taking care of their challenges in more organised and sustainable way. He, however, urged the win-

ners of the 19 centres of excellence to brace up for the challenges of seeing the project through to its full implementation, saying: “Your collective efforts will go a long way to make Africa self-reliant, as a world destination and economic power house. I would like to appeal to everyone in this project that though there are many challenges common to us in the African continent; it is going to take us to fix them.” The minister commended the World Bank for its support and assured that the ACE projects will be a huge success, adding that more centres of excellence would emerge especially from Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, said the commission is responsible for assisting the centres and other universities in the sub-regions in the attainment of their mandate of teaching, research and community services.

Wike

CMS Grammar School set for 155th anniversary Mojeed Alabi

ld students of Nigeria’s oldest high school, CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, will return to their alma mater between May 31 and June 18, where they will be joined by the existing pupils to roll out the drums to celebrate the 155th anniversary of the school. The school, established on June 6, 1859, by Reverend Thomas Macaulay, with only six pupils, is today, according to the President of the Old Grammarians’ Society, the global association of its old students, Mr. Toyin Akin-Johnson, has become the nation’s pride, having produced men who are not only leaders, but are also movers and shakers of the society. While the theme of the celebration: “Pressing on with all Our Might,” he said this year’s founders’ day celebration, will be flag off by a Business Seminar for teachers and the association’s members, billed for May 31. It will be delivered by the duo of the Director of Bitflux, an ICT company, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, Mr. Tunde Oshodi, who are both old students of the school. According to Akin-Johnson, who addressed a media briefing last week in the school, the association would expect Talabi

to share with the audience the success story of his firm and how it beat other national and international bidders to land the N3.63 billion 2.3GHZ Spectrum Licence in the country’s broad band sector. Oshodi, on the other hand is expected to share with the gathering how to successfully work with government institutions in terms of business partnerships. Other activities lined up by the association include career talk, slated for June 2; the school’s annual inter-house sport festival on June 3; as well as prize-giving ceremony, students’ feast and novelty football match, which are all slated for June 4. Akin-Johnson said: “I will be glad to let you know also that while we will be holding our thanksgiving ceremony and luncheon on June 6, our various branches globally will be holding similar events beginning with the U.S.A chapter slated to hold at Sheraton Garden Grove/Anaheim South Hotel in California. “Also, across the federation, especially Abuja, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ibadan branches will also hold their separate thanksgiving sessions, while that of the United Kingdom branch will come up on June 28. The onemonth activities will also witness dedication of several projects aimed at promoting sound and qualitative academic activities in the school.”

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Oladele Oge UNN

he deployment of space scientific method in the country has been described as one of the major ways to address rising rate of insecurity in Nigeria. This was part of the views of the National Director of Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS), Prof. S.O Mohammed at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during the launch of a book and biography of Professor Pius N. Okeke, the pioneer Professor of Physics and Astronomy. The event was heralded with a visit to the Vice-Chancellor in his office, where the visitors from the Centre for Basic Space Science, led by Prof. Mohammed and other guests were received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu and other principal officers of the institution before they proceeded to the UNN centre of the National Research Development Agency NASDA. Welcoming the visitors, Chigbu thanked the team including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu for the visit and for reuniting with their alma mater, even as he charged the alumni to always represent the university towards the betterment of the country. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor pointed out that the institution would continue to keep faith with the aspirations and dream of the founding fathers of producing the best graduates that would properly fit in to the labour market. Responding, the Deputy Senate President assured the university management of the

UNN: Director makes case for space science

lDeputy Senate President: We’ll solidly back initiative

Senator Ike Ekweremadu (middle), Mohammed (right), Okeke and Opkara at the event.

alumni’s readiness to unite with the management in building and taking the first indigenous university in the country to its loftier heights. Senator Ekweremadu, however, hinted that “there is nothing wrong in establishing other vocational studies in Nsukka, as it is the case at Ohio, Cambridge, Harvard among other Ivy League universities which the nation is copying their educational system, as this will make Nsukka, a wonderful university town.” While addressing partici-

pants at the CBSS centre, the Senator noted that no nation can survive without scientific research, and challenged parents and guardians to encourage their children to embrace sciences subjects, right from their primary school education. He expressed worry that nations, organisations and institutions that lag behind in scientific advancement, will in no way experience developmental challenges. Recounting the monumental loss of lives and properties in

Vice Chancellor Salem University, Lokoja, Professor Joseph Fuwape (left), and General Manager, Education , New Horizons Computers, Mr. Bolaji Olaoye, at the final signing of MoU on International IT and e-Business certification skills training for students at the Lokoja main campus of the university.

he Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, has emerged 10th in this year’s edition of the annual universities Mathematical Competition, organised by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja. It is organised for universities in the country to enhance quality of mathematics in the institutions yearly. The students, who represented the university in the competition, include Akingbade Samuel, Aliu Oluwafemi Stephen, Kolawole Oluwakemi and Ogunmola Oladotun. According to a statement by

Varsity ranks 10th in maths competition, holds lecture the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Olubunmi Ajibade, Deputy Registrar in charge of Information, one of the students Kolawole Oluwakemi, won a silver medal in the individual category. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, congratulated the students and their Coordinator, Dr. R. Ogunrinde for the feat and for doing the university proud.

Meanwhile, the university’s 38th inaugural lecture is expected to hold on June 3 at the institution’s main auditorium. It will be delivered by Prof. Isaac Abiodun Ajayi, whose lecture will dwell on: “Managing the Education System in a Poverty-Ridden Economy: The Unhealthy Rivalry between Efficiency and Effectiveness.” The lecture will be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor.

the Boko Haram insurgency, which Senator Ekweremadu said had become a source of concern and worry to Nigerians and international community, he spoke of the readiness of the Federal Government to partner with relevant agencies to safeguard the citizens’ lives and property. He expressed dismay about how the Centre’s host community is experiencing inadequate power supply, promising that he would work with the community to ensure that a high KVA transformer is provided in order to ensure that the community gets regular power supply. Highlighting the impact of CBSS on security research and climate forecast, the Director of Nsukka Centre, Prof. Fidelix Okpara, said that the centre has over 200 researchers within and outside the state from primary school to tertiary institution. The don recalled how the Centre trained several lectures and researchers in Climate Change Adaptation, as well as in the analysis of the Eclipse of Moon and Sun in 2013. According to the Director, research techniques and equipment to detect explosive devices in the country would soon be submitted to the government. Speaking at a reception held at the Princess Alexandra and Unity Hall of the university, Senator Ekweremadu, led the gathering in observing a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the recent Iyanya bomb blast in Abuja. In his remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Nwayanwu, an engineer, pointed out that the problems plaguing the country at the movement did not start today, but blamed it on the colonial masters who failed not to give the three regions equal political structures. This, he noted was one of the factors endemic the imbalances of the country’s political system, even as he called on the government to create more states in South-East and SouthWest geo-political zones of the federation to bridge the gap in the zones.

UNIPORT partners DFID on conflict resolution

he authorities of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) have unfolded plans to partner the Department for International Development (DFID) on how to work out modalities of jointly developing relevant concepts in the areas of conflict resolution. The university, which recently played host to the agency, however agreed to intensify efforts at focusing on major areas of conflict resolution, particularly early warning signs and response system in conflict management. According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, the institution is always ready to collaborate with any relevant institution or organisation working to help humanity. He said: “Our Centre for Ethnic and Conflict Studies is one of the oldest in the country. When it was established, the situation in the Niger-Delta had not degenerated to the level we are currently experiencing now. But with the caliber of staff in our Faculty of Social Sciences and College of Engineering, we have been able to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development and conflict resolution in our environment.”

Chibok: AAUA condemns abduction, other vices, prays for peace

or several hours last week, female members of staff of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) protests the abduction of over 200 school girls of Government Girls' Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State by members of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and other forms of social vices ravaging the nation. The rally, which took them round the university community, was part of activities marking this year's edition of the university's International Women's Day celebration, which had in the last few years been domesticated and organised yearly by the institution's Women Studies and Development Centre (WSDC). While declaring the rally open, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi said: "We condemn in strong terms, abduction of our children, and co-habitation of male and female students, indecent dressing and other vices. Our students should please desist from these vices, which are not good for their future." The women, who carried placards with various inscriptions such as "Bring Back Our Girls", "No to Cult Activities", "No to Abduction", "Put on a gender Lens" "No to Examination Misconduct", "No to Teenage Marriage", and "No to Campus Couples Life", appealed to all stakeholders to ensure that the abducted school girls are safely rescued.

EDUCATION | CAMPUS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Frenzy as UNILORIN students elect officers Hammed Muritala UNILORIN

Onyishi, Chigbu and others at the event.

Onyishi scholarship enriches 125 students’ education Oladele Oge UNN

t was time penultimate week for no fewer than 120 undergraduates to become recipients of the Sam Maduka Onyishi annual scholarship award. The milestone event took place at the Princess Alexandra Hall of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where 120 students received N50,000 scholarship each, while five institutions and two religious organisations received seven 18-seater Toyota buses. Addressing guests at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Batho Okolo described the event as a great milestone in the pursuit of academic excellence and in assisting the less-privileged students to acquire education. He expressed gratitude to the donor, Sam Onyishi, whom he described as a great philanthropist, adding that the university management would continue to work with government, non-governmental organisations and other relevant stakeholders towards the betterment of the students and development of the university. Chigbu had on behalf the university’s Governing Council told the students that scholarship award is part of efforts at encouraging best brain in the university. Deputy Vice-Chancellor charged the students to utilise the opportunity judiciously in tackling various financially challenges facing them in their studies, saying it should spur them to be more hard working and focus on their education. Presenting the N50, 000 cheque to each of the beneficiaries, the Director of Peace Mass Transit, and the donor, Chief Sam Onyishi, however, noted that the money should not be seen as a scholarship, but rather as an assistance to uplift the education of the less-privileged in the society,

as well as bridge the gap between the children of the poor and the rich in the higher institution such as the University of Nigeria. Onyishi said: “As you can

see the award is not only for visually impaired students alone, but it was done randomly and not based on tribe or religion. Our concern is for the students irre

here is high expectation among the students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, as they will go to the polls today, to elect new leaders who will pilot the affairs of their Students’ Union for the 2014/2015 academic session. The Chairman of the Independent Students’ Electoral Commission (ISEC), the body saddled with the responsibilities of conducting the election, Sulaimon Funsho, expressed the readiness of the commission to conduct a free, fair and credible election. He disclosed that all arrangements had been put in place to ensure the success of the election, which many students and other members of the university community have described as the most competitive election in recent years. He disclosed that there is a new development in the union’s electronic voting system this year, which he revealed will make it possible for the students to vote anywhere

Some of the students at the manifesto night

dekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, has been bestowed with the 2013/2014 award of excellence as the Best Security Conscious Vice Chancellor in the country. The award was conferred on him by the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), last week, alongside the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, at the IIPS seventh International Conference & Awards, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. According to the institute, Mimiko, since inception as Vice-Chancellor of the university four years ago, has consistent been ensuring adequate security of lives and property within and around the university community. A statement by the university’s Information Unit, Mimiko instituted the workstudy scheme to expose stu-

through the university portal on the day of election. According to Funsho, the new e-voting system was conceived to ensure a stress-free, advance a credible electioneering. “It is an innovative system that gives all students the opportunity to vote for candidates of their choice with just a click on their computer anywhere in the world.” Students are, however, required to register through their personal portal before the election day to enable them vote. He announced that any student, who fails to register would not be allowed to vote, saying no fewer than 36 candidates are vying for the nine offices in the Central Executive Council of the union. Out of the 36, seven of them including a female, are vying for the post of the President, which is the first time in the history of the union that a female student will vie for the position. The aspirants for the position of the president are Akanbi Damilare (Faculty of Art); Alao Idris (Faculty of Law); Agboola Folayemi (Faculty of Life Sciences); AbdulRazaq Olatinwo (Faculty of Law); Aweda Jeremy (Faculty of Engineering); Olayemi Michael (Faculty of Agriculture) and Ahmed Ishowo of the Faculty of Physical Sciences. As part of modalities for the election, the manifesto night for all aspiring candidates had since taken place penultimate Thursday at the Students’ Union Building (SUB), while on the previous Wednesday, members of the Campus Journalists conducted questions and answer session for the candidates. In a chat with campus journalists, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Abayomi Omotesho urged the students to complete the voter’s registration to enable them vote on the day of the election.

Mimiko wins best security conscious VC award dents to the kernels of industry while at school. Under the arrangement, the university’s spokesman, Victor Akinpelumi said interested students work for two hours daily to earn money to augment their pocket money, noting that the scheme has not only greatly reduced students’ vices, it has also empowered them. Besides, he recalled that the Vice-Chancellor established a Fire and Safety Unit for the university, and regularly train and re-train programmes for the personnel to enhance their skills at preventing and fighting fire outbreak. As part of moves to ensure adequate security on

campus, Mimiko was said to have engaged the services of a private security outfit to complement the efforts of the university's internal security personnel. The Vice-Chancellor also holds regular meetings with host communities of the university, and the security personnel in order to ensure adequate security in the university and its environs Akinpelumi recalled that as part of his accomplishments, Prof. Mimiko protested the killing of a graduate of the university undergoing his compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bauchi State during the 2011 Presidential election crisis in which other

graduates serving in Bauchi and other volatile states were redeployed by the Federal Government.

Mimiko, VC

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Boris Nwachukwu UNIPORT

his year’s edition of the annual free medical outreach of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) chapter, at Akpabu community in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State has come and gone, but the students are still savoring the events of the day. It was an impactful outreach that brought smiles to the faces of the residents of the community. The medical outreach, which is part of the annual FECAMDS week, attracted volunteers from all departments under the University of Port Harcourt Medical College. Services offered by the volunteers to the members of the community include basic medical services such as blood pressure measuring, blood group determination, urinalysis, malaria parasite testing and medical consultation. Drugs were also given freely to the people. There was a de-worming programme and a sensitization on healthy lifestyles of the people with critical cases referred to the Primary Health Centre or General Hospitals close to the community. The chapter President and final year student of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chukwudi Bernard Ossai, said the programme is not just an annual ritual, but a culture of excellence to impact meaningfully on members of the society. He said: “We cannot depend on our political leaders to do everything for us. No matter our level in life, there is always

Day UNIPORT students reached out to community T

Directorate boosts lecturers’ skills at grant write-shop

Some of the medical students attending to their patients during the programme.

something we can do to impact the lives of peopel around us. Over the years, our joy has been how we put smiles on the faces of people that we show care to. In most cases, what these people need is not a bag of drugs or stabs of injections, but a touch of care and a doctor's listening ear and they would be well. In some other cases, what they need is the advice of a medical expert on how to take care of their ailing conditions. We did all these and we feel fulfilled.”

He added that the team chose the community, based on the information at their disposal that the village lack health facilities and care. Ethel Anaege, a 400 Level Pharmacy student, one of the participatants in the outreach programme, expressed joy about the project, saying: “I am happy to be part of the volunteer group. I am obligated to God and humanity and it gladdens my heart each time I attend to the health need of our people.”

UNILORIN students in various funny attires.

Graduating students hold valedictory in style Wale Bakare UNILORIN

t was time last week for the Final year students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, to roll out the drums to celebrate the completion of their studies; especially years of toiling and burning of middle night oil at the university. The week-long activities over the years have become a tradition in the university es-

pecially among the final year students. Each day of the week-long celebration was marked with series of activities. It is in light of this that the graduating sets of the 2013/2014 academic session chose between May 19 and 23, to celebrate their week. The first day was tagged: “Old School Day”, where the students dressed in their secondary school uniforms, while some wore other attires that de-

picted them as class teachers and headmasters. The second day of the week featured “colour rioting event,” in which students dressed in dresses with multiple colours. Their appearance looked funny and crazy, while on the third day, participants wore corporate outfits, to depict the new life they are set to live after their graduation and life outside the university campus. On the fourth day of the week, it was the turn of career

A member of the community, Pa Chinedu, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries of the health care service, said: “We are very grateful to the students. Some of us had not been well for months, because we have nobody to attend to us and when we do, the high cost of drugs discourages and denies us good healthy condition. But they (students) have come as our children and have attended to us genuinely and free. We pray for the favour of God in all their endeavour.” talk, organised by the Department of Zoology where Prof. Taiwo Ande, who spoke at the event congratulated the students and counseled them on the need to be determined in life and chosen endeavour. He said survival in the larger society requires high level of creativity and hard work, adding: “You have to be serious in everything you do and don’t run away from people that challenge you. Your NYSC period would open you to different lifestyles, so you have to be a solution provider because everyone has talent. Sometime you may fail but be determined to go higher.” The duo of Dr. Mustapha and Dr. Oduola, who are staff adviser to the graduating students of the department, also encouraged the students to work towards their survival and that of the larger society. “There are several challenges outside. Once you graduate you have to look for something to eat. While you were in school your parents provided for almost 90 per cent of your needs, but after graduation it would not be so anymore, as you will need to fend for yourselves,” they said. One of the students, Sodiq Aroyaya, a 400 Level Zoology final year student said: “The final year in this university has been my most interesting period on the campus because I had the chance to get close to many other classmates who exposed me to different things about life.”

he Directorate of Grants Management (DGM), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has lowered the curtains on a two-day European Commission Funding Opportunities for Academic Staff Write-Shop for Lecturer I; Senior Lecturers, Readers and Professors. The write-shop is part of efforts at repositioning the university for the challenges of the 21st Century in the area of internationalisation in research development and innovation. While reiterating the university’s commitment towards activities geared at attaining a world-class status, the ViceChancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, said the write-shop, which was the second in the series to be organised by the Directorate, would adequately equip participants with the needed skills towards wining research and development grants under the European Union framework for research and innovation. Oyewole, who was represented by the Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Bolanle AkeredoluAle, said it was heartwarming that the Directorate’s effort had begun to yield fruitful results, as three grants had been awarded to members of staff of the university by the International Foundation of Science (IFS). Expressing the hope that more of such awards are still being expected, the Vice-Chancellor, who charged the participants to make the best use of the opportunity offered by the write-shop, noted that “some of the earlier career academics did not have similar privileges, or that it took them several years to be able to tap into it.”

EKSU gets new librarian

he authorities of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, have named Mr. Nathaniel Akinola Ajayi as the university Librarian. Ajayi, whose appointment took effect from March 26, hails from Otun- Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The appointment followed the approval by the university’s Governing Council at its meeting where the appointment was ractified and endorsed. Until his appointment, Ajayi was a Deputy Librarian of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He holds a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines in 1983, while he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the Arellano University, Manila Philippines in 1981. His Librarianship experience spanned over 20 years. He had served in various sections as Senior Librarian (Cataloguing), Senior Librarian (Circulation), Librarian Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital and Librarian in charge of MBA Executive Library, Lagos.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

In departing, VC UNN celebrates renaissance Chido Nwakanma

arewells are often melancholic, but at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the over one-week farewell that began on May 22 has a celebratory tonic which underscores the renewed pride and sense of mission inspired by the work of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor. Professor Bartho Ndubuisi Okolo is expected to complete five-year tenure as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s first indigenous university on June 9. As part of then duty tour, Prof. Okolo has been visiting faculties and various groups an elaborate farewell that would climax on June 6, his final exit farewell at the Margaret Ekpo Convocation Arena of the 54-year-old institution. The revival of the “can do” spirit that underlined UNN’s foundation and early life is at the heart of the achievements of the man fondly called Bartho. Simply put, this long-serving UNN academic has through excellent service delivery “restored the dignity of man” in the institution he loves with passion. What has Bartho wrought at UNN? The achievements are comprehensive and multidimensional. They range from enhancing scholarship and learning environment, through infrastructure renewal and upgrade, human capital renewal, staff welfare to international strategic alliances and exchanges, as well as igniting a true Town and Gown partnership in the institution. For many years, UNN suffered the gravitational pull of standards in all areas. One of the most disconcerting was joining the hitherto scorned state universities and such like in the national slough of delayed examination results, missing answer scripts and “sorting” of results that saw students moving from department to faculty and Records offices to get their scores. Unimpressed and vexed at the situation, Bartho Okolo got the University Senate to pass a resolution making it mandatory for all examination results to be certified not later than three weeks after. Examination results now flow from departments to faculties and to the Senate for assent every semester. No more “sorting” while graduands get their certificates readily during convocation. Measures like this that tackle fundamentals at the core of the institution’s raison d’etre signpost the work of the man who clocked 60 in March as he began the countdown to handing over to a successor. In sorting the mess of examination and results sequence, sorting in the positive sense this time, Bartho ensured a return to sanity in several areas critical to the system: integrity of examinations, adherence to agreed university calendar, and assurance of fairness and due process for students as well as their lecturers. Okolo described his appointment as Vice-Chancellor as “a sacred charge” and declared a mission to focus on the goals enunciated by the farsighted and selfless founding fathers. His mantra was always “only the best is good enough for

the University of Nigeria”. The clearly enunciated vision was “to place UNN in the forefront of research and development, innovation, knowledge creation and knowledge transfer, human resources development, and community service, while promoting the core values which will ensure the restoration of the dignity of man”. UNN, the second oldest university in the country, coming after the University of Ibadan (UI) has a stock of greying faculty. Okolo initiated a programme for infusing new blood in the institution by offering automatic employment to First Class honours graduates desirous of pursuing a career in academics. The scheme has absorbed over 300 graduates with many sent to various institutions abroad as part of an aggressive internationalisation and exchange programme. He then engaged in a reverse brain drain by attracting Nigerians in the Diaspora to join the faculty. UNN now has alliances with more than 80 institutions overseas under Okolo’s “international strategic alliances and exchange programmes.” Members of staff are getting international exposure or scholarships. UNN under Okolo has modernised teaching and learning environment to be in consonance with international standards. “That academic standards are global” is a refrain of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor that informed the modernisation projects. Okolo sees his work as laying the foundation to reclaim the original vision of UNN, as a “global centre of learning” as espoused by the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Dreams do take wings and UNESCO established the Category 2 International Centre for Biotechnology under his watch recently. UNN in turn has provided an International Scholars Village in readiness for the arrival of these academics. The most obvious evidence of considerable work done and where his achievements would continue to speak for Okolo years after is in infrastructure development, renewal and upgrade. Under his watch, UNN wears a new ambience wherein the physical structures merge nicely with nature. New buildings, remodelled structures, roads and walkways that blend with the historic trees on the main access ways to the campus all bespeak this beauty and aesthetics. UNN was known hitherto for basic structures that had little or no consideration for aesthetics. Over the four-year period 2010-2014, UNN executed over 400 projects drawing on Tertiary Education Trust Fund and Federal Government capital allocations as well as Internally Generated Revenue. TETFund’s N2.6 billion enabled execution of 179 projects covering physical infrastructure, teaching and learning environment and academic work. There were 20 construction projects, six procurements, 39 scholarships for higher studies, while the Fund paid for 115 conferences and workshops attended by staff of the institution.

UNN Remodeling of Department of Economics Building, Nsukka

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

Apathy of duty T his is not the best of times for Nigeria virtually in all areas. There is a lot of tension in the polity. Children cannot go to school in many places. Lecturers in Polytechnics and Colleges of Education have been on strike for several months without any hope in sight. Some university lecturers are resuming strike while more and more youth are being rendered idle. A good number of those who should be agents of change are economically disadvantaged. Misery and despondency are the lot of many young men and women who are now ready tools in the hands of the devil. There are so many vices tantalising the Nigerian society that there is no day that we are not witnesses to tragedy. It is now common to abduct innocent people, who end up in Soka Forest in Oyo State or Sambisa Forest in Borno State. Between the two, they are other centres of man’s inhumanity to man which threaten our collective existence. It is as if the social system has collapsed and everyone is “on your own” mode and nobody is responsible for the other. However, when the general situation of depravity in the society is atomised, a root cause would be found at home. Charity begins at home, so is rot. The mother of other tragedies, in my reckoning, is the apathy of duty on the part of parents. If the home fails, the society is doomed. Our lives were happier and simpler when parents were conscious of their duties and raised socially responsible youth. There were fewer cars and fewer accidents. The parents were good and were totally devoted to the proper upbringing of their children. The society was sane as everyone remembered the goodbye signature tune at departure time: remember the son/ daughter of whom you are. Though parents remain the first school that children attend, many of them today are not available. They are missing like the Malaysian plane. They abdicate from their duty posts and nature does not allow a vacuum. What they fail to do, the street and the television offer to serve. The result is palpable. Those who abandon the children at home in search of lucre and feed them with the sandwich of television and cartoons should not expect much difference from those whose children are at the mercy of the street culture. As someone rightly observed, how would children obey their parents and be socially responsible in a situation where in the popular cartoons and television programmes, they are directly and indirectly miseducated? “Tarzan lives half naked; Cinderella comes home at midnight; Pinnochio lies all the time; Aladdin is the king of all thieves; Batman drives at 200 mph; Mickey and Minnie are more than friends; Romeo and Juliet commit suicide for love; Harry Porter uses witchcraft; Sleeping Beauty is lazy; Dumbo gets drunk and hallucinates; Scooby Doo gives nightmares and Snow White lives with seven guys.” There is a big disconnect between many parents and their children nowadays. Many wrongly assume that by enrolling their children in standard schools only and paying exorbitant school fees, which they work hard to make, they have fulfilled their duty.

Our lives were happier and simpler when parents were conscious of their duties and raised socially responsible youth

Thus, the gap, both physical and emotional, between them and the children is as wide as that between the North and the South. Without much parental supervision and training, many children pass through primary and secondary education system. They make friends that offer them more fire than light. They learn many things that are inimical to their success and future. By the time they get to the higher institutions and their full personality traits become manifest, the damage is almost irreversible. Like the proverbial “Omoye” that walked naked already to the market, efforts to clad the morally-empty and value-vacuous youngsters usually become abortive. Such youngsters become vulnerable to negative peer pressure as any means of having fame and power becomes attractive. There is nothing that such youth cannot do since they have been directly and indirectly indoctrinated that money is the ultimate. From prostitution to armed robbery, from internet fraud to brazen thuggery, the youth of today are desperate and desolate. It is high time we went to the drawing board to address the root cause of our social crises. If everyone does his responsibility, the nation and the world would be better off. The primary responsibility of the parents is to raise good and responsible children. Other life achievements pale into insignificance if parents fail in this primary responsibility. Marshall Field’s ten guidelines for success are very important to digest and make a component of one’s everyday living. As a successful businessman, his insight can be adopted as a daily guide in order to relate well and be in peace with ourselves and others:

• The value of time – don’t waste it. • The value of perseverance – don’t give up. • The value of hard work – don’t be lazy. • The dignity of simplicity – don’t be complicated. • The worth of character – don’t be dishonest. • The power of kindness – don’t be uncaring. • The power of duty – don’t shun responsibility. • The wisdom of economy – don’t be a spendthrift. • The virtue of patience – don’t be impatient. • The improvement of skills – don’t stop practicing. l Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Acting Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin.

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS Hyundai, Kia, others jostle to invest in Nigeria No fewer than 12 automobile manufacturing firms have indicated willingness to establish their assembly plants in Nigeria.

PENSION  Many Customs officials will soon join the league of pensioners Bayo Akomolafe

Maersk Line has raised the alarm over the state of Nigerian territorial waters even as it invested $2.1billion on 22 WAFMAX ships.

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New auto policy’ll generate 700, 000 jobs –Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the implementation of the new automotive policy will generate not less than 700, 000 direct and indirect jobs across different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

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Market improvement: Need to play by the rules Stock exchanges all over the world expect minimum standards for broker /dealer community who wish to retain their certificate, hence they must ensure that they meet the minimum capital requirements and also comply with all operational requirements.

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

ABDULWAHAB ISA, Finance Editor CHUKS ONUANYIN, Energy NNAMDI AMADI, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

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

12 comptrollers, 20 dep. comptrollers, 27 assist. comptrollers to quit inspectors, 104 principal inspectors, 125 senior inspectors, 79 inspectors, and 19 assistant

inspectors. Also listed are 19 chief customs assistants, 10 senior cus-

toms assistants, five customs assistants I, and one customs assistants II.

total of 765 personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will go on statutory retirement before the end of the year. The retirement, it was revealed, will cut across various cadres of the service. Customs had explained in its ‘Year 2014 Statutory Retirement List for Officers and Men,’ that the exercise was hinged on statutory retirement by length of service and age. In the impending exercise, 12 comptrollers, 20 deputy comptrollers, and 27 assistant comptrollers would be asked to go home. Also, 27 chief superintendents, 56 deputy superintendents and 40 Assistant Superintendent I would be affected while 31 from the start-off rank for commissioned officers such as assistant superintendents II would be sacked. Also in the list, are 23 senior non-commissioned officers or inspectorate cadre, 43 chief inspectors, 43 deputy chief inspectors, 95 assistant chief

Godson Ikoro

takeholders have expressed mixed feelings about the revised code of corporate governance and whistle blowing recently released to banks and other financial institutions in the country by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying that it would impact positively on the nation’s economy. The code is intended to engender the rule of law and encourage division of responsibilities in a professional and objective manner. Specifically, it provided responsibilities of the board of directors, in clear terms, size and composition, separation of powers, appointment and tenure of board members. Commenting on the code, stakeholders lauded while others knocked it. While some

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Customs to retire 765 officers

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Maersk Line frets over Nigerian waters, invests $2.1bn

NEW TELEGRAPH

HOW NEW AAAN PRESIDENT WILL EMERGE }p-37

L-R: Head of Strategy, Sterling Bank Plc, Ighodalo Aimienwanu; Executive Director, Caleb Group of Schools, Dr. Dolapo Ogunbanwo and Airport Road Business Manager of Sterling Bank, Lanre Osinowo, at the "Start From Ten" Sterling Bank Mathematics Competition organised in conjunction with Caleb Group of Schools, held in Lagos.

Mixed reactions trail CBN governance code praised the provision that the board of every bank must ensure that a succession plan is in place for the CEO’s, other executive directors and top management positions, others are not entirely pleased with a situation whereby the Managing Director appoints the chairman of the board of directors. President, Money Market Association of Nigeria, (MMAN) Mr. Wale Abe, who praised the revised code, noted that the provision makes it mandatory for the incumbent to name/ designate a successor. This, he said, is unlike when CEO’s seek extension of their tenures.

Besides, he also welcomed the fact that the board will appoint the CEO and other top management staff and establish a framework for the delegation of authority in bank; which must comply with the provisions of the CBN’s circular on harmonisation of job roles in the industry. Another plus for the code according, to Abe, is that it protects the whistle-blower against witch-haunting by the powers that be. “The person can still go to court to seek redress. There will always be recourse to the clause. The ultimate aim is to protect the depositors.”

Also, he noted that the effective separation of the powers of the CEO and others would help to check abuses. He explained: “Moreover, the positions of the Board Chairman and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer shall be separate. No one person shall combine the two positions in any bank at the same time. This means that no executive vice president shall be recognised by the board structure. The code also cleared ambiguities and conflict of interest with the provisions of CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE April 2014...............................7.9% March 2014............................7.8% Feburary 2014 ........................7.7%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at May 23)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N167 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N231 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $37.369bn as at 22/5/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at May 23)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N262.26 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N212.27 Source: CBN

32 BUSINESS | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Hyundai, Kia, others jostle to invest in Nigeria EXPANSION Korea automakers join rush for Nigerian market Dayo Ayeyemi

o fewer than 12 automobile manufacturing firms have indicated willingness to establish their assembly plants in Nigeria. Director-General, National Automobile Council, Mr. Aminu Jalal, who disclosed

this, also said that the automakers include Hyundai, Kia, Renault, JiangSu, Foton, Joylong and Higer. This development is as a sequel to Federal Government’s Automotive Industry Development Plan launched in October 2013, which is aimed at discouraging importation of used cars and encouraging the local manufacturing of new vehicles. According to a report from Ventures Africa, Jalal said that groundwork had commenced on the proposed assembly

plants. This announcement came after the Chief Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria, Mr Pablo Segrelles, announced that about seven Spanish companies want to invest in the country’s automobile industry. Speaking on the development, Jalal said: “By the end

of the year, all the 12 auto manufacturing companies are expected to have established their vehicle assembly plants in the country. “Some of the automobile companies expected to begin operations soon include Hyundai, Kia, Renault, JiangSu, Foton, Joylong and Higer automobiles.

“Japanese automaker, Toyota, is said to be conducting a feasibility study and may soon follow in the step of others before the end of the year.” Old assembly plants including that of Leventis and Leyland Motors are also expected to be revived while three new auto assembly plants will commence operations by June.

Mixed reactions trail CBN governance code C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

the companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990.” On the yearly review and appraisal by CBN covering all aspects of the board structure composition by an independent consultant, Abe said, with this provision, no board of director would toy with its duties, given that the board members are jointly and severally liable to any infraction or impairment. Investment Analyst, Nona Awo, corroborated Abe, saying that separation of power is good. He, however, noted: “But when the MD/CEO, appoints the chairman, there is still no effective separation before now.” He cited examples of the defunct Intercontinental Bank and Oceanic Banks, where the managing director appointed chairman, saying that their antecedents did not bode well for the bank. He believes that shareholders should equally appoint the chairman, if it wants the two powers separated. He said that whistle blowing has always been there but the crux of the matter is the protection of whistle blower. He, however, noted: “The lady that blew the whistle that triggered Ecobank Transactional International bank’s crisis was relieved of her job. Even the regulators could not re-instate her.’’ He argued that as long as the protection of the whistle blower is still weak, that aspect remains questionable. On the end of family hegemony, the code stated that no director either executive or nonexecutive should be allowed to serve on boards of a bank and a holding company within a group at the same time. The code, which is expected to become effective October 1, 2014, described corporate governance as "the rules, process or laws by which institutions are operated, regulated and governed, for the primary purpose of promoting a transparent and efficient banking system.” It also spelt out the functions of board committees, board meeting, remuneration and board appraisal. Also, shareholders rights and functions, equity ownership, protection of shareholders right, meeting

and shareholder association, rights of other stakeholders and disclosures in the annual report were covered. Also included are issues of risk management, ethics, professionalism and conflict of interest and sanctions. The need for corporate governance stemmed from highprofile scandals, involving abuse of corporate power and in some cases, alleged criminal activity by corporate officers. Indeed, following the consolidation programme in 2005, Professor Soludo-led administration in the CBN formulated code of corporate governance for banks and was issued in 2005, but became effective in the banking industry in April 2006. Although it was designed to check abuses and make the board members aware of their statutory and fiduciary responsibilities, during the implementation, it was discovered that certain provisions could not be implemented by banks in view of their ambiguities and conflict with the provisions of companies and allied matters Act (CAMA) 1990. Also, in the joint CBN/and NDIC examination that led to the removal of five Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of banks in the country, it was revealed, among others, that corporate governance practices in the institutions were poorly implemented. There was also the need to update the code in order to align it with contemporary developments and international best practices. Hence the need for the revised code with emphasis on whistle-blowing system, to enable employees disclose any wrongdoing.

L –R: Jeffrey Spears, Senior Advisor, Corporate and Investment Banking, Access Bank Jeffrey Hawkins, United States Consular General, Lagos, Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Obinna Nwosu, Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank, United States Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzer, and Roosevelt Ogbonna, Executive Director, Access Bank during the US Secretary of Commerce visits to Lagos last week.

Maersk Line frets over Nigerian waters, invests $2.1bn DUMPING China is flooding Nigerian markets with various imports through Maersk Line Bayo Akomolafe

aersk Line has raised the alarm over the state of Nigerian territorial waters even as it invested $2.1billion on 22 WAFMAX ships. The company said that wrecks on Nigerian waters are the major problems as they impede safe navigation, adding that there is a sharp bend into Onne that is too narrow for ships. It was learnt that some of the vessels called West African

Maximum would bring imports from Asia to Nigeria and other West African countries. The company explained that China is a very big sourcing area for Nigeria, saying that 50 per cent of all containerised imports into Nigeria were shipped from China. Already, one of the vessels has sailed into Nigeria with 4,500 containers. Maersk’s Managing Director and Head of the Central West Africa Cluster, Mr. Jan Thorhauge, noted that the arrival of the vessels would reduce the costs of transportation of goods from Lagos to other parts of the country. Thorhauge said: “This is going to make transportation of goods more economically viable. Before, there were 2,500 containers on one ship, now there will be 4,500. It is going

to be much more cost-efficient. In practice, it would mean that Nigerian export products would become more competitive. “Hopefully, it will enable us to add more value to our customers. By adding this value to our customers, they will also reciprocate by giving us more business.” He said that there would be a direct link between China and Nigeria, noting that vessels would sail first to Lagos before moving to Onne. According to him, the arrival of the vessels would reduce the costs of transportation of goods from Lagos to other parts of the country, adding that the turnaround time of the WAFMAX vessel was twice faster than the smaller ships. Thorhauge noted that the vessel started calling at Apapa Port, Lagos in July 2011.

New auto policy’ll generate 700, 000 jobs –Jonathan Dele Alao

resident Goodluck Jonathan has said that the implementation of the new automotive policy will generate not less than 700, 000 direct and indirect jobs across different sectors of the Nigerian economy. Jonathan said this during the inauguration of Precision Auto Care Centre, an integrated,

state-of the art automobile facility owned by Kunech Group, in Lagos, at the weekend. Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said: “The automotive industry in Nigeria currently employs about 2,500 people, but it is expected that the implementation of the new automotive policy will generate more than 700,000 direct and indirect jobs. The policy will help

create jobs in different clusters in the country and across the entire automotive value chain. It will also fast-track the growth and development of other intervening industries such as automotive spare parts, auto servicing, steel industry, rubber and petrochemicals and plastic industries, among others. “In order to industrialise our country, diversify our economy, create jobs and generate wealth for our people. My administra-

tion, through the implementation of investment-friendly policies, has been able to attract local and foreign investments and brands from different parts of the world into the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. These ranges from the traditional oil and gas, to mining, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, services, Information and Communications Technology, among others,” he added.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Nestle to engage 400 workers in Abaji water factory Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

anaging Director and Chief Executive of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, has said that the new water bottling factory located at Abaji, in the outskirts of Abuja,

will engage 400 direct and indirect workers to kick-start construction of the factory. Of the figure, he said that 100 would be engaged directly to work in the factory plant while over 300 others would provide auxiliary services. Gordhon, who spoke in Abuja during the ground-breaking ceremony of the water facto-

ry, disclosed that the choice of Abaji was deliberate. He added that, the firm was desirous of penetrating the northern market by supplying the zone from a suitable location. “Abaji is quite a good geographical location where we can serve the market all over in northern part of Nigeria like Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna and

Sokoto, among others, thus freeing our Agbara plant to concentrate on south west and other areas,” he said. The new factory which occupies 14.13 hectares of land is, according to him, estimated to cost N4.8 billion on completion, adding that the construction was a further testimony of confidence and resilience Nestle has in the Nigerian economy. Nestle which has operated for over five decades in Nigeria, he said, has brought significant value to the society by sourcing its materials locally, creating employment, offering high quality nutritious products and helping in the development of the economy. On the company’s inroad to bottled water business, Gordhon disclosed that “over the years, Nestle has developed an outstanding expertise in bottled water. Our expertise ex-

tends from quality preservation to knowledge of its health benefits to meeting different hydration needs of consumers. We commenced our water business in Nigeria with the inauguration of Nestle waters, Agbara factory, in 2005 and presently Nestle water operates in about 40 countries with 100 factories and over 30,000 employees.” At the occasion, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investments, Mr. Olusegun Agangga, represented by the DirectorGeneral, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, noted that the establishment of the water plant was a further demonstration of confidence Nestle repose in Nigeria economy. He assured the company of government’s creation of an enabling environment attractive to investors and pledged that a level playing field would be created for sustainable growth.

Group commissions mega station in Kuje L-R: Company Secretary, Jaiz Bank Plc Rukayat Salaudeen; Managing Director, Arab Gambian Islamic Bank (AGIP) Sirajo Salisu; Executive Director, Jaiz Bank, Usman Hassan; Chairman, AGIP, Muhammad Jah; Chairman, Jaiz Bank, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Abdul Mutallab, CON; Managing Director, Jaiz Bank, Muhammad Nurul Islam; Divisional Head, Corporate Services, Jaiz Bank, Liman Nuruddeen Ahmad and Head Corporate Banking, Jaiz Bank Abdulkarim Alhassan, after a partnership meeting between Jaiz Bank and AGIP at the Jaiz Bank Head Office in Abuja, yesterday.

Electrical contractors allege exclusion in closing metering gap James Nwabueze Abuja

he Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) has alleged that its members are excluded in the efforts to close the existing gap in pre-paid electricity metering in the country by the electricity distribution companies. LECAN’s North-West Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Isa Onuku, said in Abuja that in most cases, inspection of the building and other safety regulations are not followed when meters are processed and issued. “In most cases, meters are being processed and issued without the input of LECAN. In such cases, inspection of the building and other safety regulations are not followed,” he said. This is coming on the heels of the recent disclosure by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to roll out 480,000 metres in five years. Chief Executive Officer, Abuja Disco, Mr. Neil Croucher, said that the target intends to cover a monthly rollout of 8,000 meters. “Our intention on meter rollout is about 8,000 meters a month, which is about 96,000 meters in a year. Again, following today’s discussion, and in about four to five months that we’ve been here, we’ve recognised that

metering is an absolute key area. “We would be looking at ways that we could increase the rollout and as rapidly as possible. There would be logistics and challenges, of course; but we have to manage the project. We have to make sure that those meters are rolled out on a solid platform,” Croucher said. He added that the 8,000 monthly target could be increased, if it would be possible to do so within the five-year period. Croucher also observed that discos have not been accessible to customers. To this end, he said that Abuja Disco intends to create an effective customer care centre that would capture every customer they have made contact with. “We want to make it easier for customers to get in touch with us, tell us their concerns, and in our case, we want to establish a single call centre that would be able to serve the purposes,” he added. It would be recalled that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has said that the metering gap in the sector cannot be closed in a short while. Although NERC explained that it was working hard to make sure that electricity distribution companies provide meters for their customers, it

however noted that the metering gap in Nigeria was huge. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, while speaking on the side-lines of an event in Abuja recently, said: “Our expectation is that metering will increase, but let’s be very careful here. “The metering gap in Nigeria is about 50 per cent and we don’t expect that gap to be closed in a short while. “What we expect to see is significant and consistent effort by distribution companies to keep metering their customers.” According to NERC, an estimated N170 billion would be required to purchase and install about 2.8 million electricity meters to close-up existing metering gap in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). NERC said that the sum was derived from an estimated cost for meter procurement and installation which was submitted to it for consideration by successor distribution companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The Senior Manager, Market Competition and Rates Division of NERC, Kanneng Gwom, in her presentation at a media retreat, said: “The Discos have estimated that N170 billion to purchase 2.8 million meters is required to meet the metering gap in the NESI.”

Azman Group, one of the Ttheheemerging conglomerates in Nigerian economy, has commissioned its mega filling station built by one of its subsidiaries, Azman Oil and Gas in Kuje, Abuja. The station, which is one of the largest and most modern in the federal capital territory (FCT), has the capacity serve about 30 vehicles in every 10 minutes. President of the group, Dr Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, pledged its determination to serve motorists in the Federal Capital territory (FCT) diligently. Sarina further pledged that beyond the provision of quality petroleum products, the new station would strive to provide quality essential amenities needed in vehicles’ maintenance and services.

He said that the group which deals in transport, oil and gas, does not focus on profit alone, but also has the goals, which include provision of employment, reliable auto commodities, which he said the company is known for. Motorists expressed gratitude to Azman Group for citing the mega station in the Kuje area of FCT, saying that the new outlet would offer them the opportunity to access quality petroleum products. They urged the new entrants into petroleum product distribution in the area to ensure regular supply of products at the recommended official rates. Earlier, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibril, who commissioned the complex, charged the company to make sincerity its watch-word in service delivery to the people.

Jigawa signs MoU for N34bn solar power project

State government in Jtheigawa the North-Eastern part of country has entered into a

memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NOVA Scotia Power Development Limited for the development of solar power for the state. The project billed to cost over N34 billion is expected, on completion, to generate 50 megawatts of power for the state. Under the deal, the state government will provide land and other moral supports to the company for the success of the project. According to Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Lawan Abdu, the solar power project is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

Abdu stated that the provision of solar power in the state was timely as government was determined to improve the socio-economic development of the people. Earlier, the Director of NOVA Scotia Power Development Ltd, Mr. Arif Mohiuddin, disclosed that the company is a subsidiary of Canadian Infrastructure Consulting Firm which has been operating in Nigeria in the last 14 years, adding that it is focused on energy supply around the globe. Mohiuddin expressed optimism that the establishment of the solar power project will facilitate the tapping and utilisation of available resources in the state for its development.

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Mismanagement should be everybody’s concern –Ibe Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), Abuja chapter, Dr Emmanuel Ibe, spoke to SIMEON OGOEGBULEM on some of the issues dear to the institute and other sundry matters. Excerpts NIM prides itself as symbol of excellence in management, how far has your institute been able to introduce excellence in the management of both the public and private sectors? The institute was established to regulate management practice in the country. In the code of conduct of the institute, it established those core values that a member must adhere to and it is expected that whatever output that comes from you must bear testimony to the fact that you indeed are conscious of what is required of you as a member of the institute. In that wise if you have an aggregation of members of the institute anywhere, there is the likelihood that products of that institution or organisation will depict that indeed these people are management conscious. In my own private work, whatever memo or whatever write up I do, I am mindful of the fact that I bear the acronym of the institute, so whoever sees the acronym in my work should be able to acknowledge the fact that indeed this is a management professional and he is very conscious of what is expected of him. Again, the institute is mindful of its role in the society in entrenching best management practices and that is why it has gone far and wide to recruit people in the management profession. As I speak with you, the institute engages members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) all over the federation each year and so all NYSC members who passed through the institute in the course of their service gain proficiency in management and if that is inculcated in them, one way or the other, it begins to impact on the society. As the institute does with Youth Corpers, it also does with Management Executives. NIM tries to recruit management executives into its fold in order to ensure that from that level, they have no choice other than to abide by the code of conducts which revolves around core professionalism in management. What measures are being taken by NIM to ensure that members are not involved in any act that will bring the institute to disrepute? Embedded in the act of the parliament that established the institute, the Institute has powers to constitute a disciplinary panel to look at any form of professional misconduct on the part of members. It might interest you to know that the panel has the same powers as a court and whatever sentence the panel passes on any of our members is seen as an equivalent of high court ruling. That apart, members of the institute are very conscious that their conducts are being monitored and that if you are found to have committed any malpractice anywhere, you stand the risk of losing your membership. There are cases of high profile individuals in this country who have lost their membership of the institute as a result of their involvement in one form of malpractice or the other. A good example is that of the former Inspector General of Police who was a Fellow of this institute but because he was involved in a practice that at the end of the day brought disrespect to him and the institution he represents, the institute stripped him of his Fellowship of the institute. Not only that, also a former bank managing director was also de-listed from the membership of the institute because she was found to have compromised the core values that the institute represents. So, it is something we take very serious. If any member of the institute is found culpable in any form of malpractice, the institute does not take it lightly as appropriate disciplinary measures are taken immediately against such person. Is the institute worried about the number financial scandals repeatedly rocking the country?

Every Nigerian, whether you belong to Nigerian Institute of Management or not, feels concerned when mismanagement is mentioned. Every right-thinking Nigerian should feel concerned. But you know that there are institutions that are statutorily empowered to deal with such situations. We have the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission and the Code of Conduct Bureau, they are dealing with such, but the truth about it is that the institute will not dabble in any matter because it learnt that there is corruption somewhere. But where it involves a member, the institute is bound to investigate and if they find the member culpable, of course, they penalise the member. One thing that this institute does which perhaps is not known to people is that through its Academy of Corporate Management, it takes perspective in management, like in the area of corruption and even Ibe man-power development, it had organised talks and came up with papers that have been delivered to government. The institute believes in working with government, assisting government. It doesn’t see itselves as coming out to criticise government. What it does is to work silently to assist government. About two years ago, the institute undertook the training of Directors of Human Resources in the entire federal civil service through the office of the Head of Service of the Federation. NIM engaged all directors of human resource management in the Federal Service to ensure that the consciousness of excellence in management practice is inculcated in them. It does that with various institutions. Just a few days ago, the president and members of Council of NIM visited the Chairman of Police Service Commission and members of the commission to see how we can impact on Police Service Commission and by extension the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure that the best management practices are put in place in such a way that the output of these government agencies will be satisfactory and will deliver in accordance with their mandate. It was such a wonderful meeting such that the commission agreed to partner with NIM to ensure that this issue of proper management is effected. So, the institute is concerned when this issue arise but you have to work from your own side and that is what we are doing through the Academy of Corporate Management. How often does government ask for your input in the formulation of critical national policies like annual budget and some other issues that have a direct impact on the masses? Government recognises the position of Nigeria Institute of Management when it comes to management practices. As a matter of fact, the institute has a representative in the Presidential Advisory Council. It was made in recognition of the fact that NIM is a critical institution when it comes to management practice. Perhaps you don’t expect government all the time to come talking to you. On its own, NIM does not wait for government to consult it before reaching out to government. For instance, on the issue of oil subsidy, we did a paper which was a product of a roundtable discussion by ex-

you can advise, you don’t impose your advice on government. It is for government to either take your advice or reject it

perts which was delivered to government. Another was also done on power and corruption all of which were transmitted to government. I think one of the things one will perhaps advise the institute to do more is to engage the media in order to publicise some of these things, so that the public will get to know what the institute is doing with respect to proper management of the nation. So NIM does not necessarily wait for government to consult it before contributing. On the issue of budget it has done extensive work, which is a product of roundtable discussion by experts. I can say that NIM works with government. Like one of the former heads of states said: you can advise, you don’t impose your advice on government. It is for government to either take your advice or reject it at its own discretion. Some professional bodies and institutes have just state branches, maybe the city branches, but in the case of NIM, more chapters are springing up. Are we expecting local government chapters soon? Well, the issue of management very critical. It is not like other professions. In fact, it is said that God mandated man upon creation to manage. God asked Adam: “You see the whole garden, it is for you to manage.” So, without good management skills, it will be difficult for you to manage whatever resource you have. NIM believes in extending the practice of management excellence no matter how minute. That is why it does not restrict. As I speak with you, NIM has over six chapters in FCT. Possibly, in a local government you may have more than one. We have the Abuja branch, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Central Business District, Bwari and Kubwa. These chapters are brought closer to the people so that it becomes something we are all conscious of and that is why even in the area of NYSC, nobody is exempted, no matter your course of study. Once you are a corps member and you have interest in management you are given opportunity to learn and be proficient in it. It is a conscious effort by the institution to ensure that people imbibe the best principles of management that you can imagine. What is your membership strength in FCT? The membership strength of FCT is quite large. As I speak with you, I don’t have the records here but I don’t expect anything less than 10,000, nothing less than that. Of course, you know that the institute has a membership of over 300,000 nationwide. It is known as the largest multidisciplinary professional body in the country. There is no organisation that is as large as NIM. Of course everybody needs to acquire management skills. So you don’t restrict it.

BUSINESS | THE INVESTOR 35

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Chris Ugwu

tock exchanges all over the world expect minimum standards for broker /dealer community who wish to retain their certificate, hence they must ensure that they meet the minimum capital requirements and also comply with all operational requirements. Although the future of the local bourse is still cloudy due to several factors such as persistent low investors’ confidence, liquidity squeeze and induced uncertainty in the economy occasioned by the lingering insecurity, there are hopes that investors would end this year better than last year if the Exchange resolve to ensure that operators at least maintain the required minimum standards. The need for stockbrokers and other operators in the nation’s capital market to adhere to the minimum requirements to operate in the stock market or face sanction has become necessary if the stock market must be made to operate in line with what is obtained globally and become frontier in the emerging markets. Commitment to ethical standards In a bid to reinforce its regulatory functions and maintain zero tolerance posture on dealing member firms against violation of rules and regulations, the Nigerian stock market and its apex regulator - the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had, for a number of times, wielded the big stick on erring operators. The exchange in an effort to achieve a world class capital market had reiterated its commitment to maintain zero tolerance stance on dealing member firms and quoted companies on violations of rules and regulations. This is on the back of the Exchange’s determination to shift gears to drive innovations centred on increasing global visibility for the Nigerian capital market in the current year. The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, said recently at a forum that the Exchange will sustain a zerotolerance stance on dealing member firms and listed companies’ violations. Onyema noted that “the Exchange proposed several rules to codify the accepted mode of engagement in our market,” adding that of particular interest was its proposed Related Parties Transaction rule and rules around the conduct of Annual General Meetings (AGMs). He said that while the NSE’s focus from 2011 to 2013 has been on revamping corporate governance, improving human capacity, cleansing and restructuring the market, improving technology, product development, and advocacy for changes to policy, “from 2014, we are determined to shift gears to drive innovations centred on increasing global visibility for the Nigerian capital market.” Onyema noted the Exchange intend to develop a larger footprint on the African continent and ultimately, targeting emerging market status adding that it was the reason why it is very much in support of the WACMI efforts and similar programs. He noted 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. 2012 sanctions The NSE in early 2012 revoked licenses of 10 dealing member firms just as it declared 48 and 27 others inactive and unactivated respectively. This was contained in a Circular number BDR/CIR/1/AAA/02/12 to all Dealing Members Firms and posted on the official website of the NSE.

Market improvement: Need to play by the rules

Ms Oteh

Amongst the list of Firms whose License were revoked as at the stated period include Apex Securities Limited, Asset Plus Securities Limited, Beachgroove Securities Limited, Broadeage Securities Ltd and IMB Morgan PLC (Morgan Trust Ltd). Others are Jenkins Investment Limited, Prudent Stockbrokers, Source Finance & Trust, Thomas Kinsley Securities Limited and Viva Securities Limited. However, among the 48 Dealing Member Firms declared as inactive include AAA Securities Limited, Dependable Securities Limited, Express Discount Asset Management Limited, First Equity Securities Limited, Yobe Investment and Securities Limited and Perfecta Investment and Trust Limited. While African Alliance Stockbrokers Limited, Arthur Stevens Assets, Bauchi Investment Corporation Securities Limited and Integrated and Allied Securities Limited were also among the 27 dealing firms declared unactivated. Recent development Indication that more operators may

One menace that investors in the Nigeria capital market have had to contend with over the years is fraudulent stockbrokers

Oscar Onyema

have their licence revoked emerged in December 2013 when NSE commenced the process to determine the propriety of dealing licences of 53 stockbroking firms, a development that may lead to withdrawal of operating licences of erring stockbroking firms. A query by the management of the NSE to the 53 stockbroking firms indicated that the stockbroking firms have up till December 19, 2013, to show reasons why the NSE should not commence final disciplinary proceedings against them for failure to regularise their operating status and other sundry outstanding regulatory issues. A source close to the management had noted that the Exchange may withdraw the operating licences of some of the stockbroking firms, which failed to provide tangible reasons to show liquidity, continuous operations and compliance with extant rules on dealing member firms. The revocation flood gate opened last week when the NSE announced it has revoked the registration of the former Managing Director of Lakesworth Investment & Securities Limited, Mr. Kayode Awotile, as authorised dealing member on its bourse for engaging in fraudulent practices. The NSE in a notice on its website issued by Olufemi Shobanjo, head, broker dealer regulation and obtained by New Telegraph said based on the meeting of the disciplinary committee of its national council held February 26, 2014 the committee passed the resolution that the registration Awotile, as an authorised clerk be revoked in pursuant to Rules 45 and 167 of the rules and regulations governing dealing mem-

bers for contravention of the rules in relation to the unauthorised transfers, sales of shares and failure to carry out the directives of the committee. “We hereby notify and advise all dealing member firms and their employees to desist from any dealings with Mr. Kayode Awotile in all capital market related activities. Please be guided accordingly,” the NSE said. Before last week, the NSE had over time took a similar action, which was hailed by stakeholders who said it would improve the lot of the market. According to them, while the post-listing requirements are met to strengthen the market, enforcement of these requirements in the past has been very weak. Hence, the latest efforts of the NSE have been commended by stakeholders. Non-compliance and continued failure to furnish the Exchange with required information put the Exchange and investors in dark about their activities. Failure in the past to enforce rules is one of the reasons cited by foreign investors as undermining confidence in the market. The market is rules based. Not enforcing the rules is a sign of weakness of the market. One menace that investors in the Nigeria capital market have had to contend with over the years is fraudulent stockbrokers. Many shareholders have been victims of share sales without authorisation, share price manipulation and failure to execute orders among others. We have come to a stage where all manner of infringements, indiscipline and non-compliance with regulations should be severely punished.

36 BUSINESS | BRANDS & MARKETING DECISION What will influence the choice of a new president of the AAAN, as collection and submission of forms end this week? Dele Alao Outgoing… For Mrs. Bunmi Oke who turns 50 and the second female president, after Mrs. Bola Thomas, in the history of the 41 yearold Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), it is au reviour to the association as its president. Oke’s two-year tenure has ended. She became president of the association in 2012 at the 39th Annual General Meeting/ Congress held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State. The out-going president has over 25 years work experience and is the 4th Female APCON fellow in the country. She began her advertising career at Grant Advertising where she worked as a PR Executive/ Account Management trainee between 1986 and 1989. She later moved to LTC Advertising (now LTC-JWT Lagos) in 1989, and cummulatively spent 10 years. She left LTC-JWT in 2000 for a “career adventure” with her family to Abuja for four years, working as the media Director for the United States – Nigeria Development Institute and eventually, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as the pioneer Chief Public Affairs Officer before she moved to 141 Worldwide in 2005 as the pioneer Chief Operating Officer/ Business Director and became an Executive Director in 2008. Stain, unfulfilled promise… The outgoing president may have every reason to thank God. She is a member of the on-going National Conference, representing the association.

COMMENDATION Consumer Protection Council gives pass mark to Startimes over its ongoing national promotions.

tarTimes has been commended for its role in providing a special reward initiative for its numerous customers in Nigeria, through its recently launched StarTimesExtraTime Promo. Speaking at the launch of the promo, Senior Public Relations Officer, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Nicholas Utsalo, who represented Head, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Office, Tam Tamunokonbia, commended StarTimes for designing the new promo reward programme to encourage its customers. He noted that the promo, which is StarTimes’ way of giving back to consumers, would definitely win the hearts of its pay TV subscrib-

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

How new AAAN president will emerge I

New ad campaign for President Brut debuts

Oke

Adisa

Nwosu

However, the controversy that trailed her nomination has put a dent on her tenure. The antagonists alleged Mrs. Oke used her position as president to nominate herself and got it ratified by a minority exco in a sham meeting. According to them, the appropriate approach should have been to set out a proper modality and conditions to be met by anyone who should represent the body at the conference. According to this group, in a bid to legitimise the alleged single handed decision to represent the body at the conference, the president on Friday, February 14, called an emergency meeting of the executive council and those in attendance ratified the president’s nomination for the conference without an input from the Board of Trustees (BoT). Besides, shortly after her election, while addressing the media, Mrs. Oke promised that the much talked-about Advertising Academy of the association would commence

during her tenure. As at now, the academy is yet to take off.

establishment candidates have all emerged as presidents. The most senior, vice president, does emerge as president. Nwosu, having served the association in various capacities, looks set to clinch the No.1 position, should the old order play out. However, according to investigations, there are those who believe in a new order, who want a change in the status quo. This is the category to which Adisa belong, hence his intention to run for the coveted position.

Contestants… As at the time of filing in this report, two notable advertising practitioners have collected nomination forms from the association’s secretariat, expressing interests to take over from Mrs Oke. They are Lanre Adisa, managing director, Noah’s Ark and Kelechi Nwosu, managing director, TBWA/ Concept. Collection and submission of forms end this week. “Sure. I am interested and running,” Nwosu, a sitting vice president of the association, responded upon request. Adisa and Nwosu parade great qualities to lead the association. But, leading the association will go beyond these qualities. Old order versus new order Over the years, election into the office of the president of the association has been on the established or old order. Pro-

The AGM/election… Of all the annual general meetings/election conducted in recent times, this year’s edition scheduled for July 10-12, 2014, in Abuja, promises to be an interesting one, at least, going by the early expression of interest in the race for the presidency. The 41st AGM/election will consist of an international seminar designed to impact the practitioners and the society at large.

CPC endorses Startimes promo ers and endear more customers to the pay TV platform. “We are impressed at how far the company has come; we are impressed by the direction in which it is going,” he said. Utsalo pledged CPC’s support for the promo, maintaining that StarTimes should continue to keep to the council’s regulations as it concerns its promo activities. He added that the role of the council is to ensure that the promo draws are carried out in a free and fair manner. “CPC is here to support what StarTimes is doing, because we want the best for subscribers and the society at large. We will be present during the promo’s monthly draws to ensure that the promo rules are adhered to. We want StarTimes to keep the trend for the benefit of consumers. We would also like to see that the prizes are given to the right winners. I must commend StarTimes for the launch of ExtraTime promo;

without a doubt, the promo will win customers’ loyalty. It is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said. Public Relations Manager of the NTA-Star Network, Irete Anetor, explained that the 'ExtraTime' promo is an innovative package that coincides with the FIFA World Cup. “As such, StarTimes has produced a commemorative recharge card, tagged the Soccer card, for the promo period. We would also be giving out prizes on our official Facebook page through our ‘Predict & Win campaign’ that would run throughout the FIFA World Cup period; we are aware that Nigerians have passion for soccer and this is our own little way of showing support for the Super Eagles during the FIFA World Cup season,” Anetor said. Monthly draws for the promo would hold at StarTimes’ Lagos head office at the end of each month until the promo ends in August. The dates for

the draws are May 30, June 27, July 31, and August 29, 2014. Currently, StarTimes’ sports channels are NTA Sports 24, Setanta Action, Setanta Africa, NBA TV, and MCS Sports. Soccer lovers can watch live matches of the FIFA World Cup moments on NTA Sports 24.

Dupe Atoki, DG, CPC

n a bid to reposition President Brut, a premium Italian sparkling white wine from the stable of Brian Munro in the Nigerian market, a new advertising campaign dubbed ‘Only One President” has been unveiled to admiration of consumers and non-consumers. According to the brand promoters, the campaign theme, which is “Only One President” expresses the brand’s top ‘Presidential’ positioning in the sparkling wine category. Speaking on the new advertising campaign, Managing Director of Brian Munro Limited, Mr. Paul Wilson, said this campaign is set to promote President Brut as a premium Italian Sparkling Wine of distinction, which pops and is good for every occasion. President Brut is made from a selection of the finest grapes and has a rich and well-balanced taste being a less expensive alternative to champagne. The Managing Director said that the campaign was based on the brand’s excellent taste and its outstanding value for money. President Brut comes in a 75cl bottle, each boxed in an elegant individual gift pack, with six in a carton. The brand has a strong heritage and it is in the top category of sparkling wines, which explains its great popularity with wine lovers in Nigeria and around the world. The new ad campaign, according to Wilson, will take a 360 degree format of electronics, outdoor, print and activation.

Wild Fusion opens digital training centre

marketing agency Dfiedigital and Google AdWords certipartner, Wild Fusion, has

launched a specialist digital training organisation, Wild Fusion Digital Centre (WDC), to provide expert digital marketing training. WDC provides professional training courses that specialise in helping businesses train their staff in creating real opportunities for increased access to consumer leads, brand awareness and increased revenues streams across digital platforms. The centre is the official certified local partner of the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) Ireland, the global standard in digital marketing education and certification. Speaking on the development, Managing Director of Wild Fusion Africa, Noel Douglas-Evans, said that the developing capability in the area of digital marketing had become absolutely paramount, in an ever-evolving digital world. He said: “What we offer will help raise the standard of marketing, help build capacity in the digital industry, and create a new level of marketing professionals to the business community.”

BUSINESS 37

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

A sub-committee of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has agreed on a resolution to raise the minimum monthly basic wage for able seafarers by January 2015. But the Nigerian ship owners said that they don’t have resources to pay. BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports.

Ship owners doubt proposed seafarers’ new minimum wages

y next month, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) will complete negotiating the latest Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), setting out the new wage scales and conditions of employment for seafarers serving on board ships worldwide. Seafarers’ minimum wage The JMC’s sub-committee is considering $592 from January 1, 2015 and $614 from January 1, 2016. If approval is granted, the least paid employee, catering boy, will smile home with at least $1,250 while master will go home with over $6,000. The commission is the bipartite body of ship owners and seafarers established by ILO. Also, the seamen will enjoy at least 103 hours guaranteed overtime to be paid monthly to each seafarer. Already, global maritime employer representatives, coordinated by the International Shipping Federation (ISF), had met with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) counterparts to review the ILO recommended minimum wage for the able seafarer. Aim One of the main aims of the minimum basic wage is to provide an international safety net for the protection of decent work for seafarers. Although, an ILO report had suggested that the minimum wage should be increased to $710 a month to maintain purchasing power, but ship owners refused to consider such a large increase in the current economic climate. It is based on the provisions of the ILO Seafarers’ Wages, Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Recommendation, 1996 (No. 187) which recommends that the basic pay for a calendar month of service for an able seaman should be no less than the amount periodically set by the Joint Maritime Commission. The minimum basic wage is to provide an international safety net for the protection of, and to contribute to, decent

MV Kota Nabil Singapore moored to discharge containers at the Lagos port

work for seafarers. Challenges Miffed by the development, the Chairman of Nigerian Ship owners Association (NISA), Chief Isaac Jolapamo, said that the local ship owners cannot pay the seafarers due to lack of jobs. He noted: “Some seafarers are disgruntled because we cannot pay them. If I keep the crew on the ship, I must feed them; but how would they feed their family when we are not getting jobs from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation?” Jolapamo explained that it was not easy to maintain crew when a ship is not generating money. “In my 27 years in this business, I have had more than 18 ships. At a stage, it was not economical to run them and I sell, but I am saying that as at 10 years ago I had 10 vessels, but in the last four years I have purchased four vessels with over US$40 million, and I have not been able to pay a dime to the bank where I source the fund,” he said. Also, the former President of Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Mr Adewale Ishola, is not happy with the new salary structure for seafarers. He said that it would be difficult for ship owners in the country to pay the huge amount because business is not lucrative for them at present. He explained: “They can pay the money if the business is there for them. Some of their ships are idle, doing nothing on the water. They maintain these vessels.

A cross section of Nigerian seafarers

“We are still growing; the local ship owners have not reached that level to pay the money. Jolapamo added that the good thing was that Nigeria seafarers were recognised in foreign countries. For example, the maritime coast guard in United Kingdom recognises the certificate issued by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). He said: “Our maritime institution is only churning out half-trained seafarers who need to do their sea-time in order to become qualified for international recognition. We do not have ships for the cadets to go for sea-time experience and this shortage of ships is affecting the quality of seafarers that we produce.” Echoing him, the Secretary General of Nigerian Shipowners’ Association (NISA) said: “We are owing salaries, some close to nine months. That is the plight of Nigerian ship owners. “There is nothing in me that

will tell you that I own ships but I do and I am proud to say this because I did not steal the money. I bought the ships, but that does not go for only me but for many of us like that too.” Wages and ILO convention Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), Giles Heimann, is not willing to

reveal how far negotiations have gone, saying that it was too early to speculate about the final outcome. He said: “We believe the decision taken is an appropriate one that gives ship owners adequate notice to be prepared for the impact of agreed changes going forward to 2016.” The mechanism for setting the minimum monthly wage for able seafarers is the only one in the ILO for setting the basic wage for any industry. The minimum monthly basic wage figure for able seafarers has most recently been included in the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). The convention, known as the “seafarers’ bill of rights,” entered into force on August 20, 2013, and has been ratified by Nigeria and 55 ILO member states, representing over 80 per cent of world shipping tonnage. The Joint Maritime Commission is the only permanent bipartite standing body of the ILO. It dates back to 1920, and is composed of ship-owner and seafarer representatives from across the globe.

Ships expected this week at the Lagos port Terminal

Ship

GDNL ABTL ABTL ENL APMT APMT ENL APMT APMT Fair Way

Jida Ling Corvus Desert Eagle Forline 1 China Star Tiger Aelos City of G Kota Gendang Sea Progress

Tonnage Lagos port 75units 44,743tons 58,024tons 4,020 tons 270 units 800 units 25,000tons 800 units 570units 5,000tons

cargo Semi trailer Bulk wheat Bulk wheat Fish Containers Containers Rice Rice Containers DPK

38 BUSINESS | MARITIME

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Fraudsters in shipping, maritime worry insurance firm

he mutual marine insurance company, Skuld, has raised the alarm over the spate of fraud in shipping and maritime. In its report, the company identified the types of fraud in the maritime industry as including bunkering frauds,

cargo and document frauds, chartering frauds and port related frauds. The company also said that blackmail fraud, cyber fraud, fake job advertisement and information phishing were common. It said that information

Robbers invade Port Harcourt Anchorage Bayo Akomolafe wo robbers have invaded a ship at the Port Harcourt TAnchorage and stole mooring

ropes. It was learnt that they boarded an anchored tanker, took two crew members hostage and threatened them with knives. A report by the International Maritime Bureau said that the robbers later released the crew after stealing mooring ropes.

It said: “Upon release, the crew raised the alarm and all crew mustered on the bridge. While mustered on the bridge, the master and crew smelled cargo gas and noticed a small craft alongside the vessel near the forward stealing cargo. “Nigerian Navy was contacted and ships in the vicinity warned on VHF Ch 16. The Navy responded by sending a small speed boat, which circled the vessel and then left. All crew safe.”

phishing was identified as one of the main ploys used by fraudsters targeting the industry. In a report highlighting fraud in shipping and maritime, Skuld, said that one of the key elements to fraud was information. It also said that fraudsters would seek to phish information from various sources. The firm noted that in some ports, criminals actively target shipping agents as sources of information. “This is because criminals are increasingly turning to new methods such as computer hacking, and ports are

adopting new technologies that in the worst case can enable new types of fraud. “As ship owners are under pressure to win new business, many have disregarded due diligence when dealing with new business partners. As both the greater reliance on IT and electronic trading platforms and documents increases, so does the need to stay ahead of the game played by the fraudsters,” the report said. The company warned that scams could put vessels at great risk, ranging from attempted monetary fraud to the risk of attack, theft and hijacking of vessels and crew.

The report pointed out that maritime fraud had become more common in recent years. It warns, for instance, that an attempt to make a fraudulent insurance claim can allow the insurer to deny the claim while at the same time expose the claimant to the risk of being prosecuted in the criminal courts for attempt to defraud the insurer. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has also investigated many maritime fraud cases, ranging from bills of lading and documentation forgery to spurious oil fraud claims and charter party fraud.

Boat operators seek removal of wrecks, identify 30 spots he Association of Tourist (NIWA) in Lagos that transTTransport Boat Operators and Water port operation on inland waof Nigeria (AT- ters would henceforth be from BOWATON) have called for the immediate removal of wrecks which is impeding safe navigation on Lagos waterways. It said that about 30 spots have been identified in Lagos with danger floating signs. President of the association, Ganiyu Balogun, during the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Safety and Awareness Campaign at the NIWA Lagos Area Office said that debris such as nylon sheets and waterweeds also constituted great danger to the operations of his members. He urged NIWA to provide daily patrol and rescue boats to cover the six waterways divisions in Lagos and other riverine communities in Nigeria. The association appealed to residents of Lagos State to desist from dumping waste into the waterways and urged government to find permanent solutions to the recurrent waterweeds insurgence on the nation’s waterways. Balogun added: “The patrol team would regulate over speeding and non-compliance with safety rules. Our association has also set up taskforce for safety and rescue patrol on Lagos waterways. We therefore solicit the support of Marine Police, NIWA Police, Lagos State Security Trust Fund and other well-meaning Nigerians to assist us with fuel and other logistics.” Also, following the directives given to both commuters and operators by the National Inland Waterways Authority

6am to 6pm, the association has faulted the agency’s decision. It said that majority of the passengers live in smaller islands off the inland waters of the state. The body however advised the agency to put security guards in place to monitor night navigation for safety purposes. Balogun noted: “We live on the other side of the water and there is no means of transportation for them without boats, so this means that those of them who do not close from work by 6.00pm will suffer.” He called on relevant authorities to rather provide lights for easy navigation at night, stressing that night navigation by the operators and passengers cannot be eradicated. Balogun stressed that navigational lights within the waters will reduce mishaps, adding that marking of the waters will aid safe night navigation. He appealed to government to provide the marine police with patrol boats for effective and constant policing of the waters. The president said: “We are calling on government to put in marine police to monitor the activities of operators; they should ensure that operators do not speed, mostly at night. Balogun also added that the Lagos waters are safe and free from sea robbers and pirates, adding that there is constant policing of the inland waters by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

L-R: General Manager, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Malam Mohammed Bulangu; Assistant Inspector General, Maritime Command, Mamman Sule; NPA Managing Director, Habib Abdullahi; Commissioner for Police, Ports Authority Police Command, Western, Cornelius K. Aderanti; NPA General Manager, Security, Col. Jamil Tahir (rtd) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Admin), Salem Amachere, during the visit to NPA headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

Nigeria, others lack commitment to protect oceans –GOC

lobal Ocean Commission (GOC) has said that Nigeria and some African countries lack commitment to protect the oceans. Chairman of the commission, Trevor Manuel, during the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s annual meetings in Kigali, Rwanda, said that negligence by these countries has led to overfishing in many waters that are under African jurisdiction. He noted: “You can find it everywhere - in Gabon, South Africa, Nigeria and many other countries. This is an issue that all countries have to rise up to. “I know that many decisions are delayed by bureaucratic tendencies, but my hope is that the plight of Africa’s water bodies gets the awareness they deserve.” Also, the former Director General of WTO, Pascal Lamy, said that due to poverty, many African countries trade away large portions of their ocean

territories to developed nations. He explained that most of these developed nations use advanced technology to fish, which makes it possible to exploit water resources to irreversible levels. The President of AfDB, Donald Kaberuka, challenged African countries to stop selling fishing rights to developed countries. He said: “If you look at the money they get from fishing in African waters, it is more than the money they send to Africa through development aid. This is a case of the rich versus the poor. They take advantage of some weaknesses in our continental institutions to exploit our water resources. Therefore, as leaders, we must take action.” Manuel urged African governments to show more commitment to the conservation of their water resources in order to protect and preserve

their contribution to future generations. He called on African leaders to adopt realistic approaches against destructive activities such as overfishing and pollution, which have had an adverse effect on the water resources in and around the continent. “Reversing the degradation of oceans is key to the sustainable development of Africa, yet, it is one aspect that is overlooked. As Africans, we must realise that many people depend on water bodies for their daily survival, and we cannot talk of sustainable development unless we tackle these issues,” Manuel said. He added that although oceans cover almost three quarters of the earth’s surface, there is currently no official system to provide an international view of how badly they have been affected, or a general set of rules to govern their exploitation.

BUSINESS | MARITIME

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Nigeria yet to ratify wreck removal convention A convention that will force ship owners to provide insurance and other financial security to cover the costs of wreck removal will become effective in April 2015. It is the International Wreck Removal Convention, which will provide countries with a right of direct action against insurers. But Nigeria and some maritime countries are yet to ratify it despite the huge number of wreck impeding ship navigation on her waters, BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports.

he United Nations (UN) has estimated that there were more than three million shipwrecks on the ocean floor globally. Nigeria is one of the major ship harbours having wrecks in it seabed. The Lloyd’s of London has said in a new report that the cost of dealing with shipwrecks is rising as ships grow in size. In its report, Lloyd said that the total cost of the top 20 most expensive wreck removals in the past decade was $2.1 billion. The report shows how increasing vessel sizes and growing cargo volumes are driving up wreck removal costs. Stakeholders’ awareness Ship-owners, insurers and contractors have acknowledged that the cost of such operations had dramatically increased in recent years having realised that over 1,000 serious shipping casualties occurred globally every year. However, a convention that will provide the first set of uniform international rules aimed at ensuring prompt and effective removal of wrecks located beyond a country’s territorial sea is to be enforced by all maritime nations. The International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks was adopted at a five-day international conference of the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), Kenya, in 2007. It was learnt that only 10 countries have deposited the instrument of ratification. Denmark just deposited an instrument of ratification last month with the International Maritime Organi.ation (IMO). The country became the 10th to ratify the convention, thereby triggering its entry into force by April, next year. Ship owners’ liability According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the Nairobi conven-

tion would make ship owners financially liable and require them to take out insurance or provide other financial security to cover the costs of wreck removal. It will also provide countries with a right of direct action against insurers. The convention will provide a sound legal basis for countries to remove or have removed, shipwrecks that may have the potential to affect adversely the safety of lives, goods and property at sea, as well as the marine and coastal environment. Articles in the convention cover: reporting and locating ships and wrecks covering the reporting of casualties to the nearest coastal state; warnings to mariners and coastal states about the wreck; and action by the coastal state to locate the ship or wreck; criteria for determining the hazard posed by wrecks, including depth of water above the wreck, proximity of shipping routes, traffic density and frequency, type of traffic and vulnerability of port facilities. Marine causalities Although, the incidence of marine casualties has decreased in recent years, mainly thanks to the work of IMO and the persistent efforts of governments and industry to enhance safety in shipping operations, the number of abandoned wrecks has reportedly increased, especially in Nigeria where ships and derelicts are abandoned with impunity. Last year, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, said that government had removed 62 critical wrecks from Lagos waterways in order to accommodate bigger vessels. Umar said that it took 24 months to remove the wrecks, while 19 more wrecks had been identified for removal from the Lagos channel. NIMASA and NPA According to Umar, “the

• Abandonned wreck on Lagos channel, Apapa

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is embarking on a general wrecks removal exercise to cover a greater part of the maritime domain. “This will be done under a ‘No Cure No Pay’ model involving the private sector,” he said. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) are the two agencies statutorily empowered to remove wrecks. NPA is legally required to remove wrecks within the channels area as stipulated in both NIMASA and NPA laws. After removing the wrecks by NPA, it would revert to NIMASA to receive the wrecks. It was learnt that NPA can only remove the ones that are directly blocking the channels of navigation. Lagos channel It was learnt that some vessels awaiting repairs liters the Lagos waterways and navigation channels, posing economic, environment and security challenges to Lagos State and the country. A marine engineer and former Government Inspector of Shipping, Mr. Olu Akinsoji, said that there are some

Removal of shipwrecks and abandoned vessels is not a small task and it will cost nothing less than N25 billion

wrecks littering the Lagos coastline alone. The master mariner links the figure to indiscipline, poor administration and lack of commitment to international obligations. Akinsoji, who was a former rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, explained that Lagos State was vulnerable to shipwrecks, saying that its coastline is situated west of the entrance of the ports. He also listed the implication of abandoned shipwrecks to include navigational problems between communities and other states; erosion, diversion of water flow and community displacement; toxic and other dangerous emissions into waterways; recession of coastlines; possible loss of land between the Atlantic coast and the lagoon and creeks; hide-outs and launch platforms for migrants and pirates; as well as diversion of cargo from the country’s waterways. A report by Lagos State government revealed that there are about 200 shipwrecks and abandoned vessels currently lying on the Lagos coastline including lagoons, and N25 billion is required to remove them. The state’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru, said that the wrecks were haven to miscreants and hideouts for their activities. “Removal of shipwrecks and abandoned vessels is not a small task and it will cost nothing less than N25 billion to effectively remove them,” he said. Oniru argued that it was not the responsibility of the

state government to cough out the required amount, saying that efforts to get the Federal Government to support in the protection of coastlines had yielded little result. The commissioner said that the state government was currently working on a law aimed at finding and prosecuting owners of abandoned vessels on its coastline. Four years ago, the Federal Government gave NPA an approval to remove 31 critical wrecks posing problems to navigation in the Lagos waters. NPA contracted the project to the Lagos Channel Management (LCM), its subsidiary. There are over 100 abandoned vessels and ship wrecks on the Lagos coastline and channel at Ilashe, Mile2, Ojo, Marina, Alpha Beach, Lekki, Eleko, Apapa, Liverpool, Tin-Can, Ilado, Oko-Afa, Badagry and several other communities along the Lekki coast. About N10.5 billion was sought to clear the waterways. It is, however, not peculiar to Lagos as it has become a common phenomenon in Warri, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Bonny and Onne. Challenges of wrecks Abandoned vessels are haven for pirates and miscreants who attack legitimate vessel operators and fishing trawlers along the Lagos water channel. This has threatened maritime trade and investment worth several billions of dollars. Trawler operators claimed that they lost about N25 billion to piracy and sea robberies in 2011. Director-General of the agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, explained that bureaucracy was one of the greatest challenges facing the agency.

40 POLITICS CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

can’t be stagnant. We must grow it. If we compare ourselves with the old democracies; England, the US, and even India, we must try to imbibe what they do. The recent election in India, we all know the outcome. That is how it should be. Since you declared your governorship ambition, you must have been consulting with political leaders in the state. Have you consulted with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and what did he tell you? Yes, I’ve consulted with him. There’s no way you would want to run for governorship, or any serious political office and you don’t meet your leaders. I met him and he said, ‘well, you can go ahead with your ambition; at the right time we will roll out the party programmes and so on, but right now we are busy putting up the party structures.’ We agreed that putting up party structures will not stop me from meeting people, going ahead with my plans. That is it. Have you met him since Oba Akiolu’s endorsement of Ambode? No, because he (Tinubu) came out to say the party had not endorsed anybody. That was an open statement. The party itself came out to say, ‘no, we’ve not endorsed anybody. So, whatever Kabiyesi said was his personal opinion. So, I saw no need meeting him again on the same issue. I would take whatever he said openly. He has been the leader of the movement; from Alliance for Democracy (AD) to Action Congress (AC) to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and so on. He knows what is right to do and what is not right to do. Even if, and when, he has a preference, he cannot now say he has a preference. He cannot say that. I trust he would not say that. The issues of religion and zoning may shape the Lagos governorship. What is your take on these factors being played up in Lagos politics ahead 2015? I always try not to discuss religion because people can be very emotional about it and, given what is also going on in the country, it is a very sensitive issue. In the South-West, we don’t discuss religion when it comes to governance. This is the very first time some people are bringing it up. And I can tell you that they are bringing it up because of their selfish interests. I don’t want to go further, but look at the average family here, you have the Muslims, you have the Christians. I have a cousin who is a reverend; my sister is a deaconess; go to Methodist Church, Palm Avenue, Lagos that is the church my grandparents attended. That is where they had their burial. So, how will I do anything against a Christian community, for instance? It has never been an issue. Some people have come out to say governance is not about religion. Religion will not put food on your table. You would have to look at people you believe have integrity, who have what it takes to govern. And I will not also want to go into comparison, as some people would want to do. The moment they succeed in bringing this, and somebody comes on board, and the only credential he’s waving is ‘I am a Christian,’ or ‘I am a Muslim,’ his loyalty, whether we like it or not, will go to that group, first and foremost. And it will now exert a big influence on his policies, on his roles, on anything he does, because he would now think he’s obliged to that community. That is about religion. Like I said, it is very very sensitive; people can be very emotional about it. Now, about zoning. Again, in the history of Lagos – I challenge anybody to prove me wrong – this would be the first time that anybody would sit down and say ‘we’re zoning to this particular area’. And they made a mistake of it. Those people that were doing it made a mistake of saying they were zoning to a particular town. You can only zone to a senatorial district, because that particular town does not constitute the

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Oba of Lagos’ endorsement can’t deter my ambition –Solomon whole district. And when eventually they said, ‘Ok, Epe.’ It’s part of the East. We have some other towns, some other divisions, as part of the East. The other divisions rose up and said, ‘no, it’s our turn, because Epe has done it before.’ These are things that are avoidable, if we ourselves had not inadvertently brought it up. Zoning had never been an issue in Lagos politics; people would think it may go this way or that, but it had never been the position of a political party. Our party has no provision for zoning in its constitution. In 1998/99 Lagos governorship, of all the aspirants only Bola Tinubu was from the West while others – Funso Williams, Tawa Williams, Dapo DurotimiEtti, and Wahab Dosumu were from the Central. Anybody would have concluded that it was zoned to the Central. And because there were primaries, Tinubu won regardless of the fact that all other aspirants were from the Central because a level playing field was there. However, in my own case, if they think that would be a deterrent, no. I also have a roof in the East. You said you’re also from the East, where? Ikorodu. How? My dad is from Ipakodo. You go to the palace, they will tell you. They will tell you also his role in upgrading the Obaship. My mum is from Ituwolo, and my maternal grandmum is from Ibeshe. So, whatever way you want to push it, I am there. They can’t talk of zoning as a way of stopping anybody. It is also not a provision of the party, which means anybody, even from the Central, can run. It is the party members that would say, ‘no, we prefer this person.’ I have given you an example of Bola Tinubu beating all other aspirants from the Central. So, whosoever comes from the Central, from the West, is also free. That is my own opinion. It depends on who the individual is. You go ahead, just leave party members to their thing, that again would promote democracy. It would make the candidates to talk to people across the other senatorial districts. You don’t just fold your arms and say because somebody has zoned it to your area that is the end. You also need the other districts. At the end of the day, you’re not going to be governor of Lagos East only; you’re supposed to be the governor of Lagos State. What are your chances of getting the APC ticket? In all modesty and humility, I stand a good chance of clinching the party ticket in a transparent, free, and fair primary election. I have gone through this route before, and I know what it requires, I know what it takes. And I have also said that it would be foolhardy of anybody to join a political race without doing self-assessment. In Lagos State, anybody from our party throwing his hat in the ring in 2011 would have been foolish, because there was no way he would have defeated the incumbent. In the same way, I think I have done my own assessment, and with respect to members of my party, I know their thinking, I know where they are leaning towards. And I know that they are agitating very strongly that this time around they should be allowed to indicate their preference. With that in place, I stand more than a good chance of clinching the ticket, and finally by the grace of God. Have you also talked to Governor Babtunde

Solomon

act accordingly.

Tinubu won... because a level playing field was there. However, in my own case, if they think that (zoning) would be a deterrent, no. I also have a roof in the East Fashola about your ambition? I said any serious contender will do a far and wide consultation with the leadership of the party. Fashola is a leader of the party, both at the national and state levels. Definitely, he’s one of those I’ve consulted. What would you do if there was a free and fair primary election and you did not win? A free and fair primary election? Oh, I will queue behind whoever wins. If there was none, we will leave that to that time. We will act accordingly. It is settled what you will do if you win the primaries. There are speculations that you would move out of the APC if you lose in a flawed primary election. Even with the first one, it is not settled. It is the beginning of a greater work, because we still need to sell our party to the general populace, which is much more important, and that is why I will not engage in a bitter fight within the party because at the end of the day we still need to come together to fight a greater ‘devil’. The second option, where there’s a close margin, where there is free, fair transparent primary election, the people would have spoken and there is nothing you can do, it becomes our party issue. You rally round whoever emerges, and try to work out things together. As for the last scenario, where some people think they can outsmart the others, we will

You’re so passionate about governance, what is driving that passion? If you find yourself in a vocation, in a trade, in a calling, you want to move ahead, you want to make an impact, you want to get to the top of that calling. I started as local government chairman even though my first election was House of Assembly. But even as a local government chairman, I realised how easy you could impact on your community at the executive level. Moreso when you have access to them, they have access to you, you relate with them, you can solve most of their problems. I know what the problems of the majority or the average Lagosian are, and the solutions to them are very simple; you don’t even need to go to Harvard or Cambridge, just relate with them, and you have the civil service behind you, you would go places and solve the problems. Then you would create a legacy even successive governments cannot change. Because if a policy is good, if a programme is good, nobody changes it; they just pass it on and on. So, that is my drive; that is my passion. I believe I can serve, I believe I have what it takes to govern Lagos; not just to govern so that they call me ‘His Excellency’. It’s not about ‘His Excellency’; it is about impacting on the lives of the people. At this point in time it is the uppermost thing that should be on the mind of anybody. Look, this is 2014. In 1959 when Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, when they mounted the rostrum, they would say ‘we will give electricity, we will give you road,’ they would clap. We should move beyond that now. They would say, ‘we will give you education, and it would liberate you from ignorance.’ We don’t say that in 2014, we have moved beyond that. We should impact positively on people’s lives, we should develop them. You cannot reduce such investment on people to Naira and Kobo; it is invaluable. So, that, to me, is governance.

POLITICS 41

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

LG poll: PDP kicks as APC savours victory MUHAMMAD KABIR reports on the controversies trailing the outcome of the May 17 local government election in Kano State

he Saturday May 17 local government election in Kano State has come and gone but the poll has raised dust over its credibility. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is savouring victory over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for winning 44 council chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats in the state. Not satisfied with the outcome of the election, the opposition PDP is threatening to proceed to court to seek legal redress should the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) fail to cancel the election. The PDP is demanding for cancellation of the election on the ground that it was marred by irregularities: excessive rigging and ballot boxes snatchings. Prior to the election, there were lots of attacks and counter-attacks from different groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil societies because of the inability of Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwanso, to conduct a council election after three years in office thereby denying the people democratically-elected government to run the affairs of the 44 local government areas of the state. Kwankwaso had attributed the delay to lack of peace in the state in the last three years. He insisted that there was no peaceful atmosphere to guarantee the conduct of the council poll. His critics even said the governor was afraid of conducting any election because of the impending loss by his party. But to prove his critics wrong, the governor constituted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) and appointed a university lecturer, Dr. Sani Lawan to steer the affairs of the commission. Although doing that did not totally douse the critics’ consistent attacks on his government. The opposition kicked against the state electoral commission, alleging that the composition of KANSIEC was highly lopsided on account that virtually all the commission members were Education Secretaries of local governments who were picked by the governor himself. And after series of change of dates, the commission slated May 17 as the final date of the election. On election day, there were some records of logistic problems in some areas while some places got election materials and started voting as scheduled, voting did not take place in some other areas as at noon. There were also records of violence and snatching of ballot boxes in many areas during the election. At Gama Ward of Nassarawa Local Government Area of the state, a television reporter escaped being lynched by people alleged to be APC supporters, who the reporter said hid ballot boxes and refused to allow voters to cast their votes. Her words: “By the time I arrived the scene, we saw some groups of about 16 people who were sitting reluctantly and they were wearing APC shirts and they were having the ballot boxes with them. So, we approached them with my cameraman and asked them what they were doing and that was how they stumbled on me and started shouting on me, even trying to hit me. In the end, our bus was vandalised and the back windscreen smashed.”

Kwankwaso

Similarly at Kura, Garun Mallam, Kunchi, Tsanyawa and Kano Municipal there were violence. The PDP alleged that there were no elections in those places, yet the commission went ahead and announced the results. Despite the controversy surrounding the credibility of the election, KANSIEC declared that APC won the entire 44 council chairmanship seats and 484 councillorship seats in the state, as officially declared by the returning officers at various levels. KANSIEC chairman, Lawal, stated that the commission has discharged its constitutional responsibilities of organising, supervising and conducting the local government polls. However, to the PDP, the election is nothing but a sham which should not be allowed to stand. Addressing a press conference on the council election, former governor of Kano State and the leader of the PDP in the state, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, rejected and condemned the election in all the 44 local government areas of the state. According to Shekarau, the party noticed no evidence of any effort by KANSIEC to provide adequate materials and officials to conduct such elections, which resulted in the inability of the PDP voters to cast their votes. He also noted that the PDP has evidence where ballot boxes were supposedly provided, they were short of the number provided for the polling units which made it impossible to accommodate voters, alleging that no voters’ register was provided to guide the conduct of the election across the state. “It has become obvious that in several local government areas, no elections were held as materials and or election officials were not made available,” he said. The former governor also alleged police involvement in disenfranchising the voters as report available to him revealed that a particular DPO of Kwalli Police Division in Municipal Kano kept the election materials of a particular polling unit at the police division until the closing hour of the election. Shekarau pointed out that during his eight years in office, he organised two different local government elections which in all allowed opposition to participate and even won some places. The former governor noted that when he came on board in 2003, he in-

Shekarau

herited Kwankawso appointed management at the state electoral commission, “but we allowed them to stay on despite criticisms against that. We did not remove them and they were the ones who conducted that elections.” Similarly in 2007, Sheakaru noted that after the conduct of that year’s local council elections, PDP won so many local government areas and, “we went to court, some were won back and some were left with the PDP. So, you can see how prudent we are.” Also, Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri accused the APC of writing election results in Government house and hotels. Bagobiri said: “The APC-led government rigged the council elections. Their agents in collusion with the electoral body went to hotels and Government House to write the results of the local government elections. I can confidently tell you that there was no voting in 99 per cent area of Kano State on May 17. “On the day of the election, election did not start anywhere by 10a.m. as stipulated. In all the 44 local governments, nowhere one saw the arrival of election materials, even where they took the ballot papers it was late at about 1p.m. And even at that, the ballot boxes that we saw were filled with thump printed ballot papers. After spending an hour, they took them away and claimed that there were elections. The report of the security agents, civil societies clearly show that there was no election. In essence, the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not win any election; they only declared themselves winners.” While Shekarau and PDP feel dissatisfied about the election, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) in a communiqué jointly signed by its

Their agents, in collusion with the electoral body, went to hotels and Government House to write the results of the local government elections

National Chairman, Hon. Justice A.F Adeyinka and National Secretary, Dr. Hannatu Usman Biniyat, which was made available to newsmen, said the election which they observed was generally orderly and above all peaceful. The statement stated that the delegates observed that three political parties participated in the elections in the areas visited namely APC, Labour Party and PDP. It further said that the delegates observed timely and adequate supply of materials to all the polling units in the areas visited. FOSIECON stated that there was impressive turnout of voters in all the areas visited and the restriction of vehicular movement was strictly observed in all the areas monitored. Responding to the allegations raised by the PDP on credibility of the council election, Kano State chapter chairman of APC, Haruna Umar Doguwa, said PDP allegation is baseless. He told New Telegraph that the victory of his party at the local government poll was overwhelming and well-deserved one. His words: “They should accept defeat because they are not on ground in Kano. We won the election fair and square. No rigging. You only rig when you are not popular. But in our own case, the APC is on ground in Kano, our government has performed creditably whereas the reverse is the case for them. So, there was no rigging at all during the local government election. The outcome of the election is the reflection of the wishes of Kano people. “If this election has been fraudulent, Kano people would have demonstrated. Have you heard any demonstration in Kano? So, it means the election was so transparent. The outcome of the election has shown that it is a popularity test for the parties and it shows that APC is more popular and accepted in Kano than the PDP. “The allegation of irregularities in the election is baseless. Let them provide the evidence to contradict the transparent manner in which we conducted the May 17 local government election.” Whatever it is, the local government election has raised dust in Kano with the APC winning all available seats. In the days ahead, the threat of the PDP seeking redress in court will manifest. But for now, APC is savouring victory.

42 POLITICS OKON OKORIE, a public affairs commentator, writes on the contentious zoning of governorship in Akwa Ibom State ahead of 2015 elections

overnor Godswill Obot Akpabio, have you seen what you have done? You introduced a panache into governance and proved to all and sundry that “Government can work.” You became a shining light in good governance. In the course of your meritorious services and transformational governance you garnered awards, honours and accolades and became a living legend. Now, in the twilight of your tenure in governance, a mixed multitude of the good, the bad and the ugly are scrambling to be the next governor of the transformed Akwa Ibom State. They all seem to forget that it is not the hood that makes the monk. Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio have you seen how your success has driven some Akwa Ibom people mad? The thieves in our midst are salivating at the thought of having their itchy hands on the state’s money - which you used to transform the state. This axis of evil wants to use the money to transform their lives. They think that you were not wise to do so many projects instead of sharing the money - and letting the state continue to suffer. They are on a vengeful frenzy to seize power at all costs – even if it means breaking extant agreements on zoning and destroying the peace and unity of the state. They are out on the prowl, like lions seeking for what to devour. Governor Akpabio, what are we going to do now? Long before you came into office, Akwa Ibom people agreed that the governorship of the state should rotate among the three senatorial districts. This was a sacred writ entered into in several fora. After the decision, the gong clanked and pendulum swung and the state followed. In 1999, it was agreed that the late Chief Akpan Isemin did not complete his tenure because of the Abacha coup. The Akwa Ibom stakeholders, therefore, decided that Uyo Senatorial District, which Akpan Isemin came from, should complete its session in power and the field was cleared for that. Arch (Obong) Victor Attah emerged and in line with extant agreements, he was elected. That a spattering of candidates emerged from other senatorial districts did not stop the fact that the position had been zoned and the people knew which way the pendulum swung. Actually those from other senatorial districts usually grandstand to put themselves in pole positions to be considered for deputy governor or ministerial positions. While Attah was in office, the state again agreed at different fora, particularly at a 2003 meeting in Ibom Hall that the governorship should be zoned to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in 2007. The die was cast and the pendulum swung. At the end of the day, over 90 per cent of those who contested in the primary election of that year were from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. About 10 per cent of the collateral contestants who were ostentatiously in search of deputy governorship of the state came from other senatorial districts. In the hot race, which featured 57 aspirants, Akpabio emerged victorious. Incidentally, it was agreed in 2003 and in 2007 that after Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the governorship should go to Eket Senatorial District, which has not produced a governor since the creation of Akwa Ibom State some 26 years ago. When that decision was made, and the thinking seemed to favour Oro ethnic group producing the next governor, some selfish persons in Uyo Senatorial District huffed that the “Ibibio’s cannot wait for power for 16 years.”

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Akwa Ibom: Politics of governorship zoning

Akpabio

Then the former deputy governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, being an Ibibio person responded to this cry and joined the fray. This opened up a contest between him and the former Secretary to the State Government, Obong Umana Okon Umana. Ekere is from Eket Senatorial District and he is an Ibibio man. One would have expected the same people to say thank God an Ibibio man from Eket Senatorial District is now running for the office. Instead they changed the narrative, “Power must return to the centre before it goes anywhere.” That is the puzzle inside an enigma in Akwa Ibom politics – when you understand the game they change the rules. By the centre, they meant Uyo Senatorial District. But to beef up their argument, they added a twist that the Ibibios are the first born in the Akwa Ibom family, the Annangs the second born and the Orons the third born. Such thinking seems to categorize indigenes into first class, second class and third class citizens. Now they are claiming that power should rotate between these three and when it is the turn of the Ibibio, any Ibibio person can contest – what a ridicu-

Attah

Most Akwa Ibom politicians are professional politicians, which is very dangerous. They always think of the next election – not the next generation lous of an argument! Even more unjustly, it completely excludes the Ekid, Andoni and Ibeno ethnic groups in the Akwa Ibom story – they may as well park their bags and head back to where ever they came from. Akwa Ibom is the Bible belt of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom people know that God did not give the tribe of Reuben any special privilege simply because it descended from the first son of Israel. As a matter of fact, God maintained that the mantle of leadership would belong to

Judah. So how does this first son, second son and third son narrative add up in a democracy, where equality is the basic socio-political denominator? At Oron, Governor Akpabio stated in the town hall meeting there that all Akwa Ibom people are equal before God, equal in status and equal in being stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project. He maintained that the narrative of first son, second son and third son should be consigned to the dustbin of history and all Akwa Ibom people should see themselves as children of one God descended from one stock. But most Akwa Ibom politicians are professional politicians, which is very dangerous. They always think of the next election – not the next generation. When Akpabio emerged as the governor of Akwa Ibom State, he wrested power from a coterie of political hasbeens who operated as the “Board of Directors” of Akwa Ibom State. They are the anti-zoning ensembles. Now the “Board of Directors” is fighting to reclaim the soul of the state from the people. It is up to the people to rise up and fight for their souls and posterity. The time is now.

APC, PDP not at war, says Oshiomhole G overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were not at war. Oshiomhole, who said this in Benin during the state congress of the APC, said the two political parties only differed on ideas about how to move the nation forward. The governor said that in spite of the differences in ideologies, the two parties were united in making the nation better. Oshiomhole said that he was a thorough democrat, who understood the principle of multi-party democracy. “APC is not at war with the PDP. APC recognises the legitimacy of the PDP. We are only here to contest the basis and ideas but we are all united

in sharing the commitment to build a great nation. “We may not agree on the best way to do it, which is why we are building an alternative party,” the governor said. He said the APC as a party was poised to change the usual ways politicians do things to an unusual way. Oshiomhole, however, said those who were not prepared for the change would not be tied down. He said the imminent change is that politicians must put the interest of the people first. According to him, the party is poised to change the way of politicking in Nigeria. “We want to change to a position where only those who are truly elected by the people shall have the opportunity to govern. In all, we are changing

the usual way of doing politics to an unusual way where the people and only the people reign supreme.” The governor said this was the reason behind the recent movement of those who could not adapt to the changes in the party in Edo. “They asked me to unilaterally make them the next governor of Edo and I said no. Some said I should make them party chairmen because they have been chairmen before. Some said they wanted to be women leader even when the women do not recognise them. “Those who insisted that they must move if they can’t get what they want, we have assisted them to move on,” he said. Mr. Anselm Ojezua from Edo Central Senatorial District emerged the party chairman at the congress.

POLITICS 43

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Nigeria’s life expectancy is ranked 45 years. It is therefore, the plan of the college to increase the life expectancy rate from the present 45 years to 70 years or more by enhanced quality and optional health care services that incorporate Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Ikisikpo

Help for Complementary and Alternative Medicine The quest for an advanced form of alternative medicine to enhance the well-being of Nigerians has spurred Senator Clever Ikisikpo to present a bill before the Senate, writes CHUKWU DAVID

BILL OF

WEEK

THE

he bill of the week is an act Establishing the College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Nigeria. The bill was sponsored by Clever Ikisikpo, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Bayelsa East. He is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties. The bill, which received the support of all the senators, who contributed to the debate passed for second reading and was committed to the Senate Committee on Health for further legislative action. The committee was mandated to report back to the Senate within one month. In his explanatory note attached to the lead debate, Senator Ikisikpo stated that, if passed into law, a take-off grant of N3.9 billion would cover consultancy, capital costs, personnel emoluments, and cost of specialized training for staff, among others. It was therefore stipulated as the cost implication of the bill. Presenting the lead debate on the floor of the Senate, the legislator pointed out that the bill sought to provide constitutional framework for more effective operations of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, created as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Health in 2007. He explained that providing legislative backing for the college would ultimately complement Federal Government’s efforts at encouraging alternative medicine practice which had already been embraced by medical practitioners in most European, Asian and African countries. The college, he said, was saddled with the responsibility of training and retraining alternative medicine practitioners in the health care delivery services. He also explained that the institution will carry out clinical and research as well as provide an alternative method of treating ailments. He said: “Complimentary and Alternative Medicine is the branch of medicine which philosophy is grounded in the enhancement of the body’s own healing power through the use of natural means.” Ikisikpo observed that since its establishment in 2007, the college had done research into various remedies that could cure major diseases like cancer, cholera, VVF as well as advanced management and cure of HIV/AIDS. He, however, regretted that the college had been producing remedies for ailments over the years without the proper legislative framework necessary for its development and progress. The legislator assured Nigerians that the institution was capable of increasing life expectancy in Nigeria from 45 to 75 years based on the quality and effective

Mark

healthcare services it was capable of providing. He further assured that the legislative backing would enable the institution to give a proper structure to the required formal training ground for the extremely vital medical input in the country. Part of his leads debate reads: “The Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Health came into being in 2007 as a result of collective efforts in trying to ensure that Complementary and Alternative Medicine which has become a part and parcel of health care delivery in Asian countries, Europe and America is also recognised in Nigeria. “It is saddled with the responsibility of training and retraining complementary and alternative medicine practitioners in the health care delivery services of the country as well as clinical and research and also providing an alternative method of treating ailments. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is the branch of medicine whose philosophy is grounded in the enhancement of the body’s own healing power through the use of natural means. “This branch of medicine is coming to the forefront of health care in most Asian, African, European countries and America today, thus having the effect of a healthier and stronger society and enhancing our very valuable human resources. The college has done research into various remedies that can cure major diseases like cancer, cholera, VVF as well as advance management and cure of HIV/AIDS. “GHA1N for HIV in America and Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) handle the laboratory analysis of the outcome of treatments. Hitherto, production of remedies and the practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) have been conducted without the proper legislative frame-

work necessary for its development and progress. “However, with the establishment of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM) by the Federal Ministry of Health, a foundation for the development of the necessary manpower and the installation of the infrastructure which will allow complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) to develop and flourish has been put in place. “Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues, at present the college is the first of its kind in Africa. By this, it implied that FEDCAM is the only college that teaches Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Natural Medicine and all other related disciplines in one institution. Commonly, Colleges of Osteopathy or Homeopathy or Acupuncture exist in different parts of the world, there is no one institution that teaches all these exclusively and together. This indeed is a giant attainment of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM). “The constitutional backing which authorises the practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine is encapsulated in the Medical and Dental practitioner Act of the Federal Government of Nigeria for supervising and controlling the practice of Homeopathy and other forms of Alternative Medicine by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. “Through Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the college has been able to regulate and control the practice of complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). So far, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria do advisory visit to the college and advised on the way forward which would finally lead to the accreditation of the college. “In a WHO report on Health life Expectancy (1997), Japan had the highest life expectancy of 74.5 years, Australia was second with life expectancy of 73.2 years while France followed closely with

73.1 years, and Nigeria was stated to have a life expectancy of 38.3 years. A critical analysis of these ranking reveals that among other factors those nations that employed CAM freely for its citizens had a better ranking than those that did not. “Today, Nigeria’s life expectancy is ranked 45 years. It is therefore the plan of the college to increase the life expectancy rate from the present 45 years to 70 years or more by enhanced quality and optional Health care services that incorporate Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Thus improving our ranking on the WHO scale.” Some senators who contributed to the debate described the project as laudable but cautioned against abuse by the extreme traditional medicine practitioners. President of the Senate, David Mark, equally cautioned against allowing the alternative medicine practice go beyond using herbs to a different realm. He said: “We should be careful. This is because most of the native doctors do incantations and people say they get well. Would you take that as one of the things the college would encourage? “There are areas where we just need to exercise a bit of caution. Sometimes, when you are sick in the village they don’t give you anything to drink. They just give you something to tie on your waist or to carry in your pocket and then it is assumed that you would recover. “We should try and be careful so that we don’t go beyond the limit. Also I know that for those who come from the South East, in particular in Anambra State or Onitsha, you know they sell medicine there that they say is the killer of 77 diseases. “Just one small bottle and they market it very well and people buy and it is in hot demand. I think that is the kind of thing the college should look at. “Establishing the college is not the problem, it is what would be taught in the college and the limit of what would be regarded as the subjects to be taught in the college that I think that we need to look at. “Maybe after this, we would get another agency that would try and regulate the subject and what will be taught in the college. I think we should all support this bill.”

44 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

APC leaders rally support for Fayemi CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

policemen and soldiers whom he said are paid from the resources of Nigerians. Tinubu urged Ekiti people not to go back to the dark days. He said a vote for Fayemi is a vote for continuation of goodies being enjoyed in education, healthcare delivery and social security for the aged, among others. He said: “APC is the cure of Nigeria’s headache, the cure of ineptitude, the cure of insecurity problem, the cure to poverty, the cure to unemployment. The party is the cure, Fayemi is the doctor. This is the opportunity to show your happiness; to show the rejection of the Poverty Development Party. God forbid bad things, God forbid a reversal of fortunes of Ekiti. Therefore, I appeal to Ekiti people to vote for Fayemi.” Former national chairman of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu appealed to the electorate to support APC, stressing that: “We are happy that the people of Ekiti State gave APC a great son of Nigeria. Dr. John Kayode Fayemi is a special Nigerian and a great son of Ekiti and we want him to continue to be governor of Ekiti State. Ekiti has one way to go and that way is peace and prosperity and the man that will lead us to peace and prosperity is Kayode Fayemi. We want you to vote for him and also make sure that you protect your votes. We want you to continue to support APC.” Interim National Women Leader, Barr. Sharon Ikeazor, appealed to Ekiti people to vote for continuation of APC government in the state, noting that with Fayemi as governor, Ekiti will witness transformation. She charged the people to work towards the re-election of Fayemi. Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said Fayemi is eminently qualified to rule in any part of the country. He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had put the development of the country on the reverse gear while the only thing on its forward gear is corruption and insecurity. He said: “The entire governors of APC are here not only to support but to endorse the great son of Ekiti State. You will agree with me that when the wicked is in power, people mourn and cry but when the righteous is in power, people rejoice. Here in Ekiti, people are rejoicing because a good man is in power. My prayer therefore is that may God Almighty never allow any bad man to rule Ekiti State again. “Fayemi is a good man; he is undisputable, a generous man, a kind man. Fayemi can give last one naira in his pocket that somebody there may be happy. Fayemi does things without counting cost of returns. We see him as a role model. If not for the fact that he said he must be the governor of Ekiti, Fayemi qualifies to be governor of any state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Who is better than Fayemi under the present situation in Ekiti? There is no one. Whatever it takes to support you to continue this good work, we the APC governors will do that.” Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola said Nigerians are sick and tired of the PDP and are yearning for change at the federal level. He also noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a duty to conduct a transparent, credible, free and fair election, noting that the only way INEC can guarantee free and fair election in Ekiti governorship election is for it to use electronic card reader. “You cannot see a road and enter the bush. We all know how Ekiti was before Fayemi became governor and we know how the state is presently. Is it possible for us to go back to the era of bad government? For 15 years, our nation has been misgoverned by the PDP. Starting from

L-R: Akande, Fayemi, Tinubu, Ribadu and Mohammed in Ado-Ekiti.

Ekiti and going to Osun, Nigerians must say no to the PDP. We are tired and sick of their bad government and we cannot afford to have such ineptitude in our nation again. I know that Ekiti people will not shun their patriotism duty to return a purposeful government to power again,” he said. Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State explained that he noticed a great change in the state brought about by the Fayemi administration. He therefore warned Ekiti people to be careful not to elect “a candidate who was tried, failed, impeached and charged to court for corruption.” His words: “The whole world is going to watch what will happen in Ekiti State on June 21. It must be one-man-one-vote, one-woman-one-vote, one-youth-onevote. The voice of the Ekiti people must be heard and their votes must count. We are identified with Kayode today, we will identify with him tomorrow and we will continue to identify with him. Fayemi is a man that can be relied upon. Fayemi has accomplished so much under three and half years.” Former governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC said a new political order is being put in place in Ekiti State to ensure that the people enjoy dividends of democracy. He, therefore, charged the people of the state to ensure that Fayemi is voted back to office massively to make more difference in their lives. “We are not here to enthrone mediocrity; we are here to ensure that the people of Ekiti have a government that our children would be able to benefit from and be proud of. Anybody who I cannot point to as a role model and the good children of Ekiti State cannot see as a role model, I will never endorse such a person as a governor. We can no longer afford to have a governor who will pass under the barbed wire in an airport. For Ekiti people, this is our time to make change and to make a difference. We must ensure that Governor Fayemi is voted back massively,” he said. The state chairman of the APC, Chief Jide Awe said Fayemi has done very well in the last three and half years, assuring that if re-elected he will do more in developing the state. He expressed confidence that APC will defeat the opposition parties in the June 21 governorship election. The Director-General of John Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, in his welcome ad-

dress said APC is committed to effect a change in Nigeria and therefore charged the people to vote for continuity of good governance in Ekiti State. He also charged the electorate to defend their votes during the election. Governor Fayemi while unveiling his manifesto for a second term promised to offer more service to the people of the state. He said despite the fact that the state under his administration had witnessed a massive change in the last three and half years, he was motivated to present himself for re-election because of the need to build a society where all Ekiti people will be partakers of a collective prosperity. Shedding more light on his manifesto tagged; “Roadmap to Rapid Economic Growth and Development” otherwise known as the Ekiti Agenda, Fayemi said the agenda is made up of policy thrusts of his administration from 2014 to 2018 and beyond. Fayemi’s Ekiti Agenda includes the establishment of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) and the execution of the Digital Transformation Programme (DTP) as some of the initiatives to make more Ekiti youths employable and gainfully employed. These are in addition to the creation of the One Stop Investment Centre aimed at attracting investors to critical high yield investment sectors such as agriculture, tourism and mining. Other strategic areas listed in his manifesto officially made public at the rally includes road and farmstead development, food security through commodity-based approach to agricultural development, establishment of a framework for fiscal sustainability and strengthening the institutional capacity of the state’s civil service for improved service delivery, amongst others. The APC governorship candidate also noted that he has kept faith with Ekiti values as the people of the state have kept faith with him, noting that the state is moving forward under his administration with the future of the state already assured. Fayemi said although the state has witnessed a massive change in the last three and half years, he was motivated to present himself for re-election because of the need to build a society where all Ekiti people will be partakers of a collective prosperity. The governor also maintained that his commitment to serve is unyielding in and outside office, adding that he was

emboldened by the realisation of the fact that the endorsement of his administration is not about himself but the endorsement of the values of which he is the vessel. He said: “I was raised to understand that the life well-lived is a continuum of service; service to God and service to humanity. Indeed, my mentors and parents pressed upon me that service to God is demonstrated by serving others positively, impacting the people around us, and by demonstrating a fierce resolve to leave people better than they were when they met you. “Leadership itself is merely the opportunity to serve and power is a Godgiven resource with which we are meant to change lives for the better. I went into politics because I believe that committed purpose-driven servant-leadership can provide people with the tools that will empower them control over their destinies.” The rally was well attended by APC chieftains, among whom were national leaders, and interim Deputy National Chairman (North), Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari; interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; interim Deputy National Secretary, Mallam Nasir el-rufai; interim National Vice Chairman (South-West), Otunba Niyi Adebayo. Others were former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) presidential candidate, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and former Minister of External Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi. Also at the rally were APC governors including Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), AbdulAziz Yari (Zamfara) and Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe). Former Governors Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa), Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), and Segun Oni (Ekiti) were also present. Some other dignitaries that graced the occasion were Ekiti Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; her Osun State counterpart, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, Fayemi’s wife, Bisi; former ACN governorship candidate in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, members of the National Assembly and Ekiti State House of Assembly members, as well as traditional rulers among others.

METRO 45

of Truth

May 28, 2014

ibok: Reverse insecurity w, SSPN tells FG

Security Practitioners of Nigeria alled on the Federal Government ely reverse the worsening security country. against the background of efforts er 200 Chibok schoolgirls. esident, Davidson Akhimien, said he body was concerned about the L-R: SSPN Treasurer, Mr Ibe Nnah, Akhimien and the Vice-President, Chief Unugbe Irheren at the press conference. ity problems the nation’s security drawn from the public and private sector, een battling with in the last four years. The challenges, according to him, include with members of the academic community. kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, He said: “There is need for an immedithe unveiling of killer forests in parts of ate review and updating of the inventory the country, jungle justice, political unrest, of our military arsenal in tandem with revandalism of pipelines and other critical quirements of modern warfare and modern infrastructure, oil theft and terrorism. armies. Akhimien, who spoke at a press con“In line with this, our service personnel ference at the society’s secretariat in should be exposed to more international Lagos, said history had shown how the trainings.” Akhimien also advised the government country had been able to surmount numerous security challenges and success- to establish channels and reliable commufully prosecuted others to a manageable nication links at all levels and in all local risk level. government areas for the upward dissemiHe said: “However, the new-found di- nation of information and intelligence mensions of crime and criminality in the gathered by citizens at community and society are utterly condemnable. neighbourhood levels. He also suggested that the media should “We, however, use this platform to call on government at all levels to jettison be maximally utilised by the National Oripolitics and come together in the spirit entation Agency (NOA) in collaboration of true nationalism, to prosecute the war with the Ministry of Information and the seagainst crime and terror.” curity agencies to engage in public enlightack The SSPN president also advised the enment, psychological campaign to build fficer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide, government on steps to take to overcome confidence in the citizenry and galvanise not possible for the police to the security challenges. them to take a common front against the th criminals against a host Akhimien called for the setting up scourge of crime and terror despite their of a think tank of core security experts ethnic or religious persuasions. wever, promised to get details ea K Commander before drawclusion on the matter. r correspondent called again d to call back but never did as e.

ack, rape

Judith, also said that while st was on-going, security e forcefully seizing hand nd other devices from stuisting they did not want the of the protest circulate in to drag the reputation of ution into the mud. ce-chancellor, it was learnt, he protesting students of security on campus. stitution’s Public Relations Mr Tser Vanger, refused to on the issue. e Dean, Students’ Affairs, mstrong Adejo, confirmed ent. who admitted there were ecurity challenges in the insaid the authorities would th the relevant security to intensify surveillance as easures to beef up security d around the university.

Rainstorm victims get N50m relief materials Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

uccour has come the way of the residents of Surulere and OgoOluwa areas of Ogbomoso in Oyo State who lost property worth millions of naira to rainstorm in April. A House of Representatives member, Segun Odebunmi, yesterday facilitated the distribution of relief materials worth N50 million through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The event, held at Iresaadu, was attended by many dignitaries including NEMA representative. Odebunmi said the people deserved the gesture. Some of the items distributed to the victims included 600 bundles of roofing sheets, 300 bags of cement, 250 bags of rice, 500 bundles of Ankara fabrics, 250 pieces of blankets and 200 mattresses. Others were 1,000 ‘2’ by ‘4’ planks, 1,000 ‘2’ by’3’ planks and 200 bags of nails as well as financial assistance to the victims. Odebunmi said that the gesture was part of his effort to ensure that the people of his constituency benefited from the dividends of democracy. He said: “When I heard of the incident in April, I came home to assess the extent of the damage. I informed the agency through the

office of the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, who contacted NEMA and they responded urgently.” The South-West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Iyiola Akande, told the beneficiaries that the agency was committed to making life easier for the people. Akande added that NEMA was committed to offering adequate assistance to the people of any area affected by any form of disaster in the country. He said: “We engage directly in the distribution of the relief materials because of the attitude of some state governments. Some of them either abandon the materials in the store or distribute them to politicians that are not affected.” Aalso, the Aresa of Iresaapa, Oba Jimoh Oloyede, Osunbiyi III, commended both NEMA and Odebunmi for putting smile on the faces of the people affected by rainstorm. He said: “I know Odebunmi to be a responsible man during his tenure as the council chairman. His efforts affirmed his commitment and love for his people.” Some of the beneficiaries, such as Alhaji Akanbi Alimi, the Baale of Onipanu and Mr Muraina Ishola from Iresaapa, commended NEMA and Odebunmi for the support. They also pledged their support for the legislator’s stay in office beyond 2015.

Vandalism: Soldiers cordon off Arepo

the fight. I think the source has been blocked,” said one of the residents, who craved anonymity. The resident said that the attack claimed the oldiers have cordoned off lives of about four vandals and two policemen, Odebunmi (right) and Akande during the distribution of the items. the site where vandals rup- whose bodies had been evacuated. tured petroleum pipelines at Arepo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Also fire which erupted as a result of the gun battle between Yakubu Alli, and Salisu Musa. theft contrary to sections 97(e), 167, Muhammad Bashir the vandals and the security The Independent National Elec287 of the Penal Code Law. Lokoja agents had almost been extinWhen the case came up for mentoral Commission (INEC) had reguished when our corresponolice in Kogi State yesterday ar- ported that over 1,000 PVCs were tion, the police prosecutor said one dent visited the area yesterday. raigned four traditional rulers, snatched by thugs in the state. Buki Ezekiel of the B Police Division, The security personnel guardcouncillors and others for alleged The state Chief Magistrates’ Lokoja reported that the accused ating the place prevented access to stealing of permanent voter cards. Court later granted the traditional tacked one INEC official, Onwajeheri the site. They stopped movement The traditional rulers are the rulers bail. Gabriel, who was issuing permanent of people at Ebute community. Okatama of Jamata, Malam Ibrahim The accused were arrested last voter cards to members of the public It was gathered that only two Mamud; the Ogidiga of Ohono, Al- week. at Ijiho Primary School. spots on the pipeline metal cover haji Jubril Idris; the Ohiho of Iziho, According to the police First InforHe alleged that the accused, in a Malam Musa Abu and the Ohiho of were ripped open by gun shots mation Report, the traditional rulers bid to truncate the forthcoming genGbaude, Malam Shaibu Momoh. arising from the fight. were charged for trying to truncate eral elections, conspired and force“Fire is only coming out from The councillors are Musa Ada- the 2015 general election, criminal fully carted away a carton containing the two spots ripped open during keke, Musa Amodu, Gambo Audu, conspiracy, screening offender, and some permanent voter cards.

Elijah Samuel and Camillus Nnaji

Traditional rulers, councillors arraigned for snatching voter cards

46 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

27-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

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

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

45.00 100.00 535.00 470.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 110.00 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

0.09 0.34 0.91 2.22 2.92 3.17 3.26 4.01 5.09 5.41 7.67 9.80 14.51 14.99 15.49 16.16

10.55 11.32 11.27 12.18 12.09 12.04 12.05 12.10 12.24 12.21 12.57 12.77 12.88 12.89 12.91 12.98

8.94 10.86 10.65 12.10 12.03 11.92 11.93 12.00 12.17 12.13 12.52 12.72 12.83 12.84 12.85 12.93

99.84 99.27 93.88 101.60 107.20 94.33 92.86 95.66 113.90 79.78 118.40 107.80 113.80 97.36 70.77 80.00

99.99 99.42 94.38 101.75 107.35 94.63 93.16 95.96 114.20 80.08 118.70 108.10 114.10 97.66 71.07 80.30

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

4,334.84 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

0.43 0.99 1.48 2.54 2.90 3.11

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 3.20 1.00

12.29 13.87 13.84 13.99 15.22 13.04

95.02 87.55 104.66 96.18 89.51 92.06

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

0.19 0.39 1.26 0.87 1.16 1.17 2.90 1.73 3.60 2.57 4.36 2.57 2.57 3.15 3.22 5.49 3.19 3.90 6.50 6.60 3.90 3.94

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

12.31 12.53 15.86 14.52 15.81 14.83 17.61 12.75 13.86 13.79 13.12 12.99 13.20 13.04 13.05 14.17 14.78 14.83 13.36 14.31 13.53 14.04

100.22 100.47 96.23 99.25 98.19 101.05 83.25 101.77 100.35 100.60 102.81 103.34 115.61 103.65 106.28 101.24 99.94 99.79 100.60 102.84 112.55 112.21

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20

0.36 0.56 0.60 0.74 0.82 0.90 2.34 2.41 3.35 1.96 2.12 2.29 2.29 4.32 2.39 2.48 3.60 6.47

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 2.16 2.76

12.14 16.64 20.12 16.23 12.31 13.91 12.97 13.32 16.57 13.80 15.43 17.17 17.03 13.12 14.27 18.10 14.23 15.11

99.71 98.36 98.27 95.79 99.84 100.45 100.01 101.83 91.04 108.25 101.22 101.84 101.97 102.79 103.04 98.21 104.85 100.53

11-Feb-18

3.71

1.00

13.08

91.71

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

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

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

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

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

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

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 4.50 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

180.17

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.07

4.91

109.40

110.35

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.29

4.07

103.12

103.95

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.45

5.33

106.56

107.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

4.00

3.39

111.98

113.04

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.20

4.71

104.26

105.18

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.40

6.13

98.46

99.49

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.13

6.70

100.33

101.53

ACCESS BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.51

8.08

94.61

96.00

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.18

4.52

113.50

114.80

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.49

6.26

99.02

99.93

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.19

6.62

103.74

105.88

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.11

5.86

102.00

103.00

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

FIDELITY BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

**Treasury Bills DTM 9 23 30 37 44 51 58

FIXINGS Maturity 5-Jun-14 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14

Bid Discount (%) 9.60 10.15 10.20 10.20 10.05 10.20 10.20

Offer Discount (%) 9.35 9.90 9.95 9.95 9.80 9.95 9.95

Bid Yield (%) 9.62 10.22 10.29 10.31 10.17 10.35 10.37

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.1250 12.4859 13.4400 14.4054

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.79

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

11.04

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

162.63 162.62 162.86 163.50 164.56

162.73 162.87 163.20 164.15 165.89

Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 10.75

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 *DELTA A-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER A/Agusto; A-/GCR† Wednesday, May 28, 2014*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 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 sentiments remained positive. 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 AtKOGI the31-DEC-2020 close of trading ses14.50 EKITI 31-DEC-2020 sion, theIINSE All-Share Index 15.00 NASARAWA firmed up by 06-JAN-2021 0.76 per cent to hit

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 12-Dec-12 14.75 30-Sep-13 14.75 27-Nov-13 to close at N159.9913.50 per share. 31-Dec-13 15.00of buildAlso, manufacturers 14.50 Cement ing 31-Dec-13 inputs, Dangote 15.00 rose by and 06-Jan-14 Ashaka Cement,

Bargain hunters take TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE position as market Corporate Bonds sentiment turned green

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO Aa/Agusto GTB µ Nil NGC Stories by Chris Ugwu Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS rading activities on the BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS floor of the Nigerian Stock A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO Exchange (NSE) yesterday A-/Agusto FSDH pointed northwards as A/GCR UBA transactions in the share prices BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING ofBBB+/DataPro†; Dangote BB+/GCR Cement*DANA Plc, # Forte Oil Plc led other gainers to lift A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR *TOWER# market indicators. AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER# The key A/Agusto; A/GCRbenchmark UBA indices maintained positive*LAtrajectory Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR CASERA # toBBB-/DataPro†; close inBB+/GCR the green, taking *CHELLARAMS supports majorly *DANA from large BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR capitalised stock, NAHCO which was

particularly drivenVALUE by the two TOTAL OUTSTANDING companies, while medium capiSupranational Bond talised stocks also contributed toAAA/S&P the bulls. IFC Specifically , the market TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE capitalisation of equities appreciated by N101 billion as market Rating/Agency Issuer

40,061 index points as against a drop of 0.19 per recorded in the previous session to close at 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 39,755.47. 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 Consequently 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 , market capitalisation appreciated by N101 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 billion to close9-DEC-2015 at N13.228 trillion 12.00 FLOURMILLS as14.00 against depreciation CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 of N25 billion recorded 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016in preceding session close at N13.127 tril14.25 FSDHto 25-OCT-2016 lion. 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 The number of gainers 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 stood atDANA 33 as against 30 losers. MPR+7.00 9-APR-2018 Banking sector led the MPR+7.00 TOWERsub 9-SEP-2018 market transaction volume MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 with 97.4II 22-SEP-2018 million units valued 14.00 UBA LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 at15.75 N1.4 billion in 1,453 deals. MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 The volume recorded in the 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 sector was driven by transac15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 tion in the shares of Zenith Bank and Access Bank Plc. Shares of marketer of refined petroleum products, 10.20 IFC Oil, 11-FEB-2018 Forte strengthened by N7.46 to close at N194.00 per share while industry rival, Total Nigeria, rose by N2.98 Description

FGN Eurobonds

1.34 12.53 100.47 4.44 15.86 96.23 3.23 14.52 99.25 4.46 15.81 98.19 3.48 14.83 101.05 5.59 17.61 83.25 1.00 12.75 101.77 1.79 13.86 100.35 1.80 13.79 100.60 1.00 13.12 102.81 1.00 12.99 103.34 1.21 13.20 115.61 1.00 13.04 103.65 1.00 13.05 106.28 1.94 14.17 101.24 2.74 14.78 99.94 2.74The group’s 14.83 full year 99.79 2013 re1.00 showed 13.36revenue 100.60 sults increas1.94 by 16 per 14.31cent to 102.84 ing N18.7 bil1.44 from N16.1 13.53 112.55in the lion billion 1.95 14.04primarily 112.21 previous year, driven

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Dancem, others lift NSE index UPBEAT

6.00 15-Oct-14 0.39 8.50 31-Aug-15 1.26 16.50 30-Sep-15 0.87 13.00 30-Jun-16 1.16 18.50 30-Jun-16 1.17 57.00 19-Apr-17 2.90 50.00 30-Jun-17 1.73 25.00 31-Dec-17 3.60 50.00 30-Sep-18 2.57 9.00 04-Oct-18 4.36 20.00 09-Dec-18 2.57 12.00 12-Dec-18 2.57 27.00 14-Feb-19 3.15 20.00 02-Oct-19 3.22 80.00 22-Nov-19 5.49 30.00 12-Dec-19 3.19 11.40 averton30-Sep-20 3.90 Plc Support Group 87.00 has won 27-Nov-20 6.50 a two-year contract 5.00 extension 31-Dec-20 with Total 6.60 Explo5.00 3.90 ration and31-Dec-20 Production Nigeria 5.00 3.94 Limited. 06-Jan-21

Caverton wins contract extension

N4.91 and N0.42 to close at 572.90The contract award is com- by contributions from contracts N227.90 and N20.40 per share ing on the heels of its recent from international oil comparespectively. Similarly, finan- listing on the Nigerian Stock nies. EBITDA (Earnings Before 07-Oct-11 11.50 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.36 1.00 12.14 99.71 cial 18-Dec-09 services solutions provid- 13.17 Exchange (NSE). Interest, Tax, Depreciation and 13.50 18-Dec-14 0.56 5.21 16.64 98.36 ers, 01-Apr-10 Stanbic IBTC17.00 Holdings 2.00 The group, one of the leading Amortization) went up by 32 per 31-Dec-14 0.60 8.71 20.12 98.27 and17-Aug-10 Access Bank,10.00 inched up 15.00 providers 17-Aug-15 of marine, aviation cent to N5.9 billion from N4.5 0.74 4.88 16.23 95.79 by N0.39 and N0.3712.00 to close at 37.50 and logistics services to0.82local billion in December 2012 while 09-Dec-10 09-Dec-15 1.00 12.31 99.84 N22.80 and N9.70 respectively . 1.50 and international oil and gas the company’s net income rose 06-Jan-11 14.00 06-Jan-16 0.90 2.63 13.91 100.45 Shares of alcohol- 15.00 companies29-Sep-16 in Nigeria, recently by billion 29-Sep-11of maker13.00 2.34 1.00 40 per cent 12.97 to N1.9 100.01 ic beverages, Nigerian listed its 3.35 billion shares from N1.4billion the 101.83 previous 25-Oct-13 14.25 Brew- 5.53 25-Oct-16 2.41 on 1.34 13.32 eries, fell by N2.9713.00 to close at 20.00 the Nigerian bourse, making year. 30-Sep-10 30-Sep-17 3.35 4.52 16.57 91.04 N173.03 per share.18.00 This was 0.94 history as the first Nigerian development, 30-Nov-12 30-Nov-17 1.96 oil 1.88In a related 13.80 108.25 trailed by oil and16.00 gas explo- 8.01 services company public Caverton is expecting a new 09-Apr-11 09-Apr-18 to go 2.12 3.48 15.43 101.22 ration and production com- 3.63 and increasing market capitaliAW139 helicopter from 09-Sep-11 18.00 09-Sep-18 2.29 5.20 17.17 101.84Aguspany09-Sep-11 , Seplat Petroleum, sation by N31.8 billion. 2.29 taWestland, the Anglo-Italian 16.00 which 1.00 09-Sep-18 5.06 17.03 101.97 moderated to close at 35.00 The company manufacturer 22-Sep-11 by N2.00 14.00 22-Sep-18 is also expect4.32 1.00 13.12 of commercial 102.79 N634.00 per share, even ing a brand new AW139 and aircraft.103.04 The new 18-Oct-13 15.75 as mar- 3.00 18-Oct-18 2.39heli2.29 military 14.27 keting arm of integrated ener- 0.54 copter, which will be devoted helicopter will to 17-Feb-12 17.00 17-Feb-19 2.48 6.11 18.10 be dedicated 98.21 gy solutions provider, to its long-term the Develop01-Apr-14 16.00 Oando, 4.50 01-Apr-19 contract 3.60with 2.16 Shell Petroleum 14.23 104.85 14-Nov-20 Development 6.47 2.76 Company 15.11 contract, 100.53which lost 14-Nov-13 N0.97 to close at15.25 N18.05 per 2.05 Shell Petroleum ment share. Personal care and house- 180.17 Company. Caverton won in 2010 through hold care products conglomerCaverton had won a three a competitive bidding process. ate, Unilever Nigeria, declined year contract with Total in The expected aircraft will ramp 11-Feb-13 10.20 11-Feb-18 3.71four 1.00 the number 13.08 91.71 by N1.34 to close at N48.19, while 12.00 2011 for the operation of up of AW139 in oil and gas logistics services 12.00 helicopters into Total’s offshore Caverton’s fleet to seven and provider, Caverton Group, shed fields. That contract would have is part of Caverton’s earlier N0.61 to close at N5.73 per share come to an end this Bid year but stated plans to embark on fleet Issue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Date Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price Total has exercised the option expansion. At the moment, Cato extend the contract by two verton the largest fleet of Prices &has Yields years, which puts it in contract AgustaWestland aircraft in sub07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 4.91 109.40 with the oil28-Jan-21 company till5.07 2016. Saharan Africa and110.35 was two Caverton’s Chief Executive years ago designated a regional 18-Dec-09 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.29 4.07 103.12for AW139s 103.95by the in finance professionals. Officer, Mr. OlabodeMakanservice centre ‘’Our aim is to remind the juola, reacting to the extenaircraft manufacturer. 01-Apr-10 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 5.45 106.56 5.33 107.50 investment professionals and sion, said: “We are pleased to It will be recalled that the firms of their fiduciary role 1,500.00 continue rendering offshore Shell contract, valued at $648 and to subscribe to a higher and onshore oil field logistics million, is on record as the biglevel of standards in their deal- to Total. This contract exten- gest ever awarded to an indig11.50audience 450.00 01-Feb-16 ings.01-Feb-11 Our core target sion demonstrates Caverton’s enous company oil giant. 4.00 3.39 111.98 by the113.04 are the investing public, asset 500.00 service reliability The opened the 19-May-11 7.50 19-May-16 and our 5.20com4.71 Shell contract 104.26 105.18 management firms, 6.00 investment 400.00 mitment to08-Nov-18 provide safe 6.40 and ef- floodgate for 08-Nov-13 6.13 98.46 Caverton, 99.49 with management firms,7.25 merchant 350.00 ficient services to our clientele. more contracts pouring in from 25-Jul-12 25-Jul-17 7.13 6.70 100.33 101.53 banks and pension fund We are confident will other oil majors such96.00 as Chev09-May-13 6.88 admin- 300.00 02-May-18 that this 8.51 8.08 94.61 istrators,” positively impact ron, ExxonMobil, Total and Ad08-Apr-12 the institute 10.25 noted. 300.00 08-Apr-19 our revenue 5.18 4.52 113.50 114.80 over the next few years”.6.49 dax Petroleum. 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.26 99.02 99.93

Institute launches Statement of Investor Right 6.75 JAN 28, 2021

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P

BB-/Fitch; FGN FA Society Nigeria, regionBB-/S&P

al forum providers for the BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P discussion of investments,

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUEwill toeconomics and finance, day, inaugurate statement of Corporate Eurobonds investor rights developed by the Institute. B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC I The event entitled ‘2014PLC PutGTBANK I B+/S&P; B+/Fitch ting Investors FirstGTBANK Day’,PLC will beB+/S&P held at the Nigerian stock ACCESS BANK PLC exchange (NSE) in Lagos. B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC According to a notice from B/Fitch B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

AFREN PLC

JUL 12, 2018 the NSE, the5.13 event is aimed at periodically6.38 engaging the NiJUL 12, 2023 gerian investment community on various aspects of the CFA Institute’s recently launched “Future of Finance” project. 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 providThe regional forum ers for the discussion of invest7.50 MAY 19, 2016 ments, economics and 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 finance reinstate the7.25 need protect the JUL to 25, 2017 rights of investors as2018 a basis for 6.88 MAY 09, restoring confidence and trust 10.25 APR 08, 2019 6.25 APR 22, 2019

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

8.25

FMDQ Daily Quotations List 6.63

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.19

6.62

103.74

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.11

5.86

102.00

3,460.00

105.88 103.00 27-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 **Treasury BillsOTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement. FIXINGS Money Market to the FMDQ Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) 9 5-Jun-14 9.60 9.35 19-Jun-14 10.15 9.90 FGN Bonds23 30 26-Jun-14 10.20 9.95 37 3-Jul-14 10.20 9.95 Issuer Description Rating/Agency Issue Date 44 10-Jul-14 10.05 9.80 51 17-Jul-14 10.20 9.95 9.20 29-JUN-2014 29-Jun-07 58 24-Jul-14 10.20 9.95 9.25 28-SEP-2014 28-Sep-07 65 31-Jul-14 10.05 9.80 4.00 23-APR-2015 23-Apr-10 72 7-Aug-14 10.40 10.15 13.05 16-AUG-2016 16-Aug-13 79 14-Aug-14 10.70 10.45 15.10 27-APR-2017 27-Apr-12 86 21-Aug-14 10.50 10.25 9.85 27-JUL-2017 27-Jul-07 93 28-Aug-14 10.80 10.55 9.35 31-AUG-2017 31-Aug-07 100 4-Sep-14 10.80 10.55 10.70 30-MAY-2018 30-May-08 NA NA 107 11-Sep-14 11.15 10.90 16.00 29-JUN-2019 29-Jun-12 114 18-Sep-14 11.15 10.90 7.00 23-OCT-2019 23-Oct-09 135 9-Oct-14 10.80 10.55 16.39 27-JAN-2022 27-Jan-12 177 20-Nov-14 10.85 10.60 14.20 14-MAR-2024 14-Mar-14 191 4-Dec-14 10.65 10.40 15.00 28-NOV-2028 28-Nov-08 226 8-Jan-15 10.65 10.40 12.49 22-MAY-2029 22-May-09 240 22-Jan-15 10.65 10.40 8.50 20-NOV-2029 20-Nov-09 254 5-Feb-15 10.80 10.55 10.00 23-JUL-2030 23-Jul-10 268 10.55 10.30 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE19-Feb-15 282 5-Mar-15 10.70 10.45 317 9-Apr-15 10.45 10.20 331 23-Apr-15 10.65 10.40 Description Rating/Agency Issuer 345 7-May-15 10.35 10.10 *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 NA

AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

Bonds

NIBOR

Tenor O/N Outstanding Value 1M (N'bn) 3M 6M 45.00

100.00 535.00 470.27 NITTY 452.80 Tenor 20.00 1M 100.00 2M 300.00 3M 351.30 6M 233.90 9M 600.00 12M 110.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 NIFEX 591.57

Current Price ($/N) 4,334.84 BID($/N) OFFER ($/N)

Coupon (%)

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

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

Rate (%) 11.1250 12.4859 Maturity Date 13.4400 14.4054 29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 Rate (%) 27-Jul-17 10.3879 31-Aug-17 10.5231 30-May-18 11.0090 29-Jun-19 11.2493 23-Oct-19 11.4264 27-Jan-22 11.4503 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.79

O/N TTM (Yrs)

REPO

Tenor 0.09 Call0.34 1M0.91 3M2.22 6M2.92

Tenor

11.04 Bid Yield (%) Rate (%) 10.55 10.75 11.32 11.94 11.27 12.94 12.18 13.78 12.09

Bid ($/N)

Spot Offer 7D Yield 14D (%) 1M 8.94 2M10.86 3M10.65 6M12.10 1Y 12.03

3.17 12.04 11.92 3.26 12.05 11.93 4.01 12.10 12.00 :Benchmarks 5.09 12.24 12.17 * :Amortising Bond 5.41 12.21 12.13 µ :Convertible Bond 7.67 12.57 12.52 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 9.80Management Corporation 12.77 12.72 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 14.51 12.88 12.83 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 14.99 12.89 12.84 IFC: International Finance Corporation 15.49 12.91 12.85 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables 16.16 12.98 Management 12.93

NOTE:

162.63 162.62 Bid Price 162.86 163.50 99.84 164.56 99.27 165.66 93.88 169.63 101.60 178.06 107.20

Offer ($/N) Price 162.73 162.87 Offer Price 163.20 164.1599.99 165.8999.42 167.6594.38 173.14 101.75 183.83 107.35

94.33 94.63 92.86 93.16 95.66 95.96 NA :Not Applicable 113.90 114.20 # :Floating79.78 Rate Bond 80.08 ***: Deferred coupon bonds118.70 118.40 107.80 108.10 †: Bond rating expired 113.80 114.10 97.36 97.66 70.77 71.07 80.00 80.30

NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United Bank for Africa O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development Company # Risk WAPCO:West Africa Portland Company Avg.Cement Life/TTM Valuation Yield Indicative Issue Value (N'bn) Maturity Date Premium (Yrs) (%) Price (%) 162.6000 162.7000

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

0.43 0.99 1.48 2.54 2.90 3.11

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 3.20 1.00

12.29 13.87 13.84 13.99 15.22 13.04

95.02 87.55 104.66 96.18 89.51 92.06

12.31 12.53 INDEX15.86 14.52 15.81 14.83 1,081.95 17.61 1,082.92 12.75 1,072.10 13.86 1,074.34 13.79 13.12 12.99 13.20 13.04 13.05 14.17 14.78 14.83 13.36

100.22 100.47 YTD Return 96.23 (%) 99.25 98.19 101.05 8.1951 83.25 8.2917 101.77 7.2099 100.35 7.4341 100.60 102.81 103.34 115.61 103.65 106.28 101.24 99.94 99.79 100.60

1,304.32

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

Bid Yield (%) 9.62 10.22 10.29 10.31 Coupon (%) 10.17 10.35 9.20 10.37 9.25 10.23 4.00 10.62 13.05 10.95 15.10 10.77 9.85 11.11 9.35 11.13 10.70 11.53 16.00 11.55 7.00 11.25 16.39 11.45 14.20 11.28 15.00 11.40 12.49 11.45 8.50 11.68 10.00 11.44 11.66 11.49 11.79 Issue Date 11.47

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 963.20 923.07 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 1,110.53 19-APR-2017 951.30 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 473.25 591.57 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 2,546.98 2,465.94 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

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 Weighting by 31-Aug-10 Outstanding Vol 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 37.43 19-Apr-10 38.58 30-Jun-10 23.99 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

14.00 14.00 Weighting by Mkt 12.50 Value 13.00 14.00 15.50 37.82 10.00 43.60 13.75 18.58 14.00 100.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50

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

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 % Exposure_ 31-Aug-15 Mod_Duration 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19.69 19-Apr-17 39.35 30-Jun-17 40.95 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

0.19 0.39 1.26 Implied Yield 0.87 1.16 1.17 12.13 2.90 12.47 1.73 12.98 3.60 12.61 2.57 4.36 2.57 2.57 3.15 3.22 5.49 3.19 3.90 6.50

1.56 1.34 Implied 4.44 Portfolio Price 3.23 4.46 3.48 113.9141 5.59 127.8892 1.00 88.5607 1.79 113.2232 1.80 1.00 1.00 1.21 1.00 1.00 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00

48 BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Pension assets hit N4.3trn

IMPRESSIVE Retirement savings accounts attract six million contributors

Nigeria hosts world summit lion contributors translating to N4.3 trillion pension asset. Though the figure looked insignificant when compared with public and private sectors employees yet to sign on to the scheme, the President of Pension Funds Operator and Managing Director of Legacy Pen-

Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

he Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) commonly referred as Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has garnered six mil-

sion Limited, Mr. Misbau Yola, who, confirmed the figure yesterday, said it was impressive compared with N2 trillion pension liabilities before reforms in pension was enacted. These disclosures came yesterday as Nigeria got the nod to host World Pension Summit

FirstBank SMEConnect confab debuts in Aba I n keeping up with its bid to sustain the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the FirstBank SMEConnect Open Seminar, which kicked off in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has taken place in Aba the Abia State capital. The seminar series, which is a one-day workshop with a theme “We can help with that”, is designed to provide practical help on relevant challenges faced by SMEs in different regions of the country. The workshop, which was in five sessions, according to a statement from First Bank, dealt with issues such as book keeping/risk management; monitoring the supply chain/ management; exceeding customer’s expectations; opportunity recognition/business plan writing; and marketing your

products/services effectively with a special focus on online trade and pricing. According to the facilitator, Managing Partner, Highnet Resources Limited, Ms. Vivian Ani, “With the aid of practical’s, case studies and real-life illustrations, the SMEConnect Open Seminar will help entrepreneurs raise business structures, identify the attributes of a successful business, learn the highlights of business procedures and objectives of a business practice that will help them survive in the Nigerian economy”. Also speaking at the seminar, Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications FirstBank, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney said : “The FirstBank SMEConnect Open Seminar is one of the many ways FirstBank is growing the SME sector in Nigeria

Managing Director, First Bank, Bisi Onasanya

as we believe it plays a critical role as the engine of growth in the economy. With these workshops, we believe that the participants will take the various learning from here and apply the knowledge and skills to enable them grow their businesses to the next levels”, she said.

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

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

next month (July) in Abuja. Speaking earlier on the forthcoming World Pension Summit to be hosted by Nigeria on 7th July in Abuja, Acting DirectorGeneral of National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said over 55 Africa countries would be participating in the world summit to share ideas and views on pension matters, as well as proffer solutions to the problems. In his address, Chairman of World Pension Summit, Eric Eggink, said Nigeria was chosen as first to host pension summit in Africa continent due to her large size in her economy and accelerated development it recorded in her newly contributory pension scheme. He said the July summit is a forum for world experts on pension matters to share knowledge

similar to the just concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa. " The focus on pension is just one issue that will engage the attention of experts. The growing potential of Nigeria is well acknowledged and its economy is growing and the summit will discuss everything about pension and experts world over will share views" said Eggink. Over 98,000 retired workers are said to be getting their regular retirement benefits under the new RSAs without a hitch, as was the case in the past when retirees faced hassles in the process of getting their pensions. The 2004 pension reforms Act set the stage for the new Contributory Pension Scheme and National Pension Commission (PenCom) is the government agency charged with the responsibility of supervising and regulating all pension matters in the country.

NAHCO FTZ to attract $500m investment, says Chairman Wole Shadare

he establishment of Free Trading Zone at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos would attract over $500million investment to the nation’s economy within five years. Chairman of National Aviation Handling Company, Mallam Suleiman Yahyah said this in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State at the national executive council meeting of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN). He said when the Free Trade Zone is fully operational, it would create employment opportunities for quite a number of Nigerians and the economy would surely feel the impact of the operation of the FTZ. The nahco aviance chairman, who reiterated the importance of making Lagos the aviation hub in the West Africa sub-region, reiterated that the failure to do so would be devastating in the next few years. He explained that both Senegal and Cote d’ Ivoire are making good progress towards developing their aviation infrastructure and that soon, any of these may be designated the West African hub. The implication of such designation is that Nigerians, in the future, may need to fly to Dakar or Abidjan to sleep over before boarding a flight to a major European capital. To develop the aviation sector in Nigeria to meet up with world standard, Nigeria he said, needs to invest a minimum of $10billion. According to him, an airport, which Nigeria should designate as a hub should be able to handle about 25 million passengers annually. While applauding the unique advantages of Lagos as a capital ,which connects to major world capitals in five to six hours, Yahyah pointed out that there is also the need to develop the soft infra-

structure of the aviation sector. He emphasized the need for the development of the human capital resource of the aviation industry while warning : “We should not jeopardize our Category 1 status.” He commended the maturity of ATSSSAN in tackling issues in the sector, adding that the aviation industry cannot survive a strike especially at this time when the security infrastructure of the country is undergoing severe stress. In his remarks at the occasion, the Director of Operations, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. John Chuks Onyegiri, observed that ground handling companies are a very important part of operations in the airport. While also noting that training is key in the sector, Onyegiri added that operators in the sector who fail to pay for services rendered make the task of managing the air space safely more difficult. “The attitude of people wanting free service and yet refusing to pay for such a service would not help the industry,” he stressed. On his part, the national president of ATSSSAN, Comrade Benjamin Okewu, said that while the supervising Minister of Aviation may be doing a yeoman’s job, the industry needs the full attention of a substantive Aviation Minister. He said: “Our members are presently disturbed and agitated by the plan of the Federal Government to merge three agencies of the Ministry of Aviation, NCAA, NAMA and NIMET. As we have profusely stated in our various public engagements in the media, petitions and appeals to pertinent authorities, this proposed merger grossly violates the principles, letters and spirits of standards as prescribed by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) conventions and protocols.

Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014

Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004

Daily Summary (Bonds)

BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET 49

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at May 27, 2014

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 36 15 52

Current Price 0.50 32.30 36.00

Quantity Traded 19,607 123,572 442,458 585,637

Value Traded 9,803.50 4,023,299.24 15,940,232.00 19,973,334.74

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 28 28

Current Price 3.15

Quantity Traded 1,212,784 1,212,784

Value Traded 3,802,685.92 3,802,685.92

1,798,421

23,776,020.66

Quantity Traded 121,649 59,972 10,760,819 17,977,409 28,919,849

Value Traded 167,875.62 68,967.80 40,359,693.41 1,137,556,564.58 1,178,153,101.41

28,919,849

1,178,153,101.41

AGRICULTURE Totals

CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 JOHN HOLT PLC. Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 4 1 129 77 211

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 1.38 1.15 3.74 63.00

211

ICT IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Page

Building Construction ARBICO PLC. Building Construction Totals

Symbol ARBICO

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 5.30

Quantity Traded 570 570

Value Traded 2,872.80 2,872.80

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

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 1.21

Quantity Traded 696,378 696,378

Value Traded 864,247.42 864,247.42

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 51 51

Current Price 75.49

Quantity Traded 176,968 176,968

Value Traded 13,242,668.33 13,242,668.33

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 27 27

Current Price 17.75

Quantity Traded 343,645 343,645

Value Traded 6,020,559.75 6,020,559.75

1,217,561

20,130,348.30

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 104,045 104,045

Value Traded 52,022.50 52,022.50

Current Price 179.00 26.00 3.08

Quantity Traded 83,592 164,936 4,100

Value Traded 14,958,038.24 4,289,847.67 12,013.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

106

Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 CONSUMER GOODS

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

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. Activity Summary on BoardPLC. EQTY JOS INT. BREWERIES

GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW

40 21 2

Page

No. of Deals 191 254

Current Price 173.03

Quantity Traded 1,862,390 2,115,018

Value Traded 324,944,670.61 344,204,569.52

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

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 85.80

Quantity Traded 30,624 30,624

Value Traded 2,691,005.90 2,691,005.90

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

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON UTC

No. of Deals 60 66 83 43 1 43 9 305

Current Price 8.00 9.50 73.00 3.80 0.50 12.50 0.53

Quantity Traded 303,205 1,380,305 306,161 1,492,649 500,000 652,115 432,240 5,066,675

Value Traded 2,405,722.50 13,335,088.17 22,922,798.74 5,633,668.52 250,000.00 8,165,347.46 235,927.20 52,948,552.59

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 56 35 91

Current Price 75.31 1,070.00

Quantity Traded 228,271 75,043 303,314

Value Traded 17,380,681.47 79,858,020.70 97,238,702.17

Symbol

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 4.12

Quantity Traded 107,950 107,950

Value Traded 439,988.00 439,988.00

Food Products--Diversified Daily SummaryCADBURY as of 27/05/2014 NIGERIA PLC. Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

DailyVITAFOAM Summary (Equities)

Page

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

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 52 41 93

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNITY BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as INSURANCE of 27/05/2014CO (NIG) PLC. N.E.M Printed 27/05/2014 NIGER15:15:04.004 INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 34.83 48.19

773 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 195 DIAMONDBNK 46 ETI 151 FIDELITYBK 84 GUARANTY 271 SKYEBANK 125 STERLNBANK 52 Daily Summary (Equities) UBA 147 UBN 65 UNITYBNK 2 Symbol WEMABANK ZENITHBANK Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST GNI GUINEAINS HMARKINS INTENEGINS LAWUNION LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS OASISINS PRESTIGE STDINSURE UNIC Daily Summary UNITYKAP WAPIC

Current Price 9.70 6.48 15.70 2.05 27.80 3.44 2.28 7.22 10.40 0.50

Quantity Traded 195,990 264,249 460,239

Value Traded 6,796,320.90 12,720,927.32 19,517,248.22

8,187,865

517,092,088.90

Quantity Traded 12,676,509 2,334,461 8,359,794 8,300,684 6,450,868 7,412,788 3,790,141 8,448,715 604,776 69,000

Value Traded 118,727,491.11 15,019,378.43 130,250,878.33 17,039,198.59 179,119,476.27 25,047,489.28 8,610,322.40 60,871,140.00 6,297,927.90 34,500.00

No. of Deals 25 290 1,453

Current Price 0.98 23.36

Quantity Traded 2,488,286 36,528,817 97,464,839

No. of Deals 21 5 7 1 1 5 5 1 1 6 2 45 1 5 4 2 3 (Equities) 2 51

Current Price 0.82 1.09 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.33 0.50 0.79 0.50 0.54 0.55 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.79

Quantity Traded 3,304,186 Page 150,000 1,195,898 10,000 100 2,400 185,607 1,428 89,300 1,050,708 27,600 5,185,454 100 445,124 28,634 1,000 38,459,833 2,100 6,209,950 Page

Quantity Traded 56,349,422

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

Symbol FORTISMFB

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 5.96

Quantity Traded 3,415,000 3,415,000

Value Traded 20,353,400.00 20,353,400.00

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol RESORTSAL

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200,100 200,100

Value Traded 100,050.00 100,050.00

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB NESF ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 66 78 440 102 1 1 29 110 827

Current Price 3.24 3.08 14.15 3.97 552.20 0.53 22.80 2.45

Quantity Traded 3,780,965 30,561,792 9,989,359 3,512,878 100 100,000 334,564 11,197,636 59,477,294

Value Traded 12,035,666.54 93,612,877.26 140,831,180.12 13,800,422.39 52,459.00 53,000.00 7,518,144.85 26,950,083.53 294,853,833.69

216,906,655

1,769,293,729.11

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

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

No. of Deals 3 35 21 19 24 2 2 106

Current Price 2.57 2.80 68.10 1.72 0.98 7.36 1.57

106

Quantity TradedPage 61,300 3,338,400 559,469 388,433 802,524 2,136 1,000 5,153,262

Value Traded 34,514,354.65

48,980,043.20

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.57

Quantity Traded 1,824,138 1,824,138

Value Traded 1,057,435.92 1,057,435.92

Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 13,100 13,100

Value Traded 6,550.00 6,550.00

IT Services

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Page

1,845,746

1,068,475.42

17 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER IPWA PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

Current Price 1.90

Quantity Traded 115,270

Value Traded 218,277.70

Electronic and Electrical Products NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol NIWICABLE

No. of Deals 1 8

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,800 118,070

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

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 10 13

Current Price 1.61 16.22

Quantity Traded 250 322,174 322,424

Value Traded 422.50 5,139,241.82 5,139,664.32

4,183,778

92,019,784.64

Daily Summary

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

Page

260

Value Traded 1,400.00 219,677.70

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 6.37

Quantity Traded 6,050 6,050

Value Traded 36,663.00 36,663.00

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

6,150

36,713.00 Value Traded 1,469,988.50 1,469,988.50

4 Symbol

No. of Deals 22 22

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,939,977 2,939,977

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 317 317

Current Price 18.05

Quantity Traded 8,777,415 8,777,415

Value Traded 159,359,192.91 159,359,192.91

Symbol BECOPETRO CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 3 34 105 121 21 6 23 313

Current Price 0.50 46.74 3.25 194.00 129.00 51.49 159.99

Quantity Traded 101,252 86,055 5,453,961 371,694 30,222 11,063 168,809 6,223,056

Value Traded 50,626.00 4,003,816.65 16,984,087.58 72,846,752.12 3,837,695.44 541,201.96 26,614,266.65 124,878,446.40

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 634.00

Quantity Traded 38,885 38,885

Value Traded 24,664,345.54 24,664,345.54

17,979,333

310,371,973.35

Quantity Traded 20 20

Value Traded 69.40 69.40

JAPAULOIL Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

6 of 13 Value Traded 157,541.00 9,268,653.00 38,066,323.98 665,791.56 805,281.66 14,952.00 1,500.00 48,980,043.20

5,153,262

Value Traded 4,229.00 4,229.00

No. of Deals 7

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Quantity Traded 8,458 8,458

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

Page

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

1 1

3.31

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.09

Quantity Traded 105,057 Page 105,057

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 4.65

Quantity Traded 22,510 22,510

Value Traded 105,574.00 105,574.00

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 30,000 30,000

Value Traded 15,000.00 15,000.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 0.89

Quantity Traded 1,294,160 1,294,160

Value Traded 1,166,636.40 1,166,636.40

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 4 5 10

Current Price 1.71 1.67 4.04

Quantity Traded 20 23,553 8,820 32,393

Value Traded 32.60 41,182.22 36,496.80 77,711.62

No. of Deals 11 11 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.83

Quantity Traded 545,073 545,073

Value Traded 451,560.86 451,560.86

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.50

Symbol CUTIX

SERVICES Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. Apparel Retailers Totals

No. of Deals 168

2,454

No. of Deals 3 3

Value Traded 14,237,342.15 803,658.00 9,801,307.03 16,302,018.73 13,300,344.70 34,213.90 8,720.50 652,500.00 1,005,000.00 30,515,337.61 86,660,442.62

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 Exploration and Production Totals Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 OIL AND GAS Totals

Symbol

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Symbol CHAMS

Quantity Traded 701,103 80,327 265,408 1,665,150 58,779 31,900 17,181 450,000 201,000 272,436 3,743,284

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

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC Printed 27/05/2014 UBA 15:15:04.004 CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Value Traded 260.50 260.50

Current Price 20.40 10.00 37.51 9.70 227.90 1.06 0.52 1.45 5.00 112.50

Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 NATURAL RESOURCES Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 Totals

Value Traded 2,677,310.66 of 13 163,200.40 599,407.98 5,000.00 50.00 1,200.00 92,803.50 714.00 44,650.00 2,456,959.20 13,800.00 4,116,051.48 50.00 239,938.24 15,657.68 500.00 19,229,916.50 1,050.00 4,856,095.01 5

Quantity Traded 50 50

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 2,415,799.36 856,038,489.10 1,419,472,090.77

Current Price 5.48

No. of Deals 69 11 34 49 22 3 3 1 5 42 (Equities) 239

Symbol NB

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004 IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products Activity Summary CUTIX PLC. on Board EQTY

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

ICT Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol CWG

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T Nigerian BRISCOE PLC.Exchange © Published by The Stock Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 Printing/Publishing Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004Totals Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

Value Traded 10 114,764.98 of 13 114,764.98

Symbol INTERLINK

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 4.90

Quantity Traded 40 40

Value Traded 186.40 186.40

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 9 38 47

Current Price 2.05 4.97

Quantity Traded 331,500 3,084,251 3,415,751

Value Traded 696,935.00 15,869,916.38 16,566,851.38

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Current Price 5.73

Quantity Traded 493,890 493,890

Value Traded 2,837,028.50 2,837,028.50

131

5,938,894

21,335,383.54

EQTY Board Totals

4,813

292,137,514

3,982,257,661.53

Equity Activity Totals

4,813

292,137,514

3,982,257,661.53

Transport-Related Services

Daily Summary as of 27/05/2014 AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Printed 27/05/2014 15:15:04.004

NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics

Activity Summary on Board EQTY SERVICES Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 32 32

SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name

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

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 2,020.00 18.44

Quantity Traded Page 8 10 18

Value Traded of 13 16,160.00 184.40 16,344.40

ETF Board Totals

16,344.40

ETP Activity Totals

16,344.40

Page

50 WORLD | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Sudanese woman facing death for apostasy gives birth

Sudanese woman awaiting the death penalty for abandoning her religious faith has given birth in jail near the capital, Khartoum, her lawyer has said. Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag married a Christian man and was sentenced to hang for apostasy earlier this month after refusing to renounce Christianity. She is allowed to nurse her

baby girl for two years before the sentence is carried out. Born to a Muslim father, she was convicted by a Sharia court. Sudan has a majority Muslim population, which is governed by Islamic law. Ms Ibrahim was also convicted of adultery on the grounds that her marriage to a Christian man from South Sudan was void under Sudan’s version of Islamic law, which says Muslim wom-

en cannot marry non-Muslims. For this, the judge sentenced her to 100 lashes, which will reportedly be carried out when she has recovered from giving birth. Ms Ibrahim was raised as an Orthodox Christian, her mother’s religion, because her father, a Muslim, was reportedly absent during her childhood. According to Amnesty International, she was arrested and charged with adultery in August

2013, and the court added the charge of apostasy in February 2014 when she said she was a Christian and not a Muslim. Lawyer Elshareef Ali said his 27-year-old client had given birth to a baby girl yesterday morning in a hospital wing at the prison. She also has her 20-month-old son with her as he has been held with her in prison since late February, he said.

Correspondents say death sentences are rarely carried out in Sudan. Ms Ibrahim’s legal team lodged an appeal on May 22 as Mr. Ali says the verdict contravenes the constitution’s enshrining of freedom of faith, the Bloomberg news agency reports. Western embassies and rights groups have urged Sudan to respect the right of the woman to choose her religion.

Malaysia releases satellite data on missing jet

he Malaysian government yesterday released 45 pages of raw satellite data it used to determine that the missing jetliner crashed into the southern Indian Ocean, responding to demands for greater transparency by relatives of some of the 239 people on board. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the data would enable independent experts to replicate the calculations that led to the international investigation team’s conclusion. At least one satellite engineer said it failed to include needed assumptions, algorithms and metadata. As the search for the jet prepared to pause while new equipment is obtained, an Australian government report said an analysis of the final brief data exchange, or “ping,” between the aircraft and a satellite suggested the plane crashed into the sea because it ran out of fuel. Almost three months since it went missing en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur, no trace of the jet has been found, an agonizing situation for family members stuck between grief and the faintest hope, no matter how unlikely, their loved ones might still be alive. The mystery also has nurtured speculation and wild conspiracy theories. Several family members have been highly critical of the Malaysian government’s response, accusing them of failing to release timely information or even concealing it. The government, which in the early days struggled to release reliable information about the plane’s movements, insists it is being transparent in what has been an unprecedented situation.

An international investigation team led by Malaysia has concluded that the jet flew south after it was last spotted on Malaysian military radar and ended up in the southern Indian Ocean off western Australia. This conclusion is based on complex calculations derived largely from brief hourly transmissions between the plane and a communications satellite. The families had been asking for the raw data from the satellite, operated by British company Inmarsat, for many weeks. In a posting on its Facebook page, a group representing some of the families said: “Finally, after almost three months, the Inmarsat raw data is released to the public. Hope this is the original raw data and can be used to potentially ‘think out of the box’ to get an alternative positive outcome.” In China, home of about two-thirds of the passengers, several relatives said they were not informed by Malaysia Airlines ahead of the release. Steve Wang, whose mother was on the plane, said he was disappointed that the release did not contain an account of exactly what investigators did to conclude the plane had taken the southern route. “We are not experts and we cannot analyze the raw data, but we need to see the deduction process and judge by ourselves if every step was solid,” he said. “We still need to know where the plane is and what is the truth. We know the likelihood that our beloved ones have survived is slim, but it is not zero.” As a result of the analysis of the data, a massive air, surface and underwater search has been conducted in the southern Indian Ocean.

Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag and her husband, Ali

PHOTO: BBC

New South Africa mines minister pledges strike mediation

ew South African Mining Minister, Ngoako Ramatlhodi pledged yesterday to mediate in a crippling platinum miners’ strike now in its fifth month and said the

government needed to start treating the AMCU union with respect. The severe impact of the stoppage was underscored by data yesterday that showed

We’ve killed 30 insurgents in Eastern Ukraine, Rebels say

t least 30 bodies of killed fighters have been brought to a hospital following a day of heavy fighting in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, in which government forces used combat jets against pro-Russia rebels, an insurgent said yesterday. The rebel fighter, who wouldn’t give his name because of security concerns, said outside the hospital in Donetsk that 30 bodies of his fellow insurgents were delivered there. He said the truck carrying the bodies was still parked outside the hospital, waiting for explosives experts to check it for any unexploded ordnance. Donetsk, a city of one million people, was engulfed by heavy

fighting Monday when rebels moved to seize the airport, Ukraine’s second largest, and were repelled by government forces using combat jets and helicopter gunships. Associated Press journalists witnessed sustained intensive gun fire throughout the day and into the night. Plumes of black smoke rose in the air. The battles came just as billionaire candy magnate Petro Poroshenko claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential vote. Poroshenko, who is yet to be sworn in, has vowed to negotiate a peaceful end to an insurgency in the east, where rebels have seized government offices and fought Ukrainian troops for more than a month.

South Africa’s economy shrank in the first quarter of this year, the first contraction since a 2009 recession, as mining output fell 24.7 percent - its steepest drop in half a century. Ramatlhodi, who was sworn in late on Monday, also told local radio that mining companies had not done enough “to address the well-being of workers”, particularly in relation to the squalid living conditions seen around many mines. The world’s top platinum producers - Anglo American Platinum , Impala Platinum and Lonmin - have been through several rounds of talks with the striking Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), but have made little headway in narrowing the gap in their wage demands. The strike, which has lasted almost 18 weeks, is now the longest in the history of South Africa’s mines. Another round of talks, mediated by a labour court judge, kicked off last week and is still going on.

Fitness vital in Brazil, Okubule tells Keshi Adekunle Salami

foremost FIFA graded referee, Chief Festus Okubule, has charged Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, to make fitness his watchword as he rolls out his final 23-man list for the forthcoming World Cup, in the week ahead. Keshi is expected to unveil his

final list for the Mundial from the provisional list of 30 players which was released over two weeks ago. The friendly against Scotland slated for London on Wednesday may be a key factor that could determine the fate of some of the players. However, Okubule a retired referee in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph stressed that there

was need to go to the World Cup with players who have the ability to play 120 minutes without getting tired. He said, “The players must be well evaluated to determine those who are ready for the challenges ahead. This is the World Cup and what we expect there is the very best. Any player that can’t run and run for 120 minutes should forget it.

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

“The fitness I mean is not the skill they possess but physical fitness and their mental strength. We are playing against teams that don’t joke with fitness. Iran for example are not fantastic but you can be sure they won’t get tired.” He enjoined Keshi to be on the same page with the Nigeria Football Federation as much as possible to Keshi

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

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

WEDNESday, may 28, 2014

Police on red alert for Scotland, Nigeria friendly

}p-54

Eagles begin World Cup journey in London Ifeanyi Ibeh

he battle of who gets to make the Super Eagles’ final 23-man team to Brazil officially gets underway today for the 30 players in Stephen Keshi’s provisional World Cup list, when Nigeria take on Scotland in an international friendly in London. A number of players on Keshi’s provisional list are, barring any unforeseen setbacks, sure bets to make the trip to Brazil. This list includes goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide; defenders Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona; midfielders John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi and Victor Moses, as well as star forward Emmanuel Emenike. But for a number of their teammates currently in London to take on the Scots at Craven Cottage, today’s

game will prove crucial to their dreams of making the squad to Brazil as an impressive showing against the Tartan Army will all but ensure a seat on the flight to the World Cup as was the case 12 years ago for former Nigeria striker, Bartholomew Ogbeche, who, following a good performance against Paraguay in a friendly decided in London – along with a bicycle kick attempt at goal – earned a spot on the flight to Japan. The match ended 1-1. This is because by the time the Super Eagles get to play their next World Cup preparatory games against Greece on June 2, and the United States five days later, Keshi would have made up his mind on his final list for the tournament as June 2 is the date that has been set aside by FIFA as deadline for participating teams to submit their final squad list for the World Cup. Players such as Joseph

Yobo, Joel Obi, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Osaze Odemwingie, along with a number of untested players such as Michael Babatunde, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Juwon Oshaniwa and Uche Nwofor all fall into this category, and will need to impress against the Scots in order to stand a chance of making it to Brazil. Emenike (left) Ejike Uzoenyi and Kunle Odunlami, who were Nigeria’s standout players at the last African Nations Championship in South Africa, are also expected to use the game against the Scots to convince Keshi of their preparedness to perform on the big stage. And the same goes for Azubuike Egwuekwe who, despite his relatively vast international experience, having gotten over 30 caps for Nigeria, failed to reflect this on the field of play last time the Super Eagles were in Brazil – at the 2013 FIFA Eagles at their Hotel in London Confederations Cup.

Glasgow: NWF can’t guarantee medals According to the NWF board member, ...seeks funds for training George Aluo, the body has been in distress

Mercy Jacob

N Iherobiem Ijeoma

igeria Weightlifting Federation, has dismissed any hope of winning a medal at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, blaming this development on the delay in the release of funds by the Federal Government for athletes preparation.

over camp site and funds to execute some of its programs for the athletes but all efforts have failed to yield results. “It is heartbreaking that all efforts by the federation to call our weight lifters to camp early before the commencement of the Commonwealth Games have failed. As things stand now, we cannot guarantee any medal because since the athletes came

back from Malaysia late last year, there have not been any competitions that will put the weight lifters in shape,” Aluo said. “We had planned to keep the athletes busy through competitions and camping after the Malaysia tourney, and possibly a training tour but all had been a mirage because of non release of funds. The NWF board will be meeting on Wednesday with the sole aim of raising funds for athletes’ camping.

52 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Countdown to Fifa World Cup 15

Bosnia players Eagles must watch

Bosnia parade some of the best players in Europe and AJIBADE OLUSESAN, in this piece, highlights some of these players that can cause Nigeria headaches when the two sides meet in one of the Group F matches

osnia-Herzegovina are appearing in the World Cup for the first time but the Dragons have the quality to shock any country at the Mundial. Some pundits have posited that the Europeans will battle with Nigeria for the second ticket from Group F as Argentina are tipped to top the group. So, the second group game between the Super Eagles and the Dragons is crucial to the progress of the two teams. Eagles can draw lessons from what happened in 1994 when Nigeria, as debutants, walloped Bulgaria, who had some of the best players in the world 3-0 in their opening group game. Eagles must be wary of the quality of players in Bosnia who have the capacity to inflict similar defeat. Bosnia were the second highest scoring side in the qualifiers in Europe. The coach Safet Susic-led team scored 30 goals. That is impressive by any standard. The philosophy of the team is unambiguous; the best way to defend is attack, and the coach has plenty of players to perfectly execute the style. With players commanding regular playing time in top clubs like Manchester City, Roma, Bayern Leverkusen, Lazio and Stoke City, Bosnia can hold their own against any team. However, Coach Stephen Keshi must find solutions to problems that the following players might pose.

Edin Dzeko Eagles have to pray that Dzeko left his scoring boots at home when they clash with Bosnia, because an in-form Dzeko is unstoppable. The Manchester City striker is unarguably one of the best strikers in the world; he is a dangerous predator in the vital area and will come to Brazil with plenty of top flight experience. He represents the most dangerous component of

the Bosnian team. The 28-year-old has won honours both in Germany and England where he helped Wolfsburg and Manchester City to league titles. His goals were decisive when Wolfsburg, as a dark horse, won the Bundesliga in 2008/2009 season, and he was one of the reasons Man City were crowned champions in 2012 and again in 2014, in the Premier League. He scored 10 of Bosniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30 goals in the qualifiers and has the record as the all-time top scorer for his country with 33 goals. The chances of the Dragons progressing in the competition largely depends on what Dzeko does, but Eagles have to find a way to stop him during their tie.

Miralem Pjanic The Little Prince is the creative force in Bosnian side and Susic has carefully built his team around the AS Roma midfielder. Pjanic makes every thing in his team works; he is the rallying force both for club and country and that is what Eagles will find out when they clash. The former Lyon of France player loves to have the ball in his feet and build the game, he is the source of supply for Dzekoled attack and effort should be directed at making him ineffective, although it is going to be a tough job to do. Roma had an astonishing campaign last term in Serie A and Pjanic was acclaimed the best player for the capital city club. He had 88 per cent accurate passes, making him the best midfielder in the Italian league. One other attribute of the player is his incredible prowess in set-pieces, he is gaining reputation as one of the best free-kick takers in the world ,and Nigeria must be wary of the threat the diminutive player

Days To Go

insinuated that the former Sevilla player has too much influence on the team. He has 72 caps for the national team and has racked up three goals. Bosnians like to attack, but the solidity of Spahic saves them from conceding goals from counter attacks. Although he is 34 years old; his pace and fighting spirit belie his age, and the Emmanuel Emenike-led Eagles attack must be quicker to beat the former Montpellier defender.

poses.

Senad Lulic Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, told this writer in an exclusive interview ssome weeks ago that his Lazio teammate, Lulic, and not Dzeko could create more problems for Nigeria. Onazi plays with this winger every day and he is the right person to raise the alarm about what the former Young Boys of Switzerland can do. The left-footed player has often been used as a defender in the national team, but Susic has given him more attacking roles in recent games and he has showed that is where he can function best in Brazil. He is another source of supply for Dzeko from the flanks and Efe Ambrose must keep him at bay

Emir Spahic Spahic is the bedrock of the Dragons defence; the Bayern Leverkusen defender inspires great confidence and leadership, so much so that some pundits have

Asmir Begovic Bosnia are blessed to have this Stoke City goalkeeper in their fold because he is now one of the best goalies not only in the Premier League but in Europe. If not for providence Bosnia would have lost the shot stopper to Canada where his father fled to during the Bosnia civil wars. With impressive spring reflexes, exceptional organisational skills and incredible positioning Eagles will work hard to get past the goalkeeper. He plays in the same team as Eagles forward, Osaze Odemwingie and it remains to be seen how the Nigerian will beat his club mate.

Zvjezdan Misimovic Midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic leads Bosnia with 80 international appearances, and has scored 26 goals. Playing for Wolfsburg and winning the Bundesliga in 2009, Misimovic led the league with 20 assists. Misimovic currently plays for Chinese club, Guizhou Renhe.

Nigerian League Rendezvous

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Transfer Updates

Toure hints at PSG move

aya Toure says it would be “an honour” to play for Paris Saint-Germain as speculation mounts over his future at Manchester City. “When I think about the objectives of Paris Saint-Germain, how can you not be interested in a club like that PSG have become a European power. It’d be an honour to be part of such a club one day... if I can be of use.”

Barcelona to bid for Immobile

Chukwu : Will Rangers be relegated ?

ormer Super Eagles manager, Christian Chukwu, has called for a concerted action by all stakeholders of Rangers International of Enugu to save the club from relegation in the Glo Premier League. Rangers currently lie in 15th position just a one step away from relegation zone after fifteen

Heavyweight boxer in NPL

Bayern eye Atletico star B

anchester City fullback Aleksandar Kolarov is in talks with AS Monaco. Le Sport 10 says Monaco’s search for a new left-back has led them to Kolarov which will further compound the problem of Nigeria’s Elderson Echiejile who has found regular playing time difficult since he joined up in January.

Dortmund target Lukaku

N NPL action between Rangers FC and Sunshine Stars

Civil servants intervention in club management

n developed countries, leagues are administered by professionals with running of clubs’ on field activities left in the hands of the technical crew, but the reverse is the case in the Nigeria Premier League with civil servants dictating proceedings in the dressing room. A secretary of the ministry of sports of a particular club was said to have entered the dressing room at

Chelsea agree Tiago deal

ortuguese midfielder Tiago has agreed to rejoin Chelsea after rejecting a two-year contract offer to remain at Atletico Madrid, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. Jose Mourinho signed Tiago during his first spell at Chelsea when he paid Benfica £12m for the then 23-year-old but the player spent just one season at Stamford Bridge before being sold to Lyon.

half time of a league match, cursing the players despite the game equally poised. According to a witness, the players were demoralised after the abuse, with the coach telling the official that he has no hand in the outcome of the final result. The game finally ended 3-3 despite the home team leading 3-1 for most of the game.

igeria Amateur Boxing Association needs not look further for boxers that will represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland, as the Nigeria Premier League now possess great boxers. coach of a leading club in Nigeria at the weekend was sent off after punching the centre referee of the game involving his team, when it was obvious that his team has lost the battle on the field of play. The referee was however, undeterred despite the abuse from the coach, as he continued in the discharge of his duty. In the past, home teams were known for their hooliganism but in recent time away teams have started attacking referees even fans of the home team. Nigeria League rendezvous is calling on NABA to look the way of NPL for qualified boxers to win gold for Nigeria in Glasgow and possibly in Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Roland Garros: Li Na, Hewitt eliminated 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0 in the first round. Lleyton Hewitt has also crashed out of the French Open after losing his first-round match against Carlos Berlocq. Just one place separated the pair when the world rankings were updated on Monday, but the

orussia Dortmund are the latest club to be linked with a summer move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian international, who scored a hattrick in Monday’s friendly against Luxembourg, has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge before next season, with a host of sides interested in the youngster.

08098042287

not playing well but it is now very difficult to talk to them. How do you talk to players who have been owed their sign on fees since last season and are still being owed their salaries for the new season? He added, “The team does not even have a bus except for the old, big luxury bus that can only take them around town and to venues close to Enugu. We can correct the players on technical issues but you cannot guarantee their morale because they are human beings and they have needs to take care of. You can force a horse to the stream but you cannot force it to drink. The situation is getting worse and the earlier we sat together the better for us. Thank God, this thing is happening in the first half of the season. There is still room for recovery if we put our acts together.”

games with just five wins, three draws and as much as seven losses amounting to just 18 points. Chukwu, in a chat with Glo Premier league website said,“The team has problems and the time has come for all of us and the government to sit together and find solutions to resolve the issues. The boys are

ew Barcelona coach Luis Enrique could be set to make a bid for Torino forward Ciro Immobile, as rumors of the Italy international’s future continue to circulate. Immobile is one of Europe’s most sought players after an excellent season in which the 24-year-old finished Capocannoniere with 22 Serie A goals.

Kolarov to compound Echiejile woes at Monaco

charlesog2001@yahoo.com,

ayern Munich are showing interest in Atletico Madrid defender, Diego Godin, France Football has revealed. Considering that Daniel van Buyten is set to leave when his contract expires in June, Pep Guardiola plans to sign a new centre-back. And France Football understands that Atletico’s Godin is one of the first names on the Spaniard’s hit-list.

with charles Ogundiya

Li Na

47th-ranked Argentine showed his superiority on clay to come back from a set down and win 3-6 6-2 6-1 6-4. In a high-intensity start, world No.46 Hewitt set up his second break point in the sixth game with a beautiful backhand volley.

Africa Youth Games: Nigeria moves closer to football gold

ustralian Open champion Li Na has been eliminated by France’s Kristina Mladenovic 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 at Roland GarCharles Ogundiya ros. Li Na lost her first Grand Slam igeria’s U-15 football team at match since winning the title in Melbourne. the on-going African Youth The loss came a day after men’s Games in Gaborone, Botswana Australian Open champion Stan moved closer to clinching gold medal Wawrinka lost to 41st-ranked at the games after beating Tanzania Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain yesterday.

The 2-0 win over the East Africans put the Nigerians atop the table with 10 points and they will need just a point against Swaziland in their next game to win the gold medal. The match with Swaziland will come up on Friday at the University of Botswana football pitch.

54 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Eagles World Cup Campaign

Ameobi, Moses draw inspiration from Keshi

Charles Ogundiya

uper Eagles stars, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses have revealed that Coach Stephen Keshi has been a great source of motivation to the team. Both players, who switched their allegiance from England to Nigeria while speaking with fifatv.com, added that Keshi’s influence off the pitch is a source of inspiration to the Eagles. “Even before I made my debut (for Nigeria), I had heard all about him (Keshi). He’s a legend and one of the best coaches I have worked with,” Ameobi said. Similarly, Moses described Keshi as a “father figure” who commands the respect of all in the squad. “He’s a huge figure. He’s very

inspirational as a manager and that’s how he was even as a player. “I remember watching him at the 1994 World Cup. He gave everything he had whenever he wore that green and white shirt. “He’s a father figure to us. We are happy to play under him because he never stops encouraging us,” he said. Keshi is humbled by the kind words directed towards him by his charges and insists he will always make sacrifices to protect and guide his players. “Whatever I can do to encourage them (players), I will do that. “We must always help each other. If they see me as a father figure, that’s nice but I see it as a duty to always help my players whenever I can,” he said.

Police on red alert for Scotland, Nigeria friendly

olice are on red alert over attempts to fix a World Cup friendly between Scotland and Nigeria that is due to be played in London today (Wednesday), the Telegraph can disclose. Officers from the National Crime Agency, Britain’s equivalent of the FBI which investigates serious and organised crime, are understood to have asked FIFA to issue an alert over potential attempts to rig the game. The football match is one of a sequence of friendlies that serve as a warm up for the World Cup in Brazil next month and is due to be played at Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club. It is understood that the Scottish Football Association has been liaising with the NCA since the weekend after the game was “red flagged.”

Keshi (left) brainstorming with Amokachi

Kanu tips Osaze, Emenike strike force Emmanuel Tobi

ormer Super Eagles striker, Nwankwo Kanu, has hinged his confidence in the abilities of Stoke City forward, Osaze Odemwingie, to complement the ef for t of Emmanuel Emenike as Nigeria striking force at the World Cup. Emenike has been the only top striker in the team with support coming from Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa from the wings but Kanu stressed that Osaze who is in a provisional 30-man team will add to the striking options as Nigeria battle Scotland in a friendly match at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. The for mer Arsenal star fur-

ther added that the Super Eagles can pin their hopes on Odemwingie, who has shown electric for m since joining the Potters in January. Kanu said; “We need everybody, the team is open. Odemwingie is a great player, he has great qualities and we are happy that he is flying. That is what we need. “That is why he has been called up. We want him to do the same in the World Cup, and (manager) Stephen Keshi knows that. “Right now, when I talk to Osaze (Odemwingie), I will tell him he will make a mark. He will prove a lot of people wrong and make sure he does something special in the World Cup.”

My final list not ready yet, Glo urges Eagles to beat Scotland uper Eagles have been pation at the forthcoming 2014 Keshi declares charged to use this Wednes- FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has revealed that he is yet to conclude his final list for the Brazil World Cup, while insisting on the players’ attitude as one of the main criteria for his final selection. Keshi is still not revealing who will be on the plane to South America, he however, insisted that he will be assessing attitudes in training this

week before making up his mind. “I need to be straight up with my head and make sure that my camp is running good. “It’s not easy. You have a team that you need to put into shape and have one team spirit. Many people think it’s easy out there,” he said. Speaking further, Keshi maintained that all the players must be ready to play to instructions.

day’s international friendly against the Scottish national team to perfect their strategies for a glorious outing at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Official sponsor of the Nigerian national teams, Globacom gave this advice in a press statement in Lagos on Tuesday. The Super Eagles will lock horns with the Scottish national team at Craven Cottage, home ground of English Championship side; Fulham on Wednesday as part of preparation for the team’s partici-

“Like all Nigerians at home and abroad, we look forward to seeing the Super Eagles in top flight as they tackle Scotland in London,” Globacom said in the statement. “For us, we have always believed in the capacity of the team to deliver at any time and we are hopeful that they will give Nigerians something to cheer during the tournament,” the company added. The Eagles are also listed to meet Greece on June 2 and USA on June 7 as preparations continue ahead of the World Cup.

No regrets dumping Nigeria for Scotland -Anya Mercy Jacob

kechi Anya has said he has no regrets about choosing to represent Scotland over Nigeria even though the Super Eagles are preparing for the World Cup. Anya was born Scotland to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother, and made his debut in September against Belgium. The Watford attacker will face the Super Eagles at Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Wednesday (today). “My love for football developed when I was in Scotland, so I was always going for that - for me it was always going to be Scotland,” Anya said. “That was where I started playing football at school and where I learned everything. That was one of the main reasons I chose Scotland when I knew they were interested. “When I was really young I was in Nigeria but I can’t remember it. I appreciate the Nigerian side from my father and the Romanian side of my mother but I chose Scotland.” The 26-year-old admitted his dad, Chinasa, took plenty of convincing over his career in football. Anya said; “My dad is a typical Nigerian man, he’s all about education, so footballwise it was really just my mum - she said to play football and when she knew Scotland were interested she was very happy for me.”

Anya

Northern minorities allege marginalisation Stories by Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

inority ethnic groups in the northern part of the country yesterday sought the intervention of the National Conference over the oppression and marginalisation they allegedly face in the hands of the majority Hausa/Fulani tribes in the region. The protest made under the auspicies of the Northern Minorities Rights Project (NMRP) was contained in a memo submitted to the National Conference. The group said northern minorities had been discriminated against

NEWS 55

FROM THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

in the area of land and religious rights, explaining that in many states of the North, the minority tribes who are mainly Christians are prevented from building churches while existing churches are either burnt down or demolished by the authorities. The group alleged that the minority tribes have also been denied indigeneship certificate which further denies them access to employment in federal, state and local government services, as well as in the security agencies. They said that their experience was a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which stipulates that no citizens

of the country shall suffer or be subjected to discrimination or disadvantage on grounds of class, ethnicity, religion, gender or disability. "The northern states religious discrimination has become institutionalized by the federal, state and local governments. In northern states, there is confiscation of missionary and community schools by federal and state governments. Promotion and building of almaajiri religious schools by the Federal Government, which constitute official government discrimination against Christians in Northern Nigeria on the basis of religion. " The use of state resources for the promo-

tion of religious objectives and agenda of some religious groups. Discrimination in access to employment, education, health, land and other services at the federal, state and local government levels. "Some people believe that they have the right to build mosques anywhere in Nigeria but prevent (others?) from building of churches in certain areas, and burn down or demolish existing churches. Individuals, churches, and voluntary agencies desiring to acquire land are required to undertake never to build or sell or donate such land for the purpose of building churches in several northern states," the re-

‘IBB took Nigeria to OIC for selfish reasons’

he politicisation of religion by the political elite in Nigeria came to the fore yesterday as the National Conference was told that the former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) forced Nigeria into the Organisation Islamic Countries(OIC) in order to perpetuate himself in office. The revelation came as a delegate representing Civil Society Organisations at the Conference, Dr. Mayriam Abdullahi, said that the move made by Babangida has since then created avoidable problems in the relationship between Christians and Muslims in the country. Abdullahi said that Nigeria joining the IOC

Confab adjourns in rowdiness over religion

L-R: Mr. Issa Aremu; Prof. Anya O. Anya and Chief Obi Anoliefo, at the National Conference in Abuja.

Delegates want UN report on Ogoniland implemented

he National Conference yesterday tasked the Federal Government on the need to implement the report of the United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP) on Ogoniland. The conference noted that long after the report was released, the people of Ogoniland are still living in an environment devastated by oil spill following years of oil exploration and neglect. The conference resolved to move the Ecological Fund from the Presidency to the Federal Ministry of Environment. It said the fund should not only be domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Environment but its disbursement should be tied to specific and identifiable projects. Delegates at the conference rejected a proposal to create a commission on ecological matters but resolved to move environmental matters from the Exclusive Legislative List

lRemoves Ecological Funds from Presidency lPuts environmental matters on Concurrent List lClark warns of worsening environmental problems to the Concurrent Legislative List to ensure that the states participated effectively in the sector. The report noted that though the environment was fundamental to the existence of citizens and the nation, the 1999 Constitution made only a passing reference to the environment and environmental rights in Section 20. "For Nigerians to secure the environment and related rights, this has to be placed among the Fundamental Rights section of the Constitution and made fully justiciable. A related issue is that by the multi-layered nature of the environment and its cross-cutting nature in our national life, the environment is best protected when all tiers of government have clearly defined roles to play in these. There-

fore, the administration of the environment should be in the concurrent list in the constitution. The 1999 Constitution did not locate the environment at all in its fiscal schedules." The delegates however, rejected a proposal to create special courts to adjudicate on environmental matters. These decisions came as the conference considered the report of its Committee on Environment. The report had recommended that the Environmental Objectives of the State under Chapter 2 of the Constitution should be made justiciable. The conference also resolved that there was need to encourage the continuous dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue to make them navigable all year round and thereby diversify the ports system in the country. However,

the proposal to discourage indiscriminate sinking of boreholes and encourage state governments to resuscitate their water works was rejected. The report emphasized the need for resource democracy as a way of encouraging citizens to take ownership of their environment and protect it. Other recommendations adopted yesterday included the strengthening of the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that it remained at the driving seat of environmental protection and defence in Nigeria. Meanwhile, elder statesman and delegate to the National Conference, Chief Edwin Clark, has warned of the worsening environmental degradation of the Niger Delta. Clark said unless something urgent was done, oil-rich region and its inhabitants might cease to exist in the next few years.

was the beginning of mistrust and mutual suspicion between the two dominant religions because of the fears of the possible Islamisation of Nigeria. The delegate who spoke while contributing to the debate on the report of the Committee on Religion, urged the political class to stop using religion and ethnicity to achieve a political goals. “The relationship between Christians and Muslims deteriorated when Nigeria was admitted as full member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. This made Christians to start resisting any move that would portray Nigeria as an Islamic state.

he National Conference yesterday was forced to adjourn abruptly following the rowdy atmosphere that ensued as delegates considered the report of the Committee on Religion. The confusion ensued as delegates disagreed over a proposal to scrap the Pilgrims Welfare Boards as part of the process of distancing the government from religion. The conference ran into stormy waters after a voice vote had indicated that majority of the delegates wanted the Pilgrims Welfare Boards to be scrapped. There was pandemonium as some delegates pushed for a reversal of the decision while others rose against its reversal. The disagreement once again accentuated the

religious and regional cleavages between delegates from the North and their counterparts from the South, with the latter group asking the former to accept defeat when they lose in any contest. Two delegates representing Civil Society Organisations, Comrades Yinka Odumakin and Nasir Kura had a hot exchange of words that almost degenerated to fisticuffs. In the midst of the confusion, many delegates stood up to demand that their own position must prevail. One of the delegates who claimed that the voice vote was not clear enough moved a motion seeking a division of the house to determine the actual number for and against the scrapping of the Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

Tension over unpaid allowances

peculations are now rife over the reasons behind unpaid delegates’ allowances as the confab on Monday summoned an executive session to discuss why the organisers have not been able to pay the allowances for four weeks running. According to a source who attended the executive session of the conference yesterday, neither the leadership of the conference nor the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) could explain why the delegates have not been paid their allowances. However, a Federal Ministry of Finance source stated that the Minister of Finance, Ngozi-Okonjo Iweala, has refused to approve the voucher raised for the payment of the del-

egates. Meanwhile, a delegate told New Telegraph that the inability to pay the allowances has reinforced suspicions that government had a hidden agenda of armtwisting the delegates into supporting the sixyear term which the Presidency has pursued with zeal. According to the source, government’s inability to pay might not be unconnected with frustrations in the Presidency that the conference may not play ball in discussing and rubberstamping the six-year single term. Another delegate who preferred anonymity told New Telegraph that the inability to pay delegates is taking a great toll on some of the conferees, majority of who live outside Abuja.

World Record

On Marble

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 28, 2014

Nearly 9,000 mall-goers in Dubai took blood sugar level checks during an eight-hour diabetes screening to get into the Guinness World Records.

N150

Internal security: State Police to the rescue

bservers of Nigeria’s political history are very much aware that problems bedevilling the nation’s existence predate political independence in 1960. For as discerning minds can readily agree, at independence, the Nigerian state was already evincing early signs of disabilities and disequilibrium. These deformities arose, in part, from the structure of the federation that departing colonial masters foisted on the country following the 1946 Richards constitution. The arbitrary manner in which the disparate units were brought together under one umbrella connived to ensure that one region, the North precisely was bigger than the other two regions, West, and East put together. State creation by the Gowon Administration in 1967 and subsequent ones thereafter have not effectively addressed the systemic regional imbalance. Rather, it has entrenched that historical mistake, that about 54 years of political independence, the Nigerian state is still mired in serial crises, an inevitable corollary of a fraudulent social contract that did not take into consideration the will and aspiration of the component units. It was an artificial state that devalued the citizenry while making the emergent new leaders emperors. In fact, the political party that held sway at the centre in 1960, that called itself Northern People’s Congress, was not a national political party, did not sponsor candidates, nor contest elections outside Northern Nigeria. Yet its second in command Tafawa Balewa, was drafted to form government at the centre. This is instructive, that a political party can capture national power without requiring to field, or contest election in two out of three regions is a shocking reminder of the period which some uninformed analysts regrettably would want to romanticize. On the heels of this original default are other serious ailments, including but not limited to the dependent and externally oriented economy, the emergence of a new ruling elite that were neither nationalistic nor selfless and the cascading of a warped and perverted values. Even in those early times, it was clear that the centre cannot hold, as the initial euphoria shown by the nationalist movement quickly evaporated. The fragile solidarity amongst them to oust the colonial masters, dissolved in the face of stiff competition for scarce resources. This created tensions and conflict which have remained till date. The polarization of the country along horizontal and vertical lines, with cries of marginalization and mutual suspicions is a major stumbling block towards national integration. The attempt to create, weld a nation state in Nigeria has been very problematic. Indeed, since 1960, there has not been any concerted and genuine effort on the part of successive ruling elites to institute

IvoryGlory Nkemdili Nnonyelu

aunnonyelu@yahoo.co.uk - 08122801926 (sms only)

adequate programmes that will fundamentally restructure the federation, and devise means to allay the fears of minorities created by colonial administration. All the different regimes have mastered the colonial policy of divide and rule, pitching one group against the other. The divisions in Nigeria are as many and varied. Nigeria is reeling under the weight of insecurity. National security is being threatened more than ever before, since the end of the civil war in January, 1970. Several bombs have continued to explode on a weekly basis. Nigeria is steadily losing ground to terror and this is scary. I wonder how Nigerian school girls and boys will be celebrating children’s day when their cohorts are in forced captivity, under the watch of vile men. I have canvassed repeatedly in this column for a paradigm shift in our counter-insurgency approach if we hope to win the war against terror. Fortuitously too, the National Constitutional Conference has been meeting for 8 or so weeks, and delegates have the historic opportunity to redeem their names, come up with novel suggestions that will re-jig the Nigerian state, make it less attractive as a source of wealth and allocation of values. To do less will confirm our fears that the confab is a circus show of sorts. As it is today, the Nigerian state is over swollen, with excessive premium on power. Given the centrality of the Nigerian state as a wealth mine, its incompetence in terms of moderating political competition among competing interests, groups and classes, and also considering the protracted failure of governance, it is not wholly surprising that we are being threatened by violence and terror. National security, by now ought to leave its constricted space of regime security, or bullion van security. It has to focus on human security as the bedrock of challenging the social forces that have fuelled insurrection in Nigeria. Human security emphasizes security of human beings, protecting the individual citizens from disease, poverty, hunger, ecological and other manmade disasters, freeing the individual from fear, want and deprivation. Security experts acknowledge that human security is the best method of guaranteeing national security, not necessarily by stockpiling arms and ammunition. The

ostentatious and opulent life style of the jet owning ruling class, when juxtaposed with the misery of the mass of destitute is a fertile ground for insecurity particularly the type that has come on board in Nigeria. This is not to say however that human security is a necessary and sufficient condition for peace to reign. For in cases of religious extremism, the restraining factor will be the rule of law, and the efficacy of police force in the restoration of social order. In matters of internal security, the police is the state’s symbol. Unfortunately, there has been sustained opposition to State Police since the inglorious days of the Native Authority police under colonial rule. The antagonists of state police contend that state police is prone to abuse in much the same way that the local government system has suffered under the imperial governors. They argue that in the face of opposition phobia that most governors are suffering from, they will turn the state police as instruments of oppression and repression, convert them into attack dogs to hunt their perceived political enemies. Second, the antagonists also advance the plausibility of conflicting interests between federal and state police that will create more problems than it seeks to solve. Third, the critics also express worry over the funding abilities of the state governments since most of them are wholly dependent on statutory allocation from the centre. We know otherwise: (a) The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is the most abused public institution in Nigeria today. What the antagonists of state police appear to be saying is that abuse is excusable, in fact, permitted in NPF under federal might. What logic? (b) State Police globally is nothing new. To talk about conflict of interest, in institutions that have existed for centuries in other societies with similar demographic characteristics like Nigeria is to live in denial. (c) The fact that indeed all the 36 states governors in Nigeria commit enormous resources in equipping, mobilizing the police even without constitutional obligation suggests that they can do better. The fact is that skewed nature of Nigerian federalism can be corrected by immediately putting the necessary laws that will remove the NPF from the exclusive federal list. States have their own courts, and make laws. It is

only expedient that they also have the capacity to implement these laws. Nigeria is a poly-ethnic, multi religious nation with hundreds of linguistic groupings. Nigeria is too heterogeneous for its security to be centralized. The poor level of literacy, the gap between the different ethnic groups, the level of distrust and alienation cannot engender cooperation from the populace. The NPF despite its media preachments have not been seen by the citizens as a friend. The difficulty the country is facing in tackling terrorism stems from problems in gathering relevant intelligence information that should have been at the doorsteps of state police. They will understand the sociology and psychology of the people. The recent successes reported by barely armed vigilante groups, even where the Nigerian military has become war weary suggests that state police should be enlisted to come to the rescue of Nigerians. Besides, the man power capability of NPF currently in ratio of about 1:1000 Nigerians is a ready call for insecurity. Every state should be allowed to have its own contingent of not less than 50,000 police men and women to begin with. States are already bankrolling NPF, supplying it with vehicles, uniform, kits, equipments and other logistics. What is left is to allow states to recruit interested, qualified individuals from the localities, give them adequate training to fill the yawning gap that is already telling on both the police and the Nigerian military. The war against terror must be fought on all fronts, so that state governors will no longer, like Pontius Pilate, wash their hands off the sin of the ruling cabal in Nigeria, the sin of cluelessness, ineptitude and governance failure.

OmoBaba

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