Friday, april 10, 2015 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

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Friday, April 10, 2015

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Vol. 2 No. 414

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presidential aide, Oronto Douglas, dies at 49

N150

CBN to bar bank debtors from forex market Tony Chukwunyem

n a bid to check bank debtors that have refused to repay their loans, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is considering denying them access to

foreign exchange in the interbank markets. The Director, Banking Supervision at the CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, told journalists at the end of the Bankers’ Committee meeting in Lagos yes-

terday that the Central Bank might publish the list of the delinquent borrowers in the newspapers. Tokunbo said although the Non Performing Loans (NPLs) level was still below the prescribed limit

of five percent of total loans in the industry, the Bankers’ Committee was disturbed by the increasing number of debtors not meeting their debt repayment obligations. She said: “The CBN

has managed to keep the banking industry safe and sound in collaboration with all members of the Bankers' Committee. But one issue that was of concern is that some data show that it is increas-

ingly becoming difficult for some debtors to pay up their loans. So, it was decided that going forward, one thing that we may do is to stop them from getting access to foreign exchange. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Ekiti crisis worsens l19 APC lawmakers ask CJ to probe impeachment allegations against Fayose lEmbattled governor kicks Quick Read

Editorial

Mohammed Dikko Yusufu: End of an era }19 MTN moves to acquire Visafone }5 Ohanaeze leaders meet Oba of Lagos }9 Jega: Benue leads states with cases of electoral violence }5 Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights }4

AGONY OF A WIDOW: Tarinabo, widow of the Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, during a visit by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Police beef up security for gov poll

lIG redeploys six DIGs, 16 AIGs, four CPs l40 special units, six crack teams for Rivers lRestrict vehicular movements }5

News

Friday, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lawmakers ask CJ to probe Fayose Adesina Wahab and Akeem Nafiu

kiti State House of Assembly yesterday soldiered on with the plan to impeach the Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, notwithstanding stiff opposition from a certain quarters in the state. Nineteen members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) behind the governor's ouster plot said they had asked the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, to set up a panel to investigate allegations raised in the impeachment notice served on Fayose. Besides, the APC law-

makers, in a bid to remove a possible legal impediment to their bid to sack Fayose for gross misconduct, have asked the Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, to withdraw their suit in which they challenged the impeachment of the speaker, Hon. Adewale Omirin, by seven of their colleagues from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A statement by Omirin's media aide, Mr. Wole Olujobi, yesterday in AdoEkiti, said the decision to ask Justice Daramola to set up a panel to probe the allegations against Fayose was taken at a special legislative sitting held at Mary Hills Boys' High

School, Ado-Ekiti. The state has been boiling since the lawmakers said they had served Fayose a notice of impeachment with the government mobilising workers and others to block access to the state House of Assembly. A resident of the state, Mr. Modupe Olaya, was killed under controversial circumstances on Tuesday as soldiers and thugs blocked all entry points to the state to prevent the APC lawmakers from sitting to impeach the governor and forced the legislators, who were reportedly coming from Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to turn back at Efon-Alaaye.

However, the statement said the lawmakers met yesterday at the school in line with Section 101 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the Assembly to regulate its sittings, including sitting in a public building within the state capital, if conditions exist in the hallowed chamber that endanger members' lives. However, when journalists visited the school, it could not get anybody to authenticate the lawmakers' claim that they sat there. Students, who were sitting for the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams, teachers and the security man, said

they were not aware of the legislative session. The security man, who gave his name as Oyeyemi Alaba, said apart from students and teachers who came for the ongoing examinations, no stranger came to the school, not to talk of any sitting holding there. A teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity, corroborated his narrative, saying the principal of the school left a few minutes before reporters got there at 3.15pm. This is the second time since last November when the crisis in the Assembly broke out that the APC members would say they sat outside the Assembly

L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; members, National Peace Committee for the 2015 General Elections, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chairman of the committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, during a visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abujaâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday. PHOTO-NAN

Police beef up security for gov poll Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he police yesterday stepped up security nationwide ahead of tomorrow's governorship and state legislative elections. As part of efforts to ensure violence-free polls, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, besides redeploying six of his deputies, 16 Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) and four Commissioners of Police, also restricted vehicular movements, from 8am to 5pm, nationwide during the elections. Governorship elections will not hold in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states. While the DIGs will co-

ordinate activities each of the six geo-political zones, the AIGs are to supervise the polls in 16 states, which may be considered volatile. A statement in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, said Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, who is the AIG in charge of Zone II, will supervise the election in Ogun State, and his counterpart in Zone 6, Mr. Tunde Ogunshakin, will be in Rivers State. The statement gave the names of the other AIGs and states they will supervise as: Usman A. Gwary (Abia State), Olufemi Adenike (Kwara), Patrick Dokumor (Kaduna), Tambari Muhammed (Jigawa), Mohammed Abuba-

kar (Gombe), Ikemefuna Okoye (Oyo), Jubril Adeniji (Bauchi), Yerima Irimiya (Imo) and Baba Bolanta (Akwa Ibom). Other AIGs and their states are: Lawal Tanko (Lagos), Ballah Nasarawa (Benue), Musa Daura (Edo), Aderele Shinaba (Plateau), and Bala Hassan (Sokoto). According to the statement, Mr. Sam Okaula, a Commissioner of Police, will be on special duty in Anambra State; Mr. E. J Ibine in Ekiti State, Mr. Adamu Mohammed in Enugu State and Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu in Osun State. "Also, the IGP has deployed a Commissioner of Police to command each of the senatorial zones of the following states; Gombe, Bauchi,

Imo, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Benue, Edo, Plateau and Sokoto. "For Rivers State, the following special units of the Nigeria Police Force have been deployed to address security concerns. These are; 32 Units of Police Mobile Force (PMF), four Units of Counter terrorism Units (CTU), 4 Units of Special Protection Units (SPU) and six Crack Teams of Detectives from Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and complements of Intelligence officers," it added. The police said restriction of vehicular movements was done to guarantee safety and security during the elections. "This restriction excludes vehicles on essential duty such as fire

service, ambulances and vehicles used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement/security agencies. "There is no restriction of vehicular movement in the Federal Capital Territory as there is no election taking place there on the said date. "The IGP assures that adequate security logistics and manpower have been strategically deployed to achieve a most conducive electioneering atmosphere. In this regard, policemen for election duty have been properly briefed on their roles as stipulated in the Electoral Act. They are expected to be professional, non-partisan, civil, but firm in their approach and relation to the public," it stated.

Complex. Last December, they had said they sat at the Ekiti State University campus, a claim the management of the institution denied. But Olujobi, in his statement, said the Majority Leader, Hon. Churchill Adedipe, Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency 1, explained that the sitting ought to have taken place in the hallowed chamber on April 7, 2015 but members were waylaid by thugs who mounted roadblock and threatened their lives with weapons, thereby making them to abandon going to the Assembly. At yesterday's sitting, the statement said Adedipe, relying on Section 188 of the constitution, moved the motion empowering the chief judge to set up the panel. His motion was seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Adetunji Orisalade, representing Ido/Osi Constituency II. After debate, the lawmakers unanimously supported the motion directing the chief judge to set up the panel. The House reportedly adjourned until the next legislative day. But Fayose has faulted the lawmakers' claim and asked the people to disregard the report that Justice Daramola has been asked to probe him. One of the governor's media aides, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said the House could not have taken such a decision because it was on recess. "Kindly disregard information being circulated by the APC that their lawmakers are sitting somewhere in Ado-Ekiti. "Of course, members of the House of Assembly can gather anywhere in the world to have social or political meetings. Parliamentary business is done in the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly. "Besides, Dr. Adewale Omirin, who claimed to be the speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly was impeached on November 20, 2014 and he is in court, challenging his impeachment," he said in a statement. The Registrar of the state High Court, Mr. Obafemi Fasanmi, also said Justice Daramola, as at close of work yesterday, had not received any letter from the lawmakers asking for the constitution of a panel to investigate the allegations raised against the governor. Fasanmi spoke on the phone at 3.50pm. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

NEW TELEGRAPH Friday, APRIL 10, 2015

Travel Advisory

Friday, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

Destination Abuja- Paris Paris-Lagos Paris-PHC PHC-Paris Paris –Abuja Lagos –Paris

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

Departure 23.55hrs 10.55hrs 11:00hrs 21:20hrs 11:00hrs 23:55hrs

Arrival 6:05hrs 17:15hrs 19:15hrs 6:05hrs 17:00hrs 6:20hrs

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

W3 101 W3 102 W3 107 (Mon, Wed , Fri) New York-Lagos W3 108 (Tues,Thurs, Fri) Lagos-Johannesburg W3 103 Johannesburg-Lagos W3 104 Lagos-Douala - (Tues, Wed ,Thur) Douala-Lagos - (Tues, Wed, Thur) Lagos-Accra Accra-Lagos

Abuja-Accra Accra-Abuja Lagos-Freetown Freetown-Lagos Lagos-Banjul Banjul-Lagos Lagos-Dakar Dakar-Lagos

-(Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun) -(Mon, Wed, Fri) -(Daily) - (Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Wed, Fri, Sun) -(Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri,Sat) -(Tue,Wed, Fri,Sat,Sun)

BRITISH AIRWAYS

London-Lagos Lagos-London Abuja-London Abuja-London

07:00hrs 20:05hrs 20:10hrs 11:45hrs

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

10:45hrs 09:35hrs 11:10hrs 13:25hrs 07:20hrs 17:00hrs 08:05hrs 13:35hrs 18:00hrs

hrs 14:44hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

AWB 201 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) AWB 202 (Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun)

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

17:00hrs 06:00hrs 08:00hrs 17:00hrs 08:00hrs 15:20hrs 21:00hrs

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

EK 7821 (Sun-Sat) EK 7822 EK 7831 EK 7811 EK 761

21:30hrs 14:40hrs 07:35hrs 14:20hrs 23:55hrs

07:40hrs 01:05hrs 12:50hrs 19:45hrs 10:30hrs

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

Lagos - Addis Ababa ET900 Addis Ababa - Lagos ET901 Abuja - Addis Ababa ET910 Addis Ababa - Abuja ET911 Enugu - Addis Ababa ET930 Addis Ababa - Enugu ET931 Kano - Addis Ababa ET930 Addis Ababa - Kano ET931

13:15hrs 09:00hrs 13:40hrs 09:40hrs 12:00hrs 09:20hrs 14:05hrs 09:20hrs

20:25hrs 12:15hr 20:10hrs 12:20hrs 20:50hrs 11:15hrs 20:50hrs 13:20hrs

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

20.45hrs 09:50hrs 09.20 hrs 06:30hrs

12:30hrs

Lagos-Dubai Lagos-Dubai Dubai-Lagos Dubai-Lagos Abuja-Dubai

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

EY 0672 (Sunday) (Monday) (Saturday) EY 955

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

11:55hrs 5:50hrs 14:35hrs 06:00hrs

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

17:55hrs 00:00hrs 09:00hrs 22:40hrs

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

18:30hrs 05:15hrs 05:30hrs

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

12:00hrs 21:30hrs 23:50hrs

Middle East Airlines (Two flights weekly (Tues & Friday)

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

HF 851 (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun) HF 852 (Mon,Wed, Thurs, Sat)

ASKY AIRLINES

Destination Lome to Abuja Abuja-Lome- Kinshasa Kinshasa-Abuja Abuja-Lome Lome-Lagos Lagos-Libreville Libreville-Kinshasa Kinshasa-Libreville Libreville-Lagos Lagos-Lome Lome-Lagos Lagos-Libreville Libreville-Brazaville Brazaville-Libreville Brazzaville-Lagos Lagos-Lome

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

Flight No. KP 032 (Tue-Fri) KP 032 ( Tue-Fri)

Departure Arrival 14:00hrs 15:55hrs 16:30hrs 18:15hrs

KP 033 (Wed-Sat) KP O33 (Wed-Sat) KP O40 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP O44 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP O45 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat)

8:20hrs 10:35hrs 13:00hr 14:40hrs 17:00hrs 7:15hrs 9:35hrs 11:55hrs 13:10hrs 14:50hrs 17:10hrs 07:00hrs 09:20hrs 11:40hrs

10:00hrs 12:20hrs 14:00hrs 16:30hrs 18:45hrs 08:55hrs 11:25hrs 12:45hrs 14:10hrs 16:40hrs 18:50hrs 08:40hrs 11:10hrs 12:30hrs

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE 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

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

WEEKLY SCHEDULE Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 12:40pm

Lagos-Abuja/Kano 4:00pm Abuja-Kano 5:45pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kan 10:10am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 12:40pm Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Sunday Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 10:30am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 1:20pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm

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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH Friday, APRIL 10, 2015

MTN to acquire Jim Ovia's Visafone Globacom, it was learnt, has already hired a leading international technology consulting company in this area for the purpose, with plans to launch LTE services in six cities of the country in the first phase of the planned nationwide launch. “So, as information goes round on the Glo’s imminent launch of LTE come June 1, MTN is not leaving anything to chance; hence, the race to finalise the deal for the purchase of Visafone as soon as possible,” a source said. Consequently, MTN’s calculation, sources said, was to quickly acquire Visafone and put itself in good stead for real showdown with Glo come June. Head, Corporate Communications, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Funmilayo Onajide, confirmed the development in a text message. “We will send a holding statement at the appropriate time,” she said. Efforts by New Telegraph to reach Visafone management to also confirm the deal proved abortive, as several calls put across to the Head of Corporate Communication of Visafone, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale, were unsuccessful.

Visafone is a wireless network provider in the CDMA segment founded in 2007 by a Nigerian businessman and founder of Zenith Bank Plc., Mr. Jim Ovia. MTN, Africa’s biggest mobile phone company, has been exploring acquisitions as it seeks to boost revenue from data outside South Africa, where Vodacom Group Limited, has more subscribers. MTN Nigeria has active 59.9 million subscribers in Nigeria at the end of 2014, which is more than a quarter of MTN Group’s 223 million total across its 22 countries of operations. The company invested more than $13 billion (over N2 trillion) to date in fixed assets and facilities nationwide to provide cellular network access and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions to Nigeria. Latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also showed that Visafone has about 2.2 million customers as of December, last year, making it the only visible CDMA operator in Nigeria.

Remains of the emir's palace razed by insurgents in Gwoza, Borno State, before Nigerian troops recaptured the community…yesterday.

PHOTO-NAN

Kunle Azeez

he end of players in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) segment in Nigeria is imminent as MTN Group is set to acquire the only surviving CDMA player in Nigeria, Visafone Communications Limited. Citing two people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg yesterday reported that MTN Group had started the process of buying closely held Visafone, founded by Zenith Bank Plc. as it seeks to expand its largest market in Africa. The sources, which asked not to be identified because the deal is yet to be announced, also did not give the value of the transaction. Industry analysts told New Telegraph yesterday that MTN’s move to acquire Visafone might have been born out of its desire to be able to compete favourably in the data space with the like of Globacom, as competition in the broadband era heats up in Nigeria. Nigeria’s National Carrier, Globacom, acquired

the 700 MHz licence from the NCC and this licence gives it the capability to deploy Long Term Evolution (LTE) data service, which is obviously the next big area, thereby laying the foundation for reality on the broadband. Globacom is the only operator that has the licence on the 700 MHz spectrum with plans to launch its LTE services by June. According to analysts, sensing this scenario, MTN, not wanting to be beaten to the second place in the LTE offering, wants the Visafone licences, which are the 800 MHz and the 700 MHz. The latter, which is LTE-compliant, will enable MTN to also quickly latch on the spectrum and begin offering LTE in Nigeria at a time when voice service is nearing saturation in the country. Since its entry into the Nigerian telecoms market, MTN engaged in series of acquisitions as deliberate move to expand its service offerings. In 2006, MTN Nigeria bought VGC Communications Limited (VGCCL), a private telephone opera-

tor for $70 million (N9.3 billion). VGCCL was licensed by the NCC to provide cabling and radiotelephone services nationwide and had laid extensive fibre optic cables, and Internet service provision. “VGCCL was acquired by MTN due to the spectrum and the fibre ring it has across Lagos. The acquisition was also another proactive move by MTN to prepare itself for landline telephony services, especially as Glo has licence and apparent capability to offer landline telephone service,” a telecoms analyst, Mr. Akin Akinbo, said. It was gathered that MTN’s Visafone deal would have to be wrapped up sooner than anyone might guess, as Globacom has set a deadline of June 1 to launch LTE services. According to a source at Globacom, the company only recently held a series of meetings, taking presentations from all the leading vendors and network equipment companies, among them Huawei, ZTE, Nokia Networks, Ceragon, on launching LTE services on June 1.

CBN to bar bank debtors from forex market CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Another thing that we also considered, going forward, is to publish the names of the borrowers that refuse to pay up. All these are to ensure the continuous safety and soundness of the banking industry. “It is not all debtors; it is the bad and chronic debtors, those ones that have deliberately refused to pay, those are the ones we are talking about. Now, in the industry we have a standard, we don't want

NPLs to be more than five per cent of total loans in the industry. Total loans in the industry are in the region of N13 trillion. Right now, we have not reached the upper limit of five per cent, but we don't want to get there. That was why we decided to come out with this measure. Currently, the industry average is at 3.3 per cent NPLs and we don't want to get to five per cent. That was why we came up with this measure.”

She added that although the affected debtors could still purchase forex from the parallel market, they would be doing so at a higher cost. The CBN director said the regulator was trying to avoid the pre-Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) situation where the huge volume of NPLs accumulated by the industry almost led to the collapse of some lenders. “You recall how much

was spent by AMCON to clear up toxic loans. So, we just want to make sure we are proactive and that we don't go back to a situation like that. There was a time we had NPLs at 2.5 per cent and 3 per cent, 3.3 per cent and so it is important that we take action now and not wait till it is too late,” Tokunbo stated. The Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank Plc, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, said the committee discussed the use of naira debit cards

and its impact on naira stability. He said: “We did find that in a number of cases, people were using the cards in manners that were not expected of them and there have been some arbitraging going on. So, in order to sustain stability, what the committee agreed was that the limits for the use of the naira debit cards would be reduced. As a customer, if you have a dollar account, you will CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

According to January 2015 data from the telecoms regulator, there were 192.1 million total connected phone lines in Nigeria. Of this total, 187.9 belong to GSM firms; 3.7 million for CDMA operators while only 365,753 were on fixed wired/wireless networks. The CDMA market share is 1.50 per cent. New Telegraph gathered that other CDMA players in the Nigerian telecoms market including Starcomms, Multi-Links, Zoom Mobile and MTS Wireless, among others have gone dormant.

Jega: Benue leads states with cases of electoral violence Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

hairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega yesterday said Benue State recorded the highest number of electoral violence during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections. He stated that though the elections were generally adjudged to be peaceful by international observers, Benue remains the worst state among the 36 states in the country with a high record of disruption of electoral processes as well as burning of the commission's properties. Addressing a stakeholders’ forum at the J.S Tarka Foundation ahead of tomorrow's Governorship and House of Assembly, Jega said he was in the state as a result of the volatile political situation and to appeal to the citizens for calm. "We witnessed highest incidences of violence and burning of INEC offices in Benue State. The level of disruption of electoral process witnessed in the state is incomparable to any other that we have seen in the election. That is why I saw the need to come here to appeal to stakeholders for peace. Close to 200 card readers were destroyed in one local government (Logo LGA, home of Governor Gabriel Suswam) alone but I have come with more card readers," said the INEC boss. In his remarks, the state's Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Istifanus Dafwang expressed doubt about the security of lives and properties in the coming election, as he said "we don't know what will happen this Saturday."

News

Friday, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

UN launches $174m appeal fund for Boko Haram refugees

he United Nations yesterday began moves to raise $174 million to assist Boko Haram refugees. The fund-raiser, which it described as "life-saving aid" was held in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, to cushion the effect of the insurgency on about 200,000 Nigerians who have been forced to flee their homes. The insurgents, who are seeking to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, have killed more than 13,000 people since 2009. "Displaced people in north-eastern Nigeria and across borders are in a very dramatic situation. They continue to fear for their lives, and are, at this point, unable to return to their homes," a report by Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted Liz Ahua, West Africa's representative for the UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, as saying at the launch. Some 192,000 people have fled over Nigeria's borders into Cameroon, Chad and Niger seeking refuge from relentless violence, according to the UNHCR. A further 1.2 million have been displaced within Nigeria as a direct result of the bloodshed, the

agency said at the launch of the Nigeria InterAgency Regional Refugee Response Plan. Staff and volunteers in 23 aid organisations and U.N. agencies said they were struggling to provide shelter, food, education and sanitation for the refugees.

"Adequate funding is crucial to make sure aid agencies can improve living conditions for refugees in asylum countries and respond to their protection need. "We need to continue to relocate refugees away from the conflict border areas, and establish ad-

ditional refugee camps where needed," Ahua said. Largely peaceful presidential elections on March 28 saw President Goodluck Jonathan lose to challenger, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, in Nigeria's first ever transfer of power from a ruling party to an opposition party.

But security fears remain high ahead of this weekend's regional elections. Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon last month launched an unprecedented joint campaign against Boko Haram after the militants widened their offensive with attacks in

the neighbouring countries. Chadian President, Idriss Deby, vowed Wednesday to "wipe out" the organisation and called on its commander, Abubakar Shekau, to give himself up, warning that he knew where the militant leader was hiding.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST

President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (left) and the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar, during a condolence visit to victims of violence during the presidential election in Nafada and Dukku Local Government Area of the state…on Wednesday. PHOTO-NAN

LAGOS

Lawmakers ask CJ to probe impeachment allegations against Fayose

30o C 27oC Thunder Storms

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ENUGU

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Also yesterday, the APC lawmakers sought the withdrawal of the suit instituted against Fayose and others at the Federal High Court. The lawmakers had filed the suit to challenge the impeachment of Omirin by the seven PDP lawmakers. The notice of discontinuance, dated April 7, 2015 and signed by all the 19 APC lawmakers, was obtained yesterday. The lawmakers' bid to discontinue the suit might not be unconnected with the impeachment moves against Fayose. The withdrawal of the suit could also be traced to a statement credited to Fayose in which he urged the lawmakers to wait for the outcome of the suit before embarking on any impeachment move against him. In the suit, the APC lawmakers argued that by the provision of the constitution, the seven PDP lawmakers lacked the legal right to take decision on behalf of the House. The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba; the Department of State Security Ser-

vices (DSS), and the new “Speaker,” Dele Olugbemi, were among the respondents. The plaintiffs, in their originating summons, had prayed the court to declare that Omirin and his deputy are entitled to occupy their offices except removed through two-thirds majority votes. They also sought a declaration that Fayose’s alleged attempt to force them to join the PDP and denounce the APC was against their constitutional rights to freedom of association. They further prayed the court to hold that Olugbemi’s election as speaker was illegal and all deliberations and actions of the seven lawmakers were invalid. But Fayose, in a preliminary objection filed by the three “commissioners” (12th to 14th respondents), prayed for an order striking out or dismissing the suit in its entirety for lack of jurisdiction. He said being the governor; he could not be sued outside the state where the “cause of action” took place. He further contended that the Federal High

Court in Lagos lacked the “territorial jurisdiction” to decide the case. Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers met yesterday in Ado-Ekiti over the lingering political crisis in the state. A communiqué at the end of their meeting, signed by the Chairman, the Onitaji of Itaji-Ekiti, Oba Adamo Babalola, lamented the fact that previ-

ous efforts by the council to wade into the crisis had been frustrated by the submissions by the feuding parties that the matter was in court. "However, the council is not relenting in its efforts to ensure peace in Ekiti State. The recent ugly development in our dear state is a source of serious concern and embarrassment to all wellmeaning people of Ekiti

State. "As a follow up in finding a permanent solution to these problems, the Ekiti State Council of Obas is concluding an arrangement for an expanded meeting of stakeholders and opinion leaders in Ekiti State in no distant future," the communiqué said. The monarchs also commiserated with the family of Olaya.

CBN to bar bank debtors from forex market CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

still have unfettered access to it, but for naira debit accounts, the limits would be reduced to a more judicious level. This specifically refers to the use of these cards abroad because when they are used abroad, the merchants have to be settled. Even if it is Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), the service provider, Visa or MasterCard, has to be settled in foreign currency and we find that it is a drain on the foreign resources available to finance our industries. So, there is going to be reductions in the annual allowable draw down using naira debit cards abroad.

"The limit currently is $150,000 per annum, but this would come down to a more practical level. But the usage, whether you are using domestically or internationally, will not be affected.” In her remarks, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola, said 20 per cent of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) funds had, so far, been disbursed, adding that banks are putting measures in place and creating more market awareness to boost the figure. Also speaking at the briefing, the CEO, Citibank Nigeria, Mr. Omar

Hafeez, said the committee discussed the progress so far recorded on the Bank Verification Number (BVN) initiative. He said: “The BVN was discussed. It is critical that clients and account holders continue to proactively get their BVN from the banks because it will be difficult for them to access credits if they don't do that. We advise all account holders to focus on coming to the banks and register. Banks would do enlightenment campaigns on BVN because we are very keen that every bank customer has a BVN. We are working towards the solutions on a very proactive manner.”

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

SERAP tasks Buhari on corruption Dayo Ayeyemi

he Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday challenged the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to implement a five-point programme against corruption if he intends to send a strong signal of change and ensure improved governance throughout the country. In a statement by SERAP’s Executive Director yesterday, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation noted that the biggest obstacle to reconstruction and development in Nigeria is corruption, pointing out that for many years, systemic corruption has distorted incentives, undermined critical institutions of governance, slowed economic progress and redistributed wealth and power to the undeserving. The body said Nigerians have heard plenty of rhetoric about corruption, saying that now is the time for the incoming president to take concrete action to combat the problem. SERAP, in the statement urged the president-elect to consider and implement the following fivepoint programme against corruption to make sure that Nigeria does not drop deeper into a pattern of corruption and impunity of perpetrators. The programme reads in part: “First, the President-elect should demonstrate the political will to prevent and combat corruption not only within his presidency, but also at all levels of governance. His strategy should reflect the importance of transparency, accountability and participation.” As a first step, the organisation urged the President-elect to immediately, after 29 May 2015, demonstrates his total rejection of corruption by publicly declaring his assets and publicly instructing all members of his government to do same. In order to break through a culture of corruption, the Presidentelect was asked not to shy away from “frying the big fish” including members of the National Assembly and regardless of the political party they may belong. “The President-elect should promote and ensure the naming and punishment of big corrupt politicians, so that a cynical citizenry can believe

that his anti-corruption drive is more than words. Such prosecutions can send a powerful signal of change,” it said. Besides, SERAP canvassed that all unresolved cases of corruption in the aviation, oil subsidy scandal, alleged mismanagement of trillions of naira by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), missing N300 billion in the petroleum ministry since 2011 and others, should be urgently and satisfactorily addressed. SERAP said: “Nothing will kill public confidence quicker than the belief that the anti-corruption drive is directed only at those below a certain level in society. But it is also important that a campaign to combat corruption is not confused with a campaign against the opposition.” The President-elect

was tasked by SERAP on the need to prioritise prevention of corruption by carrying out reforms of institutions of governance in the country if he intends to succeed. Such reform, it said must encompass the judiciary, the police, anticorruption agencies and the regulatory authorities on electricity. It continued: “Fourth, the President-elect should be able to mobilise other actors and invite those outside of politics to become part of the solution. Only collective action and credible systematic reform can end the problem of corruption. ” “Finally, the Presidentelect should lead the process to domesticate and effectively implement the UN Convention against Corruption within the legal system,” SERAP added.

CHANGE OF NAMES

OLADOYINBO

I formerly known as Miss Olubunmi Olanike Ayodele now wish to be known as Mrs. Olubunmi Olanike Oladoyinbo All former documents remain valid. General public take note

OLUWANOWO

I formerly known as Osinowo Feyisola Olalekan now wish to be known as Oluwanowo Feyisola Olalekan. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

IYABO

I formerly known as Abidoye Rukayat now wish to be known as Abidoye Rukayat Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. NECO 2012, WAEC 2013, OSPOLY IREE and general public take note

CLARKE

I formerly known as Elizabeth Onyinye Madugba now wish to be known as Elizabeth Onyinye Chigozie Clarke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT FOOD SECURITY & ENGINEERING PROCESSES SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Prof Simeon Olatayo Jekayinfa — Chairman 2. Dr. Olukunle Elijah Itabiyi 3. Victoria Iyabo Jekayinfa — Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote development of sustainable environment 2. To promote development of food security 3. To promote engineering processes sustainability. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLIMATE AID INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. The Trustees are: 1.) Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen 2) Iyiola Olayori Micheal 3) Abiodun Adeniran 4) Peter Oluwaseun Olomola 5) Kolawole Oluwatosin 6) Kolawole Jumoke AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To facilitate environmental friendlies for better human institution 2. To promote environmental conservation and improvement. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEES

PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSITY, BOKKOS OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

INVITATION for the pre-qualification of the NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION - PHASE ii The Plateau State University, Bokkos, intends to execute the following projects: LOT 1: Construction of Offices and Lecture Rooms LOT 2: Furnishing of Offices LOT 3: Furnishing of Lecture Rooms LOT 4: Construction of Lecture Theatre LOT 5: Furnishing of Lecture Theatre LOT 6: Construction of Mini Sports Complex In compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the University is therefore, inviting reputable Contractors with proven competence and experience for pre-qualification. Interested Contractors are requested to submit pre-qualification documents which MUST be arranged in the following order. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS 1) Evidence of Registration/Incorporation by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). 2) Company’s tax clearance certificate for the preceding three (3) years i.e. 2011, 2012 and 2013. 3) Company’s audited accounts for the last three (3) years i.e. 2011, 2012 and 2013 including annual turnover. 4) Evidence of payment of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) employers’ contribution. 5) Evidence of compliance with Pension Reform Act 2014. OTHER REQUIREMENTS i) Evidence of financial capability to execute the projects, Bank reference and a commitment to provide loan facility for the execution of the contract, if won. ii) List of similar verifiable and successfully completed or on-going projects. Enclose copies of letters of award, interim payment certificates and practical completion certificates, in the last five (5) years (i.e. 2009 to-date only). iii) Have fulfilled all its obligations to pay taxes, Company Income Tax, Education Tax, Pensions, and Social Security Contribution as contained in Section 16, Subsection 6 (d) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. iv) List of key managerial, technical and administrative staff of the company. This should include names, qualifications, curriculum vitae and copies of certificates and professional certificates of registration. v) VAT registration with evidence of remittances in the three (3) years (i.e. 2011, 2012 and 2013). vi) List of equipment owned or to be leased by the company for the execution of the project showing evidence of ownership. vii) A sworn affidavit indicating that all documents submitted are genuine, verifiable and that, no officer of the University has a pecuniary interest or is a former, present director or shareholder in the company. viii) Evidence of community social responsibility, if any. ix) Non-compliance with the instructions will lead to disqualification. Please come along with original copies of all submitted documents for sighting on the day of opening of the pre-qualification documents. All claims are subject to verification. Please note that any false claims shall be ground for disqualification. COLLECTION OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS The pre-qualification document is to be collected in the Office of the Registrar, Plateau State University, Bokkos upon payment of a non refundable processing fee of Twenty Thousand Naira only (N20,000.00) for each of the LOT in account number 1006463695 of the University with United Bank for Africa Plc and obtain a receipt at the Bursary Department of the University on or before Friday 24th April, 2015. SUBMISSION OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS The Pre-qualification documents should be spiral bound, packaged and envelope indicating the LOT at the top left hand corner of the envelope. The name, address of the company and telephone number shall also be clearly written on the reverse side of the envelope. All documents are to be addressed to: The Registrar, Plateau State University, Bokkos and submitted in the Tender box provided in the Registrar's Office, not later than 10:30am on or before Friday 24th April, 2015. OPENING OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS The pre-qualification documents will be opened on Friday 24th April, 2015 at 10:30am in the Senate Chambers, Plateau State University, Bokkos. Contractors are to attend the meeting for the opening of the pre-qualification documents. Only prequalified contractors shall be invited to tender for the projects accordingly. The list of successful prequalified companies will be displayed on the University Notice Board at the front of the Administrative Building. PLEASE NOTE 1) A submission of the pre-qualification documents to the Plateau State University, Bokkos is neither a commitment nor an obligation to award contract to any contractor or his agent. 2) All claims are subject to verification. Take note that any false claim shall be a ground for disqualification. 3) The Plateau State University, Bokkos reserves the right to reject any or all documents submitted at any time prior to tendering or acceptance. 4) The Plateau State University, Bokkos reserves the right to cancel the procurement proceedings at any stage in the public interest without incurring any liability to any firm. 5) Please come along with all originals of your submitted documents on the date of pre-qualification documents/box opening for sighting. 6) Arrange your pre-qualification documents for submission as it appears on the advert. 7) Failure to comply with any of the above mentioned instructions (especially numbers 5 and 6) will lead to outright disqualification.

Daniel D. Kim

Registrar/Secretary to Council Wednesday 8th April, 2015

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

Presidential aide, Douglas, dies at 49 Anule Emmanuel

he Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas is dead. Our correspondent gathered that Douglas has been sick for several years now and was battling cancer-related illness until his death. He died yesterday morning at the State House Clinic in Abuja at the age of 49. He has served President Jonathan as a personal aide for close to a decade,

spanning from the President's days as Governor of Bayelsa State and as Vice President, Acting President till date. Jonathan expressed sadness over his death, which he described as a great loss to the Niger Delta people and Nigeria at large. Yesterday, Jonathan and his Deputy, Vice President Namadi Sambo visited the family house of late Mr. Douglas in Abuja. While speaking at the residence, Jonathan said "It is quite a sad moment, even though we knew, it was quite sad. Douglas

and I are from the same local government in Bayelsa State. I knew him first when I was doing my Ph.D research work when he was an environmental activist. I was doing some aspects of the ecology of the Niger Delta and my supervisor then, one Canadian Prof. Powell knew him and we met in his house.". "But when I came into politics as a Deputy Governor, he was the commissioner for Information then and we were very close. He came with me as my adviser as Vice President on Research, Documentation and Strategy,

a post he held until this morning." The President said that "he was a very dedicated young man, very committed. I was here last Saturday, even though he knew because the doctors told him in America that he was going to die in three weeks, but he was still very passionate about his work. I have never seen such a person with such a strong will. "Oronto was a good man, he left us too early, but God knows the best. I only pray that God should provide for the family and pray that his soul should

L-R: Head, Communication & Public Affairs Unit, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. H. S. Birchi; Managing Director/CEO, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim and Group Managing Director, Nigerian Army Welfare Limited, Major-General Augustine Okoh, during a courtesy visit to NDIC office in Abuja…yesterday.

FG appoints Joshua as NECO's registrar Dan Atori MINNA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Professor Monday Tommy Joshua, as the new Registrar/ Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO) with effect from March 30, 2015. The appointment was sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the former embattled CEO, Professor Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, who spent eight years in the council. The appointment letter

was dated 2nd April, 2015. Joshua, until his appointment, has been a professor of Educational Research, Measurement and Evaluation in the Faculty of Education of the University of Calabar. He is from Afaha Nsit II of Nsit Ibom Local Government of Akwa-Ibom State. Joshua attended Calabar Polytechnic, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Iowa State University of Science and Technology Ames, Iowa State, USA and University of Calabar and obtained NCE, B. Sc (Educ), M. Sc and Ph. D respectively.

Mark: Douglas' death devastating Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

resident of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has described as devastating, the death of Special Adviser, Research and Strategy to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Oronto Douglas. Late Douglas, who died in the early hours of yesterday was a lawyer, human rights activist and environmentalist. Mark, in a condolence message to President, Government and people of Bayelsa State, lamented that Douglas left when his services were most needed.

The Senate President lamented, "It is sad that Douglas died in his prime when the nation actually needed his services. Douglas was a scholar in his own right. He was resourceful and dedicated. He was a think tank who left a vacuum too difficult to fill. "I earnestly share in this grief even as I pray that God in His infinite mercies grant the immediate family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss." He, however, counselled the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Douglas lived an eventful life and left his positive footprint on the sands of time.

Hajj 2015: Saudi allocates 76, 000 seats to Nigeria Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

head of this year Hajj exercise at the holy city of Makkah, the government of Saudi Arabia has allocated a total of 76,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Public Relations Officer of National Hajj

Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Uba Mana, the Commission has also approved seat allocation to the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory and the Nigerian Armed Forces. The statement revealed that 66,000 seats were allocated to the 36 states, FCT and the Armed Forces, while the remain-

ing 10,000 were set aside for international pilgrims tour operators. "As part of preparations for the 2015 Hajj operation, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, wishes to notify the general public that it has approved seats allocation to the 36 states of the federation, including FCT and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

A total of 76,000 seats was approved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Nigeria for Hajj 2015, out of which sixty-six thousand (66,000) were allocated to the 36 States, FCT and the Armed Forces, while the remaining ten thousand seats (10,000) were set aside for international pilgrims (tour operators)," the Commission said in the statement.

rest in peace The Vice President in his remark also said that "it is a very sad day for us, we have lost a very good friend, a brother and a patriotic Nigerian.” The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said the late Douglas will remain a shining and worthy example for every young Nigerian, who seeks a life of service and achievement. According to President Jonathan, through the period that Oronto worked as his aide, he brought to bear brilliance and resourcefulness on every assignment as a loyal and dutiful aide. The President extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the government and people of Bayelsa State on the death of one of their most distinguished sons, who served his country, state and the Niger Delta region, passionately and diligently, during his very impactful years on earth. Douglas was a leading human rights attorney in Nigeria. Fifteen years ago, he served as one of the lawyers on the defence team for the celebrated Ogoni leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed by military fiat on November 10, 1995. He co-founded one of Africa’s foremost envi-

The late Douglas

ronmental movement, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria, and has served on the board of several nonprofit organizations within and outside the country. Records indicate that the late Oronto remains the first Niger Delta activist to have been hosted at the White House by a serving American President in the heydays of President Bill Clinton. The late presidential aide is a Fellow of the George Bell Institute, England and the International Forum on Globalization, USA. Other people seen at his residence in Abuja were the Managing Director News Agency of Nigeria, Ima Niboro, and prolific writer Ike Okonta, Nanadi Usman, Executive Secretary National Christian Pilgrims Board Kennedy Opara, who prayed for the family, his life time and the burial plans.

I was sure of APC’s victory, says Oyegun Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

ational Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun, yesterday stated that he was sure of the victory of his party at the presidential election conducted on March 28. But he said he was not sure of the consequences for the country. Oyegun, who spoke at the National Secretariat of the party, also stated that he was not sure that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win 10 states in the governorship election of tomorrow. The national chairman, while inaugurating the APC presidential screening committee, chaired by Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu last year, had said the committee was going to screen the next Nigeria's president. Also, he commended the international community for their efforts in assisting in maintaining peace during the polls and after.

It could be recalled that the international community, including the Secretary of State, United States of America were in Nigeria before and during the elections. Oyegun, therefore, attributed the peaceful conduct of the election to the efforts of the international community. He posited that he was not interested if the credit of credible election or post election violence goes to President Goodluck Jonathan, but was interested that no life was lost because of the election. The national chairman, whose mood was hilarious, said the party was concerned on the battle ahead. He said: "I wonder if PDP would win up to 10 states. These states mostly would come from the South East and South South". On the gale of defection and the consequence to the party, Oyegun said, "We will not allow the party to be diluted by some of those who have shown interest now".

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Group commends Jonathan

kwerre Monitoring Group, a non-partisan organization of Ikwerre indigenes in the United States and Canada, has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan for his concession speech. The group said the move was a sign of good statesmanship worthy of emulation by all African leaders. The United Statesbased group pointed out that by that singular act, Jonathan had done what no other public office holder has done in the history of Nigeria. In a statement issued by IMG’s spokesperson, Mr. Chindah Wami, the group observed that even the in-coming president had never conceded any of the three previous elections that he lost. The North American group also called on indigenes of Rivers State to vote overwhelmingly for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 11 governorship election as a sign of their continued support and solidarity with President Jonathan, a true son of the Niger Delta.

Amaechi hails taskforce on recovery of arms

he Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has commended the State Joint Security Taskforce on the arrest Thursday evening of about five persons with three AK-47 riffles, ammunitions and assorted Indian hemp at ‘Barracks’, behind Wimpey in Rumueme area of Port Harcourt. Information indicated that those arrested are likely hired thugs and the arms and ammunition were to be used to unleash violence on voters and innocent citizens before or during the gubernatorial elections on tomorrow. According to a statement by the Chief Press secretary to the governor, David Iyiofor, Amaechi hailed the security agencies on the arrest. He urged voters and the people of Rivers State to remain calm and peaceful as the Joint security Taskforce in the state has assured him that they were poised to ensuring a peaceful, violence free elections; and the safety of lives and property before, during and after the elections.

News

NATIONAL

Boko Haram kills 20 in Borno village Ibrahim Abdul YOLA

unmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect have killed at least, 20 people in an attack on a remote village near Askira Uba,in Borno State yesterday. Survivors said that

the insurgents stormed Dile village at 2 am on many vehicles, burning houses and killing anybody in sight. Ibrahim Usman, a resident, who had fled to Mubi, said that 20 persons were feared killed in the village and many others sustained injuries during the attack. In his words: "Dozens of Boko Haram fighters

attacked our village about 2 am and killed 20 people. Many of us fled to the bush to avoid being killed. Everybody was running for his life; we don't know the whereabout of our family members.'' To this end, he called on military authorities to deploy troops to the area to check the activities of the militants. Another fleeing resi-

dent, Gambo Abakura, said that, ''they just started burning houses and shooting at sight. ''Most of the insurgents had turbaned their heads; others in quasi military uniform, chanting Allahu Akbar, meaning Allah is Great,'' he recalls. Though attempt to speak to military authorities in Yola was not

successful but security source confirmed the attack. ''Yes, there was an attack because many residents had fled to Mubi and they told us that, the insurgents have several camps in the bush around the area from where they wreak havoc on villages,'' said a local vigilante in Askira Mallam Baba.

Don’t judge tomorrow’s polls by presidential election outcome, PDP warns APC Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

L-R: Director, Africa Prudential Registrars Plc, Mr Samuel Nwanze; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Peter Ashade; Chairman, Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi and Director, Ammuna Lawan Ali, at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos…on Wednesday

Ohanaeze leaders meet Oba of Lagos

he Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, yesterday said that whatever differences being suspected now between him and the Igbo in Lagos will be over after the tomorrow’s governorship election. The monarch, stated this when he met some members of the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee and other Igbo leaders over the controversial warning to Igbo over the election. Akiolu had threatened the Igbo to either vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr.

Akinwunmi Ambode, or end up in the lagoon, a statement, which that generated much criticism. The group that met with the monarch was made up of Chief Ralph Obioha, chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who was leader of delegation; Chief Onwuka Ukwa (Ebonyi State); Chief Haruna Ajah (Ebonyi State); Chief Ignatius Okamene (Imo State) and Chief Mrs. Pat Udoye (Enugu State). It was further gathered that at the meeting, Obioha had asked Oba Akilu if there was any rift between

the Igbo and the palace to warrant his comments, to which the monarch said it was only politics, adding that by Saturday, after the governorship election, it will be over. The Lagos monarch told the delegation that people were just making a mountain out of a molehill Oba Akiolu, however, urged all to respect the fact that Ambode is like his son and he’s not hiding his support for him. “They should respect my feelings,” he pleaded. It was further gathered that Oba Akiolu had broken his siesta, for the first time, to receive the

Ohanaeze delegation, as a mark of respect for the Igbo. He told the Obioha-led team that he has been associating with Igbo for long, revealing that most of his shops in Isale Eko are used by Igbo traders. Oba Akiolu recalled his long friendship with Chief Obioha, right from his police days. Responding, Obioha, on behalf of the delegation, told Oba Akiolu that Igbo would not bear grudge or animosity against him or to the people of Lagos. The meeting lasted for 40 minutes and ended amicably.

...Why we laughed, clapped, by Igbo lawyer Juliana Francis

lawyer, Atueyi Chukwudi Felix has revealed why he and other Igbo people who were at the palace of Oba of Lagos State, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, laughed and clapped when he threatened and cursed the Igbo if they did not vote the All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate Akinwunmi Ambode. Felix, who said he was present when Akiolu made

the statement, said that the Oba was only joking and speaking with them as friends, adding that friends were always free with one another. He alleged that the person who recorded the video of the event and made it public, had a political motive. This motive he said, was to curry favour for PDP. He noted that he felt it was expedient for him to speak up before things get out of hand. “I strongly

suspect that all this is being portrayed in this manner simply to curry votes for the Saturday’s coming election which is already at hand.” He stated that the ongoing saga might compel some people, who had hitherto being indifferent to their civic duty, to go out of anger and vote against the Oba’s advice, just to dare him. He said: “What the Oba said was fully and simply directed to only the Igbo

present at the meeting, who his majesty considered to be very close to him and should understand him well enough. When one talks to his very close friends, he tends to be very free with them. He was being very free with those present at the meeting and wanted us to realize how serious and close he takes us and our votes, because he could not imagine us giving him our words only to turn back and do the very opposite!”

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it is looking forward to a resounding victory in tomorrow's governorship and House of Assembly elections. The party warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to rate itself higher judging by the outcome of the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in an interview yesterday, said the party's governorship candidates are running on their own merit and will surely emerge victorious. "Our candidates in the north are northerners; they are Muslims. Our governors have delivered and the people are going to judged based on performance. "The South East and South-South are no-go areas for APC and that is nine states. We are going to win Lagos State and we are going to win not less than 10 states in the north", Metuh boasted. Asked to mention the states PDP is hoping to win in the north, Metuh said the party will win Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Jigawa and Gombe where it has an incumbent seeking reelection. He said the candidates had campaigned very well to win the mandate of the people, and dispelled the fear that the defection of some PDP members to APC will affect its electoral fortune. PDP is in control of 17 out of 29 states governorship elections will hold on Saturday while APC controls 12.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Missing kids: Abductors demand N15m ransom DIVINE INTERVENTION Parents of missing kids say they put their hope in God’s hands

Camillus Nnaji

he devastated couple at Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos State, whose three boys were abducted by a housemaid yesterday said the kidnappers had made contact, demanding N15 million ransom. The housemaid, Mary Akinloye, abducted the three children 24 hours after she was employed through an online sales portal, OLX. The couple, Mr Leke Orekoya and Mrs Adebisi Orekoya, who spoke with our correspondent in their home amidst tears, said they would give anything to see their beloved kids again. The couple’s home was crowded as concerned friends and extended family members continued to call to show support. The husband, Leke, said: “They spoke with me this morning. I also spoke with my children. The kidnappers said

The abducted children

that if I know I ever wanted to see my kids again, I should get them N15 million. The discussion started this morning and we have not made any promise.” The Orekoyas’ three children, Aremola, 11-month-old, Adedamola 4 and Damola 6, were on Wednesday abducted by their

newly employed housemaid. Leke added that the kidnappers assured him through a phone call that his children were fine. The kidnappers told him that all they wanted and expected from him was his cooperation. He said: “Earlier before

now, a lot of calls have come in from people who say they saw the children at PalmGroove, others said Allen Avenue, while another person told me on the phone that they were spotted at Oremilelu Street, off Ogunlana Drive. “I contacted the Itire Police

Avert more girls’ abduction, expert warns military Juliana Francis

security expert has praised the Nigerian troops for routing Boko Haram insurgents and urged the military to avert another possible abduction of schoolgirls. The security expert, Dr Ona Ekhomu, warned that

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Boko Haram might abduct more schoolgirls from the North-East unless robust school security measures were put in place to forestall such occurrence. He said: “Given the worldwide publicity and notoriety that Boko Haram got from seizing the Chibok schoolgirls, Abubakar Shekau is likely to run such a play again in order to call attention to his group -- despite its apparent defeat by the Nigerian military.” In the first anniversary of the mass abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, Ekhomu who is President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON) called for the creation of standards of security to protect educational institutions against terror attacks.

He called on school authorities and states in the North to urgently design security master plans for schools in order to safeguard students and teachers from terror attacks. Ekhomu described the plight of the Chibok girls as tragic. He said: “I’m sure that most of the girls have been given away to terrorist commanders or sold off as wives or as sex slaves by Shekau.” The security expert said that the most important lesson of the Chibok mass abduction was for the authorities to be proactive in the implementation of security measures aimed at protecting students from mass abductions or mass murder. Ekhomu praised the successful military campaign in the North-East which has resulted in reclaiming territories previously held by the

insurgents. He, however, warned that Boko Haram had not been defeated. “They have merely gone underground from where they can mount stealth attacks, such recent attacks in Njaba, Maiduguri and Kwajafa which have resulted in mass fatalities.” Ekhomu recalled that many schools had been successfully attacked by Boko Haram including Bayero University Kano, the University of Maiduguri, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, School of Hygiene Technology in Kano, Government Girls Secondary School, Mamudo, Yobe State, Government Secondary School, Buni Yadi, Yobe State. He added that Boko Haram had previously taken several female hostages from various schools in Yobe and Borno states.

Station. The Divisional Officer (DPO) gave me about 12 armed police officers. Around 12:30am, we surrounded the house and conducted a thorough search, but they were not there.” Orekoya, who wondered how a day-old employee would understand their system with full confidence of abducting his children next day, said his last hope now rests on God. He said: “I know God will intervene because my kids are innocent.” Orekoya said that relatives of Akinloye who claimed to be her brother and sister had switched off their phones since the abduction took place. He recalled: “We spoke with two people whom she introduced to us as her brother and sister. They confirmed that they were her relatives. They gave us a vague description of where they lived in Ikorodu. “We agreed to do proper documentation this week and finalise her stay, but to our greatest shock she was collaborating with them because all their phones have been switched off since she abducted the kids.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said: “We have begun proper investigation on the whereabouts of those kids. We are not sparing any effort either. We want those kids returned alive to their parents as quickly as possible. We cannot discuss the details of our investigation on the pages of newspapers.”

Man in court for defiling minor

39-year-old trader, Anayo Ibe, who allegedly had an unlawful carnal knowledge of an 11-year-old girl, was yesterday in Lagos docked at a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused, a resident of No. 11, Anuoluwapo Street, Shomolu in Lagos State, is standing trial on a charge of child rape. The prosecutor, ASP Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the accused committed the offence about 5.30pm on November 17, 2014 at the accused’s residence. He said that the accused, who was living in the same building with the parents of the victim, lured the girl into his room under the pretext of sending her on an errand. The prosecutor, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that when the victim entered the accused’s apartment, Ibe forcibly had carnal knowledge of her. He said that the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

METRO 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

N74.8m not mine, says South African suspect

City Briefs Fire razes NLC building Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

Oats where the money was hidden

The money

Juliana Francis

South African lady arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) for concealing $373,725 (about N74,371,275) and €2,120 (about N449,440), totalling N74,820,715, said the money did not belong to her. The suspect, Nosisi Pam Ngqula, 39, arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is presently being investigated for money laundering. Ngqula, who works in a cosmetic shop, said that the bag containing the money was given to her by a Nigerian in South Africa. She said: “I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was given a bag by a Nigerian to deliver to one Damian Akamelu. During examination

Ngqula

of my bags at the Lagos airport, the money was found inside packs of oats.” The Head, Media and Publicity, NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the money was detected during an inward screening of passengers on a South African airline flight from Johannesburg. He added that two Nigerians were also being

investigated by the antinarcotic agency. NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr Hamza Umar, said that it was a suspected case of money laundering. He said: “The South African lady is being interrogated in connection with a suspected case of money laundering. The mode of concealment presents reasonable grounds for money laundering. Five packs of oats were found to contain $373,725 and €2,120. Two Nigerians, Damian Akamelu and Prophet Cyprian Chigere are also being interrogated in connection with the seized money.” The NDLEA Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Mrs Victoria Egbase, said that refusal to declare the money and the manner of concealment were criminal and that the

case was being investigated to establish possible link with drug trafficking. The NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, who commended the officers for detecting the money, ordered that the case be investigated to determine the source of the money. He said: “One of the mandates of the agency is to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds derived from drug-related offences or property whose value corresponds to such proceeds. I have therefore directed that the case be investigated to ascertain the source of the money.” The investigation report is expected to be presented to the chairman for necessary action. Meanwhile, officials of the South Africa Embassy are said to be in touch with the suspect.

Man held with 813 PVCs

Gunmen abduct Wamakko’s brother

Juliana Francis

Umar Ado

with Agency report

etectives attached to Zone 6 have arrested a 31-year-man in possession of 813 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ebonyi State. The suspect, Madueke Sunday, who hails from Izzi community in Ebonyi State, was carrying a ‘Ghana-must-go’ bag filled with PVCs. The team of detectives, known as ‘Special Election Team,’ was created by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in Charge of Zone 6, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin. The team has consistently warned against improper conduct before, during and after the general election. Speaking on the arrest, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Obere Friday, Head of the Special Election Team, said that the arrest that took place on Monday, April 6,

A The PVCs

at Izzi community. The AIG said he received a call on Easter Sunday, on one of the zone’s dedicated phone lines about two men suspected to be in possession of multiple PVCs. The team immediately went to Izzi community were the suspects were said to have been sighted. “Upon sighting the police, the suspects made a run for it with the men of the Special Election Team in hot pursuit,” Friday said. According to him, the suspects ran through some convoluted paths in the town but one of them

was apprehended. The AIG has ordered thorough investigation to be carried out and more arrests are expected to follow. Speaking on the arrest on the phone, Ogunsakin commended members of the Special Electoral Team for their dogged determination and commitment. Ogunsakin restated the commitment of the police to combat every plan against hitch-free election in the four states - Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi and Rivers - that make up the Zone 6 command.

few hours to the governorship and state Assembly elections, gunmen have kidnapped the District Head of Wamakko, Alhaji Salihu Barada, in Sokoto State. The victim is said to be the elder brother to the Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko. It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the farm of the traditional title holder, the Baraden Wamakko, on Wednesday evening and whisked him away. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 10, Mr Bala Hassan, yesterday told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that four gunmen kidnapped Barada. Hassan said in Sokoto that the police and other security agencies had been placed on alert to rescue the traditional ruler. He said the gunmen, using a gold coloured vehicle, kidnapped Barada and one other person at his farm around 8p.m. According to Hassan, the kidnappers, however, released the second person at Bege village, Kebbi. The AIG added that effective operation had commenced to rescue the traditional ruler.

n early morning fire yesterday razed the building housing the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. No part of the building located on Igboukwu Street D\Line Diobu, Port Harcourt, was spared by the inferno, whose cause was yet to be identified at press time. Firefighters fruitlessly battle the raging fire for several hours. Some NLC officials, who got wind of the fire rushed down there but left later. Soldiers and policemen with patrol vans positioned themselves at different areas. The state NLC Chairman, Chris Oruge, said he was informed of the fire on the phone. Oruge said his office was badly damaged, adding that he was told the fire started around 4 am immediately after an explosion. He said: “Yes as you can see the place has been raised down by fire.”

Quit our land, family tells Deeper Life Church Dele Alao

he Sofidiya family of Agbodi village at Mowe in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State, has called on the Deeper Christian Life Ministry also known as Deeper Life Bible Church to vacate its land running into several acres. Addressing journalists yesterday at Agbado in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, counsel to the family, Mr Shem Popoola of Tunde Popoola & Associates, refuted a media report that the church had paid N750 million to the state government to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the disputed land. He said: “Which land is the Deeper Life Christian Ministry talking about in which they claimed in a newspaper that they had paid N750 million to the Ogun State Government? The public should ask for the family receipt on which they paid for the land. “The land the Deeper Life Christian Ministry is forcibly taking over from the family is not the same land the ministry has its Conference Centre (Camp) as it claims. It is a different land which they paid N10 million for about six years ago as Owo Ilagbe (money for mapping) out of the N50 million agreed upon by both parties.” The Deeper Christian Life Ministry spokesman, Pastor Segun Babatope, could not be reach for comment. He neither picked his calls nor responded to text messages sent to his mobile phone. But worried by the spate of violence allegedly carried out on the disputed land allegedly on the orders of the church with the connivance of hoodlums and security agents which led to the shooting of a family member, Sadiq Olopade, last Sunday, Popoola petitioned the police. Though, the family has also made a formal complaint to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ibafo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, on the Olopade’s shooting, the lawyer said that armed hoodlums were still occupying the land while construction works by the church were going on at the same time. Also at the briefing, the Baale (traditional ruler) of Agbodi, Chief Taiwo Ogunkayode, said that there was never a time the church came back to the family to negotiate for the actual purchase of the land.

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Judiciary can’t help you, APC tells Fayose Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted Governor Ayo Fayose’s resort to the judiciary to stave off his imminent impeachment, stating that his recent relationship with the judiciary were not wholesome enough to earn him such honour. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti

yesterday, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Olatubosun, also said that no judicial action can save the governor from being impeached. The party was reacting to the suit filed by the governor at a Federal High Court in Abuja, urging the court to grant an interim injunction restraining APC members of the House of Assembly from going ahead with their impeachment plan. “It is laughable that the

governor, who once desecrated the judiciary by leading thugs to beat up judges and tear court records in the Chief Judge’s office is now approaching the same institution to protect him from his illegal acts,” he said. The party also expressed surprise that the governor could approach a Federal High Court in Abuja for protection over a matter that happened in Ekiti, after lampooning the APC for

approaching the same court in the Jos Division, while seeking protection from the governor’s harassment and attacks. It added that the governor contradicted himself by challenging the legality of his impeachment proceedings when he had earlier claimed that he was not aware of any impeachment move by the lawmakers. Olatubosun said the governor was confused on how to handle his

cases in court, having desecrated Ekiti State judiciary and instigating the state judiciary workers to turn down calls to resumption of duties. “Fayose didn’t allow Ekiti courts to function and he declared the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Olajide Awe, wanted over a phantom murder charge, Chief Awe obtained an injunction against his arrest from a Federal High Court in Jos, which the governor

referred to as a ‘black market injunction’. He has now run to Abuja to get an injunction to restrain the 19 lawmakers from impeaching him, but the court, in its wisdom, has turned this request down,” the APC spokesman noted. He expressed delight at the court ruling, saying the gesture was a warning to the governor and his ilks that the rule of law had come to stay in Nigeria.

Chief Imam of Ibadan dies at 93 Ajimobi showers encomiums Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Suarau Aruna, died early yesterday at the Al-Hayyu Medical Hospital, Iwo Road, Ibadan, Oyo state capital. He was aged 93. His remains were also laid to rest yesterday evening at the Central Mosque, Oja - Oba, Ibadan after Islamic rites. Sheik Aruna hails from the popular Aruna family of Agbeni area of Ibadan. He would be remembered for propagating Islam and his versed knowledge of Arabic and Islamic studies.

Ondo PDP chides Oke, others on defection Babatope Okeowo Akure

he People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, yesterday chided some of its leaders who defected to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) just as the chairmen of the party in 18 local government areas of the state dissociated themselves from the plot to dump the party. Chairmen of the party, in a statement reaffirmed their membership of the PDP and said they would remain in the party and rebuild it for future elections. They also informed the members of the party to remain steadfast even in the face of the betrayal being exhibited by some leaders of the party in the aftermath of the last Presidential election.

L-R: Vice-President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Otunba Olufemi Deru; Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo and Chairman, Ikeja District Society of the Institute, Mr. Seyi Ogunjobi, during their visit to FIIRO in Lagos …yesterday

Farmers will benefit from Buhari’s APC behind attacks on our members, Ogun PDP alleges free meal for pupils – Lagos Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government yesterday said that the agricultural sector would receive a boom in the era of the incoming administration of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, saying that the party’s free meal policy would enhance farmers’ business and make farming more attractive. Presenting agricultural inputs to about 962 residents as part of the state’s agricultural value chains and empowerment program, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who made the disclosure, said farmers must brace up to enable them to tap into the opportunities that the incoming admin-

istration would provides from May 29. Lawal explained, that the one meal per day policy would not only encourage school enrollment across the country, but would also empower farmers and other stake holders in the agricultural sector. “With one meal per day for pupils in public schools all over the country, farmer in the state will be empowered . The incoming government will also give priority to the farmers. There will be major opportunity for those in agricultural sector. Some farmers will be responsible for the supply of the eggs and the food. So, it is a great opportunity for our farmers to tap into,”Lawal said. He added that the state had embarked on aggres-

sive empowerment of farmers with the supply of farming inputs to abolish poverty among the beneficiaries. He also said, ”No fewer than 21 beneficiaries, who specialise in aquaculture will get 20 bags of fish feeds each. For those in poultry at least 27 of them will get 40 bags of poultry feeds. While 105 Piggery farmers will also get 20 bags of pig feeds. A total of 244 egg marketers will get 50 creates each. Butchers are also being considered because most butchers are faced with challenge of capital. Majority of them said they buy the cattle on credit and pay after selling. As a result, we are giving 4 butchers a cow as our empowerment strategy. So, 250 herds of cattle will be given to the butchers across the state.”

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, yesterday accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of masterminding attacks on supporters of its governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Isiaka. The Director of Media and Publicity of Isiaka’s campaign organisation, Comrade Ifekayode Akinbode, who made the allegation in a statement, said about 60 PDP members were attacked on Wednesday during the party’s road show in the Ogun East senatorial district. Akinbode claimed that four of those attacked by suspected thugs in Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta were currently in critical conditions in undisclosed hospitals.

He also alleged that billboards and posters of the PDP gubernatorial candidate were removed by the suspected hoodlums who went on the rampage on Wednesday evening and assaulted those wearing PDP branded T-shirts and face caps. Describing the attacks as unfortunate and uncalled for, Akinbode, called on security agencies to ensure the safety of PDP members and supporters. The PDP campaign organisation ‘s spokesman also said that his party had uncovered plot by the governor to use state government vehicles and security personnel attached to him to hijack voting materials in rural communities. He, however, appealed to the electorate to be vigilant during the elections and be prepared to defend their votes.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Governorship poll

Lagos guber

Anti-Igbo campaign

Elections

Amaechi: Jonathan’s wife plots to rig Rivers election

Agbaje, Ambode, 14 others battle for Fashola’s seat

Dimgba: Ndigbo won’t vote against Ambode

Okei-Odumakin: INEC must improve on use of card readers

Politics The March 28 presidential and National Assembly election that went the way of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is likely to affect the fortunes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections. The victory of the APC especially in PDP-controlled states at the last elections has posed a serious challenge. JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM examines the chances of the PDP and APC in tomorrow’s election

PDP, APC battle for states

Mu’azu

ince 1999 when Nigeria returned to democratic rule, the party at the federal level, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has always won governorship and State House of Assemblies elections in many states. In 1999, the PDP produced 21 state governors. In 2003, the party raised the ante by producing 28 governors with many members of the State House of Assemblies. Also in the 2007 and 2011 elections, the party produced 28 and 23 state governors respectively with majority members at the States’ Houses of Assembly These political feats were made possible because of the control of the party at the federal level. Many Senators and House of Representatives members were produced on the platform

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

of the party. But Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections are very significant because it could change the tide of things as bandwagon effect may affect the fortunes of the PDP. The current change in the political equation at the federal level with the APC winning the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections can alter the 16 years of political equations in the governorship elections in favour of APC. The APC that was formed in 2013, presently controls 14 state governors through merger and defection. This could be the highest controlled by one single opposition political party since 1999. Political pundits believe that the tally of states controlled by APC might change in this election given the antecedents of political records in the country. As at today, PDP controls 21 states, APC 14 and APGA one. Among the states being controlled by PDP are: Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo. Others are: Bauchi, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, Jigawa, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi and Kebbi. APC controls Rivers, Edo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Sokoto, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kwara, Nasarawa and Imo, while

Oyegun

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

The current change in the political equation at the federal level... can alter the 16 years of political equations in the governorship elections in favour of APC

the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) controls Anambra. Of the 36 states, governorship election would not hold in seven of the states. Four of the states are PDP-controlled states, two for APC and one APGA state. So, election would only hold in 29 states of which 18 are for PDP and 11 for APC. Of the states being controlled by PDP, the APC in the last elections scored higher votes in the presidential election and more seats for the National Assembly. A breakdown of the winnings show that the PDP won five senatorial seats in the South-West, comprising Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Oyo and Osun states; 15 in the South-East, made up of Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Imo and Ebonyi states; 17 in the South-South which is made up of Akwa Ibom, Edo, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states. Other senatorial seats won by the PDP were five from the North Central, made up of Kwara, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau; and then one seat from the North-West. APC won in virtually all the Northern states including one seat from Edo North in the South-South of the country. In the North-East, the APC secured senatorial seats in all the six states in the zone, except losing the three seats in Taraba

State and one in Gombe State. The party also swept the entire North-Western states where they yielded only one seat to the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District. By this result, the APC has won a simple majority of 60 seats in the Senate, while the ruling PDP won 49 seats. With these kind of results at the presidential and National Assembly elections, states like Bauchi, Niger, Katsina, Gombe, Benue, Jigawa, and Adamawa states are going the way of APC. The defection of more PDP members into APC in many states poses a serious threat to PDP in those states. Also, states like Lagos and Rivers are in strong contention for grab. The President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari has stated that APC cannot afford to lose Lagos State. However, the PDP is also fighting strongly to win Lagos and Rivers states. Beyond Lagos and Rivers states, the PDP members believe that for the party not to go into extinction, the states being controlled by the party must be retained in this election, if not added to. The party has gone back to its drawing board to look at what went wrong for the party to have lost at the presidential and National Assembly elections. The PDP national chairman, Adamu Mu’Azu in recent statement said: “I urge the PDP faithful to pick up the pieces and ensure that we return quickly to our old winning ways. There should be no room for voter apathy that was a major factor to our losing the presidential election. “While our opponents were savouring their famous victory, we should corner at least two-thirds of the states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “This is not an impossible target if we return to our elements with immediate effect. We have done it before and we can do it again. Nothing will be sweeter than PDP taking Lagos, our own Rivers State and Imo. Our candidates in these states are first class materials who have fully penetrated the political structures of those states and are set to win.” If APC wins all the PDP states in the North with Lagos and Rivers states inclusive, the party would have been controlling about 26 states. And if the APC wins the majority of the states, the party would be in control of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Politics

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Amaechi: Jonathan’s wife plots to rig Rivers election Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has been holding meetings with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig Saturday’s governorship election in the state. The governor, who made the allegation while addressing stakeholders at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, in Port Harcourt, blamed the First Lady over the deployment of security men to the state during the March 28 election.

He said that the First Lady was mounting pressure on the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Gesila Khan, and also holding meetings with security operatives to rig the Saturday, April 11 election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mrs. Jonathan arrived Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, but later travelled to Okrika, her home town. Amaechi said: “The wife of the president has been holding series of meetings in her house aimed at influencing the outcome of the election. We will resist it. We will not allow what happened during the presidential election to happen again. Mrs. Jonathan cannot choose a governor for

us. Rivers people have the right to choose who should be their governor. “Let the wife of the president remain in her house. She should not foist a candidate on us. We the people of Rivers State will decide who our next governor will be. The president’s wife brought militants back to Rivers State so that they can be used to rig election. We will chase away the militants after the election.” Amaechi noted that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not vote without seeing the result sheets, and called on party supporters to be watchful.

He said: “We will not vote if we don’t see the result sheets. Ask the INEC officials for the result sheets. If they fail to produce it, then form a human ring round the INEC officials and together with the security men escort the ad-hoc staff to the local government headquarters and lodge your complains. “But make sure nobody votes in any unit that cannot produce the original result sheets. We will not accept photocopies. We will do what we do in our village: we call it the Obima formula. Our youths usually lock down the village. No one comes

in and no one goes out. I am pleading that INEC should not endanger the lives of its staff by holding on to the original result sheets. “Don’t allow any INEC official to leave your unit or your village if he or she fails to do the right thing. This time nobody will write fake results and go scot free. Don’t allow voting to commence until you see the result sheet. And also ensure that the results of your units are announced and pasted by the INEC officials before they leave your units.” He said that security agencies had assured him of adequate security dur-

ing the polls, and pleaded with the people of the state to turn out in large numbers and participate fully in the election. “PDP don’t believe in the process of voting. PDP believes in writing results. But that will not be possible in the governorship election. This time, our votes must count. INEC does not have the right to choose our governor for us,” he said. Amaechi vowed to bring to justice those responsible for the killing of APC members and supporters in Ibrikom/ Omoku in Onelga, and other parts of the state before he leaves office.

Abike-Dabiri begs Lagos residents to vote for APC, Ambode Philip Nyam Abuja

hair man, House Committee on Diaspora, Hon Abike DabiriErewa has urged residents of Lagos State to go out en masse and vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday, as well as all APC’s House of Assembly candidates. She said following the emergence of APC as the ruling party after the March 28 presidential election, a victory for Ambode, and all APC

House of Assembly candidates on Saturday presents the best opportunity for Lagos State to align with the APC led Federal Government. “For the first time in 16 years, since the advent of our democracy, the ruling party in Lagos State is set to take control not only at the state level but also at the federal level and these portends a lot of good things for Lagos State,” she said. She appealed to Lagos electorate to vote wisely for APC on Saturday, and urged that all distractions on ethnicity should be set aside, as APC remains the best option for Lagos State.

Ochei urges supporters to vote Okowa

ormer Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei has urged his supporters to vote for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship election in the state. Ochei in a statement yesterday urged his supporters across the state to cast their votes for Okowa, saying he represents the Anioma aspiration in the election slated for April 11. He said: “If our recent political dynamics has taught us anything, it is that our democracy endures when strong people make sacrifices for the greater good just like President Goodluck Jonathan’s historic concession and congratulatory call to General Muhammadu Buhari midway into the announcement of results of the presidential election, which in no small

way helped to avert the predicted doomsday in our dear nation. “In Delta State and Anioma nation in particular, I am calling our teeming supporters to follow in the footsteps of greatness by eschewing all bitterness and feelings of betrayal and focus on delivering Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta State on Saturday April 11. “After the last senatorial election, my personal sense of outrage over our stolen mandate, which by the grace of God we shall reclaim through the judiciary, did not and will not blind me to the general sentiments and aspiration of the Anioma people, who desire above all else, to be equal partners and stakeholders in our Delta dream.” Ochei contested for the senatorial election on the platform of the Accord Party on March 28.

L-R: Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; Delta State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama; Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Commissioner for Works, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, during the official commissioning of 120m Six-Span Flyover by the governor in Asaba…yesterday.

Vote for Agbaje, Obi tells Lagosians

he former Governor of Anambra State and the Deputy Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the people of Lagos to vote for Mr. Jimi Agbaje in tomorrow’s election. Obi, who was speaking yesterday during a radio programme, said that Agbaje would do

well in governing a state as Lagos because he had a rich background of creating wealth. “I have always advocated that those who created personal wealth in the past should be entrusted with the governance of a state, since they always do better,” he said. Asked for his comments on the statement by the Oba of Lagos, Al-

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haji Rilwan Akiolu that Igbos will die if they do

not vote for Ambode, Obi said that he stood on his earlier statement that he believed that the Oba was misquoted. He encouraged every Nigerian to vote according to their conscience. Obi said that at all times, Nigerians should emulate President Goodluck Jonathan by making sacrifices for the good of the country.

One party system dangerous for Nigeria – Adeyanju Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ational Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju, has expressed the fear that Nigeria may end up a one-party state with the gale of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Adeyanju in a state-

ment yesterday said such will not grow the nation’s nascent democracy. He advised that rather than dumping PDP for the APC because the party is going to form the government at the centre, PDP “members should go back to the drawing board, put on their thinking caps and plan ahead of future elections. That is what is expected of a good politician who really wants to

serve his or community.” He noted that Nigeria’s democracy needs strong opposition which will spur any ruling party to work hard for good governance. “Rushing to the APC by PDP members especially the so-called bigwigs is not the answer to the current predicament of the PDP and it is dangerous to our nascent democracy. We should

come together to review our poor outing and look for a way forward,” the National Auditor advised. He expressed optimism that if PDP leaders could come together and put their acts together in a proper perspective, the party would surely bounce back. According to him, the achievements recorded by PDP in the 16 years will launch it back to power.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Agbaje, Ambode, 14 others battle for Fashola’s seat Wale Elegbede

head of tomorrow’s governorship election in Lagos State, 16 candidates including two females, Pauline Adegbe of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) and Mrs. Modupe Onitiri-Abiola of the

l17 parties field 221 candidates for 40 Assembly seats Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), will be slugging it out with 14 others in the race to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola. In the final list of candidates obtained from the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) in Lagos, 17 political parties fielded 221 candidates for the available 40 state assembly seats in the state. The 16 governorship candidates picked six female and 10 male as running mates for the

election. From the candidates’ detail, the flag bearers of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), KOWA and PPA have the lowest educational qualification, Senior Secondary School Certificate

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi; Coordinator of NNNGO, Ms. Yemisi Ransome Kuti and Ms. Yemi Adamolekun, during the signing of a gender pact with Lagos women by Ambode at a Civil Society Organisations dialogue in Lagos.....on Wednesday

(SSCE). In the race for state assembly, 43 females and 178 males from 17 parties will vie for the 40 assembly seats. Both the APC and PDP fielded candidates in the entire 40 state constituencies. Ibeju-Lekki State Constituency has the least number of contestants, it’s a two-horse race battle between the PDP and APC. Expectedly, the politically vibrant Alimosho State Constituency I has the highest number of contestants with 10. The list includes: Alliance for Democracy (AD), 28 candidates; APGA, 23; PPA 20, Labour Party, 18; United Progressive Party (UPP), nine; National Conscience Party (NCP), nine; African Peoples Alliance (APA) seven; the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), six; Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP), five and Social Democratic

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Party (SDP), five, among others The INEC list which was signed by its Secretary, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, also indicates that four candidates of the APA from Agege II, Kosofe I, Epe I and Ikeja I state constituency did not return their forms to the Commission. Last week, 10 political parties stepped down for Ambode and adopted him as their governorship candidate. Similarly, another sets of parties also adopted Agbaje yesterday at the PDP’s secretariat.

Buhari receives defectors in Katsina APC accuses Mimiko of training, arming thugs towoAPC former gubernato- dential and National have already started un- the law to account for Trial aspirants on the Assembly elections on lIt’s not true, says state govt leashing violence, killing their unbridled penchant platform of the Peoples March 28.

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted the security agencies to the alleged moves being made by Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State to disrupt Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the entire South-West by instigating widespread violence. In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party alleged that the governor has already met with the thugs, who have been trained specifically for the purpose of disrupting the elections, at Oshodi-Isolo in Akure and Iro in Akure South Local Government Area. “The strategy is to deploy these thugs to various parts of the SouthWest with the express instruction to violently disrupt elections through sporadic shootings and stealing of ballot boxes. This is the governor’s answer to the massive shellacking he received from the electorate in the region in general and in Ondo State in particular during the March 28th presidential elections. “The fear of the thugs have already sent many APC leaders, who have been targeted for attack,

scampering for safety. While some have gone underground, others have relocated either from Ondo State or from the region entirely. There is also the report circulating in Ondo State in particular that the governor has deployed thugs to every polling unit to cut off the hands of anyone who is suspected to have voted for the APC during the elections. “These developments do not augur well for a free, fair and peaceful elections, hence the need for security agents to face the challenge posed by the hired thugs squarely,’’ it said APC said the thugs

one person at a rally in Igbara-Oke in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday “Since his embarrassing loss at the March 28 elections, Governor Mimiko has almost become maniacal, hence his resort to the training and arming of thugs, many of whom will don fake police and army uniforms to disrupt Saturday’s elections throughout the South-West and especially in Ondo state. “It is important to alert the sponsors of terror and electoral malfeasance that whether or not they have immunity from prosecution, ultimately they will be made to face the full wrath of

for violence,’’ the party warned. But the Ondo State Government described the allegations as baseless. The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, told New Telegraph that Mimiko is a man of peace who won’t do such. “It is not true. The APC people are the one precipitating violence. The allegation that governor Mimiko is training thugs for the election is from the pit of hell. “We have kept the security agencies on the watch about their plan to foment trouble during the election,” Akinmade said.

Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State, Alhaji Kabir Barkiya and Alhaji Tukur Jikamshi, have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). They were received at the governorship rally of APC’s candidate, Aminu Masari, by the Presidentelect, Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina yesterday. Other defectors included the former Military Governor of Borno, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (rtd), eight serving members of the Katsina State House of Assembly and two former commissioners, Nasidi Danladi and Aminu Jamo. Buhari thanked God for the success APC recorded during the Presi-

He urged the electorate across the country to massively vote for APC candidates during the forthcoming governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections. The President-elect assured that he would fulfil all promises he made during the campaign. The APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Aminu Masari, assured people of the state that he would improve the living condition of people if elected as governor of the state on April 11. Masari called on the party’s supporters to continue to be law abiding during and after the elections for peaceful coexistence in the state.

Agbaje to Lagosians: Vote PDP without fear Wale Elegbede

overnorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje, yesterday brought his campaign to a halt at the Trade Fair and Alaba International Market, urging Lagos residents to vote for the PDP on Saturday. Agbaje, who is one of the two favourites struggling for the soul of the nation’s commercial capital, which pundits see as the PDP’s last fort, ral-

lied support for the party in both the governorship and state assembly election. He said: “Nobody can push you into the Atlantic Ocean. Rather, you should use your votes to push the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the Atlantic Ocean by voting massively for PDP on Saturday,” Agbaje told thousands of supporters as he rounded off campaigns he began since August 2014. While urging the people to ignore the scare tactics

being marshalled by APC, saying it was the antics of a drowning party, he noted that, “election is like a snake. You have to make sure you win by killing the snake completely by using your votes to drive APC out of power. The reason why they are harassing you is because they fear Igbo votes. They will try to do shakara for you. But make sure you vote massively for PDP and protect your votes,” he said. Agbaje, who was accompanied by his running

mate, Alhaja Safuratu Abdulkarim, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, encouraged traders and supporters to troop out on Saturday to cast their votes in the governorship and House of Assembly elections. Thanking the people for voting massively for PDP in the presidential and legislative elections on March 28, Agbaje said it was clear that APC had seen the handwriting on the wall and knew its time was up.

His words: “In the last 16 years, APC has been full of arrogance. This arrogance must end once and for all. Saturday is the time to say enough is enough.” Agbaje urged the electorate to guard their votes. He said: “God is on our side and power will change hands on Saturday and life will be better for you and your businesses. There will be no oppression again because this election is about freedom from bondage.”

Politics

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Gburugburu’s journey to Lion Building Ezejiofo Sunny Udeh

redible and reputable pollsters in Enugu State are not even debating the outcome of the April 11 gubernatorial election for it is more of a done deal given the soaring acceptance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship flag bearer, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi – Gburugburu, whose popularity has gone off the chart and through the roof. Going by crude methodology of polling, the sheer number of over 200 support groups creating carnival-like atmosphere throughout the state, the dominating number of billboards, banners, fliers and posters adorning the length and breadth of Enugu State and the invisibility of any credible alternative leave nobody in doubt of who the next Executive Governor is. Most discerning observers have quietly wondered the reasons behind Gburugburu’s glaring acceptance by the people of Enugu State. Some attribute it to his rising profile to the dominance of PDP, a party that has held power and virtually all political offices for the past 16 years in Enugu State. Yet others peg the reason of his leap in the polls to the peace and reconciliation of the two PDP factions (Chime and Ekwrermadu). The remaining few were not in such a rush to conclude as to what is propelling Gburugburu’s fast-track journey to Lion Building, for they ascribed the unseen popularity to a phenomenon worthy of closer examination because such is alien to the political annals of Enugu State or even in Nigeria. The man Perhaps, there is no magic wand to unravel the Gburugburu phenomenon than to observe and follow Gburugburu, review his vision and the four-point agenda as he traversed across the 17 local governments of Enugu State campaigning for votes. Arguably, Ugwuanyi is one of the most experienced grassroots’ politicians to be nominated by any political party to run as a governorship candidate in the recent dispensation. He was elected at the grassroots as Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area before serving three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives. With combined executive and legislative experience under his belt, Ugwuanyi stands head and shoulder above previously nominees for governorship in Enugu State. There is no doubt this positive disposition provided him a clear edge in securing the overwhelming support of the Enugu State PDP stakeholders which contributed to his success. His vision Guided by the Ashua Azua governance philosophy and the onus responsibilities of the governor, Ugwuanyi issued a roadmap to Greater Enugu State grounded in continuity and consolidation where he painted a compelling picture of what Enugu State would be like in the coming years. Gburugburu offered a bold vision for Enugu State where government services are de-

Ugwuanyi

ployed solely to create fair opportunity for every citizen to make a living and create wealth, educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment. A critical review of his vision finds it clear and concise. The vision resonates as a powerful statement that elicits commitment and energizes people. Insisting on leading by demonstrating courage and integrity, Gburugburu’s vision creates meaning for followers and establishes a standard of excellence. His vision not only bridges the present and the future, the vision transcends the status quo especially when Gburugburu vowed to run an inclusive, transparent and accountable government. The four-point agenda He said that “we have come to deliver to our people a message of hope, peace and development in Enugu State.” He recalled that about seven years earlier the people of Enugu prayed for a good governor and God gave them Sullivan Chime. He said he is convinced and satisfied that the state has witnessed uncommon transformation and massive infrastructural development under Governor Chime, he is committed to continuity and consolidation as the bedrock of his administration when elected. As a stamp of continuity, Gburugburu intends to realise his broad vision for Enugu State by implementing governance agenda focused on four-point agenda, smartly described as key outcomes of employment generation; enhanced social services and good governance; rural development; and security and justice. This is definitely a continuation and enhanced version of the agenda which guided the economic and infrastructural development of Chime in Enugu State for the past eight years. In effect, Ugwuanyi is distinguishing his political agenda and at the same time remaining consistent with the rich legacy of Chime which he plans to build upon.

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We have come to deliver to our people a message of hope, peace and development in Enugu State

In a remarkable differentiation from tepid opposition politicians who were busy promising heaven on earth, Gburugburu’s programme recognised the emerging revenue challenges which all levels of government of Nigeria will have to contend with as a result of global weak oil prices. This single departure provides a glimpse into the mind of a great leader with the required preparedness and readiness for the heavy lifting bane of the governorship position. Consequently, he added that government expenditure and deployment of government resources would be guided by the number of jobs such expenditure would create, how the expenditure would enhance the provision of social services, how it would enhance the quality of living in our rural communities and whether the expenditure would enhance security, sense of fairness and fair administration of justice in Enugu State. In line with the new thinking of government not doing it by itself, Gburugburu’s goal of employment generation is anchored on agriculture, investment promotion, enabling infrastructure and skills enhancement. The idea is to proactively promote and attract private investments from all over the world to the state through activities and policies that provide enabling environment for businesses to thrive making Enugu State investment destination in the South-East. One of the many targeted programmes for investment include privatisation of government-owned companies. Moribund industries such as Niger Gas, Niger Steel, and Presidential Hotel could be on the sales block. To shore up the enabling environment for investment, Gburugburu plans to develop at least one serviced industrial estate with dedicated electric power supply in each of the three senatorial zone of Enugu State. Such bold move would go a long way to alleviate the problem of incessant power outages marring manufacturing

activities in the state. In addition to encouraging private investment and joint ventures, Hon. Ugwuanyi’s plan for Agricultural-Revolution proposed two prong effect of significantly increasing the area of land under cultivation and yield per hectare thus creating massive employment in the sector. His administration plans to invest massively in skill acquisition by training youths to enable them operate and run their own businesses. Education attracts major attention as Gburugburu’s plan calls for deliberate promotion of science education, provision of adequate physical environment as well as equipping schools with best-trained teachers and relevant teaching facilities and reliable Internet access for web-based learning. The health sector is not left out as the plan calls for health insurance scheme, continuation of the free maternal and child health care service as well as making Enugu State the preferred destination for affordable and high quality healthcare in Nigeria. Gburugburu’s ambitious plan calls for an urban social housing delivery programme to address high rent among the middle and low income. Also, the plan would ensure the full implementation of the Visit Every Community (VEC) report which adopted a community-driven approach to identifying and addressing the needs of our rural communities. With the rising insecurity in Nigeria, Gburugburu insisted on maintaining the official ranking of Enugu State as the safest state in Nigeria by continuing to provide equipment and logistics support to the relevant security agencies in the State. His plan calls for relocation of the Enugu Prison Yard in collaboration with the Federal Government which many acknowledge as laudable move in the right direction. Conclusion Despite the APC victory at the presidential polls, there is this lingering confidence derived from the reality that Enugu State is a PDP state and any candidate nominated by PDP gets elected. This confidence is bolstered by the unification of all factions of PDP under the candidacy of Ugwuanyi. In addition, the formidable campaign mounted by Enugu State PDP where Gburugburu sold his vision to the tumultuous crowd at each of PDP rallies is a big plus and shows that he does not take Enugu people for granted. Finally, Gburugburu himself is a good man with a good heart who rose from very humble beginning to political limelight. He never forgets where he came from as he continues to invest democracy dividend in the section of the population who needs it the most. With the widely acclaimed philosophy of Ashua Azua, Ugwuanyi – Gburugburu is only reaping generously where he sowed. The people of Enugu State are poised to elect him the next governor come April 11. •Dr. Ezejiofo Sunny Udeh, adjunct-professor of strategic management, writes from Enugu, Nigeria

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Uche Dimgba is the National Vice President (South), Association of Ndi Eze Igbo in Diaspora. In this interview with FELIX NWANERI, he speaks on the recent outburst of the Oba of Lagos over perceived Igbo support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the April 11 election. Excerpts: What is your impression of the last Presidential and National Assembly elections? As everyone knows, we supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the election because we found out that APC is not just a political party, but a movement for change. And Nigerians have been clamouring for this change; not only change of baton but change in the way things are done in Nigeria; change for positivity. We decided to do that because we want tribalism and religious bigotry expunged from Nigeria’s polity. These are the things that have held us down. We are living in Lagos and have benefited from the government of the APC. So, having seen what the government has done in Lagos, we came out openly to adopt APC because we wanted this good work started by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and continued by Babatunde Fashola to be transmitted to the centre. Lagos State government is a model second to none in Nigeria, and we thank God that our dream has been realised. When Ndi Eze Ndigbo endorsed General Muhammadu Buhari and all APC candidates, some of our people called

Dimgba: Ndigbo won’t vote against Ambode will close down their businesses which really scared them. But we have been able to sensitise them. We have also addressed the tribal sentiment that influenced voting pattern in the presidential election. Majority of our people saw President Goodluck Jonathan as their brother, but now that he has lost, there is no reason again to vote against the government in town. Come April 11, the whole story will change; our people will come out en masse and vote. We live in Lagos and we have to support the party in government in the state. Lagosians have been so magnanimous and friendly with us, so I do not see why our people should not rise up and give support to the party that is in government here. How do you react to the outburst of the Oba of Lagos against perceived Igbo support for the PDP in the March 28 elections? The position of the Oba has been explained by the man himself. He has said that he meant no harm to Ndigbo. He also claimed that the report was blown out of proportion. So, I am appealing to my people to accept his apology and let us move ahead. People are bound to make mistakes, but if one realises one’s mistake and makes an amendment, we should let go. It is not disputable that the Igbo man doesn’t take threats for granted, but since the threat has been withdrawn, I appeal to our people to go about their businesses and work for the good of Lagos where we reside. I also appeal to them not to be deterred; they should come out en masse during the governorship election and vote for the candidate

Dimgba

me names. Some said I am a betrayer of Ndigbo, but we answered them on March 28, and they have seen that change. So, I am calling on every right thinking Igbo man in Lagos State to come on board and join the wind of change. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can never win election in Lagos State; I have said it before and I am saying it again. Some are likely to disagree with you on that position. Our people were deceived in the last election when they were told that Buhari is a Muslim and that he will Islamise Nigeria; that he

Mr. Paul Odili, a member of the publicity committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign in Delta State, speaks on why the Urhobos will queue behind Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on Saturday. WALE ELEGBEDE reports Why should the people of Delta State trust the PDP? Our people can trust us because PDP has delivered over the years. PDP has made Deltans happy and because Deltans don’t trust the opposition without a fixed identity and with leaders who jump around. Deltans prefer the PDP they know is better than the opposition they don’t know and so the people don’t want to take chances with these people. The PDP has leaders and government working for the people, the opposition don’t have such leaders. Is the PDP not disturbed by threats from the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) not to vote for the party’s governorship candidate? What we have today in Delta State are two UPUs. There are two factions and they have two candidates. One faction supports Great Ogboru, the other

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of the APC, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. Voting against him will not bring any good to Lagos because the APC in the state is doing well and it shouldn’t be now that the party has taken over the centre that we will go against it. What is happening is a distraction because we had already sensitised our brothers on the need to vote for Ambode immediately after the presidential election. We encouraged our brothers to vote for General Buhari and all other APC candidates; we won’t back out now that we are almost there. Do you see the threat by the Lagos monarch compelling Ndigbo in Lagos to sit at home during the governorship election? I warned against that visit to the Oba’s palace. I told our people that what should be our priority at the moment is how to sensitise our people on the need to vote for the governorship candidate who will work for the benefit of Ndigbo in Lagos and other Lagosians. What those Igbo leaders did by that visit was a disservice to Ndigbo, but I still appeal to our people to look beyond what happened and move forward. Lagos has been good to all of us, the people of the state have been accommodating and we are not at war with them. We must heed to the appeal of the APC governorship candidate that he won’t be a governor for only the Yoruba. Let us not sit on the fence because of the Oba’s statement. The APC-led government in Lagos is a model, so we should not give room for distortion. What does the Igbo stand to gain in an APC government in Lagos? We tabled this in a recent meeting with the APC national leader, Bola Tinubu. We told him in clear terms that we will not be used and dump this time. We want to be part of governance in Lagos.

Odili: Deltans have embraced Okowa supports O’tega Emerhor and that is sad. Sad in the sense that UPU should not be thinking of Urhobo candidates alone. Delta belongs to us all. Nobody has a greater right in Delta State over the other. From what I know, the Urhobo people are not even following the UPU, they have accepted the PDP candidates. They have accepted Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who they know and believe in because he has strong followership and has always worked for the Urhobo interest. Okowa has always said that he sees Delta as one and will work for every part of the state. Majority of Urhobos believe him because he has always worked for every part of Delta. He has credibility with the Urhobos, so the PDP is confident that urhobos will not want again to play minority politics. How do you react to the endorsement of Emerhor as UPU’s consensus candidate? We are not bothered by that endorsement. As I said earlier, it is difficult to say which one is authentic and acceptable UPU since the two factions are claiming to represent the Urhobo nation. There is crisis in UPU and so Emerhor is not the only one endorsed by the group. There is another UPU that endorsed Ogboru, which like Emerhor is also claiming to be authoritative voice of the Urhobos. But my position

Odili

is that with Okowa as Delta candidate, it is better for UPU as part of Delta to join the rest of the state to elect him as the governor. Left alone, the UPU cannot produce the governor of Delta State. Okowa remains the best choice for UPU. And my hope is that very soon the UPU will realise this and come together to endorse Okowa. It should not be out of place. How far has Okowa gone in reaching out to aggrieved members of the PDP, whose support for him are in doubt? Okowa has worked very hard to reach

out to aggrieved members. Immediately after the party primaries in December, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan set up the campaign council that has many contestants for the governorship ticket as members, holding one strategic position or the other. So that shows the level of acceptance of Okowa’s candidacy. You know the man Okowa is humble, approachable and very experienced in managing a political process like this. In the campaign council, you also have a Contact Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utama, who was also in the race but stepped down, and his committee is reaching out to anyone or group of persons that may still be aggrieved and reconcile them with the party and the candidate. So you have a committee working on reconciling with the candidate and at the same time you have the candidate reaching out to people. The governor, as leader of the party in the state, is also working to make sure the party is one behind Okowa and all the party candidates and he has put a lot of energy in preventing post-primary crisis. What I am saying is that PDP in Delta is one and there is great hope that in the general elections, the party will sweep the polls again. So Okowa is doing well and has been accepted and embraced by everyone.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Akiolu, lampooning the lagoon Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

n all majesty, he did not say that. Not the Oba of Lagos, the one who we should look up to as the custodian of Eko culture. As a police officer, he issued tall orders to the high and mighty. The King is endowed with height and made strides to climb up to the rank of Assistant Inspector General. When I heard the news, it was like an ill wind. I am therefore not surprised it has turned to whirlwind. This development will bring no windfall, those who follow history should expect a big fall out. The Igbo have suddenly become everyone’s target of assault. Politics is like soccer, if you are not prepared to get a result, do not go into it. There must be winners, there will be losers. Today, General Muhammadu Buhari is a winner and the celebrations may yet end. He also has a long story to tell. Buhari began as a loser in politics. He failed in 2003, lost in 2007 and flopped again in 2011.The lesson is that if you do not get it right, try and try. Tomorrow may usher something better. Oba Rilwan Akiolu chose Easter Sunday, such a Holy Day, when Jesus Christ was breathing life into our country, the Day God watched over Nigeria from heaven after making a violence free elections possible, to insult the entire Igbo race. “On Saturday[April 11, 2015], if anyone of you goes against [Akinwunmi] Ambode who I picked, that is your end. If it doesn’t happen within seven days, just know that I am a bastard and it is not my father who gave birth to me. By the grace of God, I am the owner of Lagos for the time being. This is an undivided chair. The palace belongs to the dead and those coming in the future. On Saturday, if anyone of you, I swear in the name of God, goes against my wish that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos state, the person is going to die inside this water.” This sounds like verbal holocaust, more like mouthy pogrom. We are all used to Nollywood. The Oba is not one of the popular actors. I actually had to check if it was Baba Suwe playing the part of a king and addressing the people of Ogidigan. It took time for the whole thing to sink as a live outing in a real palace of a First class traditional ruler. I was really disappointed because I hold the position of Oba of Lagos in high esteem. Akiolu’s predecessor Oba Adeyinka Oyekan was our in-

That an Oba of Lagos would wake up in 2015, some 45 years after the war, to talk to a generation of Ndigbo in such degrading manner , will make Adeniran Ogunsanya weep in his grave law. One of his daughters lived with us in Biafra during the Civil war. There is a place called Ogwuagga, Abba in Igboland. Princess Oyekan was married to a Biafran naval officer called Ohiaeri –Duru. While the husband fought in the rough seas, she stayed in the village with her kids. She saw the war, how children settled for rats and lizards to stay alive. The air raids carried all over civilian populations was as traumatic as finding her love life shattered by a war that had nothing to do with her affection. That an Oba of Lagos would wake up in 2015, some 45 years after the war, to talk to a generation of Ndigbo in such degrading manner , will make Adeniran Ogunsanya weep in his grave. Ogunsanya, an Ikorodu man like Jimmy Agbaje, built a long bridge across the Niger, that says every thing wonderful about Igbo Yoruba ties. Of course, the Oba did not speak for the Yoruba race. He did not speak for Lagosians either. How would Asiwaju Bola Tinubu feel? There is a man called Emeka Akabueze. I guess, he is the longest serving state commissioner. An Anambra man, he controls budgeting in Lagos. Tinubu brought Akabueze on board and he is still serving ,eight years of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration. There is also one Igbo woman in the present BRF regime. And Akiolu has Tinubu to thank for ever becoming a traditional ruler. The Asiwaju never threatened the Adeniji Adeles or Dosumus. If the man who made you Oba believes in space for all to thrive, you are doing him a great disservice with your foul language. Nobody can play god, not anymore. There is only one God we know, all humans must die someday. The power they have does not make them special if they abuse it. Kings could also be banished or deposed. This is Nigeria.

You cannot even force your ward to vote for a particular candidate. Yet someone is threatening an entire ethnic nationality over electoral issues. The Yoruba voted freely in Onitsha and Aba. The Obi of Onitsha who can match Akiolu in height, has not threatened them with the wrath of the River Niger goddess. Why then are we so cursed? Some of these our so called leaders should grow up. It is a free world and the globe smells sweeter when people are allowed to make contributions wherever they find themselves. No one owns this world. The various lands and seas belong to Olodumare. We are all visitors and shall go someday. Those who claim Lagos belongs to them do not know history. Without external influence and federal might, Lagos would first be like a riverine fishing community. The Bini can beat their chest and say they are part of the progress of Lagos. It is a city for all, built with oil money and our tax. Lagos is also federal government property even if Abuja is the new capital. I am sure, Oba Akiolu met Chief James Udoekim Usen, while in service. As a Nigerian, he was once Inspector General of Police ,in far away Grenada. Justice Egbert Udo Udoma was at some point, the Acting Governor-General of Uganda. You have his own subject, Ambassador Deinde Fernandez, representing Angola and Portugal as envoy. The Americans were not parochial when they chose a Kenyan, Barack Obama, as their President in 2008. That is a man with African blood in his veins, leading the most powerful nation on earth. That should be lesson enough for someone who knows America so well like Idumota. That also brings us to the role of traditional rulers. Anyone of them that does not stay away from politics, will continue to run into troubled lagoon. An Oba should be a father to all. Agbaje , the PDP candidate is a Lagosian. He should not be made to feel like an outsider in his own state. If God rules that the APC candidate, Ambode, will govern Lagos, no Igbo can stop him. The Oba did not speak to real Igbo men. I think a bunch of riff-raff just went to drink in the palace and ended up ridiculing themselves. This idea of Eze Ndigbo is rubbish. Those of them who hoodwink some Yoruba leaders in the South-West, have no respect across the Niger. Now, you see what they have done to an Oba. The only person that could claim to lead the Igbo outside our land is Eze Nwosu Ibe of Abuja. As at 1976, he was a Supervisory Councillor there. Some of these ones who wear borrowed gowns from bend down select are jobless. What I want from the Oba is simple, apology. Then we can go to the Lagoon Restaurant on Ozuomba Mbadiwe to watch the Lagoon. Afterall, Fela told us,Water e no get enemy.

Nigeria election: Humility in defeat Telegraph View: Goodluck Jonathan has performed his people a service by conceding defeat to his opponent for the presidency

othing in Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency became him like the leaving of it. This fedora-wearing zoologist achieved little during his time in power; he often resembled an amiable mediocrity, bewildered by his rise to the highest office in Nigeria. Then Mr Jonathan lost a free and fair election. He responded to what

must have been a crushing disappointment by conceding defeat and calling his victorious opponent, Muhammadu Buhari, to offer congratulations. Elsewhere, this is the standard reaction of politicians who find themselves on the receiving end of what Churchill called the “order of the boot”. But in Africa, it remains unusual for leaders to accept the people’s verdict with dignity. Mr Jonathan was the first president ever to be removed by the ballot box in the history of independent Nigeria – and only the sixth to leave office in this

way anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa. A previous generation of African leaders either held no elections at all or shamelessly rigged every contest. Some insisted on staying in power in explicit defiance of the ballot box. Robert Mugabe lost the first round of Zimbabwe’s presidential election in 2008 but clung to office anyway, plunging his country into a bloodbath in the process. Mwai Kibaki did the same in Kenya in 2007, causing even greater loss of life. But every time an African president loses an election and goes quietly – as,

barring a sudden crisis, Mr Jonathan seems likely to do – it becomes harder for others to follow in the wretched footsteps of Mr Mugabe or Mr Kibaki. With 170 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and its biggest economy. If this powerhouse now achieves a peaceful and legal transfer of power, this will send a powerful signal to the rest of the continent. With humility and grace, Mr Jonathan has performed a service for Africa. •Culled from Telegraph, UK

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Mohammed Dikko Yusufu: End of an era

he fact that former Inspector-General of Police and one time presidential aspirant on the platform of the Movement for Democracy and Justice in the 2003 elections, Mr. Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu, passed on last week came with a measure of surprise. Though he has since been buried in his home town, Dantakun, in Katsina State, not a few Nigerians would forget in a hurry the octogenarian’s immeasurable contributions to the nation’s sociopolitical development. A statesman, Yusufu, aged 84, was the third indigenous InspectorGeneral of Police and served the country between 1975 and 1979, coming after Chief Loius Edet and Alhaji Kam Salem the first and second respectively. He was the best IGP Nigeria ever had. A strong advocate of and believer in the fact that Nigeria Police should be the best in the world; he left his imprints in the annals of the force. Out of his adroit understanding of the pattern of crimes and the then the emerging trends in crime patterns after the Nigerian Civil War, he conceived the idea of equipping the police to withstand the firepower of armed robbers and even surpass it. For this reason, he blazed the trail in working for importation of Armoured Personnel Careers (APC) into the country as a prerequisite for the force to effec-

He was a strong advocate of intelligence-led policing and a man of high integrity. Whereas as an IGP he was very skilled in intelligence management tively control criminals. His dream was realised during the tenure of Sunday Adewusi as IGP. Puzzling enough, the APCs were later confiscated by the Muhammadu Buhari military government which perceived the germane move as surreptitious effort to sufficiently equip the police and constitute it a threat to the military. Three decades later, those rejected APCs have been embraced not only by the Federal Government, but also by many states in the country for their potency in confronting daredevil robbers who, in contemporary Nigeria, take on several banks in a single operation. He was a strong advocate of intelligence-led policing and a man of high integrity. Whereas as an IGP he was very skilled in intelligence management, when the

E-Branch (the then intelligence wing of the police), failed to detect the 1976 coup which claimed Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed and many others, he was quick to let go of the department which became the precursor of the National Security Organisation (today: Department of State Security (DSS) established in 1976. Even in retirement, his vision for the police was rekindled when in 2008; he chaired the Presidential Committee on Police Reforms which again made far-reaching structural, administrative and operational recommendations to ensure effectiveness of the force. Though the report was described as the best timely intervention critical for the revitilisation of the force, again, it was never implemented. In the political arena, the patriot in him buoyed Late Yusufu to form the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), a political party which was contemporaneous with the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), Congress for National Consensus (CNC), Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) and the National Centre Party of Nigeria (NCPN), which took the fray during the tenure of the military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha. He was appointed Chairman of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG) in 1994, and pioneer chairman, Central Working Committee of the northern Nigeria’s cultural and socio-political associa-

tion, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in 2000 and his dexterity earned him the position of the first chairman of the Forum. In 2003, he and General Mohammadu Buhari, (rtd), contested the presidential election in the country along with the then incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo. Yusufu was born in Katsina on November 10, 1931. Described as chief crime fighter, he was seconded into the Nigeria Police Force (from Northern Provincial Administration) as an Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1962 and was later promoted to InspectorGeneral of Police on Wednesday July 30, 1975. He had his elementary, middle schools and higher educational qualifications at the Katsina Provincial School, Katsina, School for Arabic Studies, Kano, 1947, Institute of Administration, Zaria, 1952 – 1953 and Christ Church College (Oxford University). Yusufu was a holder of many National Honours and Awards including Nigeria Police Medal – (NPM), Commander of the order of the Federal Republic (CFR), and was one of the few Nigerians awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). His exit marks another chapter in the nation’s political development, leaving a great lesson in leadership, integrity, patriotism and effective policing.

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Politics

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Okei-Odumakin: INEC must improve on use of card readers Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin is the President of Women Arise for Initiative and Election Observer. She speaks on the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly polls. TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE reports

Okei-Odumakin

y expectation for Saturday elections will be that the political class main-

tains the peaceful atmosphere that followed our presidential election and completely respect the sanctity of human life

by not fomenting violence. I also expect that the youth will not make themselves available for violence. We still have our campaign reaching out to the youth on social media to shun violence under #StopVAP (Violence Against Persons) and #NigeriansUniteAgainstTerror I believe that the ultimate reason the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in-

sisted on the adoption of Permanent Votersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cards (PVCs) accreditation compulsory use of card reader device for the governorship and House of Assembly elections is to ensure that peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s votes count during the polls. We have learnt and have improved on the conduct of elections over the years. We can only improve and with advancement in technologies, election transparency will continue to be enhanced I understand that card reader devices had shortcomings during the presidential election which caused the commission to revert to manual accreditation and balloting in most polling units. I will only want to advise INEC to improve on the functionality of the card readers and ensure that its use is sustained, considering its importance to the credibility of the electoral process. I think security improved a bit during the presidential election. However, there is need to employ greater skill in policing during elections. Security operatives need to man the flashpoints where election manipulations and violence are being reported. The test of security competence is in ensuring that there is no repeat of election manipulations reported in these areas during the coming Saturday governorship election. If there is a repeat, then security is again a failure; but it will be said to have performed effectively if those areas are properly manned and repeat of irregularities is not allowed. INEC needs to improve on use of card readers and ensure that the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s votes count from the booths to the collations stage and finally, transparency in announcement of collated results from various units. Then, it can be said that we have had a totally free, fair and credible elections in 2015. I will advise the political class to embrace tolerance and peace, take the outcome of the elections in good fate and support whosoever emerges as winners. To Nigerians, we all should understand from history that politicians meet later, resolve their differences and share appointments among themselves. We must not play jokers with our lives because of them.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

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Voice of Eve: melting pot for women empowerment issues

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CULTURE

How Nzeh Mada Cultural Festival can boost Nasarawa economy, by Ayakoroma Tony Okuyeme

gain, the significance of culture to the social and economic development of a nation was brought to the fore by the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma. The culture administrator and playwright, who was the Guest Lecturer at the 2015 edition of the Nzeh Mada Festival Colloquium event, on Friday, 3rd April, 2015 at the Trish Hall, Kini Country Guest Inn, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, said that if the Nzeh Mada Cultural Festival, a major festival of the Mada people of Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, is properly packaged to national and international standards, it can project the identity of the people, foster unity amongst them and their neighbours and, above all, boost their socio-economic development. Ayakoroma, who is also a Visiting Associate Professor at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), urged the Festival Management Committee (FMC) to consider the recommendations contained in his paper, titled, “Developing a Festival Brand: Towards a Blue Print for Nzeh Mada in Nasarawa State.” In his presentation, Ayakoroma maintained that while the dream of the FMC to transform the festival into a tourist attraction was laudable, it could only become a reality if the festival was repositioned and becomes a significant brand, stressing that in developing a festival brand capable of projecting the people’s identity, unity and enhancing their socio-economic development, attributes such as image-making, entertainment value, tourists attraction, job creation, unity of the people, showcasing of the peoples cultural

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

A troupe in performance at Nzeh Mada cultural festival

heritage and building friendship, as well as cultivating new relationships need to be considered. “Today, the Nzeh Mada Festival, celebrated by the Mada ethnic nationality of Nasarawa State, features cultural activities, such as dance, music, masquerade display, cooking competition, wrestling, debate, Mada heritage exhibition and even Beauty Pageant. The festival has attracted visitors from within and outside the State. Also, indigenes living outside the state come home in their large numbers to witness the ceremony and reunite with their families. Little wonder then that, at the 2014 event, the FMC disclosed its intention to transform the festival into a tourist attraction. While this dream is laudable, the fact remains that it can only become a reality if the festival is repositioned and becomes a significant brand,” he said. On how to develop a blueprint to ensure that Nzeh Mada remains a brand

for people to programme the festival in their tourism calendar, Ayakoroma suggested that the festival protocol be formalised for people to know what it is all about; have government endorsement so that the state government can make provision for the festival in its annual budget as seed money to the festival management committee to work with; and canvassing for sponsorship from reputable organizations. Continuing, the NICO Boss stressed that there was also the need to partner stakeholders in the hospitality industry; provide good road network; construct or renovate vital infrastructure; maintain a secure, peaceful and conducive environment; have trained tourist guides and provide well-designed tour vehicles; produce good content audio-visual jingles with the idea of generating interest from the people; provide reliable communications for updates on the festival and most importantly; add new things

which can turn out to be the tonic to turn the festival around. According to him, since Nzeh Mada is a people-oriented festival that celebrates their rich cultural heritage, it is not capital intensive as human beings were the people working, which presents its potentials for stimulating the local economy. Present at the Colloquium component of the festival was the DirectorGeneral, Centre for Black African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), Sir Ferdinand Anikwe, who served as Chairman of occasion; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Dameshi Barau, who was represented by Hon. Nathaniel Isa; ADC Gubernatorial Candidate in Nasarawa State, Grp. Capt. Zakka Rabbo (rtd); Bureau Chief (North-East zone), Leadership Newspaper, Mr. Obed Nchaku; Nasarawa State INEC Commissioner, Dr. Jerry Santas; as well as the Festival Director, Professor Emmanuel Samu Dandaura, amongst others.

Arts

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Filming of Shijuwomi, adaptation of Gbadamosi’s Behold My Redeemer begins Tony Okuyeme

ilming on Shijuwomi, a post-colonial cinematic adaptation of Rasheed Gbadamosi’s play, Behold My Redeemer, began on Sunday, April 5, 2015. The film is directed by Niji Akanni and produced by Bayo Awala. Emotive, Intriguing and thrilling, Shijuwomi is riddled with love and conflict. The film tells the story of a pampered girl, Shijuwomi, who has travelled to England to study, attempts suicide, prompting the decision to repatriate her home. At home, she is moved to an institution where she meets Dr. Ilori, a lecturer in Anthropology who eventually marries her. The marriage does not however provide the desired harmony and succor as Shijuwomi and Ilori are on a parallel scale in terms of pursuing their interests, forcing her to make another suicidal attempt. “It is a cerebral metaphor for Nigeria as a nation state and many African countries whose dreams of Utopia after freedom from colonial powers have all but evaporated, leaving behind hopelessness and frustration,” the producers of the film stated. Rounding out the cast are rising female actress, Judith Audu as the titular Shijuwomi, veteran actors, Ayo Lijadu, Bimbo Manuel, Olu Okekanye, Tina Mba, Femi Adebayo, Jude Chukwuka, and a host of other acting talent. “Niji Akanni, who has been described by commentators as Nigeria’s own Akira Kurosawa is the director. Akanni has written many award-winning films including Dangerous Twins, Playing Games, Saving Alero and Narrow Path. He has also featured as Director in many Reality TV shows in Nigeria - Amstel Malta Box Office (Season One, 2005), Big Brother Nigeria (2006) and The Apprentice Africa (2008). With films like Abobaku, Aramotu, which won Best Feature Film at the Africa International Film Festival (AIFF) in 2011, Heroes and Zeroes, a 2012 flick starring Nadia Buari, Bimbo Manuel and Olu Jacobs which was nominated in 6 categories at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards, winning awards for Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Editing and earning him an Official Selection in the video category at FESPACO 2013, Niji Akanni looks set to deliver another cinematic masterpiece.

Ayo Lijadu and Judith Audu on set of Shijuwomi

Adapted for the screen by the trio of Prof. Ola Rotimi, Dr. Femi Olugbile and Bayo Awala, the man behind the project, Awala is notr new to adaptations or directing. As a filmmaker, he acquired a lot of experience at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, where he directed such successful drama series as Village Headmaster, as well as independently produced series such as Winds against My Soul, Adio Family, By the Road Side, The Turning Wheel, The Young Ones, Jagua Nana’s Daughter, Tight Rope, Trauma and Doctors Quarters. In 2005, Awala directed the award winning political thriller, Prince of the Savannah, written by Yinka Ogun and starred Tunde Laniyan, Sam Loco Efe, Teni Aofiyebi, and Chidi Ukwu, who won the Best Actor Award at the ZUMA Film Festival 2011 for his role in the movie. “This project has been in the works for over two decades. I have always been fascinated with this story since I first directed it on stage in 1969. Its thematic relevance, the tempo-spatial canvass against which the narrative plays out and an opportunity to increase the volume of works adapted from our rich literary traditions are some of the reasons why we have decided to showcase this piece,” Awala said.

Renowned economist and accomplished art collector, Chief Rasheed Abiodun Gbadamosi serves as Executive Producer for this project. Gbadamosi is the author of many short stories and plays for radio, television and the theatre, including Tree Grows in the Desert, Behold my Redeemer, Echoes from the Lagoon, and Sunset over Nai-

robi, which won first prize in Radio Netherlands Golden Windmill short story competition. Shijuwomi has received support from the Nigerian government’s Nollywood interventionist project; ProjectActNollywood’s Film Production Fund (FPF) and is being produced with the active collaboration of Ogun State Government.

Niji Akanni directs Judith Audu and Ayo Lijadu

Commonwealth Writers’ Initiative calls for submission

he Commonwealth Foundation - through its ‘Commonwealth Writers’ initiative - is inviting submissions from young African writers - in the form of creative non-fiction, including memoir, life-writing, literary reportage and essays. The initiative is targeted at

lesser known writers, with aim of introducing new perspectives to readers in the region and the world. The selected stories will be part of an anthology edited by renowned literary editor, critic, and publisher, Ellah Wakatama Allfrey. Interested writers are expected to prepare a proposal

which includes the author’s CV (including nationality and gender, postal address, email address and contact telephone number), an outline of what the author wants to write and why (not more than 750 words), a copy of your creative non-fiction piece (3,000-6,000 words only) if already writ-

ten or a sample of non-fiction writing (not more than 2000 words), and information about your writing history (one A4 page MAX). “There are no subject restrictions, but your proposal/work must be written in English. No previously published work will be considered, including work

published in anthologies, chapbooks or online. If we offer you a commission, there may also be a small expenses fund for research expenses. Please state in your submission if you would need us to help with research expenses and what these would be. Deadline for submission is 20 April, 2015.

Arts 23

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Voice of Eve: Melting pot for women empowerment issues

Arene (right) and a guest on Voice of Eve

Ebere Ameh

here are a good number of TV shows and loads of NGOs with a bias for children and women empowerment, each doing their own thing. The only meeting point, for instance has been during international observances or celebrations, like the International Women’s Day, or during religious or political ceremonies, after which it is like ‘to your tent oh Israel’. Many think that women empowerment issues are too grave to be reduced to annual celebrations; a need for the discussion to continue. It was against that backdrop that Dr. Mrs Violet Arene, a Management Consultant and seasoned TV and Radio presenter, decided to take the bull by the horn and established the Voice of Eve International, a subsidiary of Lydia-Rock Communications. Voice of Eve is an Independent TV Production initiative with the primary objective of providing a conducive, dedicated platform for airing women’s empowerment news and issues. “We talk about 35% for women affirmative action but where are the women? We have those fighting for widows, the abused child, we have so many NGOs, hundreds of them on issues concerning women and children and the family but there is no meeting point. “Voice of Eve was set up to be the melting point. That is my plan but we are not yet. If wishes were horses, I would ride with a Television Station that will be on cable, which will be a clearing house for women’s issues. That is a possibility and with God, nothing is impossible. “Now, I don’t know in which pot we are putting everything about women because everybody is doing something, sometimes, overlapping. And when there is a ceremony like the International Women’s Day, everybody comes out. And now, the noise has died down and we wait for another March 8 to celebrate, or for another political campaign for women to come out. No, how does conversation con-

tinue? How do we have one voice and one umbrella? It is not supposed to be a political umbrella; it should be a social umbrella,” Arene noted. Arene got the inspiration to start the Voice of Eve after her 70th birthday, a time she saw as a new era in her life. Having been in the television, presenting Kith and Kin, an NTA Network, re-engineering family values for a happier society and happier Nigerians; and on radio, presenting A Great New World, a social engineering TV program, shaping necessary social and family values changes; she thought, why not initiate a television programme dedicated to women empowerment? “My choice of content was informed by the fact that my philosophy on the role of women became clearly crystalized and I knew I have not done well, I have been training everybody but I had not done much for the woman. And I still have life, so I decided to start the Voice of Eve, to pioneer on issues of women empowerment and what everybody should know about the role of women; not only about empowering her but even allowing her to be and helping her to be,” Arene explained. Sitting on a large expanse of land off Lekki-Ajah expressway, Lagos State, the spacious and cozy studio is situated in a massive complex, which houses the Lydia Rock Consult Nig. Ltd., a firm of Management Consultancy and Training, well-known for its highly branded world-class training programs, The Living Way Church, a parish of the Redeemed Christian church of God, which she pastors and has donated to the building to the church, among others; and all facing the Lydia-Rock Gardens. “Here, we have a whole setup. I have my consultancy, the communications sector, the Lydia-Rock communications, birthed the Voice of Eve and today, Voice of Eve has swallowed everything,” she said, adding that the Voice of Eve is a powerful TV media tool for women’s Economic, Entrepreneurial, Political, Health, and family empowerment and national development. “So it is a women’s platform to tell about themselves and to even reflect on grave issues concerning womanhood.

It is also a platform for benchmarking - see what is happening in the world and see how we can do better, or even market something that is happening here to the world. And as you know, television is very persuasive. “To date we have aired over sixty (60) Episodes of our programmes. The Voice of Eve is at all times a partner with every Women Friendly Organization; and a forum for all women of Nigeria as stakeholders,” she added. Talking about the challenges of keeping up with the show, the amiable lady said that she has people who are ready to come and talk to talk on women issues, but is yet to get sponsors for the programme. “Sponsorship is our major challenge. As God would have it, I have all it takes to start the show. I have the space, I have my little knowledge of Television and with my pension, and with my pension, I bought the needed equipment. I have a friend in NTA that helped me start up. We can always get people who can come and inspire and encourage women but we need sponsors. If we have sponsorship, we will buy better equipment for our studios, get more presenters and be able to keep up with our financial obligations with the NTA,” she explained. Explaining further, Arene who is 73 this year says she is already doing her succession planning. “I got the youths to come in but I can see they are not consistent. TV is not easy. We started a youth wing and have done about two or three programmes so that those who don’t want to see old faces will see them but they are not consistent. “People like to go for young faces and young bodies for entertainment. But it is not an entertainment; Voice of Eve is a serious programme. Here we are not showing the bodies, we are putting things right. That’s what the program is all about. Even my co-producer is not a spring chicken but I’m much older. Development is not entertainment. We shall for once listen to talks and hear things about women without wanting to see their body. Television has spoilt many things; people are always looking out for the body of the woman and that’s actually a challenge. They will

say the woman is old, yes I know but it is an old person like me that can start something like this and talk wisdom and hand it over. Life is not all about body and sex,” she explained. The international TV show has continued to reinforce the fact that the most advanced and competitive countries of the world enjoy a minimum or zero Gender Gap, and also the fact that gender equity impacts a Nation’s Capital GDP positively. Voice of Eve received an Excellence Community Service Award on August 16th, 2014 in Los Angeles U.S.A by the Life and Times Magazine affirming its great value. Mummy, as she is fondly called by many, is a multi-talented woman who not only distinguished herself in Education, in the Public Service, but also as a Communication’s expert, and Social engineer. She retired as a General Manager in the NNPC, where her professional expertise was invested in the HR Management, Corporate Planning, Training and Development, and In-house Consultancy for Total Quality Management Change Process and Management Development in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. She is the Group Director, Training for the IGI, and has been an Area and Zonal Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God for many years. An author of over 16 books, Arene’s life gives credence to the fact that one could be retired but not tired. With a philosophy that we should not put money first, she recounts an encounter she had with her late mother many years ago. “I remember my late mom said that I once told her that I did not care about money. But I was too small to tell her what I cared for. I think if I were to say what I meant when I told her that, I meant that there was something more to life than money. That is service and that is what my life has been. “The greatest thing and the best thing you can be is what you have given, not what you have taken. However you will accomplish that giving to people either through training, teaching or serving people. That is what God wants us to do. Service is more than money, it is how you have used your life to affect the lives of others,” Arene admonished.

Tourism

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ethiopian Airlines set for the top F or Ethiopian Airlines, the year 2015 could just be a watershed in its operations as prospect for the year looks bright with its sight on on becoming the leading airline in Africa and one of the top leaders in the world. Given this, it has continued to expand its operations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. According to CAPA – Centre for Aviation - source, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ethiopia - based national carrier, Tewolde Gebremariam confirmed this fact while appraising the prospect of the airline in 2015. “This trend line (Asia – Africa market) is the fastest growing trend line today in the world,” said Gebremariam. Fleet and network expansion: For this year, the airline plans fleet and network expansion. Ethiopian has already become the largest airline in Africa based on fleet size and could overtake South African Airlines (SAA) in 2015 as the largest based on passengers carried. With its passenger traffic hitting the six million in 2014, Ethiopian’s operation expansion outline include service launch to Tokyo in April, making it 11thdestination in Asia while it looks to resuming operation s to Singapore and in June it will reach out to Los Angeles, making it the second destination in US. As part of its fleet expansion, it plans to add three more 787 Dreamliner this year glowing its 787 fleet to 13 aircraft. Beside the additional Dreamliner, the airline is also taking delivery of two additional 777 – 300ERs, all in the first half of this year. Expansion in Africa market: Ethiopian also has a robust operation plans for the Africa market in respect of its increasing its flight connections and joint venture with other airlines in the continent. Part of this plan, according to the airline is the acquisition of additional three 737 – 800 series in the first half of 2015 while also looking at expanding its stake in strategic joint ventures. In this

regard, it plans a stake in Rwandair and joint venture with South Sudan thus consolidating on its position in East African market. Ethiopian also looks to having it hands on the Central African market with ongoing talks with Democratic Republic of the Congo while it already has a 40% stake in Togo – based ASKY Airline and 49% stake in Malawian Airlines. ASKY currently links its hub in Lome with 18 destinations, giving Ethiopian access to several secondary markets in West Africa. Malawian currently links its Lilongwehub with eight destinations, giving Ethiopian an expanded presence in Southern Africa. Ethiopian serves Lome and Lilongwe from Addis Ababa, enabling it to leverage the group’s hubs in other regions of Africa. Following present development, the Ethiopian Group is said to have the largest fleet in Africa with 79 aircraft thus making it the largest single carrier in Africa. These consist of 33 wide body, 26 narrow body and 20 regionals.

Ethiopian plans to roughly double its fleet over the next 10 years, enabling it to maintain its status as Africa’s largest airline. Ethiopian’s fleet has already more than doubled in size over the last five years. Ethiopian currently has orders for 20 737 MAX 8s, 12 A350s, three 737-800s, three 787-8s, two 777-300ERs and two 777Fs while it is negotiating a potential order for 777X aircraft as well as for additional A350s. The airline fleet target for 2025 is 150 aircraft while it currently only has 32 new aircraft commitments for delivery in 2016 and beyond as all the remaining 737-800s, 787-8s, 777-300ERs and 777Fs on order are slated to be delivered in 2015 (with all the passenger aircraft coming by the end of June). Financially, it operations are said to be very profitable, especially in the African market as it is on record as reporting profits yearly at least in the last one decade, which cannot be said of any African airlines as many of them are struggling to keep the operations afloat while some are heavily weigh by huge debts.

CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, Gebremariam

Ethiopian’s profits nearly doubled in 2013 to ETB2.05 billion (USD113 million) as revenues increased 14% to ETB38.5 billion (USD2.124 billion). Ethiopian has not yet reported financial figures for 2014. According to CAPA, Ethiopian still faces challenges and obstacles in its quest to again double in size over the next 10 years. But the flag carrier enters the next phase of its development with a level of scale and efficiency that is rare for Africa. Its achievements over the last several years in a market where most others have struggled puts Ethiopian in a strong position to cash in on the growth and vast potential that Africa offers.

South Africa Tourism unveils App on Madiba

Cape Town preps for WTM Africa 2015

ust a year after the Madiba – inspired tourist attractions map developed by the South Africa Tourism (SAT) in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, tourists can now enjoy intimate and personal relationship with the late icon, as a mobile phone application has been developed from it as part of enhancing visitors’ experiences. The new app, which unveils all the information, sites and attractions associated with the late South African President and global icon, Nelson Mandela, is in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison. The App is based on the “Madiba-inspired tourist attractions” map launched in 2014 to encourage tourists from around the world and South Africa to travel the country, and walk in the foot-

n Cape Town, South Africa, preparations are on top gear as the city sets to host World Travel Market Africa 2015, the Africa version of the popular World Travel Market, a yearly travel trade exhibition hosted by Reeds Exhibition at the Excel London. It was first introduced last year and it was greeted with disquiet in some quarters, particularly in South Africa as it was believed to rival its homegrown Indaba. Following its successful launch, all that misgivings have this year disappeared as the city is in high spirit and everyone nursing high expectation for the event, which is billed to hold April 15 – 17 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The Business to Business (B2B) inbound

steps of Nelson Mandela. It features tourist sites as well as general places of interest in the four main provinces that defined Mandela’s life. These range from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island, where he was imprisoned; to his post-Presidential office at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory to Qunu in the Eastern Cape, where he is laid to rest. “This App is inspired by a true South African icon, and users now have the ability to find, experience and share some of the best attractions, places of interests and unique content we have ever been able to put together as part of this “Madiba-Inspired tourist attractions” offering. ‘‘As we remember the historic year of Madiba’s release from prison, we encourage everyone to use the App to discov-

er some of the stories behind the legend. This is an exciting new layer to the map which has already proved to be hugely popular with the international and domestic travel trade. This App makes “walking in the footsteps of Madiba” much easier than before and greatly enriches visitors’ experiences of the attractions associated with one of the greatest men of our time, Nelson Mandela,” said South Africa Minister of Tourism, Mr. Derek Hanekom. Hanekom made this statement during the formal launch of the App, which was held at the Liliesleaf in Rivonia, one of the places featured on the “Madiba-inspired tourist attractions” map. Liliesleaf is also a place which was once the nerve centre of the liberation movement and a place of refuge for its leaders including Mandela.”

and outbound travel show is expected to attract a number of the leading destinations, buyers, suppliers, operators and stakeholders, as well as national tourism boards, experts and the travelling public from across Africa and the world. The three days travel trade would cover broad spectrum of the industry with such events as Responsible Tourism in Destinations Conference, Responsible Tourism Awards and the WTM Buyers Club. Beside, WTM® Africa is proud to boast partnerships with key, influential African associations such The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) and The South African National Biodiversity institute (SANBI).

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Cinema

Fight of the century for subscribers at no extra cost

COSON

COSON Week will be the ‘world cup’ of entertainment — Okoroji

Entertainment

Africa to run with Unathi Msengana Stories by Sony Neme

outh Africa’s multi-talented singer, songwriter, Idol’s Judge and radio personality, Unathi Msengana launches music video, RUN to the continent. It serves as a reminder of what is achievable when you follow your dreams and encourage others to follow theirs. The launch of the music video coincides with a Pan-African strategy that is already generating interest across print, radio and television broadcasters. For her, “This song and music video is a reminder to always run towards something and never away from…” According to her publicist, Maria Hadjidimitriadis of Sound Africa, Unathi’s single off her latest album titled Alive was written in four languages – English, isiXhosa, Portuguese and Venda – representing a universal African message. She quoted Unathi to have said, “My intention is for Africa to feel my heart and the emotions behind the song, because for so long I have been told what my limitations are. I wanted to speak in a universal African language – to run to life through the video - and needed to do that through the various languages I use in the song, as well as through the different fabrics and textures. East Africa is represented through wardrobe and the beadwork. South Africa is there as well, as is West Africa, and I wanted to speak to Angola as well in a sincere way.” She also said, the music video of Run was choreographed by Somizi who has worked on 2010 FIFA World Cup, The CAS Awards and MTV Base Awards among others. The video required a minimum of three weeks of intense re-

SONY NEME

EDITOR, ENTERTAINMENT sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

l Showcases Nigeria’s ace drummer, Gbenga Nathaniel

Abiye

hearsals to achieve the flow and attention to detail demanded of each frame. Unathi has this to say about the musical video, “I am truly honoured to have had Africa’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed choreographer to work with me because he does not do music videos on principle. The last video he worked on was with the late Lebo Mathosa (2006). When he heard the song he called me and said this is such a powerful song and message – please don’t waste it. That’s when I asked him to choreograph and he said he would as long as I did everything required in preparation, so when the time came to shoot I would be ready and present to meet the moment.” The music video includes five dream chasers who each in-

My intention is for Africa to feel my heart and the emotions behind the song, because for so long I have been told what my limitations are

spired Unathi on their own path to following their dreams. Maria explained further that the video opens with one such dream chaser, drummer Gbenga Nathaniel from Lagos, Nigeria. Her words: “Gbenga has pursued his art and the love for African music, for over a decade, and maintains the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams. The other four dream chasers are seen heading a call in the beginning of the video and proceed to run toward their dreams as the video unfolds. These include Baxolise Mfidi from East London who moved to Johannesburg in pursuit of becoming a successful radio host and journalist. He is fast becoming a media mogul. “Scott inspired Unathi through his sheer strength, courage and focus as an 18 year old

who does not believe in defining one’s self through other people’s standards. He deepens his innate interest in human behaviour through studying to qualify for a Big Brother Africa in Brand Building and Management. “Sbongakonke Mavundla is from Nelspruit and represents a highly spirited single mom who knows all about what it means to sacrifice for what you believe in, despite challenges. Mzukisi Mbane from Khayelitsha is a self-taught designer, who started out with his mother’s old manually operated Singer sewing machine, to studying Bcom in Accounting Science part time, to winning the Hansa Special Ingredient Award (2012), showing his garments at the first Menswear Africa Week, and running a non-profit modeling agency for township hopefuls.”

Entertainment

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sony Music blasts on with radio delivery Stories by Sony Neme

t is yet another multiple re[eases from upscale music company, Sony Music, as they have continued with their weekly delivery which is in week 14 consecutively. Their list this week opens with Tinashe’s All Hands On Deck (Remix) featuring Iggy Azalea. The artiste who took the world by storm in 2014 with her urban and AC crossover hit ‘2 On’ is a young talent that is back with a bang. ‘All Hands on Deck’, according to Sony Music Entertainment Africa managers, is already receiving early radio support in South Africa and will look to cross over to pop radio in the US from next month. Next on the list is Be Real (Edited) from Kid Ink featuring Dej Loaf. For starters, Kid Ink has had an amazing 2015 with the release of his new album, a tour date in South Africa and solid radio traction for ‘Body Language’ with Usher and Tinashe as well as for ‘Hotel’ with Chris Brown. “The time has come to move on to a new single from the project and Ink has enlisted up-and-comer Dej Loaf on ‘Be Real’, another sure-fire hit for the rapper. The music video for the song was shot recently with a teaser going live across their socials in recent weeks,” the report further explained. Kat Dahlia’s I Think I’m In Love composed by Jon Levine, Katriana Huguet and Justin Anthony DeSantis is another banger from the 24-year-old. Kat Dahlia had dropped the multigenre hit ‘Crazy’ in 2014 and she is back with another phenomenal single. I Think I’m In Love is the latest from the Cuban-American’s debut LP My Garden and her uniquely raspy vocals are highlighted in this strongly delivered song. Future’s F*ck Up Some Commas is another thriller. He has marked his comeback with the club anthem ‘F*ck Up Some Commas’. The single has been noted as an admirable addition to the catalogue of great future turn up tracks. ‘F*ck Up Some Commas’ has been described as a well-balanced blend of the blunt-force, yell-along enthusiasm evident in ‘Same Damn Time’ and the subtle yet effective melodic elements present in hits like ‘Turn on the Lights’ and ‘Honest’. You Don’t Own Me by GRACE featuring G-Eazy has created excitement

from 17-year-old singer/songwriter, as one of the hottest pop-soul prospects this year. An Australian with UK roots, GRACE grew up where the sounds

of Smokey Robinson to Janis Joplin, and Shirley Bassey to Amy Winehouse, filled her home and fuelled her soul. With a strong musical heritage, GRACE reportedly developed a raw,

Tinashe

throaty, soulful sound whose emotional timbre belies her tender years. She is currently working on her forthcoming debut EP, slated for release later this year. “As of this week, her official debut single ‘You Don’t Own Me’ is sitting atop Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart with no signs of it slowing down anytime soon,” explained Sony Music source. Mr. Probz’s Nothing Really Matters (Afrojack Remix Radio Edit), composed by G. Tuinfort and published by Left Lane Publishing, Talpa Music and BMG was the last on the hit list for week 14. After ‘Waves’, which was undoubtedly one of the biggest hits of last year, Mr. Probz is back with a bang with the Afrojack produced anthem ‘Nothing Really Matters’. The single is 3x platinum in the Netherlands already and is growing daily in the Nordics (the remix has been streamed over 10 million times on Spotify to date!). Early radio feedback has been positive and the track is excepted to keep building into the South African market as we head closer to the middle of 2015.

Kid Ink

AY LIVE Complete Happiness rocks Easter celebration G

uests who filled the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotels and Suites attested that they had their expectations for the 2015 edition of Ay Live surpassed with the mirthful banquet that was put together for them by Corporate World Entertainment Limited. The Ay Live Complete Happiness Edition, which was powered by Maltina, one of the foremost products of Nigeria Breweries Plc, was attended by the crème of the society. It showcased Nigerian entertainment greats such Onyeka Onwenu, Korede Bello and Kiss Daniels. Others who made the even

worthwhile were Phyno, Lil Kesh, Phyno, MC Galaxy, Helen Paul, Princess, I Go Dye, Seyilaw, Gordons, Laff Up, Accapella, Funny Bone, Ushbebe, Still Ringing and the Vintage Band among others. Highpoints for them included the hilarious skits, which is now a signature of the show is the dramatic representation of the just concluded general elections that had the hall in stitches. Notable artistes stood especially Awilo who was the surprise act of the night. Another notable atraction at the event were gifts by Maltina to members as a memento of the show. The gifts shared during the night were 10 pieces of iPhone 6 mobile phones. Amongst the win-

ners were Nollywood actresses Toyin Aimakhu and Empress Njamah. According to Ay, “The success of the show was a good harbinger for the 2015 concert tour across the nation.” The creative comedian who is currently the toast of the Nigerian movie industry from his box-office breaking movie, ‘30 Days In Atlanta’, said the success of the night was a fulfillment of the long periods of planning embarked upon by his team. As is customary to Ay Live, the event flow was a steady buildup to a resounding crescendo of performances, which had the audience on their feet with excitement at the end of the show.

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

CINEMAWATCH

(Radio/TV/Events Guide)

DStv

APR. 10 — APR. 17 HIGHLIGHTS

Rev Run Someone Marry Barry Friday, 10 April, 2015, 20:30 | M-Net Movies Premiere (103) Funnyman Damon Wayans Jr. stars in this comedy about a group of guys who want to find a wife for their socially inappropriate friend - but only succeed in finding his female equal. Felix Awogu, General Manager, SuperSport West Africa presenting a ball to Lilian Ochi during the SuperSport developmental programme called “Let’s Play”

Fight of the century for subscribers at no extra cost Stories by Sony Neme

he Fight of the Century between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao on will be broadcast on May 3 live across Sub-Saharan Africa only on DStv’s SuperSport at no extra cost. This was revealed to New Telegraph by Caro Oghuma of MultiChoice Nigeria. She said that, “In the United Kingdom, Sky will charge subscribers up to £24.95, (N7, 363); a record amount, to watch only the bout, while subscribers in the United States, will up to $100 (N19, 000) for a one-time live viewing of the bout, on a pay-per-view basis.” Speaking on the fight, the General Manager SuperSport West Africa, Felix Awogu explained that the entire tournament was broadcast to DStv Premium bouquet subscribers in High Definition from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “Unlike other international broadcasters, who are charging a premium for the super fight, the event is includ-

ed in SuperSport’s Premium offering among its other blue ribbon content with no surcharge,” he remarked. The bout is a match-up between two of the greatest boxers of all time – Mayweather, the undefeated 11-time world champion and holder of the WBC and WBA titles, and Pacquiao, the reigning WBO welterweight champion and winner of 10 world titles. Awogu further said, “We are blessed if we have a true super-fight once every 20 years. This one measures up in every way and as the home of boxing on the continent; we are thrilled to deliver such great content. Given the numbers swirling around and the lively talk in public, this event is shaping up to be one of the major sporting occasions of the year.” Awogu, said that negotiations were protracted, primarily because of the unique manner of acquiring the broadcast rights. Potential broadcasters had to submit a bid in response to a formal request for proposal to Mayweather Promotions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank.

Ultimately, SuperSport’s proposal was successful and the rights include broadcast to more than 44 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, on all platforms. The rights include live streaming, which will be available to Premium subscribers on the SuperSport app. With the fight exactly one month away, SuperSport will transmit plenty of supplementary programming in the weeks to come, including one-on-ones with Mayweather and Pacquiao, plus past fight highlights involving the pair. This content will air on SuperSport 6. It would be recalled that since 2001, SuperSport has broadcast 21 Mayweather and 19 Pacquiao fights. The super-fight will be on SS6 and SS6 HD to enable all DStv Premium viewers to watch the action in High Definition. The buildup to the live event will begin at 8pm with extensive behind-the-scenes coverage and highlights. The tournament, culminating in The Fight of the Century, was aired from the early hours of Sunday, May 3.

Afolayan stirs Nollywood

ollywood prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan stirred the hornet’s nest recently when he raised the issue of piracy and went on to say that Igbo businessmen affiliated to film industry are responsible for the pirated copies of Nollywood films, which has affected producers financially. However, in a sharp response to his comment, some notable practitioners have taken the multiple awards winner to task on the issue. One of such is top actress cum producer, Uche Jombo-Rodriguez who stated that piracy is not a tribal thing, as every filmmaker is affected and sad about it. Instead of tongue lashing a particular tribe, Mrs. Rodriguez urged that everyone should fight and hope to win the war against piracy one day.

Afolayan

Her words: “Every film maker is sad about piracy..it is a war we should all fight and hope to win one day but I repeat #piracyIsNotATribalThing. Just for the record I am an active film maker in Nollywood of today and like every producer I face piracy everyday! We will

overcome one day #ipray. Interesting to see anyone in Nollywood insult Igbos about piracy since without them we might not even have Nollywood of today #piracyIsNotATribalThing. I can’t believe all these igbo tweets on my TL.... which way Nigeria?”

Vikings S3 Friday, 10 April, 2015, 03:00 | M-Net Edge Africa (113) History is about adventure and exploration, which is exactly what Ragnar Lothbrok sets out to find. Together with his brother and fellow warriors, these legendary historians will become the greatest heroes of the Norse age. Downton Abbey S4 Sunday, 12 Apr il, 2015, 21:00 | BBC Entertainment (120) As they face new challenges, the Crawley family and the servants who work for them remain inseparably interlinked. Six months after Matthew’s tragic death, his loss is still felt throughout the great house. Mary struggles to face a new future with her fatherless child and is encouraged by the family to pick up the pieces. Accepting a new role on the estate, the now eligible Mary also finds herself the reluctant object of attention from a number of eager suitors. With the twenties in full swing and the tides of change sweeping through Downton, Rose’s continued attraction to the bright lights of London spells trouble for the Crawleys, and Edith’s budding relationship with Gregson is threatened by events beyond her control. Meanwhile, below stairs, passions run high and young hearts set to be broken. CNN Business Traveller Saturday, 11 April 2015, 17:30 | CNN International (401) In December 2014, President Obama announced his desire to improve US diplomatic relations with Cuba. This included the relaxation of the 54 years old embargo. This month, for the first time ever, CNN Business Traveller is heading to Cuba. Cuba bursts with colourful vintage cars and old-time Americana charm, with its capital Havana serving as a time capsule of the late 50s – the last time Cuba imported goods from the US. As the walls fall down on the 54-yearold embargo, will American tourism and capitalism rise on the island? Host Richard Quest travels through old Havana, exploring the existing landscape and how it might change: what corporations will set up shop? What spots are the hoteliers eyeing? Which airlines will fly in? Quest speaks to the people that are about to change the face of Cuba even trying his hand at rolling classic Cuban cigars, as a popular cigar company opens up about their own potential gains in the US market. Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers Thurday, 16 April, 2015, 19:10 | Food Network (175) For Run DMC star Rev Run and his wife Justine life is all about family, good friends and great food. With most of their six children having left home, Rev and Justine miss the days of a full house. Now they’re hoping to tempt their kids back to the family table for their weekly Sunday dinners featuring family favourites including Justine’s famous lasagne, mac and cheese, veggie tacos and chicken and waffles. Catch Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers on Thursday 16 April at 19:10 on Food Network.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

COSON Week will be the ‘world cup’ of entertainment — Okoroji Stories by Sony Neme

hairman Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji, has said that the upcoming COSON Week billed to hold from November 1 to 7 will represent the Olympic Games of Nigerian entertainment. Responding to media inquiry on the show stopper was skipped last year after its maiden edition of 2013. The renowned writer and respected Africa’s top intellectual property advocate said, “From the beginning, we took the decision that the COSON Week will be held every two years. COSON Week is the ‘World Cup’ of entertainment in Nigeria or if you prefer, the Olympic Games. Seven mega events in seven days! The planning and logistics are mind boggling. You cannot do that annually. It is the same way the World Cup cannot hold every year. So we have a date with history from November 1 to 7” On what Nigerians should be expecting, the former President of Performing Musicians’ Employers’ Association of Nigeria, PMAN said, “From November 1 to 7, 2015, you should expect awe inspiring events different from anything you have seen before. You know me well and you know that I am a professional and do not want my name ever associated with any ‘cut and

SHOWBITS

Okoroji

join’ event. Whatever I say, we will do, we will surely do.” He stressed that, “At the COSON Week 2015, we will raise the bar of entertainment in Nigeria. You will notice that by January 2015, ten months before the events, we had started planning and advertising. We take our time. Once we are through with the general elections, we will switch over and begin to

Don Jazzy tasked on Silence for deal

hairman of Mavin Music group, and ace Nigerian Producer, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has reacted finally to questions about his loyalty to his Ibo background. The rhythm master was reacting to some fans who viewed his silence from the condemnable declaration by Oba Akiolu of Lagos. In a swift reaction, Don Jazzy born of Delta and Abia State parentage said that the Oba might have been working for Jimi Agbaje because as the Oba earlier said, they are relatives and blood is thicker than water. Below are the tweet Oba Akiolu had threatened Igbo leaders in Lagos with death if they fail to vote for his anointed candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progres-

Song Awards. “Anyone who was at the last COSON Song Awards can bear witness to the fact that it was different from any other award event you have seen anywhere. It had flash and pizzazz, but still had a deep story line. You could feel the enormous preproduction work that went on before the event. As producer, that is my style. I want to always give you top rate entertainment that keeps you on the edge of your seat but also has intellectual depth. The COSON Song Awards will hold on Saturday, November 7 in Lagos. It will round off the COSON Week 2015 with indescribable fireworks. You want me to tell you about the COSON Song Awards? The only way to describe it is wow!!!”, he exclaimed.

sives Congress, APC. The death threat has been met with rebuke by the public. Don Jazzy took to his Twitter page, which boasts of over a million followers to raise the poser. “#WhatIf Oba actually codedly wants PDP to win? And is counting on us reacting to his statement. #Justasking o. Cos he said he is related to JK. hmmm blood is thicker than party o. lol oya make i run,” he said. He also vowed not to be one of the Igbo people who have insulted the Oba. Don Jazzy was reacting to one of his followers on Twitter, who challenged him for not rebuking the king because of his association with Fashola. Don Jazzy has been renowned as one of Nigeria’s best producers and 2014 has been a great year for him.

Seven mega events in seven days!

dish out the juicy details of COSON Week 2015. Fasten your seat belts everyone!” Okoroji who started the organization of major entertainment award events in Nigeria with the epoch making Nigerian Music Awards, NMA, which attracted presidents, governors, ambassadors and stars from around the world, also spoke about the COSON

Ini Edo

• I am happily single: Ini Edo. • Former Nigerian BBA winner pregnant with first child, release pictures. • You cannot fluke film making: Kunle Afolayan. • Davido announces release date for his upcoming album. • Actress Uche Ogbodo returns to set after Child Birth. • There is nothing wrong with singing in night clubs: gospel singer Mofe. • Duncan confirms his engagement. • Awilo gets limited edition gift from Remy Martin. • Wizkid and Chris Brown perform in South Africa. • Davidos brother also buys a Panamera Turbo S. • Tjan promotes motherhood with his new single Hey Mama. • Davido acquires a new Porsche Turbo S. • B Mystireo new single Veronica, released. • Jamie Foxx under fire for Dissing Bruce Jenner and his transgender transformation • Terrence Howard ex wife michelle ghent gunning for his empire checks • I Lost My First 2 Wives To Child Birth Within 11 Months Says Jide Kosoko. • Taylor Swift Says I am the New Oprah I Make People Famous • Drake lost a 6,000 dollar bet to the game over the NCAA tournament • DMX accused of robbing a man in new jersey, police investigation. • Amber Rose says ex Wiz Khalifa will always be the skinny tatted up stoner that has my heart • Kendrick Lamar has confirmed plans to wed his childhood sweetheart • I never had a chance to listen to music says Cynthia Morgan

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Agric

Labour

NLC crisis drowned pockets of disputes

The good, the bad and the urgly

Business What's news

British firm, Samsung strike N1.6bn deal in Nigeria Wire and fibre rope manufacturer, Bridon, has secured N1.60 billion (five million pounds) major contract from Samsung Heavy Industries to supply mooring cables for the Egina oil field off the coast of Nigeria.

p.30

UN’s projected 289m population raises Nigeria’s housing challenge Nigeria’s population may hit 289 million by 2050, putting pressure on accommodation needs, United Nations (UN) has forecast.

p.30

L-R: Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, during youth enterpreneurship strategy for oil and gas industry forum, in Abuja.

Bitflux may lose $23.25m spectrum licence older of 2.3-gigahertz spectrum licence in Nigeria, Bitflux Communications Limited, may lose its licence to the nearest rival applicant, Globacom, New Telegraph has learnt. This could stem from its lingering inability to roll out broadband services more than one year after it secured a na-

tionwide 2.3-gigahertz spectrum licence. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had given Bitflux till the end of March to roll out services with threats of dire consequences should it fail. However, the company, which was formed by VDT Communications, Bitcom Systems and Superflux International Limited, has not been able to start operations in any part of the country. Although, NCC has not officially announced the actions it would take, industry experts who spoke with New Telegraph said that the commission could either give the company a new deadline or withdraw the licence and issue it to Globacom. Little-known Bitflux had

INFLATION RATE February 2015.........................8.4% January 2015...........................8.2% December 2014.........................8%

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

BROADBAND

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Not putting the spectrum into use in time may delay 30% broadband penetration target

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Kunle Azeez

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

edged out Globacom in Nigerian frequency race, which held on February 20, 2014, with a bid price of $23.251 million for the frequency, whose auction price had earlier been set at $23 million. Globacom offered a bid price that was slightly higher than the reserve bid price, but below what Bitflux offered. NCC said that it issued the licence as a way of expanding the country’s critical broadband infrastructure. When Bitflux got the licence,

N20 billion Additional investment planned by Bitflux

one of Bitflux’s directors, Mr Biodun Omoniyi, had said that the company would roll out fast broadband Internet services nationwide within a year. He later told New Telegraph in February this year in an interview in Lagos that service rollout would be done by March, saying that the company had consulted a foreign vendor to supply all the equipment needed for a successful launch. He said: “We have not failed in our roll out plan and we have not rescinded any of our promises. We are still within the assigned roll out plan; we will definitely meet up. We are rolling out services before end of first quarter.” He, however, said that the delay in commencement of operations was due to the harsh business environment in Nigeria, a situation, he said, was also affecting the stock market. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Apr. 3)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N320 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N230

l Foreign Reserves – $29.778bn as at 1/04/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Apr. 3)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N199 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N300 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N220

Business | News

SOLUTION

The challenges of modern offshore industries solved Bayo Akomolafe

ire and fibre rope manuf a c t u r e r, Bridon, has secured N1.60 billion (five million pounds) major contract from Samsung Heavy Industries to supply mooring cables for the Egina oil field off the coast of Nigeria. The Egina oil field is 100 miles off the coast of Nigeria and covers an area of up to 500 square

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

British firm, Samsung strike N1.6bn deal in Nigeria metres. The Egina oil field contract is scheduled for delivery by the end of September. With a design life of 25 years, each complete cable reel will weigh 185 tons or more than 15 double decker buses. It’s commercial director, Mr. Andy Dodwell, said: “This demonstrates another significant achievement in our manufacturing capabilities, being the longest mooring

cable Bridon has manufactured in over a decade. “Samsung Heavy Industries placing their confidence in us for this critical project mooring demonstrates Bridon’s position and status in technology leadership.” Oil reserves are estimated at 550 million barrels. The Bridon Technology Centre (BTC) in Doncaster is one of the world’s most advanced facilities for the development and

testing of offshore ropes. The high-tech hub is a state-of-the-art facility, opened in 2013 to drive Bridon’s research and product development capabilities. “We have significantly developed our global service offering, investing in purpose-built testing equipment. “As a result of our innovations, the largest, most advanced ropes ever made are being sold around the world from Britain, help-

ing to solve the challenges our modern offshore industries face,” added Andy. Formerly British Ropes Limited, the company was formed in 1924 from an amalgamation of wire rope and fibre rope manufacturers, the earliest of which date back to the late 18th century. Bridon was acquired by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan in November 2014 from Melrose PLC for £365million.

Total sales in 2013 were £266.4 million. As part of the sale, former owner, Melrose, will contribute £6.7 million into the Bridon Group’s 2013 Pension Scheme. Earlier this year, the firm acquired Norwegian business, ScanRope, - a 77-employee manufacturer of steel and fibre deep water mooring systems from the Parker Hannifin Corporation. Bridon’s Chief Executive, Mr. Jonathan Templeman, said that the acquisition was exciting and strengthened their position as the clear market leader in the sector.

Bitflux may lose $23.25m CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

L-R: Assistant Manager, Marketing, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr Olawale Jimoh; Winner of a Kia Rio, Araoluwa Edun; Senior Manager, Marketing, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr Jigar Panchal and Sales Manager, Mr Aman Grover, during the grand finale faffle and Rio car presentation, in Lagos .

MOST POPULOUS

Nigeria’s population projected to hit 246 million

Dayo Ayeyemi

igeria’s population may hit 289 million by 2050, putting pressure on accommodation needs, United Nations (UN) has forecast. The United States Census Bureau (USCB) has also projected that within the same period, Nigeria’s population would hit 264 million, thus making the country the 80th most populous country in the world. With the rising population trend, coupled with the current accommodation deficit of 17 million, many experts have explained that the housing minister in the country would need to focus seriously on the provision of mass and quality housing units to meet

UN’s projected 289m population raises Nigeria’s housing challenge the challenge posed by the estimated residents. Some of the problems inhibiting cheap housing delivery in Nigeria include high cost of land, high interest rate, dearth of fund, lack of affordable mortgage and political instability among others. The rapidly growing population invariably has put enormous pressure on demands for shelter, other basic utilities and services in the country. Already, there has been some estimates on the amount of money needed by government to bridge housing deficit. While some financial analysts estimated that Federal Government would require about N25 trillion to meet the 17 million housing deficit, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) stated that over N56 trillion would be required to tackle

the nation’s housing needs, estimated at 16 million with the cost of one house put at N3.5 million. Already, government has rolled out strategies that include the setting up of the Mortgage Finance Company of Nigeria, Public Private Partnership, launch of 10,000 mortgages, creation of land bank and capitalisation of FMBN, among others. Meanwhile, a Lagos-based firm, Pazino Engineering & Construction Company Limited, has indicated interest in taking real estate from what it used to be to the next level in terms of construction and building type. Managing Director of the company, Patrick Agbaza, said that his firm has initiated many estates for people seeking accommodation to key into. “We have a lot of estates. Apart from the buildings, we

have the gardens, the drainages and all of that. Again, before now, we had a few people living in estates, but now we have many people coming to appreciate living in estates,” he said. Agbaza said that Pazino was determined to make people understand why they should invest in real estate because there are huge potentials for better return on investment in the sector. “Other than real estate, what will you want to invest in? We want people to come and invest in real estate. Some years ago it used to be shares and all of that, but with the collapse of shares, the momentum has swung back to real estate,” he noted. He contended that government has not created the enabling environment for the real estate business to thrive as it only pays lip service to the development of the sector.

“Yes we were excited when it was announced that Bitflux won the license last year and the excitement is still there because the opportunity is still great, but the issue with the 2.3Ghz spectrum licence is that it is an infrastructure build-out that requires massive rollout of infrastructure across the country and it has not been easy with us because of the harsh economic climate that we experienced last year,” Omoniyi said. Explaining further, he said: “Left to us, we would have rolled out in third quarter 2014, since we won the license in first quarter 2014, but the investment climate of the country was not friendly at all last year. “Infrastructure project like the 2.3Ghz spectrum is capital intensive, so the business environment must be friendly enough to do business before we can start rollout. “Because it is capital intensive, we needed to borrow money from other sources and we cannot afford to invest people’s money in an environment that is unfriendly. This is part of the reason why we could not rollout last year.” Omoniyi had also recently disclosed to New Telegraph that it was planning a N20 billion infrastructure investment for a nationwide rollout on its 2.3Ghz spectrum licence. “The investors of Bitflux paid over $23 million (about N5 billion) to get the 2.3 Ghz spectrum licence and, to roll out nationwide on our 2.3Ghz spectrum, one should expect this figure would get multiplied by four,” Omoniyi had said. He also explained that contrary to the initial plan by Bitflux to roll out in the first quarter of this year, the commercial rollout would now take place in April.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Labour

NECA to Buhari: Focus on job creation, security p.32

2015 FIRST QUARTER REVIEW

NLC crisis drowned pockets of disputes BAD EXAMPLE Foremost labour union failed integrity test Sunday Ojeme

or the labour movement, although the first quarter of the year was riddled with the usual conflicts and controversies between some employers and their employees, the biggest and predominant scandal had to do with the crisis that rocked the Nigeria Labour Congress’ electoral process. Conflicts With pockets of protests across the country, some workers were once again resolute in their pursuit to see their welfare improved upon. Not left out in the agitation were civil servants in some states including Ogun, Osun, Benue and Ebonyi. The civil servants’ grouse centered around non-payment of arrears of salaries as well as allegations of illegal deductions. The banking sector was not left out as some workers were said to have been heavily compensated and subsequently laid off secretly. Thumps down Although the above scenario was not unexpected especially now that the harsh economy is telling on everything, the biggest shocker as reflected earlier was the crisis that rocked the Nigeria Labour Congress during its 11th Delegate Congress in Abuja, a situation the President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, described as unfortunate. The gathering, which was supposed to usher in a new leadership for the body turned out an embarrassment that exposed the hypocrisy and greed in human nature. The election, which was eventually postponed for another two weeks or so, was said to have been fraught with irregularities, which consequence today is the factionalisation of the foremost labour body. Disappointment The Abuja show of shame was roundly condemned by observers who, over the years, had looked up to the union to hold government accountable on a number of issues including conducting free, fair and transparent elections. For the NLC, this expectation came crashing when it failed to conduct itself properly and hold an election with less than 2,000

Wabba

delegates. Problem was said to have started with the disqualification of some of the contestants who filed in badly filled forms as well as those who suddenly stepped down for other candidates. Series of intrigues played out when one of the top contenders, Igwe Achese, who is the President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), publicly announced his withdrawal in support of the General Scretary, Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Joe Ajaero. Ajaero is now the factional president of the body with his office in Lagos while the Abuja Congress President-elect, who doubles as the President of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWHUN), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, directs the union’s affairs at the seat of power in Abuja. During the Eagle Square disorder, more undercurrent politics brew surfaced when besides Achese, the General Secretary of Texile Workers and former vice president of NLC, Issa Aremu, also withdrew from contesting for the post of vice president. The withdrawal of Achese and Aremu thus streamlined the contest for the position of the president between Wabba and Ajaero. However, the election, which was said to have commenced on a peaceful note suddenly took a new turn when the delegates from NUEE allegedly discovered that the names of some candidates appeared in some of the ballot booklets in more than one and two places. This led to the disruption of the process, resulting in dele-

Ajaero

gates raising their voices at one another with some of them getting close to throwing punches. Not done with the disruption, delegates loyal to one of the candidates hijacked the ballot boxes and other election materials and subsequently threw the venue of the conference into confusion.

The election, which was postponed for another two weeks was said to have been fraught with irregularities

More intrigues More disheartening is the allegation that the former president, Abdulwahed Omar, insisted on continuing as the president to enable him conduct a fresh election that would be acceptable by all before his term would expire in March. This was, however, rejected by Ajaero and Achese, who stated that Omar should vacate the seat and allow the General Secretary to run the congress till an interim leadership was put in place. They claimed that Omar had made nonsense of the electoral process and that if the election had been concluded, he would as at then handed over to the next president and vacated the seat. In the process, Ajaero and Achese left the venue of the meeting, describing the meeting being led by Omar as illegal, and that they would not be party to the charade. Achese lamented what he described as mistake, manipulation or well-articulated effort to rig the election in favour of aparticular candidate In his words, “Imagine a situation, where Ayuba Wabba’s name appeared on aballot booklet twice or thrice. It’s obvious that NLC wanted Wabba to win the election against the choice of other delegates.” He pointed out that the out-

going executive violated existing constitution of NLC for not dissolving the executive council led by the outgoing president, having the prior knowledge of the irregularities that would be experienced during the poll. As for Wabba, the disruption of the election was intentional as the opposition realised that they could not win the election after about 23 unions had voted. He said the election was going on smoothly, when suddenly the other group disrupted it. Among other things, it was on record that the events and activities preceding the election clearly showed that the other group had plans to make the election inconclusive. Even before the election day, information had filtered in that the process would be marred by crisis as some members of the executive were bent on denying certain candidates the opportunity to participate. The air of implosion was first noticed after the Conference Credential Committee (CCC) released list of contestants duly cleared for the election. Some leaders of the private sectors unions accused the public sector union of betrayal and fielding candidate for NLC presidency instead of leaving it for the private sector unions to slug it out in line with the norms. The Omar-led executive was accused of working with some officials of NLC to influence the election by ensuring that its preferred candidate succeeded him. With the election postponed, the aggrieved group was still disatisfied with the process after it was held again and eventually produced Wabba as the preferred candidate. Sudden factionalisation Not satisfied with the outcome, the Ajaero faction resorted to hold a parallel polls in Lagos. This further worsened the situation as the election truly took place with Ajaero emerging the factional president of the Congress. During the parallel election, which held under the cover of night, 23 affiliate unions of the NLC, including the National Union of Petroleum and Natural GasWorkers, (NUPENG), Iron and Steel Workers Union, the National Union ofElectricity Employees amongst others were present. At the end of the process, the General Secretary of National Union of Textile GarmentWorkers, Mr. Issa Aremu,was elected Vice President, while the President of NUPENG, Mr. Igwe Achese, also got elected unopposed as second Vice President. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Business | Labour

DEVELOPMENT Enabling environment will fast-track development of the economy

Stories by Sunday Ojeme

he President, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Larry Ettah, has called on the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari to give priority to job creation by providing an enabling environment for the private sector to

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NECA to Buhari: Focus on job creation, security thrive. NECA, in a statement during the week, advised the President-elect to engage the organised private sector on economic issues. He specifically advised the new administration to give priority to issues of security, economy and employment, adding that an enabling environment that would position the private sector as the

engine of growth should be created. He said, “Liberalisation, promotion of free enterprise and further privatisation of state – owned businesses will go a long way in fast-tracking the development of the economy.” While congratulating the President-elect on his victory, he also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his

statesmanship in accepting the outcome of the polls. He said,” This is a victory for Nigerians, for democracy and a strong affirmation of our people to live in unity and peace.” He enjoined the Presidentelect to carry the Organised Private Sector (OPS) along through dialogue and consultation on the formulation and execution of key

economic policies, adding that the employers’ group is the voice of business and a platform for private sector employers to interact with the government, labour, communities and other relevant institutions in and outside Nigeria for the purpose of promoting har monious business environment that engenders productivity and prosperity.

French strikes cancel flights across Europe

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, AIICO Insurance Plc, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun and Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Dr. Olusegun Oshunkeye, at the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN)/PRPLus’ workshop on ‘AGM As a Platform for Value Optimisation’ in Lagos. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

New labour activists emerge from China’s migrant workers A

new crop of labour leaders is emerging in China as migrant factory workers increasingly demand their rights and a fair share of the country’s now-slowing economic boom. Associated Press reports that disillusioned with China’s officially sanctioned labour union, workers are electing their own representatives and launching strikes and protests at a rate that has doubled each of the past several years to 1,300 in 2014. Here are some of these new leaders: At 27, Qi Jianguang is one of the youngest of these worker representatives. After working eight years at a golfing equipment factory in southern Shenzhen, he and other workers discovered that management had failed to make social security contributions, a common lapse long, often ignored by authorities. The plant’s 3,000 workers elected 13 representatives to negotiate with management, and Qi was the youngest at age 26. “Maybe it’s my personality,” said Qi, a tall and lanky man. “I felt like someone should come forward.”

After failed negotiations, workers went on strike last July. Qi was briefly detained by police and then released. The strike ended after two days when management agreed to all the workers’ demands, a victory they celebrated with a feast, Qi said. Seven months later, the company fired Qi over accusations that he smeared its reputation and engaged in an illegal strike. Qi is challenging the dismissal at a labour bureau, but has little hope. “We sought help from the official union, but they were finding excuses not to meet us,” Qi said. “The government has been useless. Instead, it’s cracked down on us.” As with many ordinary Chinese, Ji Jiansheng started first learning about labour issues through online chat rooms. Energized, he began researching the law and was soon elected to be a worker representative at the same golfing company as Qi. “I felt some pressure because rights activism is sensitive in China,” he said. “My friends were behind me and reassured me everything would be OK

as long as we acted within the law.” The two-day strike paid off, but like Qi he was fired several months later, ostensibly because his hearing was unfit for work. He’s looking for a new job. Ji said he has never told his family about his activism, but vows to press on. The movement needs “unity and organisation” because otherwise, it is like “loose sand.” Wu Guijun, 42, spent about a year in jail on a charge linked to his participation in a May 2013 strike but was eventually released without a conviction. He now devotes himself to helping workers learn their rights. The furniture factory where he worked decided to shutter its Shenzhen operations while offering only a fraction of the required severance. Government agencies declined to intervene. Wu led a strike of 400 workers - and was jailed and arrested on the charge of gathering crowds to disrupt traffic. “I almost collapsed because I lost my freedom,” Wu recalled. “The conditions were poor. I was very depressed and felt hopeless.”

rench workers belonging to the SNCTA air traffic controllers union have begun strikes on Wednesday that will have widespread implications for air travel in France and Europe. Authorities in France said air traffic could be reduced by as much as 40 per cent on Wednesday, with the strike expected to continue into Thursday. Associated Press reports that the union has called for talks regarding working practices and the workers’ retirement age. Air France said it hoped to operate almost all of its longhaul flights and would maintain 60 per cent of its mediumhaul schedule. On short-haul flights operated by its subsidiary HOP!, the airline recommended that travelers put off their travel until April 10, with two-thirds of short-haul flights from Paris’s Orly airport set to be canceled and 40 per cent set to be cancelled at other airports. Irish airline Ryanair said in a statement that it had

been forced to cancel over 250 flights on Wednesday. “We sincerely apologise to all customers affected by this unwarranted strike action and we call on the EU and French authorities to take measures to prevent any further disruption,” the statement read. “It’s grossly unfair that thousands of European travelers will once again have their travel plans disrupted by the selfish actions of a tiny number of French [air traffic control] workers.” Lufthansa and its low-cost subsidiary German Wings both issued statements saying flights to and from France could be affected by the strikes and advised travelers to check on their individual flights to see if they were affected. The statements warned that the strikes could have further implications throughout the rest of the airlines’ networks. The SNCTA union has also called for further strikes on April 16-18 and April 29 to May 2 if no progress is made in negotiations with employers.

Crisis drowned pockets of disputes CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 31

Allegation of fraud In his acceptance speech, Ajaero promised to restore the dignity of workers, saying no workers would remain under casualisation during his tenure. He accused the outgoing administration of the NLC of squandering the goodwill of the congress, saying the immediate past leadership must account for the over N3 billion contributed by workers for houses in Abuja. Endorsement In spite of the seeming factionalisation, the Wabba-led faction appears to have gained the recognition of the Federal Gov-

ernment as the Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Directorate of State Service acknowledged that the election that produced him was fairly and transparently conducted. In the same dispensation, foremost labour leaders including the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, also congratulated the Wabba executive, thereby giving a stamp of authority to the Congress. Conclusion By and large, the first quarter of the year was not devoid of the usual conflicts in the workplace, and also escalated by the low mark received by the NLC during it 11th Delegate Conference.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

‘Veterinary medicine aids agric devt’ p.34

Agric 2015 FIRST QUARTER REVIEW

Agriculture, like other sectors in the economy, is also affected by budget cuts. The sector however, has some positive developments. DELE ALAO writes

The good, the bad and the urgly

espite the assertion that in the face of dwindling oil revenue occasioned by the fall of the crude oil in the international market, the agricultural sector remains the panacea to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, the reality on ground does not support this claim. Budgetary allocation The agricultural sector is under-funded. Checks showed that the funding of the agricultural sector in the annual budget has been on the decline. For instance, a total of N39,151,900,120 was allocated to agriculture in the 2015 budget, which showed a cut of about half of the 2014 budgetary allocation, which stood at N66.64 billion. Recurrent expenditure took the lion share of N32,207,900,120, leaving only N6,944,000,000 for capital projects. Therefore, analysts are of the view that activities of many agricultural research institutes may be crippled this year because the proposed budget appears not to recognise the indispensability of research institutes to agricultural development. Commenting on the low budgetary allocation to agriculture, the President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabiru Ibrahim, lamented that the budgetary allocation of the present administration to agriculture has been dismal. Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) The country, early in the year, witnessed the outbreak of Avian Influenza, otherwise called Bird Flu, in some poultries in Lagos and Kano states. A statement by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, said that samples taken from the birds were forwarded to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, where it tested positive for H5 Strain of Avian Influenza Virus. The minister said that the confirmatory samples were also sent to the International Reference Laboratory in Padova, Italy, for further characterisation. Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds. Most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans. However, some, such as A (H5N1) and A (H7N9), have caused serious infections in people. Later, the minister, who said that the Federal Government

had approved N145 million to compensate farmers affected by the outbreak of the disease confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in 11 states of the federation. Adesina named the states affected by the outbreak of the disease as Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Imo, Oyo and Jigawa states. According to him, as at January 21, a total of 139,505 birds had been exposed with 22,173 mortality recorded and as at Jananuary 27,232,385 were exposed and 51,444 mortality recorded. Irrigation The period under review witnessed the commissioning of the first phase of the over N100 billion Gurara irrigation project to boost agricultural production. The purpose of the project, among others, was to supplement the raw water supply to Lower Usuma Dam for FCT Water Supply, generate 30MW of hydropower to resuscitate the industrial sector of Kaduna and provide irrigation infrastructure in line with the Millennium Development Goal on Food Security and Poverty alleviation. The project as designed consists of construction of an embankment of 54 metre high and 3100 metre in length, spillway structure and stilling basin, dam intake and headwork structures, fisheries development and 30mw hydropower station. The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochek-

pe, said that the irrigation component of Gurara Multi-purpose dam project covers about 6,000 hectares of irrigable land. She said that the commissioning of the irrigation component of the Gurara Multipurpose Dam Project would further strengthen and complement the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture in the implementation of the Agriculture Transformation Agenda. The Dam and its other components would further develop the region from intensive agriculture to modern industry with expected seasonal production of 4,500 ton of rice, 6,700 ton of maize, 11,000 ton of melon and 18,000 ton of fruits. The project will develop 6000 hectares of irrigable land and promote fisheries.

Our focus is to promote affordable crop and livestock insurance products for farmers

Insurance cover In acknowledgement of the importance of risk management in agricultural investment, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development decided to reposition the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) in order to build its capacity and prepare it to more effectively meet the insurance needs of the agricultural sector. To this end, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said that he has directed the release of about N110 million to NAIC to support its institutional reforms. The gesture, he added, would also strengthen the company’s

operations and roll out of agricultural insurance products. Adesina, who was represented by South West Regional Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Olalekan Quadri, during the commissioning of Lagos Head Office Annex of NAIC, said that the goal was to ensure that over 15 million farmers were covered by crop and livestock insurance in the next three years. He said: “I have given directive to the National Agricultural Insurance Company (NAIC) to totally reform and reposition agricultural insurance. I have also directed that NAIC ensures that it works with global reinsurance companies to make agricultural insurance in Nigeria of global standard.” The minister, who noted that in recognition of the fact that extreme weather effects are likely to become more prevalent due to climate change, said that there was need to scale up agricultural insurance programmes to ensure that farmers and agribusinesses are protected. “Our focus is to promote affordable crop and livestock insurance products for farmers and insurance products for agribusinesses. Government is supporting the development of weather index insurance products for farmers, improving access to climate information and expansion of Agro-Metereological stations. Both agricultural insurance and reinsurance are being rapidly developed,” Adesina said.

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Veterinary medicine aids agric devt’ Dr. Victor Ughaerumba is the Area Veterinary Officer of Ekwusingo Local Government Area of Anambra State. He speaks on how veterinary medicine has contributed to the development of agriculture in Nigeria in this interview with CALEB ONWE How has veterinary medicine contributed to the development of agriculture in Nigeria? Veterinary medicine has contributed so much to agriculture in Nigeria by preventing animal diseases; if there is any outbreak, it is the vets that work to detect, control and also contain it. There is also veterinary services department in the ministry of agriculture in all the states and the Federal Capital Territory. And in each of the departments, there are qualified vets who head them. Veterinary is the animal component of agriculture. There is also what we call veterinary control post at every entry point into the country and all entry points from one state to another; and veterinary officers who work in the ministry of agriculture are posted there to ensure that animals that are coming into the country and those being moved from one state to another within the country are healthy and free from any kind of diseases. Vet officers ensure that animal diseases are contained in the geographical area where they are discovered. Even at the airport, the ministry of agriculture also post vet officers to carry out an aspect of their duties. In the area of animal production, veterinary officers play significant roles of monitoring animal farms all over the country. Be it a poultry farm, fish farm, cattle farm and even pig farm. All these farms have vet doctors, either as consultants or as employees. Another important function of the veterinary officers which contributes to agricultural development in Nigeria is their oversight functions on abattoirs and all slaughter slabs throughout the federation. It is the vets who work in agriculture ministries, either at the federal or state’s levels that ensure the wholesomeness of such places and the wholesomeness of the animals that are being slaughtered. This function is what we call pre-mortem examination of animal before they are slaughtered and postmortem examination of the animals after they have been slaughtered. It is possible that these animals have been treated of one disease or another. Even during the recent Ebola disease outbreak, people tend to forget the animal component of Ebola disease. Thank God it has been contained. I want you to know that there was a strong synergy between veterinary doctors and our human medicine counterparts in the fight against Ebola. But, when the dreaded Ebola Virus desease was here, we didn’t hear much about veterinary medicine practitioners’ involvement in the containment? That is the point I was trying to make that people forgot the animal component of the diseases and that was why more attention was given to the human doctors. There was no way that veterinary doctors will not have played a major role in the containment of Ebola. What about the animals at the zoos. Any role played by veterinary doctors in promoting, controlling and managing the zoos in Nigeria? In the zoo, we have both trained and wild animals and I don’t think there is any zoo

Government has a better structure for sponsoring our human medicine counterparts for further career development than those of us in the vet medicine. The human doctors gets more scholarships and grants from government. But for us, such scholarships hardly come by. It is only when you make a first class honor in school that you might be considered for lecturing work, before you proceed for your post graduate studies. However, in the area of salary structure, government is trying in that aspect. There is no disparity in salary structures of both animal and human doctors working in the ministries, be it at the federal or state level, we have the same salary structure. Veterinary is a very vast field and a major component of agriculture and I think that government should remove the disparity if it is really interested in developing the agriculture sector. The vets should not be left on their own, in the area of human capital development. Have you ever felt disparaged for being referred to as an animal doctor? To some extent, if I want to be sarcastic about it, I will feel disparaged when someone refers to you as an animal doctor. But aside from been sarcastic about it, I think am proud to be a vet doctor. Since your ‘patients’ don’t talk, how do you diagnose them and give them the proper treatment? Yes the animals don’t talk and that makes it difficult for us to diagnose them. However, the understanding of clinical science will help. Sometimes, we can just check their temperature or try to find out if there is any swollen part of their body, as that can be a sign of sickness. Another option is depending on the laboratory test result. Ughaerumba

in Nigeria that has no veterinary officer in its employment. When these animals are brought into the zoo, it is the vet officers that will examine them and, in some cases, quarantine them to ensure that they do not have any dangerous diseases. While in the zoo, they are like the domestic animals, they used to have some health issues, especially when they are changing their natural environment. It is expected that before they acclimatise with the new environment that they may have one or two health challenges. When that occurs, it is the vet officers that will treat them.

I will feel disparaged if referred to as an animal doctor

How does a vet relate with nomadic herdsmen to ensure that their animals are vaccinated? That is a major problem in the veterinary profession, which we have been battling. But, I think in every profession, there are problems like that. It is a situation where quacks are overriding the professionals. Many of these nomadic herdsmen patronise quacks and they also believe that they have traditional way through which they can treat their animals. Sometimes, they will go to veterinary stores to buy drugs for their animals. But, when the condition proves to be more technical than what they can handle and because of the love they have for their animals, they will consider the option of going to consult professionals. You mean they come to you occasionally? Yes they do, but when they do, it is as a secondary health option. The primary aspect of animal health, like de-worming; they want to do it by themselves. Is there a disparity in the way government treats vets and their other colleagues in human medicine? There is a disparity. I won’t lie about it.

There was a reported outbreak of bird flu in some parts of the country. What was the role of vets in its containment? Bird Flu outbreak has been recorded earlier on in the country before this recent reported case. Those in the veterinary medicine have the responsibility to educate poultry owners and operators on how to handle their birds to prevent them from being affected. One other issue we are contending with is the issue of live bird market. This market is a very vulnerable point for the spread of bird flu. When you take your bird to such place to sell, your birds could get infected. But there is a limit to what the vet officers can do in that regard. However, we try to educate farmers on what they can do to prevent the spread of disease, when they are taking their birds from the farm to the market. The way we rear livestock in Nigeria is obviously not the acceptable standard. There was a suggestion at the National Confab, that we should change the system by creating ranches for livestock rearing; the way it is done elsewhere, especially in Argentina. What is the veterinary association doing in that regard? It is a very unfortunate situation, but you know that it is more of a tradition for the nomadic Fulani herdsmen who move about with their cattle on the street. Government is supposed to do something in that regard by way of policy formulation. I’m already creating awareness about the necessity of establishing a ranch within my area of jurisdiction; and there is also an effort in that direction pending for the approval and support of the governor of Anambra State. You know that people in the South East travel to the North to buy cattle and they encounter so much trouble on the way. So, people are already thinking about how to establish ranches within their areas. However, government has more work to do in that regard.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Auto Beat

GM merges Africa, Middle East lSouth African heads operation

Paul Ogbuokiri

eneral Motors Executive Vice President and President, GM International, Stefan Jacoby has said that it is combining its Africa and Middle East Operations into one business unit to maximize the opportunities in the region. Visiting GM’s operations in Dubai with GM President Dan Ammann, Jacoby announced the formation of the new GM Africa and Middle East Operations, to be headed by Mario A. Spangenberg, the current GM Africa president and managing director, from June 1, 2015. “Combining GMI’s operations in two key markets will enable us to increase our focus on our business, our brands and ultimately our customers,” said Jacoby. “It will strengthen GM’s competitiveness in major country markets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya.” He added, “As part of a larger global strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and maximize shareholder value, we’re focusing our investments where the opportunity for GM’s growth is greatest. With a growing middle class and rising disposable incomes, GMI’s mix of nearly 100 emerging and mature markets represents one of GM’s largest opportunities.” In 2014, GM Africa sold 185,500 vehicles and GM Middle East Operations sold 98,200 vehicles. According to Spangenberg, both the Middle East and Africa regions are significant growth opportunities for the

company. “The Middle East is the fastest-growing vehicle market outside the BRICS nations,” he said. “It is expected to grow to more than 2 million units by 2020. Furthermore, we regard Africa as the next frontier for our industry and we expect impressive growth into the future.” In his new role as president and managing director of GM Africa and Middle East Operations, Spangenberg will maintain offices in Dubai, UAE, and Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The business unit will be headquartered in Dubai. He will be supported by GM Egypt and North Africa Managing Director Tarek Atta; GM East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe; Ian Nicholls, who will be appointed president and managing director, GM Sub-Saharan Africa Operations; and a new GM Middle East Operations president and managing director, to be announced in due course. The current GM Middle East Operations president and managing director, Maurice Williams will repatriate to the United States to take up the position of general manager of sales support for GM, effective June 1, 2015. Meanwhile, the Company has announced the appointment of Ian Nicholls as President and Managing Director of GM’s South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Israel operations. His appointment takes effect from June 1, 2015. A statement by GM South Africa

Product Communication Manger, Lunga Ntsendwana said the move is part of the company’s consolidation of its Africa and Middle East operations. Based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Nicholls will assume responsibility for the company’s manufacturing, sales and export operations in South Africa, as well as its sales operations in Nigeria and the rest of its Sub-Saharan Africa markets and Israel. In his new role he reports directly to Mario A. Spangenberg, President and Managing Director of GM’s Africa and Middle East operations. Spangenberg said that the appointment of Nicholls into this role would enable the company to further streamline its Sub-Saharan Africa operations from a product, distribution and customer support perspective. “We are transforming our business across the General Motors International region, focusing our investments on where the opportunity for growth is greatest. Africa is recognised as the next frontier for growth for the automotive industry. General Motors is taking the right decisions to ensure our business is best able to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers and to grow sustainably into the future,” emphasised Spangenberg. Nicholls said that his immediate priority would be to ensure that a market driven portfolio is in place, to expand sales volumes both in the domestic and exports markets and to provide outstanding service to our customers. “We are well positioned for growth with

our world class vehicle assembly plant and hi-tech Parts Distribution Centre based in Port Elizabeth, coupled together with our extensive distribution network of over 200 dealers in SubSaharan Africa.” “Our strengthened portfolio of Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu passenger and light commercial vehicles, will enable us to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Already last year alone our Opel sales volume in South Africa grew by 36%, while our locally assembled Isuzu pick-up volume increased by 8%. And in Sub-Saharan Africa our overall sales volumes increased by 31%” Prior to this appointment, Nicholls served as Vice President of GM South Africa’s operations and before that Vice President of Planning for GM South Africa. Nicholls was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and first began his automotive industry career in 1990 at Delta Motor Corporation where he held several positions including Manager of new Business Development, Managing Director of a catalytic convertor subsidiary company, Director of Materials Management, Director of Sales and Marketing and Director of Planning. He has an Accounting B Com (cum laude) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte. “Ian has a deep understanding of our business and the Sub-Saharan African markets and was chosen to lead our business because he is the right person for the job,” concluded Spangenberg.

Nissan Sentra earns Top Safety Pick

he Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded Nissan Sentra a “Top Safety Pick” vehicle safety rating. A statement by senior official of Stallion Motors, dealers of Nissan in Nigeria Santhosh Nair, said the Institute’s “Top Safety Pick” award recognises passenger vehicles that excel in protecting passengers in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and also achieve a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the small overlap frontal test. The Sentra scored “Good” in all five of the “Top Safety Pick” categories. “Nissan is committed to safety and innovation, and Nissan is proud to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick rat-

Nissan Sentra

ing for the Sentra,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America. “As a sedan, Sentra is a critically important vehicle in Nissan’s lineup and with its standard safety features we’re bringing a high level of safety and security to a growing consumer segment.” The features of the new Sentra

available in Nigeria includes push button start, curtain and side airbags, central locking system, power windows, Antilock Brake System (ABS) and brake assist.

Interior view

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Photo | News

L-R: Senator Andy Uba; Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba; Senator Tunde Ogbeha; celebrant, Senate President, David Mark; co-celebrant, Mr. Chuks Otagwo; Chaplain, St. Mulumba Chaplaincy Apo, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji and FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, at the celebration of David Mark’s 67th birthday in Abuja. Vice-President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo (left), with the General Overseer, The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, during Osibanjo’s courtesy call to the clergyman in Lagos.

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (left), addressing civil servants in the state, during an interactive session in Ilorin. President-elect, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (right), receiving Palestine Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Montaser Zaid, during Zaid’s congratulatory visit to Buhari in Abuja.

L-R: Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta, Mr. Edwin Uzor and former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue, at a meeting with Delta North traditional rulers in Government House, Asaba.

L-R: Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh; Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Osun House of Assembly to represent Ife North Constituency, Tunde Olatunji and senator, representing Osun West Senatorial District, Senator Babajide Omoworare, at a campaign rally for APC candidates, at Ipetumodu.

South East PDP Senators-elect and Zonal National Vice Chairmen, after a media conference on a strategic caucus meeting, at the Enugu residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

L-R: Eze Ojiofor Ndigbo, Lagos, H.R.H. Eze Cryril Anomneze; Executive member, Ndigbo Equity and Justice Initiative, Chief Henry Moghalu-(Ikpa Nnewi) and Dr. Dom Ferguson-Agu, during a press conference by the Coalition of Igbo Organizations (CLO) on guaranteeing constitutional protection for every Nigerian in Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

QUESTION TAKINGWIFE’SSALARYBYFORCE QUESTION WhatisthepointofviewofIslamregardingahusband’stakinghiswife’ssalary byforce? ANSWER

In principle, the husband is held responsible for the maintenance (nafaqah) of his wife and children regardless of his wife being poor or well-off. If the wife works outside the house, she is responsible for the charges and financial requirements of her work, such as transportation and clothes; however, the husband is not allowed to take his wife’s salary by force. In his response to this question, the late Sheikh Muhammad Al-Bahyy, former dean of the Faculty of Theology (Usul Ad-Din) at Al-Azhar University (may Allah have mercy on his soul) stated, “Women in the point of view of Islam are independent with respect to their wealth, character, belief, and so on. On marriage both spouses are to preserve their rights to independence. Yet there are mutual rights (and duties) that they both are to observe in their marital life. Allah Almighty says, “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.” (Al-Baqarah 2:228) The degree that men have over their wives, according to this verse, has to do with their responsibility of maintaining their families and their capacity of making and carrying out the final decisions with regard to the family after joint consultation with all family members, especially the wife. In fact, consultation is a fundamental principle in Islam; Allah Almighty describes the true believers saying: “Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation.” (AshShura 42:38) The wives’ right to the entire ownership of their mahr (dower), which is given to them by their husbands, indicates their financial independence. It is not lawful for a man to take the mahr, or a part of it, back from his wife except in two cases: if the wife remits it voluntarily, or if she gives it back to him in return for divorce from him. About the first case, Almighty Allah says: “And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, Take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.” (An-Nisa’ 4:4) And about the second He Almighty says: “And it is not lawful for you to take any part of what you have given them, unless both fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah; then if you fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah, there is no blame on them for what she gives up to become free thereby.” (Al-Baqarah 2:229) As it is the case with mahr, the wife has full ownership of her other sources of wealth such as her salary. It is not lawful for the husband to take part or all of his wife’s salary unless she gives it to him voluntarily. Should a husband coerce his wife, physically or verbally, to give him part or all of her salary, this would be regarded as a kind of ghasb (taking by force), which is not lawful in Islam. To expiate for taking something by force, one has to give back what one has taken in this way. The marriage contract does not entitle a man to coerce his wife to do something against her will or change a belief at any rate. Related to salaries and how to spend them, one should remember to avoid extravagance. Islam prevents extravagance, but at the same time, it allows enjoyment of the lawful pleasures of this world. In other words, Muslims may enjoy the lawful pleasures of this life, but they are to do so in a moderate manner. Almighty Allah, describing His true servants, says: “O children of Adam! attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer, and eat and drink and be not extravagant; surely He does not love the extravagant.” (Al-A`raf 6:31)

Allah Almighty knows best.

E X H O RTAT I O N

21 Jumada Al-Akhir 1436 AH

“For, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord” (QURAN 8: 2)

Muslims say no to soldiers’ deployment as 36 states go to poll SCANDAL MURIC insists that the sudden discovery of Buhari’s certificate by military is scandalous Stories: Adeola Yusuf

he Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has opposed the deployment of soldiers across the country as the 36 states in Nigeria go to poll tomorrow. Before the presidential election, two courts have prohibited the use of soldiers during polls and MURIC demanded full

compliance to this rule for the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections. Director, MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who stated this in a statement also described as scandalous the sudden discovery of certificate of General Muhammadu Buhari after his election as the president-elect. The statement entitled, ‘Gubernatorial election: Respect the rule of law,’ read; “The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) expresses disgust at the manifestation of impunity as the Federal Government ignored two court orders prohibiting the use of soldiers during the election. This is a big minus in the records of President Jonathan. It ranks him in the camp

of noncompliant rulers in democratic practices. “Soldiers were drafted to the states in their thousands about one week to the day of election. A country that is fighting a daring insurgency is not expected to use soldiers for a purely civil exercise. It was an unnecessary diversion and we strongly condemn the manner court injunctions were ignored. “Although those who canvassed the use of soldiers for elections had insisted it was for security purpose, the sinister motive behind the drafting of soldiers for elections became manifest in the allegations of electoral malpractices perpetrated by soldiers in Benue, Rivers and other states in favour of

Consultant, Nephrologist, Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, Dr AbdulWasi Busari (right), presenting a Plasma Television to Field Officer, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Mr. Mashood Olaoye, during the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation presentation ceremont at the University of Lagos Mosque Hall, Akoka

the ruling party during the last presidential election. “Voters were reportedly coerced by gun-totting soldiers. Opposition party agents were allegedly chased out of polling units at gun point. Those who refused to leave were reportedly forced to roll on the floor.” Describing the allegation as highly disgraceful, MURIC said that such “treatment is inhuman and degrading. It is a violation of voters’ Allah-given fundamental human rights. We charge the National Assembly to compile reports of the maltreatment of voters throughout the country with a view to fishing out the culprits. “This should not be difficult because there must be records of soldiers’ movements during the election. Those found culpable must be taught lessons tough enough to deter a repeat by others in future. “MURIC says no to impunity. There must be respect for rule of law. Like Ceasar’s wife, security agents must be above board. Our soldiers must learn to obey only lawful commands. They must not allow themselves to be used by politicians. Neither should they be overambitious. “In addition, the Nigerian Army should not allow itself to be pushed into the murky waters of politics in future. MURIC strongly denounces the ignominous role played by the Nigerian Army in the certificate saga of the Buhari. “It is most scandalous that the General’s certificate which the army insisted that it did not have was allegedly found in its files few days after the General emerged winner of the election.”

Al-Muminat, MSSN set agenda for Buhari

group of Muslim women in Nigeria, Al-Muminat, and the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) have cautioned the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, and his supporters from overlooking the tasks ahead while basking in the euphoria of victory. The two groups said this in separate statements by issued by Alhaja Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, Al-Muminat Coordinator and Alhaji Kamil Jalejaiye, Amir, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit. In the statement entitled: “Lest we over-rejoice and overlook the tasks,” Yusuf-

Ajibade said: “As Nigeria and the world celebrate what is perceived by many as the entrenchment of democracy and good governance in Nigeria, Al-Mu’minaat Social Advocacy Project (SAP) believes that the feat calls for celebration but warns that there are bigger challenges to overcome. “In a couple of days, it will be a year after over 200 schoolgirls were abducted from Chibok. Ensuring the release of the girls and combating the scourge of Boko Haram should be the new president’s first task and priority. “Also, SAP knows that wom-

en have important roles in good governance, both in the home and within the society. The image of women may have been soiled in our recent past due to misuse of offices by some women appointed into public office. “The new government should look for women who are neither vain nor materialistic to work for the success of the new government and the society generally. Appoint women who are worth their onions. Corroborating YusufAjibade’s view, Kalejaiye tasked the president-elect not to forget his campaign promises.

”The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, has urged the president-elect of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, not to forget his promises, especially in the educational sector,” he said in a congratulatory message to Buhari and the Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area who has just been elected into the House of Representatives, Alhaji Jide Jimoh. The president of the studentsbased group, Kaamil Kalejaiye, in the message emphasised the importance of massive investment in education.

Feminique NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Balami: I want to be Mother Theresa of Africa

Doris Yaro Balami is the founder of Gabasawa Women and Children Empowerment Initiative. Meaning Easterners, Gabasawa, which now has a presence in various cities in the country and Ghana started by empowering indigent women and children from the North East, where the founder hails from. Ebere Ameh was with her recently and writes about her intriguing story and experience with the Chibok mothers

ne thing you cannot help but notice, even on a first encounter with Doris Yaro is that she is a very happy person. She radiates that childlike simplicity and happiness that is just infectious. But she turns solemn and highly passionate when she narrates the ordeals of women and children, especially those caught in a circle of poverty and a web of violence. Coming from Bura in Hawul Local government of Bornu State, where the Boko Haram insurgents hold sway, one could understand her perspective. “I am always happy. I love people and I love peace. I hate when people are not living in peace. I hate to see women and children suffer; it grieves my soul. I got the vision to reach out to them but I didn’t know it will grow to Gabasawa Women and Children Initiative. I never dreamt of having an NGO,” she explained. Doris took her penchant for helping the poor to another level during her one year National Youth Service in Kaduna State. Having delivered a set of twins a few months earlier, her boss was lenient with her and gave her the leeway to nurse her babies. It was about then that she discovered the poor women and children of Rido, a rural community behind Kaduna Refinery. “I saw both women and children in great sufferings. Right there, I decided within myself to do something that will bring a change, something that will alleviate their sufferings to the best of my strength. Now, that is my passion, because I hate to see women and children suffering. I love to see them enjoy the better life.” She decided to do her NYSC

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

Doris Yaro

Community Development Service (CDS) in the community. From educating them on hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health and the need for financial freedom, she also renovated their dispensary, replacing their bad delivery couch in the Labour Room and helped them form a cooperative society. Overwhelmed, the women reported the magnanimity of the young stranger to their Local Government Chairman. The News spread to her superior and to the NYSC Secretariat, leading to her bagging the NYSC awards for the year, in Kaduna State. Joining her husband in Lagos after his transfer, her passion for the emancipation of the poor took the better of her again when she saw dirty looking children loitering about,

scavenging from the refuse bins around her neighborhood during school hours. “One day I said I will follow these children to see where they are living. So I followed them to a big uncompleted building and I found about six families there. When I asked them, they said they are from Bornu state; my own Bornu. I had a mixed feeling - happy and sad at the same time. I said; what can I do for them?” That was how the mission started in Lagos. She got them to be free with her and they opened up to her on their poverty and helplessness. “They told me they were born in Lagos, how they move from one uncompleted building to the other. Their parents and grand-parents came

As we send the children to school, we preach religious tolerance to them and empower their mothers so they don’t have to come back to us every day

here to do menial jobs like maiguard (gatemen in Hausa language) and they married maiguards and so on. They told me issues why they are not training their children. Despite the free education in Lagos, the children would not go because of stigmatization they called them Mallam children. And I said, If I left them the circle would continue.” Gathering 25 children between the ages of four to 15, she secured admission for them in a private school. “We bought books, uniform and paid school fees for them. We took them to private school because of the stigma. And thank God, we started with 25 children in 2001, to the glory of God, in our data base as at last year, we had 7500 children. Now we have a mixture of vulnerable children from different tribes and tongues, and different religions. “As we send the children to school, we preach religious tolerance to them and we empower their mothers so they don’t have to come back to us every day. My joy is that in two –three months, families are changed, children are changed and lives are changed. It’s amazing! “Now we also work in Agboyi, a fishing community in Kosofe Local Government that have been living in a vicious circle of fishing. We also send their children to school and empower their mothers,” Doris explained. Though she did not set out to own an NGO, a friend convinced her of the need and seeing her passion, went ahead to register it for her and paid for her first office. Now in her own office, she supports people even in Ghana and says she goes where the Lord leads her. In the wake of the kidnap of the Chibok girls, she saw the misery of the parents and brought the distraught mothers to Lagos to receive succour and treatment. Coming from the same place, it is not a mere story to her as she knows some of the people involved. “I brought the women to come and recover in my house. Some of them had High Blood Pressure, they were not talkCONTINUED ON PAGE 40

Feminique

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sex in marriage

often get asked these questions. Is sex important in a relationship? If not why? If it is, how important is it? The various camps are actually very passionate with their submissions. One camp believes that it is not important. The other camp believes that it is very important. Which camp do you belong to? To help you a bit with your contribution, I will highlight a few points from both camps. But let me do some clarifications. We are not talking about sex in a casual relationship. We are not talking about premarital or extramarital sex. This is all about sex in marriage. Got it? Fine. Camp A. A marriage cannot be so called if there is no sexual compatibility between the couples. Sex they believe is an integral part of marriage. No man or woman should deprive the other side of sex for no just cause. There is no love without sex. Some have even gone so far as to quote the Bible and the Quran. I’m still waiting for the quotes from the Buddhists, Traditional Medicine practitioners, Hinduists etc. Finally, they try to rope me in, by talking about the health benefits of sex. Camp B. The issue of sex in marriage has been blown out of all proportions. They also quote

the two Big Books to support their view. Some even go so far as to emphasize that sex even in marriage is a sin. The story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden apple have been added for good measure. If not for the apple, they would not have noticed their being naked and would not have gone further to become amorous. Sex is seen as a man thing. Only men enjoy sex. Sex for God fearing couples should only be for the purpose of getting pregnant and bringing forth into this world, God fearing children. So sex should be under total lock and key until when needed for propagation of the human race. They also talk about the harmful effects of sex. Unfortunately, such harmful effects they give are very vague and not documented. So I’m very reluctant to include them here. An example is that sex makes you sick, weak, powerless and affects your brain. Another is that a sexless marriage is more spiritually attuned and blessed. So dear readers, the ball is in your court. We shall appreciate very much your contribution to this debate. Don’t be too shy to let us know what you think. We are all learning. The more diverse opinions, the better. As usual, your privacy will be fully respected. No personal information such as name, phone no, email etc will be printed or abused.

Fadeyi

Finally, Happy Easter in arrears. We all also should continue praying that the Governorship and state assembly elections this Saturday will even be more peaceful than the presidential. Don’t let us forget that Nigeria is our country and we are all brothers and sisters. Take care Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a Western trained medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship. He can be reached on drtaiwofadeyi@gmail.com or 08033148899 (sms only)

Mother Theresa of Africa CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 39

ing, they were not eating, they cried all through. For many days, most of them had survived on water alone. We had to get them tranquilizers and pain relievers to calm them down. We got a trauma therapist to attend to them. So with prayers, counselling, therapists, doctors, they started recovering. What triggered their pain is that the government was not responding to their plea and some people are saying that no child was kidnapped. ‘Is it because we are poor?’ That was what they were saying when they started talking.” Daughter of parents who were both American trained medical personnel, Doris said they are her greatest mentors. While her father later became a Reverend overseeing Bornu and Yobe States, her mother resigned from her job to cater for them. Both could share their last meal and dash their last kobo to the needy. “I grew up in a large family. My father trained a lot of people and married wives for them. My parents can take their last penny or food to people in need. “One other mentor that I never met is Mother Theresa of Calcutta. I wish I can do a quarter of what she did. That

is my prayer. I never met her but I love her. And I’m praying to God that I want to go to India to visit her centre in Calcutta. She reached the unreachable, she gave hope to the hopeless and she did not discriminate based on religion or nationality as far as you are a human being. As long as I can turn the sorrows of people to joy I am happy.” On how she wants to be remembered, the amiable lady said she would like to be remembered as another mother Theresa. “Though I don’t have the resources, neither do I have the wisdom. My desire is to be another Mother Theresa; to be remembered as mother Theresa of Africa. I wish I can reach all over Africa to touch lives, especially that of women and children.” She used the medium to advise men to be kind to the women. “When a woman is bitter, the whole family is bitter. I want to use this medium to talk to men; be kind to women because women are angels. God made us to be tender and kind, and when a woman is happy, the family will be happy. When the families are happy, the society and by extension, the country, will be a happy one,” she concluded.

Ego: Diary of a single mom

Ebere Ameh

hope I have not made a horrible mistake - accepting to be answerable to one man who, as with all sons of Adam, will soon start seeing himself as king. I’m enjoying my single status as it lasts, at least the freedom. Saying yes to Danny was more not to douse his mood than it was a readiness to settle down. But I have longed to be married; I have longed for Danny to propose. Oh, he’s such a gentleman; so generous, but today, all the injustices I suffered in the hands of my ex-husband and all I have heard narrated by other victims like myself have kept replaying in my head. As I wait for my children to get ready, I struggle with whether to give mom a hint or not. Danny had offered to go with me to pick the kids so we could use the opportunity to break the news of our engagement to my parents, but I told him it was too early. Now I wonder if it was the right decision. Why keep it? Should I spill the beans? But I made him drop all the drinks he bought for the purpose. “Ego, you look rested, how was your holiday? Many of us used the opportunity of the election to rest,” mom said, apparently, not expecting an answer from me, as he joined me in the children’s room. I left Dad and Danny when I noticed they were engrossed in discussions about Nigerian politics. With a bowl of fruits and some drinks, which Ekaette was carrying, she asked that we join the men in the sitting room for the refreshments. “Dad, I know you are not a great fan of watermelon,” I said, handing him a helping of fruit salad, “but it’s good for you”. Serving Danny and Mom, I

Danny and I visit my parents

settled down with mine. But something made me know that mom has known. She is very vigilant. So when I made to clear the dishes, she followed cautiously. “Lets go to my room,” she said, holding my hand as if I would run away if she didn’t. “Is there something we need to know?” she queried as soon as we sat down. “Need to know? Like what?” I feigned ignorance. “Is that ring a fashion apparel or there is something you are forgetting to tell us?” she asked, looking directly into my eyes. Well, I’ve been caught. I can’t continue to hide. Why didn’t I remember to remove the ring? Why didn’t I allow Danny to come with the wines? I thought as I looked for

a safe landing. “I have always noticed the way that young man looks at you but you said there is nothing between you two. I think he is good. Did he propose to you? She added helping me out, albeit, unknown to her. “Mama Ego!” I hailed her the way I always did when I want to praise her smart intuition. “Can’t somebody hide something from you. Yes he did. But we thought today is not a better day to break the news to you and Dad,” I responded with a broad grin. “Hei! Hei! God has finally answered me!” She shouted. All that laughed at my downfall should come and see that God has elevated me again. Let’s go and tell your father right away. It will make his

day,” she pulled me from the bed and started an impromptu thanksgiving song and dance instead of dashing out as intended. I ga asim efele ya, obu gi n’emere m ihe ona emere m, i g’asi m efele ya....” (would you stop me from worshipping God, do you do what he does for me). Danny blushed and could not contain his smile as mom danced to the tune of her own songs in the sitting room. He suspected that I had told her. When eventually she told them the reason for her jubilation, he was quick to stand and make an impromptu speech where he praised me to the highest heavens but blamed me for not coming with the assorted drinks he bought. Dad shook his hands and told him he is not crazy for drinks, that he is ready to forfeit every entitlement, including the bride price, as long as he promises to take good care of his daughter. “I don’t care if you don’t bring a drop of wine to me. But I care so much about my daughter. We almost lost her. She suffered so much pain in the hands of her ex-husband that I would do anything in my power to ensure that it doesn’t happen again,” he ended his brief but emotional speech. “You don’t have to worry about anything Dad. Ego knows how much I love her and I will do anything to ensure her happiness.” Though mom started another round of dance and songs of thanksgiving, she dragged me in to open my eyes to another brewing issue.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Crime

Why Buhari must overhaul security agencies Juliana Francis

t was a gathering of intellectuals, seasoned journalists and top rated human rights fighters, otherwise addressed as members of the Civil Society Organisations (CSO). They gathered at the Ekiti Hall of the Airport Hotel, in Lagos, to discuss blueprint on coming out with better security agencies, thanks to the incoming General Muhammadu Buhari administration. The crucial issues were that Buhari should overhaul Nigeria’s security, restore professionalism, discipline and effectiveness. The newly elected president should also do everything within his power to check corruption, abuse and impunity. According to the speakers, the solution to the limping security issues in Nigeria could be sorted out through a short and long term solution. The short term solution, which should be immediate, is for Buhari to sack service chiefs who had been known to be corrupt and were partisan. While the long term solution is for Buhari to adopt and implement the final report of the Civil Society Panel on Police Reform in Nigeria (2012). The National Coordinator of the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN), Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, acting as spokesman for the agitators, said that with the return to civil rule and the eventual restoration of democratic processes in Nigeria following the 1999 elections, there was clamour for police reform. He noted: “This was due to the ignoble role that the police and other security agencies played during that long and dark era of

Nigerian soldiers

military rule. The police were used to sustain authoritarianism and to repress basic freedoms. If police reform was imperative with the advent of civil rule, it has become even more urgent and inevitable now, considering the subversive role that the police, the State Security Service and the military have continued to play under this dispensation, particularly under the current administration, especially with the approach of elections, during political campaigns and during the elections proper. The Nigeria security services have all become politicised, partisan, unprofessional, incompetent, corrupt, brutal, and unable to serve and protect the people.” It was noted that successive gov-

Policemen on parade

ernments had always responded to the clamour for police reform by setting up committee after committee without the will to implement the

CRIME QUOTE

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

“The search for Chibok girls continues and that is why even with capture of Bama and the rest, security and military have never relented, and until it is concluded, we cannot begin to believe speculation. I think the one year anniversary is next week, and we hope to give a comprehensive report on what we know so far, and how far the search has gone.” Coordinator of National Information Centre (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri.

recommendations made by the committees. In February 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan set up what would be the third Presidential Committee on Police reform set up in Nigeria since 1999. The, first and second committees were set up by the previous administrations of formerPresident Olusegun Obasanjo (in 2006) and the late Umaru Yar’Adua in 2008, respectively. In response to President Jonathan’s decision to set up yet another committee in 2012, key non-governmental organisations working on police reform issues in Nigeria decided to engage the process in a creC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

Crime

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Security challenges before president-elect C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

ative and proactive way through the establishment of a parallel but complementary Civil Society Panel on Police Reform in Nigeria, using the same terms of reference drawn by the government of President Jonathan. The panel operated under the auspices of the NOPRIN. Nwanguma said: “The panel requested and received memoranda from the general public. We also held public hearings in seven cities one in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the FCT, during which oral and written presentations were made by members of the public and other interested stakeholders. The panel completed its work and in September 2012 submitted the report of the Federal Government panel for the consideration of the government.” Members of the CSO said it was saddening that three years on, nothing much had been done to implement the recommended reforms. They feel, however, that the election of Buhari, who will be sworn in as the President on May 29, 2015 presents another opportunity to represent the CSO Panel Report on police reform. Nwanguma said: “We’ll expect him to demonstrate his commitment to police reform by revisiting the CSO Panel Report alongside the shelved reports of successive government panels on police reform. We will also require his government to support and facilitate the quick passage of the Police Bill pending since 2004 and meant to review the Police Act enacted by the colonial administration as far back as 1943 and which is long overdue for review.” The gathering also agreed that over the years, the police have continued to grapple with the problem of severe underresourcing. Budget allocations for the police are freely pilfered at various levels in the line of bureaucracy before they reach their final destination. “Under the new government, funding for the police must improve and must be released on time to enable planning. Pilfering of police funds must also stop. Material and financial donations to the police by private individuals and organisations as well as by local and state governments must also be accounted for,” said Nwanguma. The spokesman said that compromised and corruption-ridden recruitment process allows misfits and criminals to find their way into the police and continue to dent its image. He argued that the police training curriculum was shallow and training institutions dysfunctional. Thus, the police force continues to parade a mass of poorly trained, ill-equipped, badly paid and ill-motivated workforce, prone to corruption and violence. “Under the new regime, the recruitment process must be sa-

Buhari

nitised. The government must show genuine commitment to police reform. One of the reforms that the new government must undertake urgently is to decentralise the force and devolve power and resources to enhance effectiveness and the involvement of local communities in policing,” asserted Nwanguma. The participants said that while a lot of factors were not within the control of the IGP, there still remains some space for any IGP who is genuinely committed to reform to show leadership. According to them, with determination and dedication, a well-meaning IGP could creatively exercise powers and ensure that things within his control in the system work well. Taking a swipe at the present Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, the group said that he had failed to exhibit the commitment and competence to improve in the areas where his predecessors did not fare very well. The group insisted that he failed to make it clear to police officers that their duty was to serve and protect their communities and not to prey on them. Abba also allegedly allowed corruption, torture, brutality and killings to remain the order of the day in the police by failing to punish and deter misconduct and abuses when they occur. “Police officers ought to be protectors, not predators. Human rights abuses breed public resentment and erode public trust and cooperation,” they averred. Buttressing the heated argument in the house, Nwanguma said that under Abba, police partisanship had assumed the status of an official police code. It was alleged that under Abba, the Nigeria police acted more like the security arm of the ruling party rather than as

The police force continues to parade a mass of poorly trained, illequipped, badly paid and illmotivated workforce, prone to corruption and violence

a professional police force of democracy committed to public service and protection of the citizens. They stressed that no single complaint of police abuse brought to the attention of the IGP by NOPRIN or other CSO was ever acknowledged. NOPRIN which had always acted as a watchdog over the activities of the police said that under Abba, Nigerians witnesses senior police officers like Mbu Joseph Mbu acting with reckless impunity and displaying utter contempt for the rule of law. Nwanguma said: “For all his numerous excesses, from Rivers State to the FCT as CP, and now to Zone 2 as AIG, neither the IGP nor the President for once called Mbu to order. Instead, he was rewarded with a promotion from CP to AIG in spite of his brazen partisanship and irresponsible public conduct. This was a clear statement that this government rewards and promotes misconduct. “It was only the former IGP, Mr Muhammed Abubakar who came close to calling Mbu to order when he overruled him after he, as the CP of the FCT, purported to have banned public processions in Abuja in the wake of the #BringBackOurGirls Campaign. Under Abba, Mbu became even more brazenly contemptuous of civility and undermined all professional ethics.” When some participants argued that Abba had been too caught up with the election plans and security of the nation to pay attention to other issues, Mrs. Kate of PRAWA, said people should not make excuses for the IGP. Nwanguma said that the virus of partisanship which had destroyed professionalism and efficiency in the police also caught up with the entire security services in Nigeria, including the Armed Forces. He opined that the way the military had conducted themselves during po-

litical campaigns and elections clearly showed how partisan military authorities had also become. He said: “We did not need to look far to get the explanation as to why the military failed woefully in combating and defeating insurgency. It was not because the personnel are not committed to their duties. It simply was because the military authorities were corrupt and politically exposed and therefore, partisan.” Nwanguma and the rest activists, said that there was the urgent need for the newly elected President, upon being sworn in as President to immediately, and in the short term, overhaul the entire security architecture of Nigeria to insulate the military, the police and the SSS from partisan political control and enhance professionalism, integrity and efficiency. “All Service Chiefs, the Director of SSS, the Inspector General of Police and all heads of similarly compromised security services as well as all senior officers who have been politically exposed should be retired compulsorily to restore integrity and professionalism in our security services. They clearly showed where their loyalty is: not to the law, not to the Nigerian people, through their elected representative but solely to the executive and the ruling party,” they insisted. Further explaining the long term solution to security issues in Nigeria, the group said Buhari should support a constitutionamendment to insulate the police from political control. According to them, Section 215(3) of the Constitution and sections 9(4, 5) and 10(1, 2) of the Police Act should be amended to remove operational control of the police from the President and return it to the IGP who is the professional. The police should be accountable to multiple constituencies, not just the executive. It should also be accountable to the law, the judiciary and to the people through their elected representatives. Nwanguma said that the President should also support a reform to stipulate leadership qualifications and entrench a competitive and transparent appointment procedure in the Nigeria police force to enhance competence, integrity and effectiveness, ensure operational autonomy and insulate the police leadership from political control. To achieve this, the activist noted that, Sections 215(1) and. 215 (2) of the Constitution should be amended to provide for a competitive and transparent process to be followed in the appointment of an IGP, specifying relevant competences and qualifications that must be met by a prospective IGP. Operational autonomy and security of tenure for the IGP would ensure professionalism. “There are many senior military and police officers in service who have not been tainted and who have continued to do their best to defend and promote professionalism. From among these ones, new service chiefs and a new IGP should be appointed,” Nwanguma suggested.

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

CBN warns issuers of dud cheques WARNING Serial issuers of dud cheques to face penalties Tony Chukwunyem

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced new measures to discourage people from frequently issuing dud cheques on their bank accounts. In a letter to banks posted on its website, yesterday, the regulator stated that it would compile the list of serial issuers of dud cheques based on

bank’ returns, after which lenders would be required to “recall/cancel all unused cheque books issued to serial issuers of dud cheques; bar the affected customers from use of the clearing system for a period of five (5) years; forward the names of Dud Cheque offenders to the three Private Credit Bureaux and the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS).” In addition, the CBN stated, “The customers’ names would be listed on the database of the private credit bureaux and CRMS for a period of five (5) years from the date of submission, after which offenders will be eligible for removal.

Naira concerns hinder bond rally Tony Chukwunyem with agency report

he post-election bond rally that began in the aftermath of the peaceful outcome of the presidential election is stalling as foreign investors wait for a devaluation of the naira before buying the nation’s debt, according to a report by Bloomberg. Yields on benchmark naira bonds due March 2024 have climbed 61 basis points in the past three days after plunging 118 basis points on April 2, the day after Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) was announced the winner in a presidential election. Investors including Morgan Stanley, Aberdeen Asset Management Plc and Landesbank Berlin Investment GmbH cut their local bond holdings in the last quarter of 2014 as the price of crude oil, Nigeria’s main export and source of more than two thirds of government revenue, fell by 37 percent during the period. While naira government debt offers the highest yields among 31 developing nations tracked by Bloomberg, foreign investors have to factor in the increasing risk of a currency devaluation that will hurt returns when converted to dollars. Bloomberg quoted Landesbank Berlin’s Lutz Roehmeyer, as saying, “Political risks

have diminished but the other risks are still in place: a very low oil price and pressure on the naira. You can still expect a devaluation. I see a lot of local-currency investors waiting for that to happen before they re-enter Nigeria.” The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) devalued its target rate for the naira to 168 per dollar from 155 in November. After that failed to stabilise the currency, it scrapped the official exchange rate on Feb. 18, moving all transactions on to the interbank market. Nigeria’s average government bond yields fell 81 basis points to 14.47 percent on April 1, the lowest since December 12. Most of the demand came from domestic investors, who don’t have to take the naira’s exchange rate into account, according to Jan Dehn, head of research at London-based Ashmore Group Plc. Investors are also concerned that Nigeria may be excluded from JPMorgan Chase & Co’s emerging market local currency bond indexes that are tracked by more than $200 billion of funds. The New York-based lender put the country on index watch negative on January 16 and said the central bank’s actions made it hard for investors to replicate the gauges. Nigeria has an almost 2 percent weighting in the indexes. JPMorgan will make a decision by mid-June.

CBN raises N183bn in T-bills at lower yields

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced yesterday that it raised N183.64 billion in Treasury bills with yields falling compared with the previous sale last month. The Treasury bill yields fell in tandem with declining yields on fixed assets on renewed investor interest in the local debt market after a peaceful presidential election in Africa’s biggest economy and most populous country. The central bank said it raised N20.15 billion in the 3-month debt at 10.5 percent at

the auction held on Wednesday compared with 10.69 percent at the March 25 auction. The bank also sold a total of N33.49 billion worth of the 6-month paper at 14.1 percent, lower than 14.55 percent at the previous auction. The bank raised N130 billion of the 1-year note at 14.15 percent, down from 14.85 percent at the last auction. Investors - mostly domestic banks and pension funds - submitted bids worth a total of N433.13 billion against N297.06 billion at last month’s auction.

moving such a person’s name from the three Credit Bureaux and the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS). The CBN’s letter entitled, “Need to implement measures to dissuade the issuance of dud cheques in the Nigerian banking system” and signed by the Director Banking Supervision, Mrs Tokunbo Martins, further stated, “Where an Institution fails to report a serial dud cheque issuer in its return to the CBN CRMS and Private Credit Bureaux as required,

However, if the offender is found wanting after the name is removed, such an offender shall be permanently reinstated in the data base of both the three (3) Credit Bureaux and the CRMS.” Other measures announced by the regulator include, barring the serial issuers of dud cheques from accessing credit facilities from the banking system for a period of five (5) years and barring institutions except with the prior written approval of the CBN, from re-

it shall be considered as concealment and misrepresentation of material fact and the affected institution shall be penalised in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, LFN 2004 CAP B3 (BOFIA). “In addition, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) and Chief Risk Officer (CRO) shall be liable to sanctions in line with the relevant provisions of the BOFIA.”

NDIC to Usman: Enthrone good governance at Union Homes

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim has tasked management of Aso Savings & Loans Plc on enthronement of sound corporate governance in the take-over of Union Homes Savings and Loans (UHSL) Plc. Umaru offered the advice when the Management of Aso Savings and Loans Plc visited him in Abuja. In a statement, he said such initiative would not only give depositors and staff of the UHSL Plc a new lease of life, it would also go a long way to promote public confidence in the banking system. According to the NDIC CEO, the task before the manage-

ment is to maintain the confidence reposed on them by their Board, shareholders and the supervisory authorities by ensuring higher performance and quality service. He enjoined the mortgage bank to embark on a process of effective communication of its turnaround plan with a view to promoting confidence and trust of its depositors. He therefore advised them to establish a toll free Help Desk and other effective communication channels such as radio and television jingles and talk shows to reach out to existing and prospective customers in order to overcome potential risks of rumours, which may trigger a run on both Aso Savings & Union Homes.

Responding, the Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Hassan Musa Usman, expressed his appreciation to the Corporation for its support in resolving the Union Homes problem. He assurance the NDIC of full implementation of the recommendations proffered by the supervisory authorities that would ensure sound management of both institutions. Usman informed the Corporation’s Management that henceforth, Aso Savings Plc would control about 92 percent of the shares of UHSL Plc, adding that the two institutions would be managed independently for six months before their final merger.

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$29,892,467,294

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 24/3/2015 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

Business | Financial Market News

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

9-Apr-15

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

Bonds

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Description 4.00 23-APR-2015 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

535.00 581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 54.00 600.00 499.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 254.50

23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.04 1.35 2.05 2.30 2.40 3.14 4.22 4.54 4.85 6.80 8.93 13.64 14.12 14.62 15.29 19.27

9.66 14.86 14.86 14.88 14.89 14.91 14.93 14.93 14.89 14.75 14.73 16.07 16.25 16.46 15.50 14.48

5.81 14.73 14.77 14.80 14.80 14.78 14.84 14.81 14.81 14.68 14.67 16.01 16.19 16.37 15.43 14.43

99.78 97.80 100.40 90.45 89.17 89.69 103.18 74.52 102.12 106.84 97.37 94.11 79.35 56.40 68.11 84.93

99.93 97.95 100.55 90.60 89.32 89.99 103.48 74.82 102.42 107.14 97.67 94.41 79.65 56.70 68.41 85.23

Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%)

5,023.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Price

4,610.93 Issuer

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.12 1.11 1.67 2.03 2.24

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

13.96 17.17 16.88 15.87 17.73

98.25 100.15 98.69 100.61 94.04

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 10-Oct-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.39 0.48 0.75 0.75 2.03 1.29 2.73 2.11 2.12 2.10 2.10 2.30 2.73 4.62 2.69 3.15 5.64 5.73 3.39 3.42

4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.44 1.00

18.26 17.09 18.84 17.87 15.87 15.89 16.69 16.68 15.88 15.88 19.66 15.88 15.90 15.92 15.90 15.91 15.81 15.80 16.36 15.92

97.81 98.17 96.74 98.35 90.13 97.58 94.23 95.53 96.80 97.65 91.00 99.25 99.15 95.44 97.62 97.31 91.54 96.99 95.47 97.68

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 30-Dec-21 30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24

0.36 0.42 0.50 1.47 1.55 2.48 1.50 2.00 1.92 1.92 3.46 1.77 2.11 2.73 5.60 6.73 9.48 9.48

1.00 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76 1.13 1.00 1.00

14.80 14.83 16.50 15.88 16.22 15.89 16.76 15.87 15.88 15.88 15.93 17.17 20.99 17.06 17.57 15.83 15.81 15.81

98.34 98.86 98.85 96.33 97.37 94.26 102.27 100.20 103.24 100.15 95.01 98.02 95.34 97.79 91.88 102.44 81.25 87.64

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

317.24

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

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

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 10-OCT-2020 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

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 10-Oct-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

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

8.50 2.16 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 30.81 9.00 13.73 10.20 27.00 15.09 80.00 25.70 11.10 87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

453.20 429.37

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

*UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r} NAHCO UBA STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC

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 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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 30-Dec-14 30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14

10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 18.00 16.00 15.25 16.45 11.93 13.25

2.50 18.75 0.42 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.64 6.30 2.54 0.70 35.00 2.40 0.36 4.50 2.05 30.50 0.10 15.44

162.73

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

157.48

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.84

1.00

15.90

87.31

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

15.90

83.67

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 21.31 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.68

5.48

105.22

106.24

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.03

4.70

100.27

101.25

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.96

5.81

102.65

103.66

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,540.67

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

128.23

48.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.45

4.54

101.09

103.13

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

11.31

92.00

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

12.17

10.99

86.75

89.51

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

10.25 APR 08, 2019

7.53

7.03

95.28

96.80

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

6.25 APR 22, 2019

39.43

43.63

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

8.75 May 21, 2019

7.19

96.75

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

13.92

13.08

84.22

86.55

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

6.63 DEC 09, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

13.45

80.00

09-Dec-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

09-Dec-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

25.21 12.84 11.33

25.21 12.09 11.33

45.50 84.88 84.50

45.50 87.75 84.50

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.51

10.96

87.00

89.25

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,760.00 3,808.92

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 56 63

FIXINGS Maturity 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15

Bid Discount (%) 12.92 13.54 13.18 10.11 12.47 13.16 13.39 13.37

Offer Discount (%) 12.67 13.29 12.93 9.86 12.22 12.91 13.14 13.12

Bid Yield (%) 12.95 13.61 13.28 10.19 12.62 13.36 13.67 13.68

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 18.4167 15.0722 16.0793 16.8703

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

21.00

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

21.58

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

199.04 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

199.14 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 25.00 26.00

15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 254.50

Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

FMBN ***LCRM

CONFIDENCE

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

16.01 16.19 16.37 15.43 14.43

94.11 79.35 56.40 68.11 84.93

94.41 79.65 56.70 68.41 85.23

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

13.96 17.17 16.88 15.87 17.73

98.25 100.15 98.69 100.61 94.04

4.44

18.26

97.81

2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76 1.13 1.00 1.00

16.50 15.88 16.22 15.89 16.76 15.87 15.88 15.88 15.93 17.17 20.99 17.06 17.57 15.83 15.81 15.81

98.85 96.33 97.37 94.26 102.27 100.20 103.24 100.15 95.01 98.02 95.34 97.79 91.88 102.44 81.25 87.64

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

Business | Financial Market News 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.12 1.11 1.67 2.03 2.24

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.39

0.42 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.64 6.30 2.54 0.70 35.00 2.40 0.36 4.50 2.05 30.50 0.10 15.44

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 30-Dec-21 30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24

0.50 1.47 1.55 2.48 1.50 2.00 1.92 1.92 3.46 1.77 2.11 2.73 5.60 6.73 9.48 9.48

Stock market bounces back 322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

317.24

Equities Bonds market gains Sub-National A/Agusto KADUNA N155bn A-/Agusto *EBONYI

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

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

Stories by Chris Ugwu

nvestors in the Nigerian equity market got respite yesterday, as the jinx of market depression that has persisted for two days was broken following resurgence of the bulls. Trading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) had two days ago TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

13.00to EBONYI returned the 30-SEP-2015 trenches, breakBENUE 30-JUN-2016 ing the14.00 10-day bullish rally the 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 market recorded due to the 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 peaceful presidential elections. 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 Analysts said the resurgence 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 II 4-OCT-2018 of bulls toNIGER sustain market rally 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 after a14.00 two-day streak of losses NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 was an indication that confi15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 dence had returned to the mar14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN anticipation 12-DEC-2019 ket following that 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 the remaining elections would 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 also be15.00 peaceful. KOGI 31-DEC-2020 II 31-DEC-2020 The14.50 keyEKITI market performance 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 measures, the NSE All Share In-

FY outlook in line with expectations, says PZ Cussons P Corporate Bonds

*UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER#

Z Cussons yesterday said forecasts, the naira has weakits overall performance for ened further (by 10%) althe period from January 28 to though the election outcome April 8 had been in UBA line with appears to have helped steady *LA CASERA expectations and its*CHELLARAMS country it now. This has a limited imperformance in line *DANA with “the pact on the current year but, NAHCO comments made in the interim for FY16, it will reduce our NiUBA STANBIC IBTC results announcement.” gerian EBIT assumptions by STANBIC IBTC According to reports last GBP4 million,” says Investec TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE January, theCAPITALISATION maker of popu- analyst, Nicola Mallard. TOTAL MARKET lar Imperial Leather soap “Offsetting some of this, howSupranational Bond reported a drop in profit and ever, is10.20 theIFC positive impact from 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC revenue for the first half of the acquisition of the Nutrici11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB its financial year, which ma JV, which we estimate will TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE it said TOTAL MARKET resulted fromCAPITALISATION business dispos- boost pre-tax profit by 0.5 milals and weak trading in Africa, lion pounds,” the analyst adds. Rating/Agency particularly in Nigeria dueIssuer to Mallard also Description mentions the of the naira. It that currencies in Asia had FGNdevaluation Eurobonds not by the reported growth in operating weakened but 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P same degree as the naira, profit in Europe and Asia. BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 but including all of the curOn Thursday, the company BB-/S&P BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 said that trading in Nigeria, rency movements. Investec’s BB-/S&P the group’s largestVALUE market, had pre-tax profit forecast for fiTOTAL OUTSTANDING resumed as normal following a nancial year 2016 falls to 115 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION short period of loss trading days million pounds from 121 milCorporate Eurobonds during the presidential election lion pounds, with earnings11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I process, and that theGTBANK nairaPLC exper-share in the7.50 same period MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P I change rate is currently stable. falling to 18.7p from 19.5p. 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 6.88 MAY 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&Psaid in January FIDELITY that BANK PLC It had PZ Cussons said the09, outlook 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch;it B+/S&P GTBANK PLC while faced short-term chalfor its current financial year 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II lenges, it remained confident remained in line 6.25with APR 22, expec2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC about the medium and long8.75 May 21,update 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLCtations and a further 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch;opportunities B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC term in Africa. would be made on June 11 after 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III “Since we last reviewed the close of its financial year. 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II #

#{r}

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 8.75 AUG 14, 2021

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

31-Aug-10

12.50

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 30-Dec-14 30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14

14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 18.00 16.00 15.25 16.45 11.93 13.25

30-Sep-15 the2.16most active measured0.48 by 4.86 30-Jun-16 0.75 turnover volume); 5.73 30-Jun-16 with 205.4 0.75 57.00 2.03 billion shares 19-Apr-17 worth N104 mil25.73 30-Jun-17 lion exchanged by investors1.29 in 25.00 31-Dec-17 2.73 13630.81 deals. 30-Sep-18 2.11 9.00 04-Oct-18 2.12 Volume in the sub-sector was 13.73 09-Dec-18 2.10 largely driven12-Dec-18 by activities2.10 in 10.20 14-Feb-19 2.30 the27.00 shares of Standard Alliance 15.09 02-Oct-19 2.73 Insurance and22-Nov-19 Wapic Insurance 80.00 4.62 25.70 12-Dec-19 2.69 Plc. 11.10 10-Oct-20 3.15 Also, the banking sub-sec87.50 27-Nov-20 5.64 tor5.00 boosted by31-Dec-20 activities in 5.73 the 4.55 31-Dec-20 3.39 shares of Zenith Bank Plc and 4.56 06-Jan-21 3.42 UBA Plc followed with a turn453.20 over of 174.8 million shares val429.37 ued at N1.8 billion in 1,592 deals. The of gainers at 0.36 the 2.50 number 17-Aug-15 18.75 of trading 09-Dec-15 close session was0.42 26

13.00 dex and 30-Sep-10 market capitalisation, 30-Jun-11 14.00 rose by one per cent as market 30-Jun-09 15.50 19-Apr-10 10.00light sentiments beamed green 13.75 to trade 30-Jun-10 up on a positive note. 30-Dec-10 14.00 Consequently , the All-Share 30-Sep-11 14.00 04-Oct-11 14.00 Index gained 344.9 basis points 09-Dec-11 14.50 or one 12-Dec-13 per cent to close at 14.00 34,520.1414-Feb-12 index points as15.50 against 02-Oct-12 15.50 34,175.2422-Nov-12 recorded the previous 14.50 12-Dec-12 14.75 day while the market capitali10-Oct-13 14.75 sation of27-Nov-13 equities appreciated 13.50 by N155 31-Dec-13 billion or one per 15.00cent. 31-Dec-13 14.50 Meanwhile, a turnover of 06-Jan-14 15.00 601.2 billion shares worth N4.2 billion in 5,724 deals was recorded in the day’s trading. Insurance sub-sector10.00 of the 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 12.00 was financial services sector

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION ‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto BB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR Nil A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR A/GCR A/GCR

16.07 16.25 16.46 15.50 14.48

4,610.93

Rating/Agency

13.64 14.12 14.62 15.29 19.27

5,023.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

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

28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

3.23decliners 17.09 while closed at98.17 21. 4.46 18.84 96.74 FCMB Plc led the gainers’ 3.48 17.87 98.35 ta1.00 15.87 90.13 at ble with 9.77 per cent to close 1.00 15.89 97.58 N3.37 per share, while Costain 1.79 16.69 94.23 West Africa Plc with 1.80 16.68followed 95.53 1.00 15.88 96.80 a gain of 9.7 per cent to close at 1.00 15.88 97.65 90 kobo Nigeria 4.78 and Nestle 19.66 91.00 Plc 1.00 with a growth 15.88 99.25per trailed of five 15.90 99.15 cent1.00 to close at N1050 per share. 1.00 15.92 95.44 1.00 the other 15.90hand, Ashaka 97.62 On 1.00 97.31 Cement Plc led15.91 the price losers’ 1.00 15.81 91.54 table, dropping 9.72 per cent 1.00 15.80 96.99 to 1.44 16.36 95.47 close at N19.32 per share, while 1.00 15.92 97.68 Transcorp Plc trailed with a loss of 7.21 per cent to close at N3.09 per share. ABC Transport Plc depreciated by five per cent 1.00 14.80 98.34 1.00 at 57 kobo 14.83 per share. 98.86 to close

Unity Bank’s pre-tax profit rises 35%

nity Bank Plc has comparable period of 2013. an interactive session with posted a 35.2 per cent The bank had also record- journalists in Lagos. increase in pretax ed 89.98 per cent increase He noted that the bank profit for the first-quarter in pre-tax profit during the embarked on an aggressive ended March 31, 2015. third quarter ended Septem- recovery drive, which has The bank in a filing with ber 30, 2014. It posted pre-tax significantly improved its Nigeria Stock Exchange profit of N12.018 billion as NPL ratio from over 50 per 162.73 (NSE) said its profit before against N1.204 billion in the cent to 20.43 per cent during 157.48 tax rose to N4.26 billion same period of 2013. the current year. from N3.142 billion the Similarly, post-tax profit Semenitari said the im11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 2.84 1.00 15.90 87.31 same period last year. climbed01-Feb-21 89.5 per cent to pact of the15.90 recovery83.67 drive 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 4.75 1.00 The bank’s revenue also24.95N11.057 billion in the Q3 of would be felt more in the rose to N16.510 billion as21.312014 from N1.153 billion re- coming years, which acagainst N14.971 billion reported in the same period cording to him, will also Outstanding Value Issue Date Coupon (%) Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Priceto improve the NPL Offer ratio corded same period last($mm) of 2013.Maturity Date year, representing a growth Gross earnings rose to 10Prices per cent in 2015. & Yields of 9.32 per cent. N48.140 28-Jan-21 billion during the He explained that the 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 5.68 5.48 105.22 106.24 Unity Bank had returned nine-month period, against bank recorded a tremen12-Jul-13 5.13 5.03 4.70 100.27 to profitability by posted500.00N45.395 12-Jul-18 billion a year ago, dous growth from 101.25 a loss N10.692 billion6.38 in net earn-500.00accounting of N33.64 billion for 5.7 per5.96 cent. position 12-Jul-13 12-Jul-23 102.65 5.81 103.66 as at December 2013 to a ings during the financial year 1,500.00 In a bid to actualise its viended December 2014 from1,540.67 a sion of being a ‘retail bank profit position of N12.02 loss of N22.582 billion in 2013. of choice by 2020’ Unity billion before tax as at last Profit before tax equally450.00Bank is01-Feb-16 projecting to im- quarter September 2014. 01-Feb-11 11.50 128.23 128.23 48.00 48.00 grew from loss7.50position of500.00prove its Non-Performing He added that the103.13 bank 19-May-11 19-May-16 6.45 4.54 101.09 N33.639 billion7.25in 2013 to a350.00Loan (NPL) ratio down by also recorded an improve25-Jul-12 25-Jul-17 11.31 11.31 92.00 92.00 09-May-13 6.88billion dur300.00five per cent 02-May-18 12.17 10.99 86.75 per cent 89.51 in profit of N13.639 in 2016 to meet ment of 37.2 08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 7.53 7.03 95.28 96.80 ing the period under review. the regulatory standards. operational efficiency with 08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 39.43 39.43 43.63 43.63 The bank’s Managing DiOperational income a cost-to-income ratio re22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.19 7.19 96.75 96.75 firmed up to N59.886 billion200.00rector/Chief Executive Offi- duced from84.22 95.7 per cent 21-May-14 8.75 21-May-19 13.92 13.08 86.55 as 07-Aug-13 8.25 07-Aug-20James Semen13.45 13.45 80.00 2013 to 80.00 in 2014 as against N40.775300.00cer, Mr. Henry at December 60.03 09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 25.21 25.21 45.50 45.50 billion recorded during the itari, disclosed this during per cent currently . 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 12.84 12.09 84.88 87.75 23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

11.33

84.50

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.51

10.96

87.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

4,760.00 3,808.92

84.50 89.25

9-Apr-15

The DQL contains and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills^ data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities FIXINGS Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

professional,DTM financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information isOffer accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the Maturity Bid Discount (%) Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any12.67 of the Information, neither on the basis of the Information.Tenor 7 16-Apr-15 12.92 12.95 do we accept liability for the results of any action takenOBB 21.00 Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) 14 21 28 FGN Bonds 35 42 56 Rating/Agency 63 77 84 98 105 112 119 126 140 147 154 168 NA 175 189 238 252 273 287 301 315 329 343 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 350

VALUE

23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 Issuer 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 NA 1-Oct-15 15-Oct-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 7-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 4-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 3-Mar-16 17-Mar-16 24-Mar-16

13.54 13.18 10.11 12.47 13.16 13.39 Description 13.37 13.45 13.54 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.41 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 12.61 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 13.47 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.75 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.88 13.98 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.48 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.68 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.68 15.54 13-FEB-2020 14.04 12.94 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 12.91 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 13.35 15.00 28-NOV-2028 13.47 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.60 13.52 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.34 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 13.66 ^12.1493 12.97 18-JUL-2034 13.43

13.29 12.93 9.86 12.22 12.91 13.14 Issue Date 13.12 13.20 13.29 23-Apr-10 13.16 16-Aug-13 12.36 27-Apr-12 13.22 27-Jul-07 13.50 31-Aug-07 13.63 13.73 30-May-08 13.23 29-Jun-12 13.43 23-Oct-09 13.43 13-Feb-15 13.79 12.69 27-Jan-12 12.66 14-Mar-14 13.10 28-Nov-08 13.22 22-May-09 13.35 13.27 20-Nov-09 13.09 23-Jul-10 13.41 18-Jul-14 12.72 13.18

13.61 13.28 10.19 12.62 13.36 13.67 Coupon 13.68 (%) 13.84 13.98 4.00 13.91 13.05 13.09 15.10 14.05 9.85 14.39 9.35 14.58 14.77 10.70 14.26 16.00 14.52 7.00 14.59 15.54 15.06 13.86 16.39 14.09 14.20 14.71 15.00 14.98 12.49 15.23 15.21 8.50 15.08 10.00 15.57 12.1493 14.77 15.42

Bonds

TOTAL MARKETbonds, CAPITALISATION *for the Amortising the average life is calculated and not the duration

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 535.00

Rate (%) 18.4167 15.0722 16.0793 16.8703

23-Apr-15

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 10.7839 27-Apr-17 13.5738 27-Jul-17 13.8689 31-Aug-17 15.0349 15.0466 30-May-18 15.2334

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 54.00 13-Feb-20 NIFEX 600.00 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) 499.68 14-Mar-24 BID($/N) 199.0125 75.00 28-Nov-28 OFFER ($/N) 199.1125 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 254.50 18-Jul-34

21.58

REPO

Tenor Call

Maturity Date

NITTY

Tenor 581.39 1M 476.80 2M 20.00 3M 100.00 6M 9M 300.00 12M

O/N

TTM 1M(Yrs) 3M 6M 0.04

Rate (%) 25.00

Bid26.00 Yield (%) 27.00 28.00 9.66

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M Offer3M Yield 6M 1Y 5.81

(%)

1.35 14.86 14.73 2.05 14.86 14.77 2.30 14.88 14.80 :Benchmarks 2.40Bond 14.89 14.80 * :Amortising µ :Convertible 3.14 Bond 14.91 14.78 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 4.22 14.93 14.84 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 4.54 Mortgage Bank 14.93 14.81 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 4.85 Finance Corporation 14.89 14.81 IFC: International LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 6.80 14.75 14.68 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 8.93 14.73 14.67 O/N: Overnight 13.64 16.07 Company 16.01 UPDC: UAC Property Development 14.12 16.25 16.19 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 14.62 16.46 16.37 15.29 15.50 15.43 19.27 14.48 14.43 NOTE:

199.04 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 Bid Price 205.60 206.28 220.29 99.78

Price

199.14 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 Offer Price 207.21 213.47 226.27 99.93

97.80 97.95 100.40 100.55 90.45 90.60 NA :Not Applicable 89.17 89.32 ^ : Market Prices # : Floating Rate Bond 89.69 89.99 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 103.18 103.48 74.82 ‡ : Bond74.52 rating under review †: Bond102.12 rating expired 102.42 N/A :Not106.84 Available 107.14 {r} :Issuer in receivership 97.37 97.67 94.11 94.41 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 79.35 79.65 UBA: United Bank for Africa 56.40 56.70 68.11 68.41 84.93 85.23

5,023.13 4,610.93

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

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds FMBN Modified Duration Buckets

***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Description

Issue Date

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 1,409.76 1,409.48

Coupon (%)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

24-May-12 03-Apr-12 Weighting by 09-Dec-11 Outstanding Vol 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12 42.01

0.00 17.25

Weighting by Mkt 0.00/16.00 Value

0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 44.66

3<5

1,127.61

1,099.68

32.78

35.72

619.08

846.07

25.22

19.61

3,156.44

3,355.23

100.00

Market

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 24.56 2.40

Bucket 112.22 Weighting

116.70 66.49 0.42

322.380.33 0.25

317.241.00

Maturity Date

24-May-15 03-Apr-17

% Exposure_ 08-Dec-16 Mod_Duration

19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17 19.86

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

0.12 1.11

Implied1.67 Yield

2.03 2.24 14.89

# Risk Premium (%)

2.63 2.27

Implied 2.00 Portfolio Price

1.00

Valuation Yield (%) 13.96 17.17

16.88 INDEX 15.87

Indicative Price 98.25 100.15

YTD Return 98.69 (%)

2.85 105.0767

17.73 1,177.27

100.61 94.04 6.2666

38.43

14.74

106.1360

1,059.03

4.5887

41.71

15.13

72.8649

1,024.12

1.6987

100.00

14.93

97.3012

1,099.50

4.1995

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/Agusto BBB+/Agusto ‡ /Agusto A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR ‡ /Agusto ‡ /Agusto ‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA

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

31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11

12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00

8.50 2.16 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 30.81

31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18

0.39 0.48 0.75 0.75 2.03 1.29 2.73 2.11

4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80

18.26 17.09 18.84 17.87 15.87 15.89 16.69 16.68

97.81 98.17 96.74 98.35 90.13 97.58 94.23 95.53



Business | Capital Market

Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057

Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015

Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at April 9, 2015 Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions Other Financial Institutions Totals

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 3 20 13 36 No. of Deals 15 15

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 Diversified Industries Totals Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 CONGLOMERATES Totals

Current Price 0.50 25.63 28.50 Current Price 2.27

51 Symbol AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 3 399 73 475

Current Price 1.36 3.09 36.50

475

Quantity Traded 205,000 255,665 111,749 572,414 Quantity Traded 409,186 409,186

Value Traded 937,175.64 937,175.64

981,600

10,655,999.72

Quantity Traded 39,530 46,444,681 1,000,926 47,485,137 47,485,137

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 102,500.00 6,607,430.39 3,008,893.69 9,718,824.08

Page

COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals

179,151,528.22

Current Price 0.90

Quantity Traded 2,090,159 2,090,159

Value Traded 1,831,304.70 1,831,304.70

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 22 22

Current Price 50.24

Quantity Traded 46,968 46,968

Value Traded 2,443,108.21 2,443,108.21

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 32 32

Current Price 10.97

Quantity Traded 262,127 262,127

Value Traded 2,853,168.07 2,853,168.07

2,399,254

7,127,580.98

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 Packaging/Containers Totals Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057

Current Price 8.15 133.46 20.58 155.98

Quantity Traded 657,548 117,181 68,660 1,600,573 2,443,962

Value Traded 5,400,622.32 15,875,722.95 1,414,181.40 243,966,242.18 266,656,768.85

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 160.00

Quantity Traded 196,080 196,080

Value Traded 31,390,893.48 31,390,893.48

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

No. of Deals 49 86 131 18 94 1 379

Current Price 4.67 7.18 34.00 3.00 7.99 0.50

Quantity Traded 476,514 Page 2,533,040 3,008,590 292,333 3,058,126 1,000 9,369,603

2 2,220,444.02 of 11 18,355,666.76 102,290,920.49 877,926.85 24,517,013.33 500.00 148,262,471.45

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

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 28 151 179

Current Price 40.00 1,050.00

Quantity Traded 98,961 325,393 424,354

Value Traded 3,859,352.56 335,069,067.67 338,928,420.23

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 4.14

Quantity Traded 151,298 151,298

Value Traded 596,114.12 596,114.12

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 Personal/Household Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 Products Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 35 51 86

Current Price 27.20 43.00

Quantity Traded 259,031 607,169 866,200

Value Traded 7,057,607.55 26,091,739.96 33,149,347.51

13,451,497

818,984,015.64

CONSUMER GOODS Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

953

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Value Traded

Page

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE FINANCIAL SERVICES PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services

EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 149 DIAMONDBNK 48 ETI 31 FIDELITYBK 221 GUARANTY 187 SKYEBANK 62 STERLNBANK 24 UBA 376 UBN 36 UNITYBNK 17 WEMABANK 17 Daily Summary (Equities) 424 ZENITHBANK 1,592 Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE Symbol EQUITYASUR LASACO MANSARD NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE SOVRENINS STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 33

Current Price 6.50 4.35 19.60 2.07 27.51 2.50 2.30 4.75 11.00 0.50 0.96 23.00 Current Price 1.02

Quantity Traded 34,202,355 2,370,945 177,023 31,202,047 9,900,283 3,497,638 5,962,721 36,319,230 115,646 2,130,365 406,296 48,606,781 174,891,330 Quantity Traded 1,716,162

No. of Deals9 2 3 3 11 7 1 1 11 1 54 136

0.89 Current Price 0.50 0.50 2.91 0.69 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.55

Quantity752,500 Traded 152,700 9,920 40,526 252,655 340,710 100,000 970 200,664,100 15,000 Page 1,366,034 205,411,277

CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL AND GAS PLC. FORTE PetroleumOIL andPLC. Petroleum Products Distributors

MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 100,300 185,523 299,751 8,300 568,409 1,162,283

Value Traded 209,627.00 614,060.88 16,315,495.78 14,359.00 487,319.83 17,640,862.49

1,162,283

17,640,862.49

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 16,666 16,666

Value Traded 8,333.00 8,333.00

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

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions

Value Traded 1,712,161.40 669,930.00 Value Traded 76,350.00 4,960.00 123,604.30 175,061.95 170,355.00 50,000.00 485.00 100,332,050.00 7,500.00 4 of 11 702,331.61 104,024,789.26

Symbol INFINITY

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.45

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 1,380.00 1,380.00

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 66 21 949 207 5 33 75

Current Price 2.70 4.14 9.50 3.37 0.55 30.00 1.42

Quantity Traded 1,787,696 927,414 58,698,332 59,856,013 513,000 3,113,843 4,908,423

Value Traded 4,712,195.11 3,830,116.88 550,512,832.76 192,299,983.98 282,150.00 93,479,441.29 6,941,529.86

Page

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals 5 10 67 6 11 99

Current Price 2.09 3.32 56.26 1.66 0.87

99 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 1 1 1 1

4.00

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 3,800.00 3,800.00

No. of Deals 5 No. of Deals

Current Price 0.50 Current Price

Quantity Traded 9,023,000 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 4,511,500.00 Value Traded

CWG

Symbol CHAMS Symbol

9,023,000 Page

6 4,511,500.00 of 11

9,040,666

4,523,633.00

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 33 26 19 28 39 2 41 188

Current Price 19.32 9.49 35.66 11.74 180.00 3.50 88.21

Quantity Traded 298,781 124,087 45,240 179,175 89,567 10,073 320,587 1,067,510

Value Traded 5,796,397.17 1,187,122.47 1,686,865.00 1,906,446.35 16,111,272.24 36,766.45 28,141,320.75 54,866,190.43

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 1.58

Quantity Traded 14,700 14,700

Value Traded 23,154.00 23,154.00

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 23.69

Quantity Traded 858 858

Value Traded 21,338.46 21,338.46

1,083,068

54,910,682.89

194

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 489 489

Current Price 15.75

Quantity Traded 11,199,765 11,199,765

Value Traded 173,564,112.33 173,564,112.33

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO Symbol

No. of Deals 18 23 33 No. of Deals

Current Price 39.50 3.03 207.50 Current Price

Quantity Traded 93,274 782,503 44,388 Quantity Traded

77,392 1,310 14,025 1,012,892

Value Traded 3,541,701.48 2,263,141.67 8,781,108.19 Value Traded

12,027,009.80 62,906.20 2,456,202.65 29,132,069.99

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 32 32

Current Price 370.00

Quantity Traded 75,595 75,595

Value Traded 28,319,096.99 28,319,096.99

12,288,352

231,015,329.31

Quantity Traded 416,314 416,314

Value Traded 339,365.48 339,365.48

Page Quantity Traded 200,883 813,640 1,014,523

8 of 11 Value Traded 795,406.68 923,177.60 1,718,584.28

Daily Summary (Equities)

MOBIL MRS TOTAL

21 4 12 111

OIL AND GAS Totals

Value Traded 222,229,387.90 10,291,590.75 3,443,240.26 64,334,680.33 271,945,847.76 8,688,883.52 13,775,982.38 169,883,079.52 1,170,678.00 1,065,182.50 390,081.80 1,117,491,069.65 1,884,709,704.37

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Activity Summary on Board EQTY

154.13 50.54 182.00

633 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.82

No. of Deals 21 18 39 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 3.60 1.18

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 134,000 134,000

Value Traded 67,000.00 67,000.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 6 1 3 10

Current Price 4.64 3.51 9.63

Quantity Traded 113,904 Page 145 1,500 115,549

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 4 9 1 14

Current Price 1.06 1.51 4.47

Quantity Traded 10,000 118,501 2,000 130,501

Value Traded 10,876.00 173,314.41 9,380.00 193,570.41

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.57

Quantity Traded 124,133 124,133

Value Traded 71,022.47 71,022.47

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

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 4 49 53

Current Price 1.86 5.84

Quantity Traded 303,541 840,319 1,143,860

Value Traded 564,055.11 5,001,283.19 5,565,338.30

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 3.00

Quantity Traded 104,330 104,330

Value Traded 312,990.00 312,990.00

3,183,210

8,812,034.80

Activity Board EQTY C &Summary I LEASINGon PLC.

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

2,840,794,123.51

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities)

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

510,108,328

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

No. of Deals 38 46 7 191 282

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Activity7-UP Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Current Price

3,085

ICT Totals

No. of Deals 39 39

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 GUINNESS NIG PLC Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Value Traded 852,058,249.88

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 55,906.10 142,389,841.04 36,705,781.08 179,151,528.22

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Quantity Traded 129,804,721

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 ICT Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 Computer Based Systems

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

No. of Deals 1,356

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

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

Symbol

Employment Solutions Totals SERVICES Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Support and Logistics Daily Summary as of 09/04/2015 CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Printed 09/04/2015 14:56:57.057 Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

134

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

Value Traded 528,514.56 of 484.30 11 15,165.00 544,163.86

Activity Summary on Board EQTY EQTY Board Totals

5,724

601,183,395

4,173,615,790.56

Equity Activity Totals

5,724

601,183,395

4,173,615,790.56

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 1 3

Current Price 10.85 2,307.00 15.81

Quantity Traded 100 27 100 227

Value Traded 1,085.00 62,289.00 1,581.00 64,955.00

ETF Board Totals

227

64,955.00

ETP Activity Totals

227

64,955.00

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

PDP, APC fight for votes in Enugu Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

ntense hunt for votes of the Enugu electorate by leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their counterparts in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of tomorrow’s governorship election is creating much political tension in the state. As at the time of filing this report yesterday, governorship candidate

of the PDP, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was said to be holding an interactive session with traders at Ahia Nine in Enugu metropolis and making last minute efforts to garner the votes of traders in the market. This was even as the APC governorship candidate, Chief Okey Ezea, in a last minute effort to sway voters’ support the previous day, used the victory of the APC in the presidential election as a selling point. On Wednesday, tradi-

tional rulers and political bigwigs in the Enugu North senatorial district, where both Ezea and Ugwaunyi hail from, held an expanded stakeholders’ emergency meeting and took a decision to get the people of the area to support the PDP candidate. The large gathering of leaders of thought in Enugu North had converged on Adada House at Nsukka and endorsed Ugwuanyi, saying that the result of the presidential election notwithstand-

ing, the people of the area would still give their support to the PDP as earlier affirmed. The traditional rulers, who convened the meeting, was led by their Zonal Chairman, Igwe Simon Eze, who is also a Deputy Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council and as that meeting was underway, supporters of both candidates were said to have clashed at a meeting of the Nsukka Town Union elsewhere in the

area over alleged failed plans to endorse Ezea. Our sources hinted yesterday that ‘eventually, it was Ugwuanyi who was endorsed.’ Apart from the above, noisy campaigns by the APC supporters have, since the past few days, taken over the environment and the tempo doubled on Wednesday and yesterday as tricycle riders and commercial motorcycle operators, continued with their road shows for the PDP candidate.

The APC candidate started making use of loud speakers earlier in the week, but by Tuesday and Wednesday, the PDP campaign groups had overtaken them, increasing their tempo doubly and Festus Onogwu, one of the leaders of the market unions in the state said “we have started shop-to-shop canvassing among the over 600, 000 shops with over 600, 000 voters in the markets and we are doing it for Ugwuanyi.”

Ohanaeze scribe denies endorsing APC former Minister of Education and member of the Caretaker Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Igwe Aja Nwachuku, has distanced the body from the comments by the Chairman of the committee, Chief Raph Obioha, that it has adopted the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political party for Ndigbo. Briefing journalists yesterday in Abakaliki, Nwachuku, who, disclosed the need for Ndigbo to have a bargaining power in the present political dispensation, also emphasised that the views expressed by the

chairman of the body was personal and does not represent the collective interest of the Igbo in Nigeria and beyond. According to him, what we discussed in our meeting in Enugu was that we will guide against partisanship and we commend our brothers and sisters for voting according to their conscience in the last presidential election. Nwachuku said it was premature for Ohanaeze Ndigbo to take sides and said any resolution reached by the committee must first of all be ratified by the congress before it would become a policy statement of the sociocultural organisation.

can no longer tolerate. “Any INEC staff that refuses to declare results as he is mandated to do by law on the spot is incurring the wrath of the voters. I do not, by this pronouncement, incite anybody to violence, instead it is a warning that whatever will trigger off any discontentment and unpleasant reaction should be avoided. “My frequent appeal for calmness and tolerance in the face of provocation is widely seen in some quarters as a sign of weakness.

“The appeal for peace and tolerance, far from being a sign of weakness, is borne out of the fullest realisation that a threat to peace is an invitation to anarchy,” he stated. Governor Elechi, who described the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections as the worst in the state, said the snatching of ballot boxes and papers, falsification of votes actually scored and non-declaration of results in collation centres, were obvious departures from the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

Commander, Onitsha Military Cantonment, Col. Mohammed Bello (left), introducing senior officers of the cantonment to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and others at the inauguration of projects at the cantoment in Onitsha …yesterday

Ex-NUJ deputy national chair berates Danjuma over Ojukwu Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Abia Onyike, yesterday tackled the former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, saying he has remained an unrepentant surrogate of the northern oligarchy and should not think that

Ndigbo will join him in the character. Onyike, a former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ebonyi State, said it was most unpatriotic of him to have, at this point in Nigeria’s political history, told President Goodluck Jonathan that if the late Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu had toed his path, he would not have spilled the blood of the Igbo.

Controversy as Ebonyi college calls off strike Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

here was confusion yesterday at the Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, over last week’s indefinite strike embarked upon by workers of the institution. A faction of the workers said to be loyal to the state government and the management of the college, yesterday called off the action after an emergency meeting attended by over

150 workers. The management directed the workers to return to work and ignore any directive by anybody in the college to continue the strike, adding that the government has addressed their problems. But in a release signed by the Chairman, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Comrade Greg Esheya and the Secretary, Comrade Okoronkwo O; it maintained that the strike is still on.

Elechi warns against votes manipulation Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

bonyi State governor, Martin Elechi, yesterday warned against the manipulation of tomorrow’s elections in the state. In a live broadcast to the people of the state, Elechi said: “All those who have perfected plans to bring mercenaries into Ebonyi State to camouflage either as soldiers, policemen or youth corps members in tomorrow’s election

should know that there will be no hiding place for them and their sponsors or anybody else for that matter in the event of an expected social unrest. “Many people are prepared to protect their votes and will not tolerate any further falsification of election results. “Provocations, whether in the form of silent recording of false votes or brazen snatching of election materials or firing of guns to scare away people to create an opportunity for election malpractices, are actions which people

Umeh to Jonathan: Discourage rigging in South East T

he National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to caution his subordinates to allow the people of the area the freedom to elect those who will represent them in tomorrow’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Umeh, who accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the South East of betraying Jonathan in the election “by concentrating on their own election and abandoning the President at the polls,” said Jonathan owes Igbo people the honour to elect their governors and members of the House of Assembly, who will represent them in parliament.

He said: “How President Jonathan will do this is by not deploying security agents to truncate the outcome of the election as he did on March 28, now that he is not running and having been deceived by PDP imperialists into believing that once soldiers and police are deployed to the polling units, he would win that election and despite that, they betrayed him,” the APGA

chief said. Speaking with newsmen in Awka, Umeh said there is a genuine fear of a grand plan to write the governorship and Houses of Assembly election results in Abia, because of fear of APGA’s candidate, Dr. Alex Oti. “So, now that President Jonathan is not running, he should allow Ndigbo to elect leaders of their choice by providing a level playing ground.”

48 News

16,000 policemen deployed for Delta guber poll Dominic Adewole ASABA

o fewer than 16,000 policemen have deployed to provide security for tomorrow’s governorship and the House of Assembly elections in Delta State. The officers and men of the force have however, been warned to desist from aiding of abetting desperate politicians in the commission of electoral fraud. Police Command in the

state has also warned politicians to conduct their affairs with honour to avoid being brought before the law for electoral malpractice. The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, who stated this at the Command’s Headquarters yesterday said nobody will be treated as sacred cow. According to her, the law is clear about what was obtainable before, during and after elections. “We have prepared over 16,000 men for the exercise."

Uduaghan inaugurates N3.5bn fly-over Dominic Adewole ASABA

elta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday commissioned the N3.5 billion fly-over bridge constructed to ease the gridlock in the Asaba axis of the state capital. The project became necessary in response to the rapid geometrical urbanization growth in the connecting core-areas of Okpanam and Anwai/ Ugbolu axis of the state capital. The scope of the works includes a 120 metre-long six-span bridge, two

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH - SOUTH

ramps of about 140 metres each on either approach, bringing it to a total of 400 metres long. The fly-over, awarded on August 6, 2013, was constructed over the existing two-lane roundabout, which was also expanded to three lane, complemented with Uturns along independent entry and exit lanes. Commissioning the bridge, governor Uduaghan, accompanied by his Commissioner for Works, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, said the fly-over would completely eliminate traffic hitches at the intercession.

Rivers PDP, APC trade accusations over rigging plot Emmanuel Masha PORT HARCOURT

he Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi of bribing electoral officers, of the Independent National Electoral Comission (INEC) in his bid to rig tomorrow’s governorship election in favour of Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). But the APC has described the allegation as

baseless, stating that governor Amaechi, will not descend low to play such politics. PDP’s media and publicity campaign chairman, Mr. Emma Okah, who made the allegation at a press conference, said that the governor held a meeting with ten EOs in some local government areas, including Ogu/ Bolo, Tai, Degema, Ahoada East, and Ahoada West. He alleged that at the meeting, it was agreed that each of the EO would get a staggering N20 million after they must have exchanged the authentic result sheets with the

ones prepared by Amaechi and the APC. Okah also alleged that the Amaechi-led APC government had bought guns for some youths in the state who were expected to unleash violence on the day of election, just as he said that criminals and militants within and outside were equally being recruited. He said that Amaechi and the APC had boasted that a new INEC Commissioners was coming to Rivers State to assist the state REC to conduct the April 11, 2015 had been compromised. Okah said, “The PDP

in Rivers State has constantly drawn the attention of the public to the desperation of the Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the APC, to rig the April 11, 2015 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the State. The APC has been using Rivers State resources to frustrate the will of the people of the state. In its reaction, the APC through the state Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said: This is a stupid allegation by a shameless group known all over the world by the acts they are stating here.

We’ll remain in PDP, says Dickson Chris Ejim YENAGOA

ayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has said that the state would continue to stand firm by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), no matter the odds as it was the only party that has given the minority nationalities the opportunity to aspire to the presidency. Dickson stated this during a meeting he held with political appointees at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Yenagoa, the State capital.

To reciprocate the honour and the recognition accorded the state in the Nigerian polity, the governor pointed out that, it was imperative to work with other PDP stakeholders across the country to rebuild the party with a view to making it a party to reckon with again. While urging the people to turn out in their numbers to cast their votes for the PDP in this weekend’s State House of Assembly polls, he said the party has no reason to lose any seat in the State House of Assembly election to the opposition.

APC promises to reduce taxes in C’River Clement James CALABAR

head of tomorrow’s governorship election, the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has promised to eliminate multiple taxes as well as stop what it called “non-statutory” taxes if voted into power. The governorship candidate of the party, Mr. Odey Ochicha made this promise on Thursday in Calabar at a town

hall meeting where he explained his party’s programme for the people for the last time before the election. He decried a situation where all manners of agencies claim to be collecting taxes on behalf of the government, saying such situation would not take place if he is elected as governor. “We are not unaware of the tax burden on residents of the state, especially those in the urban centers."

L-R: Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Nwatarali; Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi and Commander, 2 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Koko Essien, during the Director-General’s pre-election advocacy tour to 2 Brigade in Port Harcourt …yesterday

Ijaw group backs Buhari, cautions Dokubo Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he leadership of the pan Ijaw group in the Niger Delta under the umbrella of Izon-Ebe Global Policy Network, (IGPN), yesterday in Benin the Edo State capital, declared its support for the administration of Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, following his victory in the March 28,

Presidential elections. The group described as “historic” the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat in the electoral contest ahead of the announcement of final results by the electoral umpire, pointing out that his action had saved the nation of the envisaged post –election violence as witnessed in the past. In a signed statement by the national coordinator, Mr. Ogidigba Godtime and Patron, Festus Okhu-

INEC ad-hoc staff threaten boycott over unpaid allowance Clement James CALABAR

ver 200 ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River State have threatened not to participate in tomorrow’s governorship and State House of Assembly elections unless their outstanding

allowances are settled. The ad-hoc staff, mostly lecturers at the University of Calabar, who served as collation officers during the Presidential and National Assembly elections, said up till now the INEC, has refused to pay their training, transport, accommodation and feeding allowances for the March 28 elections.

mose Agbonifo and made available to newsmen in Benin, members of the body distanced themselves from the Niger Delta Salvation Front/ Niger Delta People Volunteer Force, NDPSF/ NDPVF led by Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari’s earlier threat to return to the creeks following the victory of Buhari. They described the election of Buhari, as the wish and aspiration of

the Nigerian people, adding that it was only wise for all the people of Niger Delta, to support the incoming APC led government for the purpose of development for people in the oil rich region. According to the statement, “We want to commend President Jonathan for accepting defeat which has also demonstrated to Nigerians and the international community that he is a worthy statesman."

Umana: Buhari's victory brightens my chances Tony Anichebe UYO

he Akwa Ibom State All Progressive Congress (APC), governorship candidate in tomorrow’s governorship election, Obong Umana Okon Umana, has admitted that the victory of the party’s presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in the March 28 presidential election has

boosted his chances of becoming the next governor of the state. Umana, who stated this position while speaking on the Planet Radio 101.1FM, in Uyo, said that the electorate in the state have agreed to make the state work in tandem with the government at the centre, noting, “today, the mainstream political party is the APC while the PDP is in the opposition ”.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

PDP denies plot to rig Plateau guber poll Musa Pam Jos

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council in Plateau State has debunked the claim by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the PDP is planning to rig tomorrow’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state. The party, in a press statement signed by the Deputy Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the council, Mr. Edward Ringkwat and made available to New Telegraph in Jos yesterday, accused the APC state Chairman, Mr. Letep Dabang, of creating imaginary scenarios just to whip unnecessary sentiments to sway voters from voting for the PDP candidate, Senator G. N. S. Pwajok, whose campaigns had been issuebased. The PDP urged the electorate to disregard fliers the APC intends to circulate on a fake declaration of the government of Governor Jonah Jang and his family, the PDP and diverse social issues, saying these are all lies and propaganda of the APC to win sympathy.

PDP desperate to rig, says APC Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

ension yesterday reached feverish pitch in Kogi State following allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intends to disrupt this weekend’s governorship and House of Assembly polls. Addressing newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, the party insisted that the government was out to rig the election at all costs, not minding the implication to the harmonious co-existence of the people in the state. The Publicity Secretary of the party in the local government, Mallam Mohammed Ndababo, alleged that thugs have been trained and given directive on the areas to cause problems, even as he added that sophisticated weapons have been moved into the state with a view to actualising this devilish mission. He, therefore, called on law enforcement agents to take urgent steps in ensuring that the exercise is hitch-free, fair and credible, noting that they would fight with the last drop of their blood to ensure that the process is not subverted.

News 49

NORTH

APC asks Jega to probe INEC in Kebbi Abubakari Abdul Birnin Kebbi

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State yesterday called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Atthairu Jega, to probe the state INEC office ahead of tomorrow’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.

The party alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has perfected plans to rig the elections. It, therefore, called on INEC to commence investigation into the plot to forestall any untoward events. Addressing a press conference yesterday at the campaign office of the gubernatorial candidate, the party’s Public Relations Officer (PRO),

Alhaji Sani Dododo, said PDP members have concluded arrangements to collaborate with INEC to rig the election and use the PVCs bought from the electorate during the presidential election to vote for the remaining elections. He expressed dismay that INEC could be involved in such arrangement, stressing that the party have the video clips

to prove their allegation. The spokesman of the APC further alleged that the PDP have deposited over N600 million in Zenith Bank to be shared to some thugs that would be used during the election and also be given to INEC officials. Dododo added that the areas to be affected in the plot include Zuru, Shanga and Bagudu Local Governments areas of the state.

He alleged that the arrangement was made with the Director, Operations and Murtal Marshell and the electoral officer in charge of Birnin Kebbi Local Government INEC office and some presiding officers in the state. “We have alerted all the security agencies and I want the people of the state to be aware of this, because we are not going to accept this,” he said.

NORTH

Some of the residents of Gwoza, Borno State, cheering troops of the Nigerian Army on patrol in the town...yesterday

PHOTO-NAN

Police warn against violence 18,000 security personnel mobilised in tomorrow’s elections for election, says AIG Mohammed Kawu Bauchi

he Bauchi State police command yesterday warned politicians and their supporters against any attempt to disrupt tomorrow’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state. The warning, coming few hours to the elections, was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Haruna Mohammed and made available to journalists in Bauchi. He said: “It has come to the knowledge of the Bauchi State police command that some desperate politicians are planning to disrupt the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state.” The PPRO further warned that the command will not fold its arms and watch disgruntled elements truncate the relative peace in the state, which the command has worked assiduously to maintain. Mohammed also advised members of the

public to be law abiding and to conduct themselves peacefully by shunning all forms of electoral offences and political thuggery before, during and after the elections. He said anyone found wanting during the election and after it, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land. “On no account should uniformed private and government security agencies and voluntary organisations such as Boys’ Scout, vigilante group, Boys’ Brigade, Peace Ambassadors and other paramilitary organisations be seen in uniform within 300 metres of a polling unit.” He also warned all security details attached to political office holders to desist from accompanying their principals to the polling booths and collation centres during the elections. Mohammed, however, re-assures residents of the command’s commitment to the provision of adequate security before, during and after the elections.

Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

he Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 10, Sokoto, Mr. Bala Hassan, yesterday said about 18, 000 security personnel had been mobilised to provide security during tomorrow’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States. He said a joint security team made up of the police, State Security Services, Im-

migration, Customs and Civil Defence personnel were being mobilised to participate in the exercise. Bala disclosed this yesterday while also adding that effective operational order on how to provide an enable environment in all the polling units, have been issued to the officers. He said the police in the zone had fine-tuned its method of operation to prevent any form of electoral malpractice. “We have taken concrete security measure to

improve on what we have done in the presidential elections to ensure a peaceful conduct of gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections,” he said. He said the zone did not record any outbreak of law and order during the last election, because of the prompt action in confronting any security threat. Bala explained that the three commissioners of police were directed to careful monitor the exercise in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

PDP alleges plan by APC to unleash mayhem Idris Salisu Gusau

head of tomorrow’s governorship elections, the Zamfara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it has unveiled plans by the APC to maim, brutalise and kill some of its notable members during and after the election. In a statement signed and addressed to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by

the party’s spokesman, Adamu Umar and made available to New Telegraph, the party alleged that APC’s plan to maltreat its members, has started manifesting soon after the presidential election. According to the statement, between March 29 and April 1, 2015, some APC thugs have been unleashing terror on PDP members and those of other political parties. Umar said they confessed that what they were do-

ing was a mere shadow of what they will do during the governorship election. The party further alleged that with what happenned in the last election, the APC will, during the governorship election and beyond, cause havoc in the state, stressing, “in fact, information made available, confirmed that APC leaders have already drawn a long list of prominent PDP men and women, as well as other non-APC members, for destruction.

50 WORLD | News

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Colonial statue comes down in South African varsity

lack students celebrated the fall of a statue of British colonialist Cecil Rhodes at the University of Cape Town yesterday, as some white groups protested what they see as threats to their heritage. Cheers went up as a crane removed the huge bronze statue from its plinth at South Africa’s oldest university after a month of student demonstrations against a perceived symbol of historical white oppression. Some students in the crowd of hundreds slapped the statue as it came down

amid ululating and cries of “amandla” (power), while others splashed red paint on it and wrapped Rhodes’ head in paper. The government welcomed the removal of the statue, which was given the go-ahead by the mainly white university council in a vote on Wednesday night. “It marks a significant... shift where the country deals with its ugly past in a positive and constructive way,” Sandile Memela, spokesman for the arts and culture ministry, told AFP. The university, which is regularly ranked as the best on the continent, was built on land

donated by Rhodes, a notoriously racist mining magnate who died in 1902. A decision on the statue’s final destination is yet to be made, but it is likely to end up in a museum. The protests began last month when a student flung a bucket of human excrement at the statue, prompting other attacks on colonial statues around the country. Memela said the government did not encourage the violent removal of statues, and would host “a consultative conference in the next few weeks where the country can adopt an official position” on statues and other colonial symbols. Earlier, the youth wing of white

The statue of British colonialist, Cecil Rhodes, being tied by straps to a crane before its removal at the University of Cape Town, yesterday.

S/Sudan accuses Sudan of dropping bombs across the border

our people were killed and nine others wounded in an apparent Sudanese airstrike on South Sudanese territory, a South Sudanese government official said yesterday. Sudan is to blame because it is the only neighboring country with “the history of this type of unprovoked attacks,” said South Sudanese presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny. “Although we have not launched a direct accusation against Sudan, we believe that

the only country with Antonovs capable of carrying bombs to drop them in South Sudan is Sudan,” Wek told The Associated Press. Russian-made Antonovs form the bulk of Sudan’s air attack capabilities, often using crude bombs rolled out of the back. Deng Kuel Kuel, a South Sudanese official who heads a local commission that coordinates emergency and humanitarian response in Northern Bahr al Ghazal state bordering

Sudan, said two children were among those killed in a bombing Wednesday. Kuel said that another bombing took place yestersday but gave no casualty figures. Wek, the presidential spokesman, also said there was aerial bombardment yesterday. South Sudan broke away from Sudan in 2011 following decades of armed struggle, though border skirmishes and sporadic bombings have continued.Both countries at times trade accusations over harboring or supporting rebels.

Man kills judge, two others in Milan courthouse

trial defendant shot dead a judge and two others yesterday on a rampage through a Milan courthouse, casting a harsh spotlight on public security measures that Italy tightened earlier this year. Police said Claudio Giardiello shot the judge, Fernando Ciampi, in his office, having earlier opened fire in a courtroom killing a lawyer and his co-defendant in a bankruptcy trial. A fourth person was wounded. In all, Giardiello fired 13 shots inside the Palace of Justice in central Milan before fleeing, police said. They arrested him in Vimercate, a

town north of Italy’s financial center, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said on his twitter feed. Public security was tightened across Italy following January’s Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, and it was not immediately clear how the assailant was able to carry a gun into the court buildings. Milan chief prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati told reporters the attacker likely carried a false identification badge and entered through a side entrance reserved for lawyers and court employees, where there is no metal detector. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the priority was to ensure

nothing similar ever happened again. “We need to find out exactly what happened and above all how it was possible to take a firearm into a courthouse,” he told a news conference in Rome. “This is not the first time this has happened but obviously it must be the last. The government has given a powerful mandate to expose the systemic failings which evidently happened.” The court buildings are just half a mile (1 km) from Milan’s cathedral, its biggest tourist attraction. Police vans and an ambulance were parked outside the cordonedoff buildings and the street was closed to traffic.

Afrikaner solidarity group AfriForum handed a memorandum to parliament in Cape Town to “demand protection” for their heritage. The Afrikaners are descendents of mainly Dutch settlers from the 17th and 18th centuries and dominated South Africa’s white-minority government before the end of apartheid in 1994. They are no fans of Rhodes, who was on the British side in the

Anglo-Boer war at the turn of the 20th century, but have seen statues of their own heroes come under attack in the wake of the university protests. Afrikaner men, some of them in quasi-military outfits, demonstrated on Wednesday at the statue in Pretoria of former president Paul Kruger which had been splattered with paint and at the monument to the leader of the first settlers, Jan van Riebeeck, in Cape Town.

Iran nuclear: No guarantee of final deal

ran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cautioned against seeing a preliminary agreement on his country’s nuclear programme as the “guarantee” of a final deal with world powers. Last week Iran and world powers reached a framework agreement on the issue. But Iran also wants sanctions lifted “on the first day” of the final deal’s implementation, against US wishes. Iranian and US officials have been trying to persuade hardliners in both countries to back the deal. The deal stipulates Iran must slash its stockpile of enriched uranium that could be used in a nuclear weapon, and cut by more than two-thirds the number of centrifuges that could be used to make more. In return, UN sanctions and separate measures imposed unilaterally by the US and EU will be lifted as the global nuclear watchdog, the

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirms Iranian compliance. In a statement on his website, Mr Khamenei said “it is possible that the untrustworthy side [the six world powers who negotiated the agreement] wants to restrict our country in the details”. I have never been optimistic about negotiating with America. While I was not optimistic, I agreed with this particular negotiation and supported the negotiators,” the statement went on. Mr Khamenei also echoed earlier comments by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in which he insisted that sanctions must be lifted as soon as a final deal was implemented. “We will sign no agreement but the one that immediately abolishes all the economic sanctions on the first day of the implementation of the agreement,” Mr Rouhani said yesterday.

Falklands spat heats up between Britain, Argentina

ritain and Argentina’s longstanding dispute over the Falklands escalated yesterday as Buenos Aires took legal action against companies exploring for oil off the islands and the countries summoned each other’s ambassadors for a dressing-down. The animosity between the two capitals, which fought a brief, bloody war over the South Atlantic islands in 1982, has intensified in recent years with the discovery of significant oil deposits offshore. Adding to the bad blood in recent weeks, Britain has announced plans to beef up its defenses on the islands because of “continuous intimidation” from Argentina, while Argentine media reports have denounced British spying aimed at blocking the South American country’s efforts to win sovereignty. In the latest throwdown, the Argentine government said it had taken legal action

in a local court against three British and two US companies for “carrying out exploration activities for fossil fuels on the Argentine continental shelf without obtaining the corresponding authorization.” The companies listed in the complaint are British firms Rockhopper Exploration, Premier Oil and Falkland Oil and Gas Limited and US firms Noble Energy and Edison International. The court case came after Argentina summoned British Ambassador John Freeman over news portal TN’s reports that documents leaked by fugitive US intelligence analyst Edward Snowden showed Britain’s Joint Threat Research Intelligence Group carried out a “long-term, far-reaching” espionage program in Argentina. “Actions of this sort violate the right to privacy,” Argentina’s Deputy Foreign Minister Eduardo Zuain told the ambassador, according to a foreign ministry statement.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

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International Sport

Nigeria drop in FIFA rankings

Weight not a problem for Mayweather

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Brunt backs Anichebe to save West Brom

Did you know? That only Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (eight) has more assists than QPR’s Matt Phillips (seven) in Europe’s big five leagues so far in 2015.

Falcons battle Mali for All Africa Games ticket

Emmanuel Tobi

layers and officials of the Super Falcons are in confident mood as Nigeria take on Mali in the return leg All Africa Games qualifier billed for the Abuja National Stadium. After the 1-1 result in the first leg played in Bamako on March 21, the Falcons who won gold at both the 2003 All-Africa Games in Abuja and the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algiers are hoping to qualify for the 2015 edition after failing to make the 2011 Games in Maputo. In Bamako, Ngozi Okobi shot Nigeria ahead and an avalanche of goals was expected. But it never came. Instead, the Malians equalised following an error late in the game by goalkeeper Ibubeleye Whyte. “This is a big game, we have no other choice than securing a victory and qualifying for the All Africa Games,” Coach Edwin Okon told New Telegraph. He added: “We have watched all the mistakes made during

the first leg in Bamako and we are ready to amend in order to get the desired result.” Speaking on the team’s confidence, Okon, added that the recent appointment of a psychologist, Kasia Muoto, by the Nigeria Football Federation would give the team the much needed boost as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup in Canada. “The hiring of a psychologist for the team is a good development because I personally requested for it. We need somebody to handle that so that we can face our job of coaching the team squarely. We need somebody like Kasia to psyche the players up every time we have

matches. With her presence now, the job will be a lot easier for me and the rest of the technical crew,” Okon said. For skipper Evelyn Nwabuoku, with good officiating from the Ghanaian officials appointed by the Confederation of Africa Football, the Falcons are ready to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. “The task before us this year is very enormous but we are up to the challenge and ready to spill our blood for the ticket. The Malians were very fortunate to escape defeat at home but we are confident of securing the All Africa Games ticket,” she enthused.

The team’s attack has been fortified with the arrival of Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala, the most potent strike-force in African women football. Oparanozie who has scored 10 goals so far this season for En Avant de Guingamp Ladies in France, was the highest scorer with five goals at last year’s African Women Championship while Oshoala, who plays for Liverpool Ladies in the Women Super League in England emerged as the second highest scorer in Namibia, with four goals. “We are paid to score goals and that is just what we will do against Mali on Friday,” Oparanozie said.

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Super Falcons players taking instructions from Coach Edwin Okon

Siasia: Awoniyi is a big plus to U-23

}54

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FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian clubs’ continental blues

t is no longer news that all Nigerian clubs but one, have crashed out from this year’s continental club championships for the yet again. To the men in the Glass house, there is no big deal so long as they generate enough money to service their greed. This is a shame to the nation and calls for sober-reflection. It is unthinkable that in the last five years, no Nigerian club has progressed beyond the qualifying round, to the moneyspinning stage of the African Champions League, same with the African Cup competition. Our clubs have joined other minor clubs in Africa to just make appearances, and make no serious contention. One of the major issues at play here is the lack of foresight on the part of football administrators. They show no serious interest in the club championship simply because the almighty estacode allowances are not there for them to pick. They have therefore ignored the competition in its entirety, as if it does not exist anymore. All that the Nigeria Football Federation cares for is that clubs should shoulder their responsibility all alone. They forget the fact that the nation’s football is the loser in the long run. Our failures at this stage have rubbed off negatively on

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us all. It is on record that Nigeria has not been able to win the African Cup competition, meant for players playing professional football in the continent. The best we have come in this was the second place at the 2013 tournament, when the team was led by Stephen Keshi and Daniel Amokachi. Our poor results over the years are a direct reflection of our league that produces mediocre players that play at the event. It was a pity to see Kano Pillars crash out by posting the most undignifying result of the season. Agreed they had issues as a result of the robbery incident they suffered before the first leg. But that was not enough excuse since the Confederation of African Football, CAF, in their magnanimity postponed the first leg to accommodate the plight of the team - to enable them to recuperate before facing their opponents, But they were not convincing in the end.

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The second leg in Kano showed the club’s level of unpreparedness as they lost on 5-2 aggregate. They lost 4-0 at home and won 2-1 in Kano. These are not the stuff champions are made of. The pain is that the club is always formidable at home, having topped the league for years unchallenged. In other words, they remain the best so far since there is no evidence of any form of underhand favours enjoyed by the club in the hands of the League Management Committee officials. Same sentiment is equally applicable to Enyimba Football Club of Aba that has now grown to be a shadow of its old self. This was a team that towered above all, against all odds, both in the country and in the continent to lift the trophy twice - back to back. I constantly dream of the return of the old days when the petit Bende man and Pillar of

Sports in Nigeria was on the saddle as executive governor of Abia State. He played the sports politics and got the nation what they desired most in close cooperation with the then Nigeria Football Association, NFA. The club was financially empowered and all needed technical assistance sought from the Association and were duly given. Same cannot be said currently as clubs have become the shadow of their old self. The worst of all is Dolphins Football Club of Port-Harcourt. Here is a club that lost without the privilege of kicking the ball. They traveled late all the way to the venue of their match, which date was known without giving their host advance information as par the flight schedule or arrival time. They were walked-over. Apart from wasting the tax payer’s money, they exhibited gross irresponsibility, yet the federation glossed over the issues without raising any eyebrow. The ideal thing would have been for the federation to institute a high powered probe into the activities surrounding the clubs ouster from the continental competition without kicking the ball. This is with a view to ascertaining the remote or immediate causes of what went wrong and apportion blames where necessary. Unfortunate-

ly, this was not to be, since the federation is contrived in the entire show of shame. Let there be a meeting point between the Federation and the clubs, where undertakings of good behavior will be signed, failure of which, the ticket should be handed over to any other team willing to abide by the terms of the agreement. The board of the NFF must know that Nigerians are fast growing impatient with this catalogue of losses that tends to give the impression that Pinnick is rowing a rudderless boat. As a matter of fact, Pinnick must reappraise the entire approach of registering clubs for continental championship. It is not right that clubs should be left alone to fend for themselves the moment they qualify to represent the nation in major events. While the management of the clubs must be made to shoulder their bills for their participation, the technical knowhow and other ancillary assistance must be put at the disposal of the clubs by the federation. It is also unacceptable that other leagues in Africa resume long before ours. This leaves us in disadvantage as their players would have peaked while ours are still warning up. We must harmonize our league with others to ensure optimum performance.

Nigeria drop in FIFA rankings Tumise Jiboku

igeria has dropped even further down in the latest FIFA rankings released by the world football governing body on Wednesday. The Super Eagles dropped from 41 to 45. The development reflects a slump in the team’s fortunes on the field,

including the poor performance in the last two friendly fixtures against Uganda and South Africa. The Super Eagles crashed one-nil to lowly ranked Uganda 1-0 in Uyo and were forced to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Nelspruit. Many African countries also suffered similar fates, with Algeria also dropping down from 18 to 21, Cote

d’Ivoire dropping three places down from 20 to 23 and Ghana dropping two places to 26 while Tunisia dropped five places to 30. Other African teams ranked higher than Nigeria are Senegal (36), Cape Verde Islands (37) and Guinea (41). Africa Top Ten: 1. Algeria 2. Cote d’Ivoire 3. Ghana 4. Tunisia 5. Senegal 6. Cape Verde Islands 7. Guinea

NFF fumes over Muhammed’s disappearance

he Nigeria Football Federation has expressed displeasure over the disappearance of U-20 captain, Musa Muhammed, from the camp of the U-23 national team that is heading to Zambia for a crucial match. NFF General Secre-

Muhammed

tary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, was miffed when officially briefed about the antics of the defender, who captained the Golden Eaglets to a record fourth FIFA U-17 world title in 2013 and also led the U-20 to a seventh African title in Senegal last month.

“It will be an understatement for me to say the Nigeria Football Federation is disappointed by the behavior of Musa Muhammed. This is someone who should be a role model to the Nigerian youth. “He is very good at what he does and we love him for that. But discipline is essential in any vocation and the NFF will no longer condone indiscipline on the part of any player or coach of any of the national teams.” “The player had been drafted to the U-23 team because the coach believes he has something to contribute to bring glory to the nation. Whoever is found to be culpable in this shameful act will be punished.”

Babatunde (middle) struggling with Argentina players during the 2014 World Cup

Club owes Babatunde four months’ salaries

igeria World Cup star Michael Babatunde is facing very trying times in Ukraine as he has not been paid for the past four months by his club Volyn. The Eagles forward is therefore desperate to quit war-troubled Ukraine by the summer. “Babatunde wants to quit Ukraine. He has not

been paid for the past four months and he can no longer endure it,” a source informed AfricanFootball.com “He could now get FIFA to release him from his contract should he still be owed by his club.” Soon after last year’s World Cup in Brazil, Babatunde was linked with a move to various

clubs in England and Germany. But he would later rejoin Volyn after he recovered from wrist and knee injuries. His handlers claim he will finally be on the move this summer. The player himself had earlier said he hoped to be on the move in January.

International Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Wilshere not for sale, insists Wenger

rsene Wenger has warned Manchester City that Arsenal no longer need to sell players like Jack Wilshere. Reports have linked City with a summer move for England midfielder Wilshere - who has been with Arsenal since the age of nine - as they look to rebuild an ageing squad. “We are not in a position any more where we have to sell our best players,” said Wenger. “We cannot make a case of any headline in any newspaper in a press conference from things that are not true.” Wilshere featured for the Gun-

Wilshere (right)

Weight not a problem Real appeal Ronaldo’s booking for Mayweather eal Madrid have appealed the yel- driguez stroked home his side’s second

loyd Mayweather is within 1.5kgs of the welterweight limit more than three weeks out from his meeting with Manny Pacquiao. World Boxing Council rules demand weight checks 30 days and a week before fight night to ensure boxers get down to the limit gradually and safely. And the organisation, whose welterweight belt is one of three up for grabs on May 2, posted a picture on its website showing Mayweather tipping the scales at 68.2kgs - well inside its 30-day stipulation. The unbeaten American has won world titles at five different weights - from super-feather to light-middle - while Pacquiao is an eight-weight world champion who won his first WBC belt at flyweight.

low card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo for diving during Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano. The Portuguese striker received his fifth booking of the campaign from referee Mario Melero Lopez, which would see him miss Saturday’s visit of Eibar to the Santiago Bernabeu, despite appearing to be brought down by Antonio Amaya while the score was still goalless. “Real Madrid will appeal the yellow card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo in the game against Rayo in Vallecas,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti remonstrated with the officials after the match and described the decision not to award a spot-kick as “incredible”. Ronaldo went on to score his 300th goal for Madrid in just 288 games for the club heading home Daniel Carvajal’s cross for the opener and James Ro-

five minutes later to secure the win.

L Mayweather

Ofere targets Scottish Cup history with Inverness

ust weeks after signing for Inverness CT, Edward Ofere, is looking to make club history by helping the Highlanders to their first Scottish Cup final. Thistle, who were only formed in 1994 and have yet to win a major trophy, take on 36-time winners Celtic in their first Scottish Cup semi-final since 2004 at Hampden next Sunday. The Nigerian striker only moved to the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium in February but already knows how big an achievement it would be for the club to make the final. He said: “It would be fantastic. It’s going to be massive. For me we have an opportunity to achieve something here and if we can do it, it would be really impressive.”

he coordinator of the annual Okpekpe 10km Road Race, Yusuf Ali, has confirmed that over 3000 runners are expected to participate at this year event. The former World Universities Games champion said the interest so far in the race has been encouraging, while revealing that the race will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the International Association of Athletics Federations and the Athletic Federation of Nigeria. “The runners are expected to submit their registration forms with medical certificate of fitness and they are expected to sign a waiver form to acknowledge, among other things, the

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Ronaldo

That goal came on the back of Coutinho’s brilliant last-minute winner in a fourth-round replay at Bolton and underlines his growing influence on Brendan Rodgers’ side. The 22-year-old has arguably been Liverpool’s best player this season having not only grown in stature as a playmaker but also adding goals to his armoury.

3,000 runners confirm for Okpekpe Charles Ogundiya

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Floyd Mayweather Female boxers inspired by The Best Ever #MayPac @FloydMayweather

Leiva hails Coutinho’s impact

iverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes teammate Philippe Coutinho is only scratching the surface of his potential, despite a string of excellent performances this season. Coutinho fired Liverpool into the FA Cup semi-finals with a brilliant strike in the 70th minute of their 1-0 win over Blackburn at Ewood Park on Wednesday.

ners’ U-21 side in midweek after recovering from minor ankle surgery and could be in line to make a first appearance since the end of November in the Premier League game at Burnley this weekend. Wenger added: “Everybody can have a big impact until the end of the season, Jack included. “Every player who doesn’t play is very frustrated when he cannot perform - (Abou) Diaby has been out for a year, (Theo) Walcott has been out for a year. Wilshere has played many games this year, he was out, but not for as long as Walcott or Diaby.”

risks inherent in running a 10km race unfit,” Ali said. The Okpekpe 10km road race is organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing, a leader in sports marketing, in conjunction with the AFN and Edo state government.

2013 champion, Moses Masai

Promise Amukamara My brother has me sitting in first class on this flight! Love him!!!! @iPromisee Al-Farouq Aminu My brother @sinarambo droping two singles today. About to be the theme songs for the summer. @farouq1 Alade Aminu Today was a good day!.

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Chiney Ogwumike 2015 WNBA Draft is starting to get REALLY interesting... Who are your top 5 picks? @Chiney321 Raheem Sterling If you want to know me listen to this song tells you everything about me. @sterling31 Daniel Sturridge Wembley!

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Barca boss wants Xavi stay

arcelona head coach Luis Enrique has reiterated his desire to see veteran midfielder Xavi remain at the Camp Nou next season. The 35-year-old has just over a year left on his contract, but he has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Qatari side Al Sadd. And Enrique insists Xavi, who has made just six starts in 22 games since the turn of the year, would benefit greatly if he sees out the remainder of his contract at the club. “He has the affection of all the Barca fans and every football lover,” said the Barcelona boss. “He knows it and feels it. I would be pleased if he continues helping us, but I understand that he wants other experiences. Whatever he chooses will be good for Barca. “He knew it would be a special year for him and he has accepted it. He helps us both on and off the field.”

Sport

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Siasia: Awoniyi is a big plus to U-23 National U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, in an interview with sl10.ng says his team is going for an outright win against Zambia in Lusaka on Sunday. After the win over Abuja Football College on Wednesday. I guess you must be satisfied with your players and probably expecting more from them in Lusaka? Yes of course. Every time you win a game you have to be excited. It is one thing to be excited about a win, and another to be satisfied and I am excited and satisfied about it. It was a good game and a good way for us to end our preparations. We have to take it up from here. How would you describe your two goal hero, Taiwo Awoniyi? I am satisfied with him of course. A player cannot score two goals that won you a match without you being satisfied. He has really lived up to expectations even before this match. He had been scoring in our training sessions and I am happy he has done that in a match setting and hopefully he will do same in

Lusaka. I’m happy for him. Did you ever have any doubt about him at any point? Well maybe there was a bit of doubt because he’s a very young boy with no league experience and coupled with his lean frame, but I never doubted his talents. I always knew he could score goals and I am happy he has proved me right. The way he takes the ball and the way he puts it in the net is quite remarkable for his age and experience. It’s good we have him, he is a big plus. And looking at the game in Lusaka now, what tactical changes do you hope to make from the first leg? The boys just need to play to instructions and follow what we have told them. I cannot share my tactical

Brunt backs Anichebe to save West Brom Emmanuel Tobi

est Brom captain, Chris Brunt, has expressed confidence in the ability of Super Eagles outcsast, Victor Anichebe, to lift the club in their quest to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The 26-year-old hit his second league goal of the season against QPR last weekend after coming off the bench, although he could do little to prevent the Baggies slipping to a disappointing 4-1 defeat. Anichebe has struggled to find his best form since joining from Everton but a series of niggling injuries haven’t helped his progress.

However, Brunt stressed that Anichebe can use the QPR goal as a springboard to fire more for Tony Pulis’ side between now and the end of the campaign. “He is an important player when he’s fit,” Brunt said. “We saw him come on at half-time on Saturday and he showed what he can do. “Hopefully if we can keep him fit between now and the end of the season he can have a big impact for us. “We saw the way he can play when he came on at the weekend so hopefully we can get him firing on all cylinders for the last six or seven games. Then, we can get a few goals and a few points from him.”

plan here now but I hope they just follow our game plan and stick to it, except when we have to change. If they do that I’m sure we’ll win. Does that mean you’re going defensive, more like parking the bus? Park what bus? We are not going to Zambia to play a defensive game. We are an attacking side and we will go there to attack. We will not park the bus like (Chelsea manager Jose) Mourinho. But even though we are an attacking team, we must also defend smartly. We’re going to a hostile environment and we must be disciplined and avoid playing unnecessary offside traps which could cost us. But our mission is clear; which is to win there Siasia and that we hope to do.

LBA unveils March award nominees Charles Ogundiya

he League Bloggers Awards has shortlisted five players and four managers in the Nigeria Professional Football League as nominees for the March Player and Manager awards. In the running for the LBA Player for March are Ebere Odiche (Heartland), Evans Iyoro (Kwara United), Idris Aloma (Enyimba), Sikiru Adewale (Warri Wolves) and Segun Alebiosu

(Kwara United) while Erasmus O nu h (Heartland), Tunde Abdulrahman (Kwara United), Tony Ogharanduku (FC Taraba) and Mitko Dobrev (Gabros FC) have been listed for the manager’s category. Odiche has been solid for Heartland this season, scoring twice from free kicks against Shooting Stars and Nasarawa United. Kwara United winger, Iyoro, was the mainstay attacker for the Harmony Warriors in the month of

Mauritanian referees for Zambia, U-23 Eagles clash M ohamed Hamada from Mauritania will be the referee when Nigeria’s U-23 team take on their Zambian counterparts in an 11th AllAfrica Games, final round, final leg match in Lusaka on Sunday. He will be assisted by countrymen Cheikh Mamadou Pene (1st Assistant), Boubou Cheikhna Demba (2nd Assistant) and Amadou Thiam (Reserve Referee). The Match Commissioner is Mr. Charles Masembe, the renowned former FIFA referee from Uganda.

Both teams tied 0-0 in the first leg in Abuja and it will be all-systems-go at the National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka from 3pm Zambia time (2pm Nigeria time) on Sunday, as both sides seek a spot in the Men’s Football Tournament of the All-Africa Games, scheduled for September in Brazzaville. Nigeria’s contingent of 18 players and 10 officials departed for Lusaka on Thursday aboard Kenyan Airways airplane, to arrive in the Zambian capital on Friday morning, after transiting in Nairobi.

Hamada

NOC expects great things from Buhari T

Anichebe (right)

March alongside striker Alebiosu, and both have combined to record three goals in three matches. Aloma has featured in every minute for Enyimba in the league, and his bombing runs down the left side of his team’s defence have added attacking impetus for the People’s Elephant. He capped his outing in March with a goal against Lobi Stars. The LBA will announce the winners for March on Monday.

he Nigeria Olympic Committee has tipped President-Elect General Mohammadu Buhari (retd) to revamp the sporting fortunes of Nigeria at major international and continental sports championships. In a congratulatory message to the former Head of

State, the President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, said, “We in the Olympic Movement rejoice with Mr PresidentElect on this joyous occasion, which is no doubt a progressive landmark for our democracy. We are therefore quite optimistic that your Excellency would bring to bear your

wealth of experience in governance to steer the ship of this nation to greater heights, both economically, politically and sports-wise”. Gumel said that by being the next President of Nigeria that Buhari automatically becomes the Grand Patron of the NOC.

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Arpan Saxena from Bhopal, India has 25 fingers and toes including double thumbs - but his parents don’t want him to have surgery.

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An Oba and his lagoon Okafor Udoka

he experienced ones would tell you: “never believe any trending news on social media until it is confirmed by traditional media outfits.” And that guarded my position when snippets frittered on social media on last Easter Sunday that Oba Rilwan Akiolu was intimidating and threatening Igbo people living in Lagos to vote Akinwumi Ambode of APC in next Saturday’s guber race or get ready to be thrown into the “lagoon.” Even when major newspapers carried the news piece of the Oba’s threat on Easter Monday, I elected to dismiss it because all the newspapers were quoting a secondary sourceFreedom Online. As a researcher, I was taught to deal with secondary sources of information with great caution and interrogation. But when the Oba’s palace issued a watery “clarification” on what actually happened in the courtesy call “Eze ndigbo” in Lagos paid the Oba, I saw a “clarification” that was not only self-indicting but xenophobic, pedestrian, inciting and grossly antiNigeria. It was only a matter of hours before social media was agog with the video clips and voice recording of Akiolu’s address on that black day. The fact is that I shuddered as I watched a former Police chief commit the worst faux pas which is entirely hateful, condemnable and unfortunate. It was an unfortunate speech because by tradition, convention and law, traditional rulers are politically neutral; they treat all politicians with the same fatherly affection. And most importantly, they are saddled with the onerous task of promoting peaceful and healthful interaction and relationship amongst all people domiciled in their kingdom of watch. Luckily, many Yoruba came out boldly to condemn the rantings of the Oba noting that he speaks not for them and gave assurances that every Nigerian is at liberty to vote into power any political party that would rapidly advance Lagos socioeconomically and politically. In a way, Akiolu deserves our sympathy and support at the moment. It is possible that the man has lost his sense of decency and is unmindful of the import of his threat and even the history of Lagos as the melting point of Nigeria. One day, we shall have the opportunity to intellectually magnify the place of Lagos as the pride of the Nigerian nation and possibly trace its evolution vis a vis its early settlers like the Aworis, Oshodi Tapas, Idumotas and Idumagbons of Benin, Aro warriors, etc. However, what is certain at the moment is that it is not in the character

Oba Akiolu

of the Yoruba to be hostile to visitors and threaten them with violence and death. Indeed such a threat from an Oba would have spurred an “Afonja” to send him an empty calabash in the past. What is however funny in all these is that Jimi Agbaje who Akiolu opposes his candidacy is a Yoruba, not Igbo. But I guess the affinity a typical Igbo man shares with PDP makes its gubernatorial candidate fanciful to any Igbo man living outside Igbo speaking states of Nigeria when in reality, Akiolu would want APC to be in-charge in his kingdom. By and large, since a warning and threat have been issued by Oba of Lagos without any sign of withdrawal or apology, it becomes pertinent for Igbo Lagosians to be conscious of the fact that Agbaje’s gubernatorial struggle with Akinwumi is not their fight; it is entirely a Yoruba affair which needs no external intrusion that might end up with the destruction of properties and killing of nonindigenes post-election. In short, it would be foolhardy if the Igbo Lagosians, and indeed any other non-indigene of Lagos for that matter, allow their heads to be used in breaking Lagos gubernatorial “co-

conut” which head or tail would be manned by a Yoruba man. However, they must only vote for the candidate who would ensure that there remains a healthy environment for the expansion of wealth and job creation in a state nobody would be “deported” to Onitsha headbridge because of his tongue again. But the points are these: one, Lagos is a cosmopolitan city which attained its glorious heights through the contributions of Nigerians from all walks of life and tongues. As such a xenophobic oba is too dangerous for its continuous progress, prosperity and expansion. Two, the Jews control the economy of US and exercise considerable influence on discussions and consultations which produce US President even though they constitute a minute fraction of American population. So, if an Oba is threatening fire and brimstone in a clime a non-indigene is only concerned with casting his/ her vote on election day and leaving politics of leadership to indigenes, then that Oba deserves our sympathy and help. Three, cosmopolitan cities attain enviable heights on the strength of mixed population, Lagos is no excep-

tion. If we celebrate UK for allowing the election of Nigerians into its Parliament as well as the first world countries for allowing Nigerian born mayors-Rotimi Adebari (Ireland), Adedamola Aminu (UK), Emmanuel Onunwa (US), Kate Anolue (UK), etc- to lead them, would we not be shooting on the fabric of our nationhood if we oppose the election of non-indigenes to represent Lagos in the House of Representatives? Lest we forget, the great Ebube Dike, Ernest Ikoli and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe won elections to represent Lagos in the Western House of Assembly in 1950s. And in 2015, we are opposing the participation of non-indigenes in Lagos politics, are we progressing or retrogressing? Four, from Akiolu’s outburst, it is understandable that Igbo Lagosians constitute a major voting bloc in Lagos. But in situations like this, persuasion, negotiations and consultations are called into use in a deft political move to net their votes in elections, not threats. Five, one thing anybody who has interacted with an Igbo man any where in the world can readily tell you is this: Igbo people do not capitulate to threat but they see it as a challenge to excel. They dared hunger and annihilation in the 1960s; so, there is nothing in sight which suggests they would heed the “vote for Ambode or die” threat of Akiolu. My worry is that the crass statement of Akiolu might leave a dirty blow on Ambode’s candidacy as the guber election draws near. Six, it is high time this obnoxious practice of “Eze ndigbo” in diaspora is abolished; methinks Ohaneze ndigbo had banned the use of that word “Eze ndigbo” and renamed them Onye ndu Ndigbo (Leader of Ndigbo) in the early 2000s. How they stubbornly reverted to “Eze ndigbo” beats me hollow: can someone be a king in another person’s kingdom? Beyond that no Igbo traditional ruler or full fledged Igbo man would sit down and have Akiolu threaten him and his people without stern resistance or walk out. Unfortunately, the fact is that the likes of Akiolu are deliberately making our journey to nationhood tortuous by their conducts, approach and words; they keep reminding us of our differences and incite hate amongst us while they should be promoting our strength and beauty in diversity. But if we keep soldiering on the crest that great nations of the world had had to manage the Akiolus before greatness came knocking on their doors, we must pick up the drive necessary to keep us going until a new, united, progressive and prosperous Nigeria free of retrogressive elements is born. • Udoka sent in this piece from Lagos.

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