Friday, april 17, 2015 by Newtelegraphonline

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Friday, April 17, 2015

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Vol. 2 No. 421

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Buhari, Shekau make Time's 100 most influential person}8

External reserves drop by $263m in two weeks Tony Chukwunyem

igeria's external reserves have continued their downward slide, falling by $234 million in the last two weeks despite efforts by

the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stem the tide. Data obtained from the apex bank’s website showed that the reserves stood at $29.8 billion as at April 1, but fell to $29.6 billion as at April 15.

The continuous slide in the external reserves has raised questions in industry circles on the ability of the incoming administration to fulfil some of its key electoral promises. With oil exports consti-

tuting over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign earnings and over 70 per cent of government revenue, the sharp drop in oil prices in the middle of last year has resulted in huge pressure on the reserves as demand

for foreign exchange rose significantly prompting the CBN to use the reserves more frequently to defend the naira. However, the apex bank has attributed the pressure on the reserves and

the attendant weakness of the naira to the activities of currency speculators. It has in recent months introduced several measures to address the problem, including a devaluaCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

My kidnap story

lNanny who abducted three kids in Lagos speaks

}2, 41 & 42

Quick Read

Editorial Mr. and Mrs. Adeleke Orekoya with their children at their residence in Lagos…yesterday. Inset: The supected kidnapper, Fumilayo Adeyemi

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Jonathan splits National Assembly over amendment bill }2

Nigerian clubs’ continental }19 misadventure Why I conceded defeat to Buhari, by Jonathan }5

News

FRIday, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

How we planned kidnap of three kids, by nanny Juliana Francis

he police have arrested a woman, Fumilayo Adeyemi, alias Mary Akinloye, who while posing as a nanny, kidnapped three children of a Lagosbased couple, Mr. and Mrs. Leke Orekoya. The nanny, who was paraded before reporters yesterday, narrated how her gang, comprising her mother-in-law, her two sons and their wives, formed a kidnapping gang to extort money from the rich. Adeyemi, who was arrested a day after the gang freed the children, including an eleven-monthold baby, was recruited through an online portal, OLX, and disappeared with the children a day after her employment. The children are: Aderomola, 11-month-old, Adedamola, 4, and Ademola, 6.

The distraught parents later received a call to pay N15 million in ransom. Adeyemi gave an insight to the police on the modus operandi of her gang, saying the recent incident was not their first. She said they were behind the abduction of two brothers, Michael and Rafael Esharegaran from their home at Magodo, Lagos while also posing as a maid. The Esharegarans were said to have paid N10 million, though the police denied knowledge of the payment then. Adeyemi, a mother of four, said her husband, also part of the syndicate, disclosed only N2.5 million ransom. Besides Adeyemi, who was the only member of the gang arrested, other suspects are her motherin-law, Mrs. Kareem (other name not yet known), Megida Akanni Kareem, Akeem Kareem and Ajoke

Oseni (Akeem’s wife). Other members of the gang are on the run. Adeyemi said she was forced to be a kidnapper and the idea to kidnap the Orekoya children was conceived by Oseni who sold it to her husband as well as hers. She said: “It was my husband and my brotherin-law who pushed me into this. They got the nanny job for me and taught me what to do. “The first day I resumed, I waited for the parents to go out. My madam is a banker, so I took the kids. I put the smallest one on my back and I took them straight to our house. When I got home, my husband and his brother welcomed me and praised me for my action. “They put a telephone call to the parents and demanded N15 million. I told them that amount was too much. The next day, they

reduced it to N13 million. My mother-in-law, who lives with us, was not happy about the whole thing. I was really unhappy too when I realised that all the dailies have started carrying the news. Whatever happens to me today, I deserve it because my action was wicked.” Adeyemi was arrested at Coker Estate, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos, but her husband, who was at the scene, escaped. It took detectives more than five hours before she started talking about how her family had been celebrating, each time a ransom was paid. Adeyemi was arrested on Wednesday with her housemaid, Henrietta Odili, 16. Investigators said preliminary investigation showed that Odili was also kidnapped. She applied to the family of kidnappers as a housemaid and when she

got there, they seized her phone and refused her access to her father. Odili said: “I have not been able to speak with my parents for five months. They do not know whether I’m dead or alive.” The rescue of the kids and Adeyemi’s subsequent arrest came barely days after the SARS team, led by the Officer in Charge, SP Abba Kyari, took over the case. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, said the police rescued the three kids on Tuesday, at Shasha, Egbeda area of Lagos and the suspect, Adeyemi, was arrested on Wednesday at 9:20p.m. at Shasha, Lagos. Aderanti advised people, who want to employ housemaids, to visit the nearest police station. Detectives believed that the family had been in the kidnap business for long, but Adeyemi said she started just last December

President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (left) and Presiding Pastor, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, during his visit to Buhari in Kaduna...yesterday.

Jonathan splits N'Assembly over amendment bill Chukwu David and Philip Nyam Abuja

embers of the National Assembly are divided over President Goodluck Jonathan's decision to veto the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration Act, 2015, aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution. In their separate reactions yesterday, some lauded the decision while others wondered why the president had to wait till the twilight of his admin-

istration to notify the legislature of his objection. Besides, while the Senate is demanding that the president should return the bill, the House of Representatives has set up a committee to review his observations. Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, extolled the president for his patriotism and nationalistic stance in rejecting the bill. Describing Jonathan’s refusal to assent to the bill as another act of statesmanship, Enang said in spite of the fact that his

tenure would end soon, he was magnanimous to point out some errors, which would hurt Nigeria and its future leaders, if he had given his consent to the bill. Enang, however, pointed out that the observations made by the president came late, wondering why the presidency did not raise the issues until the National Assembly passed the bill. He blamed the presidency officials, who should have pointed out these issues during the public hearings because opportunities were provided for various segments of the

public to make their input at the processing stage. Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, on his part, said the process of passing the bill was tedious, wondering why it was at this stage that such objections were coming up from the president. At its plenary yesterday, the Senate asked Jonathan to return to the chamber the draft copy of the bill. Jonathan had, on Tuesday, in a six-page letter addressed to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, conveyed to the legislature his decision to

withhold his assent to the bill and to remit same back to the National Assembly for necessary action. Justifying his veto on the bill, the President said he would not assent to the amendments because they did not satisfy the requirements of Section 9(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He also queried the resolution of the National Assembly to whittle down some executive powers of the President and that of the Attorney General of the Federation, amongst many other issues. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

and had only taken part in the abduction of the Esharegaran brothers and the Orekoya kids. The police have also discovered that she used fake names on the OLX portal. A police source revealed how a trap was set for the kidnappers. He said: “Although the suspect and gang members were demanding N15 million, but I gathered that SARS detectives instructed the Orekoyas to pay a fraction of the ransom into the account of an unnamed bank. “The account was opened in Ibadan, Oyo State. Detectives discovered a link between the contact number on the account and that of the nanny. The gang withdrew N400,000 from the account via ATM.” According to the source, detectives set up surveillance on the account and calls on the mobile phones of members of the syndicate. Aderanti explained that sensing that the police were closing in on them, the gang split. Adeyemi and the gang evacuated their home. She was, however, arrested along with her maid. Detectives have started trailing the fleeing members. Also, Orekoya told New Telegraph yesterday that the police had instructed them not to divulge the amount paid. He said: “Due to ongoing investigation and in line with police directives, we shall not disclose the amount paid.” Orekoya added that the kidnappers requested that the money be paid into the account of an undisclosed bank, a ploy which the police asked him to comply with. However, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, denied knowing if any ransom was paid by the Orekoyas. He said: “We are making frantic effort to arrest other fleeing members of the gang. The police team, acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, tracked the gang with bits of information made available to them. “We encouraged the Orekoyas to maintain communication with the kidnappers. With the information gathered, the team was able to follow the link to where the nanny was arrested. “We know that she did not carry out the crime in isolation. Others are involved. I promise you that in a short while, they would also be arrested.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIday, APRIL 17, 2015

Travel Advisory

FRIday, APRIL 17, 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 17, 2015

Why I conceded defeat to Buhari, by Jonathan

lRallies world leaders' support for president-elect Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday defended his decision to concede defeat to winner of April 11 Presidential election, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jonathan, at separate audience with the ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia, said he did so to nurture democracy. He also urged world leaders to rally round Buhari. Jonathan, during the reception for the diplomats, also called on all Nigerians to do their utmost best to help the incoming president succeed.

Xenophobia: Recall Nigerian envoy to S'Africa, Reps tell FG Philip Nyam and Anule Emmanuel

ollowing recent xenophobic attacks by South Africans on Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa, the House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to, immediately, recall the nation's Ambassador to the country for proper consultations. The House, however, rejected attempts to make the government severe diplomatic ties with the former apartheid nation. The House took the decision following a motion on matters of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (APC, Lagos) drawing attention to recent act of xenophobic attacks targeted at Nigerians in particular and other black Africans living in South Africa. Leading debate on the matter, Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that ''a Nigerian businessman in the course of the mayhem was beating, tortured and his business premises vandalised and destroyed.”

She said: ''South African government's response to these occurrences has been very lukewarm. Not much has been done to curb this ugly trend."

He appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders in Nigeria, which, he said, Buhari would need to achieve, peace, security and progress. Responding to the commendation of his exemplary concession, Jonathan said he conceded defeat out of his abiding conviction that the unity, well-being and progress of Nigeria must supersede all personal ambitions. “Democracy has to be nurtured to grow. Strong democratic institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They must be protected and nurtured. As for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first. “You need to have a nation before you can have

nited States has expressed readiness to support President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to rescue the over 200 girls abducted by Boko Haram militants from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State one year ago. American Vice President, Joe Biden, gave the assurance in a telephone chat with Buhari in Abuja while congratulating him on his electoral victory. The support, according to Biden, also includes the fight against Boko Haram.

He has been very supportive of the country in the fight against terrorism. "I expect that the same warmth and goodwill will be extended to the incoming government. I expect that France will continue to work with the new administration, especially on issues of terrorism. “The United Nations has been supportive as well. Our troops, supported by regional forces, have done very well in fighting the terrorists in recent times. What we need now is support to help our people get back their lives,’’ he said. The ambassadors commended Jonathan for setting a record of humility, patriotism and courage in safeguarding the democratic process in Nigeria

and Africa. “Nigeria is not only an economic power in the world today, but also a great democratic example. And it is all by your effort, Mr. President. "The last elections and your response was truly a great achievement and you will always be remembered for it,” the French ambassador said. Mr. Guaer, the new Ambassador of Senegal, Mr. Baboucar Sambe and the new Ambassador of Ethiopia, Samia Zekaria Gutu who were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to Jonathan, also assured him that they will do their best to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their countries during their tenure.

L-R: Chairman, Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo; the state governorship candidate of the party, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan and the party's National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, at a press briefing in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

US offers Buhari help to fight Boko Haram Mojeed Alabi

an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition. “Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy,’’ the President added. Speaking with the new French ambassador, Mr. Denis Guaer, Jonathan urged France to extend the support and assistance it gave to his administration to Buhari’s government. “President Francois Hollande was our guest in Nigeria during the celebration of Nigeria’s centenary.

Biden, according to the excerpts from their discussion, which was made available to Diplomatic Correspondents in Abuja, also said his country was ready to expand collaboration with Nigeria in the new dispensation. Biden said: “Vice President Biden spoke with Nigerian President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him on his victory in the recent Nigerian elections and affirm that the United States stands ready to expand collaboration with Nigeria on issues of common concern, including economic and security matters.

“The Vice President commended Presidentelect Buhari for his leadership in helping to ensure the elections were conducted peacefully and urged him to continue to foster a smooth, inclusive, and peaceful transition with President Jonathan. “The Vice President expressed the United States’ support for Nigeria’s efforts to counter Boko Haram, recover hostages held by the group, and protect civilian populations. The vice president also expressed the willingness of the United States to partner more closely with Nigeria to strengthen its economy.”

May 29: Jonathan meets service chiefs in Aso Rock Anule Emmanuel Abuja

s part of arrangements for the smooth hand over of the baton of leadership to the government of General Muhammadu Buhari, winner of the March 28 presidential election, the nation's service chiefs yesterday met with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa. President Jonathan, in the last couple of weeks, have been meeting with relevant officers in his cabinet with the view to tiding up of files for proper

handover. The president has also directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to submit their handover briefs to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on or before May 20. Yesterday's meeting between the President and the service chiefs, our correspondent gathered, is also to provide the Commander-in-Chief with adequate briefs and strategies on security during the ceremonial inauguration of the new President. The security chiefs were led to the closed-door

session with the president by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). The security chiefs in attendance included the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu. None of them spoke with journalists at the end of the parley that lasted about three hours. Those who attended are members of the National Security Council.

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Passengers groan as air controllers ground planes lAirlines lose N1bn in six-hour strike

Wole Shadare

or more than six hours, air traffic controllers yesterday grounded domestic flight operations across the country. A six-hour warning strike, according to the controllers, was to draw the attention of the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to epileptic air navigation equipment as well as failure to address welfare issues last year. A source put the loss of airlines to over N1 billion within the period the airlines were grounded, occasioned by the strike action. Arik Air, for instance, makes over 150 flights a day. Aero on the other hand makes half the number of flights Arik does daily. Other airlines which services were disrupted were Medview, First Nation, Dana, Azman, Air Peace and Overland Airways. It was tears for stranded passengers whose travel plans were disrupted. Many of them were strapped to their seats in-

side early morning flights to Abuja, Port-Harcourt and different parts of the country without clearance from the controllers. Travel expert, Mr. Ikechi Uko, called New Telegraph at about 7:30a.m. to complain of inability to give his aircraft take-off clearance. The aircraft was eventually allowed to take off. It was the only flight that was allowed to take off. Foreign airlines were not affected as flight right was given to them. While the situation lasted, terminal buildings of most airports, particularly those of Lagos were filled to the brim with travellers who looked frustrated as they waited for clearance.

New Telegraph learnt that the same situation played out at all the aerodromes. The warning strike, according to the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), was a prelude to total industrial action scheduled to begin on April 20. General Manager for NAMA, Olajumoke Adetona, in a statement said “relevant authorities have been in consultations with air traffic controllers on their agitation for enhanced welfare.” She said the situation is gradually returning to normal as flight operations have resumed at the various airports across

the nation, just as she regretted any inconveniences caused the travelling public as a result of these flight delays. Another official who pleaded anonymity said the management had commenced discussions with members of the controllers on how to resolve the issues affecting their welfare and working equipment. The official said the Managing Director of NAMA, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, was already in Abuja to meet relevant ministry officials on how to resolve the industrial action by air traffic controllers, assuring that the matter would be amicably resolved.

Last year at its annual general meeting in Kano, the controllers in a communiqué, complained of epileptic air navigation equipment at airports nationwide, even as they complained about intolerable working conditions. NATCA in a statement by President and General Secretary of NATCA, Victor Egaru and Olawode Banji, respectively, said their action was informed by lack of action plan and political will to implement the agreements earlier reached with “our association and others that has necessitated this corresponding action by air traffic controllers in Nigeria.” “Today’s action lasted

for six hours only as a warning sign but in preparation for a major and total industrial action which shall commence on Monday April 20, if relevant government bodies continue to treat air traffic controllers issues with utmost levity or neglect. Tempers are high, but industrial peace and harmony must be the concern of everybody,” the association stated. The association said the CNS/ATM equipment has been epileptic and alarming, thereby increasing the workloads of both ATCs and Pilots. Meanwhile, the management of NAMA has agreed to meet the demands of the controllers.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

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PORT HARCOURT

L-R: Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Benjamin Dikki; Minister of Mine and Steel Development, Musa Sada; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Godsknows Igali and Vice-Chairman, Technical Committee, National Council on Privatisation, Haruna Sambo, at a press conference after the council's meeting in Abuja…yesterday. 29oC

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KANO

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ENUGU

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IBADAN

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CALABAR

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MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

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External reserves drop by $263m in two weeks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tion of the naira by eight per cent in November last year and the scrapping of the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) window in February, which also led to the naira dropping to N199 to the dollar. In addition, as part of efforts to check the activities of speculators, the CBN has threatened to prosecute users of foreign currencies for local transactions. On Tuesday, it reduced the limit on the usage of naira denominated cards for transactions overseas from $150,000 to $50,000 per person per annum and directed authorised dealers to ensure that the daily cash withdrawal limit embedded in the cards per person, per day is pegged at $300.

According to financial experts, the international standard for healthy external reserves is that the reserves should be able to support six months import cover, which for Nigeria should be about $48 billion. However, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has said there is no cause for alarm as the current level is still better than three months' coverage required by the West African Monetary Zone. “Despite the depletion in the level of external reserves, Nigeria is still in a comfortable zone. This is because the level of our reserves is able to cover more months of imports when compared with the three-month requirement

under the convergence criteria of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ). “In addition, Nigeria’s external reserve level is able to cover more months of imports than the subSaharan Africa,” she stated. But financial experts have said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank may step in and seek to offer financial assistance to Nigeria if the reserves continue to decline at the current rate. Okonjo-Iweala had in January hinted of plans to augment capital spending with “external long-term concessional borrowings for infrastructure projects,” adding that those being courted to provide the funds were the World Bank and China.

At a recent presentation in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Bismarck Rewane, had warned of dire prospects for the country’s economy, predicting that federally collected revenue could decline further by about 25 per cent in the first quarter of this year. According to analysts, with such a significant shortfall in expected revenue, the incoming administration will face many challenges fixing infrastructure and executing the capital projects that it promised to carry out during electioneering. A former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. Samuel Nzekwe, told New Telegraph that although the falling

reserves would pose a challenge to the incoming administration, it could fulfil its promises if it manages the economy efficiently. He said: “Efficient management of the economy is key. The government has to drastically reduce corruption and, in particular, put an end to the practice of over invoicing. The nation loses a lot of money through over invoicing. You cannot imagine how much is lost to that practice. For instance, do you know how much the ministries will save by carrying out their own projects instead of awarding contracts. The government will also save a lot of money by stopping the importation of rice and other such commodities. Then finally, the government will have to increase productivity.”

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

800m people go to bed hungry, says World Bank Ayodele Aminu

WASHIGNTON D.C.

ith 800 million people going to bed hungry every night, countries combatting hunger must build better food systems that raise agricultural productivity in rural areas, the World Bank has said. Besides, the global bank said countries must invest in improving nutritional outcomes for young children and pregnant women, and boost climatesmart agriculture that can withstand a warmer planet. These were contained in report titled “Ending Poverty and Hunger by 2030: An Agenda for the Global Food System,” and released yesterday at the ongoing 2015 World Bank/ International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings in Washington D.C. “This report is critically important because it provides an overview of key actions that should be taken to end widespread hunger,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. “Countries should ensure farmers have access to markets, receive fair value for crops, and grow foods that will

withstand the rigors of a changing climate. They should invest in food, health, and care for young children and pregnant women, and improve access to nutritious food.” Kim added: “Taking these steps toward ending hunger can impact other important global issues – it will help end extreme poverty, tackle climate change, and end the scourge of malnutrition that robs many children of a better future.” The report was released at a meetings to frame a conversation on “The Future of Food,” between Kim and David Chang, the world-renowned chef and founder of Momofuku restaurants. Their conversation focused on reducing food waste, improving the logistics of managing and transporting food, and boosting nutrition through sharing knowledge. Civil society leaders from Brazil and Zimbabwe described their work in feeding local communities. “The historical evolution of the global food system has made possible rapid urbanisation and population growth, contributing significantly to welfare improvements in the world,” the report said.

“The impacts on poverty and hunger have been positive and significant. Yet we stand at a critical moment in history where we can and must help shape the evolution of the global food system to permanently end poverty and hunger by 2030. Climate change adds to the complexity of this challenge. The agenda is large and will require focused, multi-sectoral approaches, and stronger partnerships.” In particular, the report focuses on three areas that can have the greatest impact. The first is climatesmart agriculture. Climate change is projected to reduce crop yields by 15 to 20 per cent in the poorest regions if temperatures rise above two degrees Celsius. The third area is strengthening value across food chains and improving market access. Food demand is projected to grow over the next 15 years – by about 60 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa, and 30 per cent in South Asia. The report says that poor farmers need to be better linked to markets to benefit from such growth. The report outlines policy and investment areas to help achieve this end.

Jonathan splits N'Assembly over amendment bill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

But the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, during plenary session, raised a point of order to make personal explanation on the President's decision. Ekweremadu told the Senate that his committee had embarked on a twoday retreat to enable the members to thoroughly consider the letter of the President in order to advise the apex chamber appropriately on the matter. He said while the committee was considering Jonathan's letter, it discovered that the president, in the second to the last paragraph, stated that he would return the bill with the letter, but he did not do so. Ekweremadu moved a motion, calling on Senate President David Mark to write to Jonathan, asking him to return to the Senate the draft copy of the bill submitted to him for his assent. He said: "the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has raised a num-

ber of objections with respect to the Fourth Alteration of our constitution. "That letter was appropriately referred to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review. We slated to have a two-day retreat to consider the letter and advise the Senate appropriately. "In the course of our sitting yesterday (Wednesday), we noticed that in the second to the last paragraph of that letter, the President said he was returning the bill with the letter. Unfortunately, the bill was not returned with the letter and we could not proceed because we would like to see the returned bill. "The committee has asked me to raise this point, to request the President of the Senate, to ask the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to send back the original copy of the bill as sent to him, especially the signature page to enable us to proceed with our work; especially since he had indicated in his own letter that the letter was accompanied by the bill. So, we would like to have the bill in its original form, espe-

cially the signature page." Mark, who noted that the motion did not require any debate since it was a matter of personal explanation, automatically received the support of his colleagues. He promised to write the President due to the urgency of the matter. On its part, the House of Representatives mandated its Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution to study the objections raised by the president. The 44-member interim committee is headed by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, with members drawn from all states of the federation. But the lawmakers were almost unanimous in condemning the president’s position, saying that the document can never be discarded just after many efforts have been committed to producing it. They said far-reaching proposals had been approved which would be of great benefits to Nigerians and the President might have been misadvised by his Attorney General to withhold assent to the bill.

INVITATION for the YEARS 2012-2014 (MERGED) TETFUND INTERVENTION IN LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT The Plateau State University, Bokkos, intends to execute the following projects: LOT 1: Procurement of Assorted Books and Reference Materials LOT 2: Procurement of HP Envy 700T Intel Core (7 Desktop Mini Tower PC 500GB HDD, 4GB RAM), HP Scanner G3110 and Photocopiers LOT 3: Procurement of Bindery Equipments 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 Thursday 7th May, 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 Thursday 7th May, 2015. OPENING OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS The pre-qualification documents will be opened on Thursday 7th May, 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 pre-qualified contractors shall be invited to tender for the projects accordingly. The list of successful pre-qualified 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 prequalification 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 16th April, 2015

News

Mojeed Alabi

igeria’s President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari has been named by the Time Magazine as one of the world’s top 100 most influential men and women. The magazine, in its 12th edition of the annual ranking, also listed three other Nigerians, including the leader of the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group and former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili

national

friday, april 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari, Shekau, Ezekwesili among top 100 global titans and one of the nation’s young award winning writers, Chimamanda Adichie to be on the same page with world leaders like President Barack Obama; German Chancellor, Angela Merkel; Russian President Vladimir Putin; Raul Castro of Cuba, Pope Francis, Hillary Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, among others.

Surprisingly, the notorious leader of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, whom the magazine described as the “Scourge of Africa,” Abubakar Shekau, was also included in the list as the most violent killer Nigerians have ever seen, and concluded that the group’s latest action of pledging allegiance to

the terrorist group, ISIS – may finally summon a United States’ response. According to the magazine, the former Military dictator, Buhari, made history by becoming the first candidate to oust a sitting Nigerian President through the ballot box, describing his new image as a huge turnaround.

In a short profile of General Buhari, which was written by the magazine’s African Bureau Chief, Aryn Baker, the President-elect is said to be carrying a huge burden of how to live up to the people’s expectations, saying he must tackle the Boko Haram menace and resolve the endemic corruption, among other

challenges facing Africa’s most populous country. It read in part; “The greatest may be overcoming his past as a military ruler who seized power in 1983. Already the born-again democrat is demonstrating the inclusivity necessary to lead a nation ridden by ethnic and religious tensions.” On Ezekwesili, the magazine said without the awareness she created about the abducted pupils of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, now globally known as Chibok girls, it would have taken more time for the Federal Government to react and accept the fact that the girls were missing. “Some people will say she is too loudmouthed. The loud mouth is needed. People hear it,” TIME said. “Even before she became the champion of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, Ezekwesili was already a leading voice in Nigerian politics.”

FG Hands Over Nitel/Mtel to NATCOM Anule Emmanuel

T L-R: Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Aminu Wali; President Goodluck Jonathan and France Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Ambassador Danis Gauer, at the presentation of his letter of credence to the President in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Boko Haram: We don't need foreign troops, Jonathan tells UN Taraba: APC governorship candidate P wants results cancelled Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Al-Hassan, yesterday called for the total cancellation of the governorship election that held in the state on April 11. The candidate, who briefed the press in Abuja, alleged that the election was massively rigged by the Peoples Democratic Party members. She chronicled the problems that marred the elections as, widespread non-use of Card Readers or Destruction of the machines, Non accreditation of voters, subversion of the rights of the people to exercise their franchise, the use of security agencies in aid of the PDP, kidnap of electoral officials by the PDP with the help of security agencies and ballot stuffing. Other irregularities

according to her were: Collation of results in non-INEC designated areas, the non delivery of electoral materials in many parts of the Local Governments listed above, the apparent complicity of INEC officials at all levels in the state, the resort to vote allocations on results sheets and violence that led to injuries and loss of lives. Calling for the cancellation of the governorship result, she said, "INEC should set aside the declaration of inconclusive result for Taraba State. The results of all the areas affected by irregularities in the 11 local governments should be cancelled outright, after which a fresh collation should be done and a winner declared "Alternatively, the result of the entire state should be cancelled and a fresh election conducted. This is in view of the widespread irregularities in most of the Local Government Areas of the state

resident Goodluck Jonathan has urged the United Nations to focus more on helping Nigeria with the rehabilitation and reconstruction of persons and communities affected by terrorism in Northern Nigeria rather than deploying an international force to the country. Speaking at an audi-

ence with the Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and Central Africa, Mohammed Ibn Chambas and Abdoulaye Bathily, President Jonathan expressed the view that UN intervention in Nigeria should not be based on Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which relates to military enforcement

of peace, but on Chapter 8. He said that the provisions of Chapter 8 of the UN Charter, which recognises the role of regional bodies such as the African Union in working with the United Nations for the promotion of peace and security, were robust enough to tackle insurgency in Nigeria and other African countries.

Abdulsalami: No big deal meeting with Alison-Madueke Anule Emmanuel

ormer Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has denied media reports that he is presently playing an intermediary role between some key ministers of President Goodluck Jon-

athan and the incoming administration of MajorGeneral Muhammadu Buhari to stop their possible investigation. There has been reports that following calls from the international community for the incoming administration

to probe the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, has been rallying round powerful northerners, including General Abdulsalami to jettison the plan.

Abuja Disco gets seven-day ultimatum over billing system Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday issued a query to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) over esti-

mated billing of consumers. According to statement from Dr. Usman Abba Arabi - Head, Public Affairs Department of NERC, the Commission directed Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to explain within seven days why “enforce-

ment action should not be taken against you and sanctions meted accordingly for non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the licence granted you, the methodology for estimated billing 2012 and directives to submit a comprehensive data on billing."

he Federal Government yesterday approved the official hand over of Nitel/Mtel facilities to NATCOM consortium. The decision followed the completion of payment of $252.251m being cost of the acquisition. Deputy Chairman, National Council on Privatization Technical Committee, Haruna Sambo, disclosed this after their meeting at the Presidential Villa. "You recall that at the last NCP meeting, approval was made for the financial bid for NITEL/ MTEL by the bidder, NATCOM consortium at the cost of $ 252.251M. Today, at the council meeting, the council approved the hand over to NATCOM consortium, having paid the cost of acquisition. "By this approval, the process has come to a closure and the council has mandated the BPE to hand over the two companies to the preferred winner of course after all other outstanding issues are taken care of. Permanent Secretary, Power ministry, Godknows Igali, who also spoke to State House correspondents, said that government had settled about 98 per cent of exPHCN workers including their pensions and gratuities directing that any other remaining cases should be referred to the BPE for settlements.

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, april 17, 2015

News

national

Court fixes April 29 for suit against Fayose's impeachment Tunde Oyesina Abuja

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday fixed April 29 for the hearing of the suit seeking to stop the All Progressives Congress APC members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly from impeaching Governor Ayodele Fayose and his deputy, Kolapo Olusola. The trial judge, Justice A.R Mohammed, however, warned parties in the suit to steer clear of any action that can cause trouble or chaos in the state. He further stated that

any party that discovered that the other is making moves to forment trouble should bring an application before the court. The plaintiffs,Speaker of the House of Assembly (described as being occupied by the Peoples Democratic Party factional Speaker, Olugbemi Joseph Dele); Ekiti State House of Assembly, Fayose and Olusola through their counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, had approached the court via

a motion ex-parte seeking to halt impeachment moves against the governor. At the last adjourned date, the court ordered defendants in the suit, the APC factional Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin, and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola to appear before it and show cause why the plaintiffs' request should not be granted. When the matter came

up yesterday, plaintiffs’ counsel informed the court that the defendants have not yet filed any process. Responding, defendants' counsel, Terence Venber, drew the attention of the court that they were served last Saturday, which was an election day and hence they were still within time of the provision of the three days given by the rule of court for them to respond. Giving a short ruling,

the court noted that since April 11 was an election day, it would be deemed to be a public holiday and the service of the process will take effect from the next working day, from which the three days provided by the court rule will start counting. It was on that note that court adjourned to enable the defendants file and serve their response. Apart from Omirin and Justice Daramola, other defendants in the

suit are the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. In the ex-parte application, the plaintiffs had urged the court to grant the interim injunction setting aside the impeachment notice already served on the governor and the deputy and also restraining the defendants from taking any further steps in the impeachment moves.

NGF pledges loyalty to governors-elect Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has pledged loyalty to all new and returning governors of the Forum. The Forum seemed to be in limbo since the fictionalised 2013 NGF election that saw two claimants to its leadership. In a statement yesterday by the Director General, Asishana Okauru, the NGF said it is especially elated that winners have emerged in almost all the states. "While we congratulate the winners and urge them to be magnanimous in victory, we kindly urge the other contestants to be gallant and gracious in defeat. "We recognize as reported by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that a number of states recorded violent incidents targeted at polling units."

L-R: Lagos State Senators-elect; Olamilekan Adeola (West), Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Central); Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode and Senator Gbenga Ashafa (East), during INEC’s presentation of certificates of return to them in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

We didn't disobey court order, says MultiChoice

ultichoice Nigeria Limited, owners and operators of DStv, has described as inaccurate, publications, news reports and commentaries on various media platforms that it disobeyed an interim injunction restraining it from enforcing the increase in subscription rates for its programmes bouquet. This was contained

Sanitation: Lagos seeks stay of judgement execution Akeem Nafiu

he Lagos State Government has asked Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos to stay the execution of a judgement which declared the restriction of citizens' movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state as unlawful. The government said it is asking for a stay in the execution of the judgement pending the outcome of an appeal it lodged against it at the Court of Appeal. Justice Idris had, on

March 16, declared that the movement restriction policy of the government during the monthly exercise was illegal and a violation of the citizens' right to personal liberty and freedom of movement as protected by sections 35 and 41 of the Constitution. In a further affidavit in support of the motion for stay of execution of the judgement which was deposed to by one Quduz Lawal, the government maintained that there has been no environmental sanitation exercise since the judgement was delivered.

in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday signed by Mrs. Kemi Shaba of the MultiChoice Legal Department. The statement said as at April 2, when the Federal High Court granted the orders of interim injunction, the price increase had already taken effect, having commenced on April 1, 2015. "The status quo as at 2 April 2015 when the order

was made was that the prices had already been increased. "MultiChoice thus reiterates that it is not in breach of or disobeying the order of interim injunction made by the Federal High Court on 2nd April 2015," the statement said. On the April 2, Justice C.J Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, granted an interim

N150bn suit: Tinubu, AIT know fate May 27 Shola Adefuwa

Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, yesterday adjourned a N150 billion libel suit filed by the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, against African Independent Communication (AIT), to May 27. The presiding judge, Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe, adjourned the suit after hearing arguments by Tinubu's lawyer, Mr Ayodele Adedi-

pe and AIT's Mr Jeffery Kadiri. Tinubu had dragged Daar Communications Plc, owners of AIT, to court for allegedly airing a documentary entitled "Lion of Bourdilion" which he claimed was defamatory to his character. The judge had, on April 1 granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the broadcast station from further airing the documentary, pending the determination of the libel suit.

injunction, ordering parties to a suit challenging the new subscription rates announced by MultiChoice to maintain the status quo and restrained MultiChoice from enforcing its planned increase in cost of different classes of viewing or programmes bouquet. The court adjourned hearing in the suit till 16 April. The statement further

explained that that the contract agreement between MultiChoice and all its subscribers (including the parties who filed the suit) explicitly states that MultiChoice reserves the right to change prices and channels. This fact, it added, was not disclosed to the court before the orders of interim injunction was obtained.

Mark Urges INEC to review 2015 Polls Chukwu David Abuja

enate President David Mark, yesterday in Abuja urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the just concluded 2015 general elections with a view to addressing the grey areas agitating the minds of Nigerians. The President of the Senate made the call while exchanging views with the United States of America's Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, who paid him

a courtesy call in his office at the National Assembly complex. Mark said that the review of the electoral process was imperative in order to perfect the system that was needed to strengthen and consolidate democracy in Nigeria. Although, he acknowledged that INEC performed creditably well in the last general elections, the Chairman of the National Assembly however, pointed out that the Commission needed to improve on its strategies in future polls.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Strange illness kills 14 in Ondo

Adeyanju

Ondo Governor, Mimiko

EPIDEMIC Ondo State Government says the strange disease killing people in some parts of the state is not the dreaded Ebola Babatope Okeowo Akure

t least 14 people have been killed by a strange illness at Ode-Irele in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State. The victims, sources in the town said, included three close

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

friends, some members of the same families and other residents of the town. The people, who blamed the strange illness on a particular deity, put the casualty figure at over 17, while the state government put it at 12. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, who gave the figure of 12 while speaking with journalists yesterday in Akure, the state capital, said four other persons were being given isolated treatment at the General Hospital in the town. According to him, unconfirmed reports said two out of the four patients undergoing treatment at the isolated clinic died yesterday morning. Adeyanju said the presentation from the investigations carried out on the victims did not reveal symptoms of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The commissioner, however, said the state government had moved into the area to curtail the spread of the strange disease. He said preliminary report showed that the victims complained of headache and later lost their sight before they died. According to Adeyanju, there were no cases of diarrhoea, vomiting and haemorrhage that are usual symptoms

of EVD. The commissioner, who disclosed that the government would do everything possible to control the strange ailment, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners were already involved in the matter. He said samples taken from the victims had been sent to Lagos for proper investigation. Adeyanju said because the source of the disease had not been known, government had been engaging in advocacy to ensure that new cases were reported, adding that concealment could be devastating. He advised the relations against burying the victims at home, saying that they should use the cemetery instead. The commissioner also urged the people to be very careful during burial. Adeyanju said the state already had a cremation law, adding that government would have recovered the bodies from families if the state crematorium had been completed. He also said that the State Disease Surveillance Team and volunteers that were engaged during the Ebola cases had been deployed in the area to control the ailment. The commissioner disclosed that the Personnel Protective

Equipment purchased by the government during the outbreak of Ebola and their handlers had been deployed in the area. He warned the people against sensationalising issues to avoid creating tension among the people, particularly on the social media. Adeyanju urged the people to rely on the information from the official sources to avoid creating panic among the people.

Aliyu signs new law against rape Dan Atori MINNA

overnor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has assented to the bill by the state House of Assembly seeking stiffer punishment for rapists and people commit sexual offences. The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr Israel Ebije, said in a statement that other bills passed into law and assented to by Aliyu included the law which provide for the constitution of Sharia Courts in the state and the law to establish the Niger State Livestock and Fisheries Institute. The CPS said that the law seeking stiffer punishment against rapists and sex offenders was necessary. According to him, it will serve as deterrent to perpetrators and give succour to potential victims. He said: “Once people are aware the gavel of the law will strike hard on them for rape, the ugly trend will reduce or completely stop. One major factor why cases of rape appear to be increasing in our society is the fact that laws are quite lenient on such despicable offenders. “Governor Aliyu has never hidden his disdain for rapists and sex offenders. This law therefore properly reflects his desire to provide safety to the vulnerable in the society, especially children who are repeatedly sexually molested.” Ebije added that the law providing for constitutional framework for Sharia Courts in Niger State would help in harmonising common bases for legal matters.

Grinding machine kills girl, 12 Mohammed Kawu Bauchi

12-year-old girl, Aisah Baba, was killed by a grounding machine in Galdimari District, Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The girl was said to have met her untimely death when her clothes got caught by the fan belt of the machine which dragged her inside the machine. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said it happened on Wednesday. He said: “On 15/4/2015 at 10:00hrs, one Aisha Baba, female and 12 years of Galdimari Dis-

trict in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State was sent by her mother to process groundnut at a nearby grinding machine site in the township. “Unfortunately, the machine fan belt hooked the girl’s clothes and dragged her to the ground. As a result, the victim sustained serious injuries.” Mohammed explained that the police patrol team attached to Jama’are division rushed the victim to the General Hospital in Jama’are for medical attention, but she later died while receiving treatment. He said the body had been released to her relatives for burial according to Islamic rites. The PPRO, however, the case was still under investigation.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Seven injured as NDLEA hoodlums attack youths counsels 21,634, says Giade A Taiwo Jimoh

Giade

Juliana Francis

bout seven persons sustained injuries in Lagos when hoodlums attacked some youths celebrating the victory of their candidate in the governorship election. The celebration was reportedly led by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, before it turned bloody on Monday when thugs invaded the area and shot at them. It was learnt that after the commotion, which took place about 9am, seven of the youth that sustained gunshot wounds, were rushed to the Lagos

Island General Hospital for treatment. It was also gathered that the youth, numbering over 20, had converged on the Oja Oba Market ground on Adeniji Adele Road when the attack occurred. Policemen from the Adeniji Adele division were said to have visited the scene of the attack, but eyewitnesses claimed the police could not curtail the hoodlums. On Wednesday when our correspondent got to the general hospital, it was gathered that some of the victims had been discharged while three were still receiving treatment. Two of the hospitalised youths were identified as Jamiu Olawale and Ola-

lekan. Jamiu’s younger sister, Kafilat, told our correspondent that her brother was shot in the lower belly and his condition had yet to improve. Also, our correspondent observed Olalekan on the hospital bed, with bandaged thighs and stomach. The mother of two of the victims, who did not want her name in print, said they were responding to treatment. She said they might be discharged in the next one week. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Kenneth Nwosu, promised to call back later. He, however, did not call at press time.

Ghanaian court jails Nigerian sex worker

Kumasi Circuit Court, Ghana, has sentenced a Nigerian commercial sex worker, Grace Daniel, to five years imprisonment for human trafficking. The court, according to Ghana News Agency (GNA), directed that the 29-yearold Daniel should be deported after serving her jail term. The court also ordered that she should compensate each of the four victims with GH¢200. Daniel, the court was told, had deceived the girls, aged between 17 and 20 years, to accompany her to Ghana from Nigeria with a promise of engaging them in her non-existing shop as sales assistants. But the convict denied the offence. However, the court, presided over by Mrs Janet Animah Marfo, found her guilty after the trial. Police Chief Inspector Comfort BaffourKyei said the convict after arriving in the country with the girls, made desperate attempts to convince them to join her in the commercial sex trade, which they refused to do.

Gov-elect’s wife donates drugs to meningitis victims

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said 21,634 people had benefited from its counselling services. The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ahmadu Giade, who disclosed this, said that online anti-drug abuse/trafficking counselling services were now available to interested members of the public. According to him, the agency has taken this step to address the growing need for anti-drug abuse/trafficking sensitisation. Giade said the 21,634 people benefitted from NDLEA offline counselling services nationwide between 2010 and 2014. He said: “Online counselling will complement existing offline counselling platforms across our formations nationwide. We introduced online counselling to provide our services to people especially youths at the comfort of their homes. “Besides, it is easy to access, providing clients greater comfort and convenience. The confidentiality involved also makes whoever is seeking information to be openminded and bond easily with counsellors. “Already, the services can be accessed via email address ddr@ndlea.gov.ng and twitter handle @ndlea_nigeria. Very soon the facebook account and toll-free phone calls will be activated to further expand our scope of operation.” According to the NDLEA boss, who gave a breakdown of counselling services provided by the agency in the past five years, drug addiction is not a crime. He said: “Members of the public must appreciate the fact that drug addiction is not a crime. Every drug addict is a patient and must be treated with love. NDLEA does not punish addicts rather they are properly counselled and treated. “In the past five years, the agency successfully provided counselling services to 21,634 persons. In 2010, 3,589 persons benefited while in 2011, 4,162 were counselled. “However, from 2012 to 2014, those that received counselling services were 4,136, 6,344 and 3,403 respectively.” The NDLEA boss explained that counselling is not limited to persons with drug abuse problem but to all who are interested in having general knowledge about drugs. He said: “It is important for people to have basic knowledge of drugs like types and effects of drugs. How to identify drug addicts, civic responsibility on drug control, predisposing factors to drug abuse/ trafficking as well as relevant information on drug abuse and trafficking.”

City Briefs

Abubakari Abdul Birnin Kebbi

One of the victims on his hospital bed

Cholera claims 20 in Ebonyi Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

holera outbreak has claimed more than 20 people in seven local government areas of Ebonyi State. The state Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr Chris Achi, who made this known in Abakaliki, said the endemic was recorded in Abakaliki, Izzi, Ebonyi, Ohaukwu, Ishielu, Ezza North and Ohaozara local government areas. According to him, 10 undergraduates of the Ebonyi State University were affected by the disease out of which one died. He added that 15 students of Girls’ High School, Azuiyiokwu, were also affected and

were taken to the Fed- those who want to rent eral Teaching Hospital, houses to get houses Abakaliki for medical with toilets. attention. But, accordAchi urged the people ing to him, none of to ensure personal hythem has died. giene and desist from The director also dis- eating food they are not closed that the endemic sure of where it was was recorded in 12 Apos- prepared to avoid contle College Sharon and tracting the disease. Annunciation schools, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki. Achi, who was former commissioner for health in the state, explained that those who died resorted to selfmedication. According to him, they died before they were taken to the hospital for treatment. He advised the people to stop defecating indiscriminately in their vicinities and drinking contaminated water. Health Minister, Dr Haliru The director called on Alhassan

he wife of the Kebbi State Governorelect, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, has donated drugs to the victims of meningitis outbreak in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. Addressing journalists shortly after the presentation of the drugs to the Head of Anguwan Kayi village dispensary, Muhammad Adamu Saleh, yesterday, Bagudu added that the gesture was part of her blueprint during the electioneering. According to her, as a medical doctor she promised to promote the health sector and ensure free maternal mortality across the 21 local government areas of the state. The donation included anti-malaria, anti-hypertensive, anti-biotic and diabetic drugs. At least about eight children died last week at Anguwaw Kayi village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government as a result of the outbreak of meningitis in the area.

Rotary Club offers free eye surgery Appolonia Adeyemi

otary Club of Palm Groove Estate, Lagos, has advised Nigerians suffering from cataract to take advantage of its free cataract surgery. The President of the Rotary Club of Palm Groove Estate, Ramesh Biswal, said the free cataract screening/surgery tagged: “Light Up Rotary,” would take place at No 1 D’Alberto Road, Palm Groove Estate. Biswal said the screening would hold from 9a.m to 2p.m on April 18 and 25. He said: “Similarly, there will be free eye screening and cataract surgery at the same venue on May 1, 2, 9, and 16.” A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. It is the most common cause of blindness worldwide and is conventionally treated with surgery. Visual loss occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing and being focused on the retina at the back of the eye.

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Kashamu absent as INEC presents certificates to Amosun, others Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

enator-elect and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, was yesterday absent at the presentation of Certificates of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to winners in the just-concluded gubernatorial and state assemblies’ elections. The event, held at the

June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, was attended by Governor Ibikunle Amosun; the deputy governor-elect, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga; senatorselect for Ogun Central and Ogun East, Lanre Tejuoso and Gbolahan Dada; and elected members of the House of Representatives. Apart from Kashamu, two newly elected members of House of Representatives, Oladipupo Adebutu (Remo Federal Constituency) and Segun Williams (Abeokuta South Federal Constitu-

ency) were also absent on the occasion. Kashamu, who is the senator-elect of Ogun East Senatorial District, is one of the most vocal opponents of the APC before the the March 28 presidential election. He had since congratulated Amosun and the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, in an open letter, promising to ensure that the nine newly elected PDP lawmakers in the Ogun State House of Assembly give maximum cooperation to the governor.

The APC, which won two senatorial seats and seven federal constituencies, had vowed to challenge the election of Kashamu in court, which the party claimed was fraught with “gross irregularities, inducement and intimidation of voters, manipulation and falsification of results.” Kashamu could not be reached yesterday on why he did not attend the public presentation of certificates of return to elected candidates. When contacted, an

INEC official, who preferred anonymity, said the elected candidates that were absent can collect their certificates of return at the commission’s office. Meanwhile, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti States, Prof. Lai Olurode, yesterday identified indiscipline of political party leaders, security challenges and voter apathy as threats to the nation’s electoral process. Olurode also urged the incoming administration of General Muhammadu

Buhari (retd) to prosecute those who perpetrated electoral fraud during the just concluded general elections. According to him, INEC is not happy with standard of election conducted in the country compared to other African countries. He stated that in African countries like Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, sensitive materials of electoral bodies are taken home by officials without any incident, but expressed regret that such cannot be practised in Nigeria.

Lagos redesigns 4th Mainland Bridge to save homes Dayo Ayeyemi and Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government yesterday explained that it has not dropped the idea of constructing the 4th Mainland Bridge, saying that it was redesigning the proposed bridge in order to avoid demolishing of about 69 buildings erected on the right of way. The state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat who made the disclosure while giving update on the bridge, said no fewer than 69 buildings sprung up on the initial alignment for the construction of the bridge. Speaking at the ongoing ministerial press briefing, Hamzat said that the development forced the government to consider a re-alignment to avoid massive demolition of the buildings.

Ekiti crisis: Workers declare holiday, seek peace Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

rganised labour in Ekiti State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (NJC), yesterday declared today work free day to pray for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in the state. At a rally in Ado-Ekiti, the workers said as critical stakeholders in the state, they abhorred violence and anything that could lead to the breakdown of law and order.

L-R: Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chief Timothy Ibitoye; INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode and Governor-elect, Ibikunle Amosun, during the presentation of Certificate of Return in Abeokuta…yesterday. PHOTO: KUNLE OLAYENI

Police arrest seven over attack on deputy governor Lagos completes 281 roads Babatope Okeowo Akure

even people have been arrested by the security agencies over an alleged attack on the convoy of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi worsening the crisis over the defection of the Deputy Governor from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The seven people were

arrested in different places in Akure, the state capital between Wednesday night and yesterday based on the petition written by the Deputy Governor complaining about the alleged threat to his life by some hoodlums in the state. This development came as different youth groups have been calling for the resignation or impeachment of the deputy over his defection from PDP to APC. The petition, titled “Assassination attempt on the

life of Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi” stated that on his return to Akure, on Monday afternoon, unspecified number of hoodlums attacked his convoy at the Benin Garage, Fiwasaye junction and PDP Secretariat where the road was barricaded and attacked him. He said the intention of the hoodlums cannot be less than an attempt to assassinate him as stones and guns were fired at his convoy.

Group writes NJC over Fayose’s impeachment plot Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

he Ekiti Justice Group (EJG), an association of elite of Ekiti State origin comprising professionals and non-professionals, has written the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the letter purportedly written by

some All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, directing the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, to constitute a panel to investigate impeachable offences against Governor Ayo Fayose and his deputy, Dr Olusola Kolapo. The group, while addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on yesterday,

described the action of the embattled Speaker, Dr Adewale Omirin, as bizarre, ignoble, irresponsible and downrightly unlawful, calling on the CJN to prevail on Justice Daramola not to allow his respected office and personality to be dragged into any illegality and the murky waters of politics.

in four years Dayo Ayeyemi

agos State government says it has completed 281 roads, measuring 296.517 kilometres between 2011 and 2015, while additional 80 roads have undergone grading and surface dressing during the period. Showcasing the performance of Governor Babatunde Fashola administration in the last four year, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the number of roads constructed in the second term of the governor was an improvement on the number of roads constructed during his first term. According to statistics provided by the ministry, 150 roads measuring 176.030 were completed between 2007 and 2011. The total number of roads constructed during the first and second term of Fashola’s administration (2007 to 2015) totalled 431,

measuring 472.547 kilometres. The commissioner explained that about 201 roads are still under construction and rehabilitation, including additional 71 roads going through grading and surface dressing. Hamzat pointed out that the beauty of the whole exercise was that the road construction works cut across all the local government areas of the state, adding that as the state was attending to the highway, the inner roads were not left unattended to. H e maintained that in as much the state government would have loved to construct and rehabilitate more roads, paucity of fund has limited it. While phase 1 of IdimuEjigbo Road has been completed, the commissioner said its phase II, which is about 2.5 kilometres, has been awarded to Palmyra Construction Nigeria Limited last October.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Guber poll

Semenitari: No election took place in Rivers

Open Forum

Okah: Rivers people tired of Amaechi, APC’s antics

Ogun

General elections

Untold story of Amosun’s re-election

Bamidele: APC’s rallying point in Ekiti?

Politics The defection of a former anti-graft czar, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the Adamawa governorship election has turned to be a political misadventure, writes FELIX NWANERI

Ribadu’s costly gamble

ormer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, must be regretting the political move that saw him jump ship from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in August last year. Ribadu, who flew the PDP flag in the April 11 governorship election in Adamawa State, lost to the candidate of the APC of which he was a founding member. The former anti-graft czar was trounced by the Deputy Chairman of Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Jibrilla Bindow in a contest that turned out a three-horse race against the belief that it would be between the PDP and APC. Bindow polled 362,329 votes to defeat his closest rival, Engr. Markus Gundiri of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who polled 181,806 votes. Surprisingly, Ribadu, who most bookmakers had tipped to win the contest, came a distant third with 98,917 votes. The result was shocking to many because the conviction ahead of the poll was that the voting pattern would either be based on the attributes of the candidates or the influence of some personalities in the state, and that give or take, Ribadu stands shoulder high against other contenders.

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Ribadu But members of a political school, who said they saw Ribadu’s defeat coming, cited the result of the presidential poll as a pointer to the routing. The APC had earlier defeated Ribadu’s PDP in his Yola South Local Government Area by 39,019 to 10,988 votes in the presidential election. Throwing in the towel Ribadu’s dismal performance in the poll, perhaps, explained why he was quick to concede defeat midway into the announcement of the result by the Returning Officer of the election, Prof. Geoffrey Okogbaa. In a statement he personally signed, Ribadu said: “My dear people of Adamawa State, I greet you in the best form of greetings. I had dreamt of coming back home to lead our dear state to greater strides after years of underdevelopment. I started this journey in August last year and successfully got the mandate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to fly its flag for the April 11 gubernatorial election. “I came into this race knowing fully well that political contests are two-way traffics – one either

I came into this race with lofty dreams and clear vision for our dear state, but the voice of the majority has not given me this chance. I take this in good faith

wins or loses. As a man of faith, I was also aware that leadership responsibility is a product of God’s anointment. In the course of this journey, I have seen genuine support and encouragement from the people of Adamawa State. Several individuals from Adamawa and beyond contributed generously to keep the campaign going and many others devoted their time, energy and intellect to see to the success of this project. I sincerely appreciate this belief in my person and my ambition. “The support I got from my party’s leadership and individual members from President Goodluck Jonathan down to the party agents in our polling units was overwhelming and gratifying. The party leader in the state, Barrister Bala James Ngilari and the state party chairman, Chief Joel Madaki led their lieutenants in making this journey memorable. “I came into this race with lofty dreams and clear vision for our dear state, but the voice of the majority has not given me this chance. I take this in good faith. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the winner and pray that at the end of

it all our dear state will witness the needed progress and development it so much desires.” Tortuous journey Like Ribadu acknowledged, the Adamawa governorship contest was a difficult one, and signs that the journey would be tortuous, emanated right from the PDP primaries to determine who flies the party’s flag. Though he clinched the ticket, it was however not after a tough battle that saw the national leadership of the party moving the primary election to Abuja. The former EFCC boss defeated six other contestants, including the governor of the state, Bala Ngilari by 688 to 26 votes. Awwal Tukur, son of a former chairman of the PDP, Bamanga Tukur, got 24 votes; a former Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Ahmed Modibbo had 30 votes; Marcus Gundiri, who ran for governor on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 elections, got 33 votes, while General CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPEN FORUM

...CALLS FOR CANCELLATION OF GUBER POLLS

Semenitari: No election took place in Rivers Mrs Ibim Semenitari is the Commissioner for Information in Rivers State

f Nigerians should just see the situation room log of Rivers election, they will cry. There was no election, voting did not take place in this state. In few units where voting took place, they chased people away from collation centres with armed thugs, police and soldiers, then they came back and wrote whatever they like as result. We have our agents on the field and these are their reports. In Okrika, they were flogging people, in Bonny, the Assembly candidate told me that soldiers corked guns and chase him and the Commissioner for Transport from their polling unit. It is not a question of doubt that election did not hold on April 11. If the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said election held, they should pull out their card readers’ log. We had a highly compromised electoral umpire and we had a po-

lice and army that were out to deal with us. In Akuku-Toru Local Government, they started shooting from 9a.m. on Friday until the evening on Saturday. People could not go in not to talk of come out to vote. The assembly candidate of AkukuToru was not allowed to enter the local government to vote for himself. He had to stay in a neighbourhood local government, Degemba. Militants had a field day and do you know that if the so-called election is allowed to hold, Rivers State House of Assembly would have nine militants as members in a house of 33 members. So, this is beyond Amaechi or Peterside, it is about Nigeria because the whole world saw what happened in Rivers. It is so unthinkable because sporadic shootings were heard everywhere and there was no peace in the state. Like I always say, the media is the eye of democracy and it should not turn its blind eye to issues as this. People were shot and it looks like nobody cares. Remember that before Governor Amaechi came on board in October 2007, Rivers State was a killing field and theatre of war. With the grace of God

Voting did not take place in this state. In few units where voting took place, they chased people away from collation centres with armed thugs, police and soldiers

and help of security agencies, he was able to curtail crime and he did not give support to militancy in the first place. But now we have a situation where militants are seating in the state assembly as legislators and a governor who has done business with militants, I wish all of us luck. Interview by wale elegbede

Semenitari

Obioha: Some elections can’t stand test of time Chief Ralph Obioha is the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee and chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)

t is very clear that the elections in South-East as a whole did not reflect the true wishes of the people. One would understand that they have already designed a plan that election in the region should tailor towards a particular party. There is no doubt that the governorship election in Abia ran into difficulty while it was going on. It is important that the tenets of democracy should be a true reflection of one-man-one-vote, not manipulation of elections. One is not saying that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not a preferred party in the South-East, it is the preferred party but I believe the will of the people should be allowed to prevail. On the case of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states where people are already calling for cancellation of the governorship elections, I am in total support that elections should be cancelled in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. I am in support of the cancellation because the figures they declared in those states were not practically possible and demography cannot support it. The reaction of voters after they have cast their votes cannot also support it. Some of the observers that covered the elections in the states have also indicated that there were places where no election took place and results were produced from those areas. Violence during election is condemnable. There is nothing that should jus-

Obioha

tify violence while people are casting their votes. Violence during election is a reflection of people intolerance. The

moment we inculcate more democratic culture, I think those things will start diminishing. The elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom were marred by lots of irregularities and if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allows it to stand, it would be travesty of democracy. It should not stand and they should conduct another election to make sure that the true feelings of the people count. Going by the margin in the Imo State governorship election, people could see that there is some democratic process that took place. And if there are spots where elections were not conducted properly, I think what INEC can do is to have rerun in those areas. And whatever results that come out of it to declare the winner should be acceptable. Before the election, I made my stand clear that looking at the dynamics of the presidential election result, everything

should be done for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor to be returned so that South-East would have a sense of belonging in the new dispensation because it would be a bad politics for us to be shut out of the mainstream politics. And Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State being the only APC governor in South-East, everything must be done to ensure that he remains in office. It seems people took my advice into consideration and the result of the election seems to be going in that direction. So, it is wrong for PDP to call for cancellation of the Imo governorship election; they have no justification to do so. My opinion is not about adopting double standard, I believe that the case of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states are different scenarios and it should not be compared with the case of Imo State. Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Musa: INEC should cancel election if... Alhaji Balarabe Musa is a former governor of old Kaduna State and chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP)

he elections were never expected by those who are informed to be free, fair and transparent and leading to a legitimate government. Money and power were deciding factors in politics. Despite the outcome of the elections, there has not been qualitative change from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Presently, some people are clamour-

Musa

ing for cancellation of elections in some states and I am of the view that if there is clear evidence of any malpractices or irregularities during the elections should be cancelled by the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC). If INEC has declared that elections are inconclusive, so be it and INEC should be allowed to perform its duty. The state of violence during elections should be expected because the battle for political and elective positions is all about money and selfish interest. If some people have invested a lot of money and they think they are losing, they will adopt force to make sure that they don’t lose. I believe that the only way to stop violence during election is to make elections free, fair and transparent. If elections are not free, fair and transparent, there would be violence but there cannot be free, fair and transparent elections when money is the deciding factor. Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

OPEN FORUM Emma Okah is the Director of Media, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Organisation in Rivers State

...CALLS FOR CANCELLATION OF GUBER POLLS

Okah: Rivers people tired of Amaechi, APC’s antics

he call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the cancellation of Rivers State governorship election is self-serving and baseless. It has no foundation and it is designed by the APC to further frustrate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the people of Rivers State, who clearly came out on April 11 to choose the governor of their choice. We in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) totally disagree with the APC and urged them to approach the tribunal if they have any disagreement because the INEC has said they will not cancel any election. So, my opinion or

The people of Rivers State are tired of their antics and want to move forward

Okah

their opinion is not relevant. There were elections in Rivers State on April 11. I voted and Governor Rotimi Amaechi voted. The people of Eleme and other areas where APC won said there was an election and they all voted. It is only where they lost that they claimed election did not hold. But the people of Rivers State are tired of their antics and want to move forward. If APC had any allegation against the PDP over the use of exmilitants or people shooting during the election as they alleged, I will advise them to go to the police. That is the appropriate thing to do. That is what we do in the PDP whenever we perceived a situation that is criminal; we quickly rush to the police to report. Whenever APC wins election;

that election is perfect. INEC is right and the security agencies are perfect and everything works well. The ballot materials came on time, no infractions and it is as if the election was conducted by Jesus Christ and everything is okay. Whenever they lose, all manners of furious allegations and concocted stories are told just to discredit a system that did not favour them. That is not good sportsmanship. I am not surprise that they are doing what they are doing; it is their style. There is nothing for PDP to fear in Rivers State. If election is conducted 300 times before swearingin ceremony in Rivers State as I speak today the PDP will win 300 times. They know it as well. Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Mohammed: Rivers, Akwa Ibom polls, a charade Alhaji Lai Mohammed is the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

hile the elections went on smoothly in most parts of the country, the situation was different in some others, where all that took place was nothing but mock elections, a mere charade! Two of the states that witnessed such caricature of elections are Rivers and Akwa Ibom, where elections were not conducted in accordance with INEC guidelines.

Because of this, we in the APC are left with no choice than to demand the immediate cancellation of the purported elections in the two states. Let me now present more in-depth details of what transpired in Rivers and Akwa Ibom on Saturday, and why the elections in the two states cannot stand. It is clear that the script for the distortion of the Rivers elections was written by the Presidency and executed by the PDP, the police and militants As you would recollect, our party’s chapter in Rivers had written a petition complaining of the crass partisanship of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police in the Presidential and National Assembly Elections held on the 28th of March. Because of this petition, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman

Mohammed

Abba, posted three Commissioners of Police from the Force Headquarters to

Ajulo: Only court can cancel elections Barrister Kayode Ajulo is the National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP)

s far as the Labour Party (LP) is concerned, there are some areas where there was grand violation of provision of the Electoral Act and where there were lots of irregularities and perpetuation of crime. There were examples of such cases in Delta, Ebonyi, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. In all these areas, we believe the elections in those areas cannot hold. So, we are calling for cancellation of elections in those areas. And why asking for that, we take cognisance of the provision of our law, particular the interpretation and pronouncement of our court that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already makes a pronouncement, only a court of law could do otherwise. We are approaching the court because we believe that is the only procedure. Our lawyers are getting the facts and figures

Ajulo

and before the expiration date, to bring such petition before the court. We will certainly approach the court. In place likes Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers, INEC has already made a return and wherever INEC had already made a return, it is only a court that can cancel the elections. If INEC had not made a return, we can call for the cancellation of the election but since INEC had made a pronouncement, its pronouncement is sacrosanct. So, as it is now, the only thing that any party or anybody that believes in

the rule of law can do is to approach the court, which we will certainly do. The situation where people involve in violence during election and get result by being declared winner will bring anarchy. The case of Delta is even clear. Two weeks before the gubernatorial election in Delta State, we raised alarm and wrote a letter to INEC, stating that the result of that election is already in public domain. We even attached the copy of that result sheet to INEC and had a press conference on the issue. But instead of INEC to put its house in order, it went ahead to hold the election and we are so sure that whatever that comes out of that election in that circumstance is null and void. Apart from being a National Secretary of my party, I am a practising lawyer, so I believe such election cannot stand. I am confident that the election cannot stand because I know the position of the law and we have a Chief Justice of Nigeria who I know very well and who I can vouch for when it comes to constitutional issue. And we are very sure that we will get justice in this case. Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

oversee the April 11th Governorship and House of Assembly Elections in Rivers State. As soon as the President learnt of this development, he directed the IGP to reverse the decision and instead requested that AIG Tunde Ogunsakin be posted to oversee the April 11th elections in Rivers State. As soon as electoral materials were distributed, the Divisional Police Officer for Akukutoru Local Government Area simply handed over the election materials for this local government to the militants. Upon learning of this development, AIG Ogunshakin ordered that the materials should be recovered and handed over to the Electoral Officer for the local government within the next hour. Irked by AIG Ogunsakin’s directive, the Presidency ordered him to leave Rivers State within six hours and a pliant replacement was asked to take over from him. From then on, unimaginative terror was unleashed on the electorate, in particular on APC members and supporters. It was a straight fight between the police, the militants and the PDP on the one hand and the APC on the other hand. On Akwa Ibom, the APC fully supports the demand by its chapter in Akwa Ibom for the immediate cancellation of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom. Our position is based on the fact that elections in most parts of the state were not conducted according INEC guidelines. Election materials were not supplied to most of the polling units in all the three senatorial districts. In former Governor Victor Attah’s ward in Ibesikpo Asutan, three contiguous polling units did not receive election materials. In addition to the failure to supply election materials to polling units and the snatching of ballot boxes, the elections were marred by widespread violence, resulting in the deaths of many people.

Politics

Olusola Balogun

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday announced the re-election of Senator Ibikunle Amosun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governor of Ogun State. He polled 306,988 votes to defeat Gboyega Isiaka of the People Democratic Party (PDP) who got 201, 440 votes. The race, initially thought to be a four-horse race, eventually narrowed down to a two-horse race. Amosun, who endured a torrid time with former Governor Olusegun Osoba over the control of the new party, also equalled the 17 House of Assembly seats won in 2011 by the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). However, not many would had placed a wager on Amosun securing a second term given the groundswell of opposition, the suicidal crisis that engulfed the APC soon after the birth of the party in the state and the desperation of the Presidency to clinch the home state of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to spite him for not supporting President Goodluck Jonathan. No sooner after the emergence of the APC in Ogun State, had a splinter party emerged from its ranks. A key figure in the party, Olusegun Osoba, led a group of politicians out of the party to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state. But the governor was able to stabilise the party and with sheer determination, steered the party to victory at the polls. Isiaka’s dodgy emergence The dodgy manner through which Isiaka emerged as PDP’s flag bearer contributed in a big way to the victory. It alienated not a few members of the party, particularly aspirants, who felt they were short-changed by some forces in the party and that they weren’t treated fairly. Two of such aggrieved aspirants are former deputy governor, Rafiu Ogunleye, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Dimeji Bankole and ex-Abeokuta South Local Government boss, Prince Yanju Lipede, who all eventually directed their supporters to vote for APC’s Amosun at the polls. Last minute endorsements The last minute endorsements and support by Ogunleye, Lipede, Bankole and another PDP stalwart, Biyi Oyegbeye coupled with the crisis that engulfed the state chapter of the Labour Party (LP) boosted the chances of the incumbent. The crisis in the LP, apart from stopping them from effectively campaigning also accounted for the departure of its 2011 gubernatorial candidate, Otunba Awosedo to the APC. Isiaka’s romance with Kashamu, Daniel The last minute open romance by Isiaka with former governor Gbenga Daniel and businessman, Buruji Kashamu, also created huge image problem for the PDP candidate. If he had planned to use the last-minute public identification as a joker, the move backfired. Many suddenly saw through the smokescreen of initial lies that Isiaka is at odds

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Untold story of Amosun’s re-election

Amosun

with Daniel, his erstwhile political godfather. Isiaka must have suspected the strategy has backfired when callers on a Radio calling-in programme keeps carpeting him and concluded that he will be a sad continuation of Daniel’s government. The image of Kashamu didn’t assist him either. During the campaigns, several prominent indigenes of the state avoided being seen with Kashamu openly due to his alleged involvement in drug case in the USA. Indeed, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, decried the choice of Kashamu as senator to represent Ogun East Senatorial District. But Isiaka saw it differently. Amosun’s performance The performance of Governor Amosun was a key factor. The governor had massive dream of where and what he wants the state to be. He is always quick to tell his audience that “My plan is to make Ogun State what New Jersey is to New York (in USA). We intend to exploit the proximity of our state to Lagos to our advantage.” Although he might not have fully attained the goal, Ogun is well on course. Amosun was undeterred by the huge economic and social deficit he inherited. He soldiered on with uncommon determination erecting policies and programmes aimed at placing Ogun State among the topdrawer states in the country. It was the BusinessDay newspaper that first announced the new status of the state. The newspaper declared Ogun State as the fastest-growing economy and

Ogun State didn’t just move from zero to hero to draw World Bank kudos. It was the fallout of series of strategic and deliberate actions

first choice for industrialists and entrepreneurs among the 36 states in Nigeria. To the newspaper, Ogun State, won the award “because it has the highest number of businesses established in its domain and that the government has made the environment more attractive to investors. Ogun also has the highest Gross Domestic Product in the last one year...”. The report of the World Bank, ‘Doing Business in Nigeria 2014’, rates Ogun as one of the top five states in Nigeria “that made the biggest strides towards the national frontier of good practices”! The biennial report was released in October 2014. This iconic feat by the incumbent governor can be better appreciated when juxtaposed with the situation of the state before the advent of Amosun. The World Bank, in 2008 and 2010 reports, had ranked Ogun State among the lowest overall performing states in Nigeria in terms of ease of doing business. Put bluntly, doing business in Ogun State that time was a highrisk venture! But Amosun has confined that to history. According to the World Bank, “thanks to concerted effort... Ogun improved on three of the four ‘Doing Business’ indicators benchmarked,” The report observe further that in Ogun State, “The construction permitting system was radically overhauled, with the state government... decentralising the approval system and a new committee monitoring delays. Building permit applications and payments can now be made simultaneously in district offices. Private professionals issue environmental-impact assessments in accordance with the conditions and templates set out in a framework agreement.” The digitalisation of the Property Records by the state Bureau of Lands also introduces a refreshing edge into property acquisition and documentation in the state. The effect was the ‘Home Ownership Charter’ which, apart from the speed of availability of property document, slashed the fee payable on land titles by as much as 70 per cent. But Ogun State didn’t just move from zero to hero to draw World Bank kudos. It was the fallout of series of strategic and deliberate actions. For instance, at inception of the Amosun administration, redtape and porous security were key headaches. Robbers practically held the state by the jugular. Banks were invaded with effortless ease as securitymen were helpless due to poor and obsolete equipment. But the government responded gamely by investing in security. The state government purchased 14 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bought 500 patrol vans fitted with communication gadgets, 500 bullet-proof vests, 500 bullet proof-helmets, 1000 AK-47 rifles as well as two million rounds of ammunition for policemen to prepare them to face hoodlums.

The result was instant. Crime statistics in the state crashed as armed robbery took flight of the state after realising the futility of plying their trade in Ogun. Political thuggery, occasioned by intolerance also became history as the governor allows constructive criticism and liberalised the media space for dissenting voices. The era of ritual killings equally became history as the government consciously gave special attention to the various dark spots and relaxation centres across the state for policing. Cultrelated wars ceased as officials of the government were not encouraging and or financing cultists as was the case before his advent. Suddenly, Ogun, once notorious for its high crime rate, became one of the most secured states in the country. The new security status encouraged investors to view the state as investors’ preferred destination. Out-going President Jonathan, during his recent campaign stopover in Abeokuta, indeed confirmed that 56 new firms have berthed in Ogun within the last 40 months. The figure has since rose to 62. The relentless theft of Nigeria’s oil in the Niger Delta, the dip in crude prices at the global market and the poor internal revenue of the state nudge the governor to introduce prudence into public financing and accounting system. He blocked leakages in the financial system and put his experience as an accountant into bear as he unfurl an innovative financial re-engineering plan. Governor Amosun enthroned measures that increased the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state from the paltry N730 million he inherited to over N5 billion under 40 months. He also slashed salaries and allowances of political office holders to free valuable fund for developmental projects. The surge in the income the state afforded the government to embark on an ambitious urban renewal programme during which 16 roads and 12 bridges sited across the three senatorial districts, were constructed. The urban renewal programme is perhaps one sector where the Ogun government has drawn most applauds. The government flagged off the programme with the reconstruction of the 2.4 km Ibara-Sokori-Totoro road which it used as model for what is now known as ‘Ogun Standard’ roads. The agriculture sector also witnessed remarkable turnaround. In a single intervention, 86 pieces of multi-million naira land clearing and preparation equipment were launched by the governor. To further prove that the state is serious with the idea of reclaiming its glory in the agriculture sector, the state government enthroned a policy where investors – local or foreign, interested in agriculture will only need to pay 20 per cent of the cost of agriculture land. Voters in Ogun suddenly realised that with Governor Amosun on the driver’s seat, the state can be said to be in a safe hand and so see no reason to change him. •Balogun is a media aide to Governor Amosun.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Bamidele: APC’s rallying point in Ekiti? The 2015 general elections have come and gone. Winners and losers have emerged and the political parties are now restrategising across the states and national level to either consolidate their position or perform better in future elections. ADESINA WAHAB examines the situation in Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

n the recent general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) did brilliantly well in most of the states in the South-West geo-political zone, except in Ekiti where the party was trounced twice by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The show of supremacy by the PDP over the APC in the state did not, however, start with the elections. The PDP governorship candidate, Ayo Fayose, defeated the APC candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who was the incumbent, in the June 21, 2014 governorship election. Some political watchers opined then that it was the coming of Fayose that negatively affected the chances of a member of the House of Representatives, who was also the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the poll, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele. The lawmaker had wanted to go to the Senate in 2011, but eventually settled for the House of Representatives on the platform of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the parties that formed the APC. Bamidele, who is representing Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, while launching out for the governorship election, formed the Bibire Coalition in September 2013, a movement that drew support from APC, PDP and LP members. The group has members such as Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, Bishop Oloniyo, Mr. Niyi Ajibulu, Chief Akin Omole among others. After the governorship election, leaders of the APC in the state and at the national level saw the need for the re-positioning of the party and the need to incorporate leaders like Bamidele. They recollected his almost singular effort at keeping the party alive during the period of Segun Oni as the governor of the state. Bamidele, who was then a commissioner in Lagos State, spent fortunes to fund the party. On one occasion, he donated seven buses to the party, not to mention other gifts to the party and its members. His accessibility, simplicity and generosity have endeared him to many people across different

Bamidele

party lines in the state. So, it was not surprising that a loud ovation marked his entry to the Ekiti State Pavilion on January 24, 2015 when the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, came to campaign in the state. As he walked round the arena greeting people, enthusiastic supporters chorused his name. Though he had not formally gone back to the APC, Bamidele made no pretence in his support for Buhari in the election. “I want to be a part of this change. I am committed to the victory of General Buhari. I am a member of Labour Party, but this project goes beyond personal interest, it is about the corporate existence and progress of our great country. “We must rid the nation of the monumental corruption retarding her progress. I am leading my teeming supporters to give support to Buhari because of my belief in Buhari’s capacity to deliver if elected president of the country. “As a progressive, the task of joining other like-minded Nigerians to rid the country of corruption, insecurity and unemployment is my priority for now. I enjoin Nigerians to use the opportunity offered by Buhari’s candidature to free themselves from the clutches of socio-economic traps they had been thrown into. “Buhari remains the best option for our country at this time and that is why we are deploying the Ekiti Bibiire Coalition political platform for him. Buhari had been Military Governor, Minister and Head of State. He has both civilian and military backgrounds

I will continue to strive hard to serve as a unifying force for all political parties

that can help this nation at this critical period. We cannot continue to fold our arms and allow a group under the guise of insurgency continue to decimate our people, even when we have a government at the centre. “Aside this, aligning with APC is like rejoining my political family. We share the same ideology which is deeply founded on progressivism. I am ready to support any cause that would bring Nigeria out of the woods regardless of wherever I may be in terms of political association,” he said. And true to his words, Bamidele joined other APC leaders such as Prof Babalola Aborisade in canvassing support for Buhari during the election. As a true leader, Bamidele delayed his formal return to the APC till after the general elections to be able to give support to some LP candidates in the National and State Assembly election. In a rare display of political sportsmanship, Bamidele, shortly after the House of Assembly election in Ekiti State, visited the home of the winner of the election in Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency I, Mr. Omodara Olamiposi and gave him N500,000 to mark his victory. Omodara, an indigene of IyinEkiti, was the PDP candidate in the election. Similar gesture was extended to the candidates of LP, Mr. Opeyemi Oguntuase Dada and that of the APC, Mr. Bisi Dada James respectively, as each got the sum of N250,000 from Bamidele for displaying maturity during the poll. Both the PDP and the APC

candidates are from Bamidele’s Ibedoyin Quarters, while the LP candidate is from Oke Ilawe, all in Iyin-Ekiti, Bamidele’s hometown. He said the decision was taken to cement the tie of brotherliness in Iyin-Ekiti, and to prove a point that politics should be a game to unify the people and not an avenue for a town to be ripped apart all in the name of power contest. He said since the trio, who belonged to diverse political parties were from Iyin-Ekiti, it behoves on political leaders to show leadership by example, for the town to stand united to reinforce the level of development in the town. “Though the PDP candidate won the election, such political feat will not rewrite the history that the victory was a collective glory for all the indigenes of the town. I will continue to strive hard to serve as a unifying force for all political parties and the youth to neutralise the seeming centrifugal forces being generated by political actors in the last few years which is taking a toll on the collective interest of the town. “I urge the winner to be magnanimous in victory, by seeing the entire indigenes of Iyin-Ekiti as his interest, regardless of political leanings, while I am appealing to the losers to exhibit gallantry, for power belongs to God,” he said. Bamidele’s gesture did not only show his love for peace, but also his generosity, a virtue many say is lacking in the lives of many politicians in the state. Now that the APC wants to redefine itself in Ekiti State, is he the rallying point for the onerous task?

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Tinubu (Timber), Fayose (Fire), Wike (Wicked) Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

ow we are at peace and free to review the elections which many thought would break this country of ours. One lesson to take away from the whole exercise, is that many of our politicians were actually empty barrels who only had noise to offer. It is also clear, that from the mammoth crowd of victory dancers, from the heap of deflated heads, we know those who really went to battle with plans and maps of direction. Many were called, few were chosen. The chosen few deserve all the applause. And I am going to award medals to three of them. Gold, Silver and Bronze. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs no introduction. I always have big titles for him, beyond the ones he earned from various places and kingdoms. The Asiwaju of the Universe, Jagaban Borgu, Most Valuable Player [MVP] of the 2015 Elections, Conqueror of Africa’s largest political party, the Broom that swept the nation, from the Sahara to the Atlantic, Father of the Opposition, Killer of the ruling party… maybe, I should add Kabiyesiooooo. Tinubu, is no doubt, the Gover nor- General of Nigerian politics. Give it to him. This man emerged from the blues in 1998, flaunting NADECO credentials. In the politics of the South West, he was in the crowd of Lilliputians. By 1999, he was smart enough to warm his way into Alausa, as Lagos state governor. The Yoruba have their brand of politics. The Chief Olusegun Obasanjo they rejected in 1999, became their adopted son in 2003. Of the six South- West governors, Tinubu was perhaps, the youngest but one. His aburo would be Otunba Niyi Adebayo. The quartet of Chief Bisi Akande, Pa Adefarati, Alhaji Lam Adesina and Chief Segun Osoba were more experienced. Tinubu, with the brain of an accountant, refused to count his eggs before they were hatched by then President Obasanjo. He distanced him-

self from the poisonous romance that would follow. And he was proved right. All but one of the South –West states, were conquered by Gen. Obasanjo ,in Fourth Marine Commando fashion. That was the beginning of the rise to the top. While others followed the winning train, Tinubu stayed put, choosing to create his own brand. By 2007, he was still bent on playing it the Asiwaju way. At that time, the Alliance for Democracy, had become the Action Congress [AC]. After the 2007 elections, the AC won only in Tinubu’s Lagos, even with Vice President Atiku Abubakar as flag bearer. The Jagaban, a real warrior, did not abandon his mission even when others jumped ship. Then, the underground work began. He never gave up. What could not come through the poll results, came through the law courts. From one, the legal domino effect set in. Edo fell, Osun crumbled and Ekiti followed. In 2011, Tinubu was powerful enough politically, to wave the magic wand. General Buhari could have done a deal with what had become the Action Congress of Nigeria[ACN]. However, he floated the Congress for Progressive Change[CPC]. Asiwaju picked Nuhu Ribadu and on discovering that the Adamawa man was a paperweight, he traded with the ruling party, to his advantage, even if the Peoples Democratic Party[PDP] won the Presidential Elections through Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. As Buhari lost for the third consecutive time, Tinubu planned ahead, with the former Army ruler on his radar. The PDP became rather too big and pompous to a large degree. The Asiwaju read the hand writing on the wall and began his final onslaught. It took discreet political engineering to finally shake the PDP with a mega opposition party. To cure PDP’s headache, Tinubu bought APC[All Progressives Congress]. A Tinubu- Buhari pact was enough to change the course of Nigeria’s political history. But credit must go to the one man who stayed put while others flirted. From just one state under his control in 2003, Tinubu has become the most popular politician in the Black World today. He did not jump from one party to the other, he stood firm, extending his political hand across divides. Patience pays, he seems to be telling politicians. This is the real man of TIMBER OF CALIBRE, a political titan, icon, the new

face of Nigerian politics, who has moved the Yoruba from opposition to position at the centre. He is the Golden Boy of the elections. He therefore won the gold medal. Peter Ayodele Fayose is another player who continues to get the results. A Yoruba, loathed by many, his people have shown him so much love. While the whole of Yorubaland quacked, no thanks to Tinubu’s electoral tsunami, Fayose stood like the Rock of Gibralta, holding on to Ekiti state. Everything under the sun was done to discredit Fayose,the more they planned for him , the more he waited for their pranks. His foes dug holes, the man scaled fences. Fayose is fiery and fires from the mouth. A section of the state legislature dared to fire him from the throne with impeachment, the opposition took the governor to court. Simply, all did not work. Fayose delivered Ekiti to President Goodluck Jonathan, when others who were closer to Aso Villa abandoned their political weapons and ran away from battle. Fayose is like fire, that burns those who do not want him in Ado Ekiti. He is hot, red hot and following the Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday , has shown that those who want him out must always expect him to return fire for fire. For doing what higher officers could not, Peter Ayodele Fayose, the fire spitting dangerman of Ado Ekiti, opposition crusher, the Rock of Western Nigeria, husband of a prophetess, bagged the silver medal. Enter Nyesom Nwike, conqueror of Rotimi Amaechi, the Ikwerre bulldozer, who lived up to his words. Honestly, I thought the former Minister of state was all noise. He was always shouting and aggressive in speech. I wondered how an Ikwerre man could think of replacing his brother, in Govermnment House, Port Harcourt. While Amaechi flew round the Nigeria proclaiming relevance, Wike worked and warmed his way into the heart of people of Rivers state. What we have today is the result. A fighter who fought well and won and a dancer who just wriggled and fizzled out. This is not wickedness to a kinsman, it is Wike’s ace. There goes the bronze winner. Since President Jonathan has taken the Fair Play Award and Buhari the Golden Boot, I think it is just time to retire Vice President Namadi Sambo. A Red is good enough for our amiable VP. That is the match report.

Can Buhari fix Nigeria? Julius Oweh

n the euphoric delusional celebration of the Buhari presidential victory, the political class of the APC hue may have forgotten the fundamental and deep seated problems of disunity and lack of fiscal federalism plaguing the nation. They are contended with the banal issue of the departure of the Jonathan administration promising to tackle the issues of corruption and insecurity. These are good starting points for the Buhari administration but the enduring challenge of fixing the Nigerian federation and making it work for the betterment of all Nigerians should be the long time goal and objective. To put all our energies in solving the insecurity problem and corruption, and dissemble that all is well with us is nothing short of contemplating our political and national navel. The problems of political restructuring predated the Jonathan admin-

istration and nobody can blame him for the skewed federal system of government. But Jonathan, like other leaders before him, cannot escape blame for lacking the initiative and political will to tackle our political structure. The last National Conference was an opportunity for the Jonathan administration to correct them but he buckled under the illusions that there were sensitive areas that the members of the national conference should not address. In the political formulation of Mr President, the indivisibility of the country should not be discussed. The probing question on the lips of genuine patriots: Is the Nigerian federation working? Is the patch work of Lord Lugard and his mistress that midwifed the country suitable for the offsprings of this illegal union? Why are some people afraid of the division of the nation when even the United Kingdom is contemplating that under the veneer of the failed Scotland referendum for

independence? The truth of the matter is that if we grope in that path of delusion, we shall continue to gallop from one problem to another. The Buhari administration must look in this direction and mint solutions to the problems. The name `Federal Republic of Nigeria` is suspect and even a first year university student of political science knows that. That is why some people are calling for the practice of true federalism even though there is no word like that. It is like saying that one`s spouse is slightly pregnant. You are either practising federalism or not. Today our quasi federalism is veering towards unitary system of government and those who lambasted Gen. Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi for unitary system of government are the strongest advocates of that model of governance. Nobody should be afraid of the breakup of the country because it serves Nigerians better to stay together as one. But the basis of that existence must be surely worked and not the crop of our politicians especially those of

the national assembly who are more armoured with the insane acquisition of money and influence. That is why the suggestion of the Senate President, David Mark about the creation of more states is the most bizarre solution to the problem of the country and a confirmation that most of our politicians are not in touch with reality. The national assembly legislators are in the merry go round coaster roller political tour as the highest paid legislators in the world and do not bother about the welfare of the electorate. If Buhari is to leave enduring legacy, he must fashion out a bill before the national assembly that should restructure the country along the lines of fiscal federalism so that the current method of carrying bowls to Abuja by the state and local government officials is stopped for good. The fine grains of federalism should be entrenched in our system and will end the lazy option of states depending on Abuja for survival. • Oweh, a journalist, Asaba, Delta State.08037768392

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL17, 2015

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Nigerian clubs’ continental misadventure

hen Enyimba Football Club of Aba won the CAF champions League in 2003, many followers of the game were delighted that the good times were on for football at club level. A year after, with inspiration from the then sports-loving governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the Peoples Elephant won again, beating the dreaded North African teams en-route the back-toback continental success. That was over a decade ago. The feat was achieved after top Nigerian clubs like Shooting Stars, Stationery Stores, Rangers, Bendel Insurance, Abiola Babes, Leventis United, Iwuayanwu Nationale and Eagle Cement tried without success on the continent. Enyimba did not win by chance. It was a deliberate resolve by the management led by Felix Anyansi-Agwu. The management promised to win thrice consecutively but was able to do so twice. The players enjoyed good welfare package and they were never owed any bonus or sign-on fees. The mood was perfect for results. It was the exploits of Enyimba on the continent that earned Vincent Enyeama national call-up. The Lille goalie is now the skipper of the Super Eagles with 100 caps.

Sad enough, Nigerian clubs are yet to hit the target of the event after the feat attained by Enyimba. We are now used to lamentations every year as Nigerian clubs crash out of continental competition in the early stages. They do not even go beyond the second round. Eagle Cement of Port Harcourt and Sunshine Stars of Akure made it to the round robin years back but still failed to seriously challenge for the trophy. The situation is even getting worse. In the past three years, Kano Pillars have won the Nigerian elite league only to end up losing in the early stage of the continental competition. The most recent is the most disappointing. Pillars travelled to Morocco for the first leg match only to concede four goals against Mohgreb Tetouam. It was a hurdle too high to surmount in the return leg. Pillars won 2-1 but still crashed out on 5-1 aggregate score. Though, the team was involved in an unfortunate robbery attack weeks earlier, we believe it was not enough for the champions of Nigeria to crumble in such a disgraceful manner. Enyimba did not perform better. The Aba Elephants managed a slim 1-0 win at home and were beaten 2-0 by Smouha of Egypt in the return leg. The case of Dolphin of Port

Harcourt was the most ‘hilarious.’ The players were busy protesting in Nigeria over unpaid bonuses and salaries. They threatened not to honour the match. This led to a delay and they eventually travelled a day to the match. The team arrived the stadium in Tunis, 30 minutes after it was walked-over by Club Africaine. It is most irresponsible for a professional team to record such a disgraceful exit from a continental competition. For us, this is a national disgrace that must be further investigated by the football authorities. People have attributed the poor run of the clubs to the league calendar but it was the same system in place when Enyimba won the coveted trophy twice. Nigerian teams do not plan well for the new season. They think more about the money to be made in the transfer market. The Super Four competition organised for the top four teams in the league was good but the teams should have embarked on more serious preparation especially because the general elections affected the take-off of the league. Again, there was no election last year and the teams still failed to do well. Players’ welfare is an issue that is very crucial in Nigeria. Many of the league players are

the bread winners in their respective families and when they are not paid they get desperate and will not be in good frame of mind for trainings and matches. Teams with continental assignments are expected to retain their key players but the reverse is the case in the Nigerian league. Ufom Udoh was highest scorer in the league with 23 goals but his desire to play abroad ensured he was out of the Enyimba’s continental team. After his failure to get a club he came back but it was too late to register him and the team had to do without his services against Smouha. There should be a law restricting players from moving indiscriminately especially when the team is to play continental. We commend Warri Wolves, the only club still in the race in the CAF Confederation Cup but the team has to intensify its efforts to make it to the round robin stage of the competition. The NFF should offer technical assistance to these teams to boost Nigeria’s chances and also deploy some national team psychologists to assist the players in focusing well for the big competitions. We have had enough of embarrassment on the continent, the league body and the NFF should make solid plans with continental representatives to enable Nigeria to regain her lost glory in Africa.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

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Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

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Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Aliyu Kama (rtd) got three votes. Prominent members of the state chapter of the party, who felt dissatisfied with Ribadu’s candidacy, from then, covertly worked to sabotage his effort to be governor. The last straw was the defection of the likes of former Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Jonathan Zwingina; a former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Idi Hong and two serving senators – Bello Tukur and Ahmed Barata at the eve of the governorship election. Zwingina, who spoke on behalf of the defec-

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ribadu risks all tors, said they decided to pitch their tent with the APC to support Bindow. “We are positive of the change going on now in the country; we believe in the candidacy of Bindow,” he said. Ironically, this was after they had traversed the state with Ribadu, canvassing for votes for the PDP. While Zwingina and Hong had earlier lost their respective bids to represent Adamawa Central and Southern districts on the PDP plat-

form in the National Assembly election held on March 28, the decision to jump ship was reached after they met with the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, during his visit to Yola to campaign for the APC. Sour romance While many have attributed Ribadu’s loss to the internal wrangling in his party, some, however, opined that the former anti-graft chief shot himself on the foot, when

he dumped the APC for the PDP, a party he relentlessly criticized in the past. Ribadu was the presidential candidate of the defunct ACN – one of APC’s legacy parties in 2011, and won in Osun State. He was until his defection considered one of the prospects of the APC in the 2015 presidential election. Ribadu was said to have been pressurized at the time by the national leadership of the PDP

and Presidency to defect and contest the governorship election, but most of his political associates were shocked that he yielded to the demand given his view on some chieftains of the ruling party. He, however, justified his defection saying the APC was not better than the PDP in terms of the character of the people who constituted both parties. “In Nigeria, especially in politics, you can’t say that this is an

exclusive party for the people who are thieves or this is for good people,” he said. He also argued that his defection was not borne out of his desperation to realise his political ambition but was based on his patriotic zeal to serve the country and his people. Despite the justification, some said his defection had more to do with his governorship ambition and the alleged failure of the APC to give him the expected support and compensate him for his “sacrifices” for the party. Part of the sacrifices, it was argued, was his offer to step down in the 2011 presidential election for Buhari, then candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) as well as his role in “wooing” some PDP governors to join the APC. What next Though Ribadu told reporters after voting on election day at his Aliyu Mustafa polling unit in Yola that he would concede defeat if the result was against him, his next political move remains uncertain for now. However, with the gale of defections trailing the elections, it would not be out of place if he finds his way back to the APC. Some analysts are of the view that he surreptitiously left the window open for a possible return, when he promised not to taunt his former associates in the APC such as Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwanso when he left the party. “I will not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations,” he said, while reacting to an allegation that he issued a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Amaechi and Kwankwaso in the wake of his defection to the PDP. While Ribadu had predicated his governorship ambition on the need to trigger changes that will transform Adamawa, especially in the critical areas of peace and harmonious coexistence, provision of infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture, only time will tell whether he would jump back to the APC, or remain in the PDP, as politics in the Nigerian contest remains strife of interest masquerading as a contest of principle.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Media

Arts

Tourism

Entries begin for CNN Multichoice African Journalist Awards 2015

Qatar Airways, Emirates, others make world’s top 22 dependable airlines

CULTURE

Drama takes centre stage as Lagos Black Heritage Festival begins

A scene in Gbekude

Tony Okuyeme

heatrical activities takes centre stage as the 2015 edition of the yearly Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF) begins tomorrow at Freedom Park, Old Broad Street Prison, 1 Hospital Road, by St Nicholas, Lagos Island. With “Drama, And Dance-Drama” as its theme, the festival features five plays, including one by Nobel Laureate and the festival consultant, Prof. Wole Soyinka; dance presentations; masquerades display; art exhibition as well as talent hunt competition, among other activities. The plays and dance drama include, The Beatification of Area Boy written and directed

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

by Wole Soyinka, Snapshots written and directed by Bode Sowande, The Tarzan Monologues, written and directed by Wole Oguntokun, The Tragedy Of King Christophe, written by Aime Cesaire and directed by Patrick-Jude Oteh, “Seizing Sambissa”, a dance drama written by Francesca Emanuel and Ogochukwu Promise, conceptualised by Segun Adefila and directed by Seun Awobajo. There is also Gbekude, a street theatre devised by Gboyega Ajayi Bembe. News of an impending visit by the historic Globe Theatre in England was a major factor in LBHF’s decision to prolong its break from the geography based thematic series - The Black in the Mediterranean Blue - on which the Festival embarked in 2012, the organizers stated in a release, stressing that the visit of a famed professional theatre seemed too good an opportunity to miss for calling attention to the yet impoverished local status of Theatre. “Thus, for this year’s edition, it was decided to centre activities around – Drama! Alas, we were not to know that the real-life drama of the Nigerian elections would be extended by a full month, compelling the Festival’s shift of dates in turn. Our expected collateral harvest of attention through immediacy is somewhat diminished. Nonetheless, we still hope that the passage of these professionals, will linger as the festival picks up the gauntlet, even a month later. It should at least invigorate interest in

the theatrical arts, underlining the practical challenges with which the home-grown version has to contend in virtually every aspect of dramatic presentation. “This year’s excursion into Drama as central theme does however offer a special contribution to the artistic trail blazed by these visitors. Its format was inspired by an increasing awareness of the need to bring theatre closer to the people, not merely confine it to predictable, albeit efficiently structured venues. Directors were selected, then encouraged to scout for optional spaces that they find most appropriate to their choice of plays – bare spaces, night clubs, open pavilions etc. - thus weaning drama of domination by ‘congenial confinement.’ Freedom Park will therefore constitute only one of this year’s drama venues, though without abandoning its role as the hub of the Festival.” Other activities include the pilot edition of the Mentor/Protégé

project. Experienced hands in the sub-disciplines of the Dramatic Arts – playwriting, acting, directing, technical theatre, dance-drama etc. – have been invited to mentor one aspiring theatre practitioner each, in a learning collaboration lasting six weeks. At the end of this period, protégés will showcase their projects. This, the organisers hope, will become a regular feature, not only in drama but in other Arts disciplines. Interested audiences will be permitted to observe some of this aspect of passing the baton, a condensed exercise in what is also known as apprenticeship or passing on skills. This year also, the doyen of Nigerian theatre, late Hubert Ogunde will be the subject of an exhibition. New generation enthusiasts and those who simply wish to stroll down memory lane can look forward to browsing through the memorabilia of the indisputable pioneer of Nigerian theatre. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Arts

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Poetry Court to feature Poet of the Month Ebere Ameh

oetry court, a site dedicated to the promotion of poetry and other literary arts has finalized plans to feature poets of the month starting from May 2015. Its African Poets Encyclopedia 2015 is instituted to recognize and honour written, spoken word and poetry promoters in celebration of the National Poetry Month. These are geared towards giving a voice to poets who many believe are having a raw deal as far as support, publicity and popularity are concerned. Speaking with Benjamin Osigwe, one of the people behind the initiative, he said that poets are ‘change seeking elements,’ that have continued to survive despite the uneasy task of writing in a hostile environment. “Our society is such that its leaders only boast of enough space for dead bodies of all kinds, and not a society that children will be fed with “quality education” all their entire lives. I want poets to be louder than they already are, and that’s why we are using ThePoetryCourt as a tool to encourage, support, and promote poets and literature in general. “We hope to wake up someday to a realization that poetry has become an art that has to be embraced by all - both those whom we think are incapable of identifying, not to talk of embracing knowledge, those we think age has deprived of education and also the elites. “We wish to see that secondary school students get to love poetry. Those that are denied poetry, because their literature teachers were unable to analyze the poems on their syllable, or because the

government failed to equip them with qualified literature teachers,” Osigwe explained. Talking about the selection process for the Poet of the Month, Osigwe explained that ten poets will be shortlisted every month. “ThePoetryCourt will search online for quality poems within two weeks of every month then we will announce our shortlisted poets at the end of the second week of the month. The shortlisted poems will also be featured every second week of the month, for all to read. “Poets and lovers of the art will then cast votes, by sending the names of three poets, in the order in which they want the poets to come on as our Poets of the Month. “Interested readers and participants are to vote for their nominated Poets, indicating: Names of their favourite poets, titles of their poems, and a brief reason why they want them to be our Poets of the Month. “Votes will run all through the end of the second week through to the third week of the month. We will be announcing our poets of the month to the world, by publishing their poems and short bio on our blog.” In celebration of the National Poetry Month this April, the Poetry Court is compiling a list of African poets (Spoken Word Poets, Written Poets, and Promoters of Poetry) to celebrate National Poetry Month, this April 2015. Tagged The Poetry Court Poets Encyclopedia, it will be published on the same site before the end of April 2015. “ThePoetryCourt African Poets Encyclopaedia 2015” is meant to celebrate the National Poetry

Osigwe

Month, this April. We want to recognize poets (Written, Spoken Word, and Promoters) that have not failed to be consistent in the struggle to keep poetry alive. Poets should continue to identify themselves as writers for change; not the change of a political party, but a genuine change in all aspects that can harness and take society to the next stage, where

Eva Alordiah drops new video Shola Adefuwa

igerian female rapper Eva Alordiah has drops a new video “War Coming”, from her forthcoming debut album, “1960”. The video was shot in Lagos by Mex, Choreography by Ralpheal Alabi aka aty2dboi, Costume and Set Design by Gloria Irenosen Ohiri and Make up by Orsela, Glitzabelle Makeovers, Jennie’s “War Coming” is a timely reminder, stand for something or fall for everything. The Woltrk Ent artiste said the song features a very talented singer/songwrite Sir Dauda, whom I really enjoyed working with and it was produced by Tintin; our friend D’Guitar, who is one of the best guitarists in Nigeria that I have met, was also kind to help with creating the sound. Eva further explain what What coming “that it is really about the fight in our soul that causes us to want more, to aspire for greater and better things”. However we are constantly subjected to circumstances that make us feel like we could succumb to the resistance any moment and give up. “I hope that when people listen to it they can connect with it in such a way that they experience

poetry will be appreciated the more. “Thanking supporters and promoters of poetry, Osigwe said he is looking forward to the day that poets will stop being tagged as poor writers;” adding that people could also send their short stories, and essays, not forgetting to include their pictures and a short bio with a maximum of 100 words.”

Lagos Black Heritage Festival begins CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 21

Eva

the bliss and satisfaction we all felt in the studio while we were making it”. I hope that the words in the

song connect in ways that uplift the listener, maybe even reawakening dreams that have been long slept on,” she said.

light up the lagoon, while the Street Carnival constantly re-invents itself in the capacity to dazzle and inebriate with its cocktail of extravagant costuming, music and design through the streets of Lagos. “This year, we give pride of place to Masquerades exclusively from the partnering city - Badagry. “Ever mindful of the entitlement of the upcoming generation, and to remind the adult world of the brimful of talent that ensures artistic continuity and innovation, as well as imparting early understanding of Art as an expression of life itself with all its joys, anguish, triumphs and challenges - LBHF continues its quest of The Vision of the Child. This year, there is a small innovation. Instead of just one medium, Painting, the Festival has invited the expression of that vision in a duofold encounter – Word, and - Image. Seeking to enhance the powers of observation and representation, children are being encouraged to express themselves annually on a chosen theme – drawn from the entire gamut of life and surrounding phenomena. For this year, 2015, the selected theme is: The Road to Sambisa.”

Arts 23

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Entries begin for CNN Multichoice African Journalist Awards 2015 Tony Okuyeme

NN International and MultiChoice this week officially launched and called for entries for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015 Awards. The competition for African nationals based on the continent welcomes entries from journalists creating content targeting an African audience. Executive Vice President and Managing Director of CNN International, Tony Maddox, said this year’s edition marks the 20th anniversary of the African Journalist Awards. “It’s with immense pride that we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards. Twenty years of encouraging excellence in journalism across the continent has made these the very best awards honouring the journalistic profession in Africa. I’ve witnessed first-hand the tremendous growth in stature and prestige of the com-

petition, and 2015 promises to deliver another year of outstanding work.” The COO for MultiChoice South Africa, Mark Rayner noted that over the past 20 years, this competition has helped journalists throughout Africa tell the stories of our continent to the rest of the world. “We’re proud that our partnership with CNN has given African journalists a voice. We’re looking forward to the stories that this year’s entrants will bring,” he said. Also speaking, the Vice President, Content and Partnerships, CNN International, Greg Beitchman said: “CNN is committed to championing and supporting journalism through training schemes, the CNN Journalism Fellowship programme, awards and working closely with our affiliates worldwide. No more is this commitment more apparent than at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards. Through our partnership with MultiChoice we feel privileged to play our part in helping

new talent across the continent thrive in an age where journalism about and for Africa is as important as it ever has been.” Kenyan Joseph Methenge was awarded the top prize at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2014 Awards ceremony. His work, ‘Images of Terror’, which appeared in Kenyan daily newspaper “The Standard” documented the moments of terror experienced by Westgate Mall shoppers in Kenya, when the mall was attacked by unidentified gunmen in September 2013. It was chosen from entries spanning 38 nations across the African continent. Since the first Awards in 1995, the competition has grown in size and status to become Africa’s most prestigious media event. Open to journalists working in any medium, this year the competition will recognise excellence in the following categories: Culture Award, Dow Technology & Innovation Reporting Award, Economics & Business Award, Features Award, Fran-

cophone General News Award, GE Energy & Infrastructure Award, Mohamed Amin Photographic Award and MSD Health & Medical Award. Other categories are: Portuguese Language General News Award, Press Freedom Award, Sport Reporting Award, The African Development Bank Environment Award and The Coca-Cola Company News Impact Award From these category winners, an independent panel of judges will choose the overall winner - The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015. Finalists in the 2015 competition will participate in a finalists’ programme that will include a media forum and networking opportunities with senior journalists, editors, business leaders and media owners from across the continent, culminating in a gala awards ceremony later in the year. The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015 will have the opportunity to participate in the CNN Journalism Fellowship at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta.

Etisalat Nigeria supports Today’s Woman Brunch Series Tony Okuyeme

igeria’s most innovative and fastest growing telecommunications company, Etisalat recently strengthened its commitment to empower women by supporting another edition of Today’s Woman Brunch Series. The event, held at the serene ambience of the Clear Essence Spa, Ikoyi was an avenue for women to not only network and inspire one another but to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience of key female leaders, Chief Executive Officers and entrepreneurs across various industries. The duo of Ebele the Flutist and Steve the Saxophonist thrilled guests at the event which also featured a fashion show. The Brunch Series organised by media personality, Adesuwa Onyenokwe is an inspirational quarterly event that celebrates female icons that have made giant strides in their fields of endeavour with integrity, passion and consistency. Etisalat had in the past hosted previous editions, which featured philanthropist and entre-

preneur, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija and acclaimed politician, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa. Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola was hosted at the Brunch Series which was graced by other notable personalities such as Azuka Ogujiuba, Modele Sarafa Yusuf, Author, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta, Assistant Editor TW Magazine, Ifeyinwa Ojekwe, Media Entrepreneur, Ono Bello, Fade Ogunro, Funke Babs Kufieji, Ebele The Flutist, Wana Udobang, amongst others. The event provided Mrs. Adesola an opportunity to share her corporate experiences as well as the giant strides she has achieved in positioning Standard Chartered Bank as a major player in the banking industry. She further mentored the ladies on issues such as developing a road map to getting their desired jobs, combating challenges in gender sensitive environments, indices needed to balance career, marriage and motherhood, identifying the right partner, savings and investing Speaking about the sponsor-

ship, Head, Events and Sponsorship, Modupe Thani described the Brunch Series as one of the ways of sharing the passions of Etisalat’s customers and supporting causes that make impact in the community. Thani added, “Etisalat Nigeria will continue to invest in women empowerment in order to positively develop a n d impact the nation as a whole.” Since its commencement, the Brunch Series has also hosted the Commissioner for Information, Rivers State, Ibim Semenitari and notable politician, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

Bantu, Jesse Jagz, Beautiful Nubia for Afropolitan Vibes

antu, Jesse Jagz, Beautiful Nubia, Niniola and Seyi Olagunju are set to thrill fans and guests today at Freedom Park Lagos Island, for this month’s edition of Afropolitan Vibes beginning at 7pm.. Afropolitan Vibes is a monthly live concert for alternative, Afrobeat, Afrofunk, Afro hip-hop, Afropop, and high-life music. It is a platform for musical acts to express whatever given talent they have in a

beautiful no-holds-barred manner. Afropolitan started over a year ago with a few friends and supporters who believed in the show’s future. Bantu aka Brotherhood Alliance Navigating Towards Unity is a 12-piece Afrofunk/Afrohiphop/Afrobeat musical collective founded by Nigerian-German brothers Adé Bantu and Abiodun. Bantu’s Afropean origin is reflected in the band’s lyrics; their music is an eclectic fusion of the

rich cultural heritage of the Yorubas and the hybrid sounds of urban Africa and the diaspora. Social consciousness and the daily personal and political struggles of the disenfranchised constitute an essential element of their message and music which they use to mobilize, motivate and inspire both the minds and hips of their listeners.

Ebele the Flutist

Tourism

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Qatar Airways, Emirates, others make world’s top 22 dependable airlines Andrew Iro Okungbowa

he aviation sector has continued to catch the imagination of the world, particularly the travelling public with its changing advancement in technology and giving people the best travel experience. Dreamlineer B787 is the latest in the quest by the makers of aircraft to wow air travellers. So far the experience has not been a disappointing one, but if anything, it has turned out to be an enriching and memorable one. This of course is made possible by the added values and other incentives that the various carriers have brought to the table in this ever growing and competitive industry and their bid to grow their market share. If there is anything that frequent fliers of different degrees care about it has to be not just flying in style but having a dependable airline which they can also rely on to deliver on its promises and help them achieve their travel needs. Just in case you are one of those still in search of that most reliable carrier then the long search is over as Wanderbat, one of the globally acclaimed travel sites has released a list of the world’s most dependable carriers, a result of a painstaking research. Here is a list of the 22 airlines, which made the cut off based on the various criteria devised for the search, and one of the most interesting finding is that not many of the traditional or world renowned airlines made the list. In the just published list by CBS MoneyWatch, Qatar Airways led the pack of the 22 airlines, which choice were based among others on on-time percentage, low cost, check bags to average age of airline fleet. Elated by this development, the Group Chief Executive of the airline, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are pleased to once again be recongised as leaders in world aviation. Our unmatched dependability comes from an enduring commitment to serve our guests on-time, in comfort and with the hospitality-centric dedication and convenience they deserve. This study reinforced the importance of all of these points for world travellers.” The study highlighted Qatar Airways’ staggering on-time percentage, which “other airlines strive to reach,” as a major factor in the final tally. Al Baker highlighted to new advancements, both in the air and on the ground as part of the elements, which stood the airline in good ground for the rating. “Qatar Airways is the model for the next-generation of international airlines,” he said, adding that: “Having recently unveiled the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in Doha – which was ranked the best airport in the Middle East at the Skytrax

CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar-Al-Baker

Awards ceremony – Qatar Airways’ hub has the world’s finest aviation facilities, allowing us to manage our modern fleet with the utmost operational precision. Our ongoing commitment to advanced, modern aircraft has also been a key factor in keeping our business and leisure passengers on schedule, anywhere in the world.” The study also made reference to Qatar Airways’ continued growth and renowned 5-star service and amenities, including Giorgio Armani kits with fragrances, earplugs, eye masks, socks and lotions for business and first class passengers. Other statistics – number of fleet – 130; number of destinations – 144+; on-time percentage: 82.8%; average age of fleet: 5.5 years Qatar recently bought a 9.99 percent stake in International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways. The move will likely help the airline expand into Europe. Emirates Fleet size – 232; number of destinations - 142+; on-time percentage -73.9%; a verage age of fleet - 6.3 years. China Eastern Fleet size – 363; number of destinations: 300+; on-time percentage: 62.4; average age of fleet: 6.3

years. Singapore Airlines Fleet size – 107; number of destinations: 62+; on-time percentage: 82.7%; average age of fleet: 7.4 years. Singapore Airlines is considered one of the most decadent airline flight experiences in the industry, and it’s easy to see why. Check out this man’s account of his flight from Singapore to New York. Derek Low booked a $23,000 suite last year. Before he even boarded the plane, he was eating lobster and a foie gras burger in the airline’s lounge. Once on board, he was served caviar, more foie gras and lobster -- and a perfectly cooked steak. China Southern Airlines Fleet size – 480; number of destinations: 207+; on-time percentage: 68.6%; average age of fleet: 6.4 years. The carrier focuses on commercial airline services throughout China and Southeast Asia, and also has maintenance and catering units. Ethiopian Airlines Fleet size – 76; number of destinations - 101+; on-time percentage - 71%; average age of fleet: 7 years. Africa’s largest and most profitable airline has been in rapid expansion mode to capture the hot Africa-Asia market. Ethiopia is building a massive airport to house the airline’s home base. Air China Fleet size – 320; number of destinations - 185+; on-time percentage: 69.6%; average age of fleet: 6 years. British Airways Fleet size – 265; number of destinations - 183+; on-time percentage -70.8%; average age of fleet: 12.5 years. Saudia Fleet size -154; number of destinations - 126+; on-time percentage: 87.1% Average age of fleet: 10.1 years. Cathay Pacific Fleet size – 144; number of destinations: 112+; on-time percentage: 69%; average age of fleet: 8.6 years. Lan Fleet size – 116; number of destinations - 66+; on-time percentage: 81.5%; average age of fleet: 5.1 years.

(Hub in Chile). Tam Airlines Fleet size – 162; number of destinations: 62+; on-time percentage: 80.1%; average age of fleet: 7.2 years. (Hub in Brazil). Japan Airlines Fleet size – 157; number of destinations - 92+; on-time percentage: 83.7%; average age of fleet: 8.7 years. EgyptAir Fleet size – 62; number of destinations - 78+; on-time percentage: 71% Average age of fleet: 10.4 years. Etihad Airways Fleet size – 105; number of destinations - 120+; on-time percentage: 57.9%; average age of fleet: 5.4 years. Malaysia Airlines Fleet size – 98; number of destinations: 60+; on-time percentage: 74.1%; average age of fleet: 4.6 years. Southwest Airlines Fleet size – 665; number of destinations: 93+; on-time percentage: 74.2%; average age of fleet: 11.5 years. Southwest is the only U.S. airline that made the cut. It allows two free checked pieces of baggage per customer, a benefit no other domestic carrier can match. Qantas Fleet size – 129; number of destinations - 41+; on-time percentage 80.1%; average age of fleet - 9.4 years. The Australian airline promotes a dress code of smart casual in its business class lounge. That means no bare feet, flip-flops, shorts or clothing with offensive images or slogans. Aeroflot Fleet size – 149; number of destinations: 129+; on-time percentage: 85.5%; average age of fleet: 3.9 years. China Airlines Fleet size – 82; number of destinations: 95+; on-time percentage: 60.5%; average age of fleet: 10.2 years. Philippine Airlines Fleet size – 51; number of destinations: 40+; on-time percentage: 53%; average age of fleet - 4.2 years. Air Berlin Fleet size – 127; number of destinations - 171+; on-time percentage: 81.8%; average age of fleet: 6.7 years.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, april 17, 2015

Drama

Desperate Housewives Africa scandalous drama on Dstv’s Ebonylife Tv

Festival

D’Banj joins Usher, Mary J. Blige for D.C.’s Global Citizen festival tomorrow

Entertainment Beautiful Nubia releases Soundbender for Ilorin

Nubia

Stories by Sony Neme

olk and roots musician, Dr. Segun Akinlolu, better known as Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band have released a new album titled ‘Soundbender’. This is the 11th studio album by the artist and his band. The album release is being complimented with a tour of some selected Nigerian cities beginning from the University of Lagos on April 2. Ilorin will have its turn on Saturday, April 18 with a concert scheduled to hold at Alliance Francaise. Thereafter the train moves on to Abeokuta on Friday, April

sony neme

Editor, entertainment sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

24 while another grand concert will hold in Lagos on Sunday April 26 at EniObanke Arts Centre, 19 Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA Ikeja. Following immediately on the steps of ‘Keere’, released at about the same time last year, ‘Soundbender’ features 15 original songs written and sung in Yoruba and English by Beautiful Nubia. It was officially launched with a special concert on Sunday, April 5 in Lagos. In an interaction with New Telegraph on Monday, the awards winning entertainer explained that, “The album was recorded over a period of two months at Tasman Studio, Lagos and mastered and prepared for manufacturing at Artun Soundgrove in Ottawa, Canada.” According to him, “The album began its tour of Nigeria with free concerts at the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe on April 2, 8 and 9 respectively. Concerts are also in the works for Port Harcourt, Akure, Ondo, Osogbo, Abuja and Benin as the album makes its way through the country. In a related development, the

It is to generate new political thought and understanding that is reflective of present realities in Africa

artiste is coming up with the African Socio-Cultural Ideas Initiative, aka The Movement, which holds its official launch on April 25 at EniObanke Arts Centre, GRA Ikeja, Lagos at 1:30PM prompt. He further explained that, ”The African Socio-Cultural Ideas Initiative is a registered non-governmental organisation bringing together like-minded individuals to among others redirect the minds of Africans of all ages, especially the youth, towards selfless public service and thus assist in the development and production of a new generation of leaders for African communities. “Secondly it is to generate new political thought and understanding that is reflective of present realities in Africa; and thus provide direction towards lasting positive change and progress; c. Promote the interest and engagement of African youth in real and true African historical studies. It will also help to foster research and studies in the areas of African pre-colonial history, African culture, and workable socio-economic as well as political structures for African communities.

US hosts Nigerian Arts, Fashion & Beauty

he best of Nigeria entertainment will be unleashed on guests at the Founding Fathers Incorporated (FFI), organized Nigerian Arts, Fashion & Beauty, NAFB awards in US. The NAFB backed by the full faith and credit of the Nigerian community has thrown its doors open for the two glamorous events of the year 2015 at Hilton Houston Southwest: 6780 Southwest Freeway. Houston, Texas 77074. USA. New Telegraph was reliably informed by Mrs Lydya Disu on behalf of the organizer on Tuesday that, the second high profile event is the annual Miss Fashion Nigeria USA Beauty Pageant. While the beauty pageant is billed to hold on Friday May 29, between 5pm-10pm, that of NAFB comes up on Saturday May 30 from 7pm-12am.. Side attractions expected at event includes among others stand-up comedy, dinner/ cocktail, fashion show, red carpet event, cultural display and traditional dancers. According to the US based entertainment and artist management company, “The idea behind this project is to sincerely appreciate and effectively promote both the external beauty and intellect of a young lady. Winner of the contest will be officially crowned as Miss Fashion Nigeria at the 8th NAFB Awards Gala.” In an online chat with organizer, they further explained that, “The NAFB Awards night is an annual celebration of the best of Nigeria’s arts, vast fashion designs and beauty accomplishments amidst celebrities, awards presentation, fashion show, cultural display and indigenous evergreen music. Various prestigious awards will be shared among players in the fashion culture, arts and beauty industries as well as fashion and entertainment enthusiasts. The 2015 edition is envisaged to be an evening of high fashion and beauty, and of course jollification and encomiums.” He further said that, “As the nomination criteria for this award remains stringent, the award becomes difficult to obtain for all, but the socially prominent figures.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, april 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

VGMA: Nigerian dancehall star, Patoranking, beats Don Jazzy, others to emerge Africa’s best The annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is one of the biggest events on the Ghanaian entertainment calendar and this year’s edition was exciting as usual. There were also thrilling performances from Daddy Lumba, Wiyaala, Tinny, Tic Tac, Samini, Stonebwoy and Nigerian dancehall star, Patorankings. Below is the list of other winners for the 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), as announced at a star-studded event at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) Saturday.

Stories by Sony Neme

igeria’s dance hall singer, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, otherwise known as Patoranking on Saturday won the‘Best African Art of the year’ at the Vodafone Ghana Music Award (VGMA) that held in Ghana. The ‘Alubarika’ crooner emerged winner from a tight competition with Don Jazzy, the Marvin record first lady, Tiwa savage, the Jonnie crooner, Yemi Alade, Tanzania singer Diamond and South Africa’s AKA in same category. Same night, Bhim Nation commander, Stonebwoy went home with the enviable Artiste of the Year award, and a GHC 10,000 cash award, while Sarkodi took home three awards that include ‘Highlife Artist of the Year award,’ Hip/ Hop Artist of the Year and Collaboration of the Year for his song titled ‘Adonia’. Best female vocal performance award was grabbed by Tinambanyi for Wiyaaala and the best new artist went to Mz Vee. VGMA took place on Saturday night April 11, through to Sunday dawn at the Conference Centre in Accra, winners of the sixteenth edition of the Ghana Music Awards sponsored by telecom giant Vodafone, were announced and presented with their awards. When asked by a fan on Twitter why the Mavins were absent at the awards, Don Jazzy said the organisers couldn’t fly his entire team of 10 members to Ghana! That has gone further to fuel speculations that orgnaisers deliberately left

Gospel Artiste of the Year: No Tribe Highlife Artiste of the Year: Daddy Lumba Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year: Stonebwoy - Baafira (feat. Sarkodie) Hiplife Song of the Year: Castro – Seihor Afropop Song of the Year: Edem – Koene Stonebwoy

them out to avoid more expenses, having known that the multiple awards winner and his crew were not winning! On the other hand, Stonebwoy, the ‘Baafira’ hit maker, who was also the biggest winner of the night with wins in three different categories had these words for his fans, thus: “Good morning Ghana, good morning to everybody watching at home. This award doesn’t

belong to me alone, to everybody who believes in hard work, humility and in my talent. From out of the rocky field, we broke all odds, gone through the eyes of the needle. Every advantage taken of us became lessons, every inch we turned into an acre. Behold how large we have become. Every stone thrown at us became lessons. Behold how tall we have grown…”

Street dance battle with Mountain Dew, winners for Poland

Hip Hop Song of the Year: Pappy Kojo – Realer No

Patoranking

reparations are in top gear for the fifth edition of the annual International Dance Organization (IDO) Street Dance Battle and Salsa Showdance Competition in Nigeria. Winners will also get an all-expense paid trip to participate in the IDO Championship in Poland come 2016. The event which is organized by the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) and Mountain Dew, is scheduled to hold on April 23 at The Oceanview, Eko hotels and suites in Lagos. To participate in the competition, interested contestants can visit SPAN or access online registration forms on www.spanigeria.org and stand a chance to win cash prizes of N500,000 and N300,000 in the Hip Hop dance or Salsa showdance respectively. Organizers, who revealed this to New Telegraph, also explained that, “Dancers will compete in groups - minimum of six and maximum of 10 members for Hip Hop, while the Salsa competition showcases the best of couples.” According to the Executive President, IDO Nigeria, Mr. Ice Nweke, “We try to bring dance education closer to communities with the Hip Hop and Salsa showdance competition, because the platform will develop creative talents and benefit the youths extensively. Many thanks to Mountain Dew for giving young people unique opportunities to meet their dream dance celebrities who transform their experiences through dance.” Other notable sponsors of the dance competition are SCOA, ITB Construction, Eko hotels and suites and Cool FM to mention a few. In 2013, over 100 dancers from different parts of Nigeria participated in the International Dance Organization (IDO) Championship which was held in Lagos with a talented group – Cue Base winning the Hip Hop street dance and the duo of Korede Oyerogba & Nneka Obiorah as the Salsa show dance champions.

Best Male Vocal Performance: Joe Mettle Best Rapper: EL Best Group: VVIP Best Music Video: Edem – The One (feat. Sway) – GYO Gyimah Album Of The Year: Edem – Books & Rymes

Terry G performs at Enugu’s Legend Taste and Tell

Terry Gee rocking the legend with fans

erry G, Nigeria’s eccentric afro hip hop act may have found a new calling as he turned to preacher at the Enugu leg of the Legend Taste and Tell activation held at the Spices Restaurant, Enugu. The evening was further spiced with performances from local cultural troupe, Pammy Udu Bunch and a live music from Tipsy Sounds, an Enugu based Live Band. The bell brandishing artiste interspersed his performance with verses and preaching from the Holy

Bible, much to the excitement of the lively audience. In one of such occasions, the Benue State born entertainer hollered, “God loves us the way we are, that is why Jesus died for us”, during his performance as he thrilled the audience to a collection of his hit songs including Akpako, Free Madness, Love Affair,and Oga, as well as The Microphone amongst others. The event also featured rib cracking jibes from Aje Baba, the comedian who sent the audience reeling

with his intelligent jokes. The event has already touched down at Lagos, Benin, Owerri, Ibadan and will be moving to other cities across the country. Legend Extra Stout, organizers of the event also seized the opportunity to reward loyal customers in the Taste and Tell contest, which saw members of the audience randomly selected to participate. It was a blind taste game to determine who could correctly identify Legend Extra Stout from three unmarked glasses each containing different brands of stout drinks. At the end three winners, Engineer Victor Nwakunor, a PHD student of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Okechukwu Aganmegwa, a 19-year old student of Federal Polytechnic Uwanna, Afikpo and Timothy Ogbuehi, a 38 yearold technician won for themselves, a brand new refrigerator, a brand new 32 inch LED Television and a brand new generator respectively. The Marketing Manager, Lager and Stout, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Agu, said, the event was organized to create fun and excitement for Legend consumers. According to him, “Legend Extra Stout proudly carries the tag of being the Real Deal, and in line with this, we decided to bring real excitement to our consumers. Our teeming consumers have been supportive of the brand so we decided to say thank you them with this event.”

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, april 17, 2015

CinemaWatch

(Radio/TV/Events Guide)

APR. 17 — apr. 24 Highlights

Desperate Housewives Africa scandalous drama on Dstv’s Ebonylife Tv Stories by Sony Neme

esperate Housewives Africa, the local adaptation of the multiple award-winning ABC television drama hit series, is set to launch on April 30. it wil be on EbonyLife TV, exclusively on DStv Channel 165. This launch is to be preceded by a premiere in Lagos on April 28 where the new Desperate Housewives Africa will be introduced in person along with the all-African suburban ‘Wisteria Lane’ neighbourhood where the series will be based. In a released made available to New Telegraph by MultiChoice Africa, they stated that, “Whilst the set location is still under wraps for the time being, it can be confirmed that Desperate Housewives Africa will closely reflect the original multi-award winning American version with a uniquely African flavour. Viewers can look forward to an enthralling and spellbinding homegrown pilot that takes the Desperate Housewives format as you once knew it to scandalously new

dimensions.” They revealed the plot thus: “When an outwardly successful neighbor Rume Bello, played by Marcy Dolapo Oni, succumbs to death, her friends continue to deal with their everyday lives and, as seen through Rume’s eyes, the story mysteriously unravels in a dramatic, comedic whirlwind, which will have you at the edge of your seat calling for more. Michelle Dede portrays the character, Tari Gambadia. Her ultimate desperation is unknown at first as she competes for the attention of a new hunky neighbour who has his own ulterior motives?” “Nini Wacera, portrays Ese De Souza, a housewife who struggles with maintaining the perfect family ... but will her outward impression of perfection successfully mask the disturbing dysfunction in her household? Kehinde Bankole, as Kiki Obi, continues a rather sordid and sleazy love affair; will her husband catch her in the act? And Omotu Bissong, who stars as Funke Lawal, copes with life as a stay-at-home, fatigued mother of four boisterous and rambunctious children. What possibly

could be her desperation? All these mysteries will evolve in each episode of Desperate Housewives Africa,” they further explained According to Christine Service, Senior Vice President and Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa comments, “We are very excited that one of ABC’s hit television series is being made for African viewers. This is a first for the continent of Africa and we could not be more proud of what we have seen so far of Desperate Housewives Africa.” Mo Abudu, Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, has this to say about the production: “Once again, I am pleased to say that we are extremely excited to bring this rich, thrilling and captivating drama to our local and global audiences. We have put in a lot to maintain our premium homegrown quality of production and our viewers can absolutely look forward with great delight to watching a most riveting adaptation of the multiple-award winning version from Africa; one with a uniquely African essence that closely mirrors the format and storylines of the multiple award winning American version.” Since 2006, five different versions of Desperate Housewives have been produced for EMEA and Latin American audiences. The original Desperate Housewives won both the 2005 and 2006 Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy, and was created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios.

DStv

The Amazing World of Gumball 2 Story time on JimJam featuring Legend of Atlantis and Anastasia airs on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 CAT Legend of Atlantis: This story tells about the lost city of Atlantis, its fabulous powers and untimely destruction. Princess Elan of Atlantis falls in love with the handsome Terra, a simple ‘outsider’. Anastasia: Life is a fairy tale of royal palaces and fabulous wealth for Princess Anastasia. But Anastasia’s perfect world changes forever when the evil Rasputin topples her father, the mighty Czar Nicholas, from power. Anastasia embarks on a thrilling new adventure in which she finds a new life and a true love. H2O: Just Add Water airs on Disney Channel every day at 14:20 CAT There are premiere episodes of H2O: Just Add Water every day throughout April at 14:20, with catch up stacks of the repeats on Sundays from 12th April at 12:40. H2O: Just Add Water tells of three normal teenage girls who stumble upon an ancient cave and undergo a transformation that will change their lives forever. That Awkward Moment airs on M-Net Movies Premiere on Sunday April 19 at 20:30 CAT This comedy starring a grown-up Zac Efron (High School Musical) reaffirms a proven fact about men: the moment they get together to celebrate the fact that that they’re single, is the moment they are most likely to give up their precious freedom. Evermoor Premieres on Disney Channel on Monday 20 April at 15:00 CAT Disney Channel is delighted to announce the premiere of four part mini-series Evermoor. In this mystery adventure comedy, US teen Tara Crossley arrives in an isolated English village, and must cope with her new environment and step-family, as well as Evermoor’s mysterious goings-on. Evermoor premieres from Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd April at 15:00, and repeats with all four episodes back-to-back on Friday 24th April at 17:00 and Monday 27th April at 10:35.

Despirate Housewives Africa

Home Theatre Friday is here again O rganisers of the Home Theater Friday have perfected plans to assemble the best of stakeholders to another night of interest. The event, which uses movies to highlight national issues, is a night where Nollywood and the health sector come together to enjoy a movie that tells an important health story. The goal, New Telegraph was informed, is to start conversations that lead to more movies that address pressing health issues in Nigeria. Today’s event will be featuring movie is Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage, the story of a talented young

sickle-cell sufferer who overcomes prejudice to achieve her dreams, starring Kunle Afolayan, Seun Akindele and Kemi Lala Akindoju. Nollywood Cofounder and Director, Bond Emeruwa, said, “The event began with the Movie, Mary and Martha, a movie that tells the important story of two women who lost sons to malaria while volunteering in Africa and then decided to do something about the illness thereby saving countless lives.” Emeruwa pointed out that, “The movie was moving and educational and the participants enjoyed it. Following the movie, a spirited discussion about

malaria commenced with leading commentary given by experts, Emmanuel Taribo and Frances Ilika of the Support to Nigeria Malaria Programme. as well as Dr. Oje Osueni of Lagos University Teaching Hospital also participated in the discussion.” On January 16, the first of such event was held at the Co Creation Hub in Yaba, Lagos. In the audience were members of Nollywood including Emeka Ossai, Joseph Benjamin (who was the host), and other Nollywood personalities. There were important members of the technology community in attendance as well.

He pointed that, “Joseph Benjamin, a Nollywood personality who served as the host of the event, shared a story about his personal battle with malaria as a child. He had cerebral malaria as a kid and he barely survived. Many people in the audience shared that they were unaware of the huge cost in lives and money malaria poses in Nigeria. It was an educational evening.” According to him, “Overall, 42 people from Nollywood, Nigerian technology sector, and the health sector were in attendance and the event was concluded with quality entertainment,, networking and conversations.”

Married at First Sight airs on Lifetime on Fridays at 20:00 CAT In the Big City, true love is increasingly hard to achieve. But what if six brave souls, yearning for romance and a loving partnership, agree to a provocative proposal: getting married at first sight? Each episode tracks classic lifestyle stories of newlyweds: the honeymoon, early nesting, meeting the in-laws and similar universal events of married life. Will they remain together or decide to separate? Marrying the Game Season 3 Premieres on Vuzu Amp on Friday, April 17 at 18h30 CAT The third season of Marrying the Game is set four months after the events in Cabo, as seen on season two, revealing Tiffney and Jayceon’s decision with their relationship. Meanwhile, Jayceon has a big surprise in-store for the kids. MTV Documentary: Nicki Minaj: My Time AGAIN airs on MTV Base on Monday, April 20 at 21:00 CAT “Nicki Minaj: My Time AGAIN” is a documentary focusing and showcasing the multi-award winning superstar at her most raw and uninhibited as she was preparing to release her most introspective album to date, “The Pinkprint.” Tune in to see the challenges she had to overcome to make it to the top.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, april 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

D’Banj

Mary J. Blige

Stories by Sony Neme

fter three years of rocking New York’s Central Park, the Global Citizen Festival is expanding to Washington, D.C., forGlobal Citizen 2015 Earth Day, a free event to be held Saturday, April 18, atthe National Mall. Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day will feature performances by No Doubt, Usher, Fall Out Boy, Mary J. Blige, Train, and My Morning Jacket, with special guests Common, D’Banj, Fally Ipupa, VIXX, and Roy Kim on Saturday, April 18. These artists and speakers are expected to dedicate their time to educate and inspire fans to take immediate action to end extreme poverty and solve climate change on the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. Timed to coincide with the spring meetings of the World Bank Group, Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day will bring together these influencers to mobilize citizens in the environmental and development movements. According Tonya Merritt, who sent the information to New Telegraph on Tuesday, additional performers and appearances are expected, with World Bank president Jim Yong Kim and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon among the officials expected to an-

Usher

D’Banj joins Usher, Mary J. Blige for D.C.’s Global Citizen festival tomorrow nounce new financial commitments to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end global poverty by 2030. The event will coincide with the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, as well as the spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. According to Meritt “Prime Ministers, Presidents, world leaders, and celebrities will be converging to address distinguished guests at the Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day. Leaders are expect6ed to voice commitments and show the power of actions to solve climate change and end extreme poverty by 2030’ “Speakers include UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, President of the World Bank Group, Jim Yong Kim, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell; Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz; President of the World Bank Group and Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior as well as Mrs. Lawrencia Laraba-Mallam, Federal Minister of Environment, Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Ms. Am-

These artists and speakers are expected to dedicate their time to educate and inspire fans

ina J. Mohammed, UN SecretaryGeneral’s Special Adviser on Post2015 Development Planning among others. “We know it is possible to end extreme poverty by 2030, but it will take everyone stepping up to the challenge in this critical year of action,” said Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group. I’m thrilled to join with Global Poverty Project and the Earth Day Network at this watershed event to mobilize global action for people and planet in 2015.” she intoned The proud partners for Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day include Caterpillar Inc., Citi, CJ Corporation, Toyota, iHeartMedia, Clear Channel Outdoor, MSNBC, YouTube, Google, Alcantara, and Connect4Climate. Content presented in partnership with the World Bank Group. Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day is a First Amendment Event, which means that it cannot be referred to as a concert or festival, per the terms of the National Parks Service permit.

Uganda’s ‘Wakaliwood’ tackles Nollywood

Isaac Nabwana

ith the success recorded by Nollywood, it is expected that it was just a matter of time before other African countries will attempt to a catch up attempt. This is already taking shape in Uganda as they are set to launch what they describe as Wakaliwood - whatever that means! This was the view of writer, director, editor and producer Isaac Nabwana boasted of Uganda’s informal film industry who boldly insists that studios in Nigeria, India and the United States will get a run for their money. For him, their ambition

is enormous as they are already looking towards Hollywood, even as they are just learning the ropes. “We think Hollywood people will come here,” he said Already, a scene from ‘Operation Kakongoliro’, Ugandan Expendables, an action film due for release later this year, reveals. According to aaaaaan international media source, “It is being filmed in a scrap yard in Wakaliga, a slum in Uganda’s capital Kampala now baptised “Wakaliwood”. “It is going to be as big as Nollywood, Bollywood or even Hollywood – there’s no reason why not,” Nabwana who was raised by his grandparents in Wakaliga reportedly said. Wakaliga which today has a population of just under 2,000 people, and Nabwana story is an interesting one, because like most rural African family, his did not buy a television set until 1984.

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network (EDN) works year round with tens of thousands of partners in 192 countries to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. For more information, visit www.earthday.org The Global Poverty Project is a registered 501(c)(3) international nonprofit organization whose mission is to end extreme poverty by 2030. The advocacy organization works in partnership with other NGOs, business leaders, world leaders and global citizens in its efforts to build the largest movement of people taking actions and calling on governments to support policies that would significantly impact the world’s poor. For more information, visit www. GlobalPovertyProject.org.

Showbits

Sotayo

• Peter okoye builds multi million naira Beverage Company. • Kida kudz new song Living Life, released. • After Dublin, Kiss Daniel heads to Malaysia. • Kim and Kanye get North West baptized in Jerusalem. • Beyonce reached to 30 million followers on instagram. • I once worked as a bricklayer to survive: Reekado.

• My new boyfriend is the last man I will date: Sobola Sotayo. • Desmond Elliot celebrates House of Assembly Victory. • Beyonce Knowles mother Tina Knowles tied the knot with actor Richard Lawson over the weekend. • Tom Hanks wife Rita Wilson has breast cancer, removes her breasts • Nick Cannon has revealed a reconciliation with his estranged wife, Mariah Carey, is not out of the question • Drake says, i was not disgusted by Madonna kiss it was her gnarly lipstick • Khloe and Lamar forgotten divorce about to be tossed • Jennifer Lopez will announce details of her love life when the moment is right • Rapper Nelly arrested in Tennessee on drug charges • Jaden Smith wears a girl dress to school • J. Cole gets his college degree • My mother has cancer says Taylor Swift

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Labour

TUC leadership moves to douse tension in Osun

Agric ‘Cashew can contribute N42bn to economy’

Business What's news

Telecoms: Ported telephone lines rise by 19.6% Telecoms operators have recorded a growth of 19.6 per cent rise in the number of ported telephone lines on their networks, New Telegraph has learnt.

p.30

Inflation rises to 8.5% Inflation for the month of March rose slightly to 8.5 per cent from 8.4 per cent recorded in February.

L-R: Clare Omatseye of JNC International; Trainer, Wild Fusion Digital Centre, Ose Osundeko; Publisher, TW Magazine, Adesuwa Onyenokwe; and Managing Director, Travant Capital, Sanyade Okoli, at the Empowering Women with Technology Capacity Building series organised by Women Banking Division of Access Bank Plc in partnership with Wild Fusion Digital Center in Lagos.

Nigeria gets N800.6bn for food security in eight years

p.30

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

WASTAGE

N1 billion spent daily on rice importation

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Dele Alao

n order to ensure that the country is self-sufficient in food production rather than depending on importation, about N800.6 billion in form of grants and loans from various sources have so far been expended, findings by the New Telegraph have revealed. Checks revealed that such funds included the N200 billion Commercial Agriculture

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Credit Scheme (CACS) in 2007, N600 billion (about $3 billion) by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in January 2013 and the World Bank’s N600 million (about $300,000). However, the country has remained on top of the chart of food importing nations. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, had said that until recently, Nigeria was spending N1 billion daily on imported rice and N1.3 trillion annually on other imported basic items like wheat, sugar and fish. Only last year, President Goodluck Jonathan also said that the country had been able to reduce food importation bill

to the barest minimum, from N1.1 trillion ($6.9 billion) in 2009 to N684.7 billion ($4.35 billion) in 2013. The reduction, which is N415.3 billion or 37.75 per cent in four years, did not go down well with stakeholders. They argued that the reality on ground on the state of food security does not justify the huge spends on the sector. The stakeholders lamented that foods that could be pro-

N1.3 trillion Being the amount spent on some other imported items annually

duced in Nigeria by local farmers if the business environment was conducive, were being imported due to “corruption and selfish interest of leaders.” A stakeholder, who is the Chairman, Agric Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Wale Oyekoya, said: “Our fact-finding shows that our government has made serious efforts at making good agricultural policies through schemes, programmes and institutions, but has not been able to implement or backed them up with adequate budgetary allocation and financing, coupled with corruption in the execution of the formidable policies.”

Rates Dashboard 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%

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Apr. 10)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N207 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N300 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N230

l Foreign Reserves – $29.589bn as at 4/04/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Apr. 10)

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

Business | News

STEADY GROWTH

Mobile number portability gaining traction Kunle Azeez

elecoms operators have recorded a growth of 19.6 per cent rise in the number

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Telecoms: Ported telephone lines rise by 19.6% of ported telephone lines on their networks, New Telegraph has learnt. This is according to the latest Mobile Number Portability status report

on the networks of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators, including MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat. The report released by

the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that in February this year, additional 14, 955 telecoms subscribers ported back and forth on

the networks. This represents a growth of additional 2,461 over the monthly ported lines of 12,494 recorded in January.

L-R: Deputy President, Ex-Officio, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Remi Bello; Past National President/Jigawa State Governor-elect, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar; Acting National President, Chief Bassey Edem; President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; Second Deputy National President, NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson and National Vice President, Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu, during a congratulatory visit to Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.

nflation for the month of March rose slightly to 8.5 per cent from 8.4 per cent recorded in February. According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics yesterday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation rose by 8.5 per cent (year-on-year), marginally higher from the 8.4 per cent rate recorded in February. This is the fourth consecutive month of a faster increase in the Headline index to reach the highest inflation rate recorded for the year. The statistics also showed that the Headline rate for March equals last year’s high recorded in August. While the pace of increase in food prices held firm for the second consecutive month, the faster increase in the Headline index was driven by increases in the non-food COICOP divisions. This was also reflected in the Core sub-index. Food prices as observed by the Food Sub-index increased at relatively the same pace in March as in February; by 9.4 per cent. The pace of increases was weighted upon by a slower increase in the Bread and Cereals, Oils and Fats, Dairy and Confectionary groups. Faster increases were observed in all other groups which contribute to the Food sub-index. The pace of advances recorded by the “All Items

Inflation rises to 8.5% less Farm Produce” or Core sub-index increased for the third consecutive month in March. The Core Sub-index increased by 7.5 per cent

(year-on-year), 0.5 percentage points from 7.0 per cent recorded in February. Prices increased at a faster pace in most divisions that contrib-

ute to the Core sub-index except for the Communications, and Recreational and Culture Divisions which increased at a slower pace.

Buhari may overhaul 2015 budget CHALLENGE Drop in oil price has affected initial benchmark Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

gainst the backdrop of loopholes that characterised the N4.3 trillion 2015, fiscal budget, there are indications that the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, may be compelled to overhaul it for effective implementation. The N4.3 trillion budget is premised on a final anchor benchmark oil price of $52 per barrel of crude oil after three reviews occasioned by a persistent slump in oil price at the global oil market. The budget is currently before the National Assembly awaiting final endorsement after which it would be sent to the president for his assent. In the interim, budget analysts said that the present budget outlay poses serious

challenge in implementation and have advised the new administration billed to take over the affairs of the country on May 29, 2015, to ensure total review. A lawyer and budget expert, Eze Onyekpere, who doubles as Lead Director at Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), told New Telegraph that the incoming government would inherit an economy neck deep in shambles and unproductive budget. He said “The Nigerian economy is in shambles, especially the revenue flows into the Federation Account. With the declining oil revenue and non-transparent spending of public resources, the new government is bound to have budgetary challenges.” Onyekpere, who has a pending law suit with Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, on issues bordering on the 2013 budget, said that Buhari’s government would be confronted with challenge of staff salaries and capital budget implementation. “Government may have

challenges with paying salaries and remuneration of public officers and capital projects may hit an all-time zero,” he told New Telegraph. As a way out, he said that the new government “must therefore hit the ground running with ideas on how to plug the leakages in the treasury, redefine priorities and expand the revenue flows available to government.” As a way of overcoming what he described as looming challenges, he said that the administration must develop the political will for reform for strategic interventions. “For instance, to stop the wasteful fuel subsidy and oil theft, the administration should seek to utilise all available resources including human, information technology, ecological/environmental and financial resources for the progressive realisation of the good of the majority of Nigerians. “In maximising the use of our financial resources, stop crude oil theft - we can realise additional N1.460 trillion (400,000 barrels a day at $50pb x 365 days at the rate of N200=1$).”

Meanwhile, for the first two months of the year, Etisalat led other telecoms competitors in the number of ported lines. According to NCC data, of the total incoming ported lines of 12,494 recorded in January, Etisalat had 7,820; followed by Airtel with 1,532 lines. MTN and Globacom came third and fourth with 1186 and 1146 ported lines respectively. In February, Etisalat came first with 9,187 ported lines; Airtel came second with 2,758 ported lines while Globacom had 1,532 lines and MTN with 1,478 lines. From monthly 6,888 ported telephone lines as at January, 2014, the figure increased to monthly ported lines of 19,682. By December 2014, about 179, 898 lines had ported from one network to another, according to the regulator’s data 201. MNP is the service that allows subscribers to migrate from their current network to other preferred networks without changing their original number. The service, which currently runs on the networks of the four GSM operators, was launched to provide wider choices for telecoms subscribers using the over 141 million active lines in the country. Analysts say that the major factor driving the decision of subscribers to port from one network to another is the quality of service delivery provided by the receiving network. NCC had set a strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on Quality of Service for telecoms operators and has continued to sanction operators for not meeting the QoS parameters. As such, NCC said that the NNP scheme would also boost competition among telecoms operators on the provision of quality services while also providing wider choices for subscribers. Speaking with New Telegraph, Public Affairs Director, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, reiterated that MNP is a need-based service for willing subscribers. “MNP is not a compulsory service that people must subscribe to. If a subscriber sees a need for it, he or she may switch from his or her current network to another and if not, he or she remains on its current network. “So, you don’t expect a surge in MNP uptake since it is based on the decision of the subscribers to either port or not to port. Yet, I believe we are having impressive uptake, coming mostly from individuals who have seen a need to migrate. The beauty of porting services is freedom of choices,” Ojobo said.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Labour

NUPENG demands end to casualisation p.32 USURPER Impersonating leader’s tenure was said to have elapsed since last year Sunday Ojeme

TUC leadership moves to douse tension in Osun

he leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is making frantic moves to put an end to the festering crisis within the Osun State chapter of the congress following the violence that escalated between the factions on Tuesday. In the last few months, a blistering factional conflict had erupted within the state’s chapter of the workers’ movement, leading to two individuals laying claims to the leadership of the body. On Tuesday morning, the situation came to a head when pandemonium broke out at the entrance to the Osun State government office following an order to the workers by one of the factional leaders to proceed on strike. The erstwhile chairman of the state’s chapter of TUC, Comrade Francis Adetunji, who has been disowned by the leadership of the congress, in company of workers loyal to him, led some hoodlums to the scene to unleash terror on the workers. The hoodlums attacked workers and everyone in sight, including journalists, with machetes, bottles, stones, rakes, pestles, planks and some other harmful tools that were brought in a vehicle belonging to the state council of the TUC. In a telephone chat on Wednesday, the General Secretary of the congress, Comrade Musa Lawal, said that the leadership would mobilise members to Osun State on Thursday to address the issue. However, the National Secretariat of the congress expressed dismay over what it described as acts of gross indiscipline perpetrated by Adetunji when he mobilised thugs to help him enforce an illegal strike action called by him alone against the state government. Adetunji was said to be the TUC Chairman in the state until March 6, 2014, when a new executive committee, under the chairmanship of Comrade Akinyemi Olatunji, was elected. Incidentally, this was after Adetunji had unlawfully extended his tenure in office for two extra years after the three years allowed by the Constitution of TUC. The statement said: “In a manner unbecoming of emeritus labour leaders, Adetunji has refused to acknowledge and accept the new executive committee led by Comrade Akinyemi Olatunji who also doubles as the state chairman of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), an affiliate of the Congress, and has since constituted himself into a lone

Aregbesola

dissident, albeit sponsored by the state government to pander to its anti-labour tendencies and undermine the lawful interests of the same workers whom he once led. “Incidentally whenever his paymasters in government failed to meet his criminal monetary demands, he turned against them by employing all manner of threats to arm-twist them to pay up. Such is the background to his latest case of banditry that has left them agape in incredulity. “The Congress finds Adetunji’s unruly behaviour totally reprehensible and deserving of comprehensive punishment under the law. Never in the history of the Congress has any individual or group portraying themselves as members of the Congress stooped so despicably low as to hire stern-looking armed thugs to physically assault innocent people, including fellow workers, as well as journalists whose video camera they even confiscated. It is about time that he was compelled to imbibe the progressive, selfless spirit that has seen many of those who lost in the recent national and state general elections putting congratulatory calls through to their triumphant opponents and offering to help their administrations succeed.” The crisis in the council was engendered by the failure of the state government to pay the five months arrears of salaries owed the civil servants.

Kaigama

The Congress finds Adetunji’s unruly behaviour totally reprehensible and deserving of comprehensive punishment

As early as March, civil servants in the state had protested the delay in the payment of their five months salaries and allowances, a delay which the state government blamed on the revenue crisis hitting the country. It was alleged then that President Goodluck Jonathan’s remark during a visit to the state sparked the protest when he advised the workers to ensure that the governor paid their salaries as the Federal Government did not owe the state. The workers protested round major streets of Osogbo, the state capital, demanding immediate payment of their salaries and allowances by government as they insisted that their colleagues were languishing over the non-payment of five months salaries. They also alleged that government had failed to pay their contributions to the pension scheme. According to the authentic Chairman of the TUC, Comrade Akinyemi Olatunji, who led the March protest, “officers who have been due for promotion since 2013 were not given their promotions, while our leave allowances from 2013 till today have not been paid.” “If I want to retire today, I cannot receive anything as pension. Even those who were forced to retire since 2012, who were not ripe for retirement, did so because of the new pension law.

“It is very sad that 98 people have died and that has been the agony we are passing through under this regime. None of our demands has been implemented despite all meetings and negotiations.” Although, the state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, denied the allegation that the state owed five months salaries, the state has, however, been unable to pay the three months it claimed to be owing. The statement read in part: “It has come to our knowledge that today, some workers under the aegis of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) came together to protest against salaries that have not been paid. “While we recognise the right of workers to seek the payment, which is legitimately theirs, we wish to repeat for the umpteenth time that the unfortunate owing of salaries running to about three months cannot be divorced from the crushing revenue crisis that has hit the country. “What is required at this stage is for everybody to properly understand the genesis of this whole saga which will be helpful rather than being viewed as a deliberate act on the part of the government. “A government that ensured prompt payment of salaries on or before 26th of every month since inception; a government that introduced 13th month salary and a government that had commenced augmentation of salaries with its hard earned savings to prevent it’s workers from tasting the bitter pill of revenue crisis cannot suddenly wake up to deny workers their legitimate earnings.” Akinyemi had earlier pointed out that the workers were going through hard times due to irregular payment of salaries. He lamented that one of the workers died about two weeks ago because he could not afford to buy just an inhaler, a situation he described as pathetic. About two months ago, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the state governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, however, revealed that the governor had signed the remaining months of the salary arrears owed the entire workers in the state, stressing that the claim by the workers that government owed them five-month salary arrears was not true. He said: “As at now, we have paid up to the month of January this year and on or before the end of the week, the remaining salaries would definitely be paid to the workers without any delay, so we don’t just sit down here doing nothing as we know and appreciate their plight.”

Business | Labour

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NUPENG demands end to casualisation NEW ORDER

Improved development in oil and gas sector expected Stories by Sunday Ojeme

resident, Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Achese Igwe, has urged the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to tackle headlong the major challenges militating against economic development as well as the biting issues of outsourcing and casualisation of workers. Igwe, while decrying the situation, argued that outsourcing and casualisation were major challenges in every sector of the economy, stressing that more workers could only conveniently exercise their rights of paying tax when their salaries can secure their future.

The NUPENG boss also advised Buhari to address outstanding reforms in the oil and gas sector including the vexed issue of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Achese said that if the current National Assembly did not pass the bill, it is expected that the incoming lawmakers would have no choice than to pass the bill without delay, adding that the union was in full support of the ongoing transformation plans for the sector. He said: “The National Assembly has done so much in taking these issues for granted. We hope that the PIB will be passed before the present National Assembly is dissolved.” While throwing his weight behind the privatisation of oil companies, he, however, said that the model used should be reviewed to be at par with international best practices, adding that the new administration should come up with policies that

would help to develop the economy. Igwe explained that the divestment of petroleum assets by multinational oil companies operating in the country was a threat to the economy and job creation. He further said: “The oil and gas transformation plan should be continued. The divestment has been affecting the country and complaints concerning labour issues have not been addressed. The oil and gas sector is important to the economy and the expatriates have already made their money. The PPRA has not been reconstituted despite several calls. “The exchange rate is still high and the minimum wage has expired after five years. We need a minimum wage to sustain us and make tax payment easy. “The four refineries must be rehabilitated and new ones established in order to reduce massive importation of petroleum products,” he said.

L-R: Outgoing Chairman, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Jos District Society, Mr. Christian Okoye congratulating his successor, Mr. Gyang Pam, during the Institute’s Annual General meeting in Jos.

Construction workers strike over unpaid salaries W orkers at the Construction Company and the Beheira Joint Company for Land Reclamation entered an open sit-in Tuesday in Giza. Daily News reports that the sit-in is taking place at the headquarters for the Holding Company for Land Reclamation and Research Groundwater situated in Al-Arish Street. The workers are protesting their not having received salaries for 10 months, due to the company’s losses and lack of work coming in. “We demand that we receive our net salaries for the last 10 months,” said a sit-in participant, union member, and head

of the drivers at the Construction Company Abdel, Moneim Al-Alfy. “Since the company was privatised in 1994, work keeps decreasing and there has now been no work at all for 10 months.” Up to 1,700 workers at the Construction Company and 4,000 workers at the Behira Company have not received their salaries. Al-Alfy added: “We just want to feed our families. “We know that the company doesn’t make any revenues so we are demanding that the government look at our problems and solve them. The Prime Minister (Ibrahim Mehleb) knew about our situation two months ago and promised

to solve our problem in three days but nothing happened. We want our voices to be heard and to reach President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi,” Al-Alfy noted. Egypt’s unemployment rate reached 13.1 per cent by the end of 2014, out of the total of 27 million individuals able to work. The government is seeking to increase the GDP growth rate by 3.8 per cent by the end of fiscal year (FY) 2014-2015. They are also looking to provide new employment opportunities targeting 100,000 opportunities by the end of 2015, according to statements by the Minister of Manpower and Immigration Nahed Al-Ashry, released in late 2014.

Achese

Power: Eskom offers to reinstate 1,700 workers W

orkers are considering Eskom’s offer to reinstate them even though working conditions at the Medupi power plant have not yet been addressed, according to Mail & Guardian report. Eskom’s spokesperson, Khulu Phasiwe, says that the workers were reinstated “to reduce levels of antagonism and intimidation against workers.” Eskom has reportedly offered to reinstate 1700 workers at the Medupi power plant who were fired by SMS in March, unconditionally. But the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa), the majority union at Medupi, says the working conditions previously raised by workers, at the heart of the dispute, have not yet been addressed. Workers are considering Eskom’s offer, and a meeting was held on Tuesday afternoon to discuss whether workers would return to work. It remains unclear whether work will continue at the plant. Eskom’s spokesperson, Khulu Phasiwe, told Reuters on Tuesday that the workers were reinstated “to reduce levels of antagonism and intimidation against workers”. Phasiwe could not be immediately be reached on Tuesday for clarification, but Numsa maintains that Eskom is not being truthful about why workers were fired in the first place. On the day of the march, Medupi workers received the following short messages: “Dear employee with effect from 27 March, 2015, you are not required to report for duty. The company will proceed and implement disciplinary processes forthwith and you will be notified accordingly.” At the time, Eskom said workers were fired by sub-contractors at the site for embarking on an “illegal strike”. In terms of South African labour legislation, strikes are either protected or unprotected, and the term “illegal strike” does not exist. Later, Eskom said workers were actually fired for vandalism.

But Steve Nhlapo, head of collective bargaining at Numsa, said workers never called a strike to begin with. And since the workers were dismissed, no charges of vandalism had been laid against any of the workers, Nhlapo said. He said that on March 27, workers had held a two-hour long march to handover a memorandum. At issue was the lack of exit bonuses for the thousands of workers who would be leaving the construction site once the construction was complete, and allegations that workers were being evicted from their subsidised housing near the site. At the time, Numsa said Eskom promptly locked workers out of Medupi, and that it was not true that workers had taken a decision not to return to work. Nhlapo said Eskom had acknowledged “their mistakes” at a meeting this week and had offered to re-employ the 1,700 workers, “unconditionally.” And, he said, the power utility had offered to stop the eviction of workers from their housing. “We said, give us an offer that we can take back to our members, and that is what they gave us,” Nhlapo said on Tuesday. Central to the dispute is the fact that a 20,000 - strong workforce will have to be let go once Medupi is built. Unit six, where workers dismissed were employed, is supposed to come online in July. In two weeks, Numsa is hoping that the dispute will be resolved. The union is unhappy about the fact that workers will be discharged without exit bonuses once Medupi is complete. It is at odds with Eskom over whether the sub-contractors’ managers are receiving exit bonuses while the workers are not. Workers who have already left the site will also have to be included in any exit package that is negotiated, Nhlapo said. He said that the union suspected that the firing of workers was an attempt to divert attention from the workers’ memorandum.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Rice farming can save Nigeria over N2bn annually, says Aondokaa p.34

Agric

‘Cashew can contribute N42bn to economy’ ADDED VALUE Over 300,000 families covering the North and South of the country are supported by cashew Stories by Dele Alao

he cashew tree, an evergreen tropical tree, is one of the economic trees that have the potentials to generate enormous wealth for farmers across the country but have received little attention from farmers, according to the Managing Director, Universal Quest Nigeria, Anga Sotonye. Sotonye, a cashew export expert, at an export business

luncheon on Nigeria’s multibillion cashew industries in Lagos recently, urged the Federal Government to include cashew seedlings in the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) as part of the inputs farmers can get from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development He stressed the need for Nigeria to consolidate its place in the cashew world by increasing its production and processing. He said: “Cashew is our heritage and one crop for which Nigeria has comparative advantage, and this explains why we have to be innovative and deliberately stimulate continuous improvements and drive growth in the cashew sector.” He explained that cashew

from its humble beginning, has now grown to become the winner crop that is supporting over 300,000 families in Nigeria covering the North, West, East and South of the country. Anga noted that cashew would contribute N42 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2015 ,but requires N50 billion to enable it boost production, processing and marketing and, in return, generate turnover of N1 trillion in 10 years. “As we allocate more land for cashew cultivation, our major focus should be to increase our national average in terms of yield per hectare, which is around 400 - 600 kilogrammes per hectare, to at least 1,000 -1,500 kilogrammes per hectare, and this can be achieved through the establishment of a national cashew

NGO urges youths to embrace agriculture

that processing only 50 percent of the country’s cashew would create over 8,500 new jobs and generate N2 billion revenue for government. He said for Nigeria to move forward in cashew, there has to be increase in cashew research projects, establishment of cashew seed/processing centres and youth encouragement in cashew based agriculture, establishment of cashew development commission and vigorous campaign to attract cashew growers.

Nigeria can generate N10bn from Jatropha oil – Group

he Biofuel Farmers Association has said that the country has the potential to generate N10 billion annually from the export of Jatropha oil. According to the president of the association, Mr. Kayode Adebiyi, the country could also earn about N5 billion annually from domestic utilisation of the Jatropha bio-crude oil. He said: “Through the supply of the oil to communication companies and industries for their power diesel alone, one can generate up to N5 billion. Just last year, the representative from a Japanese company came to Nigeria to request for 5,000 metric tones of the oil on monthly basis. So it can get up to N10 billion from such a business transaction.” Adebiyi, therefore, urged the Federal Government to pass a bill of 10 per cent inclusion

of Jatropha oil into any diesel powered engine, including automobile. Adebiyi, who also advised government to direct the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) to support relevant organisations with funds to produce more biofuel in the country, said: “If the bill is enacted, it will encourage consumers to come to the processors and farmers to source for the oil; there will be a flow of fund to the grassroots. The renewable energy division under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should be mandated to work on Jatropha and relate with biofuel farmers.” “Government can introduce renewable energy into secondary and tertiary curricula and mandate agric institutions to go into plantation of the crop to create awareness,” he added.

Agricultural Commodity Prices – Grains

Cashew

n o n - g ove r n m e n t a l organisation (NGO), Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative (FBIN), has urged youths to engage in agriculture as a means of helping the nation to curb unemployment. The Coordinator, FBIN, Ms. Nnaemego Nkiruka, said that the nation’s future was threatened by the growing numbers of unemployed youths, even when they could be more useful to the society by taking to agriculture. She added that there was the need to make concerted efforts to replace the nation’s aging farming population with young and vibrant groups. The FBIN coordinator, who noted that the nation’s youths were energetic, creative and strong enough to tap into

seed programme; improving farm level productivity by planting improved disease resistant high yielding cashew seedlings; and rejuvenation of old cashew farms and capacity building for cashew farmers,” he said. On his part, chairman of the luncheon, Mr. Yusuf Nurudeen, described the downturn in the oil and gas sector as a blessing for the non-oil segment to receive the required attention. Making reference to a report of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), he said

the huge job opportunities the agriculture sector could provide, said: “Available statistics show that the average age of the Nigerian farmer is 47 years with an average life expectancy of 50 years. “Although, no precise figures are available, there can be no doubt that unemployment rate among young men and women in Nigeria has reached alarming levels. The agriculture finance strategy of government needs to be reinvigorated and made more effective and youth-friendly with population growth, recognising urbanisation, climate change and other supply factors. The ever-growing number of jobless youths and the desperation that accompanies job search undermines development in the country.” She added that the main

goal of the NGO was to involve youths in economic growth and entrepreneurship-led development. “The NGO is partnering the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Africa Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) to see that this dream becomes a reality. The project aims to establish and promote at least 10,000 youth-led farms and agribusinesses across Africa by 2020. It also targets highlighting the benefits of farming for youth development and sustainable livelihoods,’’ she said. She urged the Federal Government to redouble efforts on its Agriculture Transformation Agenda by focusing on removing limitations to access to credit, land, fertiliser and other inputs.

Commodity Wheat Corn Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Oil Oats Rough Rice Hard Red Wheat Spring Wheat

Price 503-6 379-0 976-4 317.8 31.81 269-4 10.300 527-6 558-2

Change +2-4 +4-6 +15-2 +4.0 +0.46 +3-4 -0.080 +1-0 +2-0

Contract May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15

Price 65.12 115.55 137.35 13.19 2848 24.35 1.3520 0.1321 2808.00 0.6469 254.60

Change -0.15 +2.45 +2.35 -0.15 -32 -0.18 +0.0085 +0.0018 -40.00 -0.0044 +3.70

Contract May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 Jul 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 15

Time(ET) 10:57 10:57 10:57 10:57 10:56 10:52 10:49 10:56 10:55

Softs Commodity Cotton #2 Orange Juice Coffee Sugar #11 Cocoa Sugar #16 CME Coffee CME Sugar #11 CME Cocoa CME Cotton #2 Lumber

Time(ET) 10:55 10:56 10:56 10:57 10:52 08:12 04/14/15 04/14/15 10:52 04/14/15 10:55

Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price. Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

Business | Agric

BENEFIT Farmers and processors can jointly create 100,000 new jobs Yusuf Shuaib Abuja

he Secretary, Rice Processers Association of Nigeria, Mike Aondokaa, has said that the country stands the chance of saving over N2 billion from rice farming. Aondokaa said that should the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari partner with rice farmers and especially rice processers in the country to produce 75 per cent of the country’s rice, it would also help to create over 100,000 new

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rice farming can save Nigeria over N2bn annually, says Aondokaa jobs as well as inject a positive multiplier effect of over N2 billion into the nation’s economy. Aondokaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation told New Telegraph in his office that if more attention was given to rice production and processing, it would help to diversify the country’s economic base from oil and gas as well as boost the production capacity of local rice and save the country the huge amount of money spent annually on importation of the commodity. “If Nigerians can also change their attitude of rushing to buy foreign made goods

and especially grains, rice processing companies like MIKAP Nigeria Limited, producers of MIVA Rice and others will make a huge turnover running into billions of naira annually and as well yield huge payback to the economy,” he said. He argued that those demanding imported commodities instead of the local rice have soon forgotten that the local bag of rice they sacrificed for the foreign rice would have either come from their fathers, uncles, brothers, friends or relations farms, having sold the paddy to the rice processing mill.

He said: “It is good to know that during the out-going administration, President Goodluck Jonathan, through Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, supported rice processing companies like Umza in Kano, Aboni Agro in Ebonyi State, Achi rice in Maiduguri and MIVA rice in Benue State, and that was when we came on board in 2011, about four years ago. Now, with the big time players like Dangote Group, Bus, Honeywell, Elephant group, Coscharis and others coming in, the local rice producers will be happy be-

cause, by the time the big time players invest in local rice production, the local ones are sure of getting the protection that will stabilise the prices of local rice” and the huge investment coming in from these groups in the next three years from now, rice importation will be a thing of the past. “What we are doing now in the association is trying to produce rice that will be competitive and more equal to the imported rice, and as such if you go to my factory now the rice you will see is more of a higher quality compared to the imported rice,” he added.

Epidemic: Agric ministry to protect poultry industry

Rice plantation

SON partners IITA over cassava weed Deborah Olayode

igeria’s standards regulator, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has concluded plans to work with the Cassava Weed Management Project to tackle weeds ravaging cassava fields in Africa. SON’s Director General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said that the commitment by SON was amid growing concerns over the threat of weeds to cassava production in the country, which has kept productivity low and behind other cassava producing nations of Asia. “Innovations and standards are correlated. So, we would want to collaborate with you,” Odumodu said during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of SON in Lagos recently. The Cassava Weed Management Project, which is managed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and implemented in collaboration with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Federal University of Agricul-

ture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM), is developing innovations that will reduce drudgery associated with weeding in cassava farms. The project is exploring a mix of best bet agronomic practices, mechanical weed control and the use of environmentally friendly herbicides to tackle weeds. Project Leader, IITA Cassava Weed Management Project, Dr. Alfred Dixon, said that research findings from the project would help reduce the burden faced by women and children. “It is estimated that women spend about 500 hours per annum to weed and their children’s education in most cases is compromised as they are withdrawn from school to take care of cassava farms,” Dixon said. He commended SON for agreeing to work with the research team and to bring on board SON’s expertise in standardisation. Also, the Principal Investigator, IITA Cassava Weed Management Project, Prof. Friday

Ekeleme, said that working with SON and other regulatory agencies would bring benefits to farmers. Ekeleme, who explained that weeds were major constraints to cassava, as they undermine the yield and productivity of the root crop said: “In cassava fields where weeds are not properly managed, yield reduction of between 50-80 per cent is observed. For instance, if you don’t weed spear grass (Imperata cylindrica), you stand to lose 80 per cent of your cassava.” While expressing concern over the prevalence of obsolete herbicides in the Nigerian market, Prof. Ekeleme said that the team was carrying out herbicides residue analysis of some herbicides and would request SON’s collaboration. Other agencies, which the project is partnering with include: the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and National Environmental Standards Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

he Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has begun the training of key stakeholders in the poultry industry to enhance disease prevention, detection and control. Director, Department of Animal Production and Husbandry Services, Dr. Ademola Raji, who made the disclosure at a workshop organised for stakeholders at New Nyanyan, Nasarawa State, said that the step became necessary as attention was being focused on animal health globally. Represented by a Deputy Director, Dr. John Taiwo, Raji said that the workshop, titled “Behaviour change in bio-security in poultry production,” was aimed at empowering stakeholders to prevent diseases. He said that such workshop was necessary following the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza in the country. According to him, proper knowledge and application

of bio-security will help to curb the ugly situation. “The objective of the workshop is to develop an action plan in all aspects of disease detection, prevention and control. It is also to develop appropriate bio-security for poultry farms and live birds market in rural and urban areas. It will build capacity in technical, communication skills and advise poultry growers, sellers and live birds marketing administrators on developing a biosafety plan,’’ he said. Raji listed co-organisers of the workshop as Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, the Nigerian Institute for Animal Science (NIAS) and Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN). Early in the week, the Federal Government said that there was escalation of avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird-flu (H5N1 virus) in three states of the federation, including Kano, Plateau and Bauchi.

Group demands support for small farmers frican business entreIn his presentation, MaA preneurs have called sha decried the increasing for support to improve the rate of unemployment with capacities of small farmers. The entrepreneurs, which consisted of the Managing Director, Doreo Partners, Nigeria, Kola Masha; Managing Director, Sylva Food Solutions, Zambia, among others, spoke at a meeting with members of the Allparty Parliamentary Group (APPG) in the United Kingdom (UK) parliament that is made up of politicians from all political parties. It was an exciting meet for the APPG on Agriculture and Food for Development. Their visit to parliament coincided with the second roundtable in Smallholder Agribusiness Development inquiry.

the number of unemployed youth reaching 60 per cent. According to Masha, 20 million people have entered the workforce in the past 20 years. He expressed fears that increasing unemployment has led youths to insurgencies. He said agriculture is the only way of addressing it. He said agriculture accounts for 40 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To reposition the sector, Masha, called for a functional franchise model that would increase incomes by improving productivity and competitiveness of all producers, including small ones.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Auto Beat

Discovery Sport redefines efficiency

Paul Ogbuokiri

he Land Rover Discovery Sport boasts many modern technologies, seating for up to seven people, and class-leading off-road capabilities. But none of these come at the expense of the environment, Brands Manger COSCHARIS Motors, Cletus Adegoreye has said. He said in a recent statement that the vehicles nine-speed automatic transmission – is a first in the segment – which boasts ratios that not only allow for a smoother, more refined drive, but also uses taller ratios in ninth gear to allow lower engine speeds when cruising, thus optimising fuel economy. According to him, the transmission is paired to a choice

of three engines: the 2.0-litre petrol Si4 motor producing 177kW; the 2.2-litre turbodiesel TD4 motor with an output of 110kW; and the 2.2-litre turbodiesel SD4 engine producing 140kW. He said during the design phases the Discovery Sport’s aerodynamics were finetuned, minimising its frontal area and optimising air flow to deliver a drag coefficient of 0.36. This makes it one of the most aerodynamic Land Rovers to date, further

aiding fuel economy and lowering carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to lightweight aluminium in the Discovery Sport’s construction, Land Rover also made use of natural, renewable and recyclable materials. At the end of its lifecycle, 85 perent of the Discovery Sport is completely recyclable, ensuring its eco footprint is as low as possible, Adegoreye said.

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport

9 kids win Toyota dream car art show

he 9th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest recently took place in three different zones of Nigeria viz Abuja, Port Harcourtand Lagos. Eligible to participate in the contest were Students in the Junior Secondary Schools as well as Primary school pupils cutting across three different age categories viz: Category One: children under eight years, Category two: ages eight to 11 and Category 3: ages 12 to 15. Some private and public primary as well as secondary schools across the length and breadth of Nigeria participated in the exciting contest. At the end of the exercise, over 2,000 entries were collated and a panel of Creative Arts professionals and automobile engineers selected the 9 finalists using environmental friendliness, safety and futuristic as yardsticks for selection. The owners of the nine best drawings were accompanied by their parents/ guardians and art teachers to the prize

and certificate presentation ceremony which held in Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, head office, Lekki, Lagos to receive their certificates of excellence from the Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo. In addition to the certificates, the children were presented with lap tops and other beautiful corporate gifts that would etch the contest in their memories for a long time to come. In his address, the Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo hinged TNL’s sponsorship of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest on the company’s belief in the mental and psychological development of the Nigerian child. He expressed his satisfaction regarding the encouraging level of participation in the contest. The Chief Executive was particularly grateful to teachers and parents for moulding the children to proud champions and enthused that considering the beautiful concepts behind the drawings, the time might be now that Nigeria would produce a winner on the world stage. The Chief

Executive expressed enthusiasm to continue to sponsor the contest annually. Responding on behalf of the nine finalists, Okolo Chimneri Elendua contestant in the age 8-11 category expressed her appreciation to the Managing Director Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo. She went further to describe Toyota as a standard setter in Nigeria. She thanked the company for providing the platform for her and other contestants to showcase their God given creative talents and promised to be an ambassador of the Toyota brand now and in future. Delivering her vote of thanks, Mrs Bukunola Ogunnusi the Public Relations and Advert Manager thanked the children for participating in the contest and parents, guardians and teachers for the support accorded the children during the competition. She went on to wish the finalists luck and expressed hope that at least one of the entries should be able to be among the winners when the result is announced come May this year in Japan.

Hyundai Motor uses ‘New Thinking’ to send a special message to space

yundai Motor has used the brand’s ‘New Thinking’ approach to connect the most distant of families, setting a novel world record in the process. When the daughter of an astronaut on the International Space Station had a special hand-written letter to send to her father, Hyundai Motor found an ‘out of this world’ way to share her message. The newly launched campaign, entitled ‘A Message to Space’, revolves around a 13-year-old girl from Houston, Texas whose father is an astronaut and often away on space missions for many months at a time. Hyundai Motor conceived of a way for her to stay in touch with her father while he is gone by writing a personal message in giant lettering, big enough to be read from space. Using the Delamar Dry Lake, Nevada, US as a blank canvas, Hyundai Motor dispatched 11 Genesis cars to write an epic message covering an area more than one and a half times that of New York City’s Central Park. Capturing the message from his daughter, Stephanie, from the International Space Station, the astronaut was able to demonstrate the enormous scale of the mission. Measuring 5.55 km2, the creation has been officially recognised as ‘the largest tire track image’ ever by Guinness World Records, proving that distance is no obstacle for Hyundai when uniting loved ones. Describing the brand’s philosophy of caring for its customers, Scott Noh, Head of Overseas Marketing Group, Hyundai Motor Company, Scott Noh, said, “Keeping in line with Hyundai Motor’s corporate vision of being a ‘lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond’, the campaign highlights our philosophy of caring for customers through emotional interaction and becoming a brand beyond simply a means of transportation. Although sending a message to space with our Genesis cars was not an easy challenge, it enabled us to demonstrate our caring vision to our customers.” Experts from Korea, Europe, and the United States gathered to successfully deliver the ambitious project. Firstly, the team had to identify optimal locations based on numerous geographical and meteorological factors. After several expeditions to various locations, and analyzing global weather data, Delamar Dry Lake in Nevada was selected as the most optimal destination.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

L-R: FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinijide and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Musilu Obanikoro, at the Federal Executive Council meeting, in Abuja. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Independent National Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Chris Iyimoga (left), presenting Certificate of Return to Kaduna State Governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in Kaduna.

Secretary of State, Georgia, Mr. Brian Kemp (right), with the Director-General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mrs. Dupe Atoki, during Atoki’s visit before her conferment with the Honorary Citizenship of the State of Georgia in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

A cross-section of the members of ‘Bringbackourgirls’ group at the candle-light vigil held to demand for the release of kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls in Abuja.

Photo | News

L-R: Iba of Kisi, Oba Moshood Aweda; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, when the Alaafin led traditional rulers from Oyo, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso on a re-election congratulatory visit to the governor in Ibadan.

L-R: President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), Tony Ejikeonye; German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zenner and ABUCCIMA’s Vice President, Commerce, Gen. India Garba, at the closing ceremony of the training of trainers’ workshop of the German dual vocational training partnership with Nigeria in Abuja.

Independent National Electoral Commissioner, (INEC), Dr. Chris Iyimoga (left), presenting certificate of return to the winner of Central Senatorial Zone, Mr. Shehu Sani in Kaduna.

L-R: Chairman, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Abuja Chapter, Special Senior Apostle Mike Osamor; Chairman and General Leader, C & S Movement Church, Dakibiu District, Abuja, Special Apostle Anthony Bodunrin; Roman Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT, Rev. Israel Akanji, at a two-day service of songs in honour of late Prophet Gabriel Olubunmi Fakeye, in Abuja. PHOTO ELIJAH OLALUYI

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Umrah in Rajab: Settling the Controversy QUESTION As-salamu àlaykum. Is it right to perform Umrah in the month of Rajab? ANSWER Wa àlaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Though performing Ùmrah entails great reward, it is incorrect to perform it in the month of Rajab while believing that Ùmrah in Rajab is an act of the Sunnah, or that it has more reward than in any other month. Still, there is no harm to perform Ùmrah in Rajab, for, generally, Ùmrah has great merits when performed at any time throughout the year. Moreover, Muslims should be keen on doing many righteous deeds in the sacred months. Responding to the question in hand, Mahmoud Ismaìl, the exeditor of Hajj and Ùmrah counsels (Arabic section) in IslamOnline.net states, 1. Allah Almighty has chosen four months to be sacred, as stated in the verse that reads: (Lo! The number of the months with Allah is twelve months by Allah’s ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them.) (At-Tawbah 9: 36) The Sacred Months have not been defined in this verse but they have been specified in the Sunnah. This is stated in the hadith narrated on the authority of abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in the Farewell Hajj (Hajjat Al-Wada`) while delivering his sermon, “Time has taken its original shape which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is of twelve months, four of which are sacred, and out of these (four) three are in succession: They are Dhul-Qi`dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab which is named after the Mudar tribe, between (the month of) Jumada (II) and Sha`ban.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) 2. There is no authentic legal proof reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or from his Companions indicating a special merit in observing fast in Rajab particularly. But it is an act of the Sunnah to observe fast in Rajab just like in other Hijri months, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays; on the thirteenth, the fourteenth and the fifteenth days of every Hijri month; and on alternate days. Moreover, there is no authentic legal proof reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or from his Companions showing that there is a particular reward for performing Ùmrah in Rajab.

Allah Almighty knows best. CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

EXH O R T A T I O N

28 Jumada Al-Akhir 1436 AH

“And the True Promise is very close, the eyes of those who were unbelievers will be transfixed: “Alas for us! We were unmindful of this! No, rather we were definitely wrongdoers.” (Quran 21: 97)

L-R: Chairman, Ibadan Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Oyero; new Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdul–Ganiyu Agbotomokekere and Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Oyelade, after a news conference to announce the new Chief Imam of Ibadanland in Ibadan … Wednesday

Don’t relent on Chibok girls’ rescue efforts, students beg security agencies STATE-MATTER Group wants Lagos State Government to take increase in kidnapping as a state matter Adeola Yusuf

he Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has appealed to security agencies not to relent in their efforts to rescue over 200 girls abducted last year in Chibok, Borno state.

The Amir (President) of the society, Kaamil Kalejaiye, who said this in a press statement on the one-year kidnap of Chibok Girls in Borno, Nigeria also on Lagos state government to take the issue of increase in cases of kidnap in the state serious. He bemoaned the increasing rate of kidnapping in the country and appealed to the kidnappers to fear God. It would be recalled that three children from the same family were recently kidnapped in Surulere, Lagos by a maid, who is reportedly demanded N15 million to release them.

Although the kids have also been reportedly found in Lagos, Kalejaiye begged the kidnappers of other children across the country to release them, saying that they were innocent and should not be made to go through unwarranted punishment. He said, “We sincerely appeal to the kidnappers to release the children. They are innocent and know nothing about live yet. It will do the kidnappers no good to keep the children in hostage. We can’t just imagine what the children would be going through at this moment.

Brotherhood a sin qua non to Islamic practice, says Oladosu Saidat Buraimoh

University Don, Professor Abdul Hafiz Oladosu has said that brotherhood is a sin qua non to Islamic practice. Professor Oladosun made this known in one of the joint Usrahs Organised by The Companion group. Lending credence to the importance of brotherhood in islam he pointed out Quran 49:10, where Allah says “the believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear

Allah, that you may receive mercy.” Thus he said that any brotherhood, which is based on ornaments of this world but which is not based on faith would be useless on the day of judgement. Explaining the concept of brotherhood in Islam, Professor Oladosu gave an analogy of sand and stone. He said that brotherhood can not be devoid of disagreement or misunderstanding but the ability to forgive and forget. This, he continued, is in such that when your brother injures your feelings you write

it on the sand and when he does something good to you, you engrave it on a stone. In the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood he urged muslims to define their brotherhood in such that what belongs to them also belongs to their brother- with the phrase “ what is mine is urs.” In this regard, he called on Muslims to take care of other Muslims especially widows. Oladosu reiterated that although Muslims are quite supportive of wodows to the point of death and burial of the husband, they always leave the widow to chances after the husbands burial.

“Also, we urge security agencies to intensify their effort in getting the children back because this will guarantee Nigerians trust in them for the safety of our lives. We want them back alive. “The situation has placed Nigerians in fear. The kidnappers should for the sake of God and humanity release the children so that they can fulfil their God assigned responsibilities.” According to Kalejaiye, it is important that the Lagos State Government also take the issue as a state matter to hasten the rescue process. He explained that government intervention, arrest and punishment of perpetrators were needed to stop kidnapping from being rampant in Lagos. “Lagos State government should rise to assist the parents of these children. The government should wake up to its responsibilities and prove its proactive disposition in this case,” he added. The leader of the studentsbased society also expressed worry over the prolonged kidnap of Chibok girls, lamenting that the children were staying unduly long in the hands of the kidnappers. He wondered why government seems to find it difficult to secure the children despite the resources that are available. Kalejaiye said, “If the girls have not been rescued till this moment, we do not know what success the military has been claiming.”

Feminique NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

r Violet Arene is a septuagenarian but she exudes the grace, strength and confidence of a forty year old. Unlike some established women of her age, her humility and readiness to teach and carry the youths along is exemplary. Sitting in her expansive office, which shares the same building with her TV Studio; her majestic house to the left, and the church, which she built and pastors, and has now donated to the parent church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God to the right, she depicts fulfilment and motherliness as she shares the story of her life. One great quality one will surely notice in no time is that Arene is an interviewer’s delight. That may not be unconnected with the fact that she is also a top-notch interviewer. Having anchored Kith and Kin, an NTA Network programme that was set to re-engineer family values for a happier society; and A Great New World, a social engineering Radio programme, shaping necessary social and family values too, she retired from the NNPC to establish the Voice of Eve International, a platform dedicated to women empowerment. “Many people thought I was a staff of the NTA but I was actually with the NNPC. NTA co-opted me to anchor the kith and Kin after seeing my handiwork in the NNPC; and because I am a stickler for excellence and quality, I did it with aplomb,” Arene said. Talking about her days at the nation’s foremost oil corporation brought a lingering glitter in her eyes and she beamed intermittently. “It was the best time of my public service life,” she intoned. After the merger of the NNOC and the Ministry of Mines and Power that formed the NNPC, it was agreed that there would be a programme to prepare workers, many of whom were from the civil service, for the change to commercialization of NNPC. Seeing that Arthur Anderson, the foreign firm that was contracted was not sustainable on the long run, an in-house consultancy unit was set up to take over from them. Arene was appointed in absentia to be the first head of the unit in

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

Arene: NNPC needs good managers As the first head of the Total Quality Management Department of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) and one of the celebrated managers of the corporation, Dr Violet Arene may not be doubted when she says that the problem of the country’s economic engine is management. Fondly referred to as ‘Vice Chancellor’ and Trainer of managers because of her role of training Chief Officers for managerial positions in the ‘new’ NNPC, she told EBERE AMEH that if they had applied all they learnt, they won’t be under fire as they are today. Excerpts “I was the pioneer head of spite of a revolutionary presentation she made earlier the unit and I laid the foundathat ruffled some feathers. tion and prayed in the spirit Though she suffered for it, she of acceptance which is still was still adjudged the best for prevailing today. I did it for the job. six years and handed over in “That was how I became a 1998. It was the best time of manager preparer, developer, my life because I like to influautomatically and facing the ence people positively, I like cleansing of some of the prob- to develop people and I don’t lems in NNPC and improve- compromise on quality.” ment projects here and there. Talking about the various “We had to wean many of criticisms of every sort that the workers, especially those the corporation is battling coming from the Ministry now, vis-a-vis the reported from the civil service mental- plan of the president-elect to ity because the civil service probe and promote cleanliness is not meant to be profit mak- in the running of the corporaing. Their mentality is most tion, Arene said that if they adverse, very unhealthy for had implemented the teachentrepreneurship. So to get ings of the Chief Officers proour managers ready for the gramme, all those problems right business in a competi- would not have been there. “For your information, the tive world of market driven business, we had to do a proper programme is still on even transition.” after I had left but I am sorry Consequently, all manag- to say this; they are not impleers had to go through her tu- menting any of the things they torship, earning her the nick learnt from the Chief Officers name of ‘Vice Chancellor’. programme. If they had im“I was one of the celebrated plemented them, all the critimanagers in NNPC. It was a cisms it is enduring today law in NNPC that once you will not be there because become a Chief Officer, the the foundation was very next step of which was the good. I have met some of deputy manager, you must my students and I have pass through the CSU; you warned them that this is must pass through my hands. not the NNPC I expected For three months, they were in to see,” she continued. what we call then, the ‘NNPC “The problem of university’ and they call me NNPC is managejokingly, the vice chancellor. ment. The leader the And I lived up to the reputation deter mines because I remember I taught standard and lead14 courses. I wanted the qual- ership is not just ity, the value for leadership the person at to permeate the programme, the top, it as we drove the change to the is across board. quality culture in NNPC. “They saw me as larger If the than life. As if I were from another planet. I had to remind them occasionally that I was one of them, a fellow manager like them,” Arene said. People vied for the programme, which was later changed from the Consultancy service Unit to the Total Quality Management Violet Arene Department.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

I have met some of my students and I have warned them that this is not the NNPC I expected to see

leaders should set the example of excellence; the accountability and probity we are talking about will not go wrong. A leader determines what happens because of what he accepts. An organization rises and falls on leadership and everything goes down in an organization with bad management because the fish rots from the head.” Talking about NNPC in the new dispensation and the way forward to help the new administration salvage the situation, Arene, who is now a Management Consultant to many big organizations said that more than anything, they have to minimize error. “The culture of non-commercial is still hanging in NNPC even though it is supposed to be commercial. And now, things are not favourable because crude oil price has plummeted. It is probably a very tough time for the new administration to make any drastic changes because they need a lot of money. “Be that as it may, the new administration should endeavour to minimize mistakes and curtail unnecessary waste.

Feminique

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

No. 1 sex sin we don’t discuss

ut many are committing. Do you know what it is? Withholding sex from your husband or wife. Actually, this is the second part of last week’s article. As usual, I got a lot of responses spanning the two opposing thoughts. I also got nice quotations, and education from Muslim and Christian readers who sent in their views. One of them is 1. Corinthians 7:3. Do not refuse and deprive and defraud each other (of your due marital rights), except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves unhindered to prayer. But afterwards resume marital relations, lest Satan tempt you (to sin] through your lack of restraint of sexual desire. The other from a Muslim reader is this. That Islam considers sexual pleasure to be a gift from God to human beings and as such it should be enjoyed with praise and gratitude. Also that the religion has always frowned on celibacy. The issue of sex denial or withholding sex amongst couples is much more common than we all think. And both parties are equally guilty. Some men hide under the pressure of work, finance or some so called unpardonable offence to deny their wives of sexual satisfaction. The same goes for the woman. But whether we like it or not, this is a sin. And I consider it as the number one sin. It is also a crime against the

marriage institution. Both the Bible and the Quran forbid it. And I’m sure the traditionalists too. Although I have not heard from them. I hope they are not shy o!!. Sex is an integral part of marriage. It is one leg of a three legged stool or Tripod stand as we call it. The other two legs are love and money. If you want a happy and balanced marital life, you need the three. Money needs a little bit of clarification so you won’t get me wrong. I am not saying you should steal or go and break into the central bank of Nigeria because you want a happy marital life. If you do that, quite the opposite will occur. You will be tolerated only as long as you bring in the money. Once the money stops coming, or you get caught, you are finished o!!. As a couple, you need to work hard legitimately, pool your resources together and always plan for the future. A lazy or spendthrift husband or wife cannot keep a good home. So whilst sex alone cannot keep a marriage going forever, lack of sex will definitely lead to serious issues that might eventually lead to divorce. Finally, let me share this amazing top secret with you. Do you know that human beings are the only animals who have sex for enjoyment?. All other species have sex only when the female is in heat (ovulating). Which follows a well laid down breeding cycle. For them, sex has only one purpose. Propagation of that particular animal species for as long as possible. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself this question.

NNPC needs good managers CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 40

Fadeyi

Why are we the only animals that have erogenous zones? You know what they are, don’t you? For those sex dummies who don’t, they are those areas of our bodies which when touched, caressed or fondled will always turn us on and make us feel like having sex. Sometime in the future, we shall talk about erogenous zones and foreplay. Cheers. 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.

They should also invest in the right people who have the right values - the people that appreciate the fact that money is not everything; that service contribution is what life is all about.” Arene was promoted to General Manager, reporting directly to the Group Managing Director (GMD) and winning a Merit Award from almost every GMD of the NNPC, during her tenure – for outstanding performance, and leadership as she carried on with her gospel of total quality and change in the corporation. She left the corporation statutorily after completing the required years of service and got a meritorious thank you letter. Though retired, she never got tired as she has gotten even busier with the ministry, the consultancy, Voice of Eve and so much more. “The Lord reworked my life, because I have worked even harder after retirement than when I was working. I’ m involved in more things now. I have been in a leadership position in the women’s crusade for empowerment, I have authored over sixteen books, I am a conference speaker, a pastor, a TV producer, a Management Consultant, just name it. In all of these, I cannot but give God all the glory.”

Ego: Diary of a single mom

Ebere Ameh

om’s joy at my engagement was short-lived when she realised that I have neither met Danny parents nor visited his place before accepting to marry him. “Anyone who has been beaten once should be twice shy,” she said. “Ego I expect you to know better than be blinded by love again. When Segun was beating you right left and centre, what did his parents do? They looked on because they never approved of his marriage to an Igbo in the first place. Even before your divorce proceedings in the court were over, a Yoruba girl was already pregnant for him. Can’t you read between the lines?” She queried, apparently, expecting no answer from me as she went on. She had come visiting a couple of days after the election to ‘to open my eyes blinded by loneliness, not love,’ as she puts it and here we are talking late into the night with no hope that she will ever stop until ‘I get it.’ “My dear, in this part of the world, marriage is not between a couple alone but between the two families too. You need to know them and know if you are accepted. You need to see their place and know if you like there. There is no need for a rush my love.” Thank God, she has slowed down. There is hope of a response from me and that will determine if we will have a couple of hours of shut eye or I receive this lecture all night long. I know my mom very well, I just have to be diplomatic about my response. “I understand mom. I have discussed with Danny and we plan to

Osu or slave, I’ll go with Danny

see them soon,” I said. “From what I know, there won’t be any problem; I have been talking with his parents on phone and I am friends with two of his siblings.” “No problem my darling,” she answered. “I’m happy you got it. When you get there, you will know that there is a difference between phone talk and face to face conversation. I trust there will be no problem, except that there is another thing that may be an impediment,” she said, looking into my eyes searchingly as if unsure of my reaction. “We have to investigate and be sure he is not a slave or Osu

(outcast) running from his place because of his status,” mom blurted out. No wonder the look on her face and her probing eyes. I don’t think she needs a response because she knows my stand on that slave stuff - ‘they are humans like us. If God has set all free through the death of His son, who are we to set barriers to people’s freedom for no justifiable fault of theirs’. But I had to say something so as not to appear rude and use the opportunity to end the conversation. “Mom, you know my stand on this,” I responded. I will visit

them to know and bond with them but not to investigate or interrogate them to find out if they are slaves. For your information mom, if peradventure I find out that they are slaves or outcasts, that is when I will love him the more and marry him fast. The marriage of an Ogbuefi and a Grand Knight of St John International will send a message to all those stubborn elders in the village - a message of hope to the ostracised,” I said with all seriousness, standing up to buttress my point. With hands and eyes raised as if in prayer, I said, “God, how I wish Danny is a slave! I need to use my marriage to him to prove a point because...” Before I could finish, mom jumped to her feet and closed my mouth. I smiled because I expected a reaction from her. “Shut up Ego! What has come over you? Have you gone nuts? You will never succeed in sending us, your parents to our early graves, neither will you succeed in this shame you want to bring upon our family,” she continued but I already jumped onto on my bed laughing before pretending to be asleep. “It is not a laughing matter ooo, and you can’t sleep until you recant all you have just said and reason like a normal person....” she continued but I think I slept off eventually only to face her ‘take it or leave it’ lecture the next morning.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Crime

My husband forced me into kidnapping, says housemaid Funmilayo Adeyemi,

that would be going to people’s house to act as maid and kidnap kids. They shouted at me, saying I should not bring the downfall of their progress. That people used to do it and make a lot of money from it. I said okay. When I brought the two kids and asked him how much he would collect, he said it would be small money. He didn’t tell me how much. I later saw on Facebook that he collected N2 million. We now took the kids to Shagamu, where their parents picked them.

35, is the notorious nanny that kidnapped the Orekoyas’ three boys, plunging their parents into inexplicable anguish. She was also the housemaid that kidnapped Rafael and Michael Esharegaran from their home in Magodo. She chats with JULIANA FRANCIS.

How many days did Rafael and Michael stay with you people? Who was calling their parents, asking for money? It’s my husband who used to call to demand for money. Did you read in the papers and watch television on how traumatised their parents were? I read and saw everything. I used to call and tell my husband that the mother of these kids was worried and asking for them.

Excerpt:

Why were you arrested? It was SARS that arrested me because I kidnapped three children.

What do you mean, calling your husband? Are you not together? No! They put me in another hotel with Michael and Rafael, while they were in another hotel. They said the separation was because a Commissioner of Police’s office is nearby.

Why did you kidnap them? It’s because of money. How long have you being doing this? I started December last year.

Are you saying you didn’t keep the kids in your house? Initially, we took them home, but the following day, my husband said we should move them. We moved to a hotel in Shagamu. They said the police was parading and moved me and the kids to another hotel. Later, they moved us again. About three or four days later, my husband called, he said I should leave the hotel, that their mother was coming. I left there and went back to Shasha at Akowonjo, Egbeda. At home in the night, I watched news and heard that the kids had beenreunited with their parents.

How many times have you kidnapped kids? Two times. It was the second one that got me arrested. Tell us about the first one; who gave such an idea? It was my brother-in-law’s wife. Her name is Ajoke Oseni, while her husband is Akeem Kareem. My husband’s name is Megida Akanni Kareem. What does your husband do for a living? He’s a marketer and also a film producer. Is he not making enough money? He’s not! He said that other producers

Adeyemi Fumilayo

like him used to do ‘patch patch’ to make ends meet. What is patch patch? It means doing other business to augment his real job. He said that he needed to patch up his life.

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

So you guys now agreed to kidnap kids? No! It was Ajoke that brought the idea. One day, Ajoke opened OLX site. She saw a woman asking for a housemaid. She gave me the woman’s number. Which case are you talking about? Michael and Rafael’s case! I called the woman and she invited me. She inter-

viewed me and said we should go out. She took me to her house. On Sunday, when everyone had gone out, I strapped the youngest child to my back and held the other by the hand. I left the estate. We went to Awoyaya area. When I got home, my husband welcomed me warmly. I asked him how much he would collect from their parents. So after Ajoke told you about the business, you told your husband and you all agreed to the kidnapping? In fact, the three of them had already discussed and agreed before they called me. I was the last to know about the business. I asked why I should be the person

We heard you drugged the kids? Yes, I gave them drug to make them sleep. I left them in the hotel. It was my husband that called their parents to come and pick their kids. How much did you collect from their parents? My husband said it was N2m. How did you people collect the money? My husband collected it through ATM. He called that the kids’ mother had paid, that I should leave the hotel. How much did your husband give you? N30,000! C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

Crime

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘They told me kidnapped kids were family friends’

iss Henrietta Odili is the 16-year-old maid of Fumilayo Adeyemi, who was ‘kidnapped’ and her phone seized. She was rescued after SARS men picked Fumilayo: I grew up in a family of six. I’m the fourth child. I had my secondary school in Benin. I stayed with my uncle in Benin and left for Lagos in search of a job. I came to Fumilayo. I’m from a very poor home. I took housemaid job to raise money to further my education. Fumilayo has four kids; Danjuma, Lolade, Ibrahim and Habeeb. Danjuma and Lolade are sevenyear-old and Ibrahim and Habeeb are one and half year old. How did you get involved with Fumilayo? I applied for a housemaid job on OLX. My parents were not aware. They are in the village; I was at Benin, living with my uncle. I applied at Benin through OLX, they invited me to Lagos. When I got to their home, they searched my clothing and took away my phone. They took my phone, saying they needed to know me better for a month before they would return it. After two months, they gave me back the phone, but they had removed the SIM. When I asked for it, they said they misplaced it. They promised to search for it because I needed to call my family. I wanted them to know I was okay and not to panic. One day I approached her husband, telling him that I would like to call my parents, they all got angry. I only wanted to speak with my dad. He would be worried and scared. The man said I should wait until six months before I could call my dad.

see her give the kids the medicine. She came out later without the kids; I asked about them, she said I should forget about them. We boarded motorbikes and went to meet others at Ijebu Ode.

What happened after that? The issue of this kidnapping happened! You said you worked with them for five months, how much and many times were you paid? I was paid two months out of the five and my salary was N10,000.

Who did she tell you Michael and Rafael were? They said they were kids of family friends. They said the kids came for a holiday since it was Xmas period.

Did you ever go out on your own? Never! One of the women always goes out with me. There are two wives and two brothers in the flat. There was never any opportunity to make a simple phone call to my family.

Do you know if they collected ransom? I don’t know.

Did you realize at that point that you were a kidnapped victim? I never knew because they were nice to me and took very good care of me. At what point did you know you were kidnapped? Just yesterday after SARS men arrested Fumilayo. Tell me about Michael and Rafael. That was at Ajah. We were told that Fumilayo travelled out. She came back on a Sunday night. Before then, they asked me and Mercy, the second maid to go out with the kids. When we came back, they said Lolade and Danjuma should come in first. It was strange. We started wondering what was happening. I heard Michael and Rafael playing with the four kids. I said to myself, Mummy was back. When we went in, we saw mummy, but they refused to allow us to see Michael and Rafael.

Odili

On Monday morning, they said we should start packing, that we were leaving the house. That was when I saw the two kids for the very first time. I also saw them at Dapson Hotel at Shagamu. On Monday night, Akeem said Fumilayo should leave with the kids. They moved to Davidson Hotel. They were there for a day and left again for Golden Prince Hotel, where we stayed for three days. On Thursday afternoon, they called her and asked her to leave that hotel. They spoke in Yoruba. I don’t understand the language. She said I should start packing. I saw her mixing a medicine in a cup. I guessed it was a sleeping drug for the two boys. She said I should go out. I didn’t

What about the three kidnapped kids? Are Rafael, Michael and the three kids the only kids you witnessed in that house? Yes! As for the three kids, Fumilayo travelled again. The husband’s brother, Akeem said she went to Abuja for an interview. She left on Sunday and came back on Monday. She said we should not go close to the passage because a guest was using one of the rooms. We asked who? They said the person is a celebrity. When we probed further, they said the celeb was Waje the musician and her family. They were our guests. They said Waje was shy. We heard noises in the room, but we never saw anybody. But mummy’s kids told us that three kids were inside the room. I never believed until the day SARS came around the area. I saw the family trying to rush the kids out. I saw three kids. I didn’t see a woman. Later Akeem said they rushed the kids out because Waje’s husband was looking for them. They said Waje abandoned her kids and ran away, that she wanted to tarnish their good name. They took the kids, put them into sacks, bundled them into a car and zoomed off.

Police go after granny, sons, others C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

What about Akeem and Ajoke? I don’t know! How do you feel as a mother, watching another crying over her kidnapped children on television, newspaper and Facebook? My mind was not at rest! You’re a liar! If your mind was troubled, why did you kidnap the Orekoyas’ three kids? It was not like that! They came to call me again. My husband said I must go again, that I shouldn’t be the person hindering his progress. That was what you said in the case of Rafael and Michael. Yes! That was the line he took again with me. He said he would kill me. He said I wanted to destroy his progress. Did you legally marry him? No, he didn’t marry me. I have kids for him. I know his family members, but he only knows one of my sisters. How did you kidnap the Orekoyas’ three kids? It was Ajoke Oseni, who called again, saying that a woman was looking for a nanny to employ. She gave me the woman’s phone number. I called the woman; she said we should meet at PWD, Ikeja. She interviewed me and said I should come the following day to resume. She said that towards the ending of election, we would go and know my family. The second day, I strapped the youngest child to my back, held the other two and told their brother we were going

down stairs to buy some things. I left. On the road, I called my husband that I was on my way. He said I should be coming. When we got home, I asked him how much he would collect, he said small amount. I later heard in the news that he was demanding N15m. I rushed to meet him; I said it was too much. He said I should keep out of it, that I had done my part, and that it was up to him to handle the money aspect of it. I then watched Mrs. Orekoya on TVC, crying. My heart became troubled. I went to meet them, begging them to return the kids to their mother. But my husband refused; he said the kids’ dad was stubborn, that he didn’t want to pay the ransom. I told him that their mother was crying too much, that he should come and watch her; he angrily pushed me out of the room. Why didn’t you go to the police? He threatened that he would kill me! Didn’t you use to leave the apartment? My brother-in-law’s wife stays at home with me. They watch me. Where you kidnapped and tied in the apartment? Not really, but I’m the person who used to watch the kidnapped kids. I wasn’t given chance to move on my own. Were you arrested on the day you went to collect the Orekoyas N15m ransom? I didn’t even know it was N15m! I was arrested yesterday (Wednesday). I was arrested at Coker, Shasha. There was a baba that was repairing my fan;

he said I should come to pick it. When I got there, he said I should wait. Who lives at Ajah? We don’t live at Ajah! I was at the baba’s place when I saw SARS men. I called him that SARS men were around. How do you know SARS men were around? Do you use charms? I saw them outside. I knew they were police because they wore black clothes and were in a van. Was SARS written on their clothes? Not really, but I heard people saying SARS men were around. I didn’t know they were SARS until I saw them stepping down from the van. I called my husband. He said I should prepare and leave the place. Where were the kids all this time? You locked them and maltreated them? Ha! No! I used to strap them on my back like my own kids! When SARS came, I was holding one, while my mother held others. Didn’t your mother-in-law asked how you came about three kids? She did. I told her that she should ask her two sons. Why did you kidnap Miss. Henrietta Odili? I didn’t kidnap her! When she came to our home, I wasn’t even around. She was employed by Ajoke who took her phone away. You can call and ask her. It was when I came back that Ajoke told me that a lady came, that she needed a job. She came from Edo State to Lagos for the job. Is Ajoke and her husband living with you

people? Yes, we all live there. It’s a three bedroom flat. Henrietta works for Ajoke, not me. What does Ajoke’s husband do for a living? He’s a film producer, just like my husband. Ajoke is a marketer like me. We both sell CD. Didn’t it ever cross your mind that the police will catch you? It did several times, but my husband threatened to kill me. I was scared. I didn’t want to die. I feared for my life. Do you believe that a man whom you had four kids for will kill you? Yes! The threat was too much. You can ask Henrietta. As a mother how do you feel, watching another woman go through agony for her kidnapped kids? I feel bad. I pray God should forgive me. I attend Winners’ Chapel Church. If someone kidnapped any of my kids, I would go crazy just like Mrs. Orekoya. When she said she was dying because of her kidnapped kids, I felt terrible. When I watched it on TVC, I started weeping. It’s not my fault! Everything is the fault of my husband. (Begins to cry). How will police get your husband? When I was arrested, he was outside. He saw the police bundling me into the vehicle. When I glanced back, I didn’t see him. I don’t know how much my husband collected from the Orekoyas. My husband handled the money aspect of things.

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

IMF tasks Nigeria, others on fiscal reforms, subsidy COUNSEL Oil exporting countries should keep a lid on public spending Ayodele Aminu

Washington D.C.

igeria and other oil exporting countries should keep a firm lid on public spend-

ing to minimise the adverse effects of the fallen prices of crude oil in the international market on her citizens, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has said. IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde said this yesterday while fielding questions from correspondents at the ongoing 2015 Spring Meetings of the IMF/World Bank in Washington DC. Specifically, she said that fiscal prudence and removal of all

Sterling Bank steps up efforts to boost education Tony Chukwunyem

s part of efforts to improve the standard of education in the country, Sterling Bank Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading firms and organizations providing key services in the sector. The organizations include HR&P Solutions company Limited, QC Investment Limited, NetLibrary Nigeria Ltd, Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (Deepen) and Sims Nigeria Limited. Speaking at the event in Lagos yesterday, Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, explained that the lender entered into the partnership with the organizations because of its belief that providing support for education was too important a responsibility to be left to the government alone. He argued that there was no country in the world where the government alone had the

resources required to fund education. He restated the bank’s readiness to support any form of education that prepares individuals for life. According to him, “Our objective is to transform education; to invest in education and also enable start up companies to invest in the sector.” The Sterling Bank top official further pointed out that the lender was not only involved in the initiative as economic agents, because it saw education as a means of transforming the country. In February this year, the President National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Lagos Chapter, Chief Yomi Otubela, had commended Sterling Bank Plc for its active support for education in Lagos State. He cited Sterling Bank’s collaboration with NAPPS in the association’s annual retreat programme as well as its unified examination.

Restrictions on foreign currency trading hurting banks – FCMB boss

CMB Group Plc has said restrictions in foreign-currency trading are the biggest risk to banks in Africa’s largest economy as they struggle against a slump in oil prices and a weak naira. Bloomberg quoted the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Ladi Balogun, as saying that, “What we clearly see is a very tough half year..It is important that we restore liquidity in the foreign exchange market as quickly as possible.” The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) applied rules and restrictions to stabilize the

naira after it declined to a record low in February as the price of oil, the nation’s major foreign-exchange earner fell by a half in the second half of last year. The central bank has devalued the naira twice since November and prevented banks from buying dollars in the interbank market without matching orders, steadying the exchange rate while reducing liquidity. The naira has dropped 17 percent against the dollar in the past six months, the most among 24 currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

FMBN Lagos inferno emanated from generator room, says FMBN boss Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he inferno that razed some section of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) building in Lagos allegedly emanated from generator, Managing Director of FMBN, Gimba Ya’u Kumo has said. This is as he expressed the appreciation of the bank to Nigeri-

ans for their concern and sympathy to the Bank during fire incident at Mamman Kontagora House in Lagos, Wednesday. The complex has two sides, each of which has 11 floors. The structure facing Broad Street was not affected. The affected section is the one facing Marina. The building also houses the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) among other companies.

forms of subsidies often funded with public resources would be part of the options left for Nigeria and other oil exporting countries to overcome the threats posed by declining crude prices at the international markets. The IMF boss also noted although, the government has been talking about economic diversification in the country, the impact remained to be seen on the people and the economy as whole. Consequently, she urged the government to take more con-

crete steps to stem the vulnerability that could arise in the face of the falling oil prices. Oil prices have plunged by more than half since June, curbing revenue and investment plans in Nigeria, which rely on crude proceeds for about 75 percent of government revenue. Nigeria’s currency, the naira has slumped 18 percent against the dollar in since June last year to a record low of N200 at the close of business yesterday. Foreigncurrency reserves, which the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) uses to defend the naira, have also slumped to $29.514billion as at the last Monday. Given these developments, the Federal Government late last year announced a set of austerity measures, which it hoped would help it minimise vulnerability arising from the likely revenue losses from oil exports, including reduction in overseas trainings by government officials, a situation many believe was not comprehensive enough to check.

Cyber Crime: W’ Africa central banks brainstorm on prevention strategies (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who was represented at the event by the bank’s Director, Monetary Policy Department, Mr. Moses Tule, said cyber crime had assumed the status of a multi-billion dollar industry, adding that it has increased in intensity not only in the sub-region but globally. According to him, a report indicated that about $5 billion was fleeced from financial institutions across the world last year, and urged participants at the seminar to evolve effective strategies to curb the menace. In his opening remarks, Director General of WAIFEM, Prof. Akpan Ekpo said the objective of the seminar was to appraise the threat posed by cyber crime in the sub-region

Ayodele Aminu

Washington D.C.

orried about the increasing rate of cyber crimes globally, central banks in West Africa yesterday brainstormed on effective strategies to combat the menace, which fleeced $5billion from financial institutions last year. The West African Institute for Economic Management (WAIFEM), which was set up by the sub-region’s apex banks cashed in on the ongoing Spring Meetings of the IMF/World Bank in Washington DC to organise a high level seminar on cyber crime security framework for financial institutions. Central Bank of Nigeria

and proffer solutions on mitigation measures. Chairman, Board of Governors of WAIFEM and Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Henry Wampah, in a keynote address said the threat of cyber crime had advanced beyond imagination. Wampah, who was represented by Millison Narh said enhancing cyber security and prevention were critical, adding that cyber crime leads to loss of confidentiality and integrity. In a paper presented at the seminar on “Tackling Cyber Security Challenges: Role of Central Banks”, a partner with Deloitte West Africa, Mr. Tope Aledenusi said tackling cyber crimes starts by understanding the threats and their actions.

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$29,492,115,996

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 15/4/2015 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 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

16-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)

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

0.02 1.34 2.03 2.28 2.38 3.12 4.20 4.52 4.83 6.78 8.91 13.62 14.10 14.60 15.27 19.26

12.48 14.02 13.83 13.83 13.83 13.89 13.96 13.96 13.95 13.88 14.01 16.87 17.30 17.79 15.51 14.32

Bid Price

Offer Price

4.81 13.90 13.74 13.74 13.75 13.76 13.87 13.85 13.86 13.82 13.95 16.81 17.23 17.69 15.44 14.27

99.83 98.80 102.18 92.40 91.16 92.11 106.26 77.23 105.41 110.72 100.92 90.06 74.83 52.10 68.07 85.85

99.98 98.95 102.33 92.55 91.31 92.41 106.56 77.53 105.71 111.02 101.22 90.36 75.13 52.40 68.37 86.15

Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%)

5,023.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Price

4,678.75 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

0.10 1.09 1.65 2.01 2.22

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

14.92 16.48 15.92 14.81 16.67

98.41 100.81 100.05 102.71 96.21

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

0.38 0.46 0.73 0.73 2.01 1.27 2.71 2.09 2.10 2.08 2.08 2.28 2.71 4.60 2.67 3.22 5.62 5.71 3.37 3.40

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

17.43 16.90 18.59 17.61 14.81 15.10 15.64 15.61 14.82 14.81 18.59 14.83 14.85 14.96 14.85 14.89 14.91 14.91 15.35 14.91

98.18 98.31 96.98 98.55 91.90 98.47 96.42 97.28 98.58 99.42 92.64 101.16 101.31 98.48 99.77 99.65 94.71 100.28 97.88 100.16

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

0.34 0.40 0.48 1.46 1.53 2.46 1.48 1.73 1.90 1.90 3.44 1.76 2.09 2.71 5.58 6.71 9.46 9.46

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

13.70 14.18 16.49 14.99 15.30 14.84 15.86 14.89 14.84 14.84 14.91 16.18 19.92 16.01 16.67 15.01 15.33 15.33

98.78 99.15 98.89 97.47 98.61 96.32 103.40 101.61 104.86 101.76 97.59 99.42 96.97 99.95 94.92 105.90 83.28 89.78

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

322.71

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 10.78 87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

452.88 439.25

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 5.40 2.54 0.70 35.00 2.40 0.36 4.50 2.05 30.50 0.10 15.44

161.83

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

159.92

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

2.83

1.00

14.86

89.52

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

14.95

86.25

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 21.91 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.55

5.36

105.87

106.83

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.98

4.64

100.43

101.44

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.90

5.74

103.08

104.08

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

1,546.89

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

136.27

47.13

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.51

4.26

101.00

103.38

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

11.34

92.00

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

11.02

9.22

89.50

93.87

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

10.25 APR 08, 2019

7.31

6.74

95.97

97.68

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

6.25 APR 22, 2019

39.88

43.63

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

8.75 May 21, 2019

7.12

97.00

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

11.79

10.85

90.35

93.20

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

9.26

95.00

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

26.15 11.53 9.92

26.15 11.13 9.92

44.00 89.98 90.30

44.00 91.62 90.30

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.95

10.57

89.25

90.88

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,760.00 3,920.84

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 7 14 21 28 35 49 56 70

FIXINGS Maturity 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.85 13.20 9.66 11.93 12.10 11.03 12.58 12.24

Offer Discount (%) 13.60 12.95 9.41 11.68 11.85 10.78 12.33 11.99

Bid Yield (%) 13.89 13.27 9.71 12.04 12.24 11.19 12.82 12.53

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.6250 14.6433 15.4704 16.2953

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.17

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

11.54

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

199.06 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

199.16 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21

O/N Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.25 11.30

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

150.00 200.00 591.57 254.50

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

14.10 14.60 15.27 19.26

17.30 17.79 15.51 14.32

17.23 17.69 15.44 14.27

74.83 52.10 68.07 85.85

75.13 52.40 68.37 86.15

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

5,023.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,678.75

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17,FMBN 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

***LCRM

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

0.10 1.09 1.65 2.01 2.22

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

14.92 16.48 15.92 14.81 16.67

98.41 100.81 100.05 102.71 96.21

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

0.38 0.46 0.73 0.73 2.01 1.27 2.71 2.09 2.10 2.08 2.08 2.28 2.71 4.60 2.67 3.22 5.62 5.71 3.37 3.40

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

17.43 16.90 18.59 17.61 14.81 15.10 15.64 15.61 14.82 14.81 18.59 14.83 14.85 14.96 14.85 14.89 14.91 14.91 15.35 14.91

98.18 98.31 96.98 98.55 91.90 98.47 96.42 97.28 98.58 99.42 92.64 101.16 101.31 98.48 99.77 99.65 94.71 100.28 97.88 100.16

Stock market falls for third consecutive day TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

322.71

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

SELL PRESSURE

Investors’ wealth down by N45 billion

Stories by Chris Ugwu

he Nigerian equity market yesterday tumbled for the third consecutive trading day this week as sell pressure TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE was unabated, producing 27 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION losers and gainers apiece. Corporate Bonds Bargain hunters have con‡ /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#

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

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

tinued to leverage on gains recorded last week to take profits. Consequently, the All-Share Index dipped 133.26 basis points or 0.38 per cent to close at 34,832.62 as against 34,965.88 recorded the previous day while the market capitalisation of equities depreciated by N45 billion or 0.38 per cent as market sentiment remained in the red zone. Meanwhile, a turnover of 719.7 million shares worth N3.8 billion in 4,494 deals was recorded in the day’s trading. The insurance sub sector of

close at N1.14 while UBN Plc gained 6.93 per cent to close at N10.80. On the flip side, shares of underwriting firm, Mansard Insurance Plc, led the losers with a loss of five per cent to close at N3.04 per share. Nigerian Breweries Plc plunged 4.99 per cent to close at N159.61 while UAC Property Plc dropped 4.92 per cent to close at N11.40 per share.

Union Bank grows pre-tax profit to 86%

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

of the financial services sector, boosted by activities in the shares of UBA Plc and Access Bank Plc, followed with a turnover of 196.5 million shares valued at N2.1 billion in 1,550 deals. Shares of Carverton Plc led the gainers chart, appreciating by 10 per cent to close at N3.10 per share. AIICO Plc followed with a gain of 9.62 per cent to 452.88 439.25

uaranty Trust Bank Plc has by 28 per cent to close at N1.30 posted a 17 per cent growth trillion in Q1 2015, from N1.02 in profit before tax for the first trillion in Q1 2014. The bank quarter ended MarchUBA 31, 2015. also reported a post-tax ROAE CASERA A review of the*LAQ1 2015 of 29.03 per cent and ROAA of results showed that *CHELLARAMS the bank 4.39 per cent respectively. *DANA continued on a strong growth Commenting on the finanNAHCO UBA trajectory. cial results, the Managing STANBIC IBTC The bank recorded a 17 per Director and Chief Executive STANBIC IBTC TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE cent growth in gross earnings Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, statTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION to N79.02 billion, from N67.58 ed that “a major focus for the billion recorded in the com- bank this year is to strengthen Supranational Bond parative period of IFC 2014, un- market positions with distinc10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB derpinned by strong growth tive customer propositions in TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE in interest income and effec- chosen segments in order to TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION tive management of operating deliver long-term sustainable expenses and cost of risk. Issuer and efficient growth as well as Description Rating/Agency Profit before tax was N32.65 strong shareholder returns.” FGN Eurobonds billion, an increase of 17 per A review of its 2014 results 6.75 JAN 28, perfor2021 cent from had also showed positive BB-/Fitch; B+/S&PN28.01 billion reported mance across all financial indiBB-/Fitch; in Q1 2014. The bank reFGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P ported a Q1 2015 profit after tax ces. The group delivered profit BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 of N26.56 billion an increase before tax of N116.39 billion, an BB-/S&P TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE of 15 per cent over the N23.11 increase of 9.30 billion or 8.7 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION billion reported in Q1 2014. per cent over the N107.09 bilThe bank closed lion reported in December 2013 Corporate Eurobonds Q1 2015 with total assets and contingents and gross earnings of 01, N278.52 11.50 FEB 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I 7.50 MAY 2016per of N3.15 billion an increase of 19, 14.8 B+/Fitch; B+/S&Ptrillion, customer GTBANK PLC I 7.25 JUL 25,billion 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK deposits of N1.69 trillion andPLC cent from the N242.67 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC shareholders’ funds of N357.59 recorded in the same period of 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC billion. The bank’s non-per2013. In terms of value creation 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II 6.25 APRthe 22, 2019 forming loans improved toBANK 3.06PLC for its shareholders, bank B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&Pfrom 3.40 per DIAMOND per cent centBANK in PLCrecorded pre-tax 8.75 ROAE of 32.94 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC the comparative period of Q1 per cent and ROAA of 5.22 per 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 9.25/6M USD . LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 2014 whilst B-/Fitch; B/S&P the loan book ACCESSgrew BANK PLC IIcent respectively #{r}

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 10.78 87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

the financial services sector was the most active during the day (measured by turnover volume); with 374.9 million shares worth N278.6 billion exchanged by investors in 180 deals. Volume in the banking subsector was largely driven by activities in the shares of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc and Mansard Insurance Plc. Also, the banking sub-sector

GTB Q1 2015 PBT grows by 17%

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

17-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

2.50 18.75

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15

0.34 0.40

1.00 1.00

13.70 14.18

98.78 99.15

9.92

90.30

10.95

10.57

89.25

90.88

nion Bank to be competiuct capabilities.” 14.00of Nigeria0.42 overall costs 06-Jan-16 0.48 2.63 delivery 16.49 98.89 13.00 29-Sep-16 1.46 . 1.00 the industry Plc has reported 86.3915.00 tive within Further14.99 breaking97.47 down 5.53 25-Oct-16 1.53 1.34 15.30 98.61 per cent14.25 increase in “We also overhauled operthe 2014 numbers, the Chief 13.00 20.00 30-Sep-17 2.46 1.00 14.84 96.32 profit before18.00 tax for the0.64 ations and processes in1.48 order Financial Officer, Mrs. 30-Nov-17 1.88 15.86 103.40Oy09-Apr-18 deliver1.73 1.00 14.89 2014 financial16.00 year ended5.40 to consistently Adewale, said:101.61 “Havqual- inkan 2.54 09-Sep-18 1.90 1.00 14.84 104.86 December 31, 18.00 2014. ity service to our customers, ing substantially cleaned 16.00 0.70 09-Sep-18 1.90 1.00 14.84 101.76 up 2013, According 14.00 to a notice35.00 and established a Central 22-Sep-18 3.44 1.00 our loan 14.91book in 97.59 15.75 Stock Ex-2.40 Processing 18-Oct-18 1.76 2.29 were able 16.18 to reduce 99.42net to the Nigerian Center to provide we 18.00 0.36 17-Feb-19 2.09 6.11 19.92 96.97 change (NSE),16.00 the group’s4.50 streamlined, cost efficient impairment charge 99.95 by 75 01-Apr-19 2.71 2.16 16.01 14-Nov-20 5.58 2.76 cent and 16.67improve 94.92 processing pre-tax profit15.25jumped to2.05 and consistent per NPL 16.45 30-Dec-21 1.13 105.90 N27.708 billion during the30.50 of branch operations. 6.71 ratio from15.01 six per cent in 11.93 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.46 1.00 15.33 83.28 period under 13.25 review from15.44 “Notwithstanding 2013 per cent in89.78 2014. 30-Sep-24 9.46 the 1.00 to 5.1 15.33 N3,769 billion compared We have better leveraged 161.83significant investments in with the previous year. 159.92these initiatives, we stabi- our capital base, with a 44 Revenue rose to N135.897 lised our cost line and kept per cent growth in the loan billion compared with12.00 expenses11-Feb-18 flat. The bank book, and 14.86 growth in89.52 loan 11-Feb-13 10.20 2.83also 1.00 10-Jul-14 11.25 the previ-12.95 recorded01-Feb-21 4.75 1.00 14.95 N121.398 billion significant growth to deposit ratio from 86.25 48 per ous year, accounting for 1024.95in net operating income, and cent in December 2013 to 64 21.91the disposal of five of our per cent at the end of 2014. per cent growth. non-banking subsidiaries, Commenting on the full “WhileBidundergoing sigOutstanding Value Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Price Offer Price year results, Managing Di-($mm) in compliance with CBN’s nificant spending on our Prices & Yields rector/CEO of Union Bank Regulation 3 requirement, transformation initiatives, 07-Oct-11 6.75 Plc, Mr Emeka Emuwa,500.00added a 28-Jan-21 substantial boost to we (net of 5.55 5.36 have kept 105.87OPEX 106.83 said 2014 was focused on our bottom line in 2014. restructuring costs) flat. We 12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.98 4.64 100.43 101.44 implementing the founda“Going into 2015, key fi- are on course to drive down 12-Jul-13 6.38 5.90 5.74 cost to103.08 104.08 totional pillars of the bank’s500.00nancial 12-Jul-23 indicators for the our income ratio 1,500.00 transformation strategy bank have been normalised wards our target of 60 per 1,546.89 with a vision to rebuild and growth trajectory recent, with 68 per cent in Union Bank into a highly mains positive. As we con- 2014, down from 74 per cent respected provider of fi-450.00tinue to01-Feb-16 execute strategic in 2013. 01-Feb-11 11.50 136.27 136.27 47.13 47.13 initiatives, nancial services 19-May-11 7.50in Nigeria. 500.00transformation 19-May-16 6.51 4.26In line with 101.00 our strategy 103.38 25-Jul-12 7.25 optimised 350.00we expect 25-Jul-17 11.34 11.34 92.00the bank 92.00 to see continued He said, “We of refocusing on its 09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 11.02 9.22 89.50 93.87 our talent base, making sigimprovement in both our ficore activities of commercial 08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 7.31 6.74 95.97 97.68 operational per- and nificant hires into retail banking, we con08-Apr-12 10.25 key roles 300.00nancial and 08-Apr-19 39.88 39.88 43.63 43.63 22-Apr-14 and ensuring 6.25 we have the500.00formance22-Apr-19 as we roll out7.12 a new tinued the disposal of non7.12 97.00 97.00 21-May-14 21-May-19 10.85 subsidiaries, 90.35 93.20 right people 8.75 in the right200.00core banking platform11.79 which core recording 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 9.26 9.26 95.00 95.00 functions, and aligned our will markedly transform our net disposal profits of N6.3 09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 26.15 26.15 44.00 44.00 24-Jun-14 9.25 24-Jun-21 staff compensation and400.00customer service and11.53 prod- billion in 2014.” 11.13 89.98 91.62 4,760.00 3,920.84

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

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 on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis be(%) accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the Maturity Bid Discount (%) Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) is provided “AS IS” and Tenorand may not Rate NIBOR 7 23-Apr-15 13.85 13.60 13.89 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 takenOBB on the basis of the Information.Tenor 11.17 Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) 14 30-Apr-15 13.20 21 7-May-15 9.66 28 14-May-15 11.93 35 21-May-15 12.10 FGN Bonds 49 4-Jun-15 11.03 56 11-Jun-15 12.58 Issuer Description Rating/Agency 70 25-Jun-15 12.24 77 2-Jul-15 12.24 84 9-Jul-15 10.22 4.00 23-APR-2015 91 16-Jul-15 11.45 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 98 23-Jul-15 11.23 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 105 30-Jul-15 12.90 9.85 27-JUL-2017 112 6-Aug-15 13.13 119 13-Aug-15 13.29 9.35 31-AUG-2017 133 27-Aug-15 13.19 10.70 30-MAY-2018 140 3-Sep-15 13.04 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 147 10-Sep-15 11.95 7.00 23-OCT-2019 161 24-Sep-15 13.04 NA NA 168 1-Oct-15 13.13 15.54 13-FEB-2020 182 15-Oct-15 13.10 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 231 3-Dec-15 12.81 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 245 17-Dec-15 13.14 15.00 28-NOV-2028 266 7-Jan-16 12.83 280 21-Jan-16 12.72 12.49 22-MAY-2029 294 4-Feb-16 13.12 8.50 20-NOV-2029 308 18-Feb-16 12.96 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 322 3-Mar-16 13.19 ^12.1493 12.52 18-JUL-2034 336 17-Mar-16 343 24-Mar-16 13.27 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 357 7-Apr-16 12.90 TOTAL MARKETbonds, CAPITALISATION *for the Amortising the average life is calculated and not the duration

12.95 9.41 11.68 11.85 10.78 12.33 Issue Date 11.99 11.99 9.97 23-Apr-10 11.20 16-Aug-13 10.98 27-Apr-12 12.65 27-Jul-07 12.88 13.04 31-Aug-07 12.94 30-May-08 12.79 29-Jun-12 11.70 23-Oct-09 12.79 12.88 13-Feb-15 12.85 27-Jan-12 12.56 14-Mar-14 12.89 28-Nov-08 12.58 12.47 22-May-09 12.87 20-Nov-09 12.71 23-Jul-10 12.94 18-Jul-14 12.27 13.02 12.65

13.27 9.71 12.04 12.24 11.19 12.82 Coupon 12.53 (%) 12.56 10.46 4.00 11.79 13.05 11.58 15.10 13.40 9.85 13.68 13.89 9.35 13.85 10.70 13.73 16.00 12.55 7.00 13.83 13.97 15.54 14.02 16.39 13.94 14.20 14.41 15.00 14.15 14.09 12.49 14.67 8.50 14.55 10.00 14.92 12.1493 14.14 15.16 14.76

Bonds

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 535.00

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

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 1,434.86 1,409.48

23-Apr-15

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 12.2221 27-Apr-17 12.9769 27-Jul-17 13.0672 13.7905 31-Aug-17 13.9201 30-May-18 14.5829

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 54.00 13-Feb-20 NIFEX 600.00 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) 14-Mar-24 BID($/N) 499.68 199.0250 75.00 28-Nov-28 OFFER ($/N) 199.1250 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 254.50 18-Jul-34

Tenor Call

TTM 1M(Yrs) 3M 6M 0.04

Rate (%) 11.25

Bid11.30 Yield (%) 11.35 11.40 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 :Benchmarks 2.30 14.88 14.80 * :Amortising 2.40Bond 14.89 14.80 µ :Convertible Bond 3.14 14.91 14.78 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 4.22Government of Nigeria 14.93 14.84 FGN: Federal 4.54 Mortgage Bank 14.93 14.81 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria IFC: International Finance Corporation 4.85 14.89 14.81 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 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 16.01 WAPCO:West Cement Company 14.12Africa Portland16.25 16.19 14.62 16.46 16.37 15.29 15.50 15.43 19.27 14.48 14.43 NOTE:

199.06 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 Bid Price 205.60 206.28 220.29 99.78

Price

199.16 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 Offer 207.21Price 213.47 226.27 99.93

97.80 97.95 100.40 100.55 90.60 NA :Not 90.45 Applicable ^ : Market Prices 89.17 89.32 # : 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 UBA: United 79.35Bank for Africa 79.65 56.40 56.70 68.11 68.41 84.93 85.23

4,610.93 Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

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

11.54

REPO

5,023.13

0.00 17.25

0.00/16.50 44.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 Bucket 112.22 Weighting 116.70 66.49 0.42

322.380.33

Weighting by Mkt 0.00/16.00 Value

3<5

1,168.61

1,099.68

32.78

36.24

621.16

846.07

25.22

19.26

3,224.63

3,355.23

100.00

Market

O/N

Maturity Date

NITTY

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

Rating/Agency

Rate (%) 11.6250 14.6433 15.4704 16.2953

0.25

317.241.00

Maturity Date

24-May-15 03-Apr-17

% Exposure_ 08-Dec-16 Mod_Duration

19-Apr-17 19.78 06-Jul-17

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

0.12 1.11 Implied1.67 Yield 2.03 13.94 2.24

# Risk Premium (%)

2.63 2.27

Valuation Yield (%)

106.1042 2.85

13.96 17.17 INDEX 16.88 15.87 1,188.79 17.73

Implied 2.00 Portfolio Price

1.00

Indicative Price 98.25 100.15

YTD Return 98.69 (%)

100.61 7.3057 94.04

38.70

13.94

107.9570

1,077.20

6.3831

41.52

15.07

72.6766

1,021.47

1.4359

100.00

14.41

98.2822

1,110.58

5.2500

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

Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015

Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055

Business | Capital Market

Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055

Daily Summary (Bonds)

No Debt Trading Activity

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH Daily Summary (Equities)

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at April 16, 2015 Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities)

ICT Computer Based Systems Computer Based Systems Totals

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 28 7 35

Current Price 27.24 26.25

Quantity Traded 294,694 18,003 312,697

Value Traded 7,848,406.35 477,054.40 8,325,460.75

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 43 43

Current Price 2.56

Quantity Traded 1,383,368 1,383,368

Value Traded 3,637,795.31 3,637,795.31

1,696,065

11,963,256.06

Quantity Traded 28,241 36,770,837 1,360,179 38,159,257

Value Traded 41,572.22 115,384,500.65 56,117,384.42 171,543,457.29

38,159,257

171,543,457.29

AGRICULTURE Totals Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 CONGLOMERATES Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 Diversified Industries

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

78 Symbol AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 4 222 84 Daily Summary (Equities) 310

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Totals

Current Price 1.49 3.12 41.00

310

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 40 40

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 4,659,210 Page 4,659,210

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 51.51

Quantity Traded 114,831 114,831

Value Traded 5,913,069.61 5,913,069.61

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 37 37

Current Price 11.40

Quantity Traded 559,608 559,608

Value Traded 6,428,192.50 6,428,192.50

5,333,649

16,838,137.61

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DNas TYRE & RUBBER PLC Daily Summary of 16/04/2015 Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals CONSUMER GOODS

Symbol DUNLOP

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 400,000 400,000

Value Traded 200,000.00 200,000.00

Symbol No. of Deals CHAMPION 37 GUINNESS 82 Daily Summary (Equities) INTBREW 13 NB 119 PREMBREW 2 253

Current Price 8.00 172.23 21.00 159.61 3.61

Quantity Traded 563,093 279,980 80,406 437,236 1,411 1,362,126

Value Traded 4,511,962.79 48,322,712.29 1,696,263.50 70,244,159.13 4,924.39 124,780,022.10

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UPNigerian BOTTLING COMP. PLC.© Published by The Stock Exchange Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. UNION DICON SALT PLC. Food Products Totals Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 Food Products--Diversified Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC.

Food Products--Diversified Totals

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Activity Summary on Board VONO PRODUCTS PLC. EQTY Household Durables Totals CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 170.01

Quantity Traded 37,061 Page 37,061

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MANDRID NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON

No. of Deals 43 44 118 50 1 27 1 1 285

Current Price 4.89 7.20 34.00 3.37 5.35 8.10 18.05 11.84

Quantity Traded 476,260 959,574 5,662,535 1,579,511 1,112 595,174 50 700 9,274,916

Value Traded 2,341,317.03 6,912,764.59 192,007,616.20 5,259,568.98 5,660.08 4,840,544.40 900.00 7,875.00 211,376,246.28

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 22 56 78

Current Price 41.01 946.00

Quantity Traded 125,083 72,816 197,899

Value Traded 5,102,317.01 68,829,955.99 73,932,273.00

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 29 4 33

Current Price 4.25 0.97

Quantity Traded 4,148,597 61,155 4,209,752

Value Traded 17,282,695.87 59,311.05 17,342,006.92

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 25 33 58

Current Price 27.00 41.53

Quantity Traded 556,255 321,403 Page 877,658

Value Traded 15,080,593.03 13,333,679.02 3 of 12 28,414,272.05

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 Banking Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 ACCESS BANK PLC.

DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK Activity Summary on PLC. Board EQTY UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC FINANCIAL UNION SERVICES BANK NIG.PLC. Banking WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

Banking Totals

720 No. of Deals 230 41 50 154 (Equities) 272 95 14 258 49 No. of Deals 20 367

Current Price 6.60 4.50 20.50 2.16 28.60 2.55 2.25 4.90 10.80 Current Price 0.98 22.49

Quantity Traded 29,046,621 18,384,547 625,958 13,524,216 31,292,648 5,555,866 698,177 73,246,849 649,437 Quantity771,500 Traded 22,747,589

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST GNI INTENEGINS LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE REGALINS SOVRENINS STDINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 80 2 1 2 4 1 18 1 20 2 1 1 7 40 180

Current Price 1.14 0.91 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.04 0.50 0.69 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53

Quantity Traded 9,647,699 150,000 413 4,990,470 Page 280,000 200,000 33,162,190 400 5,208,000 2,400 400 400 316,403,183 4,946,839 374,992,394

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock ENERGY ExchangeINSURANCE © INTERNATIONAL COMPANY PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Micro-Finance Banks Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

38 38

1.17

No. of Deals 53 16 455 111 1 44 112 792

196,543,408

Current Price 2.85 4.05 9.53 3.50 0.52 30.00 1.55

2,871,686,677.52

Quantity Traded 6,000 106,808 217,774 916,080 269,480 1,516,142

Value Traded 11,940.00 350,498.90 11,716,987.24 1,669,775.20 250,006.00 13,999,207.34

1,516,142

13,999,207.34

Quantity Traded 55,555

Value Traded 27,777.50

Quantity Traded 10,592,032 10,592,032

Value Traded 5,296,016.00 5,296,016.00

Telecommunications Services MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC Telecommunications Services Totals

Symbol MTI

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50

Quantity Traded 500,000

Value Traded 250,000.00

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 CONOIL PLC Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 ETERNA PLC.

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD INDUSTRIAL GOODS Packaging/Containers BETA GLASSStock CO PLC. Published by The Nigerian Exchange © Packaging/Containers Totals

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 CONOIL PLC Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Exploration and Production OIL AND GAS SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

500,000

250,000.00

11,147,587

5,573,793.50

Quantity Traded 749,022 23,891 27,212 63,350 173,206 250 90,704 422,911 1,550,546

Value Traded 15,021,385.37 233,096.68 981,556.70 686,659.50 31,059,448.85 212.50 45,352.00 39,239,822.37 87,267,533.97

Quantity Traded 6,515 6,515 Page

Value Traded 179,394.05 7 179,394.05 of 12

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 28.70

185

1,632,756

87,571,249.98

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 221 221

Current Price 17.30

Quantity Traded 8,606,085 8,606,085

Value Traded 146,792,612.14 146,792,612.14

No. of Deals 22 14 15 28 4 (Equities) 24 107

Current Price 38.00 3.13 204.25 163.99 50.54 180.00

Quantity Traded 148,022 174,211 13,230 82,083 3,070 71,270 491,886

Value Traded 5,671,717.46 543,606.04 2,617,700.00 12,797,159.48 147,421.40 12,927,263.70 34,704,868.08

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 21

Current Price 398.83

Quantity Traded 44,970

Value Traded 17,864,462.65

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 28.70

Quantity Traded Page 6,515

Value Traded 9 179,394.05 of 12

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS Daily Summary TOTAL

6,515

185

179,394.05

1,632,756

87,571,249.98

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 221 221

Current Price 17.30

Quantity Traded 8,606,085 8,606,085

Value Traded 146,792,612.14 146,792,612.14

Symbol No. of Deals CONOIL 22 ETERNA 14 FO 15 MOBIL 28 MRS 4 Daily Summary (Equities) TOTAL 24 107

Current Price 38.00 3.13 204.25 163.99 50.54 180.00

Quantity Traded 148,022 174,211 13,230 82,083 3,070 71,270 491,886

Value Traded 5,671,717.46 543,606.04 2,617,700.00 12,797,159.48 147,421.40 12,927,263.70 34,704,868.08

Current Price 398.83 Current Price

Quantity Traded 44,970 Quantity Traded 44,970 Page 9,143,041

Symbol SEPLAT Symbol

No. of Deals 21 No. of Deals 21

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

1 12 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ASHAKACEM 40 20.02 BERGER 6 9.50 CAP 22 35.66 CCNN 10 11.14 DANGCEM 42 179.10 Daily Summary (Equities) DNMEYER 1 0.83 FIRSTALUM 4 0.50 WAPCO 51 92.00 176

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

350

Value Traded 17,864,462.65 Value Traded 17,864,462.65 9 of 12 199,361,992.87

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 279,664 279,664

Value Traded 220,860.34 220,860.34

Symbol TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.30

Quantity Traded 277,060 277,060

Value Traded 363,103.79 363,103.79

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 235,133 235,133

Value Traded 117,566.50 117,566.50

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 1 1 2 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 4.85 9.63

Quantity Traded 40 20 60

Value Traded 194.00 183.00 377.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 1 1.06 11 1.45 1 4.47 No. of Deals Current Price 13

Quantity Traded 466 5,680,833 10,000 Quantity Traded 5,691,299 Page

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 0.54

Quantity Traded 381,100 381,100

Value Traded 202,983.00 202,983.00

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

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 1 51 52

Current Price 2.20 6.60

Quantity Traded 40,000 799,872 839,872

Value Traded 83,600.00 5,297,480.42 5,381,080.42

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

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 3.19

Quantity Traded 436,408 436,408

Value Traded 1,321,863.10 1,321,863.10

Courier/Freight/Delivery TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 Hotels/Lodging

IKEJA HOTEL PLC TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Printing/Publishing

Activity Summary on Board ACADEMY PRESS PLC. EQTY LEARN AFRICA PLC SERVICES UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing

Value Traded of 12 6,625,484.25 1,684,473.50 201,122,318.33 37,178,374.37 5,509.62 208,239,636.47 16,636,269.95 471,492,066.49

626,616,114

No. of Deals Current Price 10 0.50 10

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

Value Traded 3,228,697.00 3,228,697.00

Symbol CHAMS

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 10,577,513.03 135,300.00 206.50 2,495,235.00 4 140,100.00 of 12 100,000.00 100,872,313.50 200.00 3,513,330.00 1,200.00 200.00 200.00 158,201,591.50 2,650,127.45 278,687,516.98

Quantity Traded Page 2,312,502 412,110 21,178,761 10,720,594 10,203 6,941,897 10,787,595 52,363,662

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Building Materials Totals

2,118,278,397.05

Quantity Traded 2,716,650 2,716,650

2,560

SERVICES Totals

Value Traded 493.96 8,240,071.15 44,700.00 Value Traded 108,285,265.11 of 12

116

8,140,596

15,893,099.26

Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 Board Totals PrintedEQTY 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055

4,494

719,744,619

3,856,772,726.72

Equity Activity Totals

4,494

719,744,619

3,856,772,726.72

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

HEALTHCARE Totals

1,550

Daily Summary (Equities) No. of Deals Current Price

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

Value Traded 191,680,953.93 82,729,979.27 12,773,789.06 29,196,692.84 900,072,353.43 14,437,826.18 1,552,734.90 358,936,351.26 7,043,043.44 Value Traded 753,715.00 519,100,957.74

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

Value Traded 27,777.50

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange

Value Traded

462,341,855.29

Quantity Traded 55,555

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC Daily Summary as of 16/04/2015 BERGER PAINTS PLC Printed 16/04/2015 15:03:55.055 CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC Activity Summary on Board LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. EQTY

2 6,297,034.94 of 12 6,297,034.94

16,359,412

No. of Deals Current Price 1

ICT Totals

Value Traded 4,496,875.50 1 4,496,875.50 of 12

No. of Deals 1 1

Symbol

No. of Deals 2 12 32 13 13 72

Current Price 1.99 3.30 56.26 1.82 0.91

72 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Page

Exchange Traded Fund

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF EXCHANGE TRADED Published byNEWGOLD The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FUND (ETF) STANBIC IBTC ETF 30 VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD STANBICETF30 VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2 5 9

Current Price 10.67 2,321.00 107.95 15.98

Quantity Traded 5 20 Page 2,033 52,006 54,064

Value Traded 53.35 11 46,420.00 of 12 219,462.35 801,856.68 1,067,792.38

ETF Board Totals

54,064

1,067,792.38

ETP Activity Totals

54,064

1,067,792.38

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Iwuanyanwu: Future of democracy, Imo at risk Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees member, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has expressed serious apprehension over the future of democracy and civil rule in Imo state under Governor Rochas Okorocha. He said his trepidation is borne out of the antecedents of a new crop of politicians with inordinate love for power, who could do anything to as-

sume positions of power. Iwuanyanwu noted that a lot of desperation and criminality were brought to bear in the last governorship election in Imo. “My voice was cloned last week by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imo State government, and used to mislead Imo people telling them to vote APC. My voice was played every five minutes on the government owned Orient FM , soliciting votes for APC. When I called Orient FM, they said it

was sent to them from the Imo Government House. Former Governor Achike Udenwa’s voice was also cloned; I have never seen this level of fraud, dishonour and impunity in my political life.” Iwuanyanwu lamented that Nigeria’s democracy would have made no progress if after more than half a century of Nigeria’s independence; ‘the governorship charade in Imo on April 11 is upheld’. According to the party chieftain, “In this same state, an INEC official

made the statement before cameras that she was kidnapped and forced to write election results at gunpoint and nothing has been said or done about this.” He regretted that utterances credited to Governor Rochas Okorocha were grossly ‘ungubernatorial’. He said, “I learnt that over 1000 thugs had been trained and ar med. I was also warned to steer clear of the polls or risk assassination. With the arrests recorded by se-

curity agents during the election, we confirmed the information that police and army uniforms were freely issued and government vehicles repainted to bear police colours. I heard also that the governor has threatened to retire me, but he tends to forget that he is not God. I have brought value to Imo state and have impacted life even on my personal capacity. I think it is absolutely unfair to want to rise to power by killing or retiring Iwuanyanwu.”

‘Igbo voting pattern reflects their conviction’ Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

he Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) has justified the bloc votes cast by the people of the South East zone of the country during the just concluded general, elections , saying the voting pattern reflects the conviction of the people in their quest for restructuring of the country. The group berated those who have been condemning Ndigbo for voting one-way in the elections, saying the negative comments were misplaced and annoying. President of IYM, Elliot Ukoh, who issued a statement yesterday on the development, said it was ironical that while some blamed the Igbo for not abandoning Jonathan, others blamed them for not “flowing with the band wagon as if the band wagon wore all the halos of positivism in this political dispensation.”

Ufomba: Include cancelled local govt areas in re-run Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA L-R: President, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Anambra State chapter, Mr. Chinedu Anyaso; Regional Director, South-East 2, Skye Bank Plc, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; Duruiheoma; Obi of Otulu, Imo State, Eze Festus Ifeanyichukwu Orji and Head, Small Business Group, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Ayo Olojede, during the maiden edition of the Skye Bank SME seminar entitled “Nurturing Businesses for Growth, in Onitsha…yesterday

Umahi, Egwu, others receive certificates of return Stakeholders call for release of Abia guber result lEbonyi LP to challenge governorship poll Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

National Commissioner in Independent National Electoral Commission, Dame Gladys Nwafor has called on the newly elected leaders across the country not to forget the people as they take up mantle of leadership. She spoke yesterday evening at the INEC headquarters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, while issuing certificate of return to the Governor-elect, Chief Dave

Umahi and the Senator and House of Representatives elects in Ebonyi state. ‘’Do not forget those who put you in power because without them, you will not be here. You have made a lot of promises during your campaigns and I urge you to keep to those promises as they are contained in your manifestoes,’’ she said. Responding, the Governor-elect, Chief Dave Umahi said despite the high debt profile in the state and financial challenges, he will deliver on his campaign promises.

Meanwhile, Umahi was issued Certificate of Return alongside his running- mate, Kelechi Igwe. Others who also received certificates of return include former governor, Sam Egwu and senatorelect of Ebonyi North, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji (Ebonyi South) and Chief Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central). The Speaker of the state House of Assembly Chukwuma Nwazunku who was elected in Ebonyi /Ohaukwu Federal Constituency also received certificate of return.

Igbeaku orji UMUAHIA

s the controversy over the inconclusive election in Abia State simmers, political stakeholders in Abia state have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resolve the logjam in the governorship election in the state by upholding the result already declared. The call, they said after their meeting in

Obidigbo tasks Buhari on justice, equity Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

he embattled APGA governorship aspirant in the last Governorship election in Anambra State Dr. Chike Obidigbo has said

that the outcome of the 2015 General Election was yet another war lost by the Ndigbo and other South-South geopolitical zones, praying the president elect to enthrone equity, justice and fair play from the incoming government.

He said, the expectation of Nigerians is that the President-elect, General Mohamed Buhari will be a national leader and not a regional or factional leader. Dr. Obidigbo, who spoke to our correspondent at his country home, Umu-

nya, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, was reviewing the outcome of the general election. He said there are some states where the election was still inconclusive and so many things were brought to bear.

Aba, became necessary to douse the tension being generated already by the inconclusiveness of the election. Speaking to newsmen after their deliberation in Aba, an Elder Statesman, Dr Emmanuel Adaelu described the alleged inconclusive election as a ploy to rob Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of the PDP of his already won victory, warning that they will not fold their hands and watch the electorate’s mandate stolen in broad day light.

he factional governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Chief Reagan Ufomba has called on the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) to stand on the cancellation of the result of three local government areas in the April 11 election in the state, insisting that they should be included in the rescheduled re-run. Ufomba made the call yesterday at his country home in Umuogele Ntigha in Isiala Ngwa North council area. He said the report he got from the field on the day of election indicated that there were no elections in the three local government areas, even as he affirmed that APGA won the election landslide.

change of nameS

KAZEEM

I formerly known as Sokoya Kafayat Tolulope now wish to be known as Kazeem Kafayat Tolulope All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Okon

I formerly known as Queen Happiness Osarogiagbon now wish to be known as Queen Okon Osarogiagbon.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Umoren

I formerly known as Miss Enobong Oxford Ekpo now wish to be known as Mrs. Enobong Mfonobong Isong Umoren.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Okoyeh

I formerly known, called and addressed as Nnabuihe Benedicta now wishes to be known and called Mrs Okoyeh Benedicta Nkechinyere All documents bearing my former name remains valid General public take note.

News

Dominic Adewole ASABA

unmen yesterday unleashed terror on the residents of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government area of Delta State, where they kidnapped a woman in a commandolike operation. Operating with an axe and other dangerous weapons, the gang stormed the house of one Chidi Ajah, situated behind the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Mega Station along the Asaba-Benin Expressway and took away his wife in their waiting Lexus Jeep 350 with registration number LND 813 CP. The victim, one Amarachi Chidi, a 37-year-old woman, was abducted while one Ifeanyi Ajah was attacked in the head. The hoodlums, according to the Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Celestina Kalu, thereafter demanded for a N10 million ransom for the release of the victim. He said: “On the receipt of the report, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team tracked the

One injured as kidnappers Ogboru to seek abduct housewife in Delta redress at tribunal Gabriel Choba

said Lexus Jeep to Ezi village, where it was found abandoned by the criminals. “Acting on a tip off, however, the police patrol team from OnichaOlona Division, with the

aid of Obomkpa Vigilante, rescued the victim (Amarachi) at Obomkpa bush while the kidnappers escaped,” Kalu said. She listed the items recovered from the abductors to include the

Harcourt, Amaechi congratulated the members and said the fact-finding exercise will last for 30 days. He explained that the reason for setting up the commission was to investigate why the victims were killed, who killed them, under what circumstances and for the commission to make useful recommendations that will help government forestall future occurrences. “When I visited Obirikom in the OgbaEgbeme-Ndoni Local Government area, in the household of one late Chief Christopher Adube, nine persons were killed by assassins. Those killed were his three children, his younger brother, two gatemen and two other

people, while two of the late chief ’s children are still receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. There was a day I was arguing with the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, now posted to Enugu and I said, Commissioner, I am told 11 persons have been killed, he said “No, only seven were killed.” Again, in the same Omoku, whether it is seven or 11 persons, these are human lives. At Okrika, when APC went on campaign, where the gubernatorial candidate of the APC was seated, he would have been hit by a bullet, but God saved him he had left that place earlier, that was the first day APC went for campaigns in Okirika, and the police were present.

SDP lauds outcome of Edo assembly poll Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he leadership of the Edo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) yesterday commended the outcome of the recently concluded elections into the state House of Assembly. The party also urged the

aforementioned Lexus Jeep 350. Kalu said investigation is ongoing at the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad office at Asaba while efforts are on to arrest the hoodlums.

Ughelli

ollowing the presentation of Certificate of Return to Delta State Governor-elect, Ifeanyi Okowa, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the INEC office in Asaba, the Labour

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi (left) and Chairman, Commission of Inquiry into politically motivated killings in Rivers State, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, after the governor inaugurated the commission in Port Harcourt...yesterday

Amaechi probes political killings he Rivers State gover nor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi, has inaugurated a nineman commission of inquiry to commence investigations into politically-motivated killings in the state. Members of the commission include Prof. Chidi Odinkalu as chairman, Sir Samuel Egbe as secretary and Prof. Nlerum Okogbule. Others are Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, Dr. Richard Ofuru, Mrs. Asivosuo M. Oriye, Dr. Joy Ejiofor, Mrs. Ayo M. O. Obe, and Rev. Father Michael Akiri, as members. Speaking yesterday at the inauguration of the panel at the Government House, Port

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

losers to accept their fate and prepare for another contest in four year’s time. According to a statement by the Chairman of the party, Prince Frank Ukonga, the party appealed to the winners to be dedicated to quality service delivery of dividends of democracy to the electorate. Ukonga said their representation should

translate to “quality education for all and sundry, jobs for the unemployed, rapid quality infrastructural development, quality healthcare, portable water, provision of electricity, industrialisation and agricultural advancement, housing, support for the youth, women and the vulnerable in the society,” among others.

African Bar Association tasks Buhari on delivery of promises Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he leadership and members of the African Bar Association (ABA) yesterday congratulated the President-elect, Gen. Muhamadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the campaign organisation for emerging victorious in the March 28 presidential election in the country. In three separate congratulatory messages to Buhari, the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, which were signed by

the President of the association, Hannibal Uwaifo (Nigeria) and Secretary General, Mrs. Flavania Charles (Tanzania) respectively, the body said the victory was for the African continent. Members of the association noted that with the positive outcome of the polls, the ‘APC and Nigeria have demonstrated that the tenets of democracy can take a firm base in Africa.’ According to the message to Buhari, “This victory is particularly very significant against the background of your slogan for change and total emancipation of the Nigerian people. The African

Party (LP) governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru, has vowed to seek redress at the election petition tribunal. He said he would explore all legal avenues to redress what he described as the anomalous return made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ogboru, who spoke at a world press conference in Abraka yesterday, lamented that the rigging by the PDP was too senseless to be ignored. He said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday returned Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the governorship election. We reject this declaration by INEC, because Okowa did not score majority of the lawful votes cast in the election and did not also meet other relevant constitutional provisions.” He continued; “It is our view that the return of Senator Okowa as governor-elect does not reflect the democratic will of the majority of our electorate.” Bar Association is equally proud of your humble, but sound, background of discipline, honesty, sincerity and austere lifestyle and focus.” They tasked the President-elect to focus on ensuring that his administration tackles headlong, the challenges confronting the various spheres of human development with a view to reversing the misfortunes currently being suffered by the Nigerian nation. “Nigeria and, indeed, Africa is in dire need of redemption in all spheres of human development. We, therefore, encourage you and your administration to tackle these numerous problems headlong with a view to reversing the misfortunes currently being suffered by the Nigerian nation,” the group said.

FG urged to call youth leaders to order Joe Obende Warri

he Federal Government has been urged to call two Itsekiri youth leaders, David Tonwe and Austin Oburogbeyi to order as their unguarded utterances could lead to avoidable loss of lives and property. The Olare-Aja and Chairman of Kpokpo Community Trust, Pa

George Kolo-Fregene, made this call in a statement in Warri, Delta State. He took a swipe at David Tonwe and Austin Oburogbeyi, over their comments on the recent attack by the Ijaws on Madangho an Itsekiri community. According to KoloFregene, the failure of these two Itsekiri youth leaders to disclose facts surrounding the EPZ project as it affects Kpok-

po land and the people is the root cause of the current crisis. The two, he insisted, could ignite otherwise peaceful Itsekiri communities and should therefore be cautioned. He likened the attitude of the two leaders to that of colonial masters, who presided over the benefits and entitlements on the land of Africans in their absence and in complete disregard for them.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

Kano journalism institute inaugurated Muhammad Kabir KANO

he Kano State governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has inaugurated the state’s journalism institute, the Kano Journalism Development Institute. Inaugurating the institute on Tuesday, the governor said it was established to build the capacities of media professionals so that they can efficiently serve the society. Disclosing this at the official inauguration of the institute at its permanent site at Abubakar Rimi Television building in Kano, the governor said the school is also aimed at making the state a centre for inculcating best practices in journalism. The governor explained that to achieve this, the institute was affiliated to Northwest University in the city, which is one of the fastest growing universities in the country, adding that the ultimate goal is to transform it into a Department of Mass Communication of the institution.

Ganduje, others get INEC’s certificates of return Muhammad Kabir Kano

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued Certificates of Return to the Kano State Governor-elect, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the three senatorselect and the 24 House of Representatives’ members-elect. Speaking at the occasion, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Haliru Husaini Pai, said the just concluded elections were a pointer to the fact that democracy has come to stay in the country. Making a similar observation at the event yesterday, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States, Ambassador Muhammad Ahmad Wali, further commended the “gallant losers for their high sense of sportsmanship and for conceding defeat.” Wali urged all politicians in the country to take a cue from those that accepted defeat after the general election in case a similar thing happened to them in the future.

News 49

NORTH

NBA flays relocation of election tribunal to Abuja Ibrahim Abdul Yola

he Yola branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) yesterday criticised the relocation of the Adamawa Governorship/National Assembly and House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja. The NBA branch Chairman, Mr. Abubakar Babakano, who spoke on the development in an inter-

view with newsmen, said the action was uncalled for. Babakano said the association was not consulted before the action was taken, adding that the association would complain to the Court of Appeal to rescind the decision. He observed that there was no security threat in Yola to warrant the relocation, pointing out that the association would complain to the Court of Appeal and if

need be, write the National Judicial Council. Babakano also urged the Adamawa State government to also join hands in taking up the matter. On the on-going strike by the Judicial Staff Union (JUSUN) in the state, Babakano said the NBA was not happy about the four-month-old strike and had been trying to bring the parties involved to amicable settlement. It will be recalled that the

Adamawa Governorship/ National Assembly and House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has been relocated to Abuja for security reasons. A statement by the Secretary of the tribunal, Falilat Oluwatoyin, said the relocation was approved by the Presidentof Courtof Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa. “The Hon. President of Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulka-

chuwa, considering the security of the tribunal, has constituted and relocated the Adamawa State Election Petition Tribunal to FCT High Court, Abuja. “The Hon. Acting Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice I. U. Bello, of FCT High Court, has approved the use of the FCT High Court as the trial court for the tribunal while the secretariat is at the same venue,” the statement said.

NORTH

Mother of defeated PDP governorship candidate in Benue state, Terhemen Tarzoor (middle), being consoled by sympathisers after her son lost out in the election to Dr. Samuel Ortom

CNPP to Ortom: Beware of PDP defectors Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he Chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Benue State, Aondohemba Baba Agan, yesterday warned the Benue State Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom, to be wary of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) making fast in-road into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as political jobbers. Agan, who spoke in Makurdi said the PDP defectors may have a hidden agenda against the APC, describing them as fortune seekers and not principled politicians. “These fortune seekers, political contractors, who are leaving PDP in droves, are certainly not true friends of the governorelect and the APC. “They are seeking a platform to partake in whatever goodies that may come from the APC at the state or the national level, they are not moving

into the hitherto opposition party because they have anything to offer.” According to him, “What we see happening today goes to show the perverse nature of most of our politicians, who lack morality and principle and are in politics to serve their pockets and not the people. “My advice to the APC and the governor-elect, in particular, is that he should be wary of these defecting politicians, most of who played key roles and contributed immensely to the disaffection that greeted everything that was PDP in this country, they should not be allowed to bring such bad omen to the APC. “After all, where were they when Ortom left the PDP to join the APC? Why didn’t they join him when he left shortly after the PDP primaries? Why did they wait till after the presidential election before defecting? They are certainly not true friends nor party men and women, but political jobbers,” Agan said.

APGA rejects Zamfara governorship results Idris Salisu Gusau

he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Zamfara State, Alhaji Sani Abdullah Shinkafi, yesterday rejected the results of the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state, describing the outcome fraud. Shinkafi, who addressed a press confer-

ence yesterday, said what happened on April 11, 2015 in Zamfara State does not qualify to be called an election, but rather electoral coup executed by the Governor Abdul’Azeez Yari Abubakar led All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with support from security agencies. “The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

and the Wambai Campaign Committee 2015 (WAMCACO) rejects the results of the Zamfara State governorship and House of Assembly elections declared by INEC. The outcome of the election results is unacceptable, this is because there were widespread fraud, conspiracy and collusion between INEC, the police, the military and the Abdul’Azeez Yari administration, which led to large scale rigging,” he said.

Senate presidency: Group makes case for Saraki Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

political group, Concernned Arewa Patriots in the North Central zone, has urged stakeholders in the National Assembly to consider the performance and the quality leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki and make him the Senate President in the new dispensation. There had been a tussle among key players in the new senate on who will emerge as president.

But the Arewa Patriots, in its statement, signed by the President, Maiyaki Idris, described the Senate Presidency of Saraki, if given the opportunity, as a round peg in a round hole. The group, while giving an insight to the achievement of Saraki, a former governor and incumbent senator, said Saraki as governor of Kwara State ensured the eradication of thuggery in his state, which he inherited from his predecessors. Saraki, according to the statement, became a

bride among his colleague governors, following his outstanding contribution in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while he held sway as the chairman of the forum for eight years. “These unhidden qualities of Saraki further manifested when he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The problem he met in the APC in the states of the North Central include internal squabbles within the party leadership, empowerment in the zone, particularly in states not ruled by the APC.”

News

WORLD | News

House Speaker: Kano Reps disown Jibrin’s bid Philip Nyam Abuja

he ambition of the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, to become the Speaker may hit the rocks as the Kano State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House has kicked against his candidature. Jibrin, who represents Bebeji/Kiru Federal constituency of Kano State, had last week declared his intention to vie for the speakership of the House and has since commenced active campaign. New Telegraph gathered that the Kano APC

caucus met in Kano the same day Jibrin made his declaration in Abuja and decided to abide by the party’s zoning formula. According to a source, the meeting was convened by a ranking lawmaker, Hon. Mohammed Ali Wudil and lasted between 8pm to 12 midnight. Twenty out of the 24 members from Kano were said to have attended the meeting. Those who attended the meeting according to the source included Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, Musa Ado, Nasiru Ali Ahmed, Sani Mohammed Aliyu, Bashir Baballe, Munir Babba Dan-Agundi, Badamasi Ayuba, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, Garba Ibrahim Moham-

med, Nasiru sule Garo, Nasiru Baballe Ilah, Umar Garba, Suleiman Romo, Ahmed Garba Bichi, Aliyu Sani Madaki, Mukhtari Mohammed Chiromawa, Abubakar Nuhu Danburam, Shehu Usman Aliyu Aminu Suleiman Goro and Mohammed Ali Wudil, the alleged convener. “During the meeting, no mention was made to Jibrin’s ambition even though all of us were aware that he declared his intention some hours earlier. Jibrin never consulted with any of us about his bid for speakership or deputy speakership. He is on his own and he should stop because it will soon backfire. Even if he is negotiating for a position, that is not the way to do it”, the source stated.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Retired Pope Benedict XVI celebrates 88th birthday with pint

etired Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his 88th birthday yesterday with a party at his old summer residence and a pint of beer. Photos released by the Vatican newspaper yesterday showed the German pope toasting a group of Bavarians in the gardens of the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo, accompanied by his older brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, and his longtime private secretary. Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Benedict’s honor yesterday morning, saying he hopes God “supports him and gives him much

joy and happiness.” The photos were the first proof that Benedict has used the summer residence since he spent several months there following his February 2013 resignation. He subsequently moved into a converted monastery in the Vatican gardens. Francis has declined to use the estate, located in the hills south of Rome, preferring to stay in the Vatican hotel even during the hot summer months. In recent interviews on the eve of the birthday, Benedict’s secretary, Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, said the retired pope feels his age and

thinks about his own mortality. “The emeritus pope thinks about death and is preparing for his death,” Gaenswein said in an interview with Mediaset television this week. “It’s a Christian art, because preparing for one’s death means preparing to meet God.” Ratzinger became the first pope in 600 years to step down, saying he didn’t have the strength of body or spirit to carry on. Gaenswein told La Repubblica newspaper yesterday that he tried to convince him to stay, but that the German theologian was firm and serene in his decision.

Senate passes NASS Budget Office Bill Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate, yesterday, passed a bill, establishing an Independent National Assembly Budget and Research Office. The bill is designed to provide non partisan budgetary information needed to process the nation’s national budget. Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, who presented the lead debate on the bill, explained that proposed law was also passed by both Houses of the National Assembly in the Sixth Assembly but was not assented to by the President.

The legislator pointed out that the bill would be of immense importance to the work of the Appropriations and Finance Committees of both Houses as well as other relevant Committees in the Parliament. He said, “The establishment of the office would provide relevant committees with essential, non-partisan budgetary information needed to process our national budget. This is opposed to the current situation where the only source of information on the statistics of our budget is from the executive”. The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, in his remarks,

commended the lawmakers for ensuring that the bill was passed, stating that the passage of the bill which had lingered for years, would provide the National Assembly with all the information needed for budget analysis. “I want to congratulate you because my experience in this National Assembly is that we have tried to pass this bill several times. Luckily this time around, there is no major disagreement between the Senate and the House of Representatives and we have been able to pass it. It is an important bill and we will establish this office at the earliest possible time,’’ he said.

Ambode, Tinubu others receive Certificates of Return Temitope Ogunbanke

ollowing their victory in the March 28 and April 11 elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday presented Certificates of Return to Lagos State governorelect, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode; his running mate, Dr. Idiat Adebule and all elected members of the National Assembly. Among those that received the Certificate of Return are; Senators Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central), Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos West), Hon. Solomon Adeola (Lagos West senator-elect); House of Representatives Minor-

ity Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (Surulere 1), Rotimi Agunloye (Kosofe), Tony Nwulu (Oshodi/Isolo II), Rita Orji (Ajeromi/Ifelodun), among others. Speaking at the presentation of the certificates, held at Archishop Vinning Memorial Hall, Ikeja in Lagos, INEC National Electoral Commissioner for Ondo, Osun and Lagos States, Prof. Akinola Salau, commended all the stakeholders for ensuring that the general election was peaceful. He also acknowledged the unalloyed support of the security agencies, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and all INEC staff and ad-hoc

staff and media for the crucial role they played before, during and after the elections to ensure that the process was free, fair and credible. He also commended the people of Lagos State for conducting themselves peacefully and decently during the period of the elections, adding that: “Judging by the tension generated by the keenly contested positions, pessimists had predicted very rough years for Lagos State in particular and the country in general. I want to applaud you for proving to the world once again that Lagos State is indeed the ‘Centre of Excellence.”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XIV, his brothers and members of a group from his home town Bavaria region in the pontiff’s Castel Gandolfo resident yesterday.

Fresh anti-immigrant clashes in South Africa as Zuma condemns violence

outh African police fired rubber bullets and tear gas yesterday to disperse a crowd of anti-immigrant protesters in an eastern suburb of Johannesburg, the country’s biggest commercial city, a Reuters witness said. Around 200 protesters, shouting that they wanted immigrants to leave, had pelted passing vehicles and the police with rocks, triggering the show of force. At least four people have been killed in a wave of anti-immigrant violence

that started two weeks ago in Durban, a key port on South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast. The violence flared up days after Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini said in remarks reported by local media that foreigners should leave South Africa, although he has since said his comments were misinterpreted. Johannesburg was the epicenter of xenophobic attacks in 2008 that killed more than 60 people as locals vented frustrations over various issues, particularly a lack

of jobs in Africa’s most advanced economy. Addressing parliament in Cape Town yesterday, President Jacob Zuma reiterated his condemnation of the violence calling it a “violation” of South Africa’s values. “No amount of frustration or anger can ever justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops. We condemn the violence in the strongest possible terms. The attacks violate all the values that South Africa embodies.”

Angry and divided, South Korea mourns on anniversary of ferry disaster

day of mourning for the 304 victims of the Sewol ferry sinking was overtaken by acrimony yesterday, as organizers called off a ceremony planned to mark its one year anniversary to protest against the South Korean government’s response to the disaster. The main group representing bereaved families said the government had let them down again by

failing to announce by the anniversary a decision to raise the ship in hopes of finding the bodies of nine victims still missing. The group’s leader also cited President Park Geun-hye’s decision not to attend the memorial service as a reason for calling it off. Instead, Park visited the southwestern port of Jindo, which had served as a makeshift morgue when the ferry sank on

April 16 a year ago. “We want to say how disappointed we are that the government and the president have made it impossible for the families to hold this memorial service,” the group’s leader, Yoo Gyoung-geun, announced outside the hangar-like structure that houses a memorial altar for the Sewol victims. “They are going to have to take responsibility.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

News

International Sport

Arsenal are beatable, says Yakubu

PFA Player’s Player of the Year: Hazard, De Gea, top list

Sport News

Siasia cautions U-23 Eagles on foreign deals

Sport

Did you know? Bolasie became the 1st Congolese player to net a EPL hat-trick, the 39th nation to contribute one in the competition

Pinnick

Keshi’s return ruptures NFF Adekunle Salami

nother big rupture has been created in the board of the Nigeria Football Federation over the imminent employment of the out of contract Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi. At last, the Big Boss is expected to formally sign a con-

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

•Big Boss to sign contract in Abuja Friday as members kick

tract with the NFF on Friday (today) in Abuja but some executive members of the federation are not happy with the development. The NFF and Keshi have been foot-dragging on the contract renewal in the past nine months which has given rise to speculations, rumours and high level politicking. Sources in the football house told our correspondent that the NFF’s latest resolve to allow Keshi continue was simply because of the little time the country has before the AFCON 2017 qualifiers start in June. “The time is too short, a new coach will have to start all over and that might be a risk

because we cannot afford not to qualify again. Keshi knows the players and it is just best for him to continue at least for now,” an official of NFF told New Telegraph. Secretary General, Muhammed Sanusi, was not ready to be dragged into who the next coach of the Super Eagles will be. “On Friday, we are going to name the coach of the Super Eagles,” Sanusi simply noted. Our correspondent learnt that the aggrieved executive members reasoned that it was not proper to name Keshi after waiting for over nine months. “We should have done this long ago but after wasting so

much time, we are still going back to the same coach that failed. We should have asked him to continue since but now we do not have a team and Keshi is coming back,” one of the members against Keshi’s return said. Another member who is strongly against the return of the former international argued that Keshi’s return could portray the football body as a confused federation. “Plenty has happened between the last World Cup and now. There has been unpleasant exchange of words between both parties (Keshi and the NFF), politics and also some things people outside are not even aware of. For us to still engage Keshi

is a tragedy. I made it known to other board members, it is sad. How do we trust one another to work well for the team? How?” asked the furious member who preferred anonymity. It was also learnt that the ‘powers’ behind Keshi are still putting pressure on the NFF to endorse him as soon as possible especially as President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to hand over to General Muhammadu Buhari on May 29. Jonathan is believed to be one of the pillars behind the Big Boss. Whatever the intrigues going on at the Glass House, the long wait for a substantive coach for the senior national team could be over at the end

Pacquiao: Mayweather fight is perfect timing

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Keshi

Pacquiao

anny Pacquiao says the timing is right for his long-awaited fight with American Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather, 38, and Pacquiao, 36, are considered two of the best fighters of their generation and the bout on 2 May is set to generate £162m ($250m). The contest has been more than five years in the making and critics have said the pair have left it too late. “It’s a good thing it is hap-

pening now because more people are informed about it than before,” Pacquiao said. Speaking at his open training session in Hollywood on Wednesday, the Filipino added: “What I feel right now is motivation, inspiration and determination. The killer instinct is there, I love it.” Pacquiao’s WBO belt and Mayweather’s WBC and WBA welterweight titles will be on the line at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

And while Mayweather says it will be the penultimate fight of his career because he no longer enjoys the sport, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach says his man is in the best shape of his life. “We’ve had a very good training camp. I’ve never seen Manny at this level,” said Roach. “He’s really motivated for this fight. It has really escalated his performance. I think he’s faster than ever and he’s definitely hitting harder than ever.”

Sport

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Political lawlessness even in sports ?

t is ironical that politics in Nigeria, at whatever level is replete with lawlessness, most times occasioned by systemic failure. It is therefore not surprising that sports in Nigeria is tainted by the same lawlessness and crass materialism that is prevalent all over the country. “Adherence to the rule of law” in the discharge of government duty is a mantra already hackneyed. But beyond and beneath the façade provided by this mantra are so many things devious and sinister, and it is better imagined. Apart from sheeeer disregard for things that are legitimate and genuine, open stealing and subversion of people’s right and privileges are the order of the day. Nigerian sports circle is the worse-hit, as you see open brigandage and outright subversion of grand norms on a daily basis at the expense of genuine sports developmental policies. Unfortunately, succeeding regimes try by all means to outdo their predecessors in the nasty game. And unfortunately too, succeeding regimes fail woefully even in meeting the poor records of their predecessors. Change is what we hear at every round of election into boards of the various federations, but nothing that looks like change ever gets to be seen or felt. This is contrary

Around the Stadia

joebooster391@yahoo.com

07039241156 (sms only)

to what change is all about. In other climes, when the people clamour for change, they simply are asking for a turnaround from the old ways and focus on the new order of doing things so that noticeable improvements in the overall wellbeing of the people will be enthroned. The negative story is not different with apex body, the National Sports Commission. The NSC has become nothing but a drain pipe, and has crippled our sports rather than grow them. The appointees have succeeded in politicising our sports from top to bottom. Their actions and conducts have contributed nothing but rancour and discord to the entire sporting family. They have planted and watered tension, bitterness, anger and strife, and have supplanted camaraderie, which sports represent. Friends of yesterday have become sworn enemies, simply because imported politicians want to feast on where they

JOE BOOSTER

have not sown. As we speak, some career directors in the ministry/commission that ought to be operating as one against a common enemy, are now at each other’s throat over who occupies the vacant seat left by Bolaji OjoOba, the retired former director of Field Elite Athletes Department. While the Honourable Minister is backing Mallam Alhassan Yakmut to take over the seat, the Director-General, who the occupant of the seat directly reports to favours Hajia Hauwa to mount the saddle. The dog-eat-dog fight has moved to the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, since gross insubordination has been pointed out in the unfolding scenario, thanks to the conduct of political gladiators foisted on the Ministry. Prior to the politicisation of our sports, one prominent thing that was obvious to all in the ministry was the semblance of order. Those were

the days of Amos Adamu, who was regarded as a genius of some sort and Patrick Ekeji. They were indeed reference points compared to what we are witnessing today. The pain in the neck here is the calibre of people appointed to head our sports, either as chairmen or honourable ministers. They have left in their trail nothing commendable or worthy of mention as achievements. The majority of appointees have ended up messing up the entire place with negative politics and wanton hunt for easy loot to lubricate their stomach infrastructure, (apologies to Ayodele Fayose), rather than improve on sport infrastructure. We are all aware of how the larger funds meant for the prosecution of the Olympics and Commonwealth Games were shared under the supervision of an erstwhile sports minister now a prominent politician in the opposition. We are also aware how funds meant for our participation at African Junior Youth Games in Botswana last year almost led to open fracas between some top serving sports aficionados. It is equally on record that the mess called elections into the board of the football Federation, which gave rise to the endless conflicts being experienced up till now was occa-

sioned by the direct but surreptitious intervention of some big wigs in the Ministry, whose warped knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the sport is limited. Sources close to the parties poin to the fact that graft is at the centre of the entire issue and remains the factor still fueling the crisis. Consequently, these big-fornothing-wigs have lost face and moral authority to resolve the issue, having allegedly collected large sums of money as gratification from the two contending parties in an attempt to sway government position. Having lost their moral authority, they are like fallen angels incapable of executing God’s judgment against man. They are now common minions. This I-don’t-care attitude towards sports has left our sports in decrepit state. My appeal is to the incoming administration to save our sports, even though they never promised us anything during their campaigns. They should appoint only credible professionals with proven track records of service into the Sports Ministry. We are tired of alleged criminals masquerading as saints and cannot salvage us from the hands of buccaneers and opportunists. Sports must be elevated beyond the level it is as mere tool for common aggrandizement and political lawlessness.

Arsenal are beatable, Falcons’ captain joins Kazakhstan champions S says Yakubu •Eyes goal against Gunners Emmanuel Tobi

eading of England striker, Aiyebeni Yakubu, has expressed confidence in his club’s ability to cause an upset against defending champions, Arsenal, when both teams clash this weekend in the English FA Cup semifinal at the Wembley stadium. The former Super Eagles striker who scored the winning goal that helped Reading knock Derby County out in the 5th round, is eyeing another goal having previously scored five times against Arsenal. “We are playing at Wembley against one of the best teams in England. For sure we can beat them. You can beat any team. You have to believe. It’s great for the players, the club, for the fans and for the community. Everyone is excited. He added that they are poised for a tough battle against the Gunners who have won eight successive league matches since losing to Southampton on January 1 and have won 16 of their 18 games in all competitions. “Arsenal are a good team so when you play against them you have to be ready and focused,” he continued. “Any mistake they are going to punish you because they have great players. They pass the ball

very well. “So we just have to stick together, defend well and then hopefully we can surprise everyone.” The former Portsmouth, Everton and Middleborough player added: “We’re not just going there to play. We’re going there to give it our best to win. I can’t remember how many exactly, but I know I always score against Arsenal.”

uper Falcons’ Captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku, has signed for reigning Kazakhstan League champions, Biik Kazygurt FC. The former Rivers Angels midfield maestro, who arrived the club on Monday evening and went through the mandatory medicals, which she passed, has already began training with the team and is set to be the starting line-up as the new season kicks off on Thursday. A delighted Nwabuoku in a statement made available to New Telegraph said she is happy to be at the club. “I’m so happy to join them. They were all excited to have me in their midst when I arrived. I like the club and the people I see around me. The coach is nice to me, and the structure here is perfect. The prospect of playing in the prestigious Champions League

Nwabuoku (left) in action for Super Falcons

with this team also necessitated my signing for them and I’m looking forward to playing in the big league because that is

where the show is,” she said. Nwabuoku signed a oneyear deal with an extension clause.

Amuneke expects fierce Pharaohs, Eagles tie ormer Nigerian inter- team, believes that the Super ing nation did not qualify F national, Emmanuel Eagles and the Pharaohs are for the last three editions of Amuneke, is expecting the up for a test of their respective the Nations Cup and Nigeria

Yakubu

Pharaohs of Egypt and the Super Eagles to give themselves strong tests when they meet over two legs in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn in Group G with Egypt, Tanzania and Chad. Amuneke, now head coach of the Nigeria U-17 national

character in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification series. “It’s a big test for the Pharaohs and for the Super Eagles too. Their matches will be very tough and we are all waiting for them,” Amuneke told supersport.com. “Both Egypt and Nigeria are suffering this time around as the Arabic-speak-

missed the last one. So they will fight for the automatic ticket to Gabon between them. Amuneke played for Egyptian club, Zamalek, between 1991 and 1993 and attained legendary status after helping them to the Egyptian league, CAF Champions League and the Super Cup.

International Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

PFA Player’s Player of the Year

Hazard, De Gea, top list

helsea forward Eden Hazard, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, and Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane have been included in the PFA Player’s Player of the Year nominations list. Diego Costa has joined his Chelsea teammate Hazard in the list of contenders, which were voted for by the players’ fellow professionals. De Gea, who has had a stellar season for Manchester United, could become the first goalkeeper since Peter Shilton in 1978 to pick up the award, which will be presented to the winner at the end of the season. Kane has the chance to finish

the season with a personal piece of silverware after a campaign that has resulted in him bursting into the England senior side. Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who recently signed a new contract at Anfield, has also been nominated for the award, while Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, who joined the Gunners last summer, rounds off the six-man shortlist.

Pacquiao and Mayweather

Hatton tips Mayweather to beat Pacquiao

NOMINEES Diego Costa David de Gea Eden Hazard Harry Kane Philippe Coutinho Alexis Sanchez

icky Hatton has stated his belief that Floyd Mayweather will come out on top when he faces Manny Pacquiao next month. Mayweather, who is undefeated in 47 professional bouts, will take on Pacquiao in a match which many believe is between two of the finest fighters of their generation. Hatton, who lost to May-

IOC President invites Buhari to Lausanne

Hazard

resident of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, has congratulated President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the polls and also extended an invitation to him to visit the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. In a congratulatory message sent to Buhari and copied to the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, Bach, in a statement made available to New Telegraph from the NOC’s media

Monte Carlo: Federer laments loss to Monfils

oger Federer has admitted that his game plan failed him in Thursday’s third-round defeat to Gael Monfils in the Monte Carlo Masters. The 17-time Grand Slam champion lost 6-4 7-6[5] to the Frenchman, and in doing so relinquished a 5-3 lead in the tie-break. “It was a good week for me anyways to come here and practice with the best, play a couple of matches,” Federer

told reporters. “At least it gives me some information, if I’m trying to be a bit positive right now. “I never felt like things were really happening the way I wanted them to be going during the whole match. The way I felt at 5-3 sort of showed how I really felt, I guess.” Federer’s fellow Swiss player Stanislas Wawrinka was also knocked out of the tournament following defeat to Grigor Dimitrov.

department, said: “Your (Buhari) election demonstrates the great confidence the people of Nigeria have in you. For your team I wish you all the very best and a great success.” The statement added: “During such a visit (to Lausanne), we could look for ways to further strengthen the already excellent relations between Nigeria and the IOC. “You may also consider visiting the Olympic Museum, in which the great contribution of your country to the Olympic Movement is reflected.”

weather in December 2007, thinks that the American will have just too much for Pacquiao. “Mayweather always adapts his style to whatever style he fights against,” Hatton told Sky Sports News. “I think he will adapt it this time and probably beat Manny on points.” The fight will take place in Las Vegas on May 2.

NBA sets attendance record

he NBA has broken its attendance record by drawing nearly 22 million fans during the 2014-15 regular season. The league said Thursday that the final total of 21,926,548 fans surpassed the 21,841,480 from 2006-07. It also represented a 2.4 per cent in-

crease from last season’s final attendance of 21,392,721. There were 700 sellouts, shattering the previous best of 676 from 20 years ago. NBA arenas were filled to 94 per cent capacity, another record and the 11th straight season at 90 per cent or higher.

Rosicky, Arteta to stay at Arsenal – Wenger

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated his belief that Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta will remain at the club beyond the end of this season. The midfielders are both out of contract in the summer and have been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium. Rosicky joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in 2006, while club captain Arteta moved from fellow Premier League side Everton in 2011. When asked whether he felt that the pair would remain Arsenal players, Wenger told Goal.com: “I think yes. That’ll be sorted out at the end of May.”

Rosicky

Vieira in line for Man City job Blues plot Valencia bid

Viera

atrick Vieira will reportedly be among the candidates to replace Manuel Pellegrini as Manchester City manager, should the Chilean leave the Etihad this summer. Pellegrini has come under fire following City’s recent slump in form, which has seen them exit the Champions League and slip to fourth in the Premier League, 12 points adrift of leaders Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the City job following his

announcement that he will leave Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. Vieira is currently in charge of City’s Under-21 side and it has been suggested that the 38-yearold would be willing to step in on a temporary basis if Pellegrini were sacked before the end of the current campaign. The former Arsenal and City midfielder will be on a shortlist of candidates if Pellegrini leaves in the summer, according to Sky Sports News.

helsea have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Enner Valencia from

Valencia

West Ham United during this summer’s transfer window. The Ecuador international joined the Hammers last summer following the World Cup, scoring five goals for the club so far this season. According to the Daily Mail, Jose Mourinho looked at the striker in January before signing Juan Cuadrado, but the Portuguese manager is still keen to bring in Valencia as a replacement for either 37-year-old Didier Drogba or Loic Remy, who has been plagued with fitness issues since moving to Stamford Bridge. Valencia has struggled for fitness in recent weeks, picking up a foot injury on his return from another foot issue last weekend.

Sport

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daniel Akpeyi

Super Eagles and Warri Wolves keeper Best Food: Rice, stew and Plaintain Best Drink: Orange Juice Best Colour: Blue Best Club supported: Warri Wolves, Barcelona Best Car: Escape Jeep Best Designer: Versace Best City Visited: Dubai Best Perfume: Creed Best Music: Gospel Worship Best Actor: Tyler Perry Best Actor: Julia Robert Best Competition: 2005 FIFA U-20 World cup Home Town: Sapele, Delta state Best Match: In goal for Heartland during the 1-1 draw against Rangers in Enugu (2013) Worst Match: Warri Wolves 3-2 loss to FC Taraba in Jalingo (2014)

Siasia cautions U-23 Beach Eagles edge Cote d’Ivoire 7-6 Eagles on foreign deals N Ifeanyi Ibeh

ead Coach of Nigeria’s U-23 national team, Samson Siasia, has advised his players keen on securing foreign deals on how best to go about it, even as he has threatened to drop from the All Africa Games-bound team any player who does not measure up to his high standards. The national team recently booked a spot at the football event of the All Africa Games, taking place later in the year in Congo-Brazzaville, following a 2-1 aggregate victory over Zambia. And according to a statement made available to New Telegraph on Thursday, the team will embark on a monthlong break as from Friday, April 17, with players expected to return to their clubs. The former Super Eagles striker while addressing the players on Thursday, called on those keen on going abroad to further their careers to seek advice from the Nigeria Football Federation and the national team’s coaches so that it would be inscribed in their contracts that they would not be prevented from joining up with the U-23 team any time the team has matches or tour-

naments to play. Siasia, it would be recalled, encountered a similar problem back at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when French side, Olympique de Marseille, prevented Taye Taiwo from joining up with the rest of the squad. And with the qualifying matches of the football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games set to get underway later in the year, Siasia, who led Nigeria to a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Games, has called on the players not to see their qualification for the All-Africa Games as the ultimate, but rather to see it as a wakeup call to work harder and qualify for the Olympics.

Siasia

igeria’s Beach Eagles fought bravely, despite being a man down for all of the last two periods and overtime, to edge Cote d’Ivoire 7-6 in Victoria on Thursday and finish comfortably at the top of Group A of the 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship. A semifinal ticket was already in the bag before the match, but the 2011 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists put their best legs out and aimed for outright victory from the first blast of the referee’s whistle. However, Cote d’Ivoire scored first before the Eagles leveled, and then the game became a see-saw of sorts after

Nigerian player Igudia Godspower was shown the red card late in the first period. The Ivorians tried to capitalise on the one -man advantage but the Eagles dug their feet into the sands to repel what could have been a defeat and perhaps second place in the group. Captain Isiaka Olawale led the charges well on the beach and Emeka Ogbonna could not be stopped, and Abu Azeez was the song on everyone’s lips in what the commentator called the ‘Match of the Tournament’. Olawale and Ogbonna earned a brace each, with a goal each from Azeez, Bar-

tholomew Ibenegbu and Adams Taiwo. Ogbonna, who now has six goals, scored the overtime goal that gave Nigeria victory after full time ended 6-6. Nigeria will now play the second –placed team in Group B in Saturday’s semifinals.

Beach Eagles Coach, Adamu Ejo

Archery federation suspends secretary

he board of the Nigeria Archery Federation, on Wednesday in an emergency board meeting in Lagos, slammed an indefinite suspension on its Secretary General, Olugbenga Olatunji, for gross misconduct and anti-federation activities. According to the Federation’s Media Director, Toyin Ibitoye, the decision to suspend Olatunji, a staff of the Ogun State Sports Council, was taken by eleven board members of the federation in the

presence of an NOC representative. Ibitoye added that NAFED Deputy Secretary, Dapo Sotuminu, would take over as Secretary General in acting capacity adding that Olatunji would face a five-man panel on April 29, 2015. The suspended Secretary General was accused of writing unauthorised letters to the Nigeria Olympic Committee claiming that the president of the federation Dr. Felix Okugbe and other

key board members have been removed from office. NOC Scribe, Tunde Popoola, however rejected Olatunji’s letter saying it lacked due process and was against the International Olympic Committee’s charter of Fair Play. Popoola confirmed in his letter to Olatunji that, Dr. Okugbe is recognised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports and the World Archery Federation as president of the Nigeria Archery Federation.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIday, APRIL 17, 2015

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“The difference between the love of a man and the love of a woman is that a man will always give reasons for loving, but a woman gives no reasons for loving.”

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Shirley Andrews ‘Gang Bang Queen’, the grandma has slept with more than 1,000 men and regularly has sex with men as young as 18 years old.

Public arena The column you write

Memo to Mr. President-elect Boniface Chizea

lease permit me to congratulate you on your victory at the recently concluded polls. You are fourth time lucky, therefore so much for perseverance. And for most Christians who believe that power comes from God, there is no doubt that God has His purpose for making you president at this time in Nigerian history. It will not be fair and equitable if we do not acknowledge here the unprecedented role which the outgoing President has played by making this landmark event possible. But what must be appreciated here is the fact that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan meant well for this country and has no doubt surely contributed his quota to the growth and development of Nigeria and no doubt history will judge him well and the recognitions and rewards will no doubt before long pour in in torrents. We also congratulate Nigeria for ultimately being the winner as no doubt we should all agree on the fact that this country must be in hurry to develop and upgrade the quality of life of the generality of its citizens. Mr. President-elect, you must be concerned about the burden of expectations and how to manage and deliver on it because be assured that you are expected to be a magician who can even change water into wine! Let’s look at a sample: ‘He (Buhari) is a man with strong sense of mission and he has clear ideas about what he wants to do with Nigeria on corruption and restoring national discipline.’‘He campaigned to be a born again democrat intent on cleaning up Nigeria’s corrupt politics.’ Mr. Presidentelect, four years is a very short period in the life of any nation and will soon quickly pass away and therefore there is the need to hit the ground running. You must not allow yourself to be delayed with costly reversals of policies and with probes of what happened in the past except when the reasons for it are compelling and overwhelming. You must treat and consider project Nigeria as work in progress and therefore where laudable progress had been made and surely there are many of such areas, you must strive to build on such progress. You must not allow paralysis which would arise from the need to investigate and identify who is culpable thereby unnecessarily delaying progress except where it is absolutely necessary. Nigeria cannot afford the luxury and the commitment of scarce resources that will be consumed when we embark on such fruitless venture. It will be germane at this juncture for me to digress and discuss the caliber of your appointees. The sentiments overseas is that the investment environment in Nigeria would be burnished if you crackdown on corruption thereby positively impacting on the cost and ease of doing business in the country. But one thing that would send a strong and definite message is the calibre of your appointees particularly those you

Buhari

put in charge of the key public facing ministries and departments. The mark of the leader that wants to succeed is to appoint those who will add real value as could be gleaned from their antecedents. It would also make a strong statement thereby assuaging the wait and see attitude which overseas investors would inevitably adopt following your assumption of Office. Yes, the constitution requires that you observe the federal character in making such appointments but Mr. President elect there are no sections of this country that do not have those who are meritorious and therefore on no account must merit be sacrificed. We should also be wary of recycling individuals. This is a country of about 170 million people and therefore we recommend that you deliberately avoid falling into that trap. If you look at two of the very productive ministers in the outgoing administration those of Agriculture and the one in Industry, Trade and Investments, they were hardly known in this shores before there appointment. It would also demonstrate the prioritization of Nigeria’s interest if you make your cabinet inclusive by appointing members outside your party to underscore the fact that you are pan Nigerian in your outlook and sentiments. As has been observed above it is the consensus that you are clear in your mind what you will do for Nigeria but I will suggest that you ensure that you have taken time to think through whatever you want to embark on to ensure that you are in full appreciation and to set an action plan; landmarks along the journey with their deadlines to assist tracking. But please target a few areas whereby you would wish for your impact to be felt before long and not a long wish list. We are here thinking for some low hanging fruits you would wish to pluck for Nigeria in say your first hundred days in office. It would be impactful

for insistence, if you could bring back the Chibok girls now in captivity for almost one year. Can you imagine what it would do to your no nonsense reputation if you are able to do so within the first hundred days in office? Now that the country is reported to be on top of the war against insurrection please continue and intensify efforts in this connection leveraging on arrangements on ground to possibly terminate the horror and nightmare which the activity of this renegade group has been and whatever is done in this regard we must work to guard against any gain reversals. You must move to end the fuel queues which now and again manifest in the country. The outgoing regime did its best to ensure that this problem was contained but occasionally it rearedits ugly head sometimes with concerned stakeholder intent on blackmail as was witnessed on the eve of the just concluded presidential elections. But the fact is that the international community finds it difficult to rationalize a situation whereby a country that has the fifth highest gas reserve in the world and the eighth crude oil reserves not forgetting the fact that it is the sixth crude oil exporter does not have the capacity to refine products for domestic consumption but instead is shamefully dependent on importation with all the implications of such a situation for the growth and development of the national economy.And there is the need to terminate this subsidy regime which has been the source of all manner of sleaze and unethical practices. Please determine the best time to do this through targeted consultations but left to me I think that there could not be a better time than now when the oil market has crashed and therefore the pass through impact of such a decision could be better contained and managed.

There are so related issues that should engage your attention such as the Petroleum Industry Bill which has been waiting approval for more than six years now! The enactment of this law would unleash the tremendous potentials inherent in the petroleum industry and should result to appropriate pricing of gas to guarantee supply to the power turbines and begin to facilitate the attainment of badly needed steady supply of electricity in the country which has the potential of giving a shot in the arm to the growth prospects of Nigeria. The passage of this law would also unbundle and professionalize NNPC to adopt private sector templates in its operations resulting in more transparent procedures making the behemoth more accountable and thereby terminating the sleaze which has been associated with it. Since 2002 licenses were issued to private sector interests to build modular refineries but there have been no takers because the downstream petroleum sector remained regulated. Mr. President -elect, it is time to embark on wholesale deregulation of this sector to terminate the unacceptable importation of petroleum products. The budget is a very important blue print for running the affairs of the country. We must quickly migrate to the practice whereby the annual budget is ready for implementation in the first day of the year. This is done elsewhere and there is no reason why it should not be so in Nigeria. The legislature should be encouraged to upgrade its budget office to facilitate its performance of the oversight functions during budget preparations. And it should be clear that you have the responsibility for the preparation of the budget and therefore the need for routine and regular reversals of budget estimates should be mitigated by prior consultations during preparations. The budget structure as it is today, is not consistent with the need for job creating growth of the economy. The balance between the Capital and Recurrent aspects of the budget must be restored. A situation whereby 80 per cent of the budget is consumed on recurrent expenditure is not conducive for job creation imperatives. We must only borrow to spend on capital projects. And therefore, a situation whereby the deficit in the budget is in excess of the capital budget is not acceptable. There will be the need to deepen the contribution of non-oil revenue by expanding the tax net. Currently there are many people who make good profit but do not pay any tax because they are not in position whereby their tax obligations could be deducted at source. We must endeavour to get such citizens to make their due contribution. You are reputed as a man of moral integrity but please be advised that the best approach to fighting corruption going forward is to minimize the temptation for corruption by leveraging on technology as is currently being experimented to avoid such opportunities. Mr. President-elect we wish you a glorious and achievement laden tenure in the best interest of Nigeria. • Dr. Chizea sent in this piece from Lagos.

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