Happy new year, thursday, january 1, 2015 binder1234567890 by Newtelegraphonline

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Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS /newtelegraph

Vol. 1 No. 316

Thursday, January 1, 2015

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Oil price falls below $56 per barrel }6

Economy: Walking a tight rope Sunday Ojeme

s Nigeria enters the New Year today, the nation's economic managers are faced with one of the toughest jobs

on their hand in keeping the economy on an even keel. Since the economy is facing headwinds as a result of the volatility in the global oil market that has led to about 50 per cent

fall in government revenue projection for the year, Nigerians have been gripped with apprehension about their wellbeing in the New Year. The price of global

benchmark Brent crude has nearly halved in 2014 as demand growth slowed, the United States expanded output and Organisation of Petroleum Exporting CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

NEW TELEG

RAPH THURS

Interview

DAY, JANUA

RY 1, 2015

Awolowo: Arbitration prolonged is remedy litigation for

23&25

Law

News

Lagos name new DPP s Alakija

Jonathan ’s el others’ ca igibility, Sanusi, A ses shaped liso 2014 judic n-Madueke, ial year

Jonathan

Although Dieziani the year 2014 without a would not reflection have com on some the year, e and gone of making it unforgett the cases that shap OYESINA able in the ed write judiciary, shaped legal s on some cont TUN roversial preceden cases whic DE t in the outg h one year he year

Tambuwal

to enter tain Although the suit.

Page 21

five pages of Law

2015: It's here T

Justice washed Oniyangi withdraw the matter of his hands The appea appeal. following of the l was howe dictional turned lack of end witho2014 did not on the powers to adjudjuris- to decid to the Court of ver reindelible ut leaving an eligibility of Presi matt Appe e. icate for the Cour er, Njoku head dent Good yet to fix However, the court al judiciary mark on the luck Jonathan a date for to re-contest t of Appe ed gation is 2015 gener as far as lenge the Similarly hearing. is al to witnessedconcerned. The liti- Goodluck al election. Presi the , another the appel his decision. It chal- by the year suit filed dent Jona so many was at duo of stituted Wahab tain of thelate court that cases in- ticket of the than will fly the by a chief- and Adejumo Olatoye People’s Peoples rate bodie individuals, crati Party Ajagbe the Diez c Democratic DemoFederal , Uma s and organ corpo- mont Party (PDP iani’s among other High Cour before ) in the joined as r Ardo sough izations, h’s electi practically, case t t to be pending as the a co-appella on follow next from polit s. Such cases ‘coronatio court hasis still Janu Ardo brou ing range nt. ary ical, n’ had his at the fixed 12 to hinge civil. Whil criminal vention tion for the judiciary ght a forthnightPDP’s conjoinder d his applica- request of the decide on the are still e some of the and and on In a suit that he ago. was inter the grounds plaintiffs are plaintiffs. The initiated the ous cour pending befor cases acus Njok House of contendin testing Jonathan ested in by Cyrie for u at an g that decided. ts, others have vari- Court, Represen Abuja High President the position con- next montcannot participat the been of tativ e in void the court was asked Prominent of the PDPunder the platfo the tion becau h’s presidenti candidacy a collision es on to amon rm se Mr. Presi al eleces was the and that ing sion of of the the deci- taken oath of suit challg such cas- he party on the dent had the cour grounds rulas to whe course office of enging appeal had been t on Njok At the the provi that woul twice. ther it has way or the d affect him u’s the plain last adjourned sions of caught by the powers to tiffs one to date, other. the Cons having spent After refer the asked the cour two term titution public offic summon years in case t applicati listening to s of four office. Ardo’s of Appeal but to the Cour on, the ers without t Njoku court struc the Gene necessar k out the appellate oppo ral of the Fede Attor neygality of is challenging ily grou publ appea nds that ratio the Jona sed the next mont than to re-co leArdo lacke l on tendi applicatio n had locus stand its resolutio ishing ng that grounds h’s election ntest the Cour n, connot a party i to join since d the peal could on the that he had t of Aphe was a Gazette n in FOLUSO the requ risdiction not assume exha The courtat the lower court before OGUNMOD of the Fede the juinsis . the Cons irements allow usted EDE did not JUDICIARY invitation ed by titution ral High show any ted that Ardo Court. EDITOR of Mr. Presi for the est that special foluso.ogunm Another office could warr inter case that newtelegraph odede@ Deliveringdent. join thye ant him - year 2014 was shaped the online.com suit as ruling in to Justi © Daily Telegra ter, the the judge party an the inter trial . ce A.R Moha ph Publish ment ested judge, Justi matdashiru ing Compa Federal Apparentl mmed of of ce ny Limited High Cour the the suit Oniyangi dism MuArdo head y dissatisfie Abuja whic t sitting h set d, the cour on the grounds issed in Supreme ed approach t lacked that ed the of invitation sentaside the letter jurisdicti court howe Court. The of Repr by the esent on to a final ver laid the apex leum Mini atives to the House matter Petro Ardo’s rest when it held Madueke ster, Deziani Aliso case and the ntherefore lacked meri that tional Petroleum Nigeria Nacompelled t, and Corporati him to on CONT INUED

ON PAGE 22

lNigeria heralds most decisive year lJonathan, Mark, Tambuwal, Ekweremadu, Buhari, govs seek better Nigeria }5

Nigeria's make -or-break year ISSUE in the news Ayodele Ojo

or Nigeria, 2015 will be a decisive year. The future of Nigeria will be determined by a series of events, especially in politics, economy and security. Generally, 2015 is seen as a year of election. Politics, economy and security are critical issues that shape

a nation. Politically, Nigeria will be going through electioneering process that peaks in February. The economy is facing a serious challenge in the face of the crash in oil price in the international market. Nigeria’s economy depends majorly on oil. Also, the nation is being confronted with security challenges, occasioned by Boko HaCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

APC accuses FG of hunting opposition leaders

Business }31

PHOTO: suleiman husaini

Editorial }19

}7 lPolice tighten security for New Year

Travel Advisory Guide to local and international flights }4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Travel Advisory

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI)07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10 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

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

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

W3 101 W3 102 W3 107 (Mon, Wed & Fri) W3 108 (Tues,Thurs & Fri) W3 103 W3 104 - (Tues, Wed &Thur) - (Tues, Wed &Thur) -

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

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

12:30hrs

16:00hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

New York-Lagos Lagos-Johannesburg Johannesburg-Lagos Lagos-Douala Douala-Lagos Lagos-Accra Accra-Lagos Abuja-Accra Accra-Abuja Lagos-Freetown Freetown-Lagos Lagos-Banjul Banjul-Lagos Lagos-Dakar Dakar-Lagos

10:45hrs 09:35hrs 11:10hrs 13:25hrs 07:20hrs 17:00hrs -(Tue,Thur,Sat,Sun) 08:05hrs -(Mon,Wed,Fri) 13:35hrs 18:00hrs -(Daily) 17:00hrs 06:00hrs - (Wed,Fri,Sun) 08:00hrs 17:00hrs -(Wed,Fri,Sun) 08:00hrs -(Wed,Fri,Sun) 15:20hrs -(Wed,Fri,Sun) 21:00hrs -(Mon,Tue,Thur, Fri,Sat) -(Tue,Wed, 01:00hrs Fri,Sat,Sun)

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

MEA 571 MEA 572

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

Middle East Airlines (Two flights weekly (Tues & Friday) to Lagos) EMIRATES AIRLINES

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

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

QATAR AIRWAYS DELTA AIRLINES

UNITED AIRLINES

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

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

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Departure 14:00hrs 16:30hrs 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

Arrival 15:55hrs 18:15hrs 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

Lagos to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Lagos Abuja to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Abuja Enugu to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Enugu Kano to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Kano

ET900 ET901 ET910 ET911 ET930 ET931 ET930 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

05:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

Lagos-London London-Lagos

VS 652 VS 651

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

KQ 533 KQ 534

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

Lagos-Kigali

AWB 201 11:15hrs (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) AWB 202 14:00hrs (Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun)

16:45hrs

332 333

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

IBERIA

air maroc

VIRGIN ATLANTIC ETIHAD AIRWAYS

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

17:30hrs

ASKY Airlines international travel tips Earning Miles on ASKY Airlines ASKY is a Lome -Togo based airline that provides an extensive route network within West Africa. The airline provides excellent connections with Ethiopian Airlines flights serving cities in West Africa. Ethiopian Airlines and ASKY provide an end-to-end service for frequent flyers enrolled in ShebaMiles. The airlines jointly provide full coverage of Africa providing full mile earning opportunity for a frequent flyer.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

2015: Nigeria's decisive year is here Our correspondents

igeria yesterday ushered in the New Year with messages from its political leaders which dwelt on state of the nation and hope for a better country. President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President David Mark; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari and governors, among others, in their separate goodwill messages to usher in the New Year, urged the people not to lose hope, notwithstanding the challenges facing Nigeria. The president, his New Year broadcast to the nation this morning, assured Nigerians that political campaigns and the 2015 general election would not distract his administration from its ongoing effort to significantly improve their living conditions. The president, in an extract from his speech, given to reporters yesterday by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said his involvement in the campaigns and election notwithstanding, he would remain focused on providing good governance and delivering better public services to Nigerians. He also pledged that steps will be taken by his administration to shield the poor and low-medium income earners from the austerity measures in the 2015 budget to ensure the stability of the national economy in the face of the current downturn in the prices of crude oil. “By the special grace of God, the Federal Government, under my leadership, has continued, in the past four years to lead our country forward, even under the most trying circumstances. The progress we have made in priority areas bears us testimony. “Our national economy maintained a steady growth rate of close to seven per cent in the past four years and millions of fresh employment opportunities were created for our people as a direct consequence. “Being very conscious of the inherent perils of our over-reliance on income from crude oil exports for national development, we have focused on accelerating the diversification of our economy. “The non-oil sector which has grown by an average of 8 per cent in

the last few years, is now a major driver of growth in our economy. “The 2015 national budget, which is now before the National Assembly, is targeted at deepening our efforts at becoming a nonoil economy. “In 2015, this administration will continue to lay the foundation for a vibrant economy that attracts significant Foreign Direct Investment and promotes policies that ensure economic stability.

“We will ensure stability in the value of the naira by striving to take away speculative behaviours that cause market exchange pressures," the president said. He, however, warned that a decisive action will be taken against any individual or group who attempt to disrupt the public peace before, during or after the 2015 elections. He also praised the gallant officers, men and women of the Armed

Forces and other security agencies who have been in the forefront of the war against terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria. “I want to assure you that the terrorists will not get away with their atrocities: they will not win; they will be routed,” Jonathan assured Nigerians. Mark said the National Assembly would expeditiously pass the 2015 Appropriation Bill without compromising due process.

According to him, the discreet and accelerated consideration of the budget will facilitate its implementation ensure timely delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians. He also urged the people not to be discouraged by the numerous sociopolitical and economic challenges confronting Nigeria at the moment, expressing optimism that with the cooperation of all, the situation will soon be overcome.

"There is no doubt that the situation, especially insecurity, is challenging. We cannot pretend that all is well with us. But we are a nation of good faith in one God. When it seems impossible, God will make it possible. "This trying time is only but a phase in our march to greatness. With cooperation, dedication, honesty and patriotism on the part of all of us, we shall surely triumph," he said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

L-R: Global Coordinator, Loyal Order to Government of Nigeria (LOGON), Mr. Ihentuge Ekeh; Santa Claus, Organising Secretary, LOGON, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwokeji; Publicity Secretary, Ms. Chinelo Mbamalu and others, during a Christmas rally in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Nigeria's make-or-break year CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ram insurgency. There have been predictions, especially by an agency of the United States that Nigeria may cease to exist after 2015, following an anticipated political combustion. The veracity or otherwise of this prediction will be determined by the outcome of the 2015 elections. Just in December 2014, the International Crisis Group (ICG), an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict, came up with another gloom prediction: Nigeria is heading towards a very volatile and vicious electoral contest in 2015. The ICG succinctly put its fear thus: “Ac-

tions by the police and other security services, all controlled by the Federal Government, could also aggravate tensions around the polls and undermine the credibility of their outcomes. The conduct of some senior police officers…has raised fears that the agency could be manipulated to serve the PDP’s interests. Similarly, some actions and pronouncements by the Department of State Service (DSS) – Nigeria’s main domestic intelligence agency – have raised concerns about institutional bias. If these agencies act or are perceived to act in a partisan manner, they could undermine free and fair polls and heighten the risks of violence, particularly after the vote.”

Unfortunately, the carriage and activities of the political class have not helped matters. Opposition leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have threatened to form a parallel government if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wins the 2015 presidential election in an unfair manner. Supporters and kinsmen of President Goodluck Jonathan have threatened hell if the president loses. On its part, the police and DSS have threatened to arrest and prosecute opposition leaders who make inciting statements. The truth is that the build-up to the general election has caused apprehension in the polity. Although the Independent National Elec-

toral Commissioner (INEC) has cleared 11 presidential candidates to contest the February 14 election, the real contest is between Jonathan of the PDP and former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. The 2011 contest between Jonathan and Buhari accentuated the nation's fault lines. The violence that followed in some Northern states claimed scores of lives and led to the destruction of property, including the Kaduna home of Vice-President Namadi Sambo, worth billions of naira. There have been forecasts that the 2015 elections will witness more violence. It is expected that the police and security

agencies will display professionalism in the discharge of their duties at this delicate period. The handling of the election by INEC will to a large extent determines its credibility and acceptance of its outcome. INEC has failed to earn the confidence of Nigerians, especially with its performance in Ekiti State governorship election. The shoddy handling of the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and the Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) by the electoral body have not been encouraging. The start-up of the 2011 by INEC was shaky. The electoral body had to cancel the first set of elections to get its act CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Oil price falls below $56 per barrel l$65 budget benchmark, a mistake – LCCI

Adeola Yusuf

igeria's biggest revenue earner, oil, is heading for its biggest annual decline since 2008 after it had dipped below $56 a barrel yesterday, beckoning a tough New Year for the 2015 budget. The price of global benchmark Brent crude has nearly halved in 2014 as demand growth slowed, the United States expanded output and Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), dropping its strategy of trimming supply to keep oil around $100 a barrel, chose instead to defend market share. "Here we are on the very last session of the year and Brent is making new lows, again," said Tony Machacek, an oil broker at Jefferies Bache in London. "There's no reason to see why the downtrend should not continue." Brent was down $1.72 at $56.18 by 1326 GMT, after earlier dropping as low as $55.81, its weakest since May 2009. U.S. crude was down $1.19 at $52.93. The annual decline for Brent is set to be the biggest since 2008, when demand

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

22oC

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Mostly Sunny

crumbled in response to the financial crisis. Prices were, eventually, propped up by OPEC's last formal decision to cut production. In contrast, OPEC at a November 27 meeting this year decided against a cutback to defend its market share against shale oil and other competing supply sources, despite its own forecasts of a growing surplus in 2015. Traders will focus on the latest U.S. government report on oil inventories to see if it confirms the unexpected increase in stockpiles reported on Tuesday by industry group the American Petroleum Institute (API). U.S. crude inventories rose by 760,000 barrels last week, the API said, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of around 100,000 barrels. The Obama administration on Tuesday bowed to months of growing pressure over a 40-year-old ban on exports of most domestic crude, taking two steps expected to increase the flow of ultra-light oil, or condensate, onto the global market. "We expect a gradual, but slow increase of stabilised condensate exports over the next year," analysts at JBC Energy said in a report. While the 2015 budget,

37oC

21oC

Sunny

PORT HARCOURT

27o C 18oC Thunder Storms

KANO

28oC

10oC

Sunny

ENUGU

36oC

20oC

Sunny

IBADAN

20oC

11oC

Rain Showers

CALABAR

31o C 23oC Thunder Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

29oC 12oC Sunny

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a Silverbird Television programme monitored in Lagos, maintained that it is an economic tragedy that $16 billion is wasted on importation of refined products annually by the government of Africa's biggest crude exporter. He criticised the budget which he said has N91 bil-

lion for kerosene subsidy with great imbalance in the amount earmarked for debt servicing and capital expenditure. "N948 billion is earmarked for debt servicing while N93billion is for capital expenditure. Annually, we spend about N1 trillion on fuel subsidy and all

Chicken sellers waiting for customers ahead of the New Year in Lagos…yesterday.

these raised a lot of questions about our budget," he said. "This is the best time for government to stop the subsidy." The low oil price is, according to him, "a big relief because the minister has said that the landing cost of fuel is lesser that the pump price."

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal, Ekweremadu, Buhari, govs seek better Nigeria CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

ABUJA

which is benchmarked at $65 a barrel is expected to have $9 deficit on each barrel based on the new $56 per barrel price, the Director General, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf, said that the budget was a mistake. Yusuf, who said this on

On the forthcoming general election, Mark called on politicians to play by the rules, saying that all civilised and decent societies are governed by laws and not a resort to "might is right". He cautioned those fanning the embers of war ahead of the 2015 polls to think otherwise because the interest of an individual or groups could not override national interest. Mark's deputy in his New Year message, called for prayers for the success of the 2015 general election. He described the forthcoming elections as a potential milestone for the nation’s democracy and development. Ekweremadu also attributed the longevity of the current democratic dispensation, which surpassed all others before it, to the sacrifice, commitment and determination of Nigerians. He said: “the current democratic dispensation is unique in many respects. For the first time, we have

been able to transit from one civilian administration to another. We have also enjoyed an unprecedented 15 years of democratic rule. “Therefore, year 2015 presents us with yet another opportunity to build on our democratic gains. The elections call for a high sense of patriotism, decorum, forbearance and strict observance of the rules among Nigerians, especially the political class, to make the process free, fair, and credible.” In his message, Tambuwal urged Nigerians to take a special interest in the plight of internally displaced persons who have been forced out of their homes as a result of the insurgency in some parts of the country. The speaker, in the New Year message by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said IDPs in various camps within and outside the country should be supported while governments at all levels must put in place comprehensive and coordinated strategy that will enhance the welfare

and living conditions of the affected persons. According to him, the House, in conjunction with other arms of government, will support any effort aimed at finding durable solutions to the challenges of the IDPs. For Buhari, the New Year offers Nigerians an opportunity for change. The APC presidential standard bearer, in his New Year message signed by the Director of Communications of his campaign office, Mr. Dele Alake, urged Nigerians, especially the youths, not to give up on Nigeria. He assured them that 2015 will be the year of change if they vote APC in the February general election. He charged the youths not to give in to the temptation to feel so weighed down by those who have failed them and made them to lose hope, energy and passion to see change. He said that 2014 was a challenging year for most Nigerians, considering compatriots who were killed or maimed by terrorists in 2014.

“I remember with a still broken heart that 219 of our children from Chibok are yet missing, let down by a country that should protect them. I remember that, even as I speak, some of our towns and villages are yet under the occupation of Boko Haram. “Yes, you are disappointed and you are angry, as you are entitled to, but you must never give in to the temptation to feel so weighed down by those who have failed you that you lose your hope and your energy and your passion to see change. You must never give up on Nigeria. "Together, we can build a nation that is secure, prosperous and gives everyone a fair chance. This is the promise that 2015 holds. That is the promise that change will bring. That is the promise that I bring to you,” he added. Stressing the need for change, Buhari assured the youths of a better and prosperous Nigeria come 2015 by giving them “a country that you can be proud of at anytime and

anywhere: where corruption is tackled, where your leaders are disciplined and lead with vision and clarity; where the stories that emerge to the world from us are full of hope and progress." Also, Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, said 2015 would be an important one for Nigerians to vote for change and get the country back to the path of greatness. He added that the year would present Nigerians with a unique opportunity to vote out the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has misgoverned the country. Oshiomhole in his New Year message, urged Nigerians to rise up to ensure that credible leaders emerge to rescue the polity from its lethargic mess. His Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola Ajimobi also urged the people to continue to work for the unity of Nigeria and not to lose hope owing to the various challenges confronting the country. The governor, in his CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

2015: APC accuses FG of hunting opposition leaders Johnchuks Onuanyim and Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday accused the Federal Government of using security agencies to persecute members of the opposition party. The allegation was coming against the backdrop of the warning by the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan, that government would deal decisively with any politician making inciting comments. The warning was giving after Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi and other APC chieftains, had made what government considered inflammatory statements on the state of the nation. However, APC stated

that the Federal Government was using the security agencies to harass and intimidate the opposition, with a view to decapitating it ahead of the 2015 elections. APC spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja, said the threats from the minister and the DSS was nothing but a thinly-veiled attempt at cowing the opposition and destabilising its ranks. According to him, the strategy to cow the opposition includes the 'invitation' of key opposition figures for questioning by the DSS, starting with the APC National Publicity Secretary, to be followed by arrests and detention of such figures. APC described the impending clampdown as the Peoples Democratic Partyled Federal Government's answer to the soaring profile of the opposition ahead of the polls.

But the presidency described the allegations as baseless, challenging APC leadership to provide proof. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said the accusation was another smear attempt against President Goodluck Jonathan in order to win cheap sympathy from the electorate

ahead of the 2015 general election. “Nothing can be as unfounded as the accusation by the APC which shows clearly that it remains clueless with nothing to offer as the alternative the party continuous to preach to Nigerians,” he said. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, has again assured Nigerians

of violence-free New Year celebrations nationwide. Abba directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to step up security for Nigerians to enjoy the New Year celebration. The IGP, in a statement signed by the Force Public

Nigeria heralds most decisive year CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

New Year message in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, called for vigilance during the election so that people's desire for change will not be thwarted by anti-democratic forces. He also called on the people to continue to support his administration

which he said had delivered on its promises and had succeeded in restoring, transforming and repositioning the state. On his part, Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, urged the people to be extra-vigilant and support government towards ending the security challenge facing the country. He assured the people

that government in conjunction with security agencies will strive to an end the insurgency caused by Boko Haram. Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, urged Nigerians to redouble their efforts at building a stable, secure and prosperous nation. The governor said in his New Year message that they should learn

L-R: Deputy Chief Missioner, Nasrul -Llahi- Fathi Society (NASFAT), Alhaji Azeez Onike; NASFAT President, Alhaji Kamil Bolarinwa; National General Secretary, Alhaji Kabeer Alaraba; National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Samiat Mumuni; former National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Faosat Oladoja and Mrs. Mariam Akinbode, during the 2014 edition of the annual 'Train the Trainers' Dawah course in Lagos…recently.

Nigeria's make-or-break year CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

together. Hence, INEC will need to roll up its sleeves to give Nigeria credible polls in 2015. Its impartial conduct of the elections will determine the direction of actions. In 2014, the parliament, which is the symbol of democracy, was assaulted. The police invaded the House of Representatives just to prevent the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, from presiding over a special session to consider the request of the president for an extension of emergency rule in the Boko Haram-rav-

aged Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. The resolution or otherwise of the crisis rocking the National Assembly in 2015 over the defection of Tambuwal from the PDP to the APC will also be one of the key factors to shape politics. The police had taken a partisan stand on the matter as their personnel invaded the House and fired canisters of tear gas at lawmakers. The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, withdrew the security aides of Tambuwal and vowed never to recognise him

Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, also directed the AIG in charge of Border Patrol, to ensure effective manning of the nation's borders to forestall any attempt by criminals to enter the country. Abba also mandated the AIG AirWing to put the FCT and other states under aerial surveillance.

as speaker. It is expected that the judgement by the court on Tambuwal's defection will finally settle the controversy whether or not a lawmaker could retain his seat after defecting to another party. In 2014, Nigeria faced daunting security challenges like never before except during the civil war. Boko Haram has taken control of parts of Nigerian territory and unleashed attacks on citizens. As at today, more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls are still missing, eight months after terrorists seized

them in a dawn raid on their school. The activities of the insurgents have raised fears if elections will hold in the North-East. The president and INEC have promised to ensure the conduct of elections in the Boko Haram-ravaged states, but that has done little to allay the fears. Nonconduct of election may raise constitutional issue in the presidential election. How Nigeria survives the economy downturn will also be a major focal point for the handlers of the nation’s economy. The oil

price has fallen to $55 per barrel and Nigeria may be forced to adopt stiffer austerity measures to cope with the economic challenge. Already, the fortunes of the states have nosedived. Many of them are owing workers’ salaries as funds from the Federation Account have been dwindling since the economy headed north as a result of the volatility in the global oil market. With these so many challenges, how the government responds to them will determine the future of the country.

from the mistakes of the previous years and commit themselves to the task of ensuring that significant improvements in the country. He therefore urged Nigerians to eschew acts that could undermine the security and progress of the nation, stressing that they should remain prayerful and continue to seek the guidance and intervention of God in the affairs of the country. Chime's counterpart in Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, also urged Nigerians not to despair, saying with faith and confidence in God, Nigeria will overcome all her challenges. The governor, in his New Year message, called for the cooperation and support of all for the state and country to progress. Besides, he sought the cooperation of the people to ensure peaceful and successful conduct of the general election. Fayose's predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who described 2015 as a year of decision for Nigeria, urged Nigerians to join hands with the APC in the quest to sweep out bad leadership from the country. Fayemi in a New Year message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, congratulated Nigerians for witnessing the New Year and urged them to go all out and effect the much-desired change in the polity this year. “Nigerians have worked and prayed for a Nigerian nation that would meet the vision and aspirations of its founding fathers. This is the time to take a bold step further and effect the change with our votes” he stated. Former Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in his New Year message, said the 2015 elections would be a turning point for Nigeria. Saraki urged Nigerians to brace up for the challenges ahead, work to elect leaders that will serve the people, listen to the people, and most importantly, fight for and on behalf of the people.

News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Court clears Akingbola of N47.1bn theft charge Akeem Nafiu

eprieve yesterday came the way of the former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola, as the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, struck out the N47.1 billion theft charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The ruling of the appellate court was sequel to an appeal lodged by Akingbola and his co-defendant, Bayo Dada, against the ruling of Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of an Ikeja High Court on the issue of jurisdiction. The appellate court in a unanimous decision allowed the appeal and held that the subject matter of the alleged offences relates to banking and capital market operations which fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. The appellants had through their lawyers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) filed two separate applications, to challenge the jurisdiction of the lower court in entertaining the 22-count charges filed against them by the anti-graft agency. The lower court had in its ruling delivered on May 2, 2014 dismissed their applications and held that the charges preferred against Akingbola and his codefendant were within its competence and purview to determine. However, the appellate court in its lead judgement delivered by Justice Amina Aguie (presiding) and adopted by other members of the panel; Justice

Samuel Oseji and Justice Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo held that the lower court judge took a narrow view of the matter when he assumed jurisdiction on the matter. Justice Aguie held that the lower court judge fell into a serious error when he failed to abide by the decision of the appellate court in the case of Okey

Nwosu vs. EFCC, even when it was brought to his notice. Justice Aguie further noted that the appellate court had in Nwosu’s case held that the Ikeja High Court, Lagos, where the charges were instituted against the defendants, had no jurisdiction over capital market-related issues.

The court stated that the refusal of the lower court to follow the principle of 'Stare decisis' is tantamount to judicial rascality and a call for anarchy, adding that, “it will encourage the lower court to take up arms against the appellate court.” The court while holding that the subject matter of the alleged offences

related to banking operations and capital market issues which is outside the purview of the Lagos High Court declared that the lower court failed in its duty as an unbiased umpire when it refused to study thoroughly the processes presented before it. Justice Aguie added that the lower court turned a blind-eye to the proof of

evidence brought before it before delivering its ruling. "It is the duty of the court to do substantial justice, a one-sided justice is no justice at all," the appellate court held. Akingbola’s lead counsel, Olanipekun had in his submission urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the decision of the lower court.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti; Managing Director, Seven Up Bottling Company Plc, Sunil Sawhney; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu and Managing Director/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, at the Lagos Countdown to 2015 at Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Presidency, agencies to spend N26bn in 2015 Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he presidency and its agencies are to spend N26, 633,050,469 in the 2015 fiscal year. Of the budgeted amount, N12,917,727,634 is voted for personnel cost while overhead

cost got N11,165,322,836; total recurrent of N24,083,050,470 and capital vote of N2,579,999,999. A budget breakdown document obtained by New Telegraph indicates that State House Headquarters got the highest budgetary allocation of N6,540,215,705, while State House (Operations-

president) is allocated N2,588,213,272 followed by State House (Operations-Vice-President) allocated N463,544,130 followed by the Office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on (OSSAP-MDGS) allocated N 146,851,349. Other agencies of gover nment under

presidency and their statutory allocations are: NIPSS, Kuru allocated N 1,291,294,047; Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) N 1,246,844,165; National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) N1,069,932,529; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N9,553,122,283; Bureau

of Public Procurement (BPP), N1,193,101,024; Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), N1,069,946,457; Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, N 1,426,805,072 and Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President got N73,180,436.

Economy: Walking a tight rope Military restricts movement in Borno CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

he 7th Division of the Nigerian Army has imposed a restriction order on vehicular movement in Borno State from 6a.m. on Thursday January 1st to 6p.m. Friday January 2nd. The Division in a statement signed by its spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, stated: “The Federal Government has declared Thursday 1st January 2015 and Friday 2nd January as public holiday to commemorate New Year and Eid el Maulud celebrations in view of the security situation in Borno State which has remains fluid and unpredictable. The 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri wishes to impose total ban on ve-

hicular movement within its area of responsibility. “The vehicular movement by animal (horses, etcetera), bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles and motor vehicles are totally banned in the state during the specified period. This restriction is informed to ensure adequate protection of lives and property of law-abiding citizens of Borno State throughout the period.” The Army stated that members of the general public are requested to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environment to the nearest security agencies. The army had imposed similar restriction in the state during the Eid El-Fitr, Eid El- Kabir and Christmas celebrations.

Countries (OPEC), dropping its strategy of trimming supply to keep oil around $100 a barrel, chose instead to defend market share. On the other hand the US, which was hitherto the biggest consumer of Nigeria's crude, began exports of crude and the turmoil in Libya has effectively led to a drop in the December supply of OPEC to a sixmonth low. Oil is the Nigeria's biggest revenue earner and now the commodity is heading for its biggest annual decline since 2008 after it had dipped below $56 a barrel on the New Year eve. While the 2015 budget, which is benchmarked at $65 a barrel is expected to have $9 deficit on each barrel based on the $56 per barrel price of the New Year eve, the Director

General, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf, said the budget was a mistake. Yusuf, who said this on a Silver bird Television programme monitored in Lagos, said it was an economic tragedy that $16 billion was wasted on importation of refined products annually by the government of Africa's biggest crude exporter. He criticised the budget which he said had N91 billion for kerosene subsidy with great imbalance in the amount earmarked for debt servicing and capital expenditure. It was based on these foreboding auguries that the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the Federal Government would introduce austerity measures to enable it cope

with the oil shocks. Her announcement had come after several assurances, despite glaring indices, that the economy was in a good shape. The austerity measures to be introduced include the introduction of levies on luxury items, reduction in cost of governance and restriction in overseas travels. The instability in the global oil market forced the Federal Government to reduce the 2015 budget to N4.357.96 trillion and review economic growth project from 6.4 per cent to 5.5 per cent in 2015. The budget comprises N2.622 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N627 billion as capital expenditure, following a downward review of the Medium Term Expenditure framework (MTEF) twice owing to the volatility in oil prices. The budget will be driv-

en by a projection of 2.278 million barrels per day oil production. The situation in the global oil market has made many analysts to advocate decrease in government's spending on oil sector while non-oil-sectors like agriculture should get a boost in investments in 2015. Other measure to curb the negative effects of oil price rout is, according to analysts, for the government to remove subsidy of imported refined crude products. Therefore, as the economy faces a tougher time in 2015 unlike in previous year, it will require deft management to pull the nation out of the woods, especially in an election year where public officeholders may be reluctant to exercise the political will to take tough decisions needed to direct the economy on a recovery path.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Power sector commences TEM today, says Minister Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he power sector will today commence the operation of Transitional Electricity Market (TEM), says the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo. With the commencement of TEM, all contracts entered into at privatization will be activated and activities in the electricity market will carry the obligations outlined in the contracts. A framework of contracts, regulations, market rules, systems and processes will drive the electricity market under TEM. According to the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Prof. Chidi Onyia, this milestone has never been achieved in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry before now. In a statement from Mr. Timothy Oyedeji, Deputy Director Ministry of Power, Onyia disclosed that while the benefits of the power sector reform are expected to be gradual due to decades of neglect suffered by the sector, the commencement of TEM increases the performance expectations for all the new market participants and facilitates the much needed discipline in the market.

He stated that TEM was the most critical milestone in the power reform process since November 1, 2013 when power generation and distribution assets were handed over to the new owners. Speaking on the commencement of TEM, he said: “It demonstrates that the power sector is maturing and advancing in the right direction under the right conditions, within the right environ-

ment”. He stated also that under TEM “all parties pay for services received and are paid for services rendered.” Unlike before, there are consequences for market participants who fail to deliver on contracted services. It is expected that the activation of contracts will lead to market behaviour that will produce sustainable and comprehensive electricity supply to Nigerians.”

Sambo's allegation on taxation, display of ignorance, says Fashola Muritala Ayinla

agos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday came hard on Vice President (VP), Namadi Sambo's allegation of high taxation regime in the state, describing the statement as a display of ignorance by ''someone who should know better.'' The Vice President had alleged that industries in Lagos were groaning under the burden of multiple taxation and relocating to other states. But Fashola said the VP had better be misquoted because it does not reflect

the true state of affairs in the Lagos economy. He said:"The allegation credited to Vice President that we are collecting multiple taxes and industries are leaving us, I sincerely want to believe that he was misquoted because it is a very serious claim of ignorance if it was true." "It a very grave statement to make, because that is the Chairman of the Nigerian National Economic Council. So, if he misunderstands what is happening in the commercial capital of the country, it may be a very revealing index into their understanding of the country's economy.

2015: Play politics with decorum, Al-Makura makes Tukur tells politicians public appearance

Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

here was wide jubilation yesterday in Lafia, the state capital when the Nasarawa Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Mkaura made a surprise entry to the state after days of rumour of his death. He entered amid tight security. The governor, who was received at the city gate of the college of Agriculture, Lafia by top government officials and APC executives was driven in a motorcade round the streets of Lafia to the frontage of the government House, where he told the mammoth crowd that he has forgiven those who speculated his dead. Al-Makura said the emotions and sentiments expressed by his supporters has confirmed to him that his mandate is real. His words: “I have forgiven those who carried rumours of my death for their devilish act. As you can see, I am hale and hearty.”

Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ormer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bamanga Tukur, has told Nigerian politicians to play politics with a sense of sanity and decorum. He also advised them to avoid the use of indecent or violent languages, capable of overheating the polity. In a New Year message

to Nigerians, Tukur said that for peace and unity to reign supreme, politicians must play politics with decency. He said what the nation needed most at the moment was effective political comportment and prayers. Tukur, who is Nigeria Ambassador-at-Large believes "with prayers, the economic plight of the nation and Nigerians will soon be a thing of the past."

PUBLIC NOTICE VICTORY BETHSAIDA DELIVERANCE MISSION 94 AKA ROAD, UYO A.K.S. NIGERIA Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Aniefre Okon Ekanem - President 2. Evangelist (Mrs.) Comfort Aniefre Ekanem - Secretary 3. Evangelist Kokoette Nicolas Ebong - Treasurer 4. Mr. Gideon Sunday Frank - Prayer Co-ordinator AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To pray for the peace, love and unity of all nation. 3. To assist the poor and less privilege. 4. To heal the sick and deliver the oppressed. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Pastor Aniefre Okon Ekanem General Overseer

ADAMAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, MUBI [Office of the Registrar]

Invitation to Tender The Adamawa State University, Mubi proposes to execute Year 2013 TETFUND Special Intervention Projects as shown here under: S/NO

DESCRIPTION

PROJECT CODE NO.

Procurement of laboratory equipment for Microbiology LOT 1

Procurement of research and teaching equipment for LOT 2 Geography

Procurement of students buses for Faculties

LOT 3

Procurement of Research and field work vehicle.

LOT 4

2. In this regard, interested, competent and reputable contractors/suppliers are hereby invited to submit technical and financial bids in respect of the projects in accordance with relevant public procurement guidelines as per procedure outlined below. 3. Prequalification and Tender Requirements. I. Evidence of registration as a company in Nigeria with the corporate Affairs Commission CAC). II. Submission of 3-years (2011, 2012, and 2013) audited account prepared by a reputable Accounting Firm. III. Submission of 3-years tax clearance certificate issued by FIRS for (3) years (2011, 2012, and 2013). IV. Evidence of compliance with the Pensions Fund Act 2004 for registration and remittances. V. Evidence of Contribution to the ITF in accordance with amended ITF Act 2011. VI. Evidence of registration with VAT and remittance of contribution. VII. Sworn affidavit that no Staff of ADSU is a former or current Director or shareholder in the company submitting the bid. VIII. A sworn affidavit that none of the Directors of the company was convicted of a criminal offence or was ever declared bankrupt. NOTE: Items (I) – (VIII) are basic requirements for which failure to supply any will result in automatic disqualification of the bidder. Other Requirements IX. Company profile indicating key Personnel and Qualifications of Professional Staff. X. Evidence of available equipment. XI. Verifiable evidence of execution of similar projects in the past 5 years. XII. Evidence of financial capability and possible bank support. XIII Registration as contractor with ADSU. 4. Bidding Procedure Interested bidders may obtain prequalification forms for completion and tender documents from the office of the Director Physical Planning and Development at Yola, Liaison Office of Adamawa State University on the payment of non-refundable fee of N30,000.00 per lot in the University Bursary at Yola, Liaison Office of Adamawa State University and presentation of official receipt for same. 5. Submission of Technical and Financial bids. Technical and financial bids in the prescribed format are to be submitted in separated sealed envelop marked at the top left hand corner- technical/financial bid in respect of the lot chosen with the bidders name clearly stated. The sealed bidding documents are to be addressed to the Registrar, ADSU, P.M.B 25, Mubi and be deposited in appropriate boxes in the office of the Registrar at Yola, Liaison Office of Adamawa State University not later than 10:00 am on 9th February, 2015 6. Opening of bids i. Technical bides are to be opened publicly immediately after close of bidding 9th February, 2015 ii. Bidders, their representatives, relevant NGOs and the general public are invited to witness the opening of prequalification bids, however only prequalified bidders and relevant NGOs may witness the financial bids opening at 12:00 noon on 10th February, 2015 7. Additional Information i. Receipt of bidding documents should not be construe to mean contractual commitment enabling failed bidders to seek indemnity. ii. Late submission howsoever arising shall be rejected. Signed

Hassan S. Tanko FCBA, FBMA(UK), FPIMAN. Registrar

THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro Inland port project excites Ondo monarch

he Federal Government has been commended for approving the establishment of Inland Port at Ipare on the bank of Alape River in Mahin land, Ondo State. The Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, Oba Lawrence Omowole, gave the commendation in a letter to the Ondo State Government on behalf of the people of Mahin and Ilaje land. The monarch also commended Governor Olusegun Mimiko for recommending the area as well as the synergy with the Federal Government which led to the approval. Omowole said it was gratifying that work had commenced on the project a few months after the approval, as officials of the Federal Ministry of Transport, National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA) and Ondo State Ministry of Transport had carried out site inspection and held Town Hall meetings with the people. The monarch, who was particularly happy with the state government at the infrastructural development and various laudable projects in his domain, noted his people’s appreciation over the ongoing asphalt overlaying of the Igbokoda-Ugbo Nla Road. Omowole, however, urged the governor to put in place a state committee which would coordinate and liaise with the Federal Government to ensure speedy execution of the Inland Port project while expressing the willingness of his subjects to serve on such committee. Meanwhile, the National Council on Transport at its meeting in Enugu in October had equally sought collaboration between Ondo State and the Federal Government on speedy completion of the project.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Bomb blasts kill 13 at Yobe checkpoint

Hassan Jirgi Damaturu

win bomb blasts a military checkpoint on Potiskum-Gombe Road yesterday killed 13 passengers and wounded three others. The bomb blasts, which occurred about 1:45pm, seemed to have targeted the military checkpoint, where soldiers usually stop and search vehicles going from Fika Local Government motor park to Potiskum Local Government Area. A witness, who was close to the checkpoint, said that shortly after the blasts he counted 13 bodies in a ‘Sharon’ bus with registration number: Yobe XA507FKA. He said: “I had just passed the military checkpoint on my way to Fika town when I heard the blasts around 2pm. So, I rushed back. But five minutes later, there was another blast in a commercial vehicle.” A passenger, who sustained injuries and was admitted at the Potiskum General Hospital, said “we are people of Gumsa village in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State. My father and I were going to Jigawa

File picture of scene of a bomb blast

State. I did not know there was a bomb in my father’s bag until it exploded. My father died with other passengers.” A source at the Potiskum General Hospital, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that 13 people died in the blast. The source said: “Thirteen persons were burnt beyond recognition. Two others,

among them the driver of the bus, were injured in the attack and brought here for medical attention.” Information Officer of Fika Local Government Area, Mohammed Markpolo, confirmed the incident. He said: “The scene has been condoned off by combined security forces, including members of the police explosives/

ordinance disposal unit.” When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Fika Local Government Division said that security agents had condoned off the blast scene and that investigation was ongoing. He said: “There was a bomb blast closed to a military checkpoint. But I cannot give you the number of casualties.”

Arson: Protesters call for Ekiti monarch’s removal Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

014 ended on a note of anxiety and uncertainty for the Onisin of Isinbode-Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Jimoh Emmanuel Akinyemi. A group in the town, the Isinbode People’s Congress (IPC) yesterday called for Akinyemi’s removal from the throne he has been occupying since 1999. The group accused the monarch of culpability in the recent crisis in the town in which some people were killed and property were destroyed. The IPC President, Mr Olaiya Michael Boye and the Secretary, Mr Ademuagun Victor, have petitioned Governor Ayo Fayose, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, the state Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State, among others, detailing various allegations against the monarch. The body accused the monarch of being the mastermind of pre-governorship

violence that occurred in the town where no fewer than 10 houses and five vehicles were set ablaze. A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Olaseinde Ogunrinde (Ekiti East One) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is also being wanted by the police in connection with the incident. The petitioners also alleged that the monarch-s neck- deep involvement in partisan politics had not only bred bad blood among his subjects, but desecrated the town’s exalted stool. “We hereby register our charter of demand as follows: the immediate removal of Oba Akinyemi from the throne of Onisin of Isinbode-Ekiti and his replacement with a more acceptable, peace-loving and God-fearing individual,” IPC demanded. The group also accused Akinyemi of using dubious means to ascend the throne, a charge the monarch denied. The petition reads in part: “Oba Akinyemi cast asper-

Protesters in front of one of the burnt houses

sions and ridicule on the Ekiti East Local Government Traditional Council which has resulted in his self-exile from the council for three years. “The monarch regularly deploys his ‘masquerades’ and thugs to molest, harass and intimidate Muslim faithful in their hallowed mosques during prayer

sessions and he is fond of threatening the lives of his perceived detractors with impunity.” In his reaction, Akinyemi admitted that he had received a copy of the petition through the Ekiti State Council of Obas which mandated him to defend the various allegations levelled against him.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

78-year-old man, cyclist crushed to death

Two suspects die in police, robbers’ gun duel

Sola Adeyemo

Dominic Adewole

ASABA

Ibadan

wo families were thrown into mourning yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State, as an articulated vehicle crushed a 78-yearold man and a 56-year-old commercial motorcyclist to death. The incident, which occurred about 1.35pm on the Olorunsogo overheard bridge, Ibadan, caused a gridlock as sympathisers and commercial motorcyclists parked their vehicles and motorcycles beside the road while trying to contact relations of the deceased on the phone. Witnesses at the scene told our correspondent that the truck was ascending the overhead bridge from Orita Aperin axis. The unidentified commercial motorcyclist conveying Pa Solagbade Adepoju tried to overtake the trailer when part of the vehicle caught the clothes of the 78-year-old man, dragged the motorcyclist and crushed them both. The driver, however, sped off after descending the sloppy bridge, took a detour and linked the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway headed towards Iwo Road. Sympathisers used a fender of the trailer, which fell off, to cover Adepoju’s splat-

File picture of a truck which crushed a commercial motorcycle

tered brain. Adepoju’s distraught son, Ayinde, a graduate of Osun State College of Education, who was at the scene, told our correspondent that his father was living at Ariyo area around Olunloyo on Akanran Road in Ona Ara Local Government Area, but left home early for Beyerunka area also in Ibadan. He said: “My father’s name is Solagbade Adepoju. I live in Ife but came to Ibadan yesterday (Tuesday). I have been

staying with my friends at Gbagi, but I wanted to see him so I decided to go to his house. “Early this morning (yesterday), he went out. Before I left his place, I called him on the phone that I was about going back to Gbagi. “He asked me to go, but asked me to tell my younger one to buy cold pap and ‘ekuru’ and keep for him. That was how I took my bag and left. I received a call from his phone this afternoon and was told of what had happened.”

Ayinde said that his mother had not been told about the incident. He added: “My mother went to Gbagi. She has not known about the death of my father now.” A witness, Aafa Lukman Aniso from Ona Ara Local Government Area, said he used the phone found in Adepoju’s pocket to call Ayinde. He said that the driver even hit some vehicles under the bridge while trying to escape.

wo of a four-man gang of armed robbers, operating in a tricycle were shot dead yesterday in Delta State. The Quick Response Squad (QRS) patrol team saw the suspected robbers during a stop-andsearch operation on Ogunu Road, by Zenith Bank, Warri. The gang, it was gathered, were trying to rob unsuspecting customers of the bank after withdrawing money for the festive period. On sighting the patrol team, the robbers opened fire on the police. After the encounter, the hoodlums’ tricycle with registration number AK 027 QB was riddled with bullets. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celetina Kalu, confirmed the incident at the command’s headquarters in Asaba. She said: “In the process, two of the armed robbers were fatally wounded while the remaining two, one Oghenero Eghagbere of No. 5 Okoloba Street, Effurun and Michael Aguwaneshe of No. 13 Kpokpogri Street, off Adeje Road, Okpe, were arrested.”

Opeifa’s wife distributes food items to widows Muritala Ayinla

ife of the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Abiodun Opeifa, has distributed rice and other food items to widows in Lagos for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The items, including deep freezers and generators, were donated to the widows through her Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Hydra Edge Foundation. Speaking at the event held at the Oyewole Primary School, Mulero, Agege area of Lagos, Opeifa, said she usually spends about N5 million annually to host the programme. This year, about 500 widows benefited from the distribution of the food items, such as

Opeifa (2nd left), his wife, Abiodun (3rd left), a community leader (right) and a beneficiary at the event.

rice and garri, among others. She said the foundation had in the past gave scholarship worth N1.9 million to a student from Methodist Boys High School, adding that one

of the women at the event had been empowered with N50,000 to start up a trade and eke out a living for herself. Opeifa explained that the foundation was open to every

widow, adding that the empowerment programme was not only for the benefits of the residents of Agege alone. She said that people from other parts of Lagos had also benefitted in the past 10 years that the foundation had been operating. The commissioner’s wife also promised that it would continue even after her husband might have left office next year. Opeifa said the foundation also organised a medical screening for Agege residents and others, adding that the foundation would embark on vocational training for young people in the future. She said that when she was young, she used to be a member of the Red Cross which made her to have compassion on people.

Motorcyclists killed in collision Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

wo commercial motorcyclists died yesterday at the North-Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, after they collided. The accident occurred on Makurdi-Lafia Road in front of a Pentecostal church near Tonimas Filling Station, North-Bank. Witnesses told our cor-

respondent that one of the motorcycles rammed into another which was wrongly making a U-turn. Others blamed the accident on the ‘mad rush’ to catch up with preparations of the New Year celebration. Policemen and officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) conveyed the bodies of the victims in a Hilux van to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

File picture of accident involving a motorcycle

Kalu

Armed men kill three in Plateau Musa Pam Jos

t least three persons were killed yesterday at Kantoma village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State by armed men who unleashed terror on the community. It was gathered that the assailants invaded the village with machetes. A witness, Ulama Joseph, who spoke on the phone, said three persons were killed by the armed men. He said: “The attackers are suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abu Emmanuel, who confirmed the incident, said armed men stormed the village and beheaded a villager and carried the head of the deceased away. He said: “This created tension in the locality. Youths of the village traced the blood of the victim to a Fulani settlement around the area and this created more tension in the local government area.” Emmanuel said a detachment of mobile policemen had been drafted to the area to restore normalcy. He added: “We are appealing to the citizens of the locality to remain calm as the police are investigating the matter to bring the culprits to book.”

News

NATIONAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Crisis looms in Benue, Plateau, Osun over unpaid salaries STRIKE LOOMS Workers set for showdown with state in the New Year over salaries Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

he national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday directed its state councils in Benue,

Plateau and Osun States to serve their respective state governments’ ultimatum on their failure to pay workers’ salaries up to eight months. NLC President, Comrade Omar Abdulwahid, who gave the directive in Abuja in his New Year message to Nigerian workers warned that governors of those states should brace up for disruption of services in their states if they failed to pay their workers. He said reports from the state councils of the

NLC revealed that a number of state governments and some federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have not paid their workers for December as the year comes to an end. He said: “Collated reports from our state councils indicate that a number of state governments and some federal MDAs have not paid their workers for December as the year comes to an end. Of the 30 states reporting as of the 30th of December, 11 subjected their

workers to a Christmas/ New Year celebration without their December salaries. Three of these, Benue, Plateau and Osun owed their workers arrears of salaries ranging from three to eight months! Some Federal Government employees in the Ministries of Education, Labour and Productivity, among others, are owed arrears of salaries ranging from one to three months.” While condemning what he described as the

insensitivity of the state governors to the welfare of workers, the NLC President said: “Any state governor who cannot pay workers their salaries as at when due, has no moral justification for taking his own salary and allowances. “We call on workers to massively reject these anti-workers politicians in the 2015 elections,” he added. Meanwhile, we direct our state councils in the three states mentioned above to serve appropri-

$47m needed to prevent spread of banana disease Amadi Nnamdi ABUJA

he Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has said that not less than $47million would be needed to prevent the rapid spread of the deadly Fusarium wilt disease in bananas, which poses a severe threat to economic welfare and food security in developing countries. FOA, which said part of the fund would be used to provide swift onthe-ground assistance to countries facing new outbreaks, particularly called for global efforts to address the challenge.

‘No court barred INEC from displaying candidates' list’ Mojeed Alabi L-R: Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; running mate to the Plateau PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Yilji Gomwalk; Gubernatorial Candidate, Sen. Gyang Pwajok and Chairman, Mr Raymond Dabo, at the inauguration of the party’s Gubernatorial Action Campaign Committee in Jos …yesterday

Court to hear suit against Anambra PDP candidates Jan 5 Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

n Abuja High Court has set January 5 to hear the suit filed against the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party's list of candidates for the 2015 general election. Three parallel executives had emerged with different candidates for various positions in the general election. The court had earlier issued an order stopping the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting the names of candidates, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

During yesterday's proceedings, counsel to the PDP, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), challenged the motion filed by Solomon Umoh, SAN, seeking to vacate the order of the court which stopped INEC from accepting, publishing or recognising any list of candidates that may be submitted to it by the Anambra State executive of the party. Umoh said having been served with multiple applications and a preliminary objection, he needed time to respond to them. Specifically, he said he needed time to respond to the issues raised by the national executive of the party as it affects the list of candidates.

2015: Okonkwo calls for prayers Kayode Olanrewaju

he Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, has called for prayers for credible elections in 2015. Okonkwo, who made

ate ultimatum on their governments to pay the arrears of salaries or face disruption of services. In his message titled; “Tough times don't last forever,” Abduwahid saluted the courage, resilience, sacrifice and patriotism of Nigerian workers in the face of daunting challenges in the preceding year. He lamented the various strikes across the sectors, which he said were as a result of the inability of government to honour agreements it voluntarily entered into with the unions. “On the labour front, we note with burdened hearts, the spate of strikes across the sectors, especially in health and education, largely because of the refusal or inability of government to honour agreements it voluntarily entered into with the unions,” he said. This led to avoidable disruption of services with consequences for students and vulnerable Nigerians with whom government had made its pact.

the call ahead of the 2015 general election, said: “As we prepare to enter into the year 2015, which incidentally is an election year, I wish to call on every Nigerian to pray fervently for the country, especially now that the country is preparing for the general election.

‘Nigeria needs a competent leader’ John Edu

peakers at a well-attended youth seminar in Lagos have demanded for a competent president ahead of the 2015 general election, saying the major challenge facing the country is the incompetence of the nation’s leadership over the years. The event, which was put together by a youthbased group, Hope Movement, was held yesterday at an event centre in Ikeja. Speaking on the seminar’s theme; “The Role of Youth in National Development,” Air ViceMarshal Olufunsho Martins, said Nigeria needs to return to its old glorious past when security of lives and property were guaranteed and power stability was enjoyed by all. “Such was a time when youth didn’t have to loiter aimlessly without anything to do for survival.” He, therefore, urged youths in the country to vote according to their conscience and not follow the views of others who might want to sell their rights for a token.

Collapsed building: T. B. Joshua hosts memorial service Tai Anyanwu

he General Overseer of Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet T. B. Joshua, will today hold a memorial service to commiserate with and offer spiritual support to relations of the 116 people, including 81 South Africans, who died in the September 5, Synagogue Guesthouse collapse. Spokesman of the church, Patrick Iwelumor, told New Telegraph that Joshua has invited relations of the victims to come and spend what

he described as ‘Black Christmas, New Year, with him. “Joshua is going to lead the service to commiserate and offer spiritual support. “As the chief mourner, there is a need for Joshua to connect with these people,” Iwelumor added. According to the spokesman, 44 South Africans had arrived Lagos to attend the ceremony. “Wednesday's candle light ceremony will begin at sundown and last through midnight,” Iwelumor explained.

Shylon: Nigeria leaders are not visionary Tony Okuyeme

ntil Nigerian leaders pay attention to investing in the future and looking at things from the point of view of a long term benefit, the arts and culture sector, especially the visual art, will continue to wait for the needed support.

Foremost art collector and founder of Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), Yemisi Shyllon, said this in an interview with New Telegraph at his home in Lagos. He said Nigeria’s leaders are not visionary and that they don’t look at things with a long time perspective.

gainst the background of the widespread report in some dailies that a court order has stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from publishing the names of candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, the Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, has denied the report, describing it as the handiwork of some disgruntled members. Akinmade in a release issued yesterday and made available to New Telegraph, said the party was aware that some individuals allegedly being used by the opposition within the party had approached the court to compel the electoral body not to recognise the list of candidates forwarded by the PDP in the state, but said their prayer was rejected. He, however, added that the court only granted an interim injunction against the new executive of the party put together by its new leadership. “The party has since complied with the directive pending resumption of further hearing of the suit, which is being delayed by the holidays.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

2015

General election

2014 in review

Okei-Odumakin: I look forward to a year of relieved agony

Obioha: Nigerians should resist unscrupulous politicians

Eventful year for APC

17, 20

Politics Senator Bukola Saraki is a former governor of Kwara State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment. To him, 2015 is a year of possibilities

As we enter 2015, I wish Nigerians all around the world a Happy New Year. I thank the Almighty for guiding and sustaining our collective journey thus far, and for keeping us ever-strong and focused as a nation of diverse ethnicities, but united hearts. No doubt, 2014 has been a year of heightened activity in the individual, social, economic and political lives of Nigerians. We have witnessed our nation struggle through tough times due to our security challenges; in our homes we have struggled through the economic realities that have become so pervasive; in the media we have seen our great nation being skewered internationally for the failed policies of this current administration... Yet, despite all these, my fellow Nigerians, you must know: with your help, things are about to get better. Endless possibilities As we come into 2015, we come into a year of endless possibilities. We must view the faults of the past as foregone

2015: A year of endless possibilities – Saraki days of lessons that we have learnt from, and see the future as a chance to attain greatness. In this new year, we must set ourselves to the task of moving forward with the goal of creating a New Nigeria that our sons and daughters can be proud of; a Nigeria that works for the betterment of the many, as opposed to working for the greed and excesses of the few. We must see this new year as a new opportunity to redefine our collective bond as a nation, and work to elect leaders that will serve the people, listen to the people, and most importantly, fight for and on behalf of the people. Remembering fellow citizens As we celebrate this new year, we must also remember our service men and women on the frontlines who fight for us; who fight to keep us all safe. We must remember our internally displaced countrymen and women, who have had to flee their homes in search of security that could not be found at home. We must also remember all those abduct-

We must see this New Year as a new opportunity to redefine our collective bond as a nation

Saraki ed by insurgents this year, and all those who are still prisoners under occupied Nigerian territories in the North East. As we remember all these things, we must know that at the end of the day, in this new year, we have in us an unprec-

I’ve no fear about 2015 polls – Yakasai Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, an elder statesman and Second Republic Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, urges politicians to play the game according to the rules during the 2015 general election What are your expectations for Nigeria in 2015? My expectation for 2015 is that good things will happen to Nigeria and good things will happen to the world.

Do you really have any fear for 2015? Honestly, I don’t have any fear about the coming elections. I strongly believe that the elections will take place and I strongly believe that they will take place peacefuly. But many Nigerians are apprehensive about the 2015 elections. Everybody has his or her opinion. I have my own view and I am not guided by other people’s views. I am guided by my own conviction.

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

What gave you the impression that 2015 elections will be peaceful considering the ongoing exchanges of words among politicians and stakeholders? In the first place, we are having an election where the two major presiden-

Yakassai

tial candidates: President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Con-

edented opportunity to alter the course of this nation. We must see the 2015 elections as a turning point, and see ourselves as history-makers and change agents as we work to bring about a New Nigeria for all Nigerians.

gress (APC) are contesting under two nationally accepted political parties. There is a big difference between now and the 2011 elections when Buhari contested under a political party (Congress for Progressive Change), which was largely Northern base. Now, he is contesting under a party that has national spread and he has supporters from all parts of the country. The same thing with the PDP. As an elder statesman, what advice do you have for Nigerians in 2015? I will advise Nigerians what we should appreciate what we are passing through-a difficult period, not as a country but in the whole world. The big countries are now finding it difficult to manage their own affairs because of the economic meltdown worldwide and therefore people should be more prudent in their spending, not only as individuals but also as government. We should go for what we can afford and avoid things we cannot afford. The politicians should play the game according to the rules. They should realise that violence don’t pay and that if there is any loss of life in the process of electioneering, they would be held responsible not only by the people but by the Almighty Allah.

Politics | Interview

Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, human rights activist, women advocate and the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, says that she has serious concern for the security situation in Nigeria come 2015 considering the aftermath of the general election

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Okei-Odumakin: I look forward to a year of relieved agony

What are your expectations for 2015? My expectations are that I look forward to a year of relieved agony globally particularly for Nigerians who have lived years as country men and women under several agonising situations. It is also my hope that the year will usher in a fulfilment of our dreams as Nigerians for the leadership at all levels that will meet the aspirations of an average Nigerian. What are your fears for 2015? My fears are majorly the dwindling economic fortunes of our society and its implication on the common man. I also have serious concern for the security situation in Nigeria considering the aftermath of the general election when sincerely we have to consider the tension being created by the political class in the build up to the election.

It is also my hope that the year will usher in a fulfilment of our dreams as Nigerians for the leadership at all levels

Okei-Odumakin

of our politicians. It is hoped though, that the 2015 should be an improvement on the past but this may only be achievable if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not allow herself to be compromised in the face of the glaring attempts by various political camps to manipulate the outcome of the election in their favour.

What advice do you have for politicians and Nigerians? My advice is that our politicians must learn to play by the rule of the game. They should also remember that the democracy that a whole lot of them are benefiting from today, is a product of the struggle and sacrifices made by some people and hence, must not be truncated by their greed for power at all cost.

Adams: We must pray to avert crisis

that in a situation where people want to get to power by force. What I foresee now is that Nigerians are playing do-or-die politics; politics of bitterness. So, in that situation we have to pray to avert crisis, considering how many people are planning to heat up the polity if they lose in the 2015 election. Even after the elections, the system would be more tensed.

What are the major challenges in 2015? The challenges are majorly likely to be the austerity measures that will accompany the falling price of crude oil which our nation have carelessly maintained as the main source of nation’s

earning. Like I also said, there may be a heightened security challenge which will be an issue of serious concern to Nigerians. How about the 2015 general election? I am not seeing the country deviating from the past issues that have characterised electioneering in Nigeria particularly when you consider the desperation

Otunba Gani Adams is the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC). In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, he urges Nigerians to pray to avert crisis Need for prayer I think Nigerians should be prayerful because from the utterances of politicians and the way they are preparing for

Adams

the 2015 elections. I think we should pray so that the prediction of America will not come to pass. We should be expecting free and fair elections but the

Nigerians are playing do-or-die politics; politics of bitterness. So, in that situation, we have to pray to avert crisis

way our politicians are preparing for the elections, shows that they are too mean for the process. So, Nigerians should pray for us to have peaceful elections, so that the end of the day, Nigeria can be in peace. We don’t have any other country, so we should pray for our country so that we can live in peace. Any responsible person should know that there is nothing like peace. A situation where there is a serious crisis and there is no way we can have progress when there is anarchy. I believe that with prayer, crisis can be averted. 2015 elections and crisis I foresee crisis. Even if the elections are peaceful, I foresee a situation that those who lost in the elections will not agree with the results. I foresee crisis because Nigerian politics is too lucrative. When drug business was so lucrative, we have a lot of mafias; we have the Italian Mafias, Colombian Mafia and American Mafia and it was around 80s that we have drug mafias in Nigeria. When illegal deals (419) became prominent we have some mafias doing illegal business and eventually most of them are in politics now. Now, Nigerian politics is too lucrative and it is more lucrative than any other business venture. So, we should expect

Advice to Nigerians My advice to the politicians is that power comes from God, and when you don’t get the power just have the faith and agree that it is by God’s will. We should not prepare our mind that if we don’t get the power, we have to cause problem in the country. They should know that nobody knows the end of a crisis and the product of a crisis can be consumed by crisis. We should be peaceful in our conduct and play according to the rule. We should make sure that the interest of this country is very important than any other personal interest. We should make sure that we have a country that we can proud of. Politicians should realise that those who play Nigerian politics are just two per cent of the population of Nigeria and therefore the politicians should not mortgage the future of those who are not in politics because Nigeria is not made for politicians alone. They should not destroy the future of those who are not willing to go into partisan politics.

Politics | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

My fear centres on 2015 elections – Tsav Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, anti-corruption crusader and former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, says his fear about 2015 centres on the coming elections

What are your expectations for 2015? I am not expecting anything else than what we experienced in the last year, because if President Goodluck Jonathan should be re-elected there would be no change. People are clamouring for change and if we have change, maybe we would have improvement in security and lawlessness may reduce and people will imbibe the culture of patience and the rest of them. Do you have any fear about 2015? Yes, my fear centres on the coming elections because of the utterances people are issuing against themselves. Anybody who loves this country and

who appreciates security should have some fear because from the utterances of some people, you will discover that they see the 2015 elections as do-or-die. In fact, there are lots of arms in circulation in wrong hands. If there is anything like that it may threaten the security and corporate existence of Nigeria. What advice do you have for politicians? I’m appealling to politicians to be godly and to conduct this election peacefully. The success of the 2015 elections depend solely on the police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). If the police are civilised and impartial, it will speak in volume but if the police and the security agents stick to the government, may be something else may happen because already Asari-Dokubo has declared Jonathan the winner without any election. It is something that is very provoking and people who are on the other side feel angry that the election have already been awarded to Jonathan without the poll being conducted. So, I think if police and INEC are civilised, honest and impartial during the elections, I think everything will go well.

Asari-Dokubo has declared Jonathan the winner without any election. It is something that is very provoking

Tsav Jonathan has not been able to achieve anything great. He is promising us improved security and also promising us that he is going to fight corruption but for six years he has not been able to fight corruption. So, my advice is that everybody should be honest and patient; they should cast their votes according to their conscience. They should not give in to money politics. We

What about Nigerians, especially the electorate? As far as I am concerned, as a citizen of this country, I want change because for six years

all see what happened during the last APC national convention; where people voted for a candidate of their choice. The other APC presidential aspirants spend lots of money but the man who eventually won did not spend a kobo. So, that is what we want in this country; people should do away with money politics and imbibe politics of choice and ideas.

Obioha: Nigerians should resist unscrupulous politicians Chief Ralph Obioha, an elder statesman and chieftain of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE urges Nigerians to resist being used by unscrupulous politicians to cause mayhem during the 2015 general election What are your expectations for 2015? I believe that in 2015 we will see a successful election and an end to continuous harassment of Boko Haram

Obioha

and a prosperous New Year for Nigerians. Do you have any fear about the 2015

general election? My fear is that the election might turn volatile but I don’t think Nigerians should agree to that because they should be wise enough to know that every four years we should have elections and people should be allowed to freely make their choice without promoting the excessive ambition of unscrupulous politicians who may want to ignite Nigerians for volatile atmosphere. Nigerians should resist being used by unscrupulous politicians by ensuring that they exercise their democratic rights of casting their votes and making their choice. They must not allow politicians to use them for nefarious activities. Is 2015 a critical year to Nigeria? There is no doubt that there is going to be general election in 2015 but that

It’ll be a tough year, says Suraj Olanrewaju Suraj, a lawyer, is the Coordinator of Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC). He speaks with WALE ELEGBEDE on expecteations in 2015

or me, 2015 will be a very tough and difficult year for Nigeria. Beyond the election issue is also the economy which is quite crucial and paramount. The economy of the nation is actually in a precarious state such that we can see the falling rate of the naira and the dwindling oil price. We are a monoeconomic country where all our reliance is on oil; as a result it’s going to be difficult in 2015 for this government CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Suraj

does not translate to any other thing than every four years we have a situation where people will excise their voting rights. The four years after 2015 will again be described as critical years. The most important thing is that elections are held in advance countries without rancour. Anybody that wants to contest for public office should be giving the opportunity to exercise his mandate and if people feel that giving someone a mandate, they would be properly taken care of, they should vote for that person. But if they feel that they would not be protected if they give their mandate to a particular person, they should not vote the person into power. We should not hike up the political climate by saying a particular year is a critical year. So, there is nothing critical about the 2015 general election; it will be like any election that come and go. As an elder statesman, what is your advice to politicians and Nigerians ahead of the 2015 general election? I will advise that Nigerians should freely make their choice and cast their votes according to their conscience, and not allowing anybody to use them to whip up any sentiment or create any mayhem because ultimately those individuals who are used are the losers and the politicians will sit comfortably and hope that that mayhem would put them at advantage. My advice is that Nigerians should be wiser and not to be used. They should perform their civic responsibility responsibly and cast their votes according to what they truly believe would advanced their interest.

16 Politics | Interview Comrade Sunny Ofehe, the Founder and Executive Director of Hope for the Niger Delta Campaign, in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, says 2015 will witness the reverberating effects of the economic meltdown and insecurity Expectations in 2015 It is the love I have for the country that has given me the urge and resilience to propagate the interest of Nigeria in Europe where I live. As we prepare for a take-off with our seat belts fasten, I can only see a tough and biting 2015 in my expectations. However, the toughness and uncertainty that awaits us in the country will only help strengthen our resolves and bring out the best in us. The year 2014 ended on a gloomy note with series of terrorist attacks on innocent Nigerians by Boko Haram which led to the untimely death of thousands of people including children. The nation is still trying to secure the safe home coming of the hundreds of Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram. The economy got a big hit with the record falling of the crude oil price making the Central Bank to devalue the naira, import duties saw an astronomical rise which has affected the local price of commodities with adverse effects on the common man. There is no doubt that 2015 will experience the reverberating effects of the economic meltdown and current insecurity. With the government focus now on the coming elections, my expectations in the first and second quarter of 2015 are gloomy. Fears about 2015 My major fear for the country is the security threat from Boko Haram and the elections slated for February 2015 and also the economic impact resulting from the falling crude oil price. The discovery and viability of Shale oil which has reduced demand for Nigeria crude oil most especially from the US and the drop in oil price means the resuscitation of the price will take a very long time. The nation will have to face severe austerity measures while diversifying to explore other economic avenues

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ofehe: Nigerians must prepare for austerity measures like agriculture and encourage home-made goods. There is another aspect which we must watch out for in 2015 and that is proliferation of arms. It is a usual practice that a few Nigerian politicians desperate to win vote by rigging or intimidation spend huge cash in acquiring arms for jobless youths during elections. These arms usually lead to unabated crimes because they cannot be withdrawn even after serving the greedy purposes of the politicians. This is one area I fear most for our country in 2015. We should not forget that it is such proliferation of arms during the elections in 2003 that led to militancy in the Niger Delta region and we all felt the consequences. Will the elections of 2015 be a distraction from the economy and security concerns? That is also my fear. Major challenges My fear for 2015 focuses on two major issues; security and the economy so Nigeria and Nigerians must brace the challenges resulting from them. The major challenge for Nigeria will be how to recover from the budget deficit resulting from the sudden free fall of crude oil price and cushioning the effect of devaluing the naira against the dollar. In a time when the US economy is gradually picking up with single digit and Europe’s major economic power facing recession, it is difficult to rely on the West for relief. How the government of President Goodluck Jonathan reacts to this with his re-election around the corner will be a major uphill task. His position is not helped by the fact that he faces a very stiff opposition from his opposing candidate Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). There is no doubt that there will be cost cutting measures and the people must prepare for serious austerity measures. Nigerians therefore will face an even more challenge for fighting to keep house hold cost of living resulting from high prices of goods and services.

manner. Thanks to 21st century technology with our smart phones and easy access and spreading of information, we can help INEC officials to maintain transparency in all polling booths by monitory the voting and counting processes. In all that we do on Election Day, we should know that the interest of our great country Nigeria stands above personal interest. We were all born to meet the country and as such we should leave the country a better place for the generations after us.

Ofehe

There is no doubt that 2015 will experience the reverberating effects of the economic meltdown and current insecurity

Expectations on 2015 elections My expectations are indeed very high with the 2015 general election. For the first time since the June 12, 1993 presidential

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

or the succeeding government if the outcome of the election goes the way of the opposition, to favourably meet the expected development challenges that the country is having at this time to contend with. Desperation among politicians With the trend of desperation of the present government to retain itself in power, it’s obvious that every machinery will be deployed to ensure victory and that we can see in the utterances of some militants like Asari Dokubo, who threatens to wage war against the

elections, Nigerians are faced with an election between two balanced candidates whose supports has splitted opinions in the country and beyond and I think this is good for our nascent democracy. Nigerians are faced with an incumbent president seeking reelection on the platform of the nation’s biggest politically party and on the other hand we have a candidate on the platform of the largest combination of political parties ever assembled since the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) era. My advice to Nigerians is that they must vote with their conscience and not allow sentiment or enticement to becloud their judgement. The good thing about exercising your franchise is that, you have you God and constitutionally given rights to select who governs you. It is a privilege that must not be compromised. In exercising these rights, we must be law abiding and avoid any form of electoral malpractices and violence. The candidates must contest on the spirit of fair play and be ready to accept defeat in a sportsmanly

It’ll be a tough year, says Suraj country should the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loose. Interestingly, the security operatives have not found any reason to call him to order and investigate his sources of confidence and power to make such a sweeping remark about the South-West and the North. So, where you can see a complete failure of the state to actually protect the territorial integrity of a country, it tells you how much a government will condone every form of illegality in a bid to

perpetuate itself in power come 2015. A challenging year It is going to be a challenging year and all hands must be on deck. Every citizen must be on the watch and monitor every process in the coming year. Nigerians should expect inevitable inflation, high cost price of basic commodities and also increase tariff as the Minister of Finance had earlier said. The implication of this is hardship for the Nigerian people in 2015.

Counsel to politicians and Nigerians Our politicians should imbibe the spirit of fair play with respect to the electorate and take the mantle of leadership as a mantle for public service. The idea of parading themselves as lords over their electorate should be relegated for a better and transparent service not only to those who voted them to office but also for humanity. I have lived in The Netherlands for 19 years and have seen the relationship between voters and politicians. Their servitude to the people is worthy of emulation. I think our politicians are intelligent enough to understand that they owe a lot to their constituency. The era where politicians cannot even visit their own constituencies without military or police escort should be a thing of the past after the 2015 elections. If you genuinely have the mandate of your people, you must not be afraid to visit them. Some politicians are lost in the euphoria of individual gains and forget those who voted them to power. Nigerians must not make themselves cheap by selling their votes for bag of rice and salt. We must unite to vote freely and fairly. This is the only way that Heaven will smile on our effort and give us our deserved leader come 2015. The future may look gloomy but I am optimistic that if we remain resolute and dedicated with the spirit of true patriotism, we can select and elect people capable of bringing us to our promised land. Nigeria is a great country with great people and has the potential to be a greater country.

The civil society had over the years gave room to politicians to direct the affairs of the system but the politicians have misruled and annihilated our system. So, we in the civil society are throwing our hats in the ring in the New Year, to the extent that we are going to be partisan and clearly involve ourselves in the process leading to the election in February. For us, it’s not going to be mere monitoring of the process. So, it’s not the usual siddon look or unbiased stance. It’s going to be active involvement in the system and we are not going to be criticising alone. We will engage stakeholders to ensure a harmonious and united nation.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

2014: Eventful year for APC

L-R: Governor Rochas Okorocha, Sam Nda-Isaiah, Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at the APC National Convention in Lagos.

gun gave the focus of the party. His words: “In 2015, the APC will provide Nigerians with a visionary, dedicated and people-oriented leadership that will liberate the nation from PDP’s rule of poverty and oppression. Under the stewardship of the APC, Nigeria will progress and Nigerians will thrive. This is our sacred pledge to Nigerians tonight. And ever since, this has been the campaign language of the party to the build-up of 2015.”

Johnchuks Onuanyim x-rays issues that defined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014

here is no doubt that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has proved a point that it is a formidable opposition political party going by its political activities in 2014. The party that was registered on July 31, 2013 after three major political parties – Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) – came together in a merger arrangement has given concern to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Looking forward to the 2015 general election, the party decided early this year to have a formidable National Working Committee (NWC) that would pilot its affairs. The need to avert prophesies of doom for the party made the national leaders postpone the planned national convention slated for January 2014 to re-assess membership and loyalists before the convention could hold. The choice of who leads the party became very germane when the party was ready to have its national convention as four persons indicated interest when the position of national chairman was zoned to the South South. They were: former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi; former deputy national chairman of PDP, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja; former governor of Bayelsa State on the platform of PDP, Chief Timipre Sylva and the former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The national leadership of the APC

L-R: Oyegun, Buhari and Osinbajo

settled for Oyegun. The party’s national convention was preceded with successful state congresses that was held earlier in the year. State congresses The state congresses that were held in April was adjudged free and fair. The state congresses were to produce state executives of the party, which will in turn produce delegates that would elect members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at its first National Convention. The congresses that were adjudged to be peaceful could not have come without some skirmishes of controversies in some states, but the chairman of the Appeal Panel led by Hon. Ikra Bilbis, a former Minister of State for Information and Communications, ruled that the congresses ‘substantially complied with the guidelines of the APC. National Convention Following the successful conduct of the state congresses, APC

held its first National Convention that produced the substantive National Working Committee members on June 14. It was anticipated in many quarters that the convention would bring an end to the party. Politicians and non-politicians had predicted that the party would not be able to conduct a credible convention, and therefore was on the verge to collapse. The PDP and other pessimists predicted doom for the APC at one point or the other, but the party was able to surmount all odds to exist, remain strong and vibrant. One of the predictions that could be easily recalled was when the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe asked Nigerians to call him a bastard if the APC survives one year. APC went into the convention and elected OdigieOyegun as its national chairman and other NWC members. The election of Oyegun forced Ikimi out of the APC to pitch his tent with the PDP. In his acceptance speech, Oye-

In 2015, the APC will provide Nigerians with a visionary, dedicated and peopleoriented leadership that will liberate the nation from PDP’s rule of poverty and oppression

Ekiti/Osun elections The first major election APC was to participate in after its registration in 2013 was the governorship election in Ekiti and Osun states. In that election, they were baptised and strengthened as they lost one and won one even though they were controlling both states. In Ekiti, APC lost to the PDP candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose with the defeat of the incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi on June 21. The emergence of Fayemi as the candidate of APC could also be a factor for his loss as the party decreed his candidature against the wishes of other aspirants of the party. Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele left and contested the governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP). The result of that June 21 election emboldened the PDP to believe that APC was not on ground as it claimed. For APC, it was a rude shock that a party that was planning to win more states from PDP could lose in its stronghold. But in the August 10 Osun State governorship election, the APC governorship candidate, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, defeated the candidate of PDP, Senator Iyiola Omisere. Impeachments As APC was planning for the Osun State governorship election, the PDP further depleted the number of states it controlled CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Unfurling a new hope

Oluyemi Abaolu-Johnson

had almost given up on my hope of positive change for Nigeria when the talking drum suddenly picked a new tune. A tune that reverberates through my entire system awakening not only hope and optimism that has long been dead, but also performing the miracle of restoring my sight and senses which were dead to the entity called Nigeria due to servitudes of debauchery and debacles which are outcomes of our collective choices of leaders in Nigeria. While I have never believed in the individualistic approach to solving problems, I have always been awed by the fact that it takes a stick of matches to ignite a fire that will consume an entire farmland. This means while no individual may be omnipotent; some possess the utmost capabilities of garnering the positive elements of change in other members of the group or team to achieve the goal and mission of the team. Of such overly gifted individuals is the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), and his nominated running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, former Attorney General of Lagos in intended order. I could not help but reason deeply over the evident success of our dear governor, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) compared to all his peers and given the complex and multi-faceted nature of our problems in Nigeria. As his works and performances speak for themselves and as accolades and encomium poured on him (well deserved), I wondered and reasoned what motivated his success and came to the conclusion that he must have been a man of purpose and not driven by mere ambition as the case is with a very large majority of our leaders. It was clear he is being driven by a deep sense of purpose and personal challenge to defy the common, ever present political and economic rodents and parasites that have been

the bane of low-willed or willess leader with similar passion and sense of purpose. But above purpose and other factors or qualities that may have attributed to our dear governor’s success are two essential factors that people have not given a lot thought. These two factors are opportunity and environment and the credit for them has to go to no other person than the herald of a new crusade for Nigeria, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For us to appreciate the power of opportunity we may need to count the number of governorship aspirants in all the political parties and in all the states, consider hundreds of thousands that are nursing the seats but are not considered for primaries and millions that covet the positions that they or others believe in their abilities but do not have the wherewithal or other resources to even make the attempt of vying at all. This will make us appreciate the role of Asiwaju in pulling governor Fashola from the rear and projecting him as the flag bearer then, supporting with all his resources. It was a surprise to many then but the end did well justify the means. This is the same way he has projected Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Professor Yemi Osinbajo as next governor of Lagos State and Vice President respectively, both under the auspices of All Peoples Congress (APC). While the names of both General Buhari (Rtd) and Professor Osinbajo are in my repository as one of the few true and selfless people in whose care we can entrust the child Nigeria, I never envisaged or imagined the possibility of their combination at the helm of affairs of this county at all. Now that it has been engendered, my joy is boundless and even before it was confirmed officially, I knew this is the joker Nigeria needs to trend and brand change on the lips and minds of Nigerians and to crush the foes on our path to a greater and better Nigeria. I have not been and will never be a party faithful but my tenets are sure and certain, premised on the Machiavellian

maxim – the end justifies the means. I am not moved by names or position, but by outputs and results as quality of input as well as efficiency of process will always yield viable results. The two key elements here are “quality” and “efficiency” mechanically, but the two combine to become one attribute – faithfulness if we transcribe the attributes from mechanical to psychosocial process. These two guys have it (faithfulness) and have it in abundance. Individually I may not say but combined I challenge anyone to project a team this formidable and result oriented as this. I only wish we can have a Fashola or his clone as the Senate President to complete the team. Individually, General Buhari (Rtd) and Professor Osinbajo have proven to be consistently faithful. For General Buhari I don’t need to go into stories as his dossiers are quite in the open. For Professor Yemi Osinbajo, within a day of the confirmation of his nomination, the internet is piling up with biographies of him with clear outlines of his pedigree informing his competence. I will deviate from competence even though that is the first thing you will infer from his dossier because more important than technical competence are faithfulness, selflessness, contagious passion for service and undauntable will which are attributes that align him with General Buhari. Arise Nigerians! Take your destiny in your hands and determine your future and that of future generations. Cast aside the imperialistic tools of religious and tribal sentiments and have a say in the change that you desire. Don’t get impoverished while some small group of people feed fat and get very wealthy on your sentiments. We need a system that works where those representing us in seats of governance are held accountable to minute details. •Abaolu-Johnson 08059000027,21 Adenuga Taiwo street,off Oyefeso str,Obanikoro ,Lagos

Lagos’ ways of transformation Tayo Ogunbiyi

he Informal sector is an economic activity that is neither taxed nor monitored by a government; and is not included in that government’s Gross National Product (GNP); as opposed to a formal economy. It refers to very small-scale units producing and distributing goods and services, and consisting largely independent, self employed producers in urban areas of developing countries. Opinion differs widely on what should be the appropriate attitudes towards the informal sector. While some tend to see it in terms of popular development, a vital source of employment and income for the poor, the seedbed of local entrepreneurship and a potent instrument in the campaign to tackle poverty; others simply dismiss it as an anomaly, a source of disorder, and an obstacle to the development of a modern economy. Whatever the standpoint, there is no doubt that the informal sector, particularly in developing economies, remains a sold bedrock for economic emancipation of the downtrodden. In Nigeria, the Lagos example amply reinforces the fact that, if properly regulated and harnessed, the informal sector possesses enormous wealth creation potential. Subsequently, in today’s Lagos, it is difficult to ignore the sector as it has become a veritable source of prosperity and employment for many. The transporters, vulcanis-

ers, mechanics, battery chargers, fashion designers, hair dressers, barbers, traders, painters, welders, carpenters, bricklayers, farmers etc have so much become an integral part of our daily life that the formal sector cannot do without them. Hence, any government that refuses to recognise the potentials of the sector as a catalyst for growth does so at its own peril. Consequently, the administration Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), in Lagos, has evolved several policies and programmes that have accommodated and integrated the sector into the development process in the State. Some of the policies have helped to regulate the activities of the sector thereby ensuring orderliness and enhanced productivity. In order to monitor and standardize the activities of the Tradesmen and Artisans, the State Government through the Enterprise identification Law engaged in the identification and registration of various Trade Associations in order to have a comprehensive data bank of the practitioners for planning purposes and to enable the Government determine the infrastructural needs of this sub-sector so as to reduce the cost of doing business. The long term plan of government in respect of the project, which was launched on Friday 24th August, 2007, is to add value to information collected and collated by using it to produce a comprehensive business directory to be

called ‘Lagos Pages’ to expose all the legitimate businesses in the state to the international investors. With the Law promulgated in 1989 as an Edict and reviewed in 2003 as an Act, the State Government has identified and registered various Trade and Artisan Associations. In order to improve the driving skill of commercial drivers in the state, government established the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) on 13th May, 2009. Also, members of the Lagos State Cab Drivers Association were assisted to secure loans to purchase brand new Nissan cars to enhance the quality and scope of their operation in the state. It should equally be stressed that all the buses being used in the BRT operation are strictly owned by informal sector operators who only enjoy the conducive operational environ provided by the State Government through road segregation and upgrading of other road infrastructure. The Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for instance, owns some of the buses with funds secured from Ecobank Nigeria Ltd while another batch of the buses is owned by LAGBUS Assets Management Nigeria Limited. Buoyed by the widespread acceptance of the BRT scheme, the State Government has expanded the scope of its operation to other routes such as Yaba-Oyingbo , Ipaja- Egbeda-Igando, Oshodi-Sango Otta, Ojodu-Berger/ Ikeja among others. Another core area of the informal

sector in which the Fashola Administration has achieved remarkable success is food security. In terms of meat production and distribution, the Eko Meat Vans were introduced into the state’s meat circulation process to put an end to the health hazard associated with the crude style of distributing meat in the past as well as ensuring food security through modern and hygienic mode of meat transportation. Similarly, in order to boost food production in the state, government conceived the rice for job scheme which is meant to assist local rice farmers to access fund and embrace modern technology which will enable them produce on a large scale. Also, government has put in place an agrinet project for farmers in the state to fasttrack the dissemination of agricultural and natural resources information and technologies to farmers, upland dwellers, and rural entrepreneurs. Perhaps more importantly, as the state government enhances the wealth generating capacity of the sector, more of its operatives are being systematically brought into the tax net, thereby improving the state’s IGR status. At a time when national oil revenue is diminishing, rejuvenating the informal sector and, indeed, other sectors of the economy remains an enthralling option. This is the path that Lagos is toeing, and it is, indeed, a worthy path. • Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

EDITORIAL

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Confab Report must not fail

n March 17, 2014, about five hundred Nigerians were inaugurated as delegates to the National Conference of the Nigerian People. The delegates who were randomly selected, came from diverse backgrounds but were saddled with the common responsibility of reinventing their country Since 1914, when the British Consul, Lord Frederick Lugard amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria to form one country, there has never been a gathering as large as this one sitting under one roof to discuss the common fate of the people. As at July 14 when the national conference concluded deliberations, many critics were of the opinion that the conference had been a waste of precious time and resources. The National Assembly appropriated the sum of N7 billion in the 2014 budget for the conference billed to last three months. However, the exercise was extended by one month. If there is no positive outcome from the conference then the critics would be right but there are some indications that the conference was not a waste of time. Although the conference witnessed a lot of tension in the

We urge the duo and other distinguished Nigerians in the committee to expedite action on the report and ensure that it receives the best attention in the hands of the federal government course of its deliberations on issues such as revenue derivation and sharing, devolution of powers, political restructuring and electoral reforms, it was able to reach consensus on a number of issues. One of the fundamental resolutions adopted at the conference was that all elections in relation to the local government councils will be handled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) instead of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) perceived to have become a tool of electoral manipulation by governors in the various states. The conference also resolved that the local governments local government councils be removed from the jurisdiction of

the federal government and transferred to the suzerainty of the state governments and its officials guaranteed a specific tenure of three years in the constitution. Another fundamental resolution of the conference was that states will begin to assume their proper position as federating units with their own constitutions instead of the current situation where they exist like mere administrative units of the federal government as designed by the military regimes that once held sway in Nigeria. In addition, each state will have its own police force with which to enforce its own enactments and promote law and under within its jurisdiction. The conference also took a bold step when it adopted a resolution endorsing the removal of the controversial immunity clause from the 1999 Constitution. The conference also recommended the adoption of a unicameral legislative system. By implication, this means the scrapping of one of the arms of the National Assembly. If this proposal is acceptable to the Federal Government, it means that one of the two chambers of the present parliament must give way and this would go a long way to reduce the cost of governance. In the alternative, the conference also recommended a new system

where the legislators would serve on part time basis and earn their pay according to the duration they sit to deliberate on national issues. It is obvious that the conference passed several landmark resolutions that could change the politics and governance systems in Nigeria. We call on members of the presidential committee appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to study carefully the report of the conference and draw up an implementation strategy for it. It is heartwarming to know that the committee is headed by no less a personality than the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adokie (SAN) and supported by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Chief Anyim Pius Anyim. We urge the duo and other distinguished Nigerians in the committee to expedite action on the report and ensure that it receives the best attention in the hands of the federal government. They must not to toy with their assignment. They must realise that any poor handling of the resolutions of the report would amount to a failure of the entire conference. They must not allow this report to be dumped in the dust bin like others before it.

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20 Politics

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

2014: Eventful year for APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

by impeaching the governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako. A second tenure governor on the platform of PDP, Nyako was one of the governors that defected to APC. Extraordinary National Convention Preparing for the 2015 general election, the APC released its election guidelines in line with the Independent National Electoral Commissions (INEC) guide-

lines. The party, however, later discovered that the guidelines were not in tandem with the provisions of its constitution. It therefore decided to hold an extraordinary convention to amend its constitution to accommodate the party’s election guidelines. Tambuwal’s defection The Speaker House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal’s defection on October 28 to the APC was a big blow to the PDP, and they did

not take it lightly as they plotted for his removal as speaker. Salvation Rally On November 19, few days after INEC had lifted the ban on campaigns, the APC held a rally tagged: “Salvation Rally”. The essence of the rally that culminated in procession was to canvass support for APC and to reiterate reasons why the PDP-led Federal Government should be voted out of power in 2015. Although the rally

was poorly attended, the national leadership of APC made its points. National chairman of the party, Oyegun, said at the rally in Abuja that it was time to end the “mismanagement of the PDP-led administration” in the country. He said the rally was also to sensitise the electorate to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) with which to vote for change in the leadership of the country. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in

his speech stated that the APC will form a parallel government should the 2015 elections fail to meet the expectations of the party. His statement attracted criticisms from the presidency. Okupe described Amaechi’s statement as unfortunate, mischievous, but treasonable. Primaries Another strong outing for the APC in 2014 was the conduct of its primaries to elect the candidates of the party for

the 2015 elections. The primaries of the party from the state House of Assemblies to the governorship were considered democratic compared to that of the PDP. In Benue State, Senator Banarbas Gemade left PDP to join APC and clinched the ticket of Benue West Senatorial District. Also, a former Minister of Trade and Investment in Jonathan’s cabinet and former National Auditor of PDP, Dr. Sam Ortom, left the party and clinched the governorship ticket of APC in the state. The outcome of the APC primaries and its minimal rejection was an indication that the party allowed members to elect popular candidates that would win elections for the party The presidential primaries that held on December 10 in Lagos State has been adjudged as the most credibly in recent time. It was so transparently conducted that those that lost the presidential ticket of the party congratulated the winner, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who contested the governorship ticket of the state and lost, commended the outcome of the primaries. “I hope you will all agree with me that our party, the APC, has demonstrated to Nigerians and indeed the entire world that we are ready and able to lead Nigeria,” he said. Presidential running mate The choice of presidential running mate proved difficult for the party to the extent that Buhari and party leaders were accused of incompetency by the PDP. It took almost a week after the party elected its presidential candidate before it could agree on the choice of its presidential running mate. The politicking for the running mate was very tense that many felt it was an issue that could break the party. It was alleged that the governors on the platform of the party demanded that one of them should be the running mate to Buhari, while the national leader of the party, former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu felt strongly also that the vice presidential candidate of the party should come from his camp. At the end, the lot fell on Tinubu’s choice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a Professor of Law.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Interview

News

Awolowo: Arbitration is remedy for prolonged litigation

Lagos names Alakija new DPP

23&25

Law

Jonathan’s eligibility, Sanusi, Alison-Madueke, others’ cases shaped 2014 judicial year

Jonathan

Dieziani

Tambuwal

Although the year 2014 would not have come and gone without a reflection on some of the cases that shaped the year, making it unforgettable in the judiciary, TUNDE OYESINA writes on some controversial cases which shaped legal precedent in the outgone year

he year 2014 did not end without leaving an indelible mark on the judiciary as far as litigation is concerned. The year witnessed so many cases instituted by individuals, corporate bodies and organizations, among others. Such cases range from political, criminal and civil. While some of the cases are still pending before various courts, others have been decided. Prominent among such cases was the suit challenging the

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY EDITOR

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to re-contest the 2015 general election. President Goodluck Jonathan will fly the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next month’s election following his ‘coronation’ at the PDP’s convention a forthnight ago. In a suit initiated by Cyriacus Njoku at an Abuja High Court, the court was asked to void the candidacy of the ruling party on the grounds that he had been caught by the provisions of the Constitution having spent two terms of four years in office. Njoku is challenging the legality of Jonathan to re-contest next month’s election on the grounds that he had exhausted the requirements allowed by the Constitution for the office of Mr. President. Delivering ruling in the matter, the trial judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi dismissed the suit on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction

Dieziani’s case practically, brought the judiciary and the House of Representatives on a collision course as to whether it has powers to summon public officers without necessarily publishing its resolution in a Gazette before invitation

to entertain the suit. Although Justice Oniyangi washed of his hands of the matter following lack of jurisdictional powers to adjudicate on the matter, Njoku headed for the Court of Appeal to challenge the his decision. It was at the appellate court that a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, Umar Ardo sought to be joined as a co-appellant. Ardo had hinged his application for joinder on the grounds that he was interested in contesting for the position of the President under the platform of the PDP and that the decision of the court on Njoku’s appeal would affect him one way or the other. After listening to Ardo’s application, the appellate court struck out the appeal on grounds that Ardo lacked the locus standi to join since he was not a party at the lower court. The court insisted that Ardo did not show any special interest that could warrant him to join thye suit as an interested party. Apparently dissatisfied, Ardo headed approached the Supreme Court. The apex court however laid the matter to a final rest when it held that Ardo’s case lacked merit, and therefore compelled him to

withdraw the appeal. The appeal was however returned to the Court of Appeal to decide. However, the court is yet to fix a date for hearing. Similarly, another suit filed by the duo of Wahab Olatoye and Adejumo Ajagbe before the Federal High Court is still pending as the court has fixed January 12 to decide on the request of the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs are contending that Jonathan cannot participate in next month’s presidential election because Mr. President had taken oath of office of twice. At the last adjourned date, the plaintiffs asked the court to refer the case to the Court of Appeal but the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation had opposed the application, contending that the Court of Appeal could not assume the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. Another case that shaped the year 2014 was the judgement of Justice A.R Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which set aside the letter of invitation sent by the House of Representatives to the Petroleum Minister, Deziani AlisonMadueke and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

22 Law

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

How defected govs, Tambuwal’s cases shaped 2014 CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 21

NNPC to appear before its investigative panel over alleged 10 billion jet charter. Deziani and the NNPC had approached the court, asking it to stop the House of Representatives from probing allegations that they spent over N10bn on chartered aircraft. Delivering judgement in the suit, the trial judge, Justice A.R Mohammed held that the House of Representatives had the power to summon anybody irrespective of his or her position to appear before it to give explanation on how a public property entrusted to them. The plaintiff through her counsel, Etigwe Uwa SAN submitted that the National Assembly had no constitutional power to carry out an oversight function on Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government and hold hearing to adjudicate on petitions against them especially her ministry. Besides, he argued that before any summons could be issued out by the House or request for any documents or papers, the consent of the President must be first sought adding that the defendants never followed such process. Diezani further submitted that before the summons could be issued on her as such summons must first be published in the Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must also be first published in the journal of the National Assembly as contained under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution. Also, the plaintiffs added that the defendants without complying with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution cannot summon them. According to them, the defendants’ action via the language used in the vote and proceedings of the House, had shown that they had taken a biased position against her by calling her fraudulent person, thief and accusing her of breaching Fiscal Policy Act on public money without following the principles of fair hearing. The plaintiff therefore prayed the court to set aside the invitation sent to her by the House for probe. Opposing the argument, the defendants through their counsel, Yakubu Maikyau SAN and Abubakar Mahmud SAN for Senate and House of Representatives respectively prayed the court to dismiss the argument of the plaintiff. They added that the National Assembly had not issued any summons on the minister but rather an invitation. They further submitted that, the plaintiff had approached the court because she was panic of what the outcome of the probe could be. In its judgement, the court noted that this was contrary to the submission of the plaintiffs that the House of Representatives lacks power to summon them without the consent of the President. The court con-

Baraje

sequently held that the House of Representatives did not follow due process in inviting the plaintiffs. The court further held that the House of Representatives ought to have presented before the court the resolution of the meeting where it agreed to invite Deziani and the NNPC published in a gazette or house journal. “The National Assembly in the discharge of its duty does not need any consent to invite a public officer to come and defend how he managed a public property such as the aircraft in his care. What the House is asking for is not a confidential document that needed the consent of the President before it would be released rather it is a public property placed in care of a public servant”, the court held. On the invitation of the plaintiffs, the court held that the National Assembly is given power to direct investigation but the burden of proof is on the House of Representatives to show that there is resolution that directed such invitation. “None of the defendants has produced the published resolution where it was said that the plaintiffs should be invited. The defendants ought to have brought before the court a resolution of its meeting wherein the plaintiffs are invited to appear before it, published in a gazette or house journal. There is no evidence before the court that there was a resolution to invite the plaintiffs. By this act, it renders the summons invalid. “Therefore, the letter of invitation served on the plaintiffs is hereby set aside because of the failure of the House of Representatives to produce the resolution as duly published in the gazette or its house journal. “Had it been the House of Representatives had published the resolution in a gazette or house journal and presented before this court, the plaintiffs would not have any business doing in court. This decision

National Assembly in the discharge of its duty does not need any consent to invite a public officer to come and defend how he managed a public property such as the aircraft in his care

does not imply that the House of Representatives does not have the power to summon anybody no matter how highly placed to investigate him. “He added that if such power is properly utilized, the National Assembly can summon anybody. However in this instant case, the House of Representatives have not followed the due process of inviting the plaintiffs. It is on that note, that I advise the plaintiffs to submit themselves to any invitation to show their respect to constituted authorities”, the court held. Tambuwal .v. PDP The suit filed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, though still pending before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, it is another suit that will eventually be a landmark one if it is eventually decided. Tambuwal on the heels of his defection from the PDP to the APC, had approached the court to stop the PDP members from declaring his seat vacant. He also wants the court to reverse the withdrawal of his security details which were withdrawn by the police. However, the court had adjourned the matter sine dine due to an appeal filed by Tambuwal’s constituents over the court’s refusal to join them as a party in the suit. Similarly, the PDP also approached the court seeking for an order of mandamus to compel Tambuwal from vacating his seat on the grounds that he had left the party that brought him to the seat. The court had however adjourned for hearing. In a related development, Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja in the year 2014 withdrew from a separate suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives also seeking to unseat Tambuwal as the Speaker. The withdrawal was sequel to a petition written by Tambuwal and sent to the Chief Judge of the court contending that the judge would be bias in de-

termining the suit against him. However, when the matter was assigned to Justice A.R Mohammed of the same court of coordinate jurisdiction, he asked the plaintiff to put the defendants on notice. Meanwhile, the suit is still pending before the court. The memories of 2014 cannot pass without considering the suit filed by the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), now the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Though, the matter stopped half way as the plaintiff withdrew the matter before the National Industrial Court on the grounds that he was no longer interested in pursuing the case. On the heels of his suspension as the governor of CBN by President Goodluck Jonathan, Sanusi had approached the court to challenge the suspension. The court later on the request of the respondent referred the case to the Industrial Court. It was at the Industrial court that the suit was terminated. Another political matter that could not escape one’s memory in a jiffy, is the suit filed by the PDP against the five governors who defected from the party to the opposition APC. On the heels of the defection of the governors of Kwara, Sokoto, Adamawa, Rivers and Kano states, the PDP had approached the court to compel the respective state House of Assemblies to impeach the governors. After several adjournments, the court dismissed the suit on the grounds that the mode of service of the court process on the governors was improper. The case was then finally laid to rest. One cannot talk about the defection suit, without taken note of the court judgement which barred a break-away faction of the PDP under the leadership of Abubakar Kawu Baraje and recognized the leadership of the party under the then, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur before his resignation as the party’s national chairman. The Baraje faction had broken up to form a splinter group. The party had approached the court to challenge the move. The trial judge in the case, Justice Chukwu held that there was no division in the party that could have warranted the break up. Also in the list of suits which could not be easily forgotten was the case which sought to unseat the national chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mua’zu on the ground that the resignation of Tukur did not follow due process. The plaintiff, one Buba Gurin, a House of Representatives contestant from Adamawa state had approached the cour,t asking it to sack Mua’zu because his appointment was unconstitutional. In his judgement, Justice Chukwu struck out the suit for lacking in merit on the grounds that the plaintiff did not have locus to institute such suit.

Law | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Awolowo: Arbitration is remedy for prolonged litigation Olu Awolowo teaches law at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State. He bares his mind on the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s justice system in this interview with AKEEM NAFIU. What would say is responsible for the slow pace of justice delivery in Nigeria? Well, Judiciary still remains the last hope of the common man. All that needs to be done is to initiate policies and programmes that will enhance the speedy dispensation of justice in the country because there is a common say in law that justice delayed is justice denied. In Lagos State, for instance, under the rules of court, more of arbitration as a means of settling disputes are now being encouraged. This means cases that cannot be resolved by litigation will now be resolved through arbitration. Arbitration is faster and cost effective and in any case the rancour among parties as a result of litigation will be removed with the option of arbitration. So, what I think can be done to enhance speedy dispensation of justice is to initiate programmes and policies and encourage people to seize the option of arbitration rather than litigation. Apart from that, in the area of appointments, we should ensure that credible people who will be able to do their jobs judiciously are appointed to the Bench. Judicial officers should also be given targets and they must be compelled to handle a number of cases within a specified period of time. They must not be left alone to do whatever they feel like doing. Their performances thereafter should also be subjected to monitoring by their superiors. I have an experience in court recently whereby there was an interlocutory application and a Magistrate was supposed to rule on it. An interlocutory application comes in between a matter and the court is expected to make a pronouncement on it before the whole matter can proceed. Do you know that for the past two months, the Magistrate has not given us any ruling on the issue and consequently the substantive suit cannot continue, trial has not even commenced in the matter. As far as I know, it has to do with the personality and the diligence of the judge or magistrate concern because I cannot understand why an ordinary interlocutory application will be made and there would not be any ruling on it for over two months. What do you think will be the fate of litigants in such a situation? They probably will think that the lawyer is not working. But, it is not really the fault of the lawyer because he cannot move forward when a ruling has not been delivered in the interlocutory application. You cannot entirely put the blame on the judiciary. The prosecution too, sometimes the EFCC, for instance, will not do their homework very well before coming to court and then ask for adjournments. But, I still believe

that it is still within the discretion of the judge or the magistrate to decide whether to grant adjournments or not. Adjournment is not just granted as a matter of cause like that but is granted after the judge is satisfied that certain conditions have been met. So, it is not just enough for one to apply for an adjournment for its sake, there must be a basis for it and judges must be convinced that there are enough justifications for the adjournment because in most cases it halts speedy dispensation of justice. Recently, the issue of plea bargaining was introduced because it was thought that it will also help in the speedy dispensation of justice. But, unfortunately, the way it is being practiced in Nigeria is more or less of a mockery

Awolowo

of the criminal justice system because a situation whereby somebody stole billions of naira and at the end of the day, the court asked him to pay just N4 million does not augur well for us. The person will pay and then continue with his life. That happened in the case of Tafa Balogun. It happened in the case of the former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion, too. So, I have always said it that plea bargaining, despite some of its advantages, should not be encouraged. 99 per cent of high profile cases are stalled either because of lack of diligent prosecution or on the part of the lawyers to those accused persons who will always ask for adjournments and bring frivolous applications to court. Of course, the court cannot refuse to listen to those applications as long as it is within the context of the law. The court will listen to the application and before it is ruled upon, it takes time. So, those are some of the problems and that is why we are not making progress. Also, most of the laws we have, particularly on Criminal Procedure Act that is being used in the south and the Criminal Procedure Code that is being used in the north need to be amended to be in line with the realities of our time. Most of those Acts have become obsolete, most of the provisions have also become obsolete while the punishments prescribed can no longer serve the purpose of deterring

other criminals from engaging in crimes.

What I think can be done to enhance speedy dispensation of justice is to initiate programmes and policies and encourage people to seize the option of arbitration rather than litigation

With the much touted flaws or imperfections in the 1999 Constitution, how do you think we can make an acceptable constitution? Naturally, I think the Constitution should be made by the people or by the Constituent Assembly, who are the representatives of the people. It is not enough for a group of people to just sit down and worked out something like the 1999 Constitution that was foisted on the populace. Of course, the military just put some papers together and foisted the Constitution on the people. In any case, if you look at the preamble of the Constitution, it says that we the people of Nigeria have this for ourselves, but the truth is that Nigerians did not make any constitution for themselves. So, for constitution to be made by Nigerians, it must pass through the proper purpose of making laws rather than a group of people sitting down to impose the Constitution on the populace. Having said that most of the constitutional provisions are laudable, the Constitution is not a perfect document but its implementation is another issue. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even difficult to get a perfect document that cannot be faulted anywhere because as time goes by, we begin to discover lacuna in some of the provisions. That is why there are rooms for amendments of the Constitution

in order to meet up with the realities of the time. Essentially, the problem is not really with the provisions but its implementation. That is where the judiciary has to come in to ensure that it gives a purposeful interpretation to the provisions of the constitution rather than just interpreting it literarily as it were in such a way that it will benefit the populace. What we are saying in essence is that in most cases, when matters are brought before the court, they were brought in line with certain provisions of the Constitution. It may be that there is an infraction of the Constitution somebody is trying to enforce his or her rights under the Constitution or see how a provision of the Constitution can be enforced. What I am saying in essence is that the constitution should be looked at globally. Judges should not restrict themselves in the interpretation of the Constitution. I will give you an example. Under the Constitution, for instance, if you look at Chapter 2, it talks about fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy. But sadly, that part of the Constitution is not justiceable. This means if there is any infraction of that provision of the Constitution, you cannot really go to court to enforce it. So, the question is why was that provision included CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Law | News

Foluso Ogunmodede

he Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has said it recovered over $2.4b from oil and gas industry in the outgone year through a strategy set up to evolve modalities for bringing its operations in line with its enabling law and devise strategies for increased transparency in the management of oil, gas and mining revenues in Nigeria. NEITI’s Executive Secretary Zainab Ahmed made the disclosure while speaking on the terms of reference for the remediation plan for NEITI at a media interaction on remediation and Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) activities, organized by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) in Top Rank Hotel, Abuja Ahmed, who was represented by NEITI Head of Programme Mrs. Obiageli Onuora said “while the IMTT got support from the World bank in 2014 to support its work-Consultant and the Civil Society in targeting specific remediation issues, these supports /remediation issues had been aligned and prioritised into six key areas and so far about $2.4billion have been recovered in the oil and gas industry”. According to Ahmed, NEITI

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Participants thumb up NEITI law

Participants at the event

had developed a revenue-flow interface among government agencies; Improve Nigeria’s oil and gas metering infrastructure; Develop a uniform approach to cost determination; Build human and physical capacities of critical govern-

ment agencies; improve overall governance of the oil and gas sector. She however said that at the end of each audit cycle, lapses identified in the report were collated and segregated as remedial issues in the reviewed

strategic plan of NEITI Ahmed went on: “Government has broadened the membership of the IMTT and made it compulsory for Department Heads of member agencies to attend the meetings for remediation implementation strategy.

Lagos names Alakija new DPP Foluso Ogunmodede

ays after it rewarded its Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan with promotion as a judge of the High Court, the Lagos Government has named the pioneer head/ director Citizens Mediator Centre, Mrs. Idowu Alakija as the new DPP. Alakija replaced Ogungbesan who was elevated to the Bench by Governor Babatunde Fashola following the recommendation by the state Judicial Service Commision. In a release by the state Justice Commissioner and AttorneyGeneral, Mr. Ade Ipaye, described Alakija as a seasoned lawyer and administrator. The release reads: “The Lagos State Ministry of Justice is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Idowu Alakija as the Director of Public Prosecutions. This follows the recent elevation of the erstwhile DPP, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State. “Mrs. Idowu Alakija was born into a renowned family of Akerele of Lagos State on the 24th of February 1959. She attended St. Mary

“The non-payment for domestic crude allocation on the due dates by NNPC which is expected to pay the Federation for domestic crude oil allocation not later than 90 days from the bill of lading date is part of the weak arrangements around the domestic crude oil allocation”. “NEITI is of the opinion that the federation may have lost the time value of money for the amounts not remitted on due dates”, she however said. Earlier, CISLAC’s executive director, Mr. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani stated that the media interaction on remediation and Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) activities was a child of necessity as part of the efforts by Civil Society groups in the country to ensure transparency in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria The CISLAC’s boss who was represented by CISLAC Programme coordinator, Mr. Kola Banwo said “the media parley is a project put in place by CISLAC in continuation of our project to strengthen the implementation of the NEITI process in Nigeria. “This is because CISLAC assesses that remediation remains the major gap that presently exist in the implementation of the NEITI”.

2015: Group canvasses protection of voter’s rights CAMPAIGN NGO sensitises voters on their constitutional rights to make a choice during election Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

Ade Ipaye, Lagos AG and Gov. Fashola

Private School, Ajele, Lagos State, Queens College, Onike Yaba, and Lansdowne Tutors London. She completed her Degree in Law, L.L.B. at the University of Lagos, Akoka and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. She also obtained an L.L.M. degree in Commercial and Corporate Law at Queens Mary & Westfield College University of London in 2000. She has since attended numerous law related courses at sev-

eral institutions which include International Law Institute, Washington D.C. and Harvard University, Boston amongst others. She was a consultant to the UNDP, Ghana on Alternative Dispute Resolution. She is presently a focal person for Lagos State on the UNODC Judicial Reform Project. She is a member of the International Association of Prosecutors and the International Bar Association. She is also an Associate Member

of both the Institute of Taxation and the Chartered Institute of Mediators & Conciliators. She was an Awardee of the Lagos State Award of Excellence in 2003. Mrs. Alakija has served Lagos State in several capacities. She was the pioneer HEAD/ DIRECTOR Citizens Mediator Centre Lagos State, a position she held before assuming her present position as a Director in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions”.

he Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa has called for the protection of voters’ rights during and after the 2015 general elections. Its executive secretary, Saka Azimazi made the call in Abuja during a training organized for the members of staff of the National Human Rights Commission on Monitoring, Investigation and Documentation. Azimazi noted that the rights of voters should be protected by the government during and after the elections. He, however frown at the failure of the government to bring

to book those who have been indicted of one electoral offence or the other in the past. “We have series of human rights violation in the past, and we have compiled the names of those indicted and forwaded same to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice but nobody has been brought to book. “Our view is that the right to make a choice is a human right, it is important that accountability be made a key especially for political parties and their candidates must abide by the lay down regulations. “The National Human Rights Commission should liaise with INEC to ensure that there is peaceful election and people must have a conducive environment to exercise their voting right. “The Commission will monitor the election at all levels. But the only challenge is lack of funding to carry out our mandate, Azimazi stated.

Law | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

FACES AT A RECEPTION ORGANISED BY THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT IN HONOUR OF THE IMMEDIATE PAST CHIEF JUDGE, JUSTICE AYOTUNDE PHILIPS AND HER SUCCESSOR, JUSTICE FUNMILAYO ATILADE, AT THE CITY HALL, LAGOS.

‘Plea bargaining is mockery of Nigeria’s judicial system’

Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Atilade and her successor, Justice Philiphs

Awolowo CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 23 L-R:Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Mr. Muiz Banire and Lagos State Governor ,Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN

L-R: Supreme Court Justice, Bode Rhodes-Vivour; his wife, Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour and Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Science & Technology, Mrs. Nike Animashaun

Mrs. Akintola Williams and a former AGF, Bayo Ojo, SAN

PHOTOS: GODWIN IREKHE

in the constitution when the same constitution said the provision is not enforceable? What we are saying in essence is that if an issue comes to the court on this provision of the constitution, judges must be able to give a purposeful interpretation rather than limiting themselves to the provisions as it were in such a way that the rights of citizens will be protected. In India, for instance, most of these provisions that are not enforceable here are already being enforced. Right to Education is a right that is being enforced in India and South Africa but you don’t have such a right in Nigeria. Right to clean and safety environment is a right under the African Charter of Human and People’s Right. It is also a right in some other African countries but it is not a right in Nigeria. You cannot enforce the right because it falls under Chapter 2 of the Constitution. It is not enforceable. But, if you look at Chapter 4 of the Constitution which talks about the fundamental human rights of the citizens, one of the rights under Chapter 4 is the right to life which is enforceable in Nigeria. But, the question is, how will someone who does not have a right to clean and safe environment enjoy a right to life? How will somebody who lives under the bridge without any means of livelihood enjoy right to life? So, what we are saying is that there is a relationship between Chapters 2 and 4. Every court should look at it in that context. So, it is wrong to say that those rights which fall under Chapter 2 are not enforceable. Sir, what are your views on the call for people to defend themselves against the insurgents? The security situation in the coun-

try is now very bad. It is going from bad to worse on a daily basis. I will still urge the government to rise to the occasion and ensure that people’s lives and properties are protected. This is because, under the Constitution, it is the primary responsibility of government to ensure the security of lives and properties of the citizens. So, if the government cannot achieve that, then, it is not fit to be in place. However, I will not expect citizens to resort to self-help because that would lead us to a banana republic where only the fittest will survive. So, I will not subscribe to a situation where people will be defending themselves. I think government should be more alive to its responsibilities by ensuring that absolute security is maintained in the country. If you are saying that people should defend themselves, that means, you are encouraging the use of arms by the people. Though, self-defence is recognised by law, but while trying to achieve that, we must be very careful not to create a jungle society where anything can happen. Government as the custodian of our resources has a duty to apply those resources to achieve a safe and secured environment for the citizens to conduct their affairs. As a way of checking the menace of the insurgents, I think the government should change the existing security structure of the country. Government should also deploy resources to getting sophisticated equipment to fight the insurgents. Government has no business inviting insurgents or militants to a roundtable discussion because by doing that we are compromising our integrity, sovereignty and independence as a nation. This is where our might should come as a nation. We must fight them to a standstill rather than inviting them for any discussions.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

Health News

27 Healthy Living

Nature Power

Effective surveillance, key to disease control – Idris

Environmental factors may worsen allergic rhinitis

Life giving properties of water

Health

Recorded deaths from Ebola is over 7,000

Appolonia Adeyemi and Obinna Odoh

he first indication that industrial actions may be a major factor that would slow down activities in the health sector in 2014 emerged as early as January when the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) declared a strike for January 6. Efforts to prevent it lead President Goodluck Jonathan to agree to the appointment of a Surgeon-General of the Federation who will be a medical doctor. The gentleman’s agreement between the federal government and NMA resulted in the issuance of a circular in

Appolonia Adeyemi appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

PHOTO: www.nydailynews.com

Ebola, strikes define health sector in 2014 January 2014, on adjustment of Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS). When this was done, only the salary structure earned by medical and dental practitioners was affected. Expectedly, this did not go down well with other health workers under the umbrella of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) which subsequently embarked on a three-day warning strike from January 22 to 24, to press home its demands which has been lingering since 2009 up till 2014. JOHESU is made up of major unions including Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NU-

The strike that impacted most negatively on the populace occurred when the nation experienced Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak

AHP), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals Research and Allied Institutes (SSAUTHRAI), among others. Among the demands of JOHESU are: non promotion of JOHESU members from salary CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Scale) level 14 to 15 as directors having stayed for four to 15 years on the same salary level without promotion; immediate release of circular on adjustment of salary as was done for NMA members since January 2014 and immediate payment of at least two months arrears while the remaining is

to be paid with the 2015 Budget. Also included in the demands is the immediate release of the circular on extension of retirement age; immediate and full payment of arrears of salaries of CONHESS 10 skipping policy; immediate amendment of the circular on consultancy status as pronounced by National Industrial Court on July 22, 2013, among others. Among all the industrial actions in 2014, the strike that impacted most negatively on the populace occurred when the nation experienced Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak from July to September. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

28 Health News

THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Effective surveillance, key to disease control – Idris Appolonia Adeyemi

agos State Government has identified effective surveillance as a major strategy for the containment of diseases. To this end, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who disclosed this has also charged the private sector to get involved in tracking disease information and occurrence of diseases, through data collection so as to establish the pattern of specific diseases. The Commissioner who spoke at the State Health Sector Partners’ forum put together by the state government to strengthen the state government’s ownership and leadership role in the management and coordination of external assistance, said without an effective surveillance system, no country will be able to control any disease. Idris disclosed that the state was able to battle the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) due to existing effective surveillance system that is in place in the state.

Similarly, with an effective surveillance in place, he noted that the state has equally tracked cholera outbreak and responded appropriately in terms of containing the ailment. According to Idris, “the health surveillance system of any country is dependent on data. If we do not have an effective data collection and data management system, we will not be able to respond properly in case of disease outbreak. “That is why we are harping on this,” he said. Highlighting the challenge facing the state in the achievement of effective surveillance, the commissioner for health said a lot of the data the state is using comes from public sector. However, such data is not enough to plan effectively, Idris stressed and noted that the private sector takes care of more population than the public sector. About 60 percent of the populace access health care from private health facilities. According to him, the private sector is now being encouraged to generate data so as to enhance the effectiveness of the surveillance system.

Healthy Living “We encourage them and give them all necessary support so that when we want to apply sanctions, they will not say we are being over-bearing. “The essence is that if we don’t have proper data management we cannot plan effectively. “We track data and when we collect the data we see trend of diseases. “In the analysis, we can see a particular disease rising and you start wondering why? It is just to give us an early warning that something is wrong.” The partner’s forum meeting was established in 2002 to regulate partners activities of partners working in the state. The Forum streamlines their activities to ensure they are in line with Lagos State development plan to ensure accountability and effectiveness. He said the strategic goal of the meeting was to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of development assistance in the state.

L-R Champions For Change Country Representative, Mrs Theresa Kaka Effa, Senior Programme Officer Global Policy and Advocacy, Mr Tim Thomas, Director of Programme, Emily Teitsworth, The Programme Manager of Champion for Change Mrs. Rufaro Kangai and Champions for Change Lead Facilitator Grace Kaimila - Kanjo during a workshop on Champions for Change held in Lagos recently

Gates Foundation tasks civil societies on high mortality rate Shola Adefuwa

he Senior Program Officer of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,Mr. Tim Thomas has urged members of the civil society to build strong partnership in promoting advocacy so as to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria. Thomas said this during the Champions for Change on “Inaugural Leadership and Advocacy Workshop on Reproductive Mortal and Child

Health (RMNCH)”. Building on leadership and advocacy capacity of the civil society is necessary to promote implementation of laws, policies and programmes that will improve RMNCH in the Country. He further said that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports organisations around the world to develop strategies for advocacy. The foundation works in four priority countries with high number of

Dr. Ihuoma Uko-Ndukwe

Idris

deaths: India, Ethiopia, Malawi and Nigeria”. The Programme Manager of Champion for Change Nigeria Mrs. Rufaro Kangai said that the project is being implemented by the public health institute sased in California, USA. Kangai said that public health institute builds capacity of civil society leaders and their organisation to undertake advocacy to reduce the high mortality rate in Nigeria. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

ada.ndukwe@yahoo.com

Environmental factors may worsen running nose

llergic rhinitis is constant running nose and sneez-

ing. It is the most common type of rhinitis (running nose) and a type of respiratory illness that affects quality of life. It can complicate medical conditions. Some of the associated conditions are dermatitis and asthma. It is thought to occur after and exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens such as dust mites, insects, animal dander, mold and pollens and onset is while under age 30 years. Sometimes, it peaks in childhood and adolescence. Family history is important because allergic symptoms and asthma tend to be hereditary. Besides, there are some rare conditions that can mimic allergic rhinitis such as structural conditions like deviated nasal septum which keeps the nose congestion from irregular shape that affects breathing, nasal tumours, some autoimmune disorders, among others. The allergens may take four years to sensitise and body reacts more and more negatively when exposed. In some cases it can worsen with seasonal changes like dry season/rainy season which is worsened by tree pollen grass pollen, outdoor molds and weed pollen and smokes from cigarette is a major irritant. Some of the specific symptoms include sneezing, running nose, nasal congestion, itching eyes, nose and throat, and eye tearing and discharge especially when it has been lingering for a while. One can manifest signs like mouth breathing, snoring, lack of smell, cough, headache, decreased hearing and mouth odour and in very severe cases can lead to irritability, fatigue, depression, malaise, weakness but there can also be

First line treatment is to decrease environmental allergens. The main stay treatment is a low dose steroids inhaler

drug induced running nose. For example some antihypertensive medications, asprin, some oral contraceptives and exercise-induced running hormonal changes with pregnancy. Signs that may suggest allegic rhinitis: Eyes: Shiners around the eyes dark areas under the eye, rings around the eyes and puffy eyes, watery eyes Nose: Always congested and sniffing, nasal drainage, a transverse crease over the nose from chronic nose rubbing. Management: First line treatment is to decrease environmental allergens. The main stay treatment is to allow dose steroids inhaler. Acts decreasing the reflux of inflammatory cells, controlling itching, sneezing and discharge and blockage symptoms. For running nose, using nasal saline liquids to flush out the mucus relieves the congestion and in the old folks way, boiling water and putting in a bowl, put some vaporubs in it, gently put your face over the bowl but with your face not touching the bowl, inhale the vaporubs over 20 seconds off and on. If all these do not work, a prescription antihistamine medication in the form of loratidine, cetirizine, taken daily normally takes care of the problem. Mouth: Enlarged tonsils, malocculsion of the teeth from long time mouth breathing.

Health Features 29

E<N TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

‘Patients, victims of strikes in 2014’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Then the NMA while demanding for the appointment of the Surgeon General among other things had embarked on an industrial action on July 1. Even in the face of the nation’s ordeal from Ebola, the NMA refused to call off the strike. Before it was finally contained, Ebola ultimately killed seven Nigerians, having been introduced into the country from Liberia. Invariably, across the three worst-hit countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, Ebola deaths is in excess of 7,000. Although, the nation was able to contain Ebola, the NMA nation-wide strike in July, which crippled health service provisions in all federal, states and local government hospitals lasted for seven weeks. Apart from numerous preventable deaths occasioned by the strike, it resulted in the populace losing confidence in medical doctors. With the length of time the NMA July strike lasted, most Nigerians expected that the episode would put an end to industrial strikes in the health sector. Sadly, subsequent events have shown that this was mere wishful thinking. Citing refusal of the federal government to implement previous agreements on remunerations, welfare, industrial harmony within the health system, JOHESU again declared another strike since November. As at the time of filing this report health care activities in public hospitals have been crippled. Similarly, other associations and agencies that have experienced strikes in 2014 are NUAHP, an arm of JOHESU and the NANNM. Members of NUAHP include laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, dental technologists, pharmacists, etc. It will be recalled that even the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) offices nationwide were shut down due to strike over welfare and working conditions on November 12. That strike lasted for over two weeks. Reacting to the numerous strikes in the health sector this year, Acting Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Chris Bode said, “There has been too many industrial actions. Unfortunately industrial actions in the health sector punish the wrong victims, which are the patients.” However, he noted that because of agitations, government now pays more than double what people in private health sector earn, “but are we giving that service he asked. “If we are now earning so much, there should be corresponding productivity that matches that remuneration,” he reasoned. He added, “Government is doing its best to pay salaries and to provide specialised medical care. What Nigerians who are the consumers of these services require is service, not strikes.”

Patients waiting for doctors’ attention, a rare situation during strikes

While appealing to medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and other members of the health care team to eschew this strike syndrome for dialogue and resume work immediately, Bode said, “We can never get everything we want from any employer. So we should in the spirit of this Yuletide season come back to work as soon as possible. “Service is suffering. The media has even stopped talking about the number of people that have died. When we keep doing this (strike), we (medical team) are undermining our own relevance.” On his part, Felix Faniran, National President, NUAHP, said patient care in 2014 was rather unstable considering the various strikes in the sector. “Government should ensure that health workers are motivated to remain and stay at work all year round, while necessary equipment is provided, and costs of services made affordable. To address the challenges, the president of NUAHP urged the federal government to convey a stakeholders conference where the challenges will be discussed freely under impartial arbiters and the outcome implemented without bias. Also reacting, Vice President of Commonwealth Medical Association and former President, NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said the strikes have impacted negatively on health care service delivery and quality patient care, making many Nigerians to lose confidence in the health system while increasing medical tourism. “With the submission of the Yayale Ahmed Committee Report, which was submitted to the federal government on December 19, I expect that by second to third week of January, 2015, government should have issued a White Paper on the Report.” The Yayale Ahmed Presidential Committee on Inter-professional relationships in the health sector is a onestop shop for addressing all the issues confronting the Nigerian public health sector.

Enabulele

Government is doing its best to pay salaries and to provide specialised medical care. What Nigerians who are the consumers of these services require is service, not strikes

PHOTO: brooksandpam.blogspot.com

Bode

Furthermore, Enabulele said the implementation of that report will issue a new template for ending what has become persistent crisis on some very unrealistic disputations and contestations over professional status, remunerations, career progression, job descriptions, roles and responsibilities, control, among others within the health care environment. “If the report attends to the issues that have been challenging the nation’s health care system, especially with regard to interprofessional relationship and implemented, we may see a drastic reduction of strike actions in the health sector, going forward in 2015.” It is not only industrial strikes that posed challenges to the health sector in 2014. Undoubtedly, the impact of strikes in reducing service delivery further worsened the state of Nigeria’s Universal health coverage. Enabulele during Nigeria’s 54th independent anniversary celebration in October this year said, Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria is still hovering around a miserable seven percent, far lower than rates seen in other less endowed countries like Rwanda, Tanzania and Ghana. Drug production Similarly, in the area of drug production, the nation contin-

Faniran

ues to depend on foreign countries for its vaccines, which are needed medications for the prevention of numerous childhood killer diseases. This is in spite of the realisation that drug is classified under national security issue. The challenge that is posed to the populace from foreign dependence on drugs was brought to bear during the Ebola outbreak when Nigeria’s request to the United States (U.S) for experimental Ebola drugs was turned down. The country ultimately looked inwards to manage its Ebola patients. Furthermore, in the area of disease control, the nation in the year under review recorded increased incidence and deaths from noncommunicable diseases including diabetes, kidney diseases, cancers, hypertension, among others. A disease such as tuberculosis (TB) is not left out. HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, which is 3.4 percent has reduced. It is important to note that HIV prevalence rate which grew from 1.8 percent in 1991 to 5.8 percent in 2001 declined by merely 2.4 percent in 10 years despite the huge funding from the federal government, donor agencies and the organised private sector. However, in the last quarter of 2014, there are indications that some international partners have already CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Health Features

THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Implementation of health bill, key to quality life gramme (PPPSHIP) designed to provide cover for about 24 million pupils of public primary schools nationwide. *Community-Based Social Health Insurance Programme. Highlighting some of the progress achieved this year, Dr. Thomas stated, “As at today, total enrollment figure stands at about 7.2 millions lives.”

Nigerians depends on foreign countries for its vaccine needs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

withdrawn support for the provision of free HIV drugs. People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) are now being told to pay for their drugs. How far many poor Nigerians living with HIV will be able to cope remains to be seen. Amidst these down turns, Monday October 20, 2014 cannot be forgotten as it was the day the world celebrated Nigeria’s victory over EVD. It had been smuggled into the country by the Liberian American, Mr. Patrick Sawyer in July. Following its containment, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the country free of the virus on this day and this singular act presented Nigeria’s health sector in a positive light. However, Suprevising Minister of Health, Dr. Alhassan Khaleru has warned that

Pharmaceuticals In pharmaceuticals, the WHO officially certified four Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturing companies - Evans Pharmaceutical Limted, May & Baker Pharmaceutical Limted , Chi Pharmaceutical Limted and Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited, to produce drugs

PHOTO: dynamicnetworktechnologies.com

the certified Ebola-free status must not be taken for granted and advised all to ensure vigilance as well as seek immediate attention for cases that involve sudden onset of fever, weakness, pains, diarrhoea, vomitting and bleeding. To put an end to Ebola in West African countries and the world at large, the federal government sent 250 Ebola volunteers to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea this December, to help contain the outbreak. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, is also sending 250 more volunteers by January 2015. With regard to polio, there is good news as the country is close to eradicating polio. Nigeria is one of the three countries that have never been free from polio. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the other two. With a decrease of 50 cases to six cases in 2014, the country

will soon be declared poliofree. According to the Special Assistant to President Jonathan on New Media, Reno Omokri, Nigeria has not recorded a single new case of the wild polio virus since July. Only six cases have been recorded in Nigeria this year, which is about 90 percent decline from last year. Other milestones by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under the new leadership of Dr. Femi Thomas include: *The National Mobile Health Insurance Programme (NMHIP) which is providing subscribers of the Mobile Network Operators the platform to register, select HMO and Provider, and choose payment options and plan, all on their mobile phone at their convenience. *Public Primary Pupils Social Health Insurance Pro-

locally in accordance with WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) after the Audits/inspections by WHO Pre-qualification Team. National Health Bill The signing into Law of the Health Act by President Good luck Jonathan has been praised by many Nigerians. National Health Bill is termed as key to improving the Nigeria’s health sector. “The Act provides for a minimum package of essential health services for all citizens to guarantee a more productive life. In addition, improved access to health for the vulnerable groups will impact positively on infants, child and maternal mortality rate.

Foundation tasks civil societies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

“We have learnt that Nigeria has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rate which means children below the age of five die daily and even mothers at child birth”. Champions for Change Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Theresa Kaka Effa while making a presentation on the realities on RMNCH in Nigeria, said available data reviewed that Nigeria still has one of the world’s highest rates of maternal and child mortality rate. Statistics from the 2013 National and Demography Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that one in 13 Nigerian women dies

from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Similarly, she said one in eight Nigerian children dies before their fifth birthday. One in every 15 Nigerian children dies before reaching one year. She also quoted from a 2014 World Health Organisation (WHO) maternal mortality ratio report, that although globally, deaths from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth have dropped by 45 percent since 1990, 800 women around the world still die every day from complications in pregnancy - and this figure is equivalent to 33 an hour but, 99 percent of all maternal related deaths occur in developing countries.

Life giving properties of water (2) CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

Gas is in vapour or steam that flows when water is heated. To stay healthy, each person needs to drink at least 2 ½ liters of water daily. A normal adult drinks between 60,000 and 70,000 liters of water in his lifetime. From the above, one can see that water is vital to healthy living. It is for this reason that I refer to water as medicinal. What we should learn is how to avail ourselves of the life which water gives. But what are the functions of water? Let us state the obvious. The first function of water is to quench thirst. And the most natural thing for a man dying of thirst to demand for is water, not Coca-Cola or Fanta or beer. Water is the only substance that can really quench thirst. Processed liquid, such as, soft drinks or beer only serve to suppress thirst for some min-

Nature Power Fr. Anselm Adodo, OSB

naturepower@paxherbals.net; twitter: @anselmadodo utes. They can never give the same satisfaction which water gives. Water aids the metabolism of food as well as washes the digestive system. It keeps the blood thin and light, so that it flows freely and smoothly, so that it can supply the essential minerals needed for the good health of the body. Water also moderates bodyheat, preventing it from rising too high or too low. Water serves as lubricant for the muscles and joints, keeping them healthy and strong. Water as a therapy Water therapy is a scientific method of drinking water to

promote health and bring healing. The method is this: When you wake up in the morning, drink at least five cups of water. This is better done as soon as you wake up, even before brushing your teeth. During the course of the day, drink as much as you can, but never while eating. You should drink water at least one hour before or after meals, never during meals. The reason for this is that the body produces its own enzymes for digesting any food taken. Now, drinking while eating leads to a dilution of these enzymes, making them to lose their concentration.

Spring water

The safest and purest drinking water comes from springs. Before going to bed at night, you should drink two to three cups of water. This method is so simple that one can easily take it for granted. However, its efficacy has been scientifically proved and documented. Cases of diabetes, cancer, hypertension, arthritis, stroke and other illnesses have been reversed through water therapy. Let us make use of water for the health and betterment of our children, the world and ourselves.

PHOTO: www.ehow.com

Cases of diabetes, cancer, hypertension, arthritis, stroke and other illnesses have been reversed through water therapy

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Industry

ICT

Power, cost of fund took shine off industries

Year of mixed fortunes for ICT sector

Business What's news

Experts demand yearly supply of 10,000 homes In order to give a boost to housing supply and provide more choice for tenants, particularly the low-income earners, housing experts have tasked government across Africa to make bold the importance they attach to the expansion of “build to let” market.

N250bn needed to grow agric APPROPRIATE Increased spending on agriculture will cushion the effects of fluctuation in oil prices Dele Alao

should increase spending in agriculture and I think that is the only solution. The next big thing in Nigeria and Africa is the scaling up of our agricultural production. With that, the world can be under our feet and everybody would be happy.” It would be recalled that the

All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) once called on the Federal Government to allocate 20 per cent of the 2015 budget to agriculture to re-invent and re-invigorate the sector. AFAN lamented that Nigeria has not allocated 10 per cent of her national budget to agri-

culture in line with the Maputo Declaration of 2002. It noted that returning to agriculture remains the only solution to challenges facing the economy in the face of the dwindling revenue from crude oil as a result of fall in the oil prices in the international market.

p.32

17m Nigerian SMEs tasked on e-commerce The over 17 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owners in Nigeria have been urged to leverage online solutions that allow them to embrace e-commerce to better grow their businesses.

p.32

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

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

he Group Managing Director, Elephant Group, Tunji Owoeye, has called on the Federal Government to make provision for between N200 billion and N250 billion annually to finance the agricultural sector. “Investments in agriculture through government budget should not be less than between N200 and N250 billion annually and this should be consistent. Anything less than that would not be too good for us as a nation considering the situation we are in now in terms of oil prices,” he said. “We should not be dependent on what happened to the movement in oil prices. We should begin to sell agric produce to the world and conserve our foreign exchange. I think this is the direction we should take,” he added. Owoeye, the current chairman, Rice Importers, Millers, Distributors Association of Nigeria (RIMIDAN), said that because of the fall in oil price, it was time for the country, her people and Africa at large to re-define their investments on agriculture. “I think because of this fall in oil price, it is time for us in Nigeria and Nigerians, investors, entrepreneurs, stakeholders and perhaps Africans, to begin to see the sense in putting our money in agriculture because if we do, we won’t have to bother about what happens to international prices of oil,” he said. He added: “Government

L-R: Executive Director, Finance and Investment, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Dr. Adekunle Wright; Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Dabiri; Director-General, Mr. Rotimi Hussain and Executive Director, Technical, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, at the Commission’s 15th Retirement Bond Certificate presentation to the state’s retired civil servants in Lagos. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Coal demand to hit 9bn tons by 2019 Bayo Akomolafe

he International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that global demand for coal in the next five years will surpass nine billion tons. IEA said in a market report that since year 2000, global coal consumption has been growing steadily. Also, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, total world coal reserves have reached a record

level of 869 billion tons. Although South Africa and Zimbabwe are the only two African countries recognised by the IEA as having proven coal reserves, Nigeria is also believed to have abundant coal reserves left unexploited as the coal industry suffered a big blow since 1987. However, as global demand for coal is expected to hit nine billion tons by 2019, no fewer than 22 coal fields holding reserves of two billion metric tons are wasting away in Ni-

geria. Some of the coal fields are in Amansiodo Coal Field, Ezinmo Coal Field, Onyeama Mine, Inyi Coal Field, Ogbete, Enugu State; Ogboyoga I Coal Field, Okaba Coal Field, Ogboyoga II Coal Field, Kogi State; Ogwashi-Azagba Lignite Field, Delta State, Okpara Mine, Oyeama Mine, Anambra State; Owupka Mine, Benue State; Ribadu Mine, Maiganga Mine, Gombe State CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE November 2014........................7.9% October 2014............................8.1% September 2014.....................8.3%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel As at Dec. 28)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N180 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N290 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N238

l Foreign Reserves – $35.19bn as at 18/12/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Dec. 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N168 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N263.39 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N205.41

Business | News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Experts demand yearly supply of 10,000 homes DEFICIT

Experts want authorities to commit to release of public sector land for housing projects Dayo Ayeyemi

n order to give a boost to housing supply and provide more choice for tenants, particularly the low-income earners, housing experts have tasked gover nment across Africa to make bold the importance they attach to the expansion of “build to let” market. Besides, they also want them to commit to the release of public sector land with capacity for 10,000 homes per year and make it available to developers on the basis of a pre-determined volume of build-to-let. In addition, governments were also urged to carefully target incentives to stimulate the rapid development of new business models from a range of promoters – public sector landowners, registered providers and private sector house builders. These were the recommendations of all stakeholders at the recently concluded “Africa Rental Housing Conferences in Sub Sahara-Africa: Opportunities for Providing Affordable Housing for All.” The recommendations were published in a document entitled: “A White Paper for Policy-Makers, Practitioners and Academics.” The term built-to-let is used to describe buying a property with the specific intention of renting it out rather than living in it.

The White Paper is a consequence of the African Rental Housing Conference, organised by Shelter Afrique in partnership with the French Development Agency to discuss relevant issues regarding the development of a formal rental housing sector in subSaharan Africa. The conference, which brought together over 200 participants from various nationalities, was a unique and timely opportunity for policymakers, practitioners and academics to discuss and debate the opportunities and challenges of the often ignored rental housing sector in Africa. The experts are demanding that governments should specifically recognise the role of the rental sector when assessing housing demand and planning for housing. They said: “Gvernments should include in a strong steer to specify rental needs as part of their strategic housing market assessments; encouraging local authorities to include more flexibilities in their planning system to plan for and enable developments of rental housing schemes, where they can meet local needs; establishing a national policy for rental housing that would include all necessary incentives (fiscal and otherwise) necessary to attract private capital into this sector while enforcing desirability of affordable housing. “Where member states lack experience in developing policy proposals for rent, they were encouraged to engage with multi-lateral institutions such as UN-Habitat, Shelter Afrique and the World Bank, to seek some help on policy dialogue.” The participants tasked governments to commit to the release of public sector land

Coal demand to hit 9bn tons CONTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

From the coal deposit, 25,511 tons were mined in 1916; 1920, 180,122tons; 1930, 347,115 tons; 1940, 318,594 tons; 1950, 583,425tons; 1960, 565,681 tons; 1970, 24,404 tons; 1980, 118,317tons; 1987 and 117,159tons. According to South Africa is currently leading Africa in coal export and it remains one of the top ten coal producers in the world, responsible for about three per cent of the world coal usage. The country also has

the world’s ninth largest proven reserves of coal at 30.2 billion tons. In 2010, the country moved to revitalise the coal mining industry and expand power generation by attracting companies to develop the large coal resources and construct coal-fired generating plants that will connect to the country’s electrical distribution grid. World’s five largest coal users are India, China, USA, Russia and Japan, accounting for 77 per cent of the total global coal use.

with capacity for 10,000 homes per year and make it available to developers on the basis of a predetermined volume of build-to-let. The concept is for governments to identify in partnership with local authorities (e.g. city councils) public

land sites in locations where there is a good demand for rental housing (this should be ideally demonstrated by an independent feasibility study); investors (for e.g. led by Shelter Afrique) to raise the necessary cash. They canvassed that

government should procure a developer and a managing agent to develop a market-driven mixed-tenure development across those sites which returns a blend of sales and rental income over a period of time. “The income derived

from the investment shall be sufficient to provide a level of return to both the investors and the governments, with the cash investors taking a priority return and the governments recovering its land values as a second priority,” the suggested.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mrs. Ediri Ose-Ediale; Executive Council member/Commercial Director, Promasidor Limited, Mr. Kachi Onubogu; Chief Executive Officer, Wawoo TV, Don Pedro Obaseki and General Manager, Pidgin TV Channel, WawooTV, Mrs. Mabel Onoruvie, during a press parley on the ADVAN-WawooTV Digitisation conference in Lagos.

BOOST

Leveraging online platform provides small businesses the opportunity to grow faster Kunle Azeez

he over 17 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owners in Nigeria have been urged to leverage online solutions that allow them to embrace e-commerce to better grow their businesses. The advice was given by experts with the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) conglomerate, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc., in Lagos. Nigeria’s e-commerce sector is currently valued at $200 million with additional $300 million expected to the value of the industry in the next few years. According to the CWG experts, who spoke during an online technology workshop organised in Lagos, getting businesses online provide an easier route to widen the scope of customers who are likely to patronise a company with web presence. The workshop was also used to introduce Openshopen, an e-commerce company with solutions to help SMEs leverage online platform to run their businesses in more efficient and effective ways. The workshop with the theme, “Learn How to Set-up, operate and advertise your own store online” was aimed

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

17m Nigerian SMEs tasked on e-commerce

at equipping business owners with the skills they need to take their business to the online community by operating an online store and selling to people other than those in their immediate physical community. Speaking at the workshop, Head, Marketing Communications, CWG, Miss Success Nmerife, said that the workshop was designed to introduce them to solutions and methods they could employ to maximise the benefits that the internet affords in growing their business. She observed that the shift in the global focus from traditional business model to online commerce had made the utilisation of the electronic media in business promotion and sales an indispensable tool for merchants. Business Manager, Openshopen, Miss Adriana De la Cruz Duffo, said that Openshopen had been uniquely designed to respond to the challenges of online trading encountered by SMEs in the Nigerian business environment. According to her, “Openshopen is easy to use, cheap and profitable. It addresses the fears of payment gateway security. It also takes care of the logistics of delivery. It is

a platform you as merchants can adopt, if you want your business to grow.” Meanwhile, merchants at the workshop were taken through three training sessions. In the first session, Head, Innovation, CWG Plc, Mr. Tayo Oduwole, introduced the Openshopen online platform to the participants. According to him, “CWG’s partnership with Openshopen to introduce the eCommerce platform is in line with our vision to enable Nigerian merchants acquire business enabling technology without incurring business killing own-infrastructure costs.” He explained that Openshopen differed from other online shopping platforms, in that it allows merchants sell directly to buyers and have the privilege of promoting their brands. Unlike other platforms that require merchants to submit their wares for sale. “With Openshopen, you can sell your brand alongside your products, such that people can look for you if they want your products again,” he concluded. The workshop featured a practical session, where Oduwole took participants through step by step procedure of opening a store online.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Industry

ITF, OGFTZA seal pact on capacity building p.34

LCCI demands dispute resolution mechanism p.34

YEAR 2014 IN REVIEW

Power, cost of fund took shine off industries Year 2014 closed with multiple strains on the economy arising from the crashing price of crude oil in the international market, high cost of fund, weakening naira, concerns about inflationary pressures and profound productivity constraints arising from weak infrastructure, but DELE ALAO writes that despite the challenges, the economy presents attractive opportunities for investors on account of its size. A few hours ago, the world bade farewell to 2014. he year did not however go unnoticed in the real or manufacturing sector of the economy. Though, the sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased, poor electricity supply, high cost of fund, among others, characterised the sector in the year. In the course of the outgone year, an economic report by Renaissance Capital, said that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector displaced telecommunications and oil and gas sectors, to become the major economic growth driver. According to the report, with Nigeria’s rebased GDP, the manufacturing sector, the report said, is currently growing faster than the telecommunications, oil and gas and agricultural sectors. Also, the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the year under review, got a financial boost of $500 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors. Furthermore, during the year, the Federal Government approved more funding for the steel industry. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, while on a pre-commissioning visit to the Steel Cold Rolling Complex of Kam Industries Limited in Ilorin, Kwara State, said that the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIPR) had taken care of most of the concerns in the operating environment, noting that positive results were already being recorded, especially in terms of enhanced capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector.

A manufacturing plant

Aganga said: “We are almost there. We have consulted with you and other stakeholders in the industry. You have all contributed to the new measures and we are working on that already. The NIRP focuses on the enablers. One of the enablers, of course, is to make sure that we have affordable finance to support the industries.” While x-raying the year, the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), noted that the real sector was beset with so many challenges arising from falling crude oil prices, which have precipitated the proposed austerity measures and devaluation, among others. “Due to a lot of pressure on the naira as a result of high demand, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) devalued the naira to an official rate of N168 per dollar; however the interbank exchange rate still goes as high as N185 to a dollar as at December 22, 2014. Also, there still exist a gap between the savings and lending rate. The cost of funds currently hovers between 22 and 35 per cent depending on the profile of the firm, which is too high for any productive venture and has significant implication on the global competitiveness of Nigerian firms and their products, NACCIMA, through its national president, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said. He added: “Inflation rate fell to 7.9 per cent (last reported figure from CBN), from 8.3 per cent in July 2014 and GDP Growth Rate rose from 6.21 per cent in Q1 to 6.23 per cent in Q3 of 2014. Also, external reserves were down by 16 per cent from $42.988 billion in January to $35.95 billion in December 2014. While Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) went up to 13 per cent as against 12 per cent in the first half of 2014, crude oil price continues to fall. It currently stands at $60.12/

Most firms, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), expressed concern over increases in their electricity bill

barrel as against $102/barrel as at August 2014.” The NACCIMA president therefore said that the macroeconomic fundamentals were less stable than they were in the first half of 2014 and this, he noted, has serious implications on the progress of the real sector of the Nigerian economy. Also, the country’s foremost chamber, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said that the emergence of Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa by virtue of its rebased GDP in April 2014, presented lots of opportunities, especially the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). “The economy was, however, hampered by productivity challenges like high cost of credit, insecurity and infrastructure deficiencies. The economy, in 2014, kept pace with projections on some fundamental indicators like inflation and growth. Inflation was at 7.8 per cent and eight per cent threshold throughout the year while Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate was around the projected threshold of 6.5 per cent,” it said. It added: “In the last quarter of 2014, the economy experienced shocks arising from developments in the global economy which presented downside outcomes in respect of key macroeconomic indicators. External reserves opened the year at $43.5 billion and closed at less than $35 billion. Exchange rate opened at the official window at N155 to a dollar and closed at N168 (and even reached the N190 threshold at the parallel market). The Monetary Policy Rate rose to 13 per cent and other related rates were increased by the CBN during the year. “The economy is currently experiencing a major shock from sustained drop in oil prices from $114 per barrel in January 2014 to

$60 at the end of the year.” In the views of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), “Foreign Direct Investment into Nigeria in the first six months of the year amounted to $9.70 billion or N1.5 trillion. This makes Nigeria one of the top FDI destinations in the Middle East and African region.” LCCI noted that in the out-gone year, beyond high interest rates and strict credit requirements, there were issues with government’s administration of assisted/ intervention loans. “For instance, the Bank of Industry (BoI) does not have facility for working capital to industries. Industrialists have identified this as a major shortcoming of the BoI intervention funds. Working capital for industries is as important as the fund for the equipment and machineries. The preference for bank guarantees as a form of collateral is another concern expressed by industrialists,” LCCI said. The chamber also noted the poor electricity supply in the year under review. It said: “There was an evident deterioration in public power supply in 2014. Electricity supply dropped by an average of 30 per cent in most industrial parts and households in the last six months of 2014. We note the progress made so far on the power sector reform, particularly on the privatisation of the sector. However, the power situation continues to pose severe challenge to business operators. There were complaints across all sectors about high-energy costs, especially high expenditure on diesel during the year. This continues to take its toll on the bottom line of investors in the economy. “In 2014, most firms, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), expressed concern over increases in their electricity bill. Most SMEs spend as much as ten per cent of their monthly turnover on payment for public power supply alone. Often, these firms never get the power supply they are compelled to pay for. Again, we reiterate our position that the policy of fixed charge by electricity firms should be reviewed as it is unfair to power consumers,” it added. Also taking a look at 2014, the first deputy president, Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ABEOCCIMA), Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, said that the year was also characterised by many obstacles among which is epileptic power supply. “The issue of power is key to any business venture. Most manufacturers still generate their energy through the use of diesel which is very costly and inimical to the growth of the sector,” he said. However, the general consensus among stakeholders is that 2014 was a year of mixed blessings for the sector.

Business | Industry

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

ITF, OGFTZA seal pact on capacity building MANPOWER Pact to bridge skill gap and enhance the competitiveness of free trade zones

he Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oil and Gas Free

Trade Zones Authority (OGFTZA) Onne, River State. According to the Director General, ITF, Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, the MoU is to bridge the skills gap required to enhance the competitiveness of free trade zones in the country. The pact, which was sealed at the ITF office in Abuja, would aid the collection of training contribution for capacity building. Chukkas-Onaeko, who not-

ed that Nigerian population was growing geometrically, noted that there is an urgent need to harness this potential. She further said that shortage of technical and vocational skills is constraining enterprise development and restricting employment. She said: “Evidence from developed and emerging economies show that requisite expertise constitutes a key platform for attaining sustainable economic improvement which

could only be accomplished by a properly planned and implementable system of education and training. “Despite the different governments’ interventions, it is evident that the nation is grappling with shortage of skills. We do not have the necessary expertise in Nigeria and we have to appear elsewhere. We have proffered options that will address the weaknesses and bridge the capabilities and desired improvement without

which it will be hard for Nigeria to remain industrialised,” she added. On his part, the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zones Authority, Onne, Alabo Victor, stressed that Free Trade Zones were designed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in the oil and gas sector. He said that Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone attracted over 200 businesses operating in different areas.

ABUCCIMA set to boost regional trade TARGET Emphasis placed on the West African sub-region

Category Marketing Manager (Standard Milk), Nutricima Limited, Mr Raphael Agbaje, with Blue Santa and Olympic Milk Brand Ambassador, Peter Okoye of PSquare, presenting an autographed shirt and cartons of Olympic Milk to a winner of Blue Santa Selfie Challenge, Tunde Popoola, as part of Nutricima Limited’s activity to celebrate the season with consumers in Lagos.

PARTNERSHIP State to become a destination of choice for investors

he Ekiti State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to access N2 billion to promote small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to boost the state’s economy. Governor Ayodele Fayose said this at the maiden edition of the Christmas Bonanza Fair organised by the Ekiti State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (EKCCIMA) at the trade fair complex, Ado-Ekiti. Fayose, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Kolapo Olusola, said that his government would identify and harness all untapped natural and human potentials in agriculture, tourism and minerals, among others, that abound in the state to provide a lasting solution to poverty and unemployment. The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the promotion and growth of SMEs to make the state a destination of choice for business. The governor, who noted that the fair remained a

Ekiti signs MoU with CBN to boost SMEs veritable means of wooing potential investors towards participating in the economic growth of the state, said that his government was poised to take giant strides at putting the state on the map of economically viable states in Nigeria. Fayose commended the state Chamber for organising the special Christmas Fair titled: “New frontiers in boosting commercial and industrial development in Ekiti State,” stressing that his government would be ready at all times to support individuals and corporate organisations to create a forum that would showcase

immense social-economic potentials in the state. While appealing to indigenes of the state to show interest in the activities of his government to transform the agro-industrial sector, the governor noted that the vast arable land in the state could be cultivated to provide adequately for the nation. Earlier, the EKCCIMA chairman, Chief Kola Akosile, said that the fair was organised to promote economic activities of the state during this yuletide season as well as to showcase the economic potentials that were stockpiled in the state to the outside world.

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to put in place an independent dispute resolution mechanism that could resolve valuation disputes within three days because of demurrage implications This appeal is coming on the heels of complaints by importers of deliberate and arbitrary revision of the value of cargoes by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). According to the President,

he President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ABUCCIMA, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye, has pledged to boost regional trade of members and activities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Ejinkeonye made the promise at the 2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the chamber in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory where he was elected president of the Chamber. The ABUCCIMA president said that the Chamber would organise different programmes including seminars and trainings for the SMEs operators in the country to boost the sector. “One of my plans is to increase regional trade, the statistic that is available to us shows that 85 per cent of businesses Africans do is outside Africa. Our interest within these three years is to promote trade within African region with emphasis on the West African sub-region,” he said. Ejinkeonye said that the fall in the value of the naira and oil prices at the international market might be a blessing to Nigeria and Nigerians, describing Nigerians as “very resourceful and high capacity people with lots of innovations.” He said: “It will make us go back to our root basis; it will make us go back to the drawing board. So, to me as a businessman, it is not a disin-

centive, but a wakeup call for SMEs and businessmen to go back to the drawing board, to come up with solutions and for me, it is achievable. Nigerians and businessmen are highly innovative and we will come out of it stronger.” The president, who noted that the nation had limitations in financing the SMEs, said that innovation was a vital tool. He added that businesses could not continue to rely on banks for financing, noting that the bank had always been the most expensive way of financing business. Also, former president of the Chamber, Mr Dele Oye, said that government always designed laudable policies without the input of the people who were the supposed beneficiaries. “Government does not allow the stakeholders to make input which has been a major gulf between policy formulation and its implementation and that is why, as a Chamber, we give feedback to government on the policy made. When the money or funds are not accessible and is locked up in the bank, the real gain will not be there for government because it is not yielding the expected interest,” he said. Also, the immediate past president of the Chamber, Mr Solomon Nyagba, called for collaboration between government and private sector in developing the SMEs sector to grow the economy. “If government encourages the growth of SMEs, the operators would in turn employ the people and assist the masses and create wealth,” it said.

LCCI demands dispute resolution mechanism LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, the chamber has been inundated with complaints by importers. “There should also be an independent dispute resolution mechanism in place that could resolve valuation disputes within three days because of demurrage implications. The current arrangement whereby appeals are made to the customs headquarters is not consistent with the principle of natural justice. The

Nigeria Customs should not be a judge in its own case,” the LCCI president said. The LCCI president, who noted that the NCS’ action was driven, perhaps by the quest to generate more revenue in line with its new target, said: “We do not believe that this is the best way to improve revenue generation by the NCS. There should be a credible ground to dispute the value of invoice on imports. Most of the prices

are global prices and are easily verifiable. But in many of the instances, the actions of the NCS have no bearing with these global prices. Regrettably, there is no dependable dispute resolution mechanism in place. Invoice values have been arbitrarily hiked by between 50 to 100 per cent.” “Many importers, including reputable companies, have suffered from this arbitrary revision in value,” he added.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

ICT

‘Nigeria needs 5,000 ethical hackers’ p.36

ITU moves to support e-Health growth p.36

YEAR 2014 IN REVIEW

Year of mixed fortunes for ICT sector Although Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology space recorded an impressive performance in 2014, the industry is still plagued with a number of challenges, reports KUNLE AZEEZ

transactions in the country as the e-payment scheme in the country rides on mobile networks’ infrastructures more efficiently compared to previous years. Telecoms sector is, indeed, fueling the growth of e-commerce, whose current value is worth $200 million and billed to reach $500 million in the next few years. In 2014, observes Google Country Manager, Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, Nigeria recorded more online presence of businesses as they struggled to leverage online platforms to market their products and services. Online shopping space is still dominated by the likes of Jumia.com, Konga.com, Checki.com, DealDey, RyteDeals, SME MarketHUB, among others.

igeria’s Information and Communication Technology Industry witnessed mixed developments last year in the areas of subscriptions growth, broadband penetration, local hardware manufacturing sector development, software sector and general service quality, among others. According to the rebased GDP data, telecommunications and information services sector currently contributes 8.68 per cent to the Nigerian economy equivalent to N6.97 trillion ($44.3 billion) out of the total rebased GDP estimate of N80.22 trillion ($510 billion). Also, combined industry’s local and foreign direct investment (FDIs), which stood at $25 billion in 2012 reached over $32 billion at the end of April in 2014. Subscriber growth Perhaps, one of the most easilynoticed figures in the telecoms sector is the subscriber base status of the mobile networks which grew by around five per cent within the first three quarters of 2014. According to the latest industry data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecoms operators attracted additional 7.5 million mobile subscriptions on their networks, having increased their subscriber base from 127 million in December 2013 to 134.5 million active lines as at September, 2014. However, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators and fixed line networks were not beneficiaries of the increase in subscriber base, as CDMA subscriptions did not increase beyond 2.4 million subscriptions at the end of third quarter of 2014, same figure recorded on CDMA networks last months earlier. Industry analysts say by the time the regulator released the subscriber figure for the last quarter of 2014, which is still being awaited, subscriber base in the industry may be close to 140 million. Infrastructure As a capital-intensive sector, telecoms operators continued to drive investment in fibre optic

Johnson

cabling in 2014 to ensure lastmile Internet connectivity and in 2014 alone, telecoms companies increased cabling investments by an estimated 44.2 per cent, according to New Telegraph findings. For instance, as at December 2013, telecoms companies including MTN, Globacom, Etisalat, Airtel and others, had deployed a combined total of 68,124 kilometre of fibre optic cabling across the country. In 2014 alone, records showed that telcos deployed an additional 38,000 kilometre of additional fiber optic cabling, all in an efforts to take the over 11 terabyte of internet bandwidth lying idle at the country’s shores across the nooks and crannies of the country to achieve pervasive broadband. Also, telecoms investment in base stations increased in 2014. Between 2013 and December 2014, 2G-enabled sites have increased from 22,578 to 28,289 while 3Genabled sites have increased from less than 10,000 to 15,048 during the same period. Though some of the operators embraced outsourcing by selling off their base stations to infrastructure management company such as IHS, to reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX), the country still grew its total industry base stations from where it was in January 2014 to about 30,000 in December. Though the increase in infrastructure deployment has ostensibly helped to extend access to both voice and data services to more Nigerians, quality of service issue persisted during the year. It was, however, better than the experience which subscriber had in 2013: MNP According to industry observers, the Mobile Number Portabil-

Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Eugene Juwah

ity (MNP) scheme came handy in 2014, allowing willing subscribers to migrate from their existing network to a ‘better network’ in terms of service quality service delivery. MNP scheme, introduced by the regulator in 2013, gained steady traction in 2014. From monthly 6, 888 ported telephone lines as at January, 2014, the figure increased to monthly ported lines of 19, 682. Overall, about 179, 898 lines have so far ported from one network to another, according to the regulator’s data. As such, the MNP lived up to its expectation in 2014, with more subscribers embracing porting anytime the need arose.

Between 2013 and December 2014, 2G-enabled sites have increased from 22,578 to 28,289 while 3G-enabled sites have increased from less than 10,000 to 15,048

Regulations/policies The Ministry of Communications Technology, in collaboration with both the NCC and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), pushed forth initiatives aimed at driving more investment into the sector. The NITDA’s participation at the 2014 Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Dubai and the NCC’s participation at the ITU Telecom World 2014 held in Doha, Qatar, among others, were major global events attended to advertise the huge investment potential in the nation’s ICT sector to global investors. This is even as various local and international studies have shown that Nigeria remains a budding investment haven for telecoms. Last year, the NCC, among others, also moved to sanitise the Value Added Service (VAS) segment of the nation’s telecoms sector and also succeeded in auctioning the 2.3 gigahertz spectrum band to drive wholesale broadband provisioning in the country. E-commerce Telecoms sector continued to have great impact on electronic

Local hardware, software firms Although the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, created the Office of National Content (ONC) in the ministry, with mandate to deepen local IT contents development and patronage in the country, the Office has not started having major positive impact on local players. Today, local hardware manufacturers such as Zinox, Omatk, Beta, Brian, Veda, among others still groan under unfavourable policy, which, they claim, is impeding their growth, while special attention was not paid to plights of already existing software developers by the government. Government, throughout 2014, was busy pumping money into the ministry’s Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA), designed to provide essential support to entrepreneurs to build software skills and solutions. Broadband and regrets Telecoms sector in 2014 witnessed efforts by the government to drive broadband beyond its current six per cent penetration to 30 per cent by 2018, through embarking on major programmes such as the licensing of new spectrum bands and licensing of Infrastructure companies (InfraCos). However, only 2.3GHZ was auctioned last year as the regulator failed to conclude the auctioning of 2.6 gigahertz and 5.4 gigahertz spectrum bands while the InfraCos’ licensing too could not see the light of the day. Experts’ verdicts According to experts, failure in take-off of the broadband campaign project, the inability of the regulator to license the two new spectrum bands, failure to issue InfraCos licences and the failure to address the poor performance of indigenous IT companies were the dark spots on the achievements of the industry in 2014. To them, 2014 remains a year of mixed fortunes.

Business | ICT

SHORTAGE Firms in Nigeria facing losses to cyber attacks due to lack of anti-cyber frauds experts Stories by Kunle Azeez

ith the increase in cases of cyber attacks in the country, Nigeria will need at least 5,000 skilled ethical hackers and cyber-warriors to tackle both cases of cyber threats emanating from within the country and those coming from outside Nigeria. Ethical hackers are professionally certified individuals with necessary expertise to defend and protect IT infrastructure of an organisation against the nefarious activities of cyber criminals or hackers. This was disclosed by a for-

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Nigeria needs 5,000 ethical hackers’ mer President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Dr Chris Uwaje, while speaking on what Nigeria should do to secure its cyberspace in 2015. He said losses being recorded by organisations in Nigeria were colossal; though affected organisations hardly want such cases revealed because of the image problem public knowledge of such cases may have on the victims. According to him, “Banks have been losing money to cyber criminals for a long time. Truth is, no one really knows how much! But, phishing, spam and malware statistics from cyber space show that organisations are losing to these cases of cyber threats. “Nigerian banks have lost about N159 billion to cyber

crime, according to information from the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) through Automated Teller Machine and e-fraud attacks.” Uwaje, however, stated that 2015 would drive e-payment forward in Nigeria, in spite of all the challenges as online shopping culture continues to promote the outsourcing ecosystem and yield more employment space for the economy. As such, Uwaje, who is the Chairman of Connect Technologies, a leading indigenous software development company in Nigeria, has advocated the need for Nigeria to secure and control what it innovates. He, however, said that the security of the cyber space could only be done, if IT local content is given a special attention and empowered.

“How will Nigeria respond if the nation’s Internet gateway is hacked and disabled (outage) for 24 hours during a business working day? Twentyfour hours in Internet time zone amounts to colossal man-years! Within that time-space, there will be expensive pandemonium at many critical levels be it government, business, financial transactions, crude oil movement, stock exchange, aviation, communication, social media and many more. “Indeed, how easy is it to hack and how difficult is it to defend? As we develop the broadband to reach the under-served, habour and accelerate more content, we must ensure that we can secure and control that superhighway,” he said. Uwaje, however, noted that Nigeria currently does not have

the required “cyber-warriors and champions to engage, respond and defend the nation as well as restore life activities.” According to him, “All the above translates into developing and taking two critical actions in 2015: First is to develop a comprehensive National IT Framework Bill and establish a distinct National Software Strategy and policy direction, incorporating the establishment of the ‘Office of the Information Technology General of the Federation.’ Secondly, we need to rework the computer science curriculum and retool all our IT lectures at all levels of education.” Uwaje, nick-named ‘Oracle of Nigeria’s IT industry,’ said the above was crucial to fabricate a solid and sustainable foundation for IT in Nigeria.

Airtel premieres CSR intervention initiative

L-R: Project Manager, Mr Charles Ibonye; Chief Technology Officer, Mr James Agada; Head, Innovation, Mr Tayo Oduwole; Head, Marketing Communications, Miss Success Nmerife, all of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc. and Business Manager, Openshopen, Adriana De la Cruz Duffo, at the maiden eCommerce workshop organised by CWG for merchants in Lagos.

ITU moves to support e-Health growth

he International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has launched the ‘ICT product conformity database’ to provide industry with a means to publicise the conformance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services with ITU-T’s international standards. E-Health products covering 23 classes of technology have been volunteered for inclusion in the database at its launch, with the intention of assisting buyers in their efforts to select standards-compliant products. The new database showcases ICT products and services found to comply with ITU-T standards by conformance tests carried out by third-party test labs. The e-Health devices populating the database were tested for compliance with the specifications of Recommendation ITU-T H.810 “Interoperability design guidelines for personal health systems”, a key standard approved in December 2013, which contains the Con-

tinua Design Guidelines. The recently-issued Continua 2014 Design Guidelines are adopted to ITU specifications and feature interface between personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN) and touch area network (TAN) health devices and application hosting devices (AHDs) including nearfield communication (NFC), USB and Bluetooth Smart Technology (Low Energy); and consent enforcement via wide area network (WAN) and Health Record Network (HRN) health devices. “ITU and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been collaborating closely on e-Health, and it is very encouraging to see the e-Health industry taking the lead in submitting its products for inclusion in ITU’s conformity product database,” said outgoing ITU Secretary-General, Dr Hamadoun Touré. Touré said the data will be of great value in improving interoperability, which the Union knows to be absolutely critical in the e-health sphere.

Continua Executive Director and Vice President of the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHA), Mr Rob Havasy, said, “Interoperability driven by open standards in mobile and personal connected health solutions, along with machine-to-machine communications, will be a key enabler for the e-Health market, which is expected to grow exponentially in coming years.” “With the support of ITU membership, we have developed a market-driven conformity and interoperability programme which will be of particular benefit to developing countries,” said Director, ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau, Mr Malcolm Johnson. “It is a long-term programme, which will have a positive impact on public health worldwide.” The test suites employed in testing the conformance of eHealth products with ITU-T H.810 were developed by Continua and will be published as 32 standards in the ITU-T H.821-H.850 series.

igeria’s telecoms services provider, Airtel, has premiered a new, emotion-laden television series, Airtel Touching Lives, a revolutionary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) intervention that is focused on empowering underprivileged individuals, communities and groups in the society. The premiere, which was an emotion-evoking event, brought to limelight the commitment and kind-heartedness of Airtel in uplifting underprivileged people across Nigeria through its CSR interventions. Speaking at the event held in Lagos recently, Airtel’s Managing Director, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, described the initiative as a philanthropic gesture of the telco to connect emotionally with Nigerians and alleviate the suffering of helpless people across the country.

“This, without a doubt, underscores our determination to enrich lives and contribute to humanity. And the premiere tonight marks the beginning of a new journey in providing empowerment and a major lifeline for thousands of Nigerians. “At Airtel, we are passionate about the people we serve and the Nigerian society. Airtel Touching Lives provides a platform for the underprivileged in our society to be identified, listened to and also cared for. For us, it is a commitment to connect with millions of Nigerians, alleviate their suffering and bring smile to their faces,” he said. The event, which held in Lagos, was graced by top government functionaries, captains of industries, royal fathers, non-governmental organisations, media partners, and other distinguished guest from all walks of life.

Etisalat empowers 200 women

ne of Nigeria’s telecoms services providers, Etisalat, has empowered no fewer than 200 women in the Northwestern states of Jigawa and Kano. The support came the way of the beneficiaries through Etisalat’s community support partnership programme, which was launched recently in the two states. The programme, where the beneficiaries were rewarded, witnessed a large turnout of more than 100 women who were trained in various vocational skills including interior decoration, perfume making, shoe crafting and bead making to mention a few. Speaking at the ceremony in Kano, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Etisalat, Mr Ibrahim Dikko explained that the initiative was launched as one of the avenues to empower

women in the rural areas. “This is a new initiative of the company aimed at reaching women in the grassroots at the point of their needs, setting them up in various businesses they require to become self-sufficient. We are poised to making an impact in the society and this is one of the steps we have taken to ensure that we touch the lives positivel,” he said. Also speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Binta Jubril, noted that the state government was exceptionally pleased with the level of commitment Etisalat had shown towards uplifting the lives of women. “Although, the Kano state government had done a lot to support its people economically, such support as this from Etisalat is one of a kind and highly appreciated,” Jubril said.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

Mom&Parenting Lies women tell

It’s definitely not just men that lie to women. Women tell lies too. In fact, they tend to tell more lies, though difficult to admit. Most of the common lies that women tell men are told just to avoid conflict. OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI explores some of the lies that women tell men.

ccording to Holly Riordan, relationship editor and expert based in the United States, even when you trust her, adore her, worship the proverbial ground she walks on; make no mistake about it, all women lie in certain situations and your little angel is no exception. Riordan narrowed the spectrum to five essential lies all women tell. 1. Money isn’t Important Most women would rather marry for love than money, but one of the most common lies that women tell men is that money doesn’t matter at all. While we may not choose our partners based on their income, a real lack of money can make life difficult and miserable, especially if it stops us doing what we want in life, having a family, for example. Simisola Olajumoke, a human right lawyer said, in as much as she wasn’t expecting much or the proverbial castle in the air from her man, “my man should be financially capable. Though, I won’t make him feel money is everything, so that he doesn’t find his way out of the relationship, there are ways I will cunningly make the needs stare both of us in the face.” Of course, I like your family! Many women genuinely like and get along with their in-laws, but those that don’t are unlikely to admit it. Telling someone that you don’t like their family (especially their parents) can be really offensive. So, it’s unsurprising that many women choose to lie to their partners about it! “Tell me which man would take it lightly to hear that you don’t like his family?! Impossible, I will rather pretend and cope along, if possible!” Olajumoke said. Sure, put the football on Plenty of women do enjoy sports, which are great, but many women at the beginning of a relationship pretend that they don’t mind sitting through endless hours of sports

Mom&Parenting Team

Oluwatosin Omoniyi Coordinator

Grace Essen Contributor

Couple on a date

when really they can’t stand it. It’s best to be honest from the word go. “I pretend all along, just to penetrate him and once I did that, there are plenty laid down activities than sitting down to watch football,” she said. I don’t mind cooking again Another lie told by many women at the beginning of a relationship is that they don’t actually mind doing all of the cooking, washing up and picking up of dirty underwear and socks. The patience to lie about this usually wears off pretty quickly, and very soon, the man finds himself having to scrape his own dirty socks off the floor. I was wrong Hands up if you’ve ever apologised for something, knowing that you weren’t actually in the wrong? Most women will have done this at some time or another just to bring an argument to an end. No doubt, most men will have done similar, because let’s face it, no one really enjoys fighting. For Esther Kangbe, a social worker in Sierra Leone, it is African concept that it is a man’s world and really every-

PHOTO: www.bossip.com

thing around us in the world tilt towards that concept, thereby making it a reality or statement of fact. So, the wise woman who wants a meaningful and lasting relationship should and must admit even when she is right. It’s useless dragging ‘right’ with a man mostly an African man. But Olajumoke countered Kangbe that by swallowing such philosophy of life means the woman is suppressed. “Why should I admit that I was wrong when actually I was right just because I want the relationship? I don’t believe it’s a do-or-die affair,” she said. I’m not jealous Many women will pretend they’re not upset if they catch their man checking out another woman or flicking through a dirty magazine, but the reality is often quite different. We lie because we don’t want to seem impatient or not cool, clingy or generally jealous and insecure. Usually the outlet for this is doing the same in return and trying to make him feel jealous too! “I must admit that in most of my relationships, I lied that I was not jealous whereas I was actually crazily jealous

We lie because we don’t want to seem impatient, clingy or generally jealous and insecure

but I tried to keep cool, so as not to chase him away,” Kangbe said. That was incredible Near enough every woman has told a lie about their bedroom experience. Be it ‘faking it,’ the old ‘size doesn’t matter’ or pretending not to be upset if a man suffers from a bit of erectile dysfunction. It’s also quite common for a woman to pretend that a man is the best (and/or the biggest) that she’s ever had. “My sister, I must confess that no woman can tell the truth about her man’s real performance in bed to the man’s face. Especially if the man is a nice and generous man, I will stick to him, pamper him and make him feel he is the best, so far, he is generous and loving to me. I will manage him!” Ifeoluwapo Olabanke, a writer said. I’m fine When he asks you what’s wrong, it feels natural to respond with, “I’m fine.” Of course, fine never actually means what the dictionary claims it means. Either you’re too tired to explain yourself, or you want him to figure it out himself. Why should you spell everything out for him? After all, CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

38 Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lies women tell

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

New year new mom

I Time for some sweet nothings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

he should know why you’re angry. Here, Olanbanke said, she expects her man to figure out when she needs him emotionally and financially. “I am the conservative type; as such, I am not bold to tell him I need sex. I also observe that he gets moody whenever I ask him for money. So anytime, I need attention or money, I go quiet and moody so that he will ask and I will simply answer, ‘fine’ but still moody. Then he comes petting and necking me, after which he will answer me emotionally and give me some money for shopping! Waoh! I’m almost ready Whether you’re getting ready for a big party or a trip to the grocery store, you want to look your best. It’s not your fault that it takes an hour to apply make-up, do your hair, and find a perfect outfit. It’s stressful being a woman. When he rushes you to get out of the bathroom, you might lie just to keep him quiet. She’s... Nice Have you ever met your man’s ex or female friend? You don’t want to badmouth her, because it’ll make you seem catty. Your only option is to lie and say that she seemed nice. Of course, in reality, you hope to never run into her again. “Honestly, any sane and matured lady would not badmouth her’s man ex-girlfriend or wife. Men are funny and crafty,” Fatimah Odion, a travel and tour agent said. She added that, to earn a man’s respect, it is best not talk ill of their friends particularly their women. “Suppress your jealousy and anger, and lie that they were great, pretty or nice. That is what our men want to hear. They like to believe that they are ever right. So, give to them so far you continuously have them with you”. I have a headache After a long day, you just want to go to sleep. You love your man, but you’re not always in the mood to

PHOTO:www.360nobs.com

please him. You can’t just turn him down without a reason, so you say that you’re tired or have a headache. He knows that it’s a lie, but hey, it works. Odion said most men are just insatiable and unreasonable when it comes to sex. “After the day’s job and running around, it is just normal to be tired at the end of the day. To sound polite, I will have to tell him a lie that I am sick or I have headache,” she said. Riordan, the relationship expert however said that some of the lies are totally harmless, while others could be potentially damaging for a relationship. Why women tell lies According to Doctor Ernest Ugiagbe of the department of sociology and authropology of University of Benin, he gave some insight into why women tell lies. She wants to spare your feelings If there’s something about you that she doesn’t like, she may think that it’s preferable to keep you in the dark about it. Although this is a lie spoken with a generous heart, if she never tells you the things that bother her, she might start to resent you, which could spell the end of the relationship. What you should do: Assess what the intention behind the lie was and how it reflects on her. Is she so insecure that she couldn’t come to you with the problem? Or is she just waiting for the right time to blow you off ? If the lie is serious and affects the foundation of your relationship, then it’s time to cut the ties. If, however, it’s a minor problem in an otherwise solid structure, face the situation head-on and make it clear that lying is not an option in the future. She’s trying to hide her past Like the previous type of lie, this one is an attempt to wipe the slate clean, to start fresh with a new man. It could be because she’s ashamed of her past,

but it could also be because she wants to forget it. This is often a lie to protect a sexual history that she thinks you’ll judge her for. What you should do: A lie like this can be dangerous; if she’s lying about whom she’s been with, there’s a reason why, so be sure you know what you’re getting into. If she does come clean about her past, however, make sure that you’re sensitive in your reaction. After all, the fear of a negative reaction is exactly why she lied. She’s manipulative Sometimes a liar justifies herself by saying that she only embellished the truth. Some people can win arguments and influence people just by emphasizing the right points — without really lying. On the other hand, she may lie outright in order to control the way you think or feel. If she tells white lies to win arguments or to twist you around her finger, you should watch out, because manipulation is a powerful tool. What you should do: Seriously? Run. If you’ve caught her in a manipulative lie, she’s already trying to play you. This can only get worse. She wants to keep the upper hand She might withhold information to maintain a sense power over you. For instance, if a mutual friend tells her something important, she may keep it from you so that she has the inside scoop. Or she might just keep things from you to keep you at a disadvantage; that way, she can pick and choose what to tell you and when. What you should do: Unless you have underlying domination fantasies, this is probably a problem you should deal with promptly. She’s found a way to keep you under her thumb, and as long as you allow it, you’ll stay there. Anyone who tries this kind of trick likely has control issues and will continue to dominate you. If this sounds unattractive to you, get out while you can.

f you’re like most moms, every New Year you may wish to make some resolutions to improve your life and those of your loved ones. You may want to lose some weight, get out of debt, use your time more effectively or start your own business. Unfortunately, you and I both know that as the year progresses, these goals that seemed so important on January 1st soon fall by the wayside, forgotten (until the next January). When it comes to making resolutions, being realistic is key. So I have put together some common mom resolutions that are easy and totally doable for all of us, so we can all make the changes we need and keep them up all year long. A Little more Patience Every mommy probably makes this promise - I want to be more patient with my children. We all hate when, at the end of a long day, we snap at them and make unending threats (“if you two don’t stop that right now, I’m going to get my cane!”). Resolve to become a more patient and more understanding parent. It does not take better behaved children, but a more self-controlled mom. What could be more important? Less “Don’ts” We can reduce how often we use the word “dont” . That will means saying, “Please be kind to your brother” instead of “Don’t talk to him that way.” I think it’s better for our relationships for us not to always be the source of negative reminders. So when we do say “don’t” for an important reason, maybe it will stick more, since the children are not barraged by “don’ts” so often. To spend less time ‘plugged in’ The amount of time we spend online is really a concern for today’s moms. It’s so easy to get sucked into browsing, pinging, “Whatsapping” or checking Facebook and emails all day. I think there are so many of us who would need resolving to spend less time “plugged in”. Of course we all enjoy spending time online, we can make this an easy resolution to succeed at by giving ourselves time in the day when we can jump online while our kids catch a cartoon, during playtime or naptime. We can resolve not to check e-mails after 6pm (or anytime you find suitable) even though it never stops coming in. We can also turn off our data connection at some point to enable us connect with our loved ones and enjoy some calm. Making exercises a part of our routines

Raise your hands if this is on your New Year Resolution list every single year. It’s time to get serious moms. We have to make our physical fitness top priority this year if we must stay healthy. Think of fitness routines you can easily incorporate into your day, like taking quick walks around your neighbourhood, playing music and dancing maybe in the privacy of your room, or following an instructor on a VCD. Anything that works for you is fine. To keep the house cleaner “My resolution is to create a clean home environment for them - to be a cleaning lady, stay on top of laundry and all household chores. I want the baby to have an area to crawl around in without clutter, my 4-year-old to be able to play with his trains, and my husband to be happy, which will lead to a more pleasant home environment for the kids.” -- Anonymous Mom Ok welcome back to real life. If you have kids at home, your house is never going to be perfectly clean. From clothes overflowing from the wardrobes, toys littered everywhere, to the sticky fingerprints on the stainless steel refrigerator. Making a resolution to keep the house spotlessly clean will only keep you going round in circles all year round. Instead, you can pick a couple of things you want to keep clean and tidy at regular times such as, washing and folding laundry every other day, mopping the floors on Fridays or cleaning out one closet once a month. Specific cleaning goals will help you have a more realistic resolution. To make healthy, homemade meals every day I hope this is on every mom’s New Year’s resolution list especially after the holidays, when healthy meals may have been few and far between. If having healthier family meals is on your list, you can keep the pressure off you by spending a small amount of time each week planning your meals and shopping for all you need well ahead of time. You can come up with menu plans having meals that are easy and quick to make especially for very busy weekdays. Mother and Wife I think we should all have on our lists a resolution to not give all our time and energy to only being best moms ever, but to make sure we save some of “us” to give our darling husbands. Giving our children a good example of a healthy and loving marriage, will help them feel secure, confident, and blessed. Any more ideas?

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

L-R: Minister of Transport, Idris Umar; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuwade and Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Yero, during the inauguration of Kaduna Intra-City Mass Transit Train. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Representative of Commandant, School of Armour, Brig.-Gen. Kayode Ogundele; Commandant 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. James Myam; Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh; Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Capt. Yakubu Mohammed (rtd.) and Secretary to Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Mahmud Maijama’a, during the Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund Week, in Bauchi. PHOTO-NAN

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai (left) and Member, Board of Directors, Etisalat Nigeria, Junaid Dikko, at Dikko’s Turbaning as Turaki Babba of Zazzau by the Emir of Zazzau.

L-R: Host, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), 2Baba Idibia; Hostess, Maryse Acotie, and winner, Artiste of the year category, David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido), at the 2014 AFRIMA awards in Lagos.

Photo | News

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd.); Speaker, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson; Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri and and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmond Allison Oguru, shortly after the December edition of the Bayelsa State Monthly Praise Night, in Yenagoa.

L-R: Bride’s parents, Venerable Tope Adewumi and his wife, Monisola; the couple, Akinwale Ajayi and Kehinde; grooms parents, Elder Johnson Ajayi and his wife, Deaconess Grace, at their children’s wedding ceremony in Lagos.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Olukemi Mimiko (middle) and wife of the Deputy Governor, Alhaja Bejide Olanusi, with children, during the state’s Children Christmas/End of the year party, in Akure.

L-R: Head, Spirits, Marketing & Ready-to-Drink (RTD), Diageo Brands Nigeria, Liz Ashdown; Brand Manager, Baileys, Ufuoma Udjoh; Musician, Ituoje Iruobe (Waje) and Tolu Ogunyemi, during the Christmas edition of Ladies Night organised by the company in Lagos.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Leisure Arcade NUTS

By Kaycee

MAMA LASISI

By Aliu Eroje

MOYIN & FRIENDS

NTPuzzle

By Ayo Oyerinde

NTJokes SUDOKU - Answer to No 24 4

FREE MEAT SUDOKU - No 25

Finally he offered to provide her with free meat until the boy was 16. She agreed. He had been counting the years off on his calendar, and one day the teenager, who had been collecting the meat each week, came into the shop and said, “I’ll be 16 tomorrow.”

How to play

SUDOKU

ALIU EROJE

CHIEF CARTOONIST aliu.eroje@newtelegraphonline.com

It was many years ago since the embarrassing day when a young woman with a baby in her arms, entered his butcher shop and confronted him with the news that the baby was his and asked what was he going to do about it?

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row , column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells. A region has thicker lines surrounding it. This simply makes it easier to play the game.

“I know,” said the butcher with a smile, “I’ve been counting too, tell your mother, when you take this parcel of meat home, that it is the last free meat she’ll get, and watch the expression on her face.” When the boy arrived home he told his mother. The woman nodded and said, “Son, go back to the butcher and tell him I have also had free bread, free milk, and free groceries for the last 16 years and watch the expression on his face!”

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

ECOWAS single currency actualisation starts today COMMON MARKET

Member states’ cooperation will enhance economic activities Godson Ikoro

he quest for the actualisation of ECOWAS single currency – ‘eco’ by the year begins in earnest this morning, January 1, 2015, if all member states keep faith with previous agreements to transform the region into an economic bloc, similar to the Euro zone by 2020. At the 45th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Accra, Ghana in the outgone year, the summit endorsed its article 14 recommendations of the convergence criteria, the streamlining of institutions and the revised roadmaps with a specific indication of the institutions in charge of its implemen-

tation. The common currency will boost the regional economic performance and consolidation of the common market. The Authority had noted the positive outlook of the regional growth achieved during the first half of the outgone year and welcomed the observed gradual diversification of the economies of member states. Consequently, it urged member states to sustain their efforts particularly by strengthening the economic, budgetary and financial reforms and by taking ownership and ensuring effective implementation of the regional programmes with a view to consolidating the achievements. In this regard, the Authority welcomed the actions implemented so far in line with the different roadmaps adopted by ensuring that the ECOWAS – CET comes into force today January 1, 2015, by ensuring effective implementation of the trade liberalisation scheme and attaining monetary union by 2020.

At the same meeting, which was attended by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the former head of state, Gen-

eral Yakubu Gowon, the Authority encouraged member states to boost the regional economic performance and con-

solidate the common market. More specifically, the Authority had instructed the commission in

‘World Bank’s move to end poverty on course’ Godson Ikoro

he quest by the World Bank to essentially end extreme poverty by reducing the share of people living on less than $1.25 a day to less than three per cent of the global population by 2030 and to promote shared prosperity by improving the living standards of the bottom 40 percent of the population in every country is on course, Kaushik Basu, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, World Bank Group, has said. He said this in the report of The Global Monitoring Report 2014/2015: Ending Poverty and Sharing Prosperity. The report, he said, provided an update on the world’s progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are due to expire in 2015. In his words: “If it is shocking to have a poverty line as low as $1.25 per day, it is even more shocking that 1/7th of the world’s popula-

tion lives below this line. The levels of inequality and poverty that prevail in the world today are totally unacceptable. This year’s Global Monitoring Report, which brings together in one volume a statistical picture of where the world stands in terms of the World Bank Group’s goals, is essential fodder for anyone wishing to take on these major challenges of our time.” The report also reaffirms the centrality of growth for development but highlights that growth is more effective in reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity if it is inclusive and sustainable. According to Kaushik Basu, one year ago, the World Bank Group (WBG) proposed two goals to measure success in promoting sustainable economic development and to monitor its own effectiveness in delivering results.

Abuja

Economic Indicators

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

The WBG shared prosperity goal is to increase per capita real household income or consumption of the bottom 40 per cent of each country’s population. Since the goal is country specific, there is no explicit target set at the global level but WBG believe that tracking of shared prosperity can reinforce poverty reduction efforts in the low- and lower-middleincome countries by bringing attention to those people not covered by social inclusion policies but who might otherwise be left behind. This is demonstrated in calculating progress in shared prosperity requires comparable income surveys for multiple years of four countries, namely Uganda, Brazil, South Africa and Sri Lanka, where multiple surveys have existed since the 1980s and 1990s.

Development Bank to bolster SMEs funding ready Q1 Abdulwahab Isa

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

conjunction with all stakeholders to meet the implementation deadlines of the pending tasks.

he proposed Development Bank conceived by the government to boost lending to the real sector of the economy at a moderate interest rate will make its debut in first quarter of 2015. Its coming on board will complement the existing lending institutions and is amongst key policies government is desirous to execute under 2015 fiscal policy New Telegraph was informed yesterday . To facilitate its take –off, the Federal Government and other development partners, which include the World Bank , African Development Bank (AfDB ), KfW of Germany and AfB of France are pooling together over $1 billion for its operation. The World Bank contributed $ 500millin, African Development Bank (AfDB) $450 million KfW of Germany, and AfB of France $ 100 million to facilitate its take off. Initially billed for this year, its take-off has been postponed to first quarter of 2015. The bank, when operational, will help in resolving major challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which government considers critical to the development of the real sector. The Coordinating Minster of the Economy and Minster

of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had explained during one of her recent chats that small business owners could borrow up to N5 million on long term to fund their business at much cheaper interest rate. The government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has already initiated N220 billion SMES fund aimed at deploying credit lending to small business organisations to bolster the real sector of the economy. The N220 billion micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) fund which is already operational and running was kicked-off by President Goodlcuk Jonathan August this year at the 8th Annual MSMEs Finance Conference in Abuja. The fund is to be accessed by Microfinance Banks (MFBs) at a maximum interest rate of nine per cent. During the occasion, President Goodluck Jonathan disbursed about N869.9 million of the N220 billion to the first batch of beneficiaries of SMEs in Abuja. The four beneficiaries presented with cheques yesterday include, Akwa-Ibom State, N260 million, Delta State N500 million; Labo Microfinance Limited N100 million and Grassroots Microfinance Limited N9.9 million. About nine states have been confirmed to have so far accessed part of N220billion Small and Medium Scale Enterprise fund

Business | Financial Market News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

31-Dec-14

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

535.00 581.39 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 414.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 178.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,783.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,366.10

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

0.31 1.63 2.32 2.57 2.67 3.41 4.49 4.81 7.08 9.20 13.91 14.39 14.89 15.56 19.55

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

13.97 15.28 15.28 15.30 15.30 15.34 15.37 15.38 15.32 15.13 14.49 14.43 14.37 14.81 15.21

13.45 15.17 15.20 15.22 15.23 15.21 15.27 15.27 15.25 15.07 14.44 14.38 14.30 14.75 15.15

97.00 96.85 99.60 88.73 87.33 87.99 102.00 72.19 104.50 95.40 102.96 88.31 64.29 71.00 81.00

97.15 97.00 99.75 88.88 87.48 88.29 102.30 72.49 104.80 95.70 103.26 88.61 64.59 71.30 81.30

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.39 1.13 1.94 2.30 2.51

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.20 18.04 17.31 16.29 16.30

93.95 99.17 97.95 95.70 92.54

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.97

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

309.18

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.67

4.44

18.48

96.36

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.51

3.23

16.37

99.26

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

1.02

4.46

20.33

94.49

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

1.02

3.48

19.35

96.62

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.30

5.59

20.88

80.83

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.57

1.00

16.42

96.52

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.00

1.79

17.11

92.93

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.17

1.80

17.09

94.81

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.76

1.00

16.36

93.50

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.37

1.00

16.30

96.77 89.42

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.37

4.78

20.08

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.56

1.00

16.30

96.53

A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

*GOMBE LAGOS

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19

2.81 4.89 2.87

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.31 16.38 18.05

98.46 93.79 93.07

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.33

1.00

16.34

96.13

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.91

1.00

16.35

89.42

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.00

1.94

17.29

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.66

1.44

16.79

94.21

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.52

1.95

17.29

94.25

96.66

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

91.67

461.14 424.21

Corporate Bonds Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.39

4.88

18.51

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.34

09-Dec-15

0.70

1.00

15.20

98.25

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.54

2.63

15.95

98.76

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.75

1.00

16.37

95.00

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.82

1.34

16.68

96.25

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.75

1.00

16.31

92.84

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.77

1.88

17.24

102.09

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.77

3.48

18.84

96.21

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

1.94

5.20

20.51

96.46

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

1.94

5.06

20.37

101.82

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.73

1.35

16.71

92.65

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.05

2.29

17.58

97.29

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.13

6.11

21.40

92.95

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.00

2.16

17.48

96.79

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.87

2.76

18.11

89.85

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.75

1.00

15.92

80.47

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.75

1.00

15.92

86.91

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

124.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

116.58

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.12

1.00

16.33

85.46

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.34

1.00

16.39

84.88

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.25

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

6.38

6.12

101.83

103.16

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.46

5.02

98.94

100.34

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.69

6.48

97.99

99.31

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,493.78

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

30.85

26.63

83.38

86.63

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

7.00

100.63

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.47

99.48

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

11.21

10.58

88.16

89.77

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

8.21

7.48

92.82

95.11

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

23.60

21.10

65.25

70.42

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.49

95.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

13.31

10.78

85.20

93.03

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

10.01

92.00

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

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

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

19.13 10.95 10.66

19.13 10.52 10.66

56.75 92.50 87.00

56.75 94.38 87.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

9.97

8.99

93.42

98.03

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,181.25

**Treasury Bills DTM 8 15 22 29 36 43 50 57

FIXINGS Maturity 8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15

Bid Discount (%) 12.99 14.14 13.91 13.50 13.84 13.94 13.52 12.76

Offer Discount (%) 12.74 13.89 13.66 13.25 13.59 13.69 13.27 12.51

Bid Yield (%) 13.03 14.22 14.03 13.65 14.03 14.17 13.78 13.02

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.9583 14.5226 15.2433 15.9265

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.00

O/N

11.00

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.25 15.10

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

186.00 185.29 185.58 186.26 187.51 188.77

186.10 185.39 185.72 186.71 188.50 190.25

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.67

4.44

18.48

96.36

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.51

3.23

16.37

99.26

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

1.02

4.46

20.33

94.49

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

1.02

3.48

19.35

96.62

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.30

5.59

20.88

80.83

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.57

1.00

16.42

96.52

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.00

1.79

17.11

92.93

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.17

1.80

17.09

94.81

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.76

1.00

16.36

93.50

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, A-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER JANUARY 1, 2015

Business | Financial Market News

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.37

1.00

16.30

96.77

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.37

4.78

20.08

89.42

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.56

1.00

16.30

96.53

A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

*GOMBE LAGOS

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19

2.81 4.89 2.87

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.31 16.38 18.05

98.46 93.79 93.07

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.33

1.00

16.34

96.13

Stock market closes year on negative trajectory

27-Nov-13 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 on a negative route fol- the equities market lost 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 PLUNGE lowing only three trad16.797 per cent as bank31-Dec-13 A/Agusto *EKITI 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 ing stocks were among 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR *NASARAWAing session.15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 Investors lose N9bn Consequently, the All- the worst battered – the TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE as NSE ends the year NSE Banking Index shed TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Share Index shed 27.17 basis points or 0.078 per cent 21.53 per cent YTD. Simiin red Corporate Bonds to close at 34,657.15 basis larly, consumer goods 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC points as against 34,684.32 stocks as well as indus12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 A-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 *FLOURMILLS recorded the previous day trial stocks tumbled by 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS Stories by Chris Ugwu 17.88 per cent and 15.98 while the market capitali13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 NAHCO to sation of equities depreci14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 per cent according A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 FSDH 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 espite recordated by N9 billion or 0.78 their respective gauges. UBA 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017Due to the dismal BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C &in I LEASING per cent as market sentiing two- day #{r} MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 Nil the green, *DANA the # ment turned loon the red performance of the MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER Nigerian Stock territory . cal bourse, the Nigerian # MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER Exchange closed the year On a year-to-date basis, Stock Exchange 22-Sep-11 was 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

LAGOS

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

Access Bank receives award from international academy

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

ccess Bank Plc has shoot up. TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION been rewarded by “Of course, we needed the International to encourage this sector by Supranational Bond Film and Broadcast Acadcreating a platform where 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC emy (IFBA) for its support talents can11.25 be AFDB discovered, 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB towards the growth of the nurtured and where they TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE entertainment industry can get a springboard to TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION in Nigeria. the next level. With what TheRating/Agency award was pre- Issuer we have done so far, the Description sented to appreciate the careers of many of them bank for its partnership have exploded. So, for us, FGN Eurobonds with the academy over a natural partner was6.75 AcJAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P cess Bank.” the years. BB-/Fitch; Speaking at an event in FGN Responding, the Execu5.13 JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P Lagos, the founder, IFBA, tive Director, Information BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 BB-/S&P Mr. Victor Okhai, said the Technology and Operaacademy provided stutions, Access Bank, Mrs. TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE dents the opportunity to Ojini Olaghere, who repTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION network with film makers resented the bank’s Group Corporate Eurobonds from all and broadcasters Managing Director/Chief FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch;Africa B-/S&P and the rest AFREN over ofPLC I Executive Officer, Mr.11.50 Her7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC bert I the world. Wigwe, said the partJUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS PLC He said “The truth is BANKnership with IFBA 7.25 was 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch;the B/S&Pnew generation FIDELITY BANK PLC of the bank’s corpothat part 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; GTBANK has toB+/S&P take over and so PLC rate social responsibility 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN we have to give them thePLC II (CSR). B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC opportunity to compete She said, “For us, 6.25 it APR is 22, 2019 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC in the international level. about partnership 8.75 and 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC IfB-/Fitch; they are to start doing support. Here in Access 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B/S&P AFREN PLC III films today, you willACCESS find BANKBank, we are encouraged 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P PLC II to carry out CSR.” out that our standard will 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD B-/S&P

1.00

16.35 lion shares worth89.42 N45.5 1.94 17.29 91.67 million exchanged by in1.44 16.79 94.21 80 deals.94.25 1.95vestors in 17.29 Volume in the sub-sector was largely driven by activities in the shares of Unity Kapital and Man4.88 96.66 sard Plc.18.51 1.00 15.20 98.25 Also, banking services 2.63 15.95 98.76 by ac1.00sub-sector, 16.37boosted95.00 1.34tivities in 16.68the shares 96.25 of 1.00Diamond 16.31 92.84and Bank Plc 1.88UBN Plc17.24 followed 102.09 with a 3.48 18.84 96.21 turnover of 55.8 million 5.20 20.51 96.46 shares valued at 101.82 N561.3 5.06 20.37 million in 609 deals. 1.35 16.71 92.65

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.05

2.29

17.58

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.13

6.11

21.40

92.95

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.00

2.16

17.48

96.79

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.87

2.76

18.11

89.85

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.75

1.00

15.92

80.47

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.75

1.00

15.92

97.29

86.91

124.63 116.58

ome capital market oper“I believe that the stock market will11-Feb-18 gain much 3.12 and ators yesterday predicted 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 the generally 4.34 will that the Nigerian 10-Jul-14 11.25 Stock 12.95 economy 01-Feb-21 Exchange (NSE) would record improve as soon as the elec24.95 significant improvement in tion 21.25 is over,” he said. NAN reports that the NSE the second quarter of 2015. Value capitalisation as at They told the News AgencyOutstanding market Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) ($mm) of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos Dec. 30, 2014, closed at N11.49 that the improvement was trillion from the N13.20 trilexpected because the6.75 election- lion in the corresponding pe07-Oct-11 500.00 28-Jan-21 6.38 eering activities would have riod of 2013. The decrease of N1.71 5.46 trilbeen over quarter. 500.00 12-Jul-13by the first 5.13 12-Jul-18 Mr Chineyem Anyanwu, a lion represented 12.95 per cent 12-Jul-13 500.00 12-Jul-23 6.69 Managing Partner of6.38 Depend- decrease already . able Securities Limited., La- 1,500.00 Also speaking, Mr Emmangos, said that the uncertain- 1,493.78 uel Eze, Managing Director, ties surrounding the 2015 Perfecter Investment Trust general elections had slowed Ltd., Lagos, said that the stock 11.50 450.00 01-Feb-16 lower than 30.85 down01-Feb-11 the equity market. market performed 19-May-11 7.50 activi500.00 was expected 19-May-16 in 2014. 7.00 Anyanwu said that what 7.25 of the 350.00 7.47 ties of25-Jul-12 politicians ahead Eze said 25-Jul-17 that the market 09-May-13 elections 6.88also af300.00 02-May-18 11.21 actually lost what it gained forthcoming 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 8.21 fected08-Nov-13 the entire capital mar- in 2013. 08-Apr-12 and development. 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 23.60 According to him, the poor ket growth 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.49 According to him, all the performance of the 2014 finan21-May-14 8.75 200.00 predicaments and challenges cial year is 21-May-19 as a result of13.31 the 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 10.01 that may come with the 2015 outbreak of Ebola disease and 09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 19.13 general elections will the of the Naira. 24-Jun-14 9.25 be felt 400.00devaluation 24-Jun-21 10.95 “There was also the fall within the 1st quarter. 23-Jul-14 8.00 450.00 23-Jul-21 10.66in 14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

9.97

crude oil prices and security challenges, among others, 1.00 16.33 85.46 facing1.00 the economy 16.39 ,” he said. 84.88 Mr Gbenga Obisesan, Managing Director, Topmost Securities Ltd., Lagos, said there was need for strong Nigerian Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price investors’ participation in the Nigerian Prices &stock Yields market to enhance stability and develop6.12 101.83 103.16 ment of the economy. Obisesan said mar5.02 98.94 that the 100.34 ket and the economy would be 6.48 97.99 99.31 stable through strong participation of domestic investors. “Our economy like most global market is sensitive to global development, but if we 26.63 a strong 83.38participation 86.63 have by 7.00 domestic100.63 investors 100.63 in our 7.47 99.48 help to99.48 economy , it will make 10.58 89.77staour economy88.16 much more 7.48 Obisesan 92.82said. 95.11 ble,” 21.10 65.25 70.42 He said that capital market 7.49 95.50 95.50 operators should ensure fur10.78 85.20 93.03 ther development of domes10.01 92.00 92.00 tic19.13 investors’ confidence in 56.75 56.75 stocks because it was critical 10.52 92.50 94.38 for10.66 long-term87.00 stability. 87.00 8.99

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

27-Nov-20 5.91 lores de Colombia stock 31-Dec-20 6.00 exchange with a loss of 31-Dec-20 3.66 34 06-Jan-21 per cent to 3.52 emerge second among other exchanges. Meanwhile, a turnover of 233.8 billion shares 17-Aug-15 0.39 worth N4.2 billion in 09-Dec-15 0.70 2,775 deals was recorded 06-Jan-16 0.54 in the day’s trading. 29-Sep-16 1.75 Insurance sub 25-Oct-16 1.82sector of 30-Sep-17 the financial2.75servic1.77 most es 30-Nov-17 sector was the 09-Apr-18 active during 1.77 the day 09-Sep-18 1.94 (measured by turnover 09-Sep-18 1.94 volume); with 74.2 mil22-Sep-18 3.73

Analysts see significant growth for capital market in Q2

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

13.50 87.50 ranked the third worst 15.00 5.00 performing stock market 14.50 4.55 during15.00 the 2014 financial 4.79 year. 461.14 According to financial 424.21 analysts at Telegraph London, the Nigerian bourse10.00 recorded 333.61per 12.00 9.34 cent loss to earn third po14.00 0.60 sition among the 10 worst 13.00 15.00 exchanges 14.25 in the world. 5.53 20.00 The13.00 ranking also saw 18.00stock exchange, 0.64 Moscow 16.00 6.30 Russian recording 54 per 18.00 2.90 cent loss to top the list 16.00 0.80 followed by Borsa de Va14.00 35.00

93.42

98.03

31-Dec-14

4,181.25

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills FIXINGS Money & Forwards) 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 andMarket may not be accurateForeign or up toExchange date. We(Spot do not guarantee DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor 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 Rate basis(%)of the Information. NIBOR FGN

8 15 22 Bonds29 36 43 Rating/Agency 50 57 64 71 78 85 92 99 106 NA 113 120 127 134 176 218 246 337 351

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 Issuer 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 NA 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 25-Jun-15 6-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15

12.99 14.14 13.91 13.50 13.84 13.94 Description 13.52 12.76 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.12 13.05 16-AUG-2016 12.80 15.10 27-APR-2017 10.76 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.77 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.55 10.70 30-MAY-2018 12.70 16.00 29-JUN-2019 12.76 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.44 16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.23 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.46 15.00 28-NOV-2028 13.50 12.49 22-MAY-2029 12.24 12.08 8.50 20-NOV-2029 11.55 10.00 23-JUL-2030 14.50 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 14.25

12.74 13.89 13.66 13.25 13.59 13.69Date Issue 13.27 12.51 23-Apr-10 12.87 16-Aug-13 12.55 27-Apr-12 10.51 27-Jul-07 13.52 31-Aug-07 13.30 30-May-08 12.45 29-Jun-12 12.51 23-Oct-09 13.19 27-Jan-12 12.98 14-Mar-14 12.21 28-Nov-08 13.25 22-May-09 11.99 11.83 20-Nov-09 11.30 23-Jul-10 14.25 18-Jul-14 14.00

13.03 14.22 14.03 13.65 14.03 14.17 (%) Coupon 13.78 13.02 4.00 13.43 13.05 13.13 15.10 11.01 9.85 14.23 9.35 14.03 10.70 13.15 16.00 13.25 7.00 14.02 16.39 13.83 14.20 13.02 15.00 14.20 12.49 13.01 13.02 8.50 12.52 10.00 16.74 12.1493 16.51

Bonds

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Tenor O/N 1M 3M Outstanding Value 6M

(N'bn)

535.00 23-Apr-15 581.39 16-Aug-16 NITTY 452.80 27-Apr-17 Tenor Rate (%) 20.00 27-Jul-17 1M 13.5903 100.00 31-Aug-17 2M 13.7353 300.00 30-May-18 3M 13.8200 351.30 29-Jun-19 6M 13.8357 233.90 23-Oct-19 9M 14.6149 600.00 27-Jan-22 12M 14.8801 414.68 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 NIFEX 200.00 20-Nov-29 Current Price ($/N) 591.57 23-Jul-30 BID($/N) 178.00 184.7375 18-Jul-34 OFFER ($/N) 184.8375

4,783.63

OBB

10.00

Tenor

Spot O/N 11.00 7D 14D REPO Offer Yield Tenor Rate (%) 1M TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield (%) (%) Call 11.25 2M 1M 15.10 3M 0.31 13.97 13.45 3M 15.40 6M 1.63 15.28 15.17 6M 16.13 1Y 2.32 15.28 15.20 2.57 15.30 15.22 NOTE: 2.67 15.30 15.23 3.41 15.34 15.21 :Benchmarks 4.49 15.37 15.27 * :Amortising Bond 4.81 15.38 15.27 µ :Convertible Bond 7.08 Management Corporation 15.32 15.25 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 9.20Government of 15.13 15.07 FGN: Federal Nigeria 13.91 Mortgage Bank 14.49 14.44 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 14.39 Finance Corporation 14.43 14.38 IFC: International LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 14.89 14.37 14.30 NAHCO: Nigerian 15.56 Aviation Handling 14.81 Company14.75 O/N: Overnight 19.55 15.21 15.15 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

186.00 186.10 185.29 Price 185.39 185.58 185.72 186.26 186.71 Bid Price Offer Price 187.51 188.50 188.77 190.25 97.00 97.15 193.07 195.99 96.85 97.00 202.25 207.74 99.60 99.75 88.73 88.88 87.33 87.48 88.29 NA :Not87.99 Applicable 102.00 102.30 # :Floating Rate Bond 72.19 72.49 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 104.50 104.80 95.40 95.70 ‡ : Bond rating under review 102.96 †: Bond rating expired 103.26 88.31 88.61 N/A :Not Available {r} :Issuer in receivership64.59 64.29 71.00 71.30 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 81.00 81.30 UBA: United Bank for Africa

4,366.10

*for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration #

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **ExclusiveRating/Agency of non-trading t.bills Issuer

Rate (%) 10.9583 14.5226 15.2433 15.9265Date Maturity

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 % Exposure_ 06-Jul-17 Mod_Duration

0.39 1.13 1.94 2.30 Implied Yield 2.51

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

16.20 18.04 17.31 16.29 INDEX 16.30

93.95 99.17 97.95 95.70 YTD Return 92.54 (%)

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 Total Outstanding 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 Porfolio Market Value(Bn) Volume(Bn)

24-May-12 0.00 03-Apr-12FMDQ FGN 17.25 BOND 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50 Outstanding Vol Value

1,014.06

1,034.18

32.63

34.27

3<5

1,380.93

1,365.98

43.09

46.67

564.19

769.57

24.28

3,169.73

24.56

INDEX 3.00

112.22 116.70 Bucket 66.49 Weighting

322.97

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 Implied 1.00 Portfolio Price

0.33

13.91

15.28

116.6407

1,107.85

10.7849

0.43

46.24

15.26

119.5815

1,012.57

1.2571

19.07

0.24

39.85

14.91

86.1303

1,007.02

0.7015

100.00 31-Aug-10

12.50100.00

8.50 1.00

100.00 31-Aug-15

15.13 0.67

110.5005 4.44

1,055.18 18.48

5.5184 96.36

309.18

A+/Agusto

KADUNA Market

12.50 KADUNA2,959.18 31-AUG-2015

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.51

3.23

16.37

99.26

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

1.02

4.46

20.33

94.49

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

1.02

3.48

19.35

96.62

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.30

5.59

20.88

80.83

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.57

1.00

16.42

96.52

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.00

1.79

17.11

92.93

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.17

1.80

17.09

94.81

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.76

1.00

16.36

93.50

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.37

1.00

16.30

96.77

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.37

4.78

20.08

89.42

Business | Capital Market

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051

Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014

Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at December 31, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 13.05% FGN AUG 2016 15.10% FGN APR 2017 Federal Totals

Symbol FG102016S1 FG9B2017S2

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 101.50 102.75

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 600 1,500 2100

2,100

2100

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Value Traded 639,213.59 1,584,809.19 2,224,022.78

2,224,022.78 2,224,022.78

Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051

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

AGRICULTURE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. C ONigerian A NIG. Stock PLC. Exchange © Published bySThe TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

No. of Deals 7 14 21

Current Price 25.35 24.50

Quantity Traded 22,593 129,932 152,525

Value Traded 548,192.33 3,208,330.22 3,756,522.55

No. of Deals 9 9 Daily Summary (Equities) 30

Current Price 2.28

Quantity Traded 93,800 93,800

Value Traded 208,494.02 208,494.02

246,325

3,965,016.57

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 5 1 130 43 179

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051 Real Estate Development Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 1.31 4.67 3.25 34.00

179

23,194,641

94,142,012.17

Current Price 0.74

Quantity Traded 215,000 215,000

Value Traded 160,400.00 160,400.00

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 60.66

Quantity Traded 1,425 1,425

Value Traded 82,122.75 82,122.75

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 9.50

Quantity Traded 97,970 97,970

Value Traded 945,716.97 945,716.97

314,395

1,188,239.72

Quantity Traded 1,972,200

Value Traded 13,779,671.08

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CHAMPION

No. of Deals 52

Current Price 6.98

Page

ICT

Quantity Traded 41,571 41,571

Value Traded 6,790,801.60 6,790,801.60

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

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON

No. of Deals 19 61 37 7 38 162

Current Price 4.55 6.35 39.20 3.46 6.22

Quantity Traded 327,447 1,476,680 547,250 21,081 627,140 2,999,598

Value Traded 1,491,440.77 9,177,519.60 21,382,506.74 69,805.26 3,894,049.65 36,015,322.02

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 9 66 75

Current Price 40.00 1,011.75

Quantity Traded 31,440 960,357 991,797

Value Traded 1,309,755.00 994,882,121.50 996,191,876.50

No. of Deals 20

Current Price 4.03

Quantity Traded 293,550

Value Traded 1,137,784.01

Household Durables VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VONO

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

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 4 24

Current Price 1.12

No. of Deals 53 28 81

Current Price 23.80 35.80

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Published by The NigerianCarriers, Stock Exchange Insurance Brokers © and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

571 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 73 DIAMONDBNK 59 ETI 19 FIDELITYBK 30 GUARANTY 95 SKYEBANK 17 STERLNBANK 31 UBA 144 UBN 13 WEMABANK 5 Daily Summary (Equities) ZENITHBANK 123 609

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE

No. of Deals 23 12

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 6.60 5.58 18.58 1.62 25.18 2.66 2.54 4.30 8.50 0.96 18.41

Current Price 0.81 1.02

Quantity Traded 62,359 355,909

Value Traded 69,597.90 1,207,381.91

Quantity Traded 1,135,959 134,659 1,270,618

Value Traded 26,708,754.19 4,924,034.95 31,632,789.14

10,770,494

1,453,134,474.17

Quantity Traded 4,902,893 12,222,932 135,746 2,018,818 8,649,611 346,305 6,080,617 5,481,127 10,255,783 128,716 5,668,381 55,890,929

Value Traded 32,813,581.00 67,756,500.95 2,469,600.01 3,366,217.42 224,138,614.74 927,911.30 14,745,256.67 23,591,208.87 87,167,755.28 122,931.56 104,269,076.15 561,368,653.95

Page

Quantity Traded 944,805 3,659,783

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Totals © Published Micro-Finance by The NigerianBanks Stock Exchange

Value Traded 288,407.92 2,298,275.90 53,034.25 613,234.39 45,780.00 4,505.76 3,303,238.22

1,185,235

3,303,238.22

Quantity Traded 25,345 25,345

Value Traded 12,672.50 12,672.50

Quantity Traded Page 10,000 10,000

48,172.50

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.30

Quantity Traded 134,153 134,153

Value Traded 175,863.08 175,863.08

8,362,651

1,504,324,177.00

Quantity Traded 561,500

Value Traded 280,750.00

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exploration and Production Totals

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,325 2,325

Value Traded 1,162.50 1,162.50

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH

No. of Deals 32 5 271

Current Price 3.04 3.62 8.80

Quantity Traded 1,039,382 74,500 8,483,242

Value Traded 3,042,201.38 272,220.00 75,079,229.40

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 49,057 49,057

Value Traded 24,528.50 24,528.50

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 271 271

Current Price 16.11

Quantity Traded 7,855,914 7,855,914

Value Traded 125,827,631.46 125,827,631.46

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA

No. of Deals 19 14

Current Price 38.11 2.98

Quantity Traded 133,240 222,911

Value Traded 5,035,335.90 634,277.74

Symbol FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 52 15 1 47 148

Current Price 227.90 158.00 53.20 142.50

Quantity Traded 311,186 30,532 80 305,548 1,003,497

Value Traded 70,443,481.66 4,822,383.82 4,043.20 43,832,870.08 124,772,392.40

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 40 40

Current Price 371.01

Quantity Traded 328,533 Page 328,533

127,609,440.97 9 of 12 127,609,440.97

465

Value Traded

9,237,001

378,233,993.33

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 3.94

Quantity Traded 29,990 29,990

Value Traded 118,210.50 118,210.50

Symbol

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 3.70

Quantity Traded 365,100 365,100

Value Traded 1,351,870.00 1,351,870.00

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

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

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 5 3 8 16

Current Price 1.18 1.35 4.22

Quantity Traded 10,420 25,000 470,110 505,530

Value Traded 11,814.60 33,400.00 1,948,248.80 1,993,463.40

Transport-Related Services NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol NAHCO

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 4.96

Quantity Traded 484,411 484,411

Value Traded 2,393,838.01 2,393,838.01

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 3.49

Quantity Traded 35,470 35,470

Value Traded 125,860.62 125,860.62

1,509,790

6,050,610.28

2,774

233,764,033

4,228,707,780.17

Support and Logistics Totals

Value Traded 103,600.00 10,800.00 5 114,400.00 of 12

280,750.00

Value Traded 64,867.75 64,867.75

SERVICES Totals

Quantity Traded 20,000 13,500 33,500Page

561,500

Quantity Traded 84,289 84,289

Media/Entertainment Totals

Current Price 5.42 0.80

Value Traded 280,750.00

Current Price 0.77

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Quantity Traded 561,500

No. of Deals 6 6

Daily Summary (Equities) IKEJAHOTEL

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 7 7

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Value Traded 358,626.00 4,000.00 1,750.00 1,000.00 1,500.00 7,325,033.60 14,500.00 626,248.30 32,558,687.00 226,928.40 45,548,335.35

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 Courier/Freight/Delivery Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Quantity Traded 717,252 8,000 3,500 2,000 3,000 2,354,698 29,000 976,000 65,117,374 355,167 74,170,579

Symbol JAPAULOIL

OIL AND GAS Totals

Current Price

Daily Summary (Equities)

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

Current Price 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.20 0.50 0.65 0.50 0.64

Symbol UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

35,500.00

35,345

Value Traded 6,690,750.50 8,550.00 1,369,642.40 1,016,315.00 1,482,266,221.44 740,500.00 12,056,334.58 1,504,148,313.92

Symbol

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC.

Value Traded 7 of 12 35,500.00

Page

Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

No. of Deals 8 1 1 1 1 7 4 8 2 12 80

Quantity Traded 133,267 604,285 1,075 383,482 61,040 2,086 1,185,235

Quantity Traded 305,165 1,000 35,978 98,890 7,447,905 190,000 149,560 8,228,498

Symbol

Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051 OANDO PLC

Symbol CORNERST HMARKINS LASACO LAWUNION LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM UNITYKAP WAPIC

784,037,096.21

Current Price 21.90 9.00 37.50 10.39 200.00 3.90 80.50

Daily MULTIVERSE Summary (Equities)

NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services Mining Services Totals

Support and Logistics Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051

Page

178,346,656

No. of Deals 12 1 8 16 160 4 38 239

245

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

Value Traded 765,292.05 3,664,770.00

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Value Traded 91,121,937.86 6,393,630.60 1,095,325.17 177,004,544.41

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Quantity Traded 37,726,066 236,151 689,982 48,249,323

Current Price 165.40

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

NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC

No. of Deals 8 8

Page

Current Price 3.39

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Symbol 7UP

Symbol VITAFOAM

0.50

No. of Deals 1 1

Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYEas BANK PLC Daily Summary of 31/12/2014 STERLING BANK PLC. Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Daily Summary of 31/12/2014 Activity as Summary on Board EQTY Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051

Symbol ETRANZACT

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. and Electrical Products Totals Daily SummaryElectronic as of 31/12/2014

Value Traded 115,509,466.23 26,644,298.79 225,361,061.90 1,805.00 381,296,303.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

3 3

ICT Totals

Quantity Traded 662,319 1,131,967 1,344,015 500 5,111,001

COURTVILLE

Current Price 168.15 23.37 165.30 3.79

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 67 15 86 1 221

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

Current Price 2.28 3.90 50.00 1.58 0.78 2.14

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

Symbol GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 Food Products--Diversified Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

No. of Deals 9 7 4 15 5 1 41

HEALTHCARE Totals

Value Traded 208,605.71 1 12,707.28 of 72,872,587.51 21,048,111.67 94,142,012.17

No. of Deals 3 3

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Quantity Traded 159,241 Page 2,862 22,416,353 616,185 23,194,641

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC.

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Processing Systems Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

Current Price 2.49 27.00 1.64

1,163

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Daily Summary as of 31/12/2014 Pharmaceuticals Totals Printed 31/12/2014 12:51:51.051

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 127 10 25 470

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Symbol FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

Daily Summary (Equities)

EQTY Board Totals

Activity Summary on Board ASeM FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services OMOLUABI SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol OMOSAVBNK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.92

Page Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

2,500.00

Value Traded 46,000.00 46,000.00

50,000 Page

10 of 12 Value Traded 2,500.00

11 46,000.00 of

ASeM Board Totals

50,000

46,000.00

Equity Activity Totals

2,775

233,814,033

4,228,753,780.17

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 2 1 3 6

Current Price 10.55 2,117.00 15.57

Quantity Traded 5,005 7 10,005 15,017

Value Traded 53,402.75 14,819.00 155,177.85 223,399.60

ETF Board Totals

15,017

223,399.60

ETP Activity Totals

15,017

223,399.60

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

News 45

NATIONAL

Court asked to stop UPN, SDP from 2015 elections

lCourt fixes Feb 4 for hearing Tunde Oyesina

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has been asked to stop the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN and the Social Democratic Party, SDP, from participating in the forthcoming general elections. The plaintiff, a political

activist, Mr. Richard Akinnola, had approached the court, challenging the legality of the two parties to participate in the February general elections. The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, has, however, fixed February 4 for hearing. The plaintiff is contending that the two parties cannot be re-registered by INEC when the

laws proscribing them earlier by the Federal Government have not been repealed. Joined alongside UPN and SDP as respondents, is the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. UPN was floated by a famous politician, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the defunct Second Republic, but was proscribed in 1984 by the

military. The plaintiff contended that a 1984 decree has proscribed UPN while another decree of 1993 proscribed SDP as political parties. He argued that the two decrees must first be repealed by the national assembly before the two parties could be registered as political parties. The plaintiff, therefore,

asked the court to nullify the purported registration granted the two parties. In his originating summons, the plaintiff claimed that UPN and SDP were outlawed out of existence by the Political Parties Dissolution Decrees of 1984 and 1993 respectively. The plaintiff, however, wants the court to determine whether INEC

has power to resuscitate prohibited and dissolved parties without first repealing the laws that proscribed them. He also wants the court to determine whether political parties dissolved or prohibited by an existing law from acting as political parties can function or act as parties without the repeal of the law that proscribed them.

FG declares tomorrow public holiday

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, consoling Police Sgt. Mr. Timothy Useni, who was attacked by armed robbers at a check point, during his visit to the hospital in Nasarawa

he Federal Government has declared January 2, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid el Maloud celebration. In a statement released yesterday by the Minister of Interior Affairs, Abba Moro, the Federal Government asked Muslim faithful to offer prayers to God for the peace and unity of Nigeria. The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Makaji Abdulahi, quoted Moro as urging Muslim faithful and all Nigerians to pray for the peace and unity of the country.

Insurgency: JNI advises Muslims to defend themselves 2015: APGA tasks INEC on electoral rules Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

he Jamaátu Nasril Islam(JNI) has advised Muslims to defend themselves against attacks by insurgents and all acts of violence by criminals. It said that doing so was a religious obligation. The Islamic body, which made this call in

a communiqué issued after a one-day meeting on national security, which held on December 10, 2014, stated that the call became necessary because government seems incapable of defending Nigerians. The meeting resolved that, “civilian JTFs, hunters and retired security officers who have gallantly been assisting Nigerian security forces in the fight against insurgency,

cattle rustling and other crimes should be given all the necessary support and encouragement as their intervention has helped positively in frontline states.’’ JNI also noted that the welfare and benefits of Nigerian troops and other security personnel, especially those that are wounded, should be appropriately and speedily attended to in order to bring succour

to their families. The communiqué, which was signed by Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, also resolved that ‘’there is an urgent need to deploy necessary intelligence and security measures to curtail and possibly stop the illegal importation and proliferation of arms and ammunition that are contributing to the escalation of insurgency and other related criminal activities.’’

BPP saves N8.9bn on contracts in three months T

he Bureau of Public Procurement has saved about N8.9 billion for the Federal Government between April and June 2014 through cost reduction of contracts. This was contained in the bureau’s 2014 Second Quarter Report according to the News Agency of Ni-

geria (NAN). The report was made available by the Head of Public Relations of the agency, Mr Thomas Odemwingie, yesterday in Abuja. According to the report, the savings was based on the difference between the amount requested for contracts by

various MDAs and what the bureau approved after vetting the contracts. A breakdown shows that about N136.6 million was saved from the contract submitted by the Ministry of Police Affairs to procure six units of Innoson Motors buses. The ministry had re-

quested for N250 million which was revised down to N113.4 million by the bureau. Also, the Ministry of Transport’s request for $61 million for the construction of Berth 21 at Terminal E, Lagos Port complex, Apapa, was revised down to $59.6 million.

head of next year’s election, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday tasked the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure strict adherence to the rules for the election conduct. The party, which stated this in its New Year message, also expressed optimism that the New Year would be “promising and filled with great economic advancement, peaceful political milieu and socioreligious harmony”. In a statement from the National Director of Publicity, Mr. Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, APGA asked Nigerian politicians and

the political parties, to woo the electorate for various elective positions in the general elections; they should make their campaigns explicit, issue-based, their debates factual and thought provoking. According to APGA, “as political parties woo the electorate for their votes and jostle to win elections for various elective positions at the forthcoming 2015 general elections, they should make their campaigns explicit and issue-based, their debates factual and thought provoking and their criticism sincere and constructive, for an enduring democratic culture, so that the electorate will be able to make a well informed choice as they cast their votes.”

slow down construction. Effects of these, they stated, would lead to high demand for housing units which their supply are still inadequate.

These, they predicted would lead to increase in house prices in major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

2015: Experts predict tough times for housing Dayo Ayeyemi

roperty experts have said that with the forthcoming elections, in-

creased cement price and dwindling oil fortunes, tough times await the housing industry in 2015. Their predictions were hinged on the fact that

major investors and financiers would be apprehensive to release money for housing development until after the elections. Besides, they argued

that stakeholders’ attention would be shifted from housing to outcomes of the elections, while developers who want to whether the storm might

News

LARGE PURSE House okays budget with little adjustment, APC kicks Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State House of Assembly consisting of only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members yesterday passed into law the 2015 Appropriation Bill of N80.94 billion, which is slightly higher than the N80.77 billion proposed by Governor Ayo Fayose. The factional Speaker,

THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Ekiti APC lawmakers kick as faction passes N80.9bn budget Dele Olugbemi, said on the occasion in Ado-Ekiti that the little adjustment to the figure was to accommodate some capital projects that would be done in the Assembly complex. This is coming just as the embattled Speaker, Adewale Omirin and other All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the Assembly, kicked against the action. Omirin, in a statement by his Media Aide, Wole Olujobi, said the ac-

tion of the PDP members was illegal, saying they had been suspended at a plenary session of the Assembly few days ago. However, Olugbemi, while commenting on the process leading to the passage of the bill, said the lawmakers ensured that all the three arms of government were well represented for financial balancing in the budget proposal. Defending the passage, Olugbemi added that Ministries, Departments and

Agencies (MDAs) of government were given their fair share of the state’s resources to bring unprecedented development to the people. Commenting on the size of the budget, Olugbemi said the House of Assembly’s Committee on Appropriation did a thorough job, saying that was the first time budgetary estimates submitted at the Assembly would be increased since 2011. However, the sitting was not without some

drama, as the lawmakers ordered journalists and party leaders, who filled the gallery to the brim out of the chambers to allow the plenary to hold behind camera. The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Samuel Ajibola, raised objection over the heavy presence of non-members at the Assembly, describing the sitting as a special one that needed to be held behind closed-door, which Olugbemi consented to.

L-R: Osun State immediate past Special Adviser on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Bola Ilori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya, during an award ceremony in honour of Ilori as the Best Public Sector Environmentalist in Nigeria - 2014 in Osun State…on Tuesday

Oyo REC assumes duty amidst protests T

he new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Mr. Rufus Akeju, has assumed duty in Ibadan in spite of protests by members of the Coalition of Political Parties (CPP). The Head of Department, Media and Voters Education in INEC, Alhaji Ayodele Folami, told newsmen yesterday that Akeju assumed duty on Tuesday.

Folami said Akeju took over from Alhaji Nasir Ayilara and had since signed his own aspect of the handover agreement. He said the protesters had the right to protest, adding that such action should be peaceful. He also advised the protesters to guard against allowing hoodlums to hijack the protest.

“They started the protest on Monday and we have forwarded their demands to INEC headquarters in Abuja, where the issued is being addressed,” Folami said. Reacting to his rejection by the coalition, Akeju said he had assumed duty and that nobody would stop him from carrying out his duties. The Zonal Ex-Officio

member of the South-West PDP, Alhaji Isiaka Kehinde, told newsmen that the coalition would continue to protest until INEC addressed their complaints. “We have made our point known since Monday, when the protest started; there is no going back on this. All we are saying is that INEC should change him,’’ Isiaka said.

Olajumoke: Nigeria does not need military dictator Babatope Okeowo Akure

member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bode Olajumoke, yesterday took a swipe at those clamouring for the election of General Muhammadu Buhari , the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying Nigerians can no longer needs a military dictator. Olajumoke, who is the

senatorial candidate of the PDP in Ondo North senatorial district, said the antecedent of Buhari and his temperament, ruled him out of the top job. The PDP chieftain, who was a Director in the Ministry of Defence, when Buhari was in the military, said “People have analysed the temperament of candidate Buhari and citing very many incidents in the past, his temperament, his attitude and his statements are been diagnosed and analysed, to my mind

you have to concede to the opinion of General Ibrahim Babangida that he is a very deep statesman. “For him to have openly supported President Goodluck Jonathan, bearing in mind that he was in the military with Buhari, I think it speaks volumes to have come out to say for the sake of the unity of this country, let us give it to President Jonathan. “I don’t think Buhari is a proper and fit person for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in this

dispensation. Under the military, perhaps, but this is a democratic setting.” Olajumoke, who said he did not nurse the fear that President Jonathan would win the next election, but that he wants the state to remain in the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics. He said: “We are doing everything possible to garner support for the reelection of the president; first of all, we are quite interested in our state been in the national party, so we need to work hard and work hard for President Jonathan.

Lagos residents urged to cooperate with environmental officials Dayo Ayeyemi

he Lagos State government has again urged Lagos residents to cooperate with environmental officials as they serve the common good of the citizenry. Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, made this known while addressing journalists in his office yesterday upon the unlawful act of the Sunrise Cathedral Church located in 25, Oluwaseyi Street, Ikotun, which stopped officers from the ministry from carrying out their lawful duties. Narrating a scene where officers of the ministry were manhandled “upon the receipt of complaints on noise pollution from the church, our officers had gone to carry out monitoring exercise in the premises with a view to encouraging abatement of the nuisance. “However, the pastor of the church and his wife, not only prevented them from doing this, but manhandled and also succeeded in locking them up for up to three hours. “But for the wisdom of the driver, who called and informed the office, these officers would have remained in the church’s custody. It took the intervention of the Task Force on Environmental Offences to secure their release.”

OOU seeks Amosun intervention to retain faculty accreditation Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he accreditation of the Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), AgoIwoye, Ogun State, may soon be withdrawn by the National Universities’ Commission (NUC) if urgent action is not taken by the state government. To this end, the OOU Law Alumni Association, which raised the alarm, has written to the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, seeking N44, 807, 500 to avert the looming dis-accreditation. A copy of the association’s letter dated December 15 and addressed to Amosun was obtained by New Telegraph in Abeokuta yesterday. The letter titled; “SOS to avert imminent dis-accreditation and collapse of Faculty of Law,” was signed

by the Chair, Steering Committee of OOU Law Alumni Association, Chief Fassy Yusuf. According to Yusuf, the NUC accreditation team would visit the faculty between January 12 and 13, 2015 for the purpose of verifying the quality and quantity of the faculty’s infrastructural facilities. He said the alumni association was already mobilising funds to meet some of the needs of the faculty, including the provision of two 30/40 KVA generating sets. “Based on the need to urgently rescue the faculty from the claws of withdrawal of accreditation of its law programme and the likely unmitigated aftermath, Your Excellency is humbly requested to expeditiously release N44, 805, 500 to the faculty before the end of 2014,” the letter added.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

We’ll execute pro-people projects, says Ugwuanyi

he governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, in Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has said that his administration, if elected, in the 2015 election, would execute pro-people projects that would impact positively on the life of the people. Playing host to a delegation of his support group from Lagos, yesterday in Enugu, Ugwuanyi, hinted that if elected governor of the state in the 2015 election, he would convene an Enugu stake-

holders town hall meeting, where segments and constituents of the state would have the opportunity to discuss salient issues concerning the development of the state, in all ramifications, for purpose of creating a responsive government, where the people are engaged in the affairs of government. The group made up of a membership that cuts

64.5m

18%

The estimated total population of Northern Africa in 1960. Source: Un.org

across three senatorial zones of Enugu State based in Lagos, donated some 15,000 campaign materials to Ugwuanyi, towards promoting his electioneering just as it commended the several achievements of the lawmaker who has represented the Igbo-Eze North/Udenu federal constituency in the House of Representatives in the past 12 years. They explained, that

The crude birth rate of Caribbean in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

as Enugu State indigenes based in Lagos, they had come together to form a united front in support of Ugwuanyi in view of alleged opposition to the candidacy of the governorship candidate. The candidate urged the group that apart from campaigning for him in Lagos, they should also embark on thorough mobilization while they should join in render-

603,900

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Armenia in 2006. Source: Itu.int

ing prayers with other stakeholders in the project aimed at seeing him emerged as governor. “We are collating ideas and proposals and we already have something on power generation but there are aspects of it that needed being updated. We will call town hall meetings where we will pool together ideas and know what our people want if we are elected next year”, he stated.

158.24m

The total number of connected mobile (GSM) lines of Nigeria in September 2013. Source: Ncc.gov.ng

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives/People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Chairman Imo State PDP, Nnamdi Anyaehie and Ihedioha’s running mate, Chief Chuma Nnaji, during a PDP stakeholder meeting in Owerri…yesterday.

Clergy tasks politicians on misuse of power Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

he Bishop of Arochukwu/Ohafia diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev Johnson Onuoha, has tasked politicians on the need to refrain from selfconceit attitude while in position of authority. He said God, who is the creator of every being will demand the stewardship from anybody entrusted with the position of authority. While advising politicians to exercise utmost caution as the nation goes into another election year, Onuoha, said that God is the one who enthrones and dethrones, urging the ruling class to take responsibility for their actions. The Bishop, who gave the advice at the 85th birthday and thanksgiving service of Madam Matilda Ohuabunwa, at the All Saints Cathedral Ugwuavo Arochukwu, declared that what Nigeria needed at the moment was a leadership of purpose and righteousness. Preaching on the topic, ‘Discharged and Acquitted’ the Bishop, lamented the pervasive moral decadence in the society, saying that even those who go to church have so compromised their profession that immorality, bribery and corruption have become the norm rather than the exception and called for genuine repentance as the panacea for Gods forgiveness.

Premier Brewery to resume production in 2015 –Chairman

Okorocha presents N141.2bn budget proposal

he Chairman, board of directors of Premier Breweries, Prince Arthur Eze, has said that the company would commence full stream production of beer in the first quarter of 2015. Eze revealed this while addressing shareholders of the company during the 2014 annual general meeting of the company for the year ended March, 2014, held in Enugu. He noted, that with the assurances of the company’s technical partners and the level of re-engineering so far achieved, the company would resume its leading role in the beer production industry in the country. “New boilers have been installed and tested while the old ones are being repaired to serve as

OWERRI

standby facility. A new Ammonia cooling system has been installed along with new compressor. “A new glycol cooling system has been installed with stainless pipes while the room cooling system that is now in place is changed from ammonia to Freon to minimise hazardous leaks in the factory,’’ he said. The chairman said that electricity supply had been stabilised with the installation of a 500KVA generator while water supply was already in place from which the company produces the table water that was already in the market. Eze explained that with about N1 billion share capital, the company settled a monthly electricity bill of N1 million and a salary bill of N3.4 million.

Steve Uzoechi

mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday presented an estimated N141,219, 133, 849 budget proposal to the Imo State House of Assembly, for the 2015 fiscal year. Addressing the Assem-

bly on the fiscal document termed ‘Budget of Total Rescue and Sustainability’, Okorocha stated that budget will focus mainly on delivery of social services to Imo people; giving priority to projects that will grow the state’s economy, create employment and increase the revenue generation capacity of the state.

The governor noted that the 2015 budget proposal, also places emphasis on the completion of all ongoing projects with 43 percent of the budget alloted to recurrent expenditure while 57 percent would go to capital projects. He recalled that in 2014, capital expediture by far outweighed recurrent expenditure but according to

the governor, the reverse is the case in 2015 with capital expenditure exceeding recurrent. This he said, is to make room for ‘stomach infrastructure’. However, the governor’s proposal places revenue projections for 2015 at N119, 698, 633, 849 for recurrent items and N21, 520, 500,000 for capital receipts.

Monarchs endorse Uzodinma’s second term bid Steve Uzoech OWERRI

oves by Senator Hope Uzodinma, representing Imo West (Orlu zone), to achieve success in his second term bid in the Senate in 2015, has received a boost following his endorsement by traditional rulers from the zone. At a well-attended

ceremony yesterday at Orlu, organized to officially commission the ultra-modern secretariat built by the Senator for the Orlu zonal Council of Traditional Rulers, the monarchs under the Chairmanship of Eze Emmanuel Okeke, stated that Uzodinma, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate for Imo West in the 2015 general elec-

tion deserves another term, having given quality and sound representation to the people of Orlu zone. The monarchs unanimously said that Uzodinma, has rewritten the history of Orlu zone as regards his effective representation of the zone, in the National Assembly, through vocal and selfless representation as well as attracting quality

and people-oriented projects that have impacted positively on lives of the people. The monarchs, who described Uzodinma as a big asset to Orlu and Imo State, however, urged the people to support the senator to enable him empower more people and attract more quality and essential projects for the people in the next four years.

News

BUDGET

Shortfall in oil benchmark leads to shortfall in budget proposal Tony Anichebe UYO

overnor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, has presented an estimated N462

SOUTH-SOUTH

THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Akpabio presents N462bn budget to Assembly billion fiscal appropriation for the year 2015, to the State House of Assembly for approval. The proposal, which is christened budget of ‘actualization and continuity’, according to the governor, is made up of re-current expenditure of N94.74bn, capital expenditure of N253.00bn and consolidated revenue charges

of N114.26bn. Akpabio stated that the 2015 proposal of N462bn was less than that of last year due to shortfall in the oil bench mark and production target in the country, adding that 2015 is predicated on a bench mark of $55 barrel at a production rate of 1.5million barrel per day. He said the budget

proposal, which would be derived from internally generated revenue, N33.06 billion, statutory allocation, N50 billion, derivation fund, N271.11 billion, Valued added tax (VAT), N15 billion, SureP, N23 billion as well as retained revenue from parastatals, N1.83 billion totalling N394 billion would maintain the cardi-

nal objectives to improve the standard of living of the people, develop and implement the strategic plans for implementation of the on -going projects in the state . The governor pointed out that in the implementation strategies, the state would ensure effective and optimum tax collection.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (left), presenting the 2015 Budget proposal to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon in Uyo…yesterday

The budget prepared on International Public sector Accounting Standard ( IPSAS), had the sectoral allocation of the capital expenditure outlay as: general administration N93.63bn or 37 percent law and justice N7.85bn or 3.1 percent, social and regional sector N50.91bn or 20.01 percent and economic sector N100.61 billion or 39.8 percent. He said his administration would close all avenues of wastage by expansion and diversification of resource base through encouragement of public private partnership (PPP) while ensuring that information and sensitization of the people on policies and programmes would receive attention. Akpabio pointed out the current free and compulsory education programme would be sustained with more than N18.03bn allocated to the sector, agriculture at N5.82bn while science and technology would receive N1.34bn in the fiscal year among others. The Speaker of the House, Elder Sam Ikon, while receiving the proposal, promised speedy deliberation and passage into law.

Edo workers to commence strike over unpaid salaries Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

ggrieved members of the Coalition of Edo State Owned Tertiary Institutions, yesterday resolved to commence an indefinite strike action to press home their demand

for payment of of their three months unpaid salaries by the state government. The workers have threatened to resume another round of strike to demand for payment of salaries to workers of colleges in the state and

Imoke insists on reforming C’River civil service Clement James Calabar

ross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has called on civil servants in the state to be ready for the imminent reformation process of the civil service, aimed at sanitizing the system to achieve a paradigm shift from the old ways of doing things in the service in the state. The governor, who dropped the hint at a book launch on Tuesday, in Calabar, said he was bent on reforming the service as it was the only way the state civil service could compare favourably with its counterparts in other states. He also insisted that

Permanent Secretaries in the state must undertake to write examinations, to justify promotion in the civil service, in order to be seen as meriting their positions. “The civil service is one place seen as unregulated. The reward system and sanction system make civil service less productive,” he said. The book, titled; “The civil servant and public administration: an imperative for good governance,” was written by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Mary Theresa Ikwen. According to Imoke, “unless you institute reforms, change will never happen. The expectation from everyone is that, civil servants should administer government.”

against alleged sack of over 34 staff of the various institutions by the state government. Workers drawn from the Colleges of Education, Ekiadolor, Institute of Management Technology, Usen, College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, and Col-

lege of Education, Igueben, had, since December 2014, suspended a strike action following an agreement reached between the state government and members of the body to meet the demands of the workers in the affected institutions. New Telegraph find-

ings revealed that staff of the affected state owned institutions are poised for another showdown with the state government with a vow not to resume academic activities, following alleged insincerity on the part of government in living up to its earlier

promise to them. Chairman of the Union, Comrade Fred Omonuwa, said yesterday that the workers of the affected institutions were being marginalized and that some of them have been sacked for their agitation for better welfare.

Oil spill: Monarch demands N183bn compensation from ExxonMobil Tony Anichebe UYO

orried by environmental degradation occasioned by frequent oil spill, the people of Ibeno Local Government Area and the paramount ruler of one of the major oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom State, Owong Effiong Achi-

anga, are demanding an estimated N183 billion ($100m), as compensation from an oil prospecting company in the area, Exxon Mobil The decision was taken as Ibeno, host community to the American oil giant for decades said it has been groaning over constant oil spill into its rivers, leading to destruction of aquatic lives,

farmlands and fishing business. Speaking to journalists on the matter in his domain in Ibeno, the paramount ruler, lamented that oil exploration activities of Mobil has brought untold hardship on his people and urged the management of the company to live up to their expectations by cushioning the effects of

oil exploration activities in the area. The royal father, who disclosed that Mobil had been defaulting in paying correct compensations accruable to the area over oil spill and environmental degradation, said “Mobil should be paying at least $100 million yearly to tackle the problem of degradation efficiently.’’

A’Ibom PDP ratifies Ekpo as Udom’s deputy Tony Anichebe UYO

he Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has ratified the nomination of the pioneer Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Moses Ekpo, as the running mate to the gubernatorial candi-

date of the party, Mr Udom Emmanuel, in the 2015 gubernatorial election. This was part of the resolutions reached at the end of the enlarged caucus meeting of the party in Uyo. Announcing the decision, the state Chairman of the Party Obong Paul Ekpo, told news-

men that the meeting of the enlarged caucus was convened to review the state of the party after the recently concluded primaries that saw the emergence of flagbearers for various positions in the next general election. The party congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his emer-

gence as the presidential candidate of the party, and also commended the governorship candidate, Mr Udom Emmanuel on his overwhelming victory at the state primaries, even as the caucus endorsed the setting up of election campaign committees by the party ahead of the forthcoming elections.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

News 49

NORTH

Kwankwaso presents N210bn budget for 2015 Muhammad Kabir Kano

ano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday presented a N210 billion budget estimate, christened ‘Budget of Celebration and Success’ to the state House of Assembly. The budget estimates, with capital projects

69.5%

The percentage of the urban population of Estonia in 2012. Source: Un.org

taking the lion share of N98.5 billion, represents 64 per cent while recurrent expenditure takes 75.2 billion, representing 36 per cent of the total. Kwankwaso, who lauded the people of Kano for ensuring a peaceful conduct of both the presidential and other vital APC primary elections, said their sweat would not go without celebration.

11.34m

He said the people will have every cause to celebrate the huge infrastructural development the state has witnessed in the last few years. The governor, who was accompanied to the Assembly complex by his commissioners, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who is also the state APC governorship candidate, noted that 36 per

The total number of connected mobile (CDMA) lines of Nigeria in August 2013. Source: Ncc.gov.ng

cent of the budget goes to recurrent expenditure. He said the 2015 fiscal financial year would focus on infrastructural development, the reason why N98.5 billion has been given to capital projects, while N75.6 billion goes to recurrent expenditure, with all the projects been embarked upon completed, adding that the system of misappropriation of public funds would

18.6%

The percentage drop of air travel passengers (domestic wing) of Kano airport (2012-2013). Source: National Bureau of Statistics

be a thing of the past. Kwankwaso, who recalled that he was able to increase significantly, internally generated revenue, especially in the last three years or so from N300 million monthly to the whopping N1 billion being generated now. He also explained that the IGR will continue to receive tremendous attention as the oil price fall below expectation.

37.82

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Estonia in 2009. Source: Itu.int

Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Yero (left) and Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (Sure-P) Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), at the commencement of Sure-P graduate internship scheme in Kaduna …yesterday

‘Jatau is the most credible candidate’ Sani Muh’d Sani Bauchi

youth group, the Bauchi Youth Forum for Good Governance (BYFGG) yesterday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Hon. Awwal Jatau, is the most qualified person among the contenders for the seat of the governor. Chairman of the group, Kabiru Ali, while reacting to criticism against the election of Jatau as the PDP flag bearer and challenging his integrity and qualification, said those criticising Jatau are doing so out of selfishness, jealousy and envy. Kabiru call for a rethink from those saying no to the candidature of Jatau, adding that the PDP candidate has what it takes to lead the state aside from possessing the qualities and credentials for the exalted position. Kabiru said: “Jatau has an impeccable family background, educational qualification; and based on his experience has a former Speaker and lawmaker, Auwal Jatau has the capacity to consolidate on the gains of the past administration.

Ortom warns against use of Civilian JTF for election Nasarawa budget Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he former Minister of State, Industries Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has warned against alleged plans by the Benue State government to engage the services of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the conduct of the 2015 elections in the state. He said the move could trigger resort to self-help by other participants with dire con-

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

sequences, appealing to the government to shelve such plans. Ortom spoke at the J. S. Tarka Institute of Political Affairs, Gboko, during a meeting organised for candidates of political parties with leaders of religious groups and traditional rulers to canvass peaceful and violence-free elections next year. Ortom, who is All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, appealed to

the leadership of the Mdzough U Tiv, the mutual union of Tiv people, to eschew partisan politics in order to earn the confidence of major stakeholders of the group. The former minister commended the initiative of the organisers, saying that their neutrality in partisan matters was the best way they could secure the confidence and support of all and sundry. The APC governorship candidate also lamented what he de-

scribed as the sustained campaign of falsehood and calumny against his person and political party by a private radio station, stressing that such conduct was also capable of precipitating crisis. He, however, assured the people that the APC was committed to collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure a transparent and credible poll.

‘Report on new Kwara councils ready soon’ that may not enhance the sustainability of the proposed development councils. The chairman of the committee, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the commit-

tee has so far received 96 memoranda from various communities and groups. He said the memoranda and suggestions were received from all the communities in the 16 local government areas of the state.

hairman of the committee set up by the Kwara State government on the creation of Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs), Alhaji Kawu Baraje, yesterday promised to submit

its report soon. Baraje, who made the promise in Ilorin, the state capital, attributed the delay in meeting the earlier deadline of December 2, 2014, to the need to do a thorough job and avoid major lapses

Cephas Iorhemen

Tsav: 2014, a year of bloodshed, sorrow

Makurdi

ormer Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has described 2014 as one year that was char-

acterised with bloodshed, tears and sorrows, expressing optimism that the tribulations the citizens went through will not re-occur this year.

Tsav, who spoke yesterday in an interview with New Telegraph in his Makurdi residence, while appraising major activities in the year, however, said

some events such as the abduction of the over 200 schoolgirls at the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, would remain indelible in

N107.9bn for 2015 Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

asarawa State governor, Tanko Al-Makura, yesterday presented a budget of N107, 904, 891.45 to the state House of Assembly for the 2015 fiscal year. In the budget estimates, N44.4 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure, representing 41.21 per cent, while N63. 4 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, representing 58.79 per cent of the total budget. Administration, Lands, Housing and Urban Development got the highest votes of N20.06 billion and N14. 26 billion respectively, while Information got N1.30 billion, Agriculture received N4.51 billion and Education, N8 billion, the minds of the citizens. He blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for not taking steps to rescue the girls from captivity, stressing that his role in the matter was a clear indication that the country has no leader.

amongst other sectors. Presenting the budget at the floor of the House, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mohammed Danazumi, said the focus of the budget would to complete ongoing projects and the provision of rural infrastructure and the expansion of educational facilities in the state, among other things. He said the government has achieved 55 per cent budget performance in 2014 against the 30 per cent achieved in the 2013 fiscal year. Tagged “Budget of Sustainability,” Governor Al-Makura said the 2015 budget would be funded on receipts from the Federation Account, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), VAT and SURE-P. “The year 2014 has been the year of bloodshed. It has been a year of tears and sorrows. When the fundamental rights of people are trampled upon by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

News

WORLD | News

Fashola: Agbaje no threat to Lagos APC Muritala Ayinla

agos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, yesterday said that the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Jimmy Agbaje, was never a threat to the All Progressives Congress. He said that the ruling party in the state would retain its dominance in 2015 election.    The governor, who also took a swipe on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over what he described as demonstration of poor logistic capacity to organise

a hitch-free election, said he would do better than Professor Attahiru Jega, if he was saddled with responsibility of heading the electoral umpire. Insisting that APC’s gover norship candidate, Akinwumi Ambode would defeat Agbaje in 2015 gubernatorial poll, Fashola said he would not handover to an inexperienced politician who, according to him, will rule Lagos by experimenting. He added that Ambode has a 27 years experience in the service of the state and would consolidate on his achievement, if elected in 2015. Fashola spoke

at the maiden end of Year news conference organised by the state government. He said Agbaje lacks the experience to take Lagos to the next level and that he would need more time to learn before he could govern the state. He said: “Agbaje or what? Threat to who? He is not a threat to us. Let’s go and check the result of the 2011 election. He got three per cent of the vote cast. Even his party, PDP we have defeated them back to back since 1999. They don’t threaten anybody. Ambode is going to defeat them with your support.

2015: Vote out corrupt politicians, Okorie tells Nigerians   Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

he Presidential c a n d i d at e of United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has urged Nigerians to exercise their franchise correctly in February 2015 elections by voting out politicians who impoverished the nation. Okorie in his new year message to Nigerians titled “time to decide’ said it was time to vote out political office holders, who have impoverished the citizenry and shattered the

people’s hope of a great, prosperous and just democratic nation.  “It is time to elect visionary, purposeful, patriotic and dynamic leaders that will usher peace, security, employment, justice and improve the people’s standards of living.  We urge Nigerians to exercise their franchise and ensure that they vote for candidates of their choice in all elections, and ensure that their votes are counted and count in the overall result.” He said  He called on the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) to be neutral as an umpire and provide a level playing ground for all political parties.   “We enjoin INEC to be neutral as an umpire and provide a level playing field to all political parties. The need to conduct free, fair, peaceful, credible and acceptable elections cannot be over-emphasized. “The world is watching us; we must prove anarchists and prophets of doom wrong, by being decisive, firm, courageous and patriotic in our conducts and actions ahead of February 2015 polls.”

Adamawa: Ribadu presents running mate Ibrahim Abdul Yola

he gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State,  Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has presented former Chairman of Ganye Local Government, Rev Habila Istifanus, as his running mate in the February  polls. Ribadu said the choice of Istifanus follows wide consultations with all party stakeholders across the

state, adding that Istifanus is a man for all seasons and has the competency to assist him in bringing fast development to the state.  “I am here to present the winning team for you. We are here to bring before you what we have been doing in the past couple of months. We hereby present to you this man of God,” he said. Ribadu, who was accompanied by two out of the three Senatorial candidates of the party, as well as party

executives, noted that that PDP team consists of people of proven integrity and track record whom if given the mandate, will change the fortune of the state.  “We promised to present to you competent running mate that will bring rapid transformation in the state. In the process of doing that, we moved round the state and we finally arrived at what we believed was the best team for Adamawa state,” he said.

Jonathan congratulates Ooni of Ife at 85 Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade on his 85th birthday anniversary which comes up today. The President, in a congratulatory letter to the Monarch, described him as one of the nation’s most revered royal fathers and praised his unwavering dedication to the highest ideals in his distinguished

reign as the Ooni of Ife. “On the occasion of your 85th birthday anniversary, I write to extend warm felicitations to Your Majesty on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yours has been a life truly worthy of celebration. You have always readily availed our administration of your wise counsel and invaluable support as we work assiduously to reposition our dear nation for

enduring peace, security, accelerated growth and development. For this, we owe you a debt of gratitude. “As you celebrate this glorious anniversary, I join your family, the good people of the historic Kingdom of Ife, friends and well-wishers to thank God for your life and to pray that He continues to guide, guard and prosper you, even as He blesses you with many more years of good health and personal fulfilment”, President Jonathan.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Bodies from crashed AirAsia plane arrive in Indonesian city

he first two bodies from the AirAsia plane that crashed off the coast of Borneo arrived on yesterday in the Indonesian city of Surabaya, where relatives have gathered to await news of their loved ones. Rescuers believe they have found the plane on the sea floor off Borneo, after sonar detected a large, dark object beneath waters near where debris and bodies were found on the surface. Ships and planes had been scouring the Java Sea for Flight QZ8501 since Sunday, when it lost contact during bad weather about 40 minutes into its flight from

Surabaya to Singapore. Seven bodies have been recovered from the sea, some fully clothed, which could indicate the Airbus A320-200 was intact when it hit the water. That would support a theory that it suffered an aerodynamic stall. Tatang Zaenudin, an official with Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, said earlier that one of the bodies had been found wearing a life jacket. But he later said no victim had been recovered with a life jacket on. “We found a body at 8.20 a.m. and a life jacket at 10.32 a.m. so there was a time difference. This is the latest information we have,” he told Reuters. Two bodies, in coffins bedecked with

flowers and marked 001 and 002, arrived by an air force plane in Surabaya. Most of the 162 people on board were Indonesians. No survivors have been found. Hernanto, of the search and rescue agency in Surabaya, said rescuers believed they had found the plane on the sea bed with a sonar scan in water 30-50 meters (100-165 feet) deep. The black box flight data and cockpit voice recorder have yet to be found. Authorities in Surabaya were making preparations to receive and identify bodies, including arranging 130 ambulances to take victims to a police hospital and collecting DNA from relatives.

Indonesians hold up candles during a candle light vigil.

Liberia suspends Ebola curfew to allow New Year’s Eve worship

iberia lifted a curfew imposed to curb the spread of Ebola so that people could attend New Year’s Eve church services yesterday, as an aid group warned of growing complacency over the disease in the country. The United Nations’ health agency did not comment directly on the one-night suspension but called for authorities to keep up “social distancing” measures and encourage people to avoid large gatherings.

Liberia introduced the curfew in September at the height of an epidemic that has killed more than 3,400 people inside its borders and at least 4,400 more in Sierra Leone and Guinea, according to figures from the U.N.’s World Health Organization. The virus, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding, is spread by contact with the bodily fluids. It has no known cure. “The President has directed the Minister of

Justice to suspend the curfew for today, Dec. 31, to allow religious leaders, churches and other religious groups to allow the watch night services, traditional in Liberian society,” Deputy Information Minister Isaac Jackson said. Churches that hold services should observe measures to prevent the spread of Ebola such as hand washing, temperature testing and avoiding over-crowding on church benches, he added.

Palestinians turn to ICC after UN bid fails

he Palestinians moved yesterday to join the International Criminal Court as a new avenue for action against Israel after the UN Security Council rejected a resolution on ending the occupation. The Palestinians hope ICC membership will pave the way for war crimes prosecutions against Israeli officials for their actions in the occupied territories. But Israel said it is Pal-

estinian crimes that would be exposed to the judgement of the Hague-based court. Tuesday’s vote at the Security Council came after a three-month Palestinian campaign to win support for a resolution that would have set a timeframe for ending the Israeli occupation. Israel hailed the rejection as a victory, saying it dealt a blow to Palestinian efforts to diplomatically “embarrass

and isolate” the Jewish state. The Palestinians denounced as “outrageously shameful” the failure of the text to win the necessary nine votes for passage. The resolution would have set a 12-month deadline for Israel to reach a final peace deal with the Palestinians and called for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Palestinian territories by the end of 2017.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Sport News

International Sport

Chelsea, Man City to battle for Bony

2014: Mixed fortunes for basketball

FIFA celebrates Oshoala as one of 2014 stars

Sport

Basketball

Did you know? That Ryan Giggs has played and scored in every Premier league season until his retirement after 2013/2014 league season

Ministry seeks alternative funding Ajibade Olusesan

inister of Sport, Tammy Danagogo, has said that the Federal Government has approved the ministry’s quest to find alternative sources of funding for its activities. Danagogo said that the National Sports Commission was poised to find a lasting solution to financial constraints which had been a major challenge to its operations. He said that President Goodluck Jonathan regarded sports as part of the key elements of his transformation agenda and acknowledged that if sport must thrive then ministry does not need to wait for the budget to prosecute its activities especially as it relates to preparation for major competitions. “Mr President has directed the Sport Ministry and the Ministry of finance to find another platform for funding because he understands that we can’t

Danagogo

always wait for the budget. Finance has always been a major concern especially when we are preparing for major international competitions, and I can assure you that there is going to be a lot of improvement in our sport in the coming year. We are also going to do a lot more in terms of human capacity building, we will train our coaches and officials,” he said.

2015 BUSY YEAR for

NFF –Pinnick Adekunle Salami

Pinnick

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Deputy Editor, Sports

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sports Correspondent

espite the failure of the Super Eagles to pick a ticket to feature in the African Nations Cup holding between January 17 and February 8, the Nigeria Football Federation still sees the New Year as a loaded one. President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, told our correspondent that there were many global competitions of importance for the soccer ruling body. The U-17 and U-20 teams are to be involved in the African qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup also holding in 2015 at these cadres. The CAF U-17 event holds between June 14 and 28 in Niger Republic while the global event holds between October 17 and November 8 in Chile. The Flying Eagles under coach Manu Garba will feature in the U-20 AYC between March 8 and 22 in Senegal while the FIFA finals holds from May 30 to June 20 in New Zealand. National U-23 team, which is closest to the national team, will be involved in Olympic qualifiers for the football event of the Rio games. The Super Falcons will be representing

Africa at the Women’s World Cup scheduled to hold in Canada between June 6 and July 5. Nigeria’s U-23 team is also expected to feature in the football event of the All Africa Games between September 4 and 19 in Congo. Pinnick said each of these events require so much planning and the body would be so busy even without the participation of Eagles in the Nations Cup. He said “We have 13 national football teams and it is important to note that those not competing in finals this year are involved in crucial qualifiers. “Our aim is to start putting a good structure that will form a good platform for result-oriented board. It is sad the Eagles will not be at the nations Cup but we are still going to have a busy year.” Pinnick stressed that the board members was already playing supervisory roles to ensure good results were recorded in the competitions in the New Year. “The NFF is aware Nigerians love the game and we intend to record good results in 2015 to make fans of football happy,” he said.

SPORT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

On a tour with Mr. President!

ou guys out there are missing in this our good life. Didn’t feel the same way until now. I feel my spiritual leader, Pope Francis, will envy me in the First Class compartment of ALITALIA or even, Mother Imperial –Queen Elizabeth-feel a great deal of pain for Charlie for that throne may just not be his lot- in British Airways – United States of America (USA) President, Barack Obama – that black guy with Kenyan blood running in his vein may be the only one that is in my spirit as I write in the belly of Nigeria Air force One. We have just landed in Lagos. I wanted to clip the belt until I got the nudge. “you are flying Presidential, Sir”. It was the President. We are on tour and you are my guide.” No problems, I retorted.”What else do you expect from a reporter highly focused? “Sir or do we just regard ourselves as MD and Presido?. He said so meekly. I think that will be just fine. For that will reveal no formality.” Then I think no aides, ministers , hangers on or security details”. MD I have put ALL in place for this tour to be just YOU and ME.” Thanks lets go. Then from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport’s Airforce Base, we took the unmarked car. First stop? The Lagos National Stadium in Surulere. “Why do we have two Stadia this close? Presido asked. Oh! I’ll explain. They have existed together for forty years. The National Stadium was built by the General Jack Yakubu Gowon Administration to host the

Muyiwa Daniel on Thursday

md_muyiwa@yahoo.com 08023525087 (sms only) 1973 All-Africa Games in that era of getting international attention as “money was not our problem but how to spend it.” On the other side, is seated the edifice which was constructed for the youth by the United African Company (UAC) by giving back to the Society for what it was getting. It has produced tons of footballers for the country and indeed the West African sub-region. The Most important competition was the Oba cup. But let’s move to the Federal Territory. “MD let’s take a walk, I want the partially sighted and physically challenged that you told me on the flight to accompany us.” He said. No problems. “guys let’s go”. I was on cloud nine. First stop. The players dressing room. Doors opened and Presido jumped. It was a huge snake. It was all flooded. We scampered falling three times through the underground only to be met by more reptiles as we got to the main bowl. What did we need to see? More rot. “MD, I have been conned!’ Nothing has happened here in more that fifteen years.” “With all the budget approvals?”

Eagles camp bubbles as Amokachi celebrates birthday Ajibade Olusesan

uper Eagles camp resumed on Tuesday in Abuja as all the expected players with the exception of Emem Eduok and Igudia Godwin had lunch with the technical crew comprising of Daniel Amokachi, Houandinu Valere and Ike Shorunmi at the Bolton White Apartment Hotel. Only Eduok who is reportedly in Tunisia for contract talks with Esperance and Igudia who replaced Erhun Obanor, who is with the U-23 national side are yet to report to training for the

two grade A international friendlies against Cote ‘D Ivoire and Sudan in Abu Dhabi Addressing the players, Amokachi who marked his birthday on Tuesday in a subdued form, urged them to work harder to make the final 19 for the trip. The former Eagles striker said as he grows older, he has become wiser and it will show in the forthcoming friendly games against Cote D’ Ivoire and Sudan, even as he acknowledged the huge influence, Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has had on his coaching career.

The National Stadium was built by General Jack Yakubu Gowon

Let’s see more. The State Box, Floodlights, Media Centre, the exotic office and conference room for the chairman, the offices for the director of sports and his deputies, the communications room-still with telex- and what? The entire ground floor taken over by anything but sports. Who succeeded Isaac Akioyethose who ran- this place when I was a kid hoping to take pictures here? That reminds me, as we are going to the sports hall that you said Dr Adegboyega Efunkoya got table-tennis running ALL year round producing the scores from the 40s to now ,notably, Atanda Musa, Yomi Bankole , Olawunmi Majekodunmi, Toun Engore, Funke Oshonaike, Segun Toriola, Haruna Quadri amongst others competing with boxing, run by Brai Ayonote and wrestling by Anthony Bolaji

arri Wolves players are lamenting the attitude of the club’s management with respect to their welfare. According to some of the players who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, the club owes them 30 percent of their sign on fees, one month salary and four match bonuses for last season. The players said despite several promises, the management was still holding on to their money.

“We have decided to come out after they failed to fulfill their promise,” one of the player said. “All what they have been asking us is to be patient, but for how long? Their excuse was the trouble the chairman, Amaju Pinnick, was having at the Nigeria Football Federation but will that feed our family?” he asked. Another player who also doesn’t want his name in print said: “The president should know that he should build his home first before thinking of another man’s house.”

the regulations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Now I have beaten you to that. Is that not so? Let’s go to your esteemed Teslim Balogun. Come How many Football Clubs do you have in this state with presence of private sector?. Just the J-League and MTN Street Soccer?. Is somebody following us on TWITTER? Maybe security. Let’s go on JOOR! Ah! Now it’s dark. This is your joint for 30 years, Madam SWAN. From gate to turnstiles. We have to change that. But MD, seriously, we must turn things around. I guess with what I have seen here, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna, Jos, Benin, Kano and Bauchi cannot be as up to speed here. We will still go though because this is an eye opener. Those companies, friends and associates can do the best for this country with those funds getting our youths not to remain focused on slavery in those little economies. Let’s go back to the airport. Those security chaps are making the city uneasy. We will continue on the flight.” ADC, return to Base” – Presido”. Oh! I just woke up from a DREAM! Have A Blessed and Prosperous 2015!

FIFA celebrates Oshoala as one of 2014 stars lHighlights Eagles’ 33-year unbeaten home run

Emmanuel Tobi

orld football governing body, FIFA, on Wednesday listed Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala’s picture as one of the 14 personalities that shaped 2014 football year. Oshoala whose picture was listed for her heroic feat at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014, won two awards: the Adidas golden ball and Adidas golden boot as the best player and highest goal scorer. Other pictures on display include:

model Adriana Lima posing with Brazil 2014 World Cup mascot, Fuleco, FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and football legend, Pele in a warm embrace with FIFA President, Sepp Blatter. Also on the photo gallery are Germany players celebrating after winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, Iker Casillas celebrating his 700th official appearance for Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid and Ivan Vicelich of Auckland City posing at the end of the tournament

awards at the Club World Cup 2014. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles also got a mention by FIFA in 2014 in numbers segment as the team was listed as having gone “33 years without a competitive home defeat, was the remarkable run that came to an end for Nigeria in September with a 3-2 loss to Congo. The Super Eagles had not been beaten in a meaningful match on their own patch since Algeria emerged from Lagos with a 2-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in 1981.”

Hockey player seeks more tourneys Ifeanyi Ibeh

Wolves players beg Pinnick to pay dues Charles Ogundiya

Oni? “ Oh, MD, you are taking notes. Mine is also here. Wait. Update me. The Hockey pitch in the days of Jeremiah Useni and Shehu Musa Yar’Aduah. Ehen!, This handball pitch still synthetic. What have they done with programmes of Ishola Williams and here at Volleyball, will they let those legacies of Ogunseitan and “tall” of your Egbon Eddie Aderinokun die like that through mediocrity? Let’s go to the swimming pool that you proved is gold mine in multimodal sports. I still remember in 1973 that the Egyptian girl-Fanten Afifi- beat our Ebito Family to those gold-what has happened to Dr Asekun’s relationships with the private sector that encouraged swimmers from the various parts to excel here. And the tennis courts. I watched, read about the rivalries of Ndukar Odizor, Tony Mmoh , Rolake Olagbegi and Nosa Imafidon. “Where are you taking me next”? The Squash Court, Sir,” Here, the leadership of Bolaji Sojinrin with Chief Folade Alade-a super Permanent Secretary produced Okalanwon Martins, Friday Omeben, Tari Tikili and the rest for Africa. It is now just an edifice. Now to the medical centre. Very good. You showed me all

Oshoala contesting with a Camerounian opponent during the 2014 AWC

n upcoming hockey player, Elizabeth Fatokun, has called on the relevant authorities to ensure that there are more developmental programmes and competitions for hockey players. This, according to the 20-year-old undergraduate of the Federal Polytechnic Ede, will aid the growth and awareness of the sport. “The passion for the game is great. Players and coaches are ready to play hockey anywhere in the country but it is so sad we don’t have the means to participate as a result of lack of tournaments,” said Fatokun, moments after helping her team, Ajala Queens, to a second-place finish at the just concluded Five-a-side competition held at the Union Bank Sports Centre in Lagos. “We need to take the sports to our schools through development programmes that will help to create awareness for children,” added Fatokun.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 53

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Chelsea, Man City to battle for Bony

remier League title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly fighting it out for the January signing of Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony. Representatives from both clubs were reportedly sent to Anfield on Monday night to carefully watch the Ivorian striker in action as the Swans fell to a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool. British newspaper, The Daily Mail, claims that City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain and head scout Gary

Transfer News Torres completes Atletico’s medical ernando Torres has come through his Atletico Madrid medical with no illFeffects.

The Spaniard, who has returned to theVicenteCalderononloanfromACMilan,underwenthismedicalexamination onWednesdaymorninginMajadahonda. Upon leaving the medical centre, Torres told the media: “Everything went well. I am looking forward to my first day back, seeing my teammates and starting training”. The30-year-oldjoinedAtleticoasayouthin1995andrepresented the Spanish side until 2007, when he left for Liverpool.

Worthington were both in attendance, while Chelsea’s European scout Mick Doherty also watched. It is thought that Swansea will not sell Bony for anything less than £30m, although that has not stopped the champions reportedly making an enquiry over the star striker’s availability. Bony, who joined the Welsh outfit from Vitesse in 2013, has scored 20 goals in the Premier League this calendar year more than any other player in the division.

Cisse to leave Newcastle

apiss Cisse, who will miss NewPceiving castle’s next three games after rea suspension from the Football

Bony (right)

Bale keen to remain in Madrid Murray signs £15m kit deal, areth Bale has has no intention of leaving dumps Adidas stressed he is hap- the Spanish and European

py to remain at Real Madrid amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United. The Wales international arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu for a reported worldrecord fee of £85.3million in 2013, and has since won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Copa del Rey and the FIFA Club World Cup. Reports in recent weeks have seen Bale linked with a return to the Premier League, but Bale insists he

champions. Asked about a potential switch to Old Trafford, Bale is quoted as telling Dubai TV: “I am very happy in Madrid - a city, a climate and a club that I love. My contract ends in 2019 and I could sign a renewal. “I am very happy at Madrid and I hope to win many more titles in the future. It has been a fantastic year for me. I wanted to come to Real Madrid to win titles and work alongside the best players and that is exactly what I’ve done in a single year.

Murray

ritish number one Andy Murray has swapped Adidas for Under Armour by signing a fouryear deal believed to be worth around £15m with the American sportswear company.

The two-time Grand Slam winner started his career wearing Fred Perry gear, but joined Adidas in a deal thought to be worth £15m over five years. He will now wear Under Armour’s clothing, shoes and accessories from the New Year. Other athletes who wear Under Armour gear include quarter-back Tom Brady of the NFL’s New England Patriots, NBA point-guard Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, golfer Jordan Spieth and skier Lindsey Vonn.

Basketball Flakes

Association for an elbow on Everton’s Seamus Coleman during his side’s 3-2 win over the Toffees on Sunday, is reportedly heading for the exit door at Newcastle United. The 29-year-old has scored nine league goals in 14 games for the Magpies this season, but there have been question marks over his commitment to the cause. According to The Mirror, the Senegal international is keen on leaving St James’ Park in January and there is no shortage of interested clubs with Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City all said to be in the running for the striker.

Arsenal target Atletico’s Suarez

rsenal are reportedly interested in signA ing Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old is currently in his second spell with Atletico having initially departed the capital outfit for Mallorca in the early part of his career. Since returning in 2010, Suarez has made more than 100 league appearances for t h e Spanish champions, but the midfielder has been overlooked by Diego Simeone for a number of key matches.

with Ifeanyi Ibeh 08054175662

2014: Mixed fortunes for basketball

rom the global perspective, it was a beautiful year for the game of basketball especially as it was a World Cup year with both the men’s and women’s tournaments holding in Spain and Turkey respectively. In addition to these two premium events, both of which were won by the United States of America, there were also a number of other regional and international tournaments to satisfy the thirst of lovers of the sport, most notably the hugely popular NBA (National Basketball Association). From the Nigerian perspective, however, it was a relatively poor and chaotic year for the sport as none of the country’s teams made it to any of the global tournaments. The country’s clubs, especially the male sides, did not fare any better at both the regional and continental championships they took part in as they succumbed to the superior abilities of their counterparts from other parts of Africa. At the FIBA Africa Zone-3 Club Championships in Burkina Faso in September, the country’s representatives, Mark Mentors and Kano Pillars, both fell to the superior firepower of Cote d’Ivoire’s ABC who defeated Mark Mentors in the Zone-3 finals to secure a spot in November’s FIBA Africa Club Championships for Men in

Tunisia. Mark Mentors, by virtue of their second-place finish in Burkina Faso, also qualified for the ACCM in Tunisia, but not thirdplace Pillars, who had to depend on a wildcard in order to secure a spot at the continental championship. And when they finally got the wildcard from the continental body Kano Pillars failed to make it to the tournament owing to a lack of funds; a situation that will likely see the five-time Nigerian champions miss out on subsequent editions of the continent’s premium club tournament as punishment for failing to make it to Tunisia and bringing the sport into disrepute.

Action from the DStv Basketball league

It wasn’t all gloom for Nigerian basketball though as one of the country’s top referees, Kingsley Ojeaburu, made history by becoming the first Nigerian to officiate at the FIBA World Cup after taking charge of some games at the championship in Spain. In addition to the remarkable feat of the 36-year-old staff of Med-View Airline, one of the country’s foremost basketball administrators, Samuel Ahmedu, a retired Army colonel, was elected President of FIBA Africa Zone-3, even though his election was not with-

out rancour as he failed to receive the backing of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, who, no thanks to their long-running dispute with the president and founder of the Dodan Warriors Basketball Programme – one of the most successful basketball initiatives in Africa – nominated a board member of the NBBF, Muktah Khaleh, to also vie for the post of Zone-3 president at the election held in Madagascar. Also in 2014, the 16th edition of the annual Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship took place but not without a massive alteration to the tournament’s schedule as the final tournament in Lagos had to be moved from August to November following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in parts of the country. The Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship wasn’t the only basketball event affected by Ebola as the annual Giants of Africa Top 50 Camp, established in 2003 by current General Manager and President of basketball operations of the Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri, was equally affected and had to be moved from

August to December. Some outstanding players from the Top 50 camp have gone on to splay professionally in the NBA. But none of them made much of an impact in the NBA in 2014. A former star of the Nigerian national team, Ime Udoka, however won an NBA championship in June as a member of the coaching staff of the San Antonio Spurs, while Victor Oladipo was also named runner-up in the Rookie of the Year award. It was also a remarkable year for American basketball superstar, Kobe Bryant, as he finally overhauled Michael Jordan’s NBA points-scoring tally on December 14 in a 10094 win for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bryant, now a 36-year-old with five NBA titles, has enjoyed a career worthy of adulation and passing Jordan’s 32,292 points mark leaves him behind just Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928). But with age gradually catching up with Bryant, it’s highly unlikely that he would ever get to surpass the mark of the legendary duo.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Still waiting for the Tambuwal thugs Thursday with Yemi YEMI AJAYI 0807 991 0957 (sms only) yemiajayi3010@yahoo.com

t is over a month since the police, in a knee-jerk reaction, attributed their invasion of the National Assembly on November 20 to the need to protect law and order. In justifying the action, the police, through the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, an interim Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the law enforcement agency resorted to the blockade of the legislature based on an “intelligent report of a likely invasion of the House of Representatives by hoodlums and thugs.” To convince the doubting Thomas of the nobility of their action, the police had promised to parade the seven suspected thugs that were part of the crowd with House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, when he arrived at the legislature for an emergency plenary session. The blockade, which forced many lawmakers to jump fence in order to access the House chambers, was in continuation of the war of attrition between the House on one hand and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the presidency, on the other hand, following the defection of Tambuwal from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 28. Given the drama that had trailed the defection, the nation was waiting with bated breath on how the emergency session of the House, summoned by the

Abba

beleaguered speaker to consider President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for an extension of the state of emergency earlier imposed on Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States, would turn out. Earlier, Tambuwal, in a master stroke, had announced his defection to the APC shortly after he had adjourned the House until December 3. His tactical manoeuvring had foreclosed any opportunity by PDP lawmakers to debate the issue. The presidency and the ruling party went into a convulsion of anger. Although, all but the blind would have known that Tambuwal left PDP long time ago and his announcement was just a mere formality, the ruling party gave the impression that it never saw it coming. So, distraught PDP and presidency officials caught flat footed by Tambuwal’s defection, primed themselves for a revenge mission. It was therefore no surprise that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, a man who is available to do the dirty work of the ruling party, declared Tambuwal’s seat and office vacant. Abba, just overnight, declared himself the Chief Justice of Nigeria, or as a friend mischievously put it, the Chief Justice and Law Enforcer of PDP! Without any judicial pronouncement, the IG had announced the withdrawal of Tambuwal’s security aides on the flimsy excuse that he had lost his right to protection as the na-

tion’s number fourth citizen with his defection. To give a legal cloak to his action, the IG, in a statement early December, said: “In view of the recent defection by the Right Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and having regard to the clear provision of Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has redeployed its personnel attached to his office.” The withdrawal of the speaker’s security aides was the first step in the war of attrition to force Tambuwal out of office because the PDP knew that it would be difficult for it to oust the speaker through the two legallysanctioned methods: impeachment by two-thirds of the 360 members of the House or getting the court to remove Tambuwal and to declare his seat vacant in line with Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution. The section prescribes that a lawmaker loses his seat, if he defects from the party on whose platform he was elected to another party; provided his defection was not as a result of crisis in his former party. However, given the circumstances of Tambuwal’s emergence as speaker, in defiance of the PDP’s zoning policy that had ceded the post to the SouthWest, the party knew that it could not get lawmakers, including some of those who are its members, to impeach the speaker. The court process was not a bright idea either because the wheel of justice grinds slowly in Nigeria. As it has turned out so far, the case could drag on for months that in fact, Tambuwal would have finished his tenure as speaker before judgement could be delivered even by the court of first instance. It was against this backdrop that the presidency resorted to brute force to get Tambuwal out. The game plan, executed by Abba, was to deny Tambuwal and his supporters access to the House while PDP members, including the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who were given easy access, would sit and summarily impeach the speaker. However, their machination did not take cognisance of the counter plot by the Tambuwal group which had got wind of the plot. What the police thought was going to be an easy assignment back fired with the determination of APC lawmakers and the speaker to defy the police cordon by forcing their way into the inner chamber of the House in billows of tear gas fume.

An IG, like Caesar’s wife, must not only be seen to be above board, but must inspire confidence in all stakeholders, especially in a crucial election year that Nigeria goes into from today. Unfortunately, Abba has fallen short of this expectation

Faced with public angst over the illegal invasion of the hallowed precinct of the legislature, the police resorted to gobbledegook to justify their action. Taken up on the claim that Tambuwal was accompanied by a “motley crowd’, a euphemism for thugs, the police said seven suspected thugs were arrested on the day and promised to parade them later. However, over a month after the promise, the police are yet to parade even one of the “Tambuwal thugs”. As events have turned out, with Tambuwal looking good to serve out his tenure, the only hope of Abba riding the storm of his infamy to save his face is that a nation legendary for its short attention span will forget about the incident and move on in the drudgery task of quotidian survival. But we should not allow Abba such a luxury. Since he has failed to show remorse for his ill-advised invasion of the National Assembly, the onus is on him to show the public that he was on a legitimate mission to prevent a breakdown of law and order, as he had claimed, by making public the outcome of his investigation into the matter. The first step in doing this is to urgently parade the so-called seven thugs the police said they arrested. Ojukwu who addressed a press conference in Abuja to announce the arrest of the seven suspected thugs is no longer willing to talk more on the matter. In response to an inquiry by New Telegraph on the state of the case, he had taciturnly said: “We are still investigating the matter.” Knowing the way the police work in such a delicate situation, it would be faster waiting for Godot than to wait for the police to conclude their so-called investigation into the matter. It is the crass partisanship displayed by the police that made the International Crisis Group (ICG), an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict, to, in a report released last month, warn of dire consequences for Nigeria in the aftermath of the 2015 general election. “The conduct of some senior police officers (such as Abba)…has raised fears that the agency could be manipulated to serve the PDP’s interests. Similarly, some actions and pronouncements by the Department of State Service (DSS) – Nigeria’s main domestic intelligence agency – have raised concerns about institutional bias. If these agencies act or are perceived to act in a partisan manner, they could undermine free and fair polls and heighten the risks of violence, particularly after the vote,” it said in the report. As we approach the 2015 general election, the public needs to monitor Abba and the police he leads seriously as he has by his conduct shown that he is a malleable officer and he constitutes a present danger to the successful conduct of the election. Given his antecedent in Ekiti and Osun States, where policemen were used to harass opposition figures, he inspires no confidence in his ability to be impartial in the provision of security for all, irrespective of political affiliation. An IG and other security chiefs, like Caesar’s wife, must not only be seen to be above board, but must inspire confidence in all stakeholders, especially in a crucial election year that Nigeria goes into from today. Unfortunately, Abba has fallen short of this expectation.

On Marble

Women cannot complain about men anymore until they start getting better taste in them.

– Bill Maher

Sanctity of Truth

Still waiting for the Tambuwal thugs

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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2015: Who will revive this economy?

t is about six weeks to the presidential election, an event that will have a great impact on Nigeria politically. What will happen to this country this year? Is 2015 the year that will make or mar this country? What exactly is going on in the minds of candidates and voters now? Chieftains of the two main political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are already in the trenches, planning and plotting for the February 14 and 28 elections. Of course, many of the governorship, National Assembly and Houses of Assembly seats will be shared between the two parties but the ultimate prize – presidency – is what will determine the future of this country as from this year, which starts today, the first day of the new year. But, what of the economy? Nigerians have been going through this political ritual every four years with no result. Before election day, the outcome is already known. That is why democracy is not working in this part of the world. Because of the elections fixed for February 14 and 28, governance has been thrown to the dustbin. And without good governance, the economy will continue to be comatose. If the truth must be told, Nigeria’s economy, despite the figure being shown to us by government officials, is deteriorating. I am not referring to Federal Government officials alone. State and council officials are also guilty of the unconscious state our economy has slumped to for decades. We are deceived by figures everyday in a country where poverty is about 90 per cent. Forget the latest coinage called ‘Rebased economy’. How can we have a budget in which recurrent expenditure is higher than that of capital? Pitiably, this affects all the three tiers of government. And the people benefitting from the recurrent expenditure represent about 2 per cent of the population. Is it not ironical that extreme personal poverty and vast wealth in natural resources co-exist in the country and our leaders are helpless? Nigeria is blessed with crude oil, rich vegetation and soil good for agriculture yet, the people are poor. There are many countries blessed with just about 10 per cent of the resources available in Nigeria, yet, the people are comfortable. So, what really is the problem? Is it because our leaders can’t think? Nigeria has concentrated so much on oil production because of the so-called ‘fast money’, and neglected other sectors. But is that not a waste of energy and resources? Statistics have shown that Nigeria produces only about three per cent of world’s supply of oil. Russia produces about 12 per cent, the United States produces about eight per cent and Saudi Arabia produces about 13 per cent. So, what do you think would have happened if Nigeria devotes the same effort that it uses to produce world’s three per cent oil supply to other sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing? How many Nigerians are the oil sector going to employ when agriculture and manufacturing can employ millions of Nigerians in all corners of the country?

Talking Tough GABRIEL AKINADEWO gabyfola@hotmail.com

08023010222, 08052097814 (sms only)

Port Harcourt refinery

Proponents of the ‘rebased big economy’ theory have argued that our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing at an average of 6.5 per cent, more than the average growth rate of the United States, Japan, Britain and South Africa. What is the basis for this growth? We all travel to all these countries and we know the level of infrastructure and standard of living there, far above what we have here. So, what is growing and how do we expect

There are many countries blessed with just about 10 per cent of the resources available in Nigeria, yet, the people are comfortable. So, what really is the problem?

the average Nigerian to contextualise a $500 billion GDP when he is jobless? Globally, it is a known fact that GDP growth is about value added production. If this is true, where then lies the production base of the Nigerian economy when manufacturing companies are closing down every year or relocating to neighbouring countries? For the economy to be growing at an average of 6.5 per cent, the manufacturing sector must have employed millions of Nigerians. Is that the situation now? We operate an economy that consumes what it does not produce and the situation is getting worse because Nigeria has become a dumping ground for foreign goods. When are our leaders going to give a thought to the economy? For an economy to be said to be growing, it must be strong in three sectors oil, petrochemicals and steel. If Nigeria is strong in oil, are we strong in petrochemicals and steel? Even in oil production, have we successfully deployed the wealth of that sector to all the citizenry? Does it make sense to take our crude oil outside the country, refine it and bring it back to sell to the citizenry? So, what exactly is driving our rebased economy when poverty affects about 45% of the population? There was a time Nigeria was exporting food, cocoa, palm oil, kolanuts etc but due to lack of planning, as the population was growing, our export drive was declining. Now, Nigeria, once a large exporter of food, imports same in large quantity and our rulers are busy politicking. To complicate the matter, crude oil

price crashed further last Tuesday below $57 per barrel. The $57 price was $8 short of the $65 per barrel oil benchmark on which the our government anchors revenue projection for the 2015 Budget. Will this not further widen the budget deficit expected for this fiscal year? But if other sectors had been given the seriousness they deserve, will Nigeria be in this sorry state? That oil price is crashing is no big deal in the international market. Several members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have suffered supply disruptions many times but with the financial and economic shock absorbers built into the system for decades through planning, their citizens hardly feel it. Unfortunately, reverse is the case in Nigeria. In Nigeria, it is obvious we are only united geographically, not economically and that is why Nigeria is different from other countries, especially in the West. Their economies take precedence over any other consideration. What is wrong if our rulers diversify the economy by taking tough decisions, even now that oil prices are falling? Also, the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government towards developing the economy is also affecting the 36 states. Obviously, majority of these states are lazy, going cap in hand to Abuja every month for allocation. California is a state in the United States but its economy is the eighth largest in the world if the states of the U.S. were compared directly with other countries. As of 2013, the Gross State Product (GSP) is about $2.05 trillion, which is 13.2 per cent of the United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The state’s GDP grew 2.0 per cent in 2013 after having grown 2.7 per cent in 2012 and 1.7 per cent in 2011. From tax alone (state and federal), South Africa made $75 billion last year but Nigeria made $65 billion from tax and oil. How many people pay tax in Nigeria? How do you grow your economy when your tax system is leaking? In which area is Nigeria strong economically? In free market economy, Japan is the third biggest in the world. It is also the leader in the electronics industry and the third largest in automobile industry but it is not a strong factor in agriculture. If we cannot match Japan in technology, who says we can’t beat that Asian country in agriculture and become a major exporter of food? This may sound elementary but the rate at which Toyota Motor Corporation exports thousands of its vehicles to Nigeria daily is alarming. Why can’t we give a deadline to the auto manufacturing giant, say two years, to stop the importation, give it about 100 acres of land and tax-free incentives for one year? If Toyota and other auto giants start manufacturing in this country, obviously, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians will be employed, aside the fact that Nigeria will become the hub of car export in Africa? If what our rulers think of every time is politics, when is Nigeria going to become an economic giant? When will Nigerians revive the economy? Will our rulers give a thought to the economy this year, even as they are battle ready to spill blood to occupy public offices?

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.