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Vol. 2 No. 425

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N751.5bn lost to duty waivers under Jonathan

lCustoms generate N3.191trn revenue Bayo Akomolafe

he Federal Government has lost a total of N751.5 billion due

to duty waivers granted under President Goodluck Jonathan's watch, it was learnt at the weekend. Waivers and exemp-

tions are the grants jointly approved by the president and Minister of Finance for importers, exporters, manufacturers, govern-

ment agencies and individuals. New Telegraph’s findings revealed that the sectors that benefited

mostly from waivers under Jonathan’s administration from 2011 to 2014 were hospitality, power, aviation, agricultural ma-

chinery, oil and gas, solid minerals equipment, gasusing equipment, steel and manufacturing, as well as CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

The shape of Buhari's cabinet Buhari

lFashola, Amaechi, Kwankwaso, others being considered lDon't pre-empt president-elect, says Lai Mohammed }2 Quick Read

Editorial

The resurgence of xenophobia in S/Africa }19

Tribunals set to hear election petitions }2 Chukwumerije dies at 75 }7 WHO links Ondo's 'mystery' deaths to pesticide }6

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar (left) and former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, during Babangida's visit to Atiku in Abuja…yesterday.

Jonathan to attend Buhari's inauguration }5

News

MONday, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

The shape of Buhari's cabinet Ayodele Ojo, Donald Ojogo and Johnchuks Onuanyim

head of the May 29 formal takeover of power by the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the likely shape of his cabinet is gradually emerging. Sources told New Telegraph that the presidentelect has been holding meetings with the leadership of the party, stakeholders, close associates and personalities that influenced his election on the composition of his cabinet. Besides, it was learnt that Buhari mandated the APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, to head a team to search for "credible and competent Nigerians" who will form the cabinet of the incoming administration.

Several familiar faces may surface as cabinet members in Buhari's administration while the party leadership are expected to nominate people into the cabinet. Vice-President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, might not have influence in the choice of ministerial nominees from the South-West because of the influence of Tinubu, it was learnt. According to the sources, three outgoing governors have been pencilled in as ministers. It was learnt that the president-elect has spoken to Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) on his plan to have them in his government. Fashola is being tipped for the office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice while Kwankwaso, already a senator-elect, is

being considered for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) slot. If the proposal sails through, Kwankwaso’s appointment will follow the recent tradition where FCT Minister are picked from the Senate. Senators Adamu Ailero and Bala Mohammed were appointed FCT ministers as serving senators. With the influence of Kwankwaso, who is a former Minister of Defence, Buhari got 1.9 million votes from Kano in the March 28 presidential poll, the highest from any state. Contrary to speculations that Amaechi may be appointed as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), New Telegraph learnt that he was being considered for a ministerial appointment. Amaechi heads the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation. The three governors

will be appointed as ministers on zonal basis. Fashola will represent South-West, Kwankwaso and Amaechi will take the slot for NorthWest and South-South respectively. Lagos, Kano and Rivers are likely to get two ministers each in the new cabinet. “The three governors will be part of Buhari’s cabinet. Don’t forget that the trio played crucial roles in the election of Buhari. Fashola was the head of Finance Committee, Amaechi was the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation while Kwankwaso delivered the highest number of votes to the president-elect. The governors are on top priority of people to be appointed ministers. “The office of the SGF is so sensitive to the government and Amaechi does not have the tempera-

ment for the office. Surely, he will get an influential ministry,” the source said. In addition, it was gathered that a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Bello Dambazau, is also being considered to be either the Minister of Defence or National Security Adviser (NSA). Dambazau, a holder of Doctorate in Criminology, was the Director of Security and Intelligence of the Buhari campaign organisation. The Secretary to the Borno State Government (SSG), Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, is being tipped as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or in the alternative, he will be given a ministerial appointment. Jidda has been Borno's SSG for more than 12 cumulative years. Another figure likely to be in the Buhari’s cabinet is a former Lagos

Some of the survivors of a capsized boat in which illegal immigrant were travelling to Europe off the coast of Libya...yesterday.

Tribunals set to begin hearing election petitions Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

here are indications that the various election petition tribunals will commence sitting this week in their various states. The tribunals will be hearing petitions arising from the National Assembly elections held on March 28, as well as the governorship and House of Assembly elections held on April 11. A source said the panel for each of the 36 states of the federation

and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had been put in place. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, had earlier sworn in the judges appointed to serve on the tribunal. The Electoral Act provides for 180 days for a tribunal to determine each petition before it. The 180 days include the movement of the petition from the tribunal to the Supreme Court. The Lagos State Governorship election petition tribunal has Justice Muhammed Sirajo, Justice G.C Anulude and

Justice Rotimi Balogun as members. On the panel for Abia governorship tribunal are Justice Usman Bwala, Justice E.A Ebienyie and Justice I.O Ogunyemi. On the panel for Rivers election tribunal are Justice Ayuba Kwajaffa, Justice B.A Taiwo and Justice Wesley Leha. But unlike others that will sit in the capital of the state of their jurisdiction, the Rivers' tribunal will sit in Abuja due the security crisis in the state. Also, Justices Tanko Usman, Kadi Mohammed

and Y. Halilu will determine election petitions from Adamawa State. Members of the tribunal for Benue State are Justices Ahmed Bima, C.C Ogunsanya and Justice Hadiza Jos. Kwara: Justices H.A Olusiyi, A.M Saddeeq and Kadi Abdullah Saidu Usman. Ogun: Justices A.I Banjoko, P.C Obiora and Adubusoye. Taraba: Justices Musa Abubakar, V.I Offesi and W.I Kpochi. Sokoto: Justices Ali Garba, A.L Akintola and Justice D.M Iguse. Also, Justices K.O

Alogba, S.B Belgore and Elias Abua will cover Kebbi State. In Kogi, Justices Abdullah Sanyan Khadi Saddiq Saanya and A.O Asenuga will look into election grievances while Justices Aliyu Mayaki, M.O Olagunju and Kadi Musa Babaojo will cover Cross River. Oyo State has Justices F.C Obieze, Ibrahim Karaye and J.E Ikedie with Justices A.A Adebara, N.U Okasiabor covering Kaduna State while Katsina State will be covered by Justices Adamu Gulma, M.N Obi and A.A Olasanmi.

State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, who is a Tinubu's protégé. Edun is presently in the United States attending the Work Bank meeting as the head of APC delegation that accompanied Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, to the event. It was learnt that Tinubu was pushing for Edun’s appointment to succeed Okonjo-Iweala. But former President Olusegun Obasanjo is rooting for erstwhile Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Soludo, for the position. Obasanjo, a former Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had a running battle with President Goodluck Jonathan and campaigned for the APC, is expected to nominate people into Buhari’s cabinet. Deputy Director-General (Operations) of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation and former Lagos Speaker, Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, is being tipped as the Ogun State nominee. Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, may represent Osun State in the cabinet. The candidacy of Oyinlola, a former National Secretary of PDP whose ouster was engineered by the party leadership before he defected to the APC, is being backed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Obasanjo. It was also learnt that former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will make the Buhari cabinet. Fayemi’s choice, one of the sources told New Telegraph, was against the will of Tinubu who preferred one of his former aides from the state. But Buhari is insisting on Fayemi's candidacy on the strength of his contribution to his victory as the Head of Policy and Strategy of the Presidential Campaign Council and his handling of the national convention of the APC which produced Buhari as the party's candidate. Also on the list is a former Minister of Communications and onetime National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who is to represent Benue State in the cabinet. Ogbeh was the head of Buhari Campaign Organisation until the former military ruler picked the APC presidential ticket in the December 2014 primaries. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEW TELEGRAPH MONday, APRIL 20, 2015

IMO STATE ELECTORATE

A CALL TO VOTE WISELY We call on Imo State voters in the affected polling units to cast their votes wisely on the supplementary election scheduled for April 25th 2015 and re-elect His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for second term. We urge you to vote APC. It is the wise thing to do. We make this call based on our duty to protect, guard and advance the vital interest of our people in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political affairs. It will amount to the highest political disservice to stand aside and watch the entire Igbo nation scheme itself out in the emerging political development in Nigeria. Governor Okorocha by the virtue that his re-election registers him as the Igbo link in the ranks of APC governors, the majority and ruling party in the new government ensures our voice in the federal government, albeit a lone voice. This fact imposes on Imo State electorate to vote wisely on April 25th 2015. LONG LIVE IGBO NATION! LONG LIVE NIGERIA!! Chief Ralph Obioha Chairman

Dr. Zed Chukwujama Secretary General

OHANAEZE CARETAKER COMMITTEE

Travel Advisory

MONday, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

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

12:30hrs

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

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

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

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

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

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR

LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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

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

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS

LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45

(SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50

AEROCONTRACTORS

LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30

MEDVIEW AIRLINES

LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30

OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00

News

NEW TELEGRAPH MONday, APRIL 20, 2015

Jonathan to attend Buhari's inauguration Anule Emmanuel

he presidency yesterday confirmed that President Goodluck Jonathan will attend the inauguration of his successor, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, on May 29. The president-elect will be sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and the event is scheduled to hold on the same day Nigeria is celebrating its Democracy Day at the Eagle Square in Abuja. The ceremony will be epochal, as it will mark the first transfer of power from the ruling party to an opposition party in Nigeria's political annals. There have been speculations that the president, whose decision to formally hand over to Buhari a day before his inauguration has met with opposition from the incoming governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC), might not attend Buhari's inauguration. Minister of Information, Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of last week's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, had said Jonathan would hand over to Buhari on May 28 at a dinner in the Presidential Villa. The plan by the Jonathan's camp is already generating controversy as the APC has rejected Jonathan's decision to

handover to the incoming president on May 28 instead of May 29, describing the action as "an act of ill-will laced with sinister motives". The APC said since the return of democracy in 1999, the traditional date for the handover of power had been May 29, which is also observed as Democracy Day. But a principal aide to the president told New Telegraph at the weekend that all issues being raised

about whether or not the outgoing president would attend the inauguration ceremony were mere speculation. According to the source, although Jonathan does not have a specific role on the inauguration day, he will definitely attend the event. He said: "All over the world, including America, the outgoing presidents do not have any role to play on that day. It is the president-elect's day. But for-

mer President Olusegun Obasanjo, as a showman, had set the precedence in 2007 when he handed over to the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, which looks as if it is the right thing. "The system where Obasanjo, in 2007, inspected the guard of honour and then the president-elect also did the same thing was wrong. President Jonathan will attend the ceremony, but as a guest." According to him, there

is a misunderstanding about the handover date of May 28. "Jonathan has not said he is not attending the ceremony of May 29. On May 28, the president will only be handing over to the president elect the report of the two transition committees, that of the Federal Government and the one by the presidentelect. It is not handover of the instrument of power, but handover notes," the source stated.

He added that although both Jonathan and Buhari have not formally met, they will do so to agree on a clear transition programme. He said there were various stages of the transition arrangement, which both parties would have to agree on and that has not happened. Besides, the two transition committees will also have to meet and this, too, has not happened, the source added.

L-R: Executive Director, Net Library Nigeria, Mrs. Oyeyinka Ayo-Yusuf; Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and Corporate Sales Manager, SIMS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Chuks Enwelem, at the signing of MoU between the bank and partners in the bank’s educational projects in Lagos…at the weekend. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Fashola, Amaechi, Kwankwaso, others may make Buhari's cabinet CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Senator Chris Ngige, who lost his re-election, is also being considered as nominee from Anambra State. But a source said Ngige’s choice had not been finalised because his contribution to Buhari’s victory was minimal. The PDP trounced the APC in the South-East in the general elections. The APC National ViceChairman (North-East), Bibi Lawal, is also on the list of likely ministers. Lawal is one of the political associates of Buhari and has been with the former military ruler for more than 20 years. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is another figure Buhari has shortlisted for appointment as minister. There are speculations that Mohammed may head the Ministry of Information. It was also learnt that the Chief of Staff to the President-elect, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), will be

given a separate appointment in the presidency but not in his present capacity. Ali is a former Military Administrator of Kaduna State. One of the sources said former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, though optimistic of a ministerial appointment, may end up as head of powerful Federal Government agency. “Though Sylva is close to Buhari, he is being considered for another appointment, but not as a minister,” the source said. But an aide of the former governor, told New Telegraph that Sylva was hopeful of a ministerial appointment. Also likely to be in the cabinet is an activist and one of the pillars of #BringbackourGirls# campaign, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman. Hadiza, daughter of the late Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman, the radical lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, is expected

to man the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) as Special Adviser. Former Chief Economic Adviser to the late President, Tanimu Yakubu, may stage a comeback. “Tanimu will be in the government, but not likely as a minister. He will function in a different capacity,” the source said. It was learnt that a former Minister of Education and an ally of Obasanjo, Mrs. Obi Ezekwesili, was being considered for a ministerial initially, but the party leadership opposed her nomination for what it called her arrogance and hatred for the APC. However, as a departure from the PDP, the national leadership of the APC will nominate ministers for Buhari. The outgoing government of PDP has a structure of ministers being nominated by governors. A Board of Trustees (BoT) member of APC told New Telegraph yesterday in Abuja that the presi-

dent-elect had conceded the power to nominate ministers into his cabinet to the national leadership of the party. He explained that the view of the presidentelect on the ministerial nominees was that if they come from the leadership of the party, every member would owe his allegiance to the party. But if they come from the governors, party members would owe their allegiance to the governors, the source added. New Telegraph, however, learnt that Buhari had saddled Tinubu with the task of searching for "credible and competent Nigerians" for the cabinet. A source said Tinubu would be assisted by Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; former Abia State Governor, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and Kaduna State Governorelect, Mallam Nasir ElRufai, among others. Besides, the source added that APC leaders

were apprehensive that the proposed cut in the cost of governance by the incoming Buhari administration would mean "less patronage to be dispensed by party stakeholders." The source said one of the cardinal objectives of Buhari was to scout for "credible, competent and tested Nigerians across the geopolitical zones to hit the ground running from May 29." He equally listed cut in costs of governance at all levels, including the National Assembly, as another major policy of the new leader. The source, who is from the South-South, also expressed optimism that the APC would have a strong footing in the oil-rich region. He said: "The first major objective of the new leadership is to ensure that a crack team, made up of credible, competent and tested Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, is put together by the

president and I think this is being spear headed by the former Governor of Lagos State who has been mandated to scout for such persons without bias." Reacting to the composition of the incoming cabinet, Mohammed cautioned against pre-emptive comments, especially from leaders of the APC, saying only the presidentelect can make categorical statements on the policy direction of the incoming government. He said:"For God's sake, why are we running faster than our shadows? It is highly preposterous for anyone to do this. General Buhari is a man of experience; policy direction and statements can only come from him or anyone directed by the party. "In all honesty, only the president-elect, the party chairman or the national publicity secretary can make statements as regards what direction the incoming government is going."

News

MONday, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

WHO links Ondo's 'mystery' deaths to pesticide Babatope Okeowo Akure

he World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that pesticide poisoning is the probable cause of 18 mysterious deaths in Ode-Irele, Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State between April 13 and 15. The deaths have been attributed to the rage of angry gods over stealing of some items in the community shrines. The world health body said those who died in the state suffered from blurred vision and headaches, and then lost consciousness before dying within 24 hours. A spokesman for the WHO said tests done so far had been negative for viral and bacterial infections. He said the current theory was that the deaths were caused by weedkiller. The WHO spokesman, Gregory Haertl, tweeted: "Current hypothesis on the cause of the event is herbicides. Tests done so far are negative for viral and bacterial infection." The tests were carried out at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the WHO said. Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has

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take of alcohol giving clue of possible poisoning from ethanol. While noting that cultural belief is making the people run away from using hospital, Adeyanju said the people are at liberty to give traditional interpretation to the issue but insists that government would intensify enlightenment campaign and deploy necessary machinery to take care of those who manifest symptoms. The commissioner said findings from post-mortem

carried out on the victims and other laboratory tests revealed that the disease was neither epidemic nor contagious. According to him, preliminary report shows that ethanol poison was found in the systems of all the victims. His words: “Our investigations have also revealed that the victims, who, interestingly, were all Okada riders, gathered at some local joints to consume alcoholic substance mixed with roots and some other

local herbs on the eve of the outbreak of the disease. “I can assure you that the disease is in no way contagious. The fact that none of the caregivers has contracted the disease has greatly underscored this point. “Therefore, the fear of spread does not arise and should be discouraged. We strongly suspect ethanol poison, and in view of this, we have ordered for another toxicology test for surviving victims.”

Jonathan intervenes in air controllers’ crisis

resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the payment of harmonised rating allowances for Nigerian air traffic controllers who shut down the nation’s airspace last week Thursday. With the approval, the controllers have suspended

their plans to ground air services today. A statement by the controllers, under the aegis of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA), made available to New Telegraph yesterday, enjoined all its members to continue to render services in ensuring a safe and secure airspace in Nigeria. NATCA, in a statement

signed by its President and Secretary, Victor Eyary and Banji Olawode respectively, thanked Jonathan, Ministers of Aviation, Labour and Productivity, chairman and staff of National Salaries and Wages Commission for all their support and understanding. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has assured that the country's air-

space would not be closed today following threats by air traffic controllers to embark on an indefinite strike. The controllers had, last week Thursday, withdrawn their services; an action that left air travel paralysed for six hours in various airports across the nation. The six- hour warning strike, according to the

controllers, was to draw the attention of NAMA management to epileptic air navigation equipment as well as failure to address welfare issues last year. The General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Olajumoke Adetona, in a statement yesterday said the agency was mandated to provide safe, economic, efficient and expeditious air navigation services.

Customs generate N3.191trn revenue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ENUGU

locally brewed gin called ogogoro at a particular joint and had no connection with all pictures trending on the media Adeyanju said government is on top of the situation and dismissed insinuations that the strange disease has diabolic connection. He said only 18 persons had died, mostly okada riders and farmers but with no family ties. He said the survivors with blurred vision are connected with large in-

L-R: Director, United Capital Plc (UCP), Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom; Group Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sanni and Chairman, Mr. Chika Mordi, at the company's Annual General Meeting in Lagos...on Thursday.

Wole Shadare Partially Cloudy

ABUJA

blamed the death on the consumption of liquor, which contained poison. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, who disclosed this yesterday at a media briefing in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said 18 persons out of 23 that contacted the disease had died while the five survivors have been transferred to the University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State for medical attention. Adeyanju confirmed that the victims took a

individuals connected to the presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The 1995 Customs Excise Consolidation Act granted the president the powers to grant waivers. According to the Federal Ministry of Finance data, some of the beneficiaries are Western Metal Products Company Limited (WEMPCO), Vaswani Brothers, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dangote, Stallion Group, Olam, Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited. Others are International Hotels, Mandarin Hotels, Le Meridian, Grand Ikoyi Towers & Resort, Federal Palace Hotels, the

United Cement Company of Nigeria and NIPCO Plc. Others are the Borno State Government, Federal Capital Territory Administration/Globe Motors, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without borders). BMW, Ford, Land Rover and Jaguar franchise holder in the country, Coscharis Motors, was also alleged to have been granted waivers. It was learnt that more than 65 per cent of beneficiaries received grants for imports not approved by the government, which ordinarily should be limited to raw materials, machinery and spare parts. A breakdown of the revenue collected revealed that in 2011, the service

raked in N741.8 billion; 2012, N850.8 billion; 2013, and N622.2 billion and by the end 2014, the service raked in N977.09 billion. Data from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the service revealed that the country lost N37.2 billion, N55.96 billion, N55.34 billion and N603 billion to import waivers to individuals and corporate organisations in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 fiscal years respectively. Also, under waivers and import duty exemption on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC’s) imported equipment, the service lost N86 billion while about N264 billion was lost to waivers on petroleum products, N76 bil-

lion to manufacturers and assemblers, among others. In 2012, it was disclosed that the service recorded a total of 6,019 seizures with a duty paid value of N4.3 billion. Also, during the period, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated a total of N3.191 trillion in revenues from imports through the seaports, airports and borders. The NCS spokesman, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, a Deputy Comptroller, said that within the first eight months of 2014, over 3,961 seizures were made with majority of them consisting of rice, textile ma terials, poultry, wine and alcoholic beverages and vehicles.

Last year, Chevron got N4.87 billion waived for the importation of machinery, equipment and pipelines; Galaxy Backbone received N2.49 billion in waivers for Information and Communications Technology equipment. Also, a source in Lagos said Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited received the highest waiver of N10.5 billion in the period. From the amount, N6.96 billion was waived for Indorama for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts, while N3.54 billion was waived on fertilizer equipment, catalysts and chemical pile.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH MONday, APRIL 20, 2015

Chukwumerije dies of cancer at 75 lMark, Kalu, PDP, senators mourn

Onwuka Nzeshi, Chukwu David and Igbeaku Orji

former Minister of Information, Senator Uche Chukwumerije

is dead. He died on Sunday evening at the Turkish Hospital, Abuja. He was aged 75. Until his death, Chukwumerije was the representative of Abia North Senatorial District and Chairman, Committee on Education at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. Chukwumerije was a former Minister of Information under the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida. A statement from the family said he died sur-

rounded by members of his family after a long, but gallant, battle with lung cancer. The statement signed by Che Chidi Chukwumerije described the deceased as a man of integrity and discipline. "His life is many volumes, which can only be told with care and time, of dedication and focus, integrity and discipline, and an unbroken love for the highest ideals of our shared humanity," Chidi said. Chukwumerije was elected into the National Assembly in April 2003 and has remained a member of the federal legislature since then. In a swift reaction to the death of the politician, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark expressed shock and sad-

ness, stating that Nigeria had lost an erudite and extraordinary nationalist. The Senate President stated that Chukwumerije was one of the brightest and most fertile minds in the Senate. According to him, Chukwumerije was a shining light and a pathfinder. "He radiated intelligence, exemplary conduct in both public and private life. He was a team player who brought meaning to hard work. He was focused and determined to make positive difference," Mark said. Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, also expressed shock and grief on the demise of the senator. Ekweremadu described him as a fearless politician who fought for the interest

of the common man and his people. Chukwumerije, he said, was "a patriot who gave his best towards the peace, unity, and development of Nigeria.” “Comrade was a highly principled patriot who detested political excesses and injustice of any form to any people. He was a most detribalised Nigerian who believed that every part of the country deserved the respect, opportunities, and rights intrinsic in their membership of the Nigerian commonwealth. “He loved his people, Ndigbo, and gave his very best towards protecting their interest and working for the development of the region,” he said. Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor

Kalu, described the death of Chukwumerije as a painful loss to Abia State and the nation at large. According to Kalu, the late legislator contributed to social and political development of Nigeria having served in different capacities and positions in the public sector. In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: "I was shocked to hear the news of the demise of Senator Chulwumerije. It is unfortunate that he passed away at this time when his wealth of wisdom and experience is needed in Abia State. Our hearts and thoughts are with the Chukwumerije family at this mournful period. It is my prayer that God will grant the deceased eternal rest."

L-R: Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, during a visit to the governor in Ilorin...yesterday

Presidency: Jonathan didn’t spend N2trn on elections Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he Presidency has denied reports that President Goodluck Jonathan approved and released a total of N2 trillion as funding for his reelection in the March 28 presidential poll. One of the national dailies on Sunday alleged that the Presidency had spent a whopping N2 trillion on the 2015 general elections. In the report, it was alleged that the Presidency embarked on a moneysharing spree to party members, support groups and state officials all in a bid for the President to win his re-election. The report also alleged that President Jonathan has already set up a five-

man committee to conduct an audit of how the funds were disbursed by party members and state officials. Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, while addressing State House Correspondents yesterday described the report as mischievous, false and embarrassing. "The President has not set up any committee as alleged in that story. It is also not true that the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) used state funds or spent N2 trillion during the campaigns. The innuendoes are wrong-headed. The motives behind the story are suspicious. "The authors of the story and their self-appointed megaphones further in-

sinuate that public funds were deployed in this regard. Their allegation of a theft of public funds is extremely malicious," he said. The presidential spokesman said the story is practically suggesting that half of the federal budget was spent on elections. Abati said: "How much is the budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria? The annual budget of the Federal Government is a little over N4 trillion. "This kind of reckless insinuation is meant to incite the public and instigate national crisis. "With FAAC having to do everything possible every month to ensure disbursements and with the Federal Government heavily committed to the

war against terror in the North-East, where is the alleged N2 trillion from the Federal purse? President Jonathan and the PDP conducted the 2015 elections in strict accordance with the rule of law. "The suggestion of any unlawful conduct cannot be sustained under any circumstances." Abati said President Jonathan has done his best to protect and strengthen democracy and promote peace. "He just deserves all the accolades that he has received from both Nigerians and the international community for this. "Certain persons and interest groups may not be happy that his profile has further risen and that his legacy is assured; but they do their country gross dis-

service when they act so unpatriotically. "Anyone who is engaged in imposing a crisis on the country by any means is not being fair to Nigeria. We can only appeal to the public to be wary of such reckless tactics now on display, which form the substance of an odd, malicious campaign after the elections. "We are particularly worried that since the March 28 and April 11 elections, some persons have continued to work very hard to diminish the Jonathan Presidency. They need to be reminded that the time for politics is over; it is now time to focus on the in-coming government, with emphasis on national development and moving the country forward," he added.

Kalu urged the family of the late legislator to take solace in the fact that the departed soul lived a fulfilled life. The former governor, while commiserating with the government and people of Abia State and members of the National Assembly, prayed to God to grant the deceased's family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, also mourned the death of the legislator, lamenting that Nigeria has lost a political giant. A statement by Abaribe, who is Chukwumerije’s fellow senator from Abia State, described the lawmaker as a political giant and one of the nation's finest legislators. Abaribe said the lawmaker who represented Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State in the Senate easily passed as a repository of legislative tradition and practice. "The Senate will surely miss his erudite contributions on the floor of the chamber and his painstaking approach to committee work. Chukwumerije was indeed an embodiment of legislative tradition and consummate activist democrat who loved his people passionately," he said. Chukwumerije, according to Abaribe, will be remembered for his deep love for Ndigbo, which was manifested in his relentless struggle for the total political and social emancipation of the race over the years. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was deeply saddened by the loss of this great Nigerian, describing him as "a highly respected statesman who has made immense contributions to the development of our dear nation." In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, the PDP described Chukuwumerije as a patriotic Nigerian and a brilliant lawmaker who gave his all and discharged his responsibilities with unequalled forthrightness, loyalty and commitment to the service of our dear fatherland. "He was a democratic icon and an outstanding party-man who remained committed to the ideology of the PDP and the visions of the founding fathers. "We will greatly miss him. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family as we pray God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss," the statement added.

News

monday, april 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

Oshiomhole: No regrets if I quit politics today Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

overnor Adams Oshiomhiole of Edo State said at the weekend that democracy has formally been consolidated in Nigeria. He said that was demonstrated with the votes of millions of citizens who, through the ballot boxes, voted for once in favour of an opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He said the gesture has gone a step to prove some of the developed countries of the world, including the United States of America, that the nation has the capacity to choose its leaders freely through the permanent voters card as against what was the case in the past. Oshiomhole stated this in an interview with newsmen at the Government House, Benin, the state capital. He pointed out that with the APC’s victory at the Presidency at the end of the March 28 polls and the outcome of the April 11 House of Assembly election in which the ruling party secured 21 as against PDP’s three seats, he remains a fulfilled

politician with nothing to regret if he quits politics today. He noted, however, that there was still an urgent need to sanitize the electoral process in some parts of the country where the issue of miracle votes have continued to rear their ugly heads, so that the nation can grow. He said: “Today, we are happy that Nigeria has joined those nation-

ABUJA

he National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has alleged that part of the grand plan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to achieve its desired one-party status was to destabilise the leading opposition party and render it weak and ineffective. In a statement yesterday, Metuh disclosed that APC leaders have resorted to holding nocturnal meetings with highly respected members of the PDP with phantom promises and threats ostensibly to destabilize the party. "We are aware that as part of the plot, the APC in the past few weeks, has been luring and encouraging some of our members to issue derogatory statements against the leadership of our party. While some of their accomplices have openly

not the gun.” The governor noted that, “Of course, there are still couple of things to be done, to completely clean up the electoral process, so that those part of the country where you still have the miracle votes, where the ancestors come out to vote in the South East and part of the SouthSouth, those are areas we need to clean up so that over all, Nigeria will be-

gin to grow.” He added, “To survive these godfathers and preside over their own liquidations, only a nation blessed by God can achieve that without any shot, except the PVC. Honestly I am fulfilled and if I vacate governance today and retire from politics; I will be happy. Like I told somebody, right now, I have nothing to prove and I thank God for shielding

me from the evil machination of the opponents.” “Indeed, when President Obama visited Africa and Nigeria was not on the list, few of us were in the US in the platform of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum and visited the State Department and we expressed our disappointment that Obama would not visit Nigeria. The Secretary of State for Africa now said, Obama will not come to Nigeria because they do not encourage bad behaviour.” “He said those of them who are friends of Nigeria, each time we think you are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, they will say let us encourage these people to get there, that when you wake up the next day you will find out that the tunnel has been removed.”

Dangote Sugar obtains SON food safety certification

N Nigerian Central Bank Governor (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele (right), with the former United States Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System, Mr. Ben Bernanke, at the Brookings Institute, during a meeting with the Spring Meetings 2015 World Bank group and IMF in Washington DC…at the weekend

APC working to destroy PDP — Metuh Onyekachi Eze

states that can now say it is possible that a government has been replaced by very ordinary people equipped and armed only by their PVC.” “I believe across the country, democracy has now been formally consolidated because the real test of democracy lies in government changing, of government being elected in office, of being voted out of office courtesy of the ballot,

decamped, we know that others have been instructed to stay back and cause crisis within our ranks", Metuh stated. According to him, in states where APC lost the governorship election, the party has resorted to violence and instigating crisis all in the bid to impose a one-party system in the country. Metuh also reacted to last Friday's press statement by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, where he offered sixweek crash programme in party publicity to him, and described his approach as arrogant and self-serving. He said Mohammed in "his usual ill-mannered and condemnable approach left the issues and dwelt on insults, disdainful comments and personal attacks". According to Metuh, all that his APC opposite number does was to insult and denigrate the office and person of the President of the country.

Buhari hails Bauchi electorate for support Mohammed Kawu Bauchi

he President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has described Bauchi as the leading state that gave him massive votes since his partisan involvement and presidential aspirations dating back to the 2003

elections. Buhari made the remark at the weekend when elected politicians in Bauchi State, led by Governor-elect, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar visited him at his Jabi Road Office, Kaduna. Buhari noted that there is personal understanding between him and the people of Bauchi State,

saying that he would continue to remember their efforts towards the actualization of his dreams throughout his life. The President-elect also called on the elected politicians to enlighten their subjects on the need to give them chance to see how to face the challenges bedevilling the society.

Lagos retirees get N32.2bn in four years Muritala Ayinla

he Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase, has said that the government paid over N32.2 billion into the Retirement Savings Accounts

(RSA) of 6,145 retirees in the last four years. The commissioner also disclosed that the government has issued N8 billion as Retirement Bond Certificate to workers who retired from the state public service between 2010 and 2014.

Speaking at the ongoing 2015 ministerial press briefing to mark the 8th anniversary of Governor Babatunde Fashola administration , Oguntuase said the move was to ensure that retirees get their entitlement as and when due.

North-West Forum endorses Dogara for speakership Philip Nyam Abuja

forum of lawmakers from the North West zone is set to endorse Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Speaker of

the House of Representatives. A member of the forum, Hon. Nasiru Baballe Ila (APC, Kano), who made this known in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said Dogara is the choice

of majority of House members. “He is the most qualified and fitted for the position of speaker and he is humble, intelligent and calm. These are qualities of good leadership”, he said.

igeria’s foremost sugar refinery, Dangote Sugar Refinery has been certified by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) as a food safety compliant Company. The management of the refinery said at the weekend that it had successfully obtained the Food Safety Management Systems certification (NIS ISO 22000:2005) issued by the Standard regulatory body. According to the Deputy Group Managing Director, Dangote Sugar, Engineer Abdullahi Sule; “the Food Safety Management System is a standard that guides the refinery’s core business, the refining of high quality sugar using safe practices to manufacture finished product using hygienically habits in the production processes”. He added that the Food Safety Management System, FSMS, (ISO 22000:2005); certification is the third in the series of ISO certification on Quality, Process Safety/ Security and Food Safety, achieved by the Sugar Refinery, and thus making it the only sugar organization in the country with three ISO certification. He disclosed that in addition to the Food Safety Management System, (FSMS) ISO 22000:2005; Dangote Sugar Refinery is also ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS), and ISO 18001:2007 Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), certified.

NEW TELEGRAPH monday, april 20, 2015

News

national

Election of non-indigenes, wake-up call — TAN Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

L-R: Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garba Akinola Ibrahim; Governor Babatunde Fashola; Olori Ebi of the Fashola family, Mr. Mohammed Bolaji Fashola and Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Afeez Abou, during a special prayer session to commemorate the eight years in office of Governor Fashola at the Central Mosque, Lagos…at the weekend

Cut expenditure by 50%, Commonwealth youths tell Buhari Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Commonwealth Youth Council has said that the incoming administration under president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari can help the nation save whooping sum of money spent annually on foreign scholarships. This was as the Council also charged the president-elect to cut down government expenditure

by 50 per cent in one year, adding that increased bank rate and taxes as well as extravagance spending and wastages during the political campaign had caused unnecessary inflation in Nigeria, which he claimed was between 8.6 per cent from 7.9 per cent in November 2014. Chairman of the Council, Ahmed Adamu, in a statement yesterday, urged Buhari to abolish foreign scholarship which according to him has caused over supply of Nigerian currency, trigger-

ing the continued decline of the value of the naira. He said in the statement issued from London that Nigerians and other internationals studying in the United Kingdom (UK) contribute 2.3 per cent to the GDP growth of UK, while their patronages contribute 2.6per cent to the overall UK employment, noting that the funds injected into foreign economies should be invested in Nigeria. “This figure is extremely high when adding the cost of other self-sponsored

foreign education and I am using this medium to call on the Nigerian presidentelect to consider this as one of the immediate policy he will adopt in the first 100 days in office". “How different are foreign universities from Nigerian universities? You will talk about access to energy, IT, resources, facilities, conducive atmosphere, and efficiency. All these can be provided in all Nigerian Universities with the savings that will eventuate from abolishing foreign scholarships."

FAAN confiscates N2m worth of goods Wole Shadare

ver N2 million worth of property were yesterday destroyed and seized during a raid of the Hajj/Camp terminal, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. New Telegraph learnt that the raid was supervised by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the terminal, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Uche Ukeni.

However, no casualty was reported as a 31-yearold male suspect was arrested. Ukeni said that the suspect would be taken to the Tango City police post inside the MMIA for prosecution. Two canopies were illegally set up at the raided site, while one was used as a church where assorted drinks were found in it. One of the canopies was destroyed by the FAAN security men, while the

Reps' speaker to come from Adamawa, says Bindow Ibrahim Abdul Yola

s the struggle for who becomes the next Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives continues, the Governorelect of Adamawa State, Sen.Jibrila Mohammed Bindow, has promised to lobby for the exalted seat of the next Speaker of the House of Representatives to one of the elected six members of House of Represen-

tatives under the banner of All Progressives Congress APC, from the state. Bindow, who dropped the hint at a dinner party organised by his campaign organisation for the elected lawmakers in the state, said that one of the six lawmakers-elect to the House of Representatives under the banner of APC in the state will emerge as the next speaker, stressing that he will stop at nothing till the dream becomes reality.

church was left out due to a church service taking place at the time of the raiding. During the raid, Ukeni said that the authority had to conduct the exercise as a way of sanitising the cargo terminal from touts and hawkers operating illegal activities. He said that the illegal activities allowed people who had no business at the airport to lazy about as touts, causing unnecessary panic and mayhem. He said that the suspect

claimed to be a cooked rice seller but no such item was found with her during her arrest. ``We seized over 20 cartons of assorted beer, 15 cartons of assorted soft drinks, over 15 pieces of watermelon, one bunch of unripe plantain, five tubers of yam. ``We took away over five coolers of cooked rice and stew, over 50 cartons of bottle water, over 30 packet of pure water and 10 pieces of pineapple."

Religious calling, a higher level of service, says Oyintiloye

eligious leaders have been called to remain as shining lights to the society in their confession, character and conduct. This disposition will help quicken the conscience of the society to seek after eternal values rather than vainity. The House of Assembly member-elect for Obokun Constituency of Osun State, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, made the call on Friday

at the inauguration of the New Executive Council for the Obokun Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Oyintiloye, who congratulated the newly inaugurated executive described the callings of the religious leaders as the highest, insisting that they should remain committed to their calling through preaching and practice of holy living.

he Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), said the election of non-indigenes to represent Lagos State in National and State House of Assembly is a wake-up call to other states in the country to provide a level playing field for all residents in the states. In a statement yesterday by Director of Media, Afam Ilounoh, TAN defended its reason for supporting and using Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

as a platform because the party was more open and accommodating than the All Progressives Congress (APC). "TAN supported PDP in Lagos State because among the two main political contenders, PDP and APC, PDP understood the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State and equally carries everybody, both indigenes and nonindigenes, along, as far as you pay your taxes. This is what give PDP edge as a more accommodating party in the state more than the others", the statement disclosed.

North-Central APC leaders laud party over Senate presidency Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

tate chairmen of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the North- Central geo-political zone, said they are excited by the decision of the party's National Working Committee(NWC) which zoned the Senate Presidency to the zone. The chairmen, from Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) in a statement in Ilorin, Kwara State, said they

were delighted by the NWC's decision because it recognised the contributions of the zone to the overall success of the party in the just concluded general elections. In the statement, which was signed on their behalf by Kogi State chairman, Adi Ameto and made available to newsmen in Ilorin, the chairmen also thanked APC leaders across the country and party leaders in other geo-political zones for supporting the zoning of the office of the Senate President to the north- central.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ALFRED DIVINE TREASURE FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above name FOUNDATION with headquarters in Benin City has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Prophet Peter Chukwuyem Okolie - President 2. Adeyemi Olorunfemi Benedict - Vice-President 3. Alfred Chidebere Okebuno - General Secretary 4. Tajudeen Ayoola - Treasurer 5. Abiodun Ishola - Welfare Officer 6. Juliet Ngozi Amadi - Pro 7. Isaiah Osa Ebohon - Project & Planning Officer AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help the less privileged one in our society. 2. To train members to be self independence. 3. To foster peace, unity and progress amongst members. 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: MR S.O. MOSES, 8180264484

PUBLIC NOTICE FROM GOD SOLUTION TO THE WORLD MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above name MINISTRY with headquarters in Benin City has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Wonderful Enyinna Loveday - President 2. Wonderful Juliet Obianuju - Vice President/ Treasurer 3. Nwaorgu Ndubuisi Stephen - Secretary 4. Ijenwa Ikechukwu Nice - P.R.O 5. Okafor Destiny Adaobi - Member 6. Aneato Onyekachukwu Alexander - Member 7. Okon Roseline Uche - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To bring divine solution to all unwanted situations. 2. For the outpouringof the holy ghost upon mankind 3. To preach the gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ to all humanity. 4. To organize conferences, faith clinics and training centres to enhance the spiritual growth members 5. To undertake missionary/ evangelistic work in Nigeria and the whole word. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEE

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

14 die in Akure-Ilesa Expressway auto crash DEATH Two of 14 people who died in the Akure-Ilesa Expressway crash were on their way to a wedding Muritala Ayinla

bout 14 people were feared dead in an accident involving two vehicles near Joseph Ayo Babalola Seminary at Ikeji near Ilesa, Osun State. One of the vehicles was coming from Akure in Ondo State while the other was coming from Ilesa in Osun State. The accident, which occurred about 8:30am yesterday, claimed the lives of two persons going for a wedding ceremony in Badagry, Lagos along with three other passengers in the vehicle. The five victims were inside a vehicle coming from Akure while the other nine victims were coming from Ilesa. The vehicles collided near Joseph Ayo Babalola Seminary. All the 14 people reportedly died on the spot. The Public Relations Officer (PRO), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South-West zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the accident, said it was caused by the collision of the two vehicles coming from opposite directions. He said: “It was a terrible and tragic incident, the road crash involved two vehicles one com-

File picture of an auto crash on Akure-Ilesa Expressway

ing from Akure and other one coming from Ilesha. “The vehicle coming from Akure with a wedding train had five people dead while the other one coming from Ilesha, going to Akure had nine people dead on the spot. The total number of casualties from the crash is 14.”

Robbery suspect shoots gang leader

Fire injures pregnant woman Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

ire outbreak which emanated from adulterated kerosene at the weekend burnt a pregnant mother of two almost beyond recognition. The incident, which occurred at Ugwufie community in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State at 8pm, happened when the victim, Mrs Patricia Ndukwe, attempted to on her lamp

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

and it exploded. But for the quick intervention of her neighbours, the fire would have burnt her to death. Items burnt included furniture, beds, electronics, clothes and other household items. The victim’s face and hands were badly affected the victim’s face. She was taken to a cottage hospital located at Ekoli Edda for medical attention. A health official at the hospital, Chioma Onu, said Ndukwe was unconscious when she was brought to the hospital and expressed joy that she had been responding to treatment. She called on kerosene users to always check their kerosene before usage and report any case of adulteration to the appropriate quarters for immediate action. Narrating the incident, the victim’s husband, Mr John Ndukwe, said the incident was caused by adulterated kerosene which he said was being sold everywhere in the community.

Omoba and a member of the gang

Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

olice in Enugu State have apprehended a notorious armed robbery suspect, Afam Omoba alias Obosi, who had been on the police wanted list. Omoba was arrested after he was shot by a member of his own gang who missed his

target during an operation in Eziobodo, Amechi Idodo near the state capital. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the suspect’s arrest. He said: “The command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident of armed robbery involving a suspect identified as one Afam Omoba alias Obosi who has been on the wanted list of the police

over his nefarious activities in Eziobodo, Amechi Idodo.” The PPRO explained that Omoba was arrested by the police operatives attached to Amechi Idodo Division when the gang attempted to rob a victim in his house. According to him, a daring son of the victim resisted the hoodlums’ order that the victims should bring all the money they kept in the house. In the course of the resistance, however, one of the gang members aimed to shoot the son of the victim but missed the target. Instead, he shot Omoba’s leg, which led to confusion among gang members. Moreover, the sound of the gunshot attracted the attention of the people in the neighbourhood which made the members of gang to flee. The robbery suspects took along with them the injured Omoba but their escape, according to Amaraizu, was short-lived as a police patrol team arrived and gave the suspects a hot chase. The PPRO said policemen combed the bush towards the direction the hoodlums ran to and eventually arrested Omoba. The suspect, according to Amaraizu, is now helping the operatives in their investigations.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Refuse dumps take over National Stadium

National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

he National Stadium complex, Lagos, has become a refuse dump of sort as at five refuse heaps have been spotted at different locations within the sport city. The refuse heaps have made the environment filthy and unhealthy for users. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the heaps of refuse were rather haphazardly located at the weightlifting gymnasium, opposite the mechanic workshop, behind the main bowl and by the legacy pitch, as well as the boxing gymnasium/secretariat. Some of the athletes and coaches, who use the environment for training, decried the awful sight. They separately told NAN that the present state of the

complex was not good enough and could pose health hazards to users of the stadium. Many people - sportsmen and women, as well as individuals - troop to the facility in the evenings, but mainly at weekends, to engage in jogging and other forms of exercise. A good number of them also patronise on a daily basis, many of the drinking and relaxation joints within the complex. It is all these people who generate wastes at the stadium. Okechukwu Elendu, who claimed to use the facility for exercises, said the management ought to be more responsive in ensuring the cleanliness of the environment. Elendu condemned the act of abandoning the heaps of refuse at strategic places within the complex, describing it as

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

an eyesore. He said: “The stadium management is trying but they must do more in the area of refuse dumps; we are not supposed to see or smell wastes, it is dangerous to health.’’ Ijeoma Iherobiem, an athlete, said that the cleaners always come around in the morning hours to clean up the environment and end up soliciting for trash bins to evacuate the wastes. Iherobiem said the place was usually messed up as a result of lack of bins where people could dispose of wastes, stressing, “the heaps constitute mainly nylon - sachet water, biscuit wraps, banana peels, empty cartons of wine and bottles.

“I know they used to have a tractor that they used in evacuating wastes to their dump sites. The vehicles must have broken down. “That is why we now see wastes in recent times. The cleaners now use wheel barrows to move huge wastes to the dump sites. The barrows are inadequate to cope with amount of wastes being generated daily.” In his reaction, the National Stadium Manager, Abolore Alanamu said that the management was committed toward ensuring a healthy environment for users of the facility. Alanamu, however, acknowledged that the tractors used by cleaners to dispose wastes were no longer in use as the engines had since packed up. “This is a major challenge to us,’’ he said, adding that management was making alternative arrangements, however. According to him, under a new arrangement, cleaners are to gather wastes at some designated spots, from where the wheel barrows would be used to move them to the dump site, located by the Alaka end of the complex. He said: “Although our tractors are bad but we have a way of managing the dirt collected by cleaners, but we have issues with waste baskets because they are always missing.’’ Alanamu said that management had proposed to employ more security personnel to man strategic spots and apprehend perpetrators stealing their waste disposal baskets and dumpsters.

Fire kills six-month-old baby, four others F

ive persons, among them a six-month-old baby boy, were killed in fire incident and accident between Friday and Saturday in Lagos. The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday. Fadipe said that four of the victims were roasted to death in an accident that occurred at Coastain area of the state, involving a commercial bus popularly known as ‘Danfo’. According to him, the bus was carrying nine passengers when the accident happened. He said that the bus was coming from Lagos Island, while descending to Coastain, when suddenly the driver lost control and hit the pavement. Fadipe added that the impact made the bus to summersault several times. He said: “The bus burst into flames, burning to death four men beyond recognition. Five others that sustained serious burnt were rescued and

City Briefs NBA chairman assassinated in Delta Joe Obende Warri

he Chairman of the Ughelli branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Austin Icheghe, has been assassinated. He was murdered in cold blood before his family members at the weekend at his 14, Ekredjebor residence in Ughelli by gunmen suspected to be assassins. The assassins were said to have arrived his residence about 9pm to lay ambush for him. When journalists visited the Icheghe’s house in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, the pool of blood resulting from severe bleeding was still on the ground. This was as sympathisers and associates thronged the residence to mourn with the family. A niece of the deceased, Egunor Uviesa, said her uncle was shot in front of his apartment while alighting from his vehicle at the close of work.

Again, fire razes OgbeIjoh Market in Warri Joe Obende Warri

n overnight fire, which ravaged OgbeIjoh Market in Warri, Delta State, destroyed goods worth thousands of naira. The late intervention of firefighters only saved parts of the market. It was gathered that the fire, which started between 8pm and 9pm could have been managed if firefighters had responded promptly to the calls that there was fire outbreak at the market. It took the intervention of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was in Warri, to get the firefighters to the market to quell the fire. When our correspondent visited yesterday, charred remains of fish, crayfish and other goods littered in and around the market. Some of the traders were trying to salvage what remained of their goods from shops that were partially affected by the fire. Smoke was still rising in parts of the market.

‘7,000 benefit from Ogun Homeowners Charter’

File picture of a crashed ‘Danfo’ bus in Lagos

taken to the General Hospital, Marina, by the Lagos Emergency Ambulance Services. “The police from Iponri Division removed the dead bodies to the same hospital. The incident happened on Saturday about 12.12 p.m.’’ The director added that a six-month-old baby boy was

burnt to death about 9.30p.m. on Saturday at CA Street, House 52, Shagari Estate, Mosan Okunola, Ipaja. Fadipe said the fire was caused by a candlestick lit by the mother of the child, who claimed to be taking fresh air outside, when the incident happened. He, however, advised mem-

bers of the public against the use of candle, stressing that many lives have been lost to it use. Fadipe also called on parents to always keep an eye on their children while sleeping, advising them against locking up children at home and leaving for a far distance.

total of 7,000 people have benefited from the Homeowners’ Charter programme introduced by the Ogun State Government to enable them regularise their title documents at huge discount rates in December 2013. The Special Adviser/Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr Adewale Oshinowo, said the number of the beneficiaries would increase by Wednesday when another 1,000 property owners would be issued Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta. Oshinowo, who made this known in Abeokuta, said the issuance of the C of O to the sixth batch of the beneficiaries was in fulfilment of the electioneering promise of Governor Ibikunle Amosun to continue with his good work in line with the five-cardinal programme of his administration. He said: “Government is determined to continue with this exercise following the promise and commitment of the governor to ensure that applicants receive their C of O speedily as a way of bringing succour and relief to property owners who in the past were deterred by the exorbitant rates of acquiring same.”

12 News Adesina lists agenda if elected AfDB president Mojeed Alabi

igeria’s Minister of Agriculture and a leading contestant for the position of the office of President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has advocated for a strong regionally integrated Africa with increasing growth that is globally competitive. Adesina, while speaking with the Voice of America, VOA, said his many years of work in Francophone and Anglophone countries, coupled with his passion to help eradicate poverty in Africa, qualifies him to become the next president of the African Development Bank. The Minister, who commended the outgoing occupant of the office, Donald Kaberuka, for his work over the years, however, said there are worrying trends that he will address if elected, including joblessness and inequality among Africa’s youth. He said; “First is to focus on smart infrastructure to allow increased productivity and efficiency in growth, to work on the private sector- private sector for wealth creation. The third is jobs for Africa’s youth and jobs for Africa’s women. The fourth area I am going to put a lot of emphasis on is reviving rural economies to create shared prosperity and inclusive growth of the continent and finally,… regional integration and prosperity.” In response to the skeptical feelings in some quarters doubting the continent’s political will to ensure integration, which they claim undermines the effectiveness of the bank to achieve its objectives, Adesina said there is political will among heads of state and government towards integration.

Tunde Oyesina Abuja

he Senator-elect for Ogun East senatorial district on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Buruji Kashamu, has accused former president, Olusegun Obasanjo of working with the United States of America's security agencies to have him extradited to the US to answer charges on drug-related indictment. Kashamu, who made this allegation in a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), prayed the commission to investigate the alleged move to abduct

Port Harcourt

he Rivers State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC have embarked on a fresh row over the authenticity of the just-concluded elections in the state. While the APC has resolved to challenge the elections at the tribunal, alleging that the PDP and the Independent National Electoral

Kashamu accuses Obasanjo of plotting to extradite him to the US him and forcibly take him to the US to answer charges on drug-related offences. Kashamu, through his counsel, Ajibola Oluyede, in a petition dated April 15, 2015, said that despite several decisions both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which exonerated him from the alleged offences, desperate politicians had been putting pressure on the Attorney General of the Federation to resuscitate the US indictment against him in

Nigeria and to instigate an extradition process against him on the accusations. Kashamu's petition was tittled "Prince Buruji Kashamu: Abduction plans by United States of America agents in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in Nigeria." The petition, which is addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe, reads: "Kashamu has instructed that we

bring certain important facts and records to your attention with regards to the illegality of this plan and the malicious and unpatriotic motives of those behind it and seek your urgent intervention in accordance with the jurisdiction expressly given to your commission by the National Human Rights Act 1995 as amended, to carry out and inquiry into the matter in order to establish the culpability and compromise of certain institution in

this despicable plan and to protect our client's fundamental human right to liberty, life and dignity of their person." According to him, the current plan to abduct him was an admission by the US authorities that there is no case against him and is a design instigated and commissioned by Obasanjo, who seeks revenge against him for the comprehensive political defeat Obasanjo suffered because of Kashamu in the PDP.

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; his wife, Feyisetan; Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola and his wife, Janet, during a special thanksging service at the Emmanuel Church Cathedral, Okesa, Ado Ekiti …yesterday.

How to put an end to corruption, by Saraki Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, has asked advocates of anti- corruption and transparency in governance to look beyond the periodic ritual of asset declaration by public officers.

Rivers APC, PDP in fresh row over elections Emmanuel Masha

monday, april 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

Commission, INEC collaborated against it, the PDP has dismissed the allegation, urging the APC to accept defeat in the state’s interest. The APC has equally alleged that elections did not take place. But in the latest disagreement, the lawmaker representing Emohua in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, alleged that the APC was leading in six of the constituencies whose result was declared inconclusive.

Saraki, who stated this at the weekend, during an interaction with journalists, said that declaration of assets alone cannot eliminate corruption and must, therefore, be backed by a comprehensive and cohesive policy of accountability that would emphasize proper training and monitoring of the civil servants, who are the engine room of govern-

ment. "Corruption has been one of the greatest challenges we face as a country in years past and all efforts, both personal commitment and systemic arrangements, should be put in place to further cage this monster in our society. "But while asset declaration is an accepted protocol of statutory dis-

closure, alone in itself cannot reduce corruption as a standalone measure, as we have seen in previous administrations," he said. Saraki, who was recently re-elected into the upper chamber of the National Assembly, called on all politicians, both elected and appointed, to emulate the leadership of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari by

declaring their asset and also committing to transparency and accountability in every aspect of their lives. According to him, accountability and transparency in government will not only ensure better resource utilization, but would restore the confidence of the citizenry on their government at their nation.

Medical directors want Buhari SNEPCo extends community to implement NHA health insurance to Anambra Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

head of the inauguration of new administration, the Guild of Medical Directors has urged the presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari to see to the implementation of the recently signed National Health Act. President of the Guild, Dr. Tony Phillips, who spoke on behalf of members of the Guild at a press conference in Abuja during the weekend, said the

incoming administration cannot afford to ignore the National Health Act if it must make any meaningful impact in the nation's health sector. He explained that the Act which President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law recently, has the potentials to turn around the whole of the health sector. The Act, according to him, provides a fund, about five per cent of the consolidated revenue, which goes directly to the health sector, thereby addressing the problem of paucity of funds in the sector.

he Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has extended the acclaimed Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) to Anambra State with the recent launch of the initiative at the Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital. The scheme is in partnership with the Anambra State Government; the Idemili CHIS Board; and two Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO) – Proserve and Avon. “The initiative will increase health care access for the people, particularly

women and children, who form a large percentage of health care seekers,” said SNEPCo Managing Director, Tony Attah, who was represented at the launch by SNEPCo’s Business Relations Manager, Kanu Ijere. The launch, preceded by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Iyi-Enu Hospital and the two HMOs, was witnessed by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nathan Ojekwu; the Catholic Bishop of the Niger, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Owen Nwokolo.

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Interview

National Assembly

Saraki: Nigerians must make sacrifices for Buhari’s success

Scramble for House leadership

14, 15

Politics Prince Buruji Kashamu, an influential chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is the Senator-elect for Ogun East. KUNLE OLAYENI examines the fresh hurdles the politician has to scale as the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) moves to form a new government

The past still haunts

gainst all odds, businessman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Buruji Kashamu, won the senatorial election in Ogun East. The emergence of the self-styled party financier was the biggest upset in the state during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Prior to being Senator-elect, Kashamu had been a controversial figure. Allegedly indicted on drug-related offences in the United States and facing extradition threat, he has also bruised many political adversaries over the years in Nigeria, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of South-West PDP has strived to maintain political relevance by concretising his hold on the party’s structure, especially with his stupendous wealth and series of judicial victories. Ousting loyalists of Obasanjo and ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel from party positions in the process, Kashamu

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Kashamu

went on to become the de facto godfather and decider of who gets what in Ogun PDP. He practically determined all the candidates presented by the state chapter of PDP during the just-concluded general elections, where he himself made a surprise electoral victory. He did not only defeat the incumbent Senator Adegbenga Kaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), he also floored the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Dapo Abiodun, who many bookmakers had tipped as likely winner. The PDP senatorial candidate polled 99,540 votes in the election while his APC and SDP counterparts scored 84,001 votes and 12,972 votes respectively. Kashamu hails from Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Interestingly, both he and outgoing Senator Kaka live on the same street in Ijebu-Igbo town. The town itself is renowned for producing most of the senators that had represented Ogun East. Apart from Kashamu, the PDP clinched two federal constituencies with the election of Hon. Segun Adekoya (Ijebu North/Ijebu East/

Ogun Waterside) and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu (Remo). Though its governorship candidate, Gboyega Isiaka, lost to incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun during the April 11 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, the PDP was able to win nine seats in the state legislature.

If Tinubu probably agrees to a peace deal, it is doubtful Obasanjo would accept a cessation of hostility with Kashamu

Rise to political fame In 2008, Kashamu appeared innocuous on the political scene in his home state. He introduced a non-governmental organisation known as “Omo-Ilu Foundation,” which became a household name for empowering thousands of people with cars, cash and skills acquisition equipment. He initially had a cordial relationship with former Governor Daniel but the relationship got strained when the Ogun PDP became factionalised. He teamed up with anti-Daniel forces led by Obasanjo and the battle ultimately swept Daniel and his loyalists out of the party. It resulted in a situation where Daniel’s candidates contested the 2011 elections on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) while the PDP fielded General Adetunji Olurin as its governor-

ship candidate. Both Olurin and Gboyega Isiaka (who contested as PPN gubernatorial candidate) lost to Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who vied with the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) ticket. Kashamu later parted ways with Obasanjo over sharing of ministerial slots and federal board appointments allocated to the party. The disagreement further shredded Ogun PDP along three factions, with Obasanjo, Daniel and Kashamu seen as arrowheads. Initially, the Obasanjo group enjoyed the recognition of the PDP national leadership until the rift between President Goodluck Jonathan and Obasanjo changed the game and dramatically turned the table in favour of the Kashamubacked state executive of the party. Kashamu held tight to the party structures and in the process of further entrenching himself, he masterminded the sacking of some PDP national officers. A suit filed by Ogun PDP executive led to the removal of former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as the PDP National Secretary. Also, former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni, was removed as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West) while Chief Bode Mustapha lost his post as National Auditor. The three chieftains were considered as Obasanjo’s loyalists. Several attempts by the trio to upturn the court verdict met a brick wall. Election under threat But Kashamu’s election may be a pyrrhic victory after all. This is because the APC, which won the two remaining senatorial seats in the state, has vowed to challenge his victory at the election tribunal. The party alleged that Kashamu’s election did not follow due process but was characterised by “gross irregularities, inducement and intimidation of voters, manipulation and falsification of the results.” Addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, the APC state chairman, Alhaji Roqeeb Adeniji, and Deputy Director-General of Senator Ibikunle Amosun Campaign Organisation (SIACO), Chief Bisi Adegbuyi, said the results did not reflect the wishes of people in Ogun East Senatorial District. “We want the entire world to know that the results as announced by INEC reflect predetermined, manipulated and fictiCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Saraki: Nigerians must make sacrifices for Buhari’s success Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki, speaks on the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 28 and April 11 elections. The former governor also speaks on the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, one-party system and Kwara State politics. BIODUN OYELEYE reports APC’s victory: New chapter for Nigerians This victory is not only for the All Progressives Congress (APC); it is for all Nigerians. I say this with all sincerity because it was the determination of Nigerians and their commitment to stand for what they believed in that got us thus far. In the past, Nigerians and voters in general would not come out to vote and even when they came it was not with conviction; they were frustrated with the process. But this time around it was clear that Nigerians were convinced that APC represents change and it was time for a new Nigeria. I always believe that we are opening a new chapter in this country. Nigeria can never be the same again. I am very convinced about that; that to me is the greatest achievement. The victory of APC in the elections is small to me compared to that of Nigeria. The Nigeria we are starting now is the one all of us have been wishing for. It does not matter if you have money you may not win in an election. That is fantastic for all of us and for our democracy because we will begin to see good governance. Now all our elected officers must be accountable and deliver dividends of democracy to all. Also, it will help build our political parties. It is good for our democracy. Making sacrifices I think one of the things we cannot turn away from and we must come to terms with, is that there must be increase in revenue independent of federal allocation. But in doing that, the people must be ready to make sacrifices. We have been hearing about Lagos and

Ogun states. But the people of Lagos are paying a lot for those revenues. Generally, our people are very reluctant when it comes to taxes of different types. I think we have to begin to come to terms with the fact that if we really want the kind of development that we are seeing in some parts of Nigeria particularly Lagos and Ogun states, we must begin to appreciate that it is time that we might have to start paying those taxes. What we need to begin to look at is how to hold government accountable as much as agreed on the type of leadership. Because I have always believed that if you are providing leadership, you must do it honestly. There is no point sweet-quoting some things. The reality on ground today based on the oil price of over $50, if the Federal Government blocks the leakages, address the oil theft, yes, that will help revenue. But taking it to the extent of oil price going to $100 per barrel at the international market, if it does at all, for another two to three years, I don’t see that. I can see an oil price of $70 per barrel stabilising for the long time. If you have that as your projection, then you can walk back to us to see if oil price gets to $70 or $80, you can anticipate what total revenue will be. Would that revenue be able to sustain development? I think these are frank questions we need to put before ourselves. There is no need for us to be sentimental and emotional on this issue. There is a saying “No pain without gain.” I believe that those are the challenges the chief executives in the 36 states have ahead of them. Seriously, we in Nigeria must understand that there cannot be miracle. There has to be some

Saraki

The Presidentelect has emphasised the issue of integrity and capacity

pains to get some gains. It is unfortunate that we lost the opportunity of six years of $100 per barrel of crude oil, and we did not make gross advantage of it. I believe that if we have had an accountable government, there is no way we should not have reserves and excess crude. Unfortunately, what we have now, we have to face reality is not the best for Nigeria. But I believe that sometimes this kind of things happen for a good cause. It will help us to see that we don’t have any other option than to diversify our economy, to move away from oil and look at other areas. And also there is no way out of it. We have to increase our non-oil revenue base. To do this, you must go to issue of taxation. So these are the challenges, not only in Kwara but all over the 36 states. On Buhari’s cabinet I think the President-elect has emphasised the issue of integrity and capacity. You have heard what I just talked about the challenges ahead. It is not going to be a tea party. There is work to be done. We

have the mess to clean up. We have expectations also to meet for all the people that have gone around on change slogan. To expect the immediate result, we must have people that hit the ground running and be able to perform. The issue now is to balance between the political expectation of people who have supported the political party win and also on performance. It is clear that with the kind of mandate we have been given, we must ensure that we perform and we succeed so that we do not run into the same problem like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Asset declaration and corruption We are just making a lot of noise of it. Definitely, by and large, there is no public servant that would not declare his assets. Now with the Freedom of Information (FoI) Bill, you declare your assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau and you declare it in public. I don’t think it is declaration of assets that would make you less corrupt or more accountable. I think it is your own individual commitment to your

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

thinking on how to improve the look of this great state.

It is not going to be a tea party. There is work to be done. We have the mess to clean up. We have expectations also to meet

party and leadership provided. Leadership is very important because the leader leads by example. Honestly, things will change. Instead of sitting with the president to seek favour, you come home and sit down with your people so that you can have the better chance of winning election. And if you are not accountable, you are stealing government money, people will not vote for you. Honestly, March 28 was a turning point in this history of this country. Nigeria and one-party system One party is not good for our democracy. I believe that our democracy is beginning to mature. We now must begin to involve party representing policies, principles and what they stand for. It is important for democracy to have a strong opposition. It is important for us to see our sacrifice and service not about personal gain. When somebody after election does not have any major issue for decamping, then he is not providing good leadership or prepared to

serve the people. So, I do not support the issue of one-party. In our state, a lot of people have been talking; some said they are freedom fighters. So their freedom fighting should not end after they lost election. Because if you believe in freedom, that is what they were saying, unless you were deceiving the people to use freedom to try to get what you wanted to get, that freedom should not end after the election. It is clear that they were not fighting for any freedom; it is for their own personal things. On opposition in Kwara In Kwara State, politicians in the opposition parties think that Kwarans are fools. They go away for three and half years and come back six months to elections and believe they can take the people for granted. They are not the kind of people to be trusted with leadership of the state. Whatever you might say about the APC, they are the people that are always there with the people. They wait for elections to come. They are there

Jonathan’s threat Everybody knew how President Goodluck Jonathan told the world that they would take Kwara back to the PDP. Normally, under that kind of situation when people see almighty power, people tend to desert you. But the people of Kwara did not desert us and that is why I am entirely grateful to them. They stood by us despite the threat coming from the centre. The period was fraught with intimidation, blackmail and all sorts. There was nothing they did not use to threaten people, but Kwarans say no and they gave us a result that is even better than 2011. In 2011, we did not have the whole 24 members’ state House of Assembly. For Kwarans, all I can say is that this confidence they have reposed in our party under our leadership, that we will continue to do our best not to disappoint them. If there are areas, because there is no perfection that needs improvement we will do our best. It is our honest view that we have now put in place a more credible person who will be accountable there will be better funding at both the state and local government levels and we will begin to see improvement at the state and local government levels. We have seen what has happened to the exchange rate. Just in this period now the rate has appreciated for about 30 per cent; that for the fact that President Buhari is coming and APC is forming government. On Kwara governorship poll On the governorship candidate of the PDP, Senator Simeon Ajibola who said he has not lost an election, he should have said that he has never won too, because he didn’t win. We were the one winning for him, so he didn’t win right from his first senatorial election to the second. In the 2011 elections, there is a video recording when I was begging people not to vote for him but for me. I said it many times because people were saying they did not want him. He has never won an election that is why he could not win even in his local government. Or his running mate, Yinka Aluko who has not contested any election because they all believed that the election would be done in Aso Villa. The message to all politicians is for them to go back and win the confidence of their people. It is now clear to them that power lies with the people and not outside the state. It shows that they do not have the interest of Kwarans at heart. They are doing it largely because they want to dislodge the Saraki dynasty because we have been there taking care of the good people of Kwara State. That is why very soon PDP will collapse and they will want to defect. If they truly believe in freedom for Kwara let them stay in opposition and provide alternative for Kwarans. On Rivers election I don’t think anybody can deny the fact that compared to other states of the country, there was something wrong in the Rivers State election. That already raises a red flag that something has gone wrong there. That needs to be investigated and I think it is only fair for the people of Rivers State

to have an election that is similar in what happened to other parts of the country. There is nothing that should be special about Rivers that people should be deprived of anything that is not up to standard that is acceptable today in what you call an election. I think the responsibility lies on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and elections petition tribunal to rectify that anomaly. There are two issues here. There is the issue of the election itself and the issue of what happened in Rivers and how do we ensure normal democratic process in Rivers State. We cannot accept that was a norm. I think more importantly, we must ensure that people that violated the electoral laws must be punished. It is the only way that people will respect the law in subsequent elections. We must begin to hold people responsible for the actions that they commit during elections. In all civilised societies, going for an election should not be the issue of one’s life should be threatened. Was Gbemi a spy in PDP? Apart from the fact of being a biological sister, if you look at the political family and remove the biological aspect of it, tell me who is in the PDP that is not a family member of this place (Great Hall) or who is in PDP that did not start from this place. So if you say implant, then all of them, we took them there for implantation. The only difference between Gbemi and some of them is that she is my biological sister. Is it (Bio) Ibrahim, (Professor Oba) Abu, (Senator Simon) Ajibola or Yinka Aluko; tell me who among them? The only person there, you might say is not from here is Dele Belgore. Apart from Dele, everybody in the PDP is coming from this house. Tell me one person who did not come from this house or who has risen in his political career independent of this house. That is a cheap blackmail that cannot take us anywhere. Gbemisola as deputy governor? I think that is just cheap propaganda and blackmail. You all know what the constitution provides on the issue. In 2011, she rejected it, ditto even in this last one in her party. The issue of replacement does not even arise at all. It is clear to some of these people that this kind of cheap propaganda doesn’t sell. What sells is what has been their performance and what are they doing to the people. I think that is just garbage talk. On Jega’s successor This is the man that has shown us in Nigeria that we have credible people, we have people that can stand for what they believe, who would not be intimidated and would do the right thing despite all the pressure. But what I think should be more important as he (Attahiru Jega) leaves is that he should ensure that the institution he is leaving behind would continue along this line; to ensure that his successor also has those principles that he has brought in. And he should also play a key role in ensuring that he gets a good successor so that the good things he had done would be sustained. I think that is when Nigeria would be better for it.

16 Politics

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

tious figures forged by a rigging machinery of the PDP led by its senatorial candidate, Mr. Buruji Kashamu,” Adegbuyi said on behalf of APC. He also declared that the APC would contest the results of the two House of Representatives seats won by PDP in the state. But Kashamu dismissed the allegation of the APC, saying it was totally unfounded. In a statement by his media adviser, Austin Oniyokor, the senator-elect also queried the APC’s victory in Ogun Central and Ogun West senatorial districts. He said he was prepared to meet his opponents at the tribunal. “At any rate, the Electoral Act has made provision for the ventilation of issues arising from an election. They should go to the tribunal to prove their case. We will meet them there. If they say we rigged the only senatorial district that we won fair and square, it is also safe to say that they also rigged Ogun West and Ogun Central senatorial districts,” he said. However, Kashamu may have more to contend with than the imminent case at the election tribunal. His adversaries are planning to go for the jugular, using his drug-related matter with the American authorities as a weapon. Already mooted is the activation and enforcement of Kashamu’s extradition to the United States by the incoming APC administration of General Muhammadu Buhari. Drug trafficking charges Obasanjo has repeatedly accused Kashamu of being a drug baron, who was indicted and wanted by the United States. At a time when he was responding to pleas by the PDP leadership, the former president made a scathing allusion to Kashamu, pointing out that one of the reasons he was not comfortable with the party was that a man that had been indicted on drug-related offences had found a safe haven in the PDP and had even become the party’s leader in the South-West. But Kashamu has persistently insisted that he is innocent and not a fugitive. He has published several rebuttals in newspapers to prove his case, saying he was not the one wanted by the Americans but that the narcotics peddling was committed by his brother (identified as Alhaji Adewale Ad-

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Tinubu

Amosun

Kashamu faces fresh hurdles esina Kashamu), who is now late. Kashamu also claimed that he had been cleared by a British court. He maintained that Obasanjo was fully aware of the trajectory of his ordeals and his innocence, leading to his discharge by the court. He wondered why the expresident had been singing the same song on his purported indictment and also labouring hard to bring Jonathan and the PDP into the matter. Kashamu claimed in a publication that he had battled for long, the issue of mistaken identity. According to him, he was arrested in the United Kingdom at the instigation of the United States. He said he spent four years in incarceration while investigations were conducted on him. He explained that UK officials eventually discovered that he was not the man being sought by the Americans and was subsequently discharged. The American government had in 1999 ensured Kashamu’s arrest in London and sought his extradition to the US to face trial over his alleged involvement in drugrelated offences with three others – Ellen Walters, Catherine Walters and Nicholas Fillimore. But after an identification parade involving Kashamu’s photograph and those of eight others, the three coaccused persons reportedly failed to identify Kashamu as their coconspirator. Trial judge Tim Workman of the Bow Street Magistrate Court eventually discharged him. But in September 2014, a United States’ Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, sitting in Chicago, Illinois, ruled that Kashamu’s indictment for drug trafficking subsists. Justice Charles R. Norgle, in a judgement on an application by Kashamu for a writ of mandamus to quash the indictment issued against him about 16 years ago, refused the application and directed the applicant to submit himself for trial. The judge held that the indictment against the PDP chieftain has no expiry date. Entreaties to APC Sensing that danger is lurking, especially now that the APC is about forming government at the centre, Kashamu appears perturbed with the turn of events and

The results, as announced by INEC, reflect predetermined, manipulated and fictitious figures forged by a rigging machinery of the PDP

the looming implications for him. He has consequently initiated subtle moves to stave off danger. Speculations that he would soon defect to APC are already rife in political circles. Though Kashamu has not commented on such possibility, he seems to have waved the olive branch to some personalities in the APC. The senator-elect has publicly congratulated Amosun on his re-election. In an open letter addressed to the governor, Kashamu noted that “the outcome of the election was a referendum on your (Amosun) performance in the last four years.” His letter partly reads: “I am particularly enamoured at how your renewed mandate cut across the three senatorial districts. The highly sophisticated people of Ogun Central showed that you are a true son of the soil, just like the people of Ogun East and West showed that they appreciated good works and could rise above primordial sentiments. “Now that the election is over, I urge you, as the No. 1 citizen of Ogun State to settle down to the business of taking our dear state to greater heights. “While I pray the almighty Allah to reward every one of us according to our deeds, I wish to assure you that the PDP will urge its lawmakers to give peace a chance and support the state government in moving our dear state forward. The elections are over. Let us do away with any form of recriminations and put the interest of the good people of Ogun State above all primordial sentiments and political considerations. Let us say no to politics of bitterness and “Pull Him Down (PHD)” syndrome. “Whether we are the ones in government or in the opposition, we are bound by a common goal – to represent our people and represent them well. They have given us their mandate and entrusted us with their future, one way or the other. We cannot afford to betray the trust and let them down. Let us collaborate and cooperate towards the onerous task of developing our dear state and its people. Although four years seem far, it is yet near. But for now, let us put politics aside and work for the good of

our people.” In a separate letter addressed to Tinubu, Kashamu paid a rare tribute to the former Lagos governor, describing him as a true hero to be emulated by every Nigerian. He also described Tinubu as his role model and the architect of modern Nigeria, who made history by leading an opposition party for 16 years and then grabbing power at the centre. He said: “Although I now belong to the opposition, your achievements transcend political divides and I am not ashamed to publicly acknowledge them. There is no denying the fact that your place in history of the Yoruba race in particular, and in Nigeria in general, is well etched. “The fanatical support that the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, enjoys in his homestead was matched with your commanding influence in the politics of the South-West and indeed the Yoruba race to produce the results we witnessed during the elections. “By your sheer wit and unwavering commitment to democratic ethos, true federalism and economic prosperity, you led the Alliance for Democracy from a one-state party to a regional party and now a national party that is about to form the government at the centre.” Besides, Kashamu also congratulated Obasanjo, whom he constantly criticized in the past and even sued last December over the ex-president’s controversial book (My Watch). Many APC stalwarts in the state are cautious about Kashamu’s latest gambit. Some argued that his revisionism was unnecessary and might even be a tactical smokescreen. After all, the PDP chieftain campaigned relentlessly against the APC and wished Jonathan had won in order to continue to enjoy protection. If Tinubu probably agrees to a peace deal, it is doubtful Obasanjo would accept a cessation of hostility with Kashamu. The former president considered Kashamu as the architect of his “humiliation” in PDP. Now that he has a chance to take his own pound of flesh, Obasanjo may not hesitate, in the estimation of political pundits.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Scramble for House leadership PHILIP NYAM writes on the battle for the House of Representatives leadership ahead of the resumption of the 8th Assembly in June

ith the elections over, attention has shifted to who occupies which position or the other. The scramble for presiding and principal offices in the House of Representatives has begun in earnest and interested contestants are already positioning themselves, lobbying and campaigning. There are 10 principal positions to be filled in the House. However, the lawmakers who have come out so far have indicated interest in the position of Speaker alone. With all the permutations going on, everyone is waiting on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to unveil its zoning arrangement. This has not stopped lawmakers from throwing their hats into the ring. Hence, six lawmakers on the platform of the APC from four geopolitical zones are already positioning themselves to succeed Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker. They are Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos), Yakubu Dogara (APC, Bauchi), Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC, Kano), Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno), Pally Iriase (APC, Edo) and Israel Ajibola Famurewa (APC, Osun). Members of the opposition parties are also waiting to see what the APC would come out with hence none of them has openly declared for any principal position. Zoning In as much as Nigerians wait on the majority party in the 8th Assembly, there is a precedence set by the outgoing speaker, which cannot be ignored. In June 2011, at the inauguration of the 7th Assembly, Tambuwal and his deputy, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha defied the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning formula and contested and won. This scenario can still play itself out if the APC which has the majority does not put its house in order. Already, one of the aspirants who hails from the same geo-political zone with the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari has said the election for the office of Speaker should be based on merit, experience, and urged his party to place premium on merit, continuity and necessity among other factors in deciding who should be the Speaker of the House in the incoming 8th Assembly. But for now, the North-East and South-West are making strong case for the position to be ceded to them. North-East The North-East is making a case for the position of Speaker arguing that it was shortchanged in the 7th House. The APC leaders in the North-East zone led by the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mr. Babachir David Lawal recently issued a statement, insisting that the zone deserves the seat because it immensely contributed to the party’s victory at the

Dogara

Gbajabiamila

Iriase

Monguno

Jibril

Ajibola

elections. He argued that with the exception of the period, 2007-2011, when the North-East produced deputy speaker, Hon. Usman Bayero Nafada, the region which is ranked third most populous in the country after the North-West and South-West is yet to occupy either the office of the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is also a fact that the North-East produced the second highest number of votes for the APC and second highest number of federal lawmakers for the party in the presidential and National Assembly elections respectively. South-South Although the South-South has also shown interest in the position of Speaker, it may not get the slot given its contribution to the party’s success. Perhaps, the South-South may end up with the Majority Leader and the odds favour Hon. Pally Iriase, a returning member and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. The South-South presently occupies the position of Deputy House Leader. Yakubu Dogara Hon. Dogara is a lawyer by training and represents Bogoro/Dass/ Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency of Bauchi State. He first came to the House in 2007 on the platform of the PDP and has since been reelected twice. In the 6th House, he was the Chairman, Committee on Customs and left indelible footprints in the manner he conducted various probes into the operations of the Service. None of such investigations attracted any negative publicity for

There are 10 principal positions to be filled in the House

the House as he avoided indulging in corrupt practices. As chairman, House Services Committee since 2011, no allegation of any scandal has been reported in the transaction of the House business either in the purchase of vehicles or office equipment as it was the norm in the past. In 2011, Dogara had wanted to contest for the position of deputy speaker but later withdrew from the contest. A suave lawmaker, Dogara commands a lot of respect from his colleagues due to his quiet mien and quality of contributions both at the committee level and on the floor of the chamber. An intelligent and courageous lawmaker, Dogara played an active role in the famous Special Session of the House on Sunday, January 8, 2012, where the lower chamber sided with the Nigerian people over the removal of subsidy on petroleum products. Dogara led the debate on the motion, which led to the setting up of the Hon. Farouk Lawan-led subsidy probe ad hoc committee. An experienced lawmaker, he is indeed one of the shining lights of the 7th Assembly, who in times of crises are relied upon to bring the required stability. Dogara is a loyal party man and may not be disposed to run against the zoning arrangement of the APC, but if the position of speaker is ceded to the North-Central, he will just be the candidate to beat. Apart from the good rapport he shares with his colleagues, Dogara is charismatic and adept. He also possesses the integrity expected of the occupant of the seat of speaker. The only weakness against him is his alleged arrogance, which

some of his colleagues alludes to. But it seems it is his intelligence that some views as such. By and large, Dogara has the temperament to preside over the House and if the position is giving to the North-East he will clinch the seat with ease. Femi Gbajabiamila The Minority Leader needs no introduction because of his antecedents in the lower House. Representing Surulere federal constituency of Lagos State, Gbajabiamila came to the House in 2003 and has had a stint in leadership position as Minority Whip, where he performed creditably. As opposition leader, he knows when to throw the punches and rattle the majority leadership. A highly committed lawmaker, he knows his onions and also possess the requisite experience to hold the House as Speaker. He is also a delight of the media. If the position is zoned to the South-West, he may naturally emerge as the consensus candidate due to his close relationship with the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. This, coupled with his present position as Minority Leader gives him an edge over other interested contestants from the zone. A lawyer, Gbajabiamila is fearless, outspoken and has the ability to withstand the antics of opposition. His loyalty to the party is never in doubt. As Minority Leader, he presented very punchy bills and motions that unsettled the PDP. One of such bills is the state of the nation address bill, which seeks to CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

MONDAY APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Defiling the memory of Mandela Dominik Umosen

n spite of my sympathy for Nigerians who believed in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially the added agony of having to contend with the sensational speed with which it was deconstructed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), I crave your indulgence to reserve that discussion for something more urgent like the red rag being waved by South Africans- the resurgence of xenophobia against economic refugees from African countries which has recorded casualties. Unlike before when Nigerians and their interests were targeted in such attacks, in the latest instance, fellow Africans were assaulted by mobs of machete-wielding, bleary-eyed South Africans who obviously responded to incitement by a monarch to step up attacks against foreigners whom the sons and daughters of the soil accuse of hijacking economy opportunities that would otherwise been been theirs. Although the Police in that country have not provided latest casualty figures in the attacks which have spread beyond Durban to other cities, they say about 17 persons have so far been arrested even as a Somali shop keeper hacked in the xenophobic madness, lies critically ill. As the attacks against foreigners escalated, homes and businesses owned or run by them were vandalized, forcing hounded foreigners to huddle in groups, according to nationality, in open spaces like football fields, for instance. Tempting, as it is, to condemn the provocation by South Africans as a classic defilement of the memory of the great Madiba, Dr Nelson Mandela, I

concede, most reluctantly, that King Goodwill Zwelithimi, the Zulu king who incited the violence, might have been inspired by Oba Rilwanu Akiolu of Lagos’ threat to supernaturally order the lagoon-drowning of non-native residents of Lagos who refused to vote for Mr Akin Ambode, the gubernatorial candidate of the APC, now the governor-elect of the state. But as condemnable as the threat was, it nevertheless pales in significance compared to the Zulu monarch’s solidarity with the attackers. Later, he struggled to extricate himself by saying that he merely urged the government to repatriate foreigners without valid documentation from that country. In his inciting message, the king said: ‘Foreigners are taking over our country. We need to know that as a country, we are sitting on a time bomb’. Soon after, hell broke loose, featuring mobs of blearyeyed South Africans marching defiantly through the streets of major cities, attacking shops and businesses run by foreigners like the hapless Somali who now vacillates between life and death. Envy of the prosperity of foreigners, especially Nigerians, invariably transmogrified into deepseated hatred, climaxing in the xenophobic attacks which defiles not only the memory of Mandela but also the African idiom which forbids you from assaulting your visitor in your house. The Zulu king has committed transgression, along with Edward, President Jacob Zuma’s son, who heartily supports him. Another South African, Mr Gilgaba, is repulsed by the misguided actions of his compatriots. According to him, ‘Africa, in particular, must not think that we hate fellow Africans in South Africa’. But the despicable actions of his kith and kin leave other

Africans with no alternative than to concede that South Africans are unhinged with envy, enough to confuse law-abiding foreigners with responsibility for economic frustrations which are not peculiar to South Africans. Unlike the Lagos monarch who never invoked miscreants against businesses and homes of nonindigenes, King Zwelithimi stands condemned for his irresponsible incitement. He deserves being reminded that it is perfectly within the purview of other African countries hosting South African interests to exercise the right of reciprocity, depending on how outraged they feel. Even if out-going President Goodluck Jonathan is penciled for global honour as the next Mandela for his role in stabilizing the country after the electoral upset, nothing in this acknowledgement precludes Nigeria, as a country, from responding swiftly and in kind if any Nigerian economic refugee in South Africa suffers even the loss of his or her hair. Asking Nigerians there to shut their businesses and restrict themselves to relative safety provided by the over-stretched South African Police, as the Federal Government has directed, is good first step in the right direction, even though Malawi, for instance, has gone further to repatriate her nationals. Why this episode of traditional provocation from South Africans comes with added agony is this scenario whereby MTN, a South African company, not only extorts Nigerians unmolested but is stepping up the disdain by spitting on a subsisting court order freezing increment in its tariffs. Doing that now as South Africans attack Nigerians should, at least, jolt the government into action.

Tackling plagiarism in Nigeria Fred Nwaozor

hursday April 23, the world will commemorate the World Book and Copyright Day. It was on this day – April 23 in the year 1616 that some prominent authors including Cervantes, Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso Vega left the world; it is also the date of birth or death of other global literary icons like Maurice Druon, Haldor K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejia Vallejo. It was a natural choice for the General Conference of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date in order to encourage everyone, particularly young people, to discover the pleasure of reading as well as gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this regard, UNESCO created the World Book and Copyright Day. A book is a collection of pieces of paper comprising a set of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets made of ink, parchment and other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. In the same vein, copyright can be defined as the legal prerogative of ownership and exclusive distribution of any creative work such as article, book, music or movie originally done by a person or a group of persons. On the other hand, plagiarism is the illicit practice of using or copy-

ing someone else’s idea or creative work and the impersonation of its ownership. In other words, plagiarism is an unauthorized and unlawful faking or imitation of thoughts or works that are already legally credited to a person or group. Suffice to say; plagiarism, which is popularly known as piracy, is a criminal act that is punishable by law. A text-filled book, which could be either in a printed or electronic format, is often a product of creativity. In some cases where it has to do with poetry, prose or drama, it is referred to as work of literature or a main division of such work. In Library and Information Science, a book is called a monograph to distinguish it from serial periodicals to include magazines, journals or newspapers. A book could be majorly classified into two namely, academic and literary. An academic book is one that is written on a certain subject or about a particular area whilst a literary book is mainly a creative work that is written with the knowledge of literature. Irrespective of its class, just as anything under the sun can be identified by one or two idiosyncrasies, the unique or basic features of any book include the content, authorship, the ISBN, its title and cover page, among others. Apparently, the societal impact of a book cannot be overemphasized. It is through a book that a literate society is formed; it is through a book that an awaited civilized society is actualized; through a book, an intellectual group can be created; of course through a book, the socio-economic

level of a nation can be uplifted or boasted; it is through a book that a nation can actualized its utmost desire; and it is through a book that a leader can be made; above all, it is a book that can guarantee optimum peace and unity in any society. This is why those who are widely read such as the likes of late Marcus Tullius Cicero and Jane Austen would always tell you that “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Or that “A person, be it gentleman or lady, who has no pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.” It was the late Jorge Luis Borges that said “I have always imagined that paradise would be a kind of library.” In the same vein, Lemony Snicket stated “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” Considering the indelible role of a book in any society, there is need to fiercely safeguard the copyright of a book or any other creative work such as music or movie. Against this backdrop, as the world commemorates the World Book and Copyright Day, I enjoin every group in Nigeria concerning authorship such as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and many others to join in the crusade towards the complete eradication of plagiarism. The production of fake works which is on rampage in Nigeria is solely attributed to the ongoing alarming pace of plagiarism. It is longer news that plagiarism has indeed endangered the lives of thousands of creative persons across the globe thereby constituting apathy among

prospective writers or artistes as the case may be. This singular fact is the reason many incoming/potential creative individuals have chosen to remain idle rather than embarking on a venture that would end-up being worthless. ANA and other indigenous authorship associations is expected to form a synergy with other related societies such as the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in order to fight the scourge squarely and with a dogged approach. In view of this, the concerned groups ought to urge the legislators to enact a strict law that would assign capital punishment to anyone found guilty of any form of piracy by any court of competent jurisdiction. Among all, no one is meant to sit on the fence towards the elimination of this cankerworm that constitutes colossal individual and national economic menace. On the other hand and most importantly, the parents, guardians, counsellors, various teachers at all levels, and what have you, must take the act of imparting and uplifting reading culture among our young ones very seriously. In addition, reading should be regarded by all and sundry as the only practice that can guarantee absolute literacy as well as intellectual ability. And we can’t afford to be left behind regarding the said qualities. Think about it! •Nwaozor ( frednwaozor@gmail.com), Public Affairs Analyst & Civil Rights Activist (+2348028608056)

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The resurgence of xenophobia in S/Africa

he resurgence of xenophobia in South Africa, replete with indiscriminate killings of migrant workers, must be giving most people, especially fellow Africans, great cause for concern. Conster nation continues to trail television footages of African economic migrants hounded into any available refuge by machette-wielding South Africans who have, most incredibly, resorted to killing foreigners whom they accuse of hijacking economic opportunities that should have otherwise been theirs, including those who have consistently proven either too lazy or unfocused to retain employment. Though the critical focus of South Africans has momentarily shifted from Nigerians, traditional victims of similar attacks in the past, this time around, Burundians, Malawians, Congolese and other Africans have suddenly found themselves trapped in a pre-meditated orgy of violence whose definite shape and outline was provided by the former Youth Leader of the ruling African National Congress, ANC, Mr Julius Malema who warned that South Africans were growing impatient, arguing that the situation has been aggravated by the influx of migrants in search of economic opportunities in the former apartheid enclave. Malema might not have threatened to kill African mig rant workers in that country as roaming bands of drug-crazed South African youths are doing now but merely reflected, and rightly too, that failure to address the cardinal issue of land reforms in the country amounted to dooms-

Killing fellow Africans to protest alleged economic precariousness of South Africans might be a tempting reaction to frustration day postponed. But instead of addressing an issue which is fundamental to the continued stability and well-being of the most technologically robust country in the continent, armed and disillusioned youth have been harassing migrants, threatening to visit those who refuse to comply with their unilateral order to leave the country with death. The role of the Zulu king, King Goodwill Zwelithimi in the attacks has remained controversial, especially his appeal to the government to repatriate migrants without the necessary papers. According to him, ‘foreigners are taking over our country and we need to know that we are sitting on a time bomb’. After coming under intense fire for stoking the violence, he quickly adjusted, insisting he was talking only about those

without proper documentation. That was why Mr Gilbaba warned his compatriots to tread cautiously because ‘Africans, particularly, must not think that we hate fellow Africans’. Fields and available open spaces in cities like Durban were converged upon by desperate migrants who hurriedly erected tents for make-shift homes. According to the Police, they have so far arrested over 17 people, in addition to opening a murder file in connection with the attacks on foreigners in Durban alone. After shops belonging to foreigners were consistently looted, others joined and hurriedly relocated to relatively safer places like the open field where the hounded erected tents and sought refuge in the relative comfort of numbers. A Somalian shop keeper, who was critically wounded, is still gasping for life after a particularly vicious attack which prompted the Malawian government to order the repatriation of Malawians from South Africa. Police spokesman, Major Zhulani told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that they do not know exactly how many foreigners have been killed since the attacks began but that the casualty figure included both South Africans and foreigners. Those justifiably provoked by these unwarranted and wellorchestrated violence against them which has even gained the support of Edward, President Jacob Zuma’s son, have vowed to fight back. The latest attacks against foreigners in South Africa is reminiscent of similar killings in 2008 when at least

62 people were killed, refocusing attention on a fundamental problem which yearns for attention, instead of expletives of helplessness by the government. Although it might be difficult to say exactly when South Africa slid into full-blown xenophobia in earnest, definite pointer in this regard became obvious after a report that precluded foreigners from land ownership in the country. Of course, it is the prerogative of South Africans to institutionalize measures that they consider in the best interest of themselves and their country. But national interest can and is often modified by certain extenuating factors and considerations like the patently unAfrican penchant for a host to demonstrate hostility in the presence of guests. Killing fellow Africans to protest alleged economic precariousness of South Africans might be a tempting reaction to frustration but it profiles monumental ing ratitude for the monumental sacrifices some countries made to liberate that country from apartheid. Even most uncomplimentary is the fact that in addition to defiling, so soon, the memory of the great Madiba, Nelson Mandela, the mobs of South Africa definitely risk provoking a rash of retaliations from countries whose nationals are affected. And as big players in the continents economy, South African interest in other countries are in grave danger. Should the rabid attacks continue, big cooperations like Multi Choice and MTN will soon become targets of reprisal.

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Politics

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compel the president to present annually before the National Assembly his stewardship and agenda. He has functioned effectively as opposition leader. However, he has some weaknesses to contend with. Though not many members of the 7th Assembly are returning, the PDP as a party may find it difficult to give Gbajabiamila votes considering the tough time he posed to it all through last four years. Pally Iriase Representing Owan East/West federal constituency of Edo State, Iriase is returning to the House

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Dogara, Gbajabiamila, Iriase, Jibrin battle for House Speaker for the second time. An experienced lawmaker, his views are well respected especially during debates on the floor. He is gregarious and wears a likeable disposition. He is the chairman, Committee on Legislative Compliance. Before delving into politics, he had a stint in the state civil service as well as the banking sector. A former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Iriase also served

as the Secretary to the Edo State Government. The chartered accountantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength lies in his maturity, experience and open approach to issues. He is respected amongst his colleagues. A committed party man, he served as a member of the National Strategy Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) under the Chairmanship of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.

If the position is zoned to the South-South, which is most unlikely, he will be a frontline contestant considering that there are just three APC lawmakers from the geopolitical zone. What may however count against him is his alleged impatience with those who share different views from his. Mohammed Tahir Monguno Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture,

Hon. Monguno represents federal constituency of Borno State. A former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Borno State, Monguno has a rich profile. He was elected to the House in 2007 and has remained in the chamber since then. One thing that goes for the lawmaker is that he is seen by many of his colleagues as a firm leader. He is also respected for his humility, same attribute that

endeared the outgoing Speaker to many of his colleagues. So far he has several lawmakers from his zone who are openly campaigning for him. However, whether or not he will realise his ambition of heading the chamber will depend largely on APC zoning arrangement. Abdulmumin Jibril Hon. Jibril represents Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency of Kano State and is a returnee member having been first elected in 2011. As a first timer in 2011, Jibril conveyed the 7th Assembly Group, a caucus of all new memberselect and attempted to run for the position of speaker. A good mobiliser in his own rights, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance has commenced his campaign in full force. In fact, he was the first lawmaker to officially declare his ambition even without the zoning arrangement of his party. He is insisting that the contest be based on merit and competence. Armed with a PhD in Political Science, Jibril exudes confidence and courage. Being successful businessman, he feels he can marry his managerial skills with political dexterity to succeed as Speaker if given the chance. However, Jibril will have to contend with the zoning arrangement, which does not favour him because the presidentelect comes from the same North-West. Analysts are of the view that in the spirit of fairness and equity, both positions cannot be held by one zone. Secondly, some of his colleagues complain that in spite of his educational attainment, he lacks the required maturity to lead the House. But with the manner he is going about his campaign, it may not be surprising if he decides to contest against the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrangement. Israel Ajibola Famurewa Hon. Famurewa represents Atakumosa/East/ West & Ilesa East/West Federal Constituency of Osun State and is clearly the most unpopular amongst the aspirants so far. He holds a post graduate diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Though he is a returning member, Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contributions are not so known within the parliament. Presently, he does not hold any committee chairman. Most of his colleagues only recognise him as a very committed lawmaker that hardly stays away from plenary. He is always punctual but not vocal. If the speaker seat is zoned to the South-West, it will be an uphill task for him to dislodge the Minority Leader.

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Travellers strategise as controllers plan total shut down of airspace Air travellers have begun to seek alternative means of transportation to their destinations as air traffic controllers under the aegis of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) have dropped yet another threat to shut the nation’s airspace over labour dispute.

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Vessels to discharge N44.56bn petroleum products at Lagos jetties No fewer than 282, 900 metric tons of Preium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N44.6 billion ($209 million) have been ferried to various jetties in Apapa this month.

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L-R: Executive Director, Net Library Nigeria, Mrs. Oyeyinka Ayo-Yusuf; Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and Chief Executive Officer, QC Investment, Mr. Fred Aikhaituamen, at the signing of MOU between the bank and its partners in the education sector in Lagos. Photo: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Investment in power sector hits N9trn ALTERNATIVE

he total investments in the Nigeria’s power sector have exceeded $45 billion (N9trillion), New Telegraph has gathered. A statistics compiled by the

newspaper showed that some $40 billion has gone into several power reform drives in the last 20 years, much of it wasted. A total investment of $2.5 billion was made on the sales of assets of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeri (PHCN). The defunct Power company was split into six generation and 11 distribution firms, all sold separately, for about $2.5 billion in total. Private buyers for five generation companies and 10 distribution firms collected their share certificates and operating licences from Jonathan during

INFLATION RATE March 2015.............................8.5% February 2015.........................8.4% January 2015...........................8.2%

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

Sector attracts fresh $200m investment as four power firms advance embedded power procurement plans

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a ceremony in 2013. Two remaining companies are expected to be sold within six months. Nigeria is also planning to sell off 10 more newly built state power plants, all gas-fired, by this year. That only six of these plants have been completed since

$2.5 billion Being the amount realised from the sale of defunct PHCN

President Olusegun Obasanjo first unveiled plans for them in 2004 shows how slowly electricity reforms are moving. President Jonathan has also said that $750 million had been raised to help improve transmission, some funds coming from a Eurobond as well as selling off existing assets, more are planned. The government also signed a deal last year for Chinese state companies to build a $1.3 billion power plant. Meanwhile, the contracts of over $200 million have been signed by four distribution firms for power generation from embedded sources. At least four out of the 11 electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) across the country indicated their willingness to sign on to a bilateral power supply framework and consequently, would be purchasing CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Rates Dashboard EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Apr. 17)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N210 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N303 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N223

l Foreign Reserves – $29.481bn as at 16/04/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Apr. 17)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N199 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N301 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N214

Business | News

THREAT Air traffic controllers had no choice other than to register their displeasure Wole Shadare

ir travellers have begun to seek alternative means of transportation to their destinations as air traffic controllers under the aegis of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) have dropped yet another threat to shut the nation’s airspace over labour dispute. The group in a statement signed by the President and Secretary of NATCA, Victor Eyaru and Banji Alawode respectively and made available to New Telegraph in a notice tagged, “Insensitivity of government to the welfare of Nigerian air traffic controllers,” threatened to withdraw their services by midnight Monday (today) if their demands were not met. The duo decried the attitude of government to address the unfair disparity between air traffic controllers rating allowances and some group of staff in Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) since 2011. According to them, “Suffice to say that the leadership of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), NATCA executives, NAMA management, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Labour and Pro-

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Travellers strategise as controllers plan total shut down of airspace ductivity, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission with other top government functionaries met to resolve the issue amongst other grievances. Controllers made recommendations to government for implementation. When it became obvious that there was no political will to implement the agreements reached so far, the air traffic controllers had no choice other than to register our displeasure, hence the protest action.” They noted that in

power from embedded generation sources to augment shortfalls from on-grid supplies. The DISCOs, Eko, Ikeja, Ibadan and Jos, have initiated concrete steps to procure additional power from embedded sources to cover up for the shortfall in the amount of electricity supplied to them from the national grid. Owing to significant drop in electricity generation, most of the DISCOs are said to be currently getting only about one third of their electricity needs from the national grid. Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, said the distribution companies had opted to explore such offgrid sources. Amadi disclosed this after NERC’s meeting with heads of operators in the country’s electricity sector in Abuja, and

furtherance to the warning by air traffic controllers last week Thursday, NATCA having reviewed its position vis-à-vis the body language of the government, particularly the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidioka, had resolved that if by “0000 hours” April 20, 2015, the issue is not fully resolved and convey an approval for immediate implementation to NAMA management, there would be no option left than to embark

on a total withdrawal of air traffic services until such a time this singular demand is fully met. Meanwhile, travellers have begun to shift the date in their travel plans in order not to be caught in the crisis that could paralyse air travel. Some travellers who spoke to New Telegraph on condition of anonymity said they would shift their trip already scheduled for Monday to Sunday. In the alterna-

tive, they said they were exploring the option of road travel. Should they make good their threat to withdraw their services, their action could have huge consequences on the sector and affect international airlines. Efforts to reach some of the foreign carriers on contingency plans to mitigate the impending crisis proved abortive. It would be recalled that the Managing Direc-

tor of NAMA, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, was already in Abuja at the weekend to meet relevant ministry officials on how to resolve the industrial action by air traffic controllers, assuring that the matter would be amicably resolved. Last year, at its annual general meeting in Kano, the controllers in a communiqué, complained of epileptic air navigation equipment at airports nationwide, even as they complained about intolerable working conditions.

L-R: Relationship Manager, Retail Banking, Jaiz Bank Plc, Mr. Sani Nura; Group Head, Public Sector, Mr. Adamu Ismaila; Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Mahe Abubakar; Managing Director, Mr. Muhammad Nurul Islam; Clerk, National Assembly, Mr. Salisu Mai Kasuwa; Company Secretary, Jaiz Bank, Mrs. Salaudeen Rukayat Oziama and Relationship Officer, Public Sector, Mr. Hameed Ayo, during a visit by Jaiz Bank team to the clerk at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Investment in power sector hits N9trn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

NAMA meets air controllers

said that such embedded sources would remain as stop gap measures pending when there is considerable growth in the country’s on-grid generation supply. He also stated that such alternative plan would perhaps serve as stabilising sources in the future when Nigeria’s power generation profile grows to planned huge levels. “Some of them have supplies they want to procure quickly. The one from Egbin is available to be sold to two DISCOs,” Amadi said. The Managing Director, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), Abiodun Ajifowobaje, said that the DISCOs that have signified interests in embedded generation were taking advantage of the shortage in on-grid supply to develop alternative supply sources that will alCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Vessels to discharge N44.56bn petroleum products at Lagos jetties GLUT Huge oil storage in oil tank farms Bayo Akomolafe

o fewer than 282, 900 metric tons of Preium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N44.6 billion ($209 million) have been ferried to various jetties in Apapa this month. According to Platt oil price, a metric ton of the product is sold for $787.55. The petroleum products were shipped to the jetties by nine merchant tankers. At the Single Bouy Mooring (SBM), MT Eagle berthed with 30, 000 metric tons; MT Pretty Jewelry, 39, 700metric tons; MT Crystal Bay, 38, 500metric tons; MT LIstra, 37, 700metric tons; MT Sea Horizon, 35, 000 metric

tons and MT Anja Kirk, 38, 500 metric tons. Also, at Atlas Cove Jetty (ACJ) is MT Atlantic Leo, laden with 30, 000 metric tons. MT Lion arrived with 16, 300 metric tons at New Oil Jetty (NOJ) while MT Leon Poseidon, was moored to discharge 16, 000metric tons Jet A1 at NOJ. Meanwhile, the biggest flow of fuels to West African countries from Europe is poised to slow as demand ebbs after Nigeria’s presidential elections. Europe’s total oil-product exports averaged about 1.9 million tons a week in 2013 and Nigeria consumed 70 per cent of the import. According to an analyst at KBC Energy Economics in London, Mr. Ehsan Ul-Haq, the surge would slow because it was caused in part by Nigeria’s government seeking to avoid gasoline shortages before the recently concluded election. Also, Dolapo Oni, the head of energy research at Ecobank

Transnational Inc., Nigeria, said that the country engaged in some major import activities to replace storage and also to ensure there were no shortages. Oil traders booked tankers to haul an average of 514,000 metric tons of fuels a week to West Africa this year, according to lists of ship charters compiled by Bloomberg. It was revealed that the booking was about 70 per cent more than a year earlier and about a quarter of Europe’s exports. It stressed that shipments peaked about three weeks before the March 28 vote. It was revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan’s government had wanted to ensure a liquid supply ahead of elections, which prompted them to import more. Ul-Haq said: “If the new government continues to subsidise gasoline then probably we might see more imports but probably not at the same level as in the first quarter.”

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Sex Talks In Europe: Have More Babies

Mighty River Now A Trickle By MICHAEL WINES

FABENS, Texas — On maps, the mighty Rio Grande meanders about 3,000 kilometers, from southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. But on the ground, farms and cities drink all but a trickle before it reaches the canal that irrigates Bobby Skov’s farm outside El Paso, more than 1,600 kilometers from the gulf. Now, shriveled by the historic drought that has consumed California and most of the Southwest, that trickle has become a moist breath. “It’s been progressively worse” since the early 2000s, Mr. Skov said, adding that his farm would muddle through — if the trend did not continue. “The jury’s out on that,” he said. Drought’s grip on California grabs all the headlines. But from Texas to Arizona to Colorado, the entire Western United States is under siege by changing weather patterns that have shrunk snowpacks, raised temperatures, spurred evaporation and reduced reservoirs to record lows. In a region that has replumbed entire river systems to build cities and farms where they would not otherwise flourish, the drought is a historic challenge. Many scientists say this is the harbinger of the permanently drier and hotter West that global warming will deliver later this century. If so, the water-rationing order issued this month by Governor Jerry Brown of California could be a sign of things to come. Arizona, a party to a Colorado River water-sharing compact among seven states, is bracing for a first-ever reduction in its allotment within a couple of years should the river’s main reservoir, Lake Mead, continue falling beneath its current historic low. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has elevated water management in the West to an agency priority. Michael Connor, the deputy secretary of the interior, said, “We need better infrastructure, better operation arrangements, better ways to share water and move water.” The perils of drought are on ample display along the Rio Grande, where a rising thirst has tested farmers and pushed a water-rights dispute between Texas

By DANNY HAKIM

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAX WHITTAKER FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

With the Western United States experiencing a drought of historic proportions, the shrinking Rio Grande River has pushed waterrights disputes between states to the Supreme Court. Above, the river exiting a reservoir in New Mexico, and a man fishing in it.

Continued on Page 27

COPENHAGEN — Twenty-five Danish 13- and 14-year-olds gathered in a circle to talk about sex. This was going to be awkward. One student surveyed her red nails while a classmate checked his cellphone. When the discussion turned to masturbation, a girl pointed across the room toward a boy who was already chortling, and then she started to cover her own giggles by cupping a hand over her mouth. “It’s O.K. to laugh,” said the instructor, 29-year-old Andreas Beck Kronborg, who looked young enough to be an older brother. “We’re going to talk about stuff that’s embarrassing.” Recently, Sex and Society, a nonprofit group that provides much of Denmark’s sex education, adjusted its curriculum. The group no longer has a sole emphasis on how to prevent getting pregnant but now also talks about pregnancy in a more positive light. It is all part of a not-so-subtle push in Europe to encourage people to have more babies. Denmark, like a number of European countries, is growing increasingly anxious about low birthrates. Those concerns have only been intensified by the region’s financial and economic crisis, with high unemployment rates among the young viewed as discouraging potential parents. The Italian health minister in February described Italy as a “dying country.” Germany has spent heavily on family subsidies but has little to show for it. Greece’s depression has further stalled its birthrate. And in Denmark, the birthrate has been below the socalled replacement rate needed to keep a population from declining — just over two children per woman — since the early 1970s. “For many, many years, we only talked about safe sex, how to prevent getting pregnant,” said Marianne Lomholt, the national director of Sex and Society. “Suddenly we just thought, maybe we should actually also tell them about how to get pregnant.” The demographic shift is more pressing in Europe than almost any other major region, save Japan. There are an estimated 28 Europeans 65 or older for every 100 residents ages 20 to 64, almost twice the world average, according to the United Nations, and compared with 24.7 for the United States. By the end of the century, the United Nations expects the European figure

Continued on Page 26

INTELLIGENCE

WORLD TRENDS

MONEY & BUSINESS

ARTS & DESIGN

Austria redefines Muslim rights. PAGE 24

China makes an island, and mischief. PAGE 28

China’s film ambitions are growing. PAGE 29

Rock never dies, even in Cambodia. PAGE 34

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MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

O P I N I O N & C O M M E N TA RY The United States Federal Communications Commission recently adopted strong net neutrality rules that should prevent cable and phone companies from creating fast and slow lanes on the Internet. But policy makers in other parts of the world are considering different rules that could hurt consumers and startup businesses. Last month, the European Council, which is made up of the 28 national governments of European Union members, adopted a proposal that would allow telecommunications companies to charge businesses like Netflix and Google fees to deliver their content to users faster than could smaller companies that cannot afford to pay for

ED I T O R I A L S O F T H E T I M ES

Global Threats to Net Neutrality preferential treatment. In India, a similar provision is being considered, along with the idea of charging users extra fees for services like YouTube, WhatsApp and Skype on top of what people already pay for access to the Internet. In Europe and India, proponents of weak net neutrality rules appear to have bought into the misguided notion that higher charges are necessary to keep telecommunications companies in business and, further, that the

companies have a right to impose them. The idea goes something like this: Internet companies like Google and Facebook are making lots of money because cable and phone companies have built networks that give people access to their services. Therefore, Internet-based businesses should help pay the costs of creating, maintaining and upgrading networks. This is a disingenuous argument. Telecom companies make

money by charging individuals and businesses monthly fees for access to the network. If that revenue was inadequate to cover the cost of running networks, telecom companies would raise prices or they would become insolvent. If anything, prices have fallen as it has become cheaper to provide service. Big telecom companies like Vodafone, which does business in Europe and India, are in fact quite profitable. There is resistance to the proposals in Europe and India.

The European Parliament, for example, voted last year for legislation similar to the F.C.C. rules. Neither the rules adopted by Parliament nor the Council’s proposal can take effect until the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, the executive branch of the E.U., work out a compromise. In India, Internet activists have organized a campaign against the regulator’s proposal and appear to be having some impact. One of the main reasons the Internet has been so successful is that people have generally been able to use it how they wish. The worst thing policy makers could do to the network would be to allow telecom companies to mess with that.

INTELLIGENCE/SOEREN KERN

FRANK BRUNI

Austria’s Islamic Reforms

Brightest, and Saddest?

In February, the Austrian Parliament amended the country’s Islam Law. In promoting a moderate, homegrown Islam compatible with democratic values, Austria has taken a positive step to combat extremism while protecting religious liberties. The original Islam law, passed in 1912, sought to integrate thousands of Muslims who officially came under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire following its annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908. Predominantly Roman Catholic, Austria-Hungary extended Muslims the same rights of worship as other official religions and granted state protection to Islamic customs, doctrines and institutions. But the empire’s breakup following World War I left just a few hundred Muslims in Austria, and the law became irrelevant. The current landscape is vastly different. A 2014 University of Vienna report put the number of Muslims in Austria at over 550,000, or about 7 percent of the national population as of 2012. The number of Muslims first began to increase in the 1960s and 1970s, with the arrival of tens of thousands of guest workers from the Balkans and Turkey. Refugees from Bosnia and Kosovo followed in the 1990s; more recently, Austria absorbed thousands of asylum-seekers from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The reforms follow years of lobbying by Muslim leaders, Soeren Kern is a senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute, a New York-based nonprofit that reports on international policy. Send comments to intelligence@nytimes.com.

who argued that their people have remained second-class citizens. The updated law confirms Islam’s official status and expands Muslim rights. Muslims will be allowed time off from work to observe Islamic holidays and be able to receive spiritual care and halal meals in hospitals, prisons and the armed forces. The law also establishes a theological program for imams at the University of Vienna, where instruction will reinforce European values. But other reforms, which Vienna says are aimed at counteracting extremism, are contentious. The law bans foreign financing of Islamic groups and bars foreign clerics from

A law broadens Muslim rights and combats extremism. leadership positions in Austrian mosques. All imams must speak German, and Muslim clergy members must prove “professional suitability,” either by completing the University of Vienna program, or demonstrating equivalent training. Stressing that Austrian law takes precedence over Shariah, it requires Muslim organizations to show a “positive attitude toward society and state,” or risk closure. Austrian reactions have been mixed. The Islamic Religious Community in Austria, an umbrella group that helped draft the amendments, conceded that the outcome “probably comes

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closest to the needs of both parties.” But because Austria’s Christian and Jewish groups do not face language restrictions and may receive foreign financing, others find these measures highly discriminatory. Some objections have merit. A blanket ban on foreign financial support is a blunt instrument that risks alienating Muslims by subjecting them to special rules. But the measures respond to a real concern. A small yet growing number of Austrian Muslims is embracing radical Islam; officials say nearly 200 have left the country to join jihadist movements in the Middle East. With the reforms, Vienna is acknowledging the current climate while striking a balance between civil liberties and national security. Freezing foreign revenue streams remains the best way to encourage the development of an independent Islam in Austria. The ban is aimed especially at Turkey and Saudi Arabia, which are vying for leadership of the Sunni Muslim world and whose governments have exported their competing versions of Islam to Austria for decades. Financing by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other foreign governments is often aimed at shoring up their geopolitical interests. Preserving this patron-client relationship will only impede the full integration of Austria’s Muslims. The financial restrictions are necessary to break these ties, and will help foster greater self-determination. Austria’s updated Islam Law may be imperfect, and Muslims have a right to request more nuanced legislation. But to the extent that the reforms broaden the rights of the country’s Muslims and help thwart extremist foreign influence, they are essential. One century ago, Austria officially recognized Islam. Today it may again be at the vanguard of Muslim integration.

Palo A lto, California I didn’t immediately understand what I was seeing when, at a railroad crossing here, I spotted a man in an orange vest, the kind that road crews wear. He wasn’t engaged in any obvious activity. He shuffled his feet, staring into the distance. Hours later, at the same crossing: an orange-vested woman. Like the man, she just stood there, without evident purpose. “They’re on the lookout,” a friend of mine who lives here explained. “For what?” I asked. “Suicides,” my friend said. From May 2009 to January 2010, five Palo Alto teenagers ended their lives by stepping in front of trains. And since October of last year, three others have killed themselves that way, prompting sentries along the tracks. The Palo Alto Weekly refers to the deaths as a “suicide contagion.” And while mental health professionals are careful not to oversimplify the psychic distress behind them by focusing on any one possible factor, the contagion has prompted a debate about the kinds of pressures felt by high school students in epicenters of overachievement. Children here grow up in the shadow of Stanford University. They grow up with parents who have scaled the pinnacles of their professions. They grow up with advanced-placement classes galore, convinced that their futures hinge on perfect SAT scores and grade-point averages. But the situation isn’t so different in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where a separate cluster of teenage suicides recently forced educators and parents to re-examine the messages they give students about what’s expected of them and what’s needed to get ahead. It’s not so different in Chicago’s western suburbs, where a teacher recently pulled me aside and insisted that the number of advanced-placement classes that students feel compelled to take and the number of hospitalizations for depression rise in tandem.

These are, to some extent, problems of affluence and privilege. But they reflect a status consciousness that bedevils Americans at all income levels, and they underscore an economic trepidation that is widespread and is seemingly intensified by the gaping divide between the haves and have-nots. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate was 8.15 per 100,000 Americans from age 10 to 24 in 2013, the last year for which complete data is available; the rate was 6.74 in 2003. Many more children think about taking their own lives. According to a 2013 survey by the C.D.C., 17 percent of American high school students had considered suicide in the previous year. Eight percent said they’d attempted it. There’s no direct line connecting the pressures of Palo Alto and the deaths. But the community’s soul searching goes beyond those tragedies, to matters plenty important in and of themselves. Are kids here getting to be kids? Does a brand of hovering, exactingly prescriptive parenting, put them in unforgiving boxes? “There’s something about childhood itself in Palo Alto and in communities like Palo Alto that undermines the mental health and wellness of our children,” Julie Lythcott-Haims told me. She was a dean at Stanford from 2002 to 2012. She lives in Palo Alto. Her two children, ages 13 and 15, go to school here. And she’s the author of a new book, to be published in June, called “How to Raise an Adult.” It reflects on the shortfalls of some modern parenting, which, in her view, can be not only overprotective but also overbearing, micromanaging the lives of children, pointing them toward specific mile markers of achievement and denying them any time to flail or room to fail. Adam Strassberg, a psychiatrist and the father of two Palo Alto teenagers, recommended lightening children’s schedules. He wrote: “Want the best for your child, not for your child to be the best.”

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MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

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Sanctity of Truth

WORLD TRENDS

Costly Ebola Clinics Sit Empty in Liberia By NORIMITSU ONISHI

MONROVIA, Liberia — As bodies littered the streets and the sick lay dying in front of clinics last year, President Obama ordered the largest American intervention ever in a global health crisis, hoping to stem the deadliest Ebola epidemic in history. But after spending hundreds of millions of dollars and deploying nearly 3,000 troops to build Ebola treatment centers, the United States ended up creating facilities that have largely sat empty: Only 28 Ebola patients have been treated at the 11 treatment units built by the United States military, American officials say. “My task was to convince the international organizations, ‘You don’t need any more E.T.U.s,’ ” said Dr. Hans Rosling, a Swedish public health expert who advised Liberia’s health ministry, referring to Ebola treatment units. “I warned them, ‘The only thing you’ll show is an empty E.T.U.,’ ” he added. “ ‘Don’t do it.’ ” The American response was outpaced by the fast-moving and unpredictable disease. Facing criticism that his re-

Chile Joins Nations Shaken By Scandal By SIMON ROMERO

SANTIAGO, Chile — Scandals are shaking one government after another in Latin America: the mysterious death of a prosecutor in Argentina, the ouster of Peru’s prime minister over a spying operation, the revelations of a vast bribery scheme at Brazil’s national oil company. Chile was long thought to be above such agitations, given its reputation as one of the region’s least corrupt nations. But a series of scandals is placing the political establishment here in turmoil. The most prominent target of criticism is President Michelle Bachelet, the 63-year-old pediatrician who returned to the presidency in 2014 on a platform of reducing inequality. Her son has been accused of using his influence to secure a loan for a land deal that reaped millions of dollars in profits. Yet the opposition is also under fire after the arrests in March of executives from one of Chile’s largest financial groups on charges of tax fraud, bribery and money laundering. Prosecutors say there was an illegal scheme to finance the Independent Democratic Union, a rightwing party. Contributing to the spreading ire, a giant mining company

action to the epidemic had been slow, Mr. Obama announced his plan in mid-September, focusing on Liberia. But even before the first treatment center built by the American military opened, the number of Ebola cases had fallen drastically. The emphasis on constructing treatment centers ended up having much less impact than the inexpensive, nimble measures taken by residents to halt the outbreak, many officials say. Liberia could be declared free of Ebola by next month. But with health officials warning that it is only a matter of time before another outbreak erupts in this region, they are drawing important lessons from the successes and shortcomings of the response by international and West African leaders. Had the Americans and other donors been more flexible, critics and some officials contend, the money could have been put toward rebuilding Liberia’s shattered health care system or backing the efforts of local communities. The United States has spent $1.4 billion on its Ebola mis-

The United States spent hundreds of millions of dollars building 11 Ebola clinics where only 28 patients were treated.

DANIEL BEREHULAK FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

sion in West Africa. Deploying the military cost $360 million, not including the construction, staffing and operating expenses at the treatment centers it built. The United States also supported a wide range of efforts, like building a new cemetery and increasing body-collection teams. But the vast majority of aid, about 90 percent, came after Ebola cases in Liberia had begun to drop. American officials said that building treatment centers made sense given the epidemic’s trajectory when the decision was made. The outbreak in Liberia peaked just one week after Mr. Obama’s announcement. Dire estimates were suggesting that as many as 1.4 million people in Liberia and Sierra Leone alone

President Michelle Bachelet’s son has been accused of improprieties in a land deal.

could be infected if the world did not act immediately. Jeremy Konyndyk, who headed the Ebola response for the United States Agency for International Development, which was in charge of the American campaign, said there had been no “template” for tackling an epidemic of this scale, as there was for conventional disasters like famines or earthquakes. The epidemic defied the ominous predictions. Liberia had 9,862 total infections and the most recorded deaths — 4,408. Worldwide, more than 25,500 cases and more than 10,500 deaths have been recorded, with new infections continuing in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Before his troops ended their mission here a few weeks ago,

A Mission to Free Laos From Millions of Bombs By THOMAS FULLER

ter-in-law, according to investigators. The company used the loan to buy land that was flipped weeks later. The deal is under investigation. The scandal has accentuated an enduring source of JOSE MANUEL DE LA MAZA/CHILEAN PRESIDENT’S OFFICE tension here over controlled by Julio Ponce LerChilean politics and business — the use of connections to exert ou, the former son-in-law of the influence and obtain wealth — dictator Augusto Pinochet, is embarrassing a leader who had embroiled in an investigation made leveling the playing field over payments to an array of a major goal. Ms. Bachelet’s appolitical figures. “All of these revelations at proval ratings have plunged to once are throwing the system 31 percent. into shock,” said Pablo Collada, Some here point out that the of Intelligent Citizen, an organiscandals, while shocking, are on a different scale from others zation promoting transparency in the region. In Brazil, Presiin politics. The sense of dismay has dent Dilma Rousseff, with an been especially acute for Ms. approval rating of 13 percent, Bachelet, who ended her first faces a stagnant economy and term as president in 2010 with scandals resulting in billions of soaring approval ratings, havdollars of losses. “Chileans think we’re in the ing shielded the country from middle of an acute crisis, but I a sharp downturn during the liken it to a trip to the emergenglobal financial crisis. Ms. Bachelet has said she cy room with some chest pains,” learned of the business dealings said Patricio Navia, a Chilean of her son, Sebastián Dávalos, political scientist at New York from news reports in February, University. “We get there and when he was accused of trying we see Brazil, having a real to secure a $10 million loan with heart attack, and the doctor the help of one of Chile’s richest tells us we’re overweight, not men, Andrónico Luksic. exercising, maybe smoking too The bank that Mr. Luksic’s much.” family controls granted the loan “The doctor’s message,” Mr. a day after she was re-elected Navia continued, “is that we’ll in December 2013, providing end up with a heart attack five the money to a company partly years down the road if we don’t owned by Ms. Bachelet’s daughchange our ways now.”

Major General Gary J. Volesky noted that the American soldiers trained 1,500 Liberian health workers to operate the centers, transferring skills that will be useful long after the outbreak. “While some of those E.T.U.s may have never seen an Ebola patient, you had health care workers in those communities that completely understood Ebola,” he said. In the neighborhood where the outbreak in Monrovia started in June, a 200-volunteer task force formed in July, with residents buying chlorine and buckets to put in public places and donating two vehicles so volunteers could monitor the sick. In another neighborhood, residents collected $2 per home, buying rubber boots and megaphones so that volunteers could fan out to counter rumors that Ebola was a hoax and implore people not to hide the sick and the dead. “We didn’t want to see our people dying, and there was no one coming in” to help, said Amos Marjohn, 37, a task force leader in one neighborhood. “We had to respond very quick and mobilize ourselves.”

HOUAYKHAY, Laos — Thao Kae and his friends were collecting bamboo shoots in the jungle. One of the boys found a small metal sphere and brought it back to their village. “They thought it was a pétanque ball,” said Khamsing Wilaikaew, a 59-year-old farmer, referring to the French game similar to bocce. “They were throwing it against the ground.” Four decades after it was dropped from a warplane, the ball, an American-made cluster bomb, did what it was designed to do. Thao Kae, 8, was killed on the spot. Mr. Khamsing’s wife and a 9-year-old boy died days later. The accident happened a year and a half ago, but two boys are still limping, and the villagers are still traumatized. They recounted the story on a recent morning to a visitor, Channapha Khamvongsa, a Lao-American who for the past decade has led an effort to rid her native land of millions of bombs, the legacy of an American air campaign. “There are many, many problems in this world that might not be able to be solved in a lifetime,” she said. “But this is one that can be fixed.” From 1964 to 1973, American warplanes conducted 580,000 bombing missions over Laos, one of the most intensive air campaigns in the history of warfare. The campaign is often called the Secret War because the United States did not publicly acknowledge waging it. The targets were North Vietnamese troops and their Laotian Communist allies. Since the war’s end, more than

8,000 people have been killed and about 12,000 wounded in Laos by leftover ordnance. Thanks largely to Ms. Channapha’s lobbying, annual United States spending on the removal of unexploded bombs in Laos increased to $12 million this year from $2.5 million a decade ago. Clearance teams working across the country pull hundreds of unexploded munitions and bomb fragments from rice paddies and jungles every week. Last year alone, 56,400 munitions were found and destroyed. But tragic stories of bombs unexpectedly detonating are common. Kingphet Phimmavong, the coordinator of the bomb clearance efforts in Xieng Khouang Province, said his mother and brother were killed in 1976 when they were tilling a rice paddy and struck a bomb. These days bombs are most often detonated by children who play with them, scavengers seeking scrap metal and villagers who unwittingly build fires near where they are buried. Charities and governments are contributing $40 million to clearance efforts this year. But it will be decades before all the bombs are removed. In the meantime, officials are traveling the country and urging caution. Houmphanh Chanthavong, a government official who was among the group visiting Houaykhay, told residents of the process to remove ordnance from the ground, the metal detectors and the experts who delicately dig for them. “We keep on digging,” he said, “and we keep on finding more.”

Sanctity of Truth

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

WORLD TRENDS

The Misery Inherent in Ideology CAMBRIDGE, England — The light was fading on the hills above the Arno, and my closest friend in the careworn ranks of foreign correspondents was sitting on a canopied Chinese daybed, in a lovely old house in his native village DISPATCHES outside Florence. His name was Tiziano Terzani, one of Italy’s most celebrated writers, and on that weekend, a decade ago, he was host with his wife, Angela, for the marriage of their daughter. At 65, Tiziano was in the final weeks of a terminal cancer, and he used a languid lunch the day after the wedding to offer, from his place on the daybed, a personal farewell, along with some gentle wisdom he’d accrued in 40 years as a roaming reporter for the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel and leading Italian newspapers and as the author of deeply engaging books of adventure and reflection. “Never forget,” he told the gathering of musicians, physicians, politicians, entrepreneurs, writers, diplomats and reporters. “It’s not how far you’ve traveled, it’s what you’ve brought back.” If I have been remembering Tiziano with a special fondness, it is because I, too, have reached the 40-year milestone in my career at The New York Times, and retired recently, six months past my 70th birthday. Our careers, Tiziano’s and mine, were improbably similar:

JOHN F. BURNS

MICHAEL KAMBER FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

John Fisher Burns interviewing people in Baghdad on the day Saddam Hussein was captured in 2003. We spent years shadowing each other in Soviet Russia and the China of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, and chronicling the wars, assassinations and other disasters of India, Pakistan, North Korea, Afghanistan and countries beyond. We were both imprisoned in China, on charges officials there later acknowledged to have been false, and we both shared, at the same time in the 1990s, the same cancer — non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma — and the same oncologist in New York. Now the wheel has turned, and the time has come to begin meeting the challenge Tiziano issued after his guests’ familiar chatter about how far we had traveled, the wonders and miseries we’d chronicled, and the most fascinating, or cruel, rulers through whose realms we’d passed.

It was a fine thing, Tiziano said, to have accumulated all those visas, all those exotic datelines, all those richly seasoned tales of derring-do. But what had we brought back? In my case, poking from the very top of my traveler’s backpack is something you might expect of a reporter who spent long years in what were then some of the nastiest places in the world. What those years bred in me was a revulsion for ideology, in all its guises. From Soviet Russia to Mao’s China, from the Afghanistan ruled by the Taliban to the repression of apartheid-era South Africa, I learned that there is no limit to the lunacy, malice and suffering that can plague any society with a ruling ideology, and no perfidy that cannot be justified by manipulating the

precepts of a Mao or a Marx, a Prophet Muhammad or a Kim Il-sung. As Tiziano surely knew, distilling some semblance of enlightenment from a lifetime’s work is not the easiest of challenges, and not only because it supposes the wit to bring order and sense out of years of jumbled experience — of repression by forces of the left and right, of man’s propensity for cruelty to man, and of the countervailing strains of humanity that endure wherever the worst kinds of malevolence prevail. There is the fear, too, of indulging in what reporters of my generation have been disciplined to avoid: abandoning the dictates of objective reporting for the hazards of moral presumption, and with it, self-righteousness. What a reporter carries out grows, inevitably, from the beliefs and standards carried in. For me, those were set out by the Times editor who first assigned me abroad in 1976, A. M. Rosenthal. Abe called for “keeping the paper straight.” He issued the dictum before my first foreign assignment: apartheid in South Africa, a country justly seen as an openand-shut case of oppression. But even there the need to keep the paper straight demanded, Abe said, that we tell not only the story of the oppressed, but that of all the other major players in South Africa’s tragedy, including the Afrikaner people who built the fortress of racial prejudice that the country had become. Those stories might

surprise us, he said, and give us a more textured sense of the truth. The commitment to fairness and balance, and to shunning conventional truths when our reporting leads us in unexpected directions, has been our gold standard — and one that I, like other reporters, undoubtedly failed on occasions when my passions ran at their highest. Those moments, I fear, might have to include for me the hours after American troops overran Baghdad in April 2003. At the time, I witnessed and shared the wild public rapture at Saddam Hussein’s fall, which gave way almost overnight to grim forebodings about the murderous sectarian chaos that was to ensue, and which continues, with a redoubled vengeance, in Tikrit, Mosul, Ramadi and dozens of other Iraqi cities and towns where the Islamic State has held sway. My impatience with ideology has carried over in recent years to my encounters with the societies in the West that are my home: to the widespread propensity of people who lack the excuse of brutal duress that is a constant in the totalitarian world to fall sway to the formulaic “isms” of left and right, each of them full of Yeats’s “passionate intensity,” that excuse, and indeed smother, free thinking. The bankruptcy of the approach that divides the world into camps of left and right was a lesson learned early. An assignment to China in the early 1970s exposed me to the

Sex Education in Europe: Let’s Make More Babies Continued from Page 23 to double. Such trends will transform societies, possibly reducing economic growth, stressing public pension systems and requiring more elder care. Japan already faces existential questions in a country where adult diaper sales are beginning to eclipse those of baby diapers. But there is not a consensus about the impact of demographics. Some see a natural maturing of developed societies. Others see disaster ahead, because with fewer workers and more retirees, the active work force faces an increased burden to sustain social programs. Productivity gains over time, though, can make up for such population stresses. Declining birthrates can also lead to labor shortages, and Germany has faced a gap in skilled labor. But that is hardly an issue now for much of Europe, which is mired in high unemployment. “The policy agenda is much more complicated than people often think,” said Hans Timmer, chief economist for Europe and Signe Lene Christiansen contributed reporting.

Central Asia at the World Bank. “There is this opportunity for higher per capita income, even if overall income is not growing as fast as in other countries.” Recent efforts to increase birthrates around the world have been creative, if not necessarily effective. President Vladimir V. Putin declared 2008 the Year of the Family in Russia, and his political party employed touches like a curving park bench designed to get couples to slide closer together. There was a double-entendre-laden Mentos commercial in Singapore featuring a rapper urging residents to do their civic duty with lines like, “I’m a patriotic husband, you my patriotic wife. Lemme book into ya camp and manufacture a life.” In some countries, the issue can have a broad effect on policy debates. Zsolt Darvas, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a research organization based in Brussels, said the shrinking population issue had contributed to an aversion in Germany to public spending, particularly at a time of economic uncertainty. The link between the two topics has been made more than once by Jens Weidmann, president of Germany’s

Since the early 1970s Denmark’s birthrate has not been enough to keep the population from declining. A sex talk at a Copenhagen school covered the need to raise the birth rate.

SOFIE AMALIE KLOUGART FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

Pushing procreation amid worries about aging populations. Bundesbank. “If you listen to the German argument — why Germany doesn’t want to have a larger budget deficit now to stimulate the economy — the argument they are always saying is that Germany has a very bad demographic outlook so they don’t want to burden future generations,” Mr. Darvas said.

Anxiety in Danish society has spawned no shortage of creativity. One priest made headlines for his enthusiastic writings on sex and eroticism. An entrepreneur created a pro-procreation dating site. Spies, a travel company, had a “Do It for Denmark!” promotion: A commercial featured a Danish couple going to a hotel in Paris to do their part to lift Denmark’s birthrate. “Can sex save Denmark’s future?” the campaign asked, claiming that Danes had 46 percent more sex on holidays. “The reaction was very positive,” said Eva Lundgren, head of marketing at Spies, which is part

of the Thomas Cook group. She added that the frequent Danish media coverage of the issue made it a natural topic to work with. “There has been for some years now some anxiousness about how we are going to support the growing elderly mass of people,” she said. Perhaps all of the attention is starting to bear fruit. New statistics show a thousand more births last year than the year before, and the first increase in the Danish birthrate in four years. “I cannot say it is because of us,” Ms. Lomholt of Sex and Society said. “We have just started having a focus on it.”

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

Sanctity of Truth

WORLD TRENDS murderous doctrines of Mao Zedong “Thought,” with victims that numbered in the millions; and a posting to Moscow in the early 1980s, 30 years after Stalin’s death, was redolent of the miseries that a perverted form of Marxism-Leninism imposed on Soviet Russia, with its own ghastly toll in the millions. My five years in South Africa carried their own lessons. The more I saw of the ugliness of apartheid, the more evident it became that the apparatus of right-wing repression — the twisted ideology, the pervasive role of the secret police, the dehumanization of an entire population — was little different from left-wing dictatorships. If ideology was the scourge of the 20th century, so it has continued to be in the 21st. Perhaps the most murderous of all states in our time is the North Korea of the Kim family, with millions dead from hunger and deprivation. And the beheadings and burnings-alive committed by the Islamic State have their origins in yet another kind of corrupted, extremist thought. My experience has been that when it suits the ends of power, ideology can be invoked to prove that 2+2 = 5, or any number that suits the state, and to demand that all embrace the madness. It is a truly frightening thing to interview a top-ranked nuclear scientist, or a distinguished brain surgeon, or a concert pianist, as I did in China under the

Lessons learned from reporting on the cruelty of man. sway of Mao, and to hear them, as ideological outcasts, justify with utter conviction the brutalities inflicted on them by their ideology-crazed persecutors. Elsewhere, the lunacy was of an order that invited a response of laughing mockery, if that were not potentially fatal to the system’s loyalists, or those pretending to be so. In North Korea, while Kim Il-sung was still alive, there was a brand new hospital built in his name in Pyongyang, laden with tens of millions of dollars in the latest American, Swiss and German equipment, but no patients to be seen. And why not? “As we have explained,” a physician said, “the Korean people’s great leader Comrade Kim Il-sung has taken such care for the health of his beloved people that none of his people gets sick.” Not ever? “No, never,” was the reply. My catalog of such moments in the grim dictatorships of the world could fill a book, or three. But coming home to the countries of the West, where nobody dies for a moment’s lapse in fealty to a prime minister or a president, it can be depressing beyond words to hear the loyalists of a given political creed — whether of the left or the right — adopt the unyielding certainties common in totalitarian states. Our rights to think and speak freely have been won at great cost, and we abuse them at our peril.

MAX WHITTAKER FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

Officials say the Rio Grande could lose about a third of its water by the end of the century. Catching minnows.

Once Mighty River Is Reduced to a Trickle Continued from Page 23 and New Mexico to the Supreme Court. But you can see glimmers of hope. Albuquerque, the biggest New Mexico city along the Rio Grande, has cut its water consumption by a quarter in 20 years as its population has grown by a third. Irrigation districts and farmers — which consume about 26 of every 38 liters of river water — are turning to technology and ingenuity to make use of every drop of water given them. John Fleck, a scholar at the University of New Mexico Water Resources Program, said no one should dismiss the gravity of the West’s plight. But neither is it necessarily ruination. “This whole running-out-ofwater thing isn’t really doom,” he said. “When water gets short, farmers get very clever.” Much of the Rio Grande today is little more than a magnificently engineered pipe — diverted, straightened, dammed, bled by canals, linked by tunnel to the Colorado River basin in the north, surrendering its last trickle in the south to a ditch that supplies farmers near El Paso. Only kilometers later do Mexican tributaries renew its journey to the gulf. Mr. Skov, 44, is at the end of that pipe. From parts of his 607 hectares where he tends pecan trees and grows onions and alfalfa, he jokes, he could hit a golf ball across the barren Rio Grande channel into Mexico. In a perfect world, his crops Coral Davenport contributed reporting.

could consume up to 1.2 meters of water in a growing season, and 15 years ago, the canal gave him most of that. “We’d double-crop — do onions and come back with corn after that,” he said. “We used to grow a lot of chiles, a lot of jalapeños. When water was abundant you could do a variety of things.” Today Mr. Skov fallows a fifth of his fields, and canal water that once flowed from March to October arrives in June and vanishes as early as August. He makes up the deficit with five centimeters of treated water from the city sewage plant and a deluge of salty groundwater, brought

Rising temperatures result in less snow and faster melting. up by once-abandoned wells. The brackish water poisons the plants even as it saves them, cutting his yield by as much as a fifth. “It hurts germination, plant vigor, growth, root vigor, water absorption — everything negative that can happen to a plant,” he said. Then again, the alternative is worse. Across the West, the water shortages share many of the same causes. Like the Sacramento River in California and the Colorado River in the Rockies, the Rio Grande gets much of its flow from melting mountain snow — and snowpacks are getting smaller, and melting faster.

Rising temperatures are the reason. The federal Bureau of Reclamation, which manages much water in the West, reported in 2013 that average temperatures in the upper Rio Grande, in Colorado and New Mexico, rose about 1.5 degrees during the 40 years ending in 2011 — and could rise an additional two to four degrees by 2100. The 40-year increase was beyond anything seen in the last 11,300 years. Future warming “has the potential to cause significant environmental harm and change the region’s hydrology,” according to the bureau’s analysis. This month, federal forecasters pegged the runoff from mountain snowpack feeding the Rio Grande’s northern stretches at roughly half the average logged in the final two decades of the 20th century. It is likely to get worse. While acknowledging that climate forecasts are inherently uncertain, the reclamation bureau’s 2013 analysis concluded that the Rio Grande could lose roughly a third of its water by this century’s end. In theory, the Rio Grande is engineered and managed to absorb such a blow with as little misery as possible for the three million people who rely on it. In practice, some users have a comparative embarrassment of water, while others are water paupers. The rules for sharing the Rio Grande are more complex than its plumbing. Irrigation districts, governments and tribal authorities, among others, all have rights to water, and some have reservoirs devoted more or

ONLINE: FARMERS SEEK WATER

A slide show of the plight of farmers along the Rio Grande: nytimes.com Search Rio Grande

less exclusively to their use. Experts say water users should start preparing together for a much drier future. “Individually, the American culture of using as much water as you want has got to stop,” said Pat Mulroy, a veteran Nevada water regulator who is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. In many places along the Rio Grande, governments and farmers are cutting their use of water and finding innovative ways to produce more of it. For example, El Paso’s irrigation district and water authority are building their own 162-hectare rainwater basin, and in 2017,the authority plans to build an $82 million plant to recycle sewage into 38 million liters a day of drinkable water. El Paso now uses less water per person — about 130 gallons 492 liters a day — than any city in Texas. Per-person use in Albuquerque, which won an international award in 2006 for water conservation, reached a record low last year. John Stomp, the chief operating officer at the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, said he believed that with conservation and cooperation among water users, the Rio Grande’s users could withstand even a permanently more arid climate. But “it won’t be easy,” he added. “Nothing about water is easy.”

Sanctity of Truth

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

WORLD TRENDS

China’s Dredging Seen as a Land Grab in Disputed Sea By DAVID E. SANGER and RICK GLADSTONE

WASHINGTON — The clusters of Chinese vessels busily dredge white sand and pump it onto partly submerged coral, aptly named Mischief Reef, transforming it into an island. Over a matter of weeks, satellite photographs show the island growing bigger, its few shacks on stilts replaced by buildings. What appears to be an amphibious warship, capable of holding 500 to 800 troops, patrols the reef’s southern opening. China has long asserted ownership of the archipelago in the South China Sea known as the Spratly Islands, also claimed by at least three other countries, including the Philippines. But the photographs taken of Mischief Reef show the speed, scale and ambition of China’s effort to gain ground in the dispute. Since January, China has been dredging sand from around the reef and using it to build up land mass far from the Chinese mainland. The Chinese have clearly concluded that it is unlikely anyone will challenge them in an area believed rich in oil and gas and, perhaps more important, strategically vital. Admiral Harry Harris, the commander of the United States Pacific fleet, has accused China of undertaking an enormous and unprecedented artificial land creation operation. “China is creating a great wall of sand with dredges and bulldozers,” Admiral Harris said in a speech in Canberra, Australia. Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter put the American concerns in more diplomatic language, but the message was the same. In an interview published recently in the Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan’s largest dailies, Helene Cooper contributed reporting.

Remote islands, claimed by four countries in Asia.

CENTER FOR STRATEGIC INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, VIA DIGITAL GLOBE

A satellite image shows dredging work on Mischief Reef in the South China Sea. Mr. Carter said China’s actions “seriously increase tensions and reduce prospects for diplomatic solutions” in territory claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam, and indirectly by Taiwan. He urged Beijing to “limit its activities and exercise restraint to improve regional trust.” While other countries in Southeast Asia, like Malaysia and Vietnam, have used similar techniques to extend or enlarge territory, none have China’s dredging and construction power. “China’s building activities at Mischief Reef are the latest evidence that Beijing’s land rec-

lamation is widespread and systematic,” said Mira Rapp-Hooper of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, a website devoted to monitoring activity on the disputed territory. The transformation of Mischief Reef, she said, is within territory claimed by the Philippines and is one of seven small outposts the Chinese have sought to establish in the South China Sea. “These will allow Beijing to conduct regular, sustained patrols of the airspace and water, and to attempt to press its far-flung maritime claims as many as 1,000 miles

from its shores,” she said, which is about 1,600 kilometers. Although these outposts are too vulnerable for China to use in wartime, she said, “they could certainly allow it to exert significant pressure on other South China Sea claimants, such as the Philippines and Vietnam.” China is working so quickly that its assertion of sovereignty could become a fait accompli before anything can be done to stop it. The United States has long insisted that the territorial disputes be resolved peacefully, and that no claimant should interfere

With Cash and Charm, Putin Sows E.U. Divide By ANDREW HIGGINS

NICOSIA, Cyprus — When Cyprus seized hundreds of millions of dollars from bank depositors, many of them Russians, as part of an internationally brokered deal two years ago to rescue its collapsing financial system, the Russian leader, Vladimir V. Putin, denounced the move as “dangerous” and “unfair,” warning of a sharp chill in relations. But Mr. Putin was all smiles recently when he received Cyprus’s president, Nicos Anastasiades, in Moscow. He hailed relations with the Mediterranean nation as “always being truly friendly and mutually beneficial” and agreed to extend — on improved terms for Cyprus — a $2.5 billion Russian loan. The shift displayed Mr. Putin’s determination to break out of sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and the European Union for Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and support for armed rebels in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin has methodically targeted, through charm, cash, and the fanning of historical and ideological embers, the European Union’s weakest links in a campaign to assert influence in some of Europe’s most troubled corners. Ahead of his own recent trip to Moscow, Greece’s prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, declared himself opposed to sanctions on Russia, describing them as a “dead-end policy.” And in February, Mr. Putin visited Hungary, peddling economic deals. Mr. Putin’s efforts to attract supporters opened a new rift, after the United States ambassador in Prague criticized the president of the Czech Republic, Milos Zeman, for agreeing to attend a military parade in Moscow in May. Mr. Zeman later said he would not go to the parade, but would still visit Moscow. Russia has so far been unable to turn these events into action against sanctions that require

Russia’s $2.5 billion loan to Cyprus is one of the responses of Vladimir V. Putin, here with his counterpart Nicos Anastasiades, to Western sanctions. SASHA MORDOVETS/GETTY IMAGES

the approval of all 28 European Union members. But Mr. Anastasiades said Cyprus had doubts about Europe’s policy toward Russia and was part of a “group of member states who have the same reservations.” He ruled out breaking ranks with what remains a consensus in favor of keeping up economic pressure on Russia. But he said he expected a unanimous vote in favor of lifting sanctions this summer. The cracks opening up in Europe’s policy toward Russia have presented a difficult problem for Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, a body that represents the European Union’s 28 leaders. “To

keep Europe united is today the biggest challenge,” he said last month. Cyprus is a tiny nation that, because of its tight historical, religious and economic ties with Russia, has taken on an oversize role in the geopolitical struggle. Cyprus hosts British military bases and vast eavesdropping facilities, allows the United States Navy to use its ports and has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Yet it still looks to Russia as a diplomatic protector and source of business. An agreement sealed during Mr. Anastasiades’s visit to Moscow allows Russian warships to dock in Limassol. As the leader of

with international navigation or take steps that impede a diplomatic resolution. But to the Chinese this is not a matter for negotiation. China has made no secret of its territorial designs on the Spratlys, creating at least three new islands that could serve as bases for Chinese surveillance and as resupply stations for navy vessels, according to IHS Jane’s. Satellite imagery of the Spratlys publicized by IHS Jane’s in November showed how the Chinese had created an island about 3,000 meters long and 300 meters wide on Fiery Cross Reef, about 320 kilometers west of Mischief Reef, with a harbor capable of docking warships. The United States is about to conduct a joint military exercise with the Philippines, part of an emerging Obama administration strategy to keep American ships traversing the area regularly, a way of pushing back on Chinese claims of exclusive rights. The Chinese have said they consider most of the South China Sea to be rightfully theirs. Last year, China and Vietnam became entangled in an angry exchange after China towed a $1 billion oil drilling rig to an area 240 kilometers off Vietnam’s coast. China’s official Xinhua news agency reported earlier this month that the leaders of both countries wanted to soothe their differences and “control their disputes to ensure that the bilateral relationship will develop in a right track.”

a small country, divided since a Turkish invasion in 1974 and on a fault line between East and West, Mr. Anastasiades said he sought good relations with all sides, “even with the devil.” “For lots of people on this island, Russia is seen as a savior,” said Harry Tzimitras, director of PRIO Cyprus Center, a Norwegian-funded research group in Nicosia. This, he added, provides fertile ground for efforts by Moscow to “show that it can disrupt certain policies” promoted by Washington and Brussels. Vasilis Zertalis, the head of Prospectacy, a financial service company, described Cyprus as a “small piece on a big chessboard.” Europe, he said, tried to advance its own position during the 2013 banking crisis. “They wanted to scare the Russians away,” he said. “But the money that left was from Britain, from other European countries and from America.” Cypriots, he said, “all gave up on the European Union” because of harsh bailout terms and “know that the United States will never take a stand against Turkey.” “So,” he said, “the only allies Cyprus really has are Russia and maybe China.”

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

Sanctity of Truth

MONEY & BUSINESS

When Oil Is Plentiful, Tanker Lines Prosper By STANLEY REED

LONDON — Jonathan Lee, who has spent 30 years in the shipping business, was as excited as a rookie over the scene on his screen one recent day at the international center of his oil tanker chartering and dispatching company. Although petroleum prices are down worldwide, the business of sending two-million-barrel supertankers across the seas has never been brisker — or more global. Mr. Lee pointed out the location of the supertanker Leonidas, under charter to a subsidiary of the Chinese oil company Sinopec. The Leonidas, traveling empty from the northern China port of Qingdao, after a stop at Singapore for fuel, was destined for Gabon in West Africa. There, it would load a cargo of crude oil and head back to China, a roundtrip journey of about 75 days. “Years ago, you never saw the Chinese chartering in West Africa; now they are the largest charterer there,” said Mr. Lee, chief executive of Tankers Inter-

Shippers benefit from longer hauls and lower fuel costs.

and elsewhere in Asia. Ports as far from China as Venezuela and Brazil are also filling tankers that will deliver oil to Asia. For Mr. Lee’s firm and the shipping companies it serves, 2015 is shaping up to be a boom time, after some lean years. “What we do is sell space,” he said. “If our ships are utilized for considerable periods of time, the remaining ships can be sold at higher prices.” Tankers International is the booking agent for Very Large Crude Carriers, ships that are about 335 meters long. Their two-million-barrel capacity is equivalent to the daily output of a midsize oil-producing country like Norway. At current prices, those cargoes would be worth around $120 million. There are about 600 supertankers of this class, and Tankers International books jobs for about 40 of them. Cheaper oil also means big savings for the shipowners, whose supertankers are powered by a petroleum-based fuel that is cheaper than it has been in years. “A glut of oil has to be good for the tanker industry,” said Simon Toyne, an analyst at Genscape, a market research firm. Not only do the longer distances and times earn more money for tanker owners, but ships that are tied up on lengthy voyages cannot be used elsewhere like the Persian Gulf — further tightAs the price of oil dropped, ening the market, which demand grew for the services of in turn lets the owners charge higher rates. supertankers like the Flandre. There is also a lucrative side business for some tankers. The plunge in oil national. “You are seeing history prices in January prompted comchange in front of your eyes.” What’s happening with prices modity traders to take options on and distribution is a new chapter about 20 ships, with plans to use in the history of the oil industry. them as floating storage tanks. A As with most products, the price few ships like the Alsace, which of oil is based on supply and despent most of February and March fully loaded and anchored mand. But rather than any big off Scotland’s Orkney Islands, slump in demand, the plunge in have been put to this use. oil prices in the last year is more A recent spike in oil prices bea result of a growing world supply — mainly from higher output cause of Middle East tensions in the United States and OPEC’s has diminished the appeal of reluctance to cut production. the strategy. But executives like The lower price is in many Patrick Rodgers of Euronav, one ways stoking demand — particof the largest tanker companies, say they hope interest in using ularly in big energy-importing tankers for storage will return. countries like China and India Supply will continue to exceed that are taking advantage of demand, the thinking goes, and what may turn out to be a bargain storage on land will continue to opportunity to add to reserves. fill up. “We will see there being And so supertankers are makreal demand and stimulus for ing fewer short jaunts from placstoring oil and that where it will es like Gabon and Nigeria to the be stored is on ships,” Mr. RodgGulf Coast of the United States, which no longer needs as much ers told analysts. of their oil. Instead, the ships For now, though, the real monare making longer — and more ey will continue to be made on lucrative — trips to India, China those slow boats to China.

NG HAN GUAN/ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Chinese box office has grown, changing the way Hollywood does business with China.

China’s New Role in Moviemaking By DAVID BARBOZA

SHANGHAI — A team of young animators, illustrators and computer programmers is bringing an ancient Chinese village to digital life. The team — mostly graduates of China’s leading arts schools — is adding intricate details to temples, palaces and pagodas and animating the movements of the digital characters, including two pandas named Po and Mei Mei. The project, part of the next installment of the blockbuster Hollywood film franchise “Kung Fu Panda,” represents a shift in China’s moviemaking ambitions. No longer content to build movie sets and provide extras in Hollywood films, Chinese studios are helping to develop, design and produce world-class films and animated features. They want a bigger role in the creative process, one that will allow them to reap more rewards. “Kung Fu Panda 3” is the first collaboration between Hollywood’s DreamWorks Animation and its Chinese partner, Oriental DreamWorks, which is partly owned by a government investment fund and a private equity firm, China Media Capital. DreamWorks Animation has taken the lead in the creative and design work for the animated feature, which is scheduled for release in early 2016. Oriental DreamWorks contributes by adding Chinese elements, creating storyboards and building parts of the 3-D digital sets. “We’re trying to develop Chinese creative talents,” says James Fong, the chief executive of Oriental DreamWorks. It is part of a broader push by China Media Capital into the entertainment business. Over the last few years, the investment firm has made deals with Warner Bros. and the IMAX Corporation of Canada. For American companies, such collaborations offer access to new talent and production deals that

provide greater access to China’s market, which is expected to surpass the United States as the world’s biggest film market. With China adding an average of 15 cinema screens every day, the country’s box office brought in $4.8 billion last year, tripling in size since 2010, according to the Motion Picture Association of America. The rapidly growing market is reshaping the way Hollywood deals with China. Some of America’s biggest television and movie production houses, including HBO and Warner Bros., are pushing into China with joint ventures, partnerships and financing projects. Lionsgate, the American studio that produced “The Hunger Games,” has licensing and financing deals with Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce gi-

The center of gravity is shifting from Hollywood. ant, and Hunan TV, a Chinese state-owned broadcaster. A unit of the Hollywood studio Legendary Pictures is co-producing an action film here with the award-winning Chinese director Zhang Yimou. And last year, when the former Warner Bros. executive Jeff Robinov set up a new Hollywood studio, he received a $200 million investment from the Fosun Group of China. “The center of gravity is shifting so rapidly from Hollywood to China,” says Rob Cain, a consultant who runs Chinafilmbiz. com. “And it’s not just that the audience is going to come from China; so is the capital.” The Chinese government is supporting the deals, seeing them as part of a broader “soft power” push aimed at enhancing the country’s image and

the way its people and culture are depicted on the big screen, at home and abroad. As global filmmakers look to gain entry to the market, they must now consider the tastes and preferences of a Chinese audience, and the wishes of the ruling Communist Party. “Because of the importance of the Chinese market to Hollywood, no one wants to make movies that offend China,” says T.J. Green, a former Warner Bros. executive who now runs Apex Entertainment, which builds cinemas in China. “Some may see that as self-censorship.” That is the price of market entry. A few years ago, the Chinese authorities whetted Hollywood’s appetite by raising the quota on foreign film imports, allowing Hollywood to receive a bigger share of the box-office profits and approving more coproductions with local partners. Authorities have also made clear that they want China to develop its own powerhouse studios, perhaps even its own version of Hollywood, that could eventually compete with the original. Major Chinese studios are already taking shape. Alibaba has a studio called Alibaba Pictures. The China Film Group has its own production bases. China Media Capital brought in new partners to develop a $3.1 billion “Dream Center,” a cultural and entertainment district in Shanghai. At the Oriental DreamWorks studio, most of the 260 employees are working on elements of “Kung Fu Panda 3.” The characters’ mouths and jaws are being animated for two languages, English for most audiences and Mandarin for cinemas in China. “We want to leverage the best of the Hollywood creativity with the best Chinese characteristics,” said Mr. Fong of Oriental DreamWorks. “We make it faster, do it cheaper, and in the end do something really innovative.”

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THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

MONEY & BUSINESS

General Motors Bets Big On a Resurgent Cadillac

Stephen Brock of Supplied Industrial Solutions reduced his deals with AnheuserBusch InBev after it imposed a 120-day period for paying.

By JAMES B. STEWART

Trying to revive the swagger of an American brand.

WHITNEY CURTIS FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

Big Companies Squeeze Suppliers By STEPHANIE STROM

How would you like to have 120 days to pay your creditors? Adopting a tactic widely used by 3G Capital, the Brazilian private investment group behind the recent merger of Heinz and Kraft Foods, a growing number of the world’s largest food and packaged goods companies are asking their suppliers to give them as much as four months to pay their bills — even though they typically require payment from their own customers in 30 days. The practice is often crippling for suppliers, especially smaller businesses that have little cushion. In the past, extended payment terms often were a signal that a company was experiencing worrisome cash flow problems, but these days big, robust companies are imposing new schedules on suppliers as a business strategy, analysts say. Bea Chiem, a credit analyst who follows food companies at Standard & Poor’s, offered several reasons that companies might use the tactic: “Their recent performance has been soft, many are in the middle of restructuring and all are trying to balance the need for cash for their business and shareholder returns.” Diageo, the European spirits company, now asks for 90 days to pay its bills. Mondelez, Mars and Kellogg seek 120 days. The list of companies doing the same reads like a grocery store version of Who’s Who — Church & Dwight, Procter & Gamble and Heinz are among those wanting more generous payment terms, suppliers said. Most are trying to maximize use of their capital, bankers who work with supply chain finance say. By pushing out payments to suppliers to three and four months, companies have more cash for any number of projects. Mondelez, for one, is buying back stock. Kellogg is in the middle of a restructuring. Procter & Gamble’s move to extend its payment terms to 75 days in 2013 has probably added $1 billion so far to its cash flow, according to one estimate.

“Extending our payment terms allows us to better align with industry practice and ensures we compete on a level playing field, while simultaneously improving transparency and predictability of payment processes,” Valerie Moens, a spokeswoman for Mondelez, maker of Cadbury chocolates, Honey Maid graham crackers and other brands, wrote in an email. Kris Charles, a Kellogg spokeswoman, wrote that the company started a new supply chain financing program last year, extending payments to 120 days. “It gives Kellogg and our suppliers more flexibility to manage our businesses effectively through better cash flow management,” she said. The companies would not make executives available to speak about the matter, sending brief statements instead.

Small firms grapple with corporations’ new payment terms. And most suppliers would comment only without attribution, an illustration of the power imbalance with their big customers. “Eventually,” said V. G. Narayanan, chief of the accounting practice unit at Harvard Business School, “the additional financing costs that suppliers incur because they aren’t being paid promptly work their way back into higher prices for consumers.” In Britain, the Marketing Agencies Association called on its member advertising agencies to “strike” in April against Anheuser-Busch InBev, the beer behemoth, after the company began seeking new terms. Those included acceptance of a payment period longer than 120 days and a request for pro bono work. Martin Sorrell, the chief executive of WPP Group, the advertising titan, has warned that

such practices could turn suppliers into lenders. “I don’t think our purpose is about banking — we’re not a bank — or extended payment terms or agreeing to supply payment terms in low-interest conditions,” he told Advertising Age. Stephen Brock is surprised that a revolt against Anheuser-Busch InBev did not happen sooner. Mr. Brock, the owner of Supplied Industrial Solutions in Granite City, Illinois, had provided valves, processing instrumentation and mechanical systems to Anheuser-Busch. The beer giant represented about 5 percent of Mr. Brock’s sales. He ultimately concluded he could better afford to lose the business than wait four months to be paid. “This really had a dreadful effect on our bottom line,” he said. “And because it hit right in the middle of the recession, it took us about a year and a half to recoup those lost revenues.” He still does a small amount of business with Anheuser-Busch InBev. The company pays him using a credit card. “Banks have tightened up lending, especially to small businesses like mine, so it becomes even harder to manage,” Mr. Brock said. “You still have a payroll to make, your own suppliers to pay, electric and other utility bills — they can’t wait four months for payment.” Last month, Diageo, which owns Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray and other spirits brands, had to backtrack in Britain after the Forum of Private Business, an organization representing small and midsize businesses, challenged the practice. Irit Tamir of the Oxfam America program, which tries to ensure big global companies do not take advantage of small farmers and suppliers in the developing world, said she was concerned. Ms. Tamir said,“These things tend to make their way down the supply chain, and we know that the small farmers who produce palm oil, coffee, cocoa and the other commodities those companies need already have an inordinate amount of risk in their lives.”

Back when “understated” wasn’t widely considered a compliment, the Cadillac brand of large luxury automobile was synonymous with American style, quality and prestige. Cadillac sales in the late ’60s were more than 200,000. might make a dent. It really is an Cadillac’s sales and reputation achievement for Cadillac to make have been in decline since. Last a decision to aim at the highest year, sales dropped 6.5 percent level of the car industry and defrom 2013, to 171,000 cars in America, in a growing global market for liver a car that belongs there. I luxury cars dominated by Merthink they’ve done that.” The new Cadillac is a tradicedes, BMW, Lexus and Audi. Now General Motors, Cadiltional sedan with an internal combustion engine. It’s not an lac’s parent, is making a big bet all-electric Tesla, and it’s not Apthat the brand can regain its swagger. G.M. is reconstituting ple, which is said to be developing Cadillac as a stand-alone diviits own electric car. “Cadillac is selling the tradision, with its own marketing, product development and mantional metrics of automotive exagement teams. Cadillac is movcellence, which are design, engiing its headquarters to Manhatneering and performance,” Mr. Jonas said. “That’s what they’ve tan from Detroit. been doing for the past 100 years. General Motors is pouring That’s not really daring. Daring about $12 billion into new Cais having a robot drive you.” dillac models over the next five Mr. Ellinghaus brushed off years, an effort “without paralcomparisons with Tesla, saylel in the company’s history,” as Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac’s chief ing Cadillac isn’t aiming at the marketing officer, put it. “green” market, and, in any The first results of that investevent, he said, every car comment were unveiled recently at pany will eventually offer an the New York International Auto all-electric drive train. Show: the CT6, Cadillac’s new The new Cadillac won’t be full-size sedan, meant to comavailable at dealers until late this year, and few people have driven pete head-on with the Mercedes it, so it’s hard to evaluate its perS-Class and the BMW 7 Series. (Cadillacs, like their German luxformance claims. Cadillac maintains the CT6 ury rivals, will now carry letters will deliver the agile handling of and numerical designations.) a high-performance sedan with “The world doesn’t need another big German luxury car,” Mr. Ellinghaus said. “We have to be different. The old Cadillac ads showed our cars on a German autobahn. But we want to capture an American spirit in design and performance.” He described the new VICTOR J. BLUE FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES Cadillac as “SiliThe CT6 is the first in a $12 billion line of con Valley meets new Cadillacs General Motors is planning downtown New to introduce in the next five years. York.” Has Cadillac lived up to its new slogan by “daring greatly”? the comfort of a traditional luxThat may be in the eye of the ury car, thanks in large part to beholder. Taking on the German its lighter weight — less than the luxury leaders in and of itself has smaller BMW 5 Series. “We beto be seen as daring, given the lieve there’s a huge opportunity size of the challenge. “It’s never among people who don’t want to been harder” to revive a premium give up the driving quality of the car segment, said Adam Jonas, a smaller, sportier cars but want Morgan Stanley analyst. He addthe comfort of a luxury sedan,” Mr. Ellinghaus said. ed, “It’s going to take tremendous In appearance, there’s no mistime and money. I’m not saying it can’t work, but there’s a lot of cultaking the CT6 for a Mercedes or BMW. “It’s going to appeal to the tural inertia behind Cadillac, and individualist,” Mr. Ellinghaus there’s a huge amount of competisaid. Cadillac is already so far tion coming from a German auto behind in the luxury car market industry that’s getting even more that it needn’t depend on any one aggressive. There’s not going to demographic to achieve its relbe any quick win.” Gadi Amit, president of atively modest goal of selling a half-million cars globally. That’s NewDealDesign in San Franless than a quarter of the 2.1 milcisco and a car enthusiast who originally wanted to be a car delion vehicles BMW sold in 2014. “The Germans make terrific signer, said: “I feel positive about cars, but they want to be Number any great American brand that’s 1 in volume,” Mr. Ellinghaus said. trying to recapture the mojo. You “They can’t be too distinctive behave to say that taking on the Germans is daring.” cause they have to please every He added: “I don’t see this customer. We can afford to take car as a Mercedes threat, but it risks.”

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

Sanctity of Truth

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Oklahoma Gas Wells Blamed for Quakes By RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr. and MICHAEL WINES

PRAGUE, Oklahoma — A 5.0-magnitude earthquake — the first of three as strong or stronger over several days in November 2011 — peeled the brick facade from the $117,000 home Jennifer Lin Cooper bought the year before. Ms. Cooper, 36, could not get out until her father pried open a stuck storm door. Repairs have so far cost $12,000 and forced her to take a second job, at night, to pay the bill. At a town hall meeting days later, Ms. Cooper said, state officials called the shocks, including a 5.7 tremor that was Oklahoma’s largest ever, “an act of nature, and it was nobody’s fault.” Many scientists disagree.

Fears of tremors set off worries about jobs and profits. They say those quakes, and thousands of others before and since, are caused by wells used to bury vast amounts of wastewater from oil and gas exploration deep in the earth near fault zones. And they warn that continuing to entomb such huge quantities risks more dangerous tremors — if not here, then elsewhere in the state’s sprawling well fields. “As long as you keep injecting wastewater along that fault zone, according to my calculations, you’re going to continue to have earthquakes,” said Arthur F. McGarr, the chief of the induced Elisa Cho contributed research.

seismicity project at the federal Earthquake Science Center in Menlo Park, California. “I’d be a little worried if I lived there. In fact, I’d be very worried.” But in a state where oil and gas are economic pillars, elected leaders have been slow to address the problem. And while regulators have taken some protective measures, they lack the money, work force and legal authority to fully address the threats. The state seismologist’s office, short-staffed, has stopped analyzing data on tremors smaller than magnitude 2.5 — even though a recent study says those quakes flag hidden seismic hazards “that might prove invaluable for avoiding a damaging earthquake.” If scientists see dangers, many Oklahomans are wary of disrupting an industry so woven into everyday life. The state’s oil and gas wells gush profits to corporate owners, but also royalties to farmers and homeowners, and tax payments to the state and cities. The industry supports as many as one in five Oklahoma jobs. It showers Oklahoma universities with millions of dollars in donations and helps make dreams like Oklahoma City’s N.B.A. franchise, reality. From 2010 to 2013, Oklahoma oil production jumped by twothirds and gas production rose by more than one-sixth. The amount of wastewater buried annually rose one-fifth, to nearly 1.1 billion barrels. And Oklahoma went from three earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater to 109 — and to 585 in 2014, and to 750-plus this year, should the current pace continue. In the United States, only Alaska is shaken more. Many in the industry were reluctant to comment for this arti-

NICK OXFORD FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

Jennifer Lin Cooper with a pile of bricks from her home after several strong earthquakes. cle. But Kim Hatfield, the regulatory chairman of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and president of Crawley Petroleum, warned, “A reaction of panic is not useful.” The mechanics of wastewater-induced earthquakes are straightforward: Soaked with enough fluid, a layer of rock expands and gets heavier. Earthquakes can occur when the pressure from the fluid reaches a fault, either through direct contact with the soaked rock or indirectly, from the expanding rock. Seismologists have documented such quakes in Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas and elsewhere since the 1960s. But nowhere have they approached the number and scope of Oklahoma’s quakes, which have struck a fifth of the state. One reason, scientists suspect, is that Oklahoma’s main waste

disposal site, a bed of porous limestone, lies close to the hard, highly stressed rock containing the faults that cause quakes. The salty, sometimes toxic wastewater is a byproduct of extracting oil and gas, whether by hydraulic fracturing of once-unreachable shale deposits, commonly called fracking, or from conventional wells. Most is pumped out of the ground with oil or gas, then returned to the earth in a so-called disposal well, often at a different location. Some other states like Arkansas and Kansas have imposed blanket shutdowns or cutbacks on wells near active quake zones. Federal seismologists have for a year warned of rising earthquake risks. Last month, a South African geophysicist delivered the most specific warning yet: Another magnitude 5-plus quake could occur by 2016, and one fault

running through Stillwater and two other cities could yield up to a magnitude 6.5 shock. Continental Resources, one of the state’s biggest oil and gas companies, has been arguing in newspapers, on television and to regulators that the earthquake epidemic is not man-made, but part of an unusually active period for quakes worldwide. Still, in public meetings and in lawsuits, some residents have begun to demand an accounting. Robert G. Gum, a lawyer for another company, New Dominion, warned at a hearing that if juries hold the companies liable for Prague’s earthquakes, “these wells will become economic and legal liability pariahs. They will be shut down.” Ms. Cooper, who is part of a class-action suit, said: “If the truth destroys something, then it needs to be destroyed.”

In Name Only, the Prehistoric Brontosaurus Is Resurrected By JAMES GORMAN

For anyone who has ever been told by a smarty-pants 7-yearold, “There’s no such thing as Brontosaurus; it’s called Apatosaurus” — it is payback time. “We have good evidence now for the resurrection of Brontosaurus,” said Emanuel Tschopp, a paleontologist with the New University of Lisbon. He was referring to the name, not to the creature itself, of course, and to an exhaustive study of 80 or so fossils in a group of long-necked giants called the Diplodocidae, familiar from natural history museums the world over. These plant-eaters grew to lengths of more than 30 meters and weighed thousands of kilos, and it is thought they could crack their long tails like bullwhips, creating sonic booms to scare away predators. The name Brontosaurus was first used in the late 1800s to describe fossils of a dinosaur now on display at the Yale Peabody Museum in Connecticut, but by

One dinosaur or two? Experts have a giant argument. 1905 it had been reclassified as Apatosaurus, because it was so similar to another sauropod dinosaur of that name. Dr. Tschopp and his colleagues Octávio Mateus at the New University and Roger B. J. Benson at the University of Oxford decided that although Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus are similar, there are two different genera. They said the Yale specimen is really a Brontosaurus, as are specimens at several other museums. Their paper, released online in the journal PeerJ, with all of its nearly 300 pages freely available to anyone, will not be the last word on whether the Bronto-

saurus name should come back into scientific use. Names of species and genera are matters of expert opinion. There is no national or international board of official dinosaur names that decides who is right. “What’s interesting to me is that Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus are still extremely close,” said Matthew T. Carrano, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. “This provides a lot of new information for the argument, but the argument will continue.” Dr. Tschopp and his colleagues looked at 477 traits that could be identified on the fossil bones and then analyzed them to look for differences. Dr. Benson said they set

Paleontologists are restoring the name Brontosaurus after it was discarded.

a standard based on the differences between two well-known species of similar long-necked dinosaurs, Diplodocus and Barosaurus. “Brontosaurus is at least as different from Apatosaurus as Diplodocus is from Barosaurus,” he said. Dr. Benson pointed out that “the names are just handles” that help scientists study how life evolves into different forms. Most of the differences are noticeable only to anatomists, Dr. Tschopp said. To pick one understandable example, he said, “Apatosaurus has a relatively wider neck than Brontosaurus.” But it is the number of differences that is im-

DAVIDE BONADONNA, VIA REUTERS

portant, he said. Jeffrey A. Wilson, a paleontologist at the University of Michigan, said that he did not have a position on whether the name should be resurrected but that he found the criteria for distinguishing between Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus arbitrary. It was a matter of judgment that involved deciding how different was different enough to justify two distinct genera. “It’s as if they had a pizza,” he said, and “cut it in six pieces.” Why not cut it into four pieces? he asked. The name game is played not only by scientists. There are pitfalls for parents and children doing their obligatory museum visits. The Apatosaurus on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York is probably still an Apatosaurus, Dr. Tschopp said. In the end, it may be too complicated for parents to remember which is which. So the 7-yearolds may continue to rule.

Sanctity of Truth

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Advancing Toward Airplanes That Fly Without Pilots By JOHN MARKOFF ell, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology aeronautics and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Califorastronautics professor. “It has a nia — Evidence that the co-pilot warning system that tells a pilot. crashed a Germanwings plane But it doesn’t take over.” into a French mountain last But such a system could take month has prompted a global deover, if permitted. The United bate about how to better screen States Defense Department has crewmembers for mental illness deployed automated piloting and how to ensure that no one is software in F-16 fighter jets. The left alone in the cockpit. system reportedly saved a plane But among many aviation experts, the discussion has taken a different turn. How many human pilots, some wonder, are really necessary aboard commercial planes? One? None? Advances in sensor tech nolog y, computing and artificial intelligence are making human pilots less necesAURORA FLIGHT SCIENCES sary in the cockpit. Government agen- Aurora’s Centaur plane, part of a testing cies are experiment- program in the United States, can be ing with replacing flown with or without a pilot. the co-pilot, perhaps even both pilots on and pilot in November during a cargo planes, with robots or recombat mission against Islamic mote operators. State forces. “The industry is starting to The Defense Advanced Recome out and say we are willing to put our R&D money into that,” search Projects Agency, or Darsaid Parimal Kopardekar, manpa, the Defense Department’s research organization, is planager of the safe autonomous system operations project at NASA’s ning the next step in plane autoAmes Research Center, part of mation with the Aircrew Labor the American space agency. In-Cockpit Automation System. Modern aircraft are generally This year, the agency will begin flown by a computer autopilot flight testing a robot that can be that tracks its position, corrected quickly installed in the right seat as necessary by GPS. Software of military aircraft to act as the systems are also used to land co-pilot. The portable onboard commercial aircraft. robot will be able to speak, listen, In a recent survey, pilots opermanipulate flight controls and read instruments. ating Boeing 777s said they spent The machine will have majust seven minutes manually piloting their planes in a typical ny of the skills of a human pilot, flight. Pilots operating Airbus including the ability to land the planes spent half that time. plane and to take off. It will assist And commercial planes are bethe pilot and be able to take over the flight in emergencies. The coming smarter. “An Airbus airagency plans for the robot to be liner knows enough not to fly into “visually aware” and to be able a mountain,” said David Mind-

HARRY CAMPBELL

to manipulate equipment built for human hands. Ideally, the robots will rely on voice recognition technologies and speech synthesis to communicate with pilots and flight controllers. “This is really about how we can foster a new kind of automation structured around augmenting the human,” said Daniel Patt, a program manager in Darpa’s Tactical Technology Office. NASA is also exploring moving the co-pilot out of the cockpit on commercial flights, and using a single remote operator to serve

Early Clues to Reagan’s Dementia By LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN, M.D.

WASHINGTON — Even before Ronald Reagan became the oldest elected president, his mental state was a political issue. His adversaries often suggested his penchant for contradictory statements, forgetting names and seeming absent-mindedness could be linked to dementia. In 1980, Mr. Reagan told me that he would resign if White House doctors found him mentally unfit. Years later, those doctors and key aides told me they had not detected any changes in his mental abilities while in office. Now a new analysis has found that subtle changes in Mr. Reagan’s speaking patterns linked to the onset of dementia were apparent years before doctors diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease in 1994. The findings, published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease by researchers at Arizona State University, suggest that alterations in speech might be used to predict development of Alzheimer’s and other neurological con-

ditions years before symptoms are clinically perceptible. Many experts believe that yetto-be-developed treatments are likely to be effective at preventing or slowing progression of dementia only if it is found before it significantly damages the brain. The “highly innovative” meth-

Changes in speech are seen as an early sign of Alzheimer’s. ods used by the researchers may eventually help “to further clarify the extent to which spoken-word changes are associated with normal aging or predictive of subsequent progression to the clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Eric Reiman of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, who was not

involved in the study. Visar Berisha and Julie Liss, professors at the university, analyzed transcripts of all 46 news conferences that Mr. Reagan held to assess changes in his speech patterns with a new algorithm. Dr. Berisha said he did not set out to study Mr. Reagan, but found he was the only individual with progressive dementia for whom long-term transcript information is publicly available. Researchers found in Mr. Reagan’s speech that two measures — use of repetitive words and substituting nonspecific terms like “thing” for specific nouns — increased toward the end of his presidency. A third measure, use of unique words, declined. While the new study is “very clever,” said Dr. Richard Caselli of the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, further research involving larger numbers of individuals is necessary to prove the methods actually predict dementia. Imperceptible cognitive decline often predates by many

as co-pilot for multiple aircraft. What the Germanwings crash “has done has elevated the question of should there or not be ways to externally control commercial aircraft,” said Mary Cummings, the director of the Humans and Autonomy Laboratory at Duke University in North Carolina, who is a researcher on the Darpa project. “Could we have a single-pilot aircraft with the ability to remotely control the aircraft from the ground that is safer than today’s systems? The answer is yes.”

NASA has also run a simulation of new software intended to bring more automation to air traffic control. But will passengers ever set foot on planes piloted by robots, or humans thousands of kilometers from the cockpit? Even at NASA’s recent symposium, experts expressed concerns. As Amy Pritchett, an associate professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, put it: “If you put more technology in the cockpit, you have more technology that can fail.”

A study analyzed Ronald Reagan’s news conferences. With George H. W. Bush. be used to detect any such changes in news conferences, because spontaneous responses to questions require greater cognitive effort than a rehearsed speech does. Any damage to brain areas that orchestrate these events can produce speech difficulties. Earlier studies have shown that certain ling u i s t ic biom a rker s change with disease progression. Spoken vocabulary size declines, for PAUL HOSEFROS/THE NEW YORK TIMES instance, and use of indefyears the precipitous downturn inite nouns increases. that occurs once compensatoIf the day comes when such tests to detect the earliest stages ry strategies, like relying on of Alzheimer’s and other neurowell-rehearsed phrases, fail and an individual can no longer mask logical diseases become widely his cognitive deficit. established, a question will arise Dr. Berisha wanted to deterabout their use to screen candimine whether natural language dates for the White House and processing and algorithms could other public offices.

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

Sanctity of Truth

N E W YO R K

Suite Fit for Presidents, Available to the Masses By SAM ROBERTS

You’ll have to make do without the monogrammed towels and bedding and the bulletproof windows. And a special train won’t be idling below Park Avenue to whisk you away in case Midtown traffic becomes impassable. Still, you don’t have to be the president of the United States to reserve the presidential suite at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. Guests who stay here are no longer subjected to background checks, but be prepared to lay out cash. The three-bedroom, three-bath suite on the 35th floor costs up to about $8,000 a night. For that, guests can be ushered into the hotel through the garage, without ever touching the grimy sidewalk outside, and into the elevator to the Waldorf Towers suite, where every president since Herbert Hoover has stayed. The Waldorf Towers, which bills itself as a hotel atop a hotel and has its own drive-through entrance on East 50th Street, has 26 “presidential style” suites. The presidential suite itself isn’t even the biggest or the most expensive. (It is surpassed by the Cole Porter, with five bedrooms;

Where every U.S. leader since Herbert Hoover has slept.

President Hoover moved, in 1933, to a suite on the 34th floor of the Waldorf Towers, where he lived until his death there in 1964. Eisenhower also lived there (on the seventh floor; his wife, Mamie, was afraid of heights), from 1967 until he died two years later. Presidents rarely stay anywhere else in New York. President Obama did stay at the InterContinental New York Barclay across the street last May after attending a fund-raising event there, in keeping with the administration’s policy of diversity even in the choice of hotels, but he has stayed at the Waldorf. If you pay federal taxes, rest assured that while the president and his entourage typically fill three floors of the Waldorf Towers, they don’t pay what you would. “Someone from Des Moines might say, ‘That’s my mortgage for a month,’ but the president pays less than that,” Mr. Zolbe said. “The goal for us is, he’s the magnet that brings in the other delegations.” When the United Nations General Assembly is in session in the fall, the hotel can play host to as many as two dozen heads HIROKO MASUIKE/THE NEW YORK TIMES of state simultaneously, he said, The presidential suite at the Waldorf “and each can feel Astoria was redecorated in 1969 ‘‘to be that they’re the evocative of the White House.’’ sun around which everyone orbits.” The only time they don’t feel the royal, where the Duke and that way is when they’re jockeyDuchess of Windsor lived; and the penthouse.) ing with 23 other heads of state Still, it’s roomy, with a foyer, for an on-call elevator, which a living room with a decorative most guests don’t expect, anyfireplace, a dining room that way. Nor do they assume a priseats 10, a kitchen and a boudoir vate train will be available to off the marble master bathroom. beat the traffic, which is another It is spacious enough, at 208 amenity the president receives square meters, to accommodate for security reasons. 50 guests. (The suite can also be The train spur is accessible converted into a more economiby a freight elevator. President Franklin D. Roosevelt used it, in cal one-bedroom.) part to hide his disability (a reOriginally fitted with colonial-style furnishings, the hotel sult of polio) from the public, on was redecorated in a Georgian at least one occasion, after a day style in 1969, “to be evocative of of campaigning in 1944. the White House, without trying William D. Hassett, Roosto copy it,” said Matt Zolbe, the evelt’s correspondence secredirector of sales and marketing tary, later recalled that the spur at the Waldorf. was built “for the accommodaThere’s no great original art tion of the private cars of ‘ecoto speak of, but the living room is nomic royalists’, ” and that night graced by an upholstered rockin 1944 it was used “of all persons, by the arch-foe of the privileged ing chair that belonged to John F. group for whose delectation this Kennedy; wall sconces donated extravagant convenience was by Richard M. Nixon; and books devised.” by Homer, Shakespeare, Lewis Even without the special train, Carroll and J. K. Rowling (she to say you slept in the presidenstayed there). Facing the kingsize bed and Serta Perfect Sleeptial suite places you in a privier mattress (with 400-threadleged group. For eight decades, count sheets from Anichini of history has happened there, and Italy) is a desk owned by General the radio days of big bands and Douglas MacArthur, the World fireside chats resonate for anyWar II hero, who had a suite here. one who can afford it.

CHANG W. LEE/THE NEW YORK TIMES; BELOW, MONADNOCK DEVELOPMENT,

n ARCHITECTS

AND MIR

Towering Sites of Tiny Spaces By NATALIE SHUTLER

For most single New Yorkers, the tyranny of living in a small space, or worse, a shared space, is all too familiar. And with the number of single New Yorkers growing, the demand for more of these spaces is inevitable. Enter My Micro NY, the city’s first micro-apartment complex, at 335 East 27th Street, with 55 units ranging from 24 to 34 square meters. The building will begin leasing studios this summer for around $2,000 to $3,000 a month. My Micro NY’s modular units, prefabricated at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, will be stacked into place this spring. The apartments will come with kitchenettes, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, ceilings over three meters high and big windows. And to help make living in a small space more palatable, tenants will have access to storage units and common spaces throughout the building. To allow this building to come to be, the city had to waive current zoning and density rules that limit apartments to no less than 37 square meters. The project is being watched by housing advocates and developers. The advocates say micro-apartments could lead to more reasonable rents. Singles looking for larger apartments to share may have artificially inflated the rental market. Some developers have a related idea on the drawing board, “micro-suites,” or apartments that are slightly larger than the legal limit — at, say, 46 square meters — but house two or three singles in tiny bedrooms. Whether New Yorkers can live in less than 37 square meters is not in question — many already do. Micro-apartments built before the zoning rules were enacted in 1987 exist throughout the city. There are some 3,000 apartments under 37 square meters in Manhattan alone. Kelli Okuji, 27, a graduate student at Columbia University, lives in one, a newly renovated

My Micro NY, made of prefabricated modular units, will be put in place this spring. A rendering shows how the prefabricated units will be stacked up. Top, workers applying a waterproof layer to a corner module. apartment of 29 square meters at the Greystone, a former hotel that has turned its rooms into luxury rentals. Ms. Okuji occupies one of 26 efficiency units under 37 square meters, each of which comes with high-end finishes and appliances, a Murphy bed that tucks into the wall and access to a broad variety of building amenities, including a gym and

Prefabricated apartments could help lower rents. a landscaped rooftop lounge. She said she was also taken with the design of the apartment. “I was really impressed with how everything is configured,” Ms. Okuji said. “I think it is great that the bed can go up; it really opens up the space.” The miniature appliances easily accommodate the needs of one person: “The dishwasher looks like a regular drawer, and a mini-oven doubles as a mi-

crowave,” Ms. Okuji said. “The only drawback is the size of the bathroom: The sink is tiny. But having amenities in the building were icing on the cake.” The firm that designed My Micro NY, nArchitects, wants it to accommodate tenants of all ages and income levels — 22 of the units will be designated as affordable housing. The architects are hoping that sliding glass doors, high ceilings, lots of natural light and Juliet balconies will help alleviate any feelings of claustrophobia. Critics worry that such micro-units will attract a young transient population that will keep the neighbors up at night. But the singles of New York City are not all hard-partying 20-somethings. The number of single New Yorkers age 65 and older has increased by almost 10 percent since 2000. Jack and Linda Sproule, both in their late 60s, have lived in a 28-square-meter apartment on Central Park West and 83rd Street for almost 13 years. “We were won over by gorgeous views of the park, and an elevator,” Ms. Sproule said. “Having a view really helps in a small space.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY

Sanctity of Truth

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

ARTS & DESIGN

Russian Artists Censor Themselves By RACHEL DONADIO

MOSCOW — After a law went into effect last summer banning obscenities in public performances, the playwright and director Ivan Vyrypaev excised the curse words from his play “The Drunks” for its Russian debut at the Moscow Art Theater. Some actors played the new version his production of Gogol’s “Dead straight, he said, while others Souls” at the Gogol Center and winked to note what was cut. productions of “Boris Godunov” Mr. Vyrypaev, a quiet man of and “The Karamazovs,” based 40, was circumspect about the on the Dostoyevsky novel, both law. “Of course my plays lost mounted by the director Konstansomething, but my artistic life tin Bogomolov at other theaters. hasn’t been ruined,” he said in “The goal is to show us that we an interview, adding that he also can’t interpret classical Russian had to pull three plays by other literature at all, or to say that it’s playwrights from the Praktika not Russian literature, it’s Kirill Theater here, where he is artistic Serebrennikov’s fantasy,” Mr. director. Serebrennikov said. He added Later, Mr. Vyrypaev said, that if theaters were to lose pubPraktika presented other plays lic funding, they would be unlikewith curse words after President ly to find it from private sources. Vladimir V. Putin said in a meetVladimir Medinsky, Russia’s culture minister, said last month ing with writers that while Tolstoy that it was the prerogative of the and Chekhov didn’t need cursing, research institute to look into “You, the writers, know best.” Russian culture. “Maybe, that’s The advance and retreat was their right to do this,” Mr. Medintelling. Cultural figures in Russia describe a climate of confusion sky said. But he said the academand anxiety in which the law banics’ findings wouldn’t have reperning obscenities, as well as a 2013 cussions for the theaters. law that criminalizes acts offendMr. Medinsky dismissed criting religious believers, are often icism that the ministry was stiignored unless someone wants them applied. Critics say the new laws are stifling free expression. During Soviet times, “At least we knew the rules,” said Irina Prokhorova, a publisher. “This is a little bit different, because there are no rules, no official censorship.” A debate has been raging recently after it JAMES HILL FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES emerged that Russia’s culMoscow directors are editing works ture minister had ousted the director of a state-run or ignoring laws. Ivan Vyrypaev. theater in Siberia on the grounds that a production of Wagner’s “Tannhäuser,” with fling expression by funding only a backdrop in which an image of projects that it believes meet Christ was placed in the crotch family- and religious-values of a naked woman, had run afoul standards or that portray Putin’s of the law — even after a judge Russia in a positive light. dropped the case as groundless. “The less they spend their life Russia has a thriving theater on Facebook, the less garbage scene and a constitution that they will have in their heads,” he bans top-down, Soviet-style said of government critics. (Ancensorship. But in a time of ecoti-government dissent has been concentrated on social media afnomic turmoil and growing nationalism, with society polarized ter the Duma passed a law in 2012 over the new laws and the war in restricting public rallies.) Ukraine, cultural figures say the In Russian, cursing resonates message from the government as extremely crude and is never is clear: Fall in line with the emused in polite conversation. Some theaters say they’re simphasis on family and religious values, or lose funding, or worse. ply ignoring the law. “We don’t “It’s about betrayal — those abide by it, because we think it’s who betray are put in the Ninth anti-constitutional,” said Yelena Circle of Hell, like in Dante,” said Gremina, a co-founder of MosKirill Serebrennikov, the direccow’s Teatr.doc, known for its politically charged productions tor of the Gogol Center, a cornerinspired by real-life events. stone of Moscow’s theater scene. But there is genuine concern, The result, he said, was to put especially after members of the writers and directors “between performance group Pussy Riot Scylla and Charybdis — between were jailed in 2012 on charges censorship or self-censorship.” of hooliganism after singing an Mr. Serebrennikov was puzanti-Putin song in a Moscow zling over a report in Izvestia, a church. newspaper seen as close to the “Putin is a process,” said Mr. Kremlin, that scholars from a Vyrypaev, the director. “I treat research institute were evaluathim like hydrogen sulfide. If you ing whether recent theater probreathe too much, you’ll die. But ductions had “distorted” classic it’s still part of nature.” Russian texts. They included

Offend the audience, or the Kremlin, and go to jail — maybe.

ABOVE AND CENTER: HANNAH REYES FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES, BOTTOM: DTIF CAMBODIA

When Cambodia Lost Its Beat By BEN SISARIO

For proof of the universality of rock ’n’ roll, look no further than Cambodia in the 1960s and ’70s. Even there, young people picked up electric guitars and studied Mick Jagger’s moves, melding Eastern melody with Western groove in ways that are still strikingly fresh. Yet in one of the 20th century’s most extreme examples of the effects of politics on popular culture, Cambodia’s pop scene was stamped out with the 1975 arrival of the Khmer Rouge. Since then, pre-Khmer Rouge pop has survived in fragments, but the history behind it has remained frustratingly incomplete. Now, after a decade of research by an American filmmaker, John Pirozzi, that history has been told thoroughly in “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll.” Through grainy clips of bell-bottomed rockers and tearful contemporary interviews, the film traces the original music and its unlikely resilience, fitting into a niche of heart-stirring music documentaries like “Searching for Sugar Man” and “20 Feet From Stardom.” “I wanted to show that this music would endure beyond everything it had been put through,” Mr. Pirozzi said. “The music is the one thing that has allowed the Cambodian people to access a time when their life wasn’t about war and genocide.” The development of Cambodia’s pop mirrored its postwar political situation. The 1960s brought a golden age, as performers like Sinn Sisamouth and Ros Serey Sothea, the most famous female singer, embraced rock ’n’ roll. Later, with an increased American presence from the Vietnam War, harder-edged rock and soul flourished. The progress ended in April 1975, when the Khmer Rouge emptied Phnom Penh, the capital, and turned the nation into a vast prison camp. In “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten,” that troubled history is the backdrop for a rich musical cast, most of which perished in the Khmer Rouge period. It in-

The Drakkar Band, top, was formed during Cambodia’s rock era. Above, an archival photo of the band. Center, a Cambodian pop album. cludes Yol Aularong, a charismatic proto-punk who mocked conformist society, and Pou Vannary, who warbled a bilingual version of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” The music they made remains treasured not only by Cambodians but also by rock connoisseurs around the world, for a spunky inventiveness that now, in retrospect makes Cambodia seem a sparkling outpost of world pop. One of Mr. Pirozzi’s finds is the band Baksey Cham Krong, which played an innocently romantic brand of surf-rock and is considered Cambodia’s first guitar group. Its origin, in 1959, could be that of any garage band anywhere: A group of teenagers cobbled together instruments, rehearsed in an empty apartment and copied their stage moves from a movie — in their

case, the movie “The Young Ones,” from 1961, featuring Cliff Richard and the Shadows. “We are just like everybody else,” Mol Kagnol, 69, the band’s lead guitarist, said in an interview from his home in Arizona. “We have electric guitars. We can jump, we can dance, we can be happy. The Khmer Rouge destroyed all of that.” Mr. Pirozzi came to this music by chance. A friend gave him a copy of the album “Cambodian Rocks,” a bootleg compilation from 1996. Fascinated, he began investigating the history. A breakthrough came when he gained access to films made by King Sihanouk, the country’s arts-loving leader, including a trove of vintage performances that are woven into the film. “I was blown away,” Mr. Pirozzi said in his cramped editing studio, as groovy Cambodian guitars wafted from a speaker. He found Sieng Vanthy, a young singer in the 1970s who is seen in clips dressed like Cher and dancing like a wild Grace Slick. In one of the film’s most heartbreaking interviews, Ms. Sieng Vanthy — her face frozen by a stroke — says she survived an encounter with Khmer Rouge soldiers only by telling them she was a banana seller, not a singer. She died in 2009 “The Khmer Rouge understood the value of the artists and their connection to the larger public,” Mr. Pirozzi said. “They’re the voice of the people. You can’t control them, so you eliminate them.” Most records were destroyed. But many songs were copied to cassette, and those tapes, and later CDs, have circulated widely in Cambodia and immigrant enclaves around the world. A genocide researcher, Youk Chhang of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, is an executive producer of the film. He called it a way to understand the culture that preceded and survived the country’s genocide. “This is a completely different way to tell the history than about prison, about killing, about tribunals,” he said. “It restores the missing part of us, the identity of who we are.”

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Exchange rate volatility threatens African countries’ Eurobond borrowing –IMF

Warning Expected increase in dollar’s value to make external borrowing costlier for African nations Tony Chukwunyem

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised African countries planning to issue Eurobonds this year to put in place a contingency plan as it envisages possible surges in exchange rates volatility. The Fund stated this in the latest edition of the World Economic Outlook released a few days ago. It noted that its concern was based on, “unusually large” exchange rate movements in Sub Saharan African countries. According to the IMF, episodes of volatility suggest that frontier market economies and oil exporters planning to cover their financing needs through international markets could be vulnerable to a reversal in investor sentiment, especially in a tighter U.S. monetary policy environment. The Fund further stated that the expected increase in the value of the US currency would mean that it will be costlier to borrow from foreign capital markets especially

as Sub Saharan African countries’ currencies continue to struggle against the dollar. The oil price slump has impacted currencies of countries such as Nigeria

and Ghana leading to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introducing several measures to prop up the naira. The apex bank has in recent months intro-

duced several measures to stem the naira’s slide, including a devaluation of the local currency by eight per cent in November last year and the scrapping of the Retail

y helping banks to identify and blacklist fraudulent customers, the Bank Verification Number (BVN) initiative will help to boost retail credit in the banking industry, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr. Ade Shonubi, has said. The NIBSS boss, who is responsible for the implementation of the BVN, in a statement, explained that once banks are able to identify and blacklist fraudulent customers, they would be encouraged to extend loans to those customers that are credit worthy and do not have any record of being delinquent borrowers. The BVN is an initiative aimed at protecting bank customers and further strengthening the Nigerian banking system. It is an initiative of the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in conjunction with the Bankers’ Committee meant to address the safety of customers’ funds, avoid losses through compromise of personal identification numbers and other criminal activities in the industry. Shonubi noted that apart from the challenge of identifying customers, a major hindrance to retail credit in the Nigerian environment was the perception that most Nigerians are crooks who would look for ways of failing to repay loans. He pointed out that the BVN would address this problem by helping to identify and distinguishing fraudulent Nigerians from law abiding and honest citizens. He said: “When the BVN project came up, there were three key things. First and most important of all is for us to identify our custom-

ers and to identify them uniquely across banks and across accounts. So, once you have BVN, even if you have 10 bank accounts, it is the same BVN that will be tied to the bank accounts. Now, relating to identifying is the possibility of banks blacklisting people who have committed financial infractions. It could be fraudsters; it could be people who have gone to forge documents because what happens today is that the same guy will go to a bank, commits fraud, then run to another bank and because there is no way of tying all these activities across. So, we found out that there were quite a lot of losses related to these individuals from one bank to another.” Consequently, he said the BVN would allow lenders begin to build retail credit. He explained: “This is because a concern for bank is, if I lend

As at N16,833,244.57 N16,509,472.5m 8.2 0.0000 13 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$61.39 US$29,481,468,806

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, 2014 Dec, 2013 Feb, 2015 2/5/2014 24/2/2015 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 24/2/2015 16/4/2015 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

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)

you money now and you go away, how do I identify you? So, you find that the entire retail consumer lending is to people with formal employment, that is why you see everybody running to the oil companies to say ‘let’s give your staff car loan; let’s give your staff consumer loan; let’s give your staff TV loans.’ But there are a lot of self-employed people working in smaller organisations, who should also benefit.”

activities of speculators, the CBN has threatened to prosecute users of foreign currencies for local transactions. Last Tuesday, it reduced the limit on the usage of naira denominated cards for transactions overseas from $150,000 to $50,000 per person per annum and directed authorized dealers to ensure that the daily cash withdrawal limit embedded in the cards per person, per day is pegged at $300. Meanwhile, the IMF has said that growth for Sub Saharan African countries which was resilient last year would succumb to the pressures emanating from declining commodity prices and the epidemic in Ebolaaffected countries.

Nigerian bond yields to fall on rising demand

ields on Nigeria’s local debt are seen falling further this week, with renewed appetite from both local and offshore investors and increased liquidity from maturing bonds. Nigerian bonds market has seen increase demand after a peaceful general election spurring interest from local investors and foreign investors. “The market was all bullish from a range of interest by investors taking position after the successful election,” one dealer said. Traders said market

could get a liquidity boost from maturing April 2015 bonds on Thursday, raising demand for local debt as holders are likely to reinvest in the market. Nigeria raised N70 billion at lower yields across all tenors at a bond sale last week. Yields at the secondary market have fallen across the maturities with the 2016 paper down to 14.06 per cent from 14.96 per cent last week, while the yield on the 2022 debt fell to 14.02 per cent against 14.87 per cent. The yield on the 2024 debt traded at 13.91 per cent from 14.81 per cent

Ecobank wins Best Corporate Bank Nigeria 2015 Award

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

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

Dutch Auction System (RDAS) window in February which also led to the naira dropping to N199 to the dollar. In addition, as part of efforts to check the

How BVN will boost retail credit –NIBSS boss

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

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

cobank Nigeria has been named Best Corporate Bank Nigeria 2015 by a London based Global Banking and Finance Review Online/Magazine, a reputable banking and finance performance review platform. Presenting the award to Ecobank in London, Production Coordinator, Global Banking and Finance Review, Mr. Noel O’Leary, said the choice of Ecobank from the various nominations was in recognition of its various initiatives targeted at economic transformation of Nigeria and the African continent. He noted that Ecobank has been in the forefront of international trade financing, adding that the bank clearly stood out in various area, of exper-

tise within banking and finance globally. Explaining the rationale of the awards, O’Leary pointed out that the awards were created to recognize companies of all sizes which are prominent in particular areas of expertise and excellence within the financial world. In his words, “the awards reflect the innovation, achievement, strategy, progressive and inspirational changes taking place within the global financial community.” Responding, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Folake Aboderin, said the series of international awards won by the bank in recent times underscored the contributions of Ecobank to the economic development of African continent.

Business | News

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Oil firms, countries agree to end gas flaring RELIEF Reduction in ozone layer depletion on the horizon Ayodele Aminu

Washington D.C.

hief executives from major oil companies and senior government officials from several oil-producing countries last Friday, coalesced to commit, for the first time, to end the practice of routine gas flaring at oil production sites by 2030 at the latest. The “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative – already endorsed by nine countries, 10 oil companies and six development institutions – was launched last Friday by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim at the ongoing 2015 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The duo were joined by Royal Dutch Shell Chairman Jorma Ollila; Statoil CEO Eldar Sætre; Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende; Gabonese Minister of Petroleum Etienne Dieudonne Ngoubou; and several other senior government and corporate officials, and representatives of international development banks. The endorsers collectively represent more than 40 percent of global gas flaring.

Investment in power sector hits N9trn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

ways serve as fall back measures at situations of unexpected generation drop in the future. He noted that the initiative would also meet and satisfy the demands of consumers, which is heavily above available supply. “Most of us want to see opportunities in what is happening with low generation and that is why we are embarking on embedded generation and we are all working to get power from other sources apart from the national grid. “Pending the time we get to that, the little power we are getting is being distributed equitably to our customers,” Ajifowobaje said.

Endorsements represent 40% of global gas flaring Every year, around 140 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced together with oil is wastefully burned or “flared” at thousands of oil fields around the world. This results in more than 300 million tons of CO2 being emitted to the atmosphere – equivalent to emissions from approximately 77 million cars. If this amount of associated gas were used for power generation, it could pro-

vide more electricity (750bn kWh) than the entire African continent is consuming today. But currently, the gas is flared for a variety of technical, regulatory, and economic reasons, or because its use is not given high priority. “Gas flaring is a visual reminder that we are wastefully sending CO2 into the atmosphere,” said World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.“We can do something about this.

Together we can take concrete action to end flaring and to use this valuable natural resource to light the darkness for those without electricity.” The World Bank said by endorsing the initiative, governments, oil companies and development institutions recognise that routine gas flaring is unsustainable from a resource management and environmental perspective and agree to

cooperate to eliminate ongoing routine flaring as soon as possible and no later than 2030. They will also publicly report their flaring and progress towards the target on an annual basis. Furthermore, routine flaring according to the World Bank, will not take place in new oil fields developments. Governments will provide an operating environment conducive to investments and to the development

of functioning energy markets. “As we head towards the adoption of a meaningful new international climate agreement in Paris in December, these countries and companies are demonstrating real climate action,” said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “Reducing gas flaring can make a significant contribution towards mitigating climate change. I appeal to all oilproducing countries and companies to join this important initiative.”

Business |Stock Watch

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

PROSPECTS Sustaining growth agenda through improved earnings

Chris Ugwu

here is no doubt that the combined effect of regulatory changes in the banking industry has significantly impacted on the operating landscape of banks and consequently their bottomline. The cash reserve ratio hike forced most banks to revisit their portfolio and asset liability management strategies and in certain cases led to the collapse of discount houses where exposures were significant. Just like any other bank in Nigeria, Access Bank Plc is not insulated to the challenges posed by the regulatory headwinds. This is evident as the actions have the effect of putting downward pressure on the bank’s bottom line like any other bank. Notwithstanding that 2014 was another challenging year for the banking industry, the bank was able to exploit the opportunities within the environment as a review of the 2014 full year results showed positive performance across all the financial indices. The loyalty of investors which had slowed down early in the first quarter of 2014 is seen to be reengineered on the back of significant 2014 results released to the investment community and hope that the N52.6 billion rights issue that closed on March 18 would be fully subscribed to help the management reinforce its statutory business to unlock better potential. In the evolution of its corporate strategy for 2013 – 2017, the bank has identified and commenced cultivation of business areas that will guarantee steady earnings in conformity with its sustainable growth agenda. The bank has embarked on an aggressive reactivation of accounts within its retail customer base and focuses concurrently on financing the needs of its corporate and commercial customers. Market pundits believe the bank’s strategic plan will reposition the bank and shore up confidence of investors on the stocks. The bank’s share price which closed at N10.10 per share in May 31, 2014 dropped by N3.46 or 34.25 per cent to close at N6.64 when the closing gong rang on Friday. Just as other quoted firms in the local bourse are depleting in share prices, market sentiments for the shares of the banks have dwindled relatively due to the challenging operating environment. Financials A glance through the 2013 full year numbers revealed that the bank recorded a marginal drop in profits as it posted a Profit Before Tax (BPT) of N44.9 billion which is a 3.4 per cent decrease compared to the N46 billion recorded for the corresponding period in 2012. The bank’s earnings grew to N206.7bn from N206.4 billion in 2012. Similarly, the bank recorded an improvement in its cost

Access Bank: Leveraging on five-year strategic plan of funds from 4.5 per cent to 4.6 per cent while Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio decreased to 2.7 per cent from 5.0 per cent which is owed to the bank’s enhanced risk management framework. The results also showed an increase in the bank’s deposit base from N1.201 trillion to N1.33 trillion, an 11 per cent growth over last year’s figure while its loan book rose impressively by 33 per cent, from N609bn in 2012 to N810bn in 2013, demonstrating the bank’s resolve to empowering critical sectors of the economy. However, the bank, matching words with action, began the 2014 financial year with good figures in its first quarter results as profit before tax jumped 20 per cent to N13.4 billion in its unaudited results for the three months ended 31 March 2014. The bank, which recorded N11.1 billion PBT in the comparable period of 2013, also grossed N57 billion, representing a nine per cent increase in the period under review. Similarly, its operating income increased by 19 per cent to N42 billion supported by a 12 per cent increase in its non-interest income during the period. In the same vein, Access Bank’s net interest margin rose to 6.2 per cent compared to the 5.4 per cent it attained in the first quarter of 2013. The results also showed that the bank recorded an eight per cent increase in its loan book to N871.8 billion from the N810.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013, while it customer deposits climbed to N1.40 trillion. Access Bank Plc also reported 3.85 per cent growth in its 2014 half-year pre-tax profit. The bank in a filing with Nigerian Stock Exchange said the pre-tax profit rose to N27.1 billion up 3.85 per cent from N26.1 billion during the comparable period of 2013. Also, revenue rose 15.2 per cent to N117.93 billion in the six months period under review from N102.4 billion posted in 2013. Based on the results, the bank declared an interim dividend of 0.25 kobo each, the same amount it paid a year earlier. Access Bank reported 28 per cent growth in profit after tax during the third quarter ended September 30, 2014. The post-tax profit rose to N35.346 billion up 28 per cent from N27.597 billion during the comparable period of 2013. Access Bank also said its nine-month pre-tax profit rose to 42.15 billion, up 20 per cent from N35.087 billion recorded a year ago. Also, revenue rose 17.3 per cent to N181.798 billion during the period under review from N155.026 billion posted in 2013. The bank ended the 2014 financial year on a positive note with a report of 18 per cent growth in profit after tax for the year ended December 31, 2014. The post-tax profit rose to

be one of the top three banks in the country and the “world’s most respected African bank.” This will be anchored on four critical pillars – capital, human capital, governance and risk management. It will also enable the bank to be more competitive and meet the funding needs of its blue chip customers that meet its credit risk criteria.

Wigwe

Share price movement of Access Bank Plc 2014 May 30

N10.10

Jun 30

N9.55

Jul 31

N9.80

Aug 31

N9.84

Sept 30

N8.99

Oct 31

N8.50

Nov 30

N7.61

Dec 31

N6.60

2015 Jan 31

N5.18

Feb 28

N6.40

Mar 13

N6.10

Apr 2

N6.64

Access Bank has secured the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to proceed with plans to raise N52.6 billion

N42.976 billion up 18 per cent from N36.298 billion during the comparable period of 2013. Its pre-tax profit also rose to N52.022 billion, up 20 per cent from N43.531 billion recorded a year ago. Also, revenue rose 18.5 per cent to N245.218 billion during the period under review from N206.891 billion posted in 2013. The bank began the year 2015 with good figures as it posted 18 per cent increase in net earnings during the financial year ended March 31, 2015. The company in a notice to NSE at the weekend said its profit after tax rose to N13.688 billion during the period under review from N11.626 billion a year ago while gross earnings also increased to N76,781 billion from N57.267 billion accounting for a growth of 34.1 per cent. Rights issue Access Bank has secured the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to proceed with plans to raise N52.6 billion in a share sale as it pursues expansion and stronger cash reserves. The bank sold shares to existing shareholders by way of rights issue of 7,627,639,636 shares of 50 kobo each at N6.90. Shareholders of the bank had approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to raise additional equity at an Extra Ordinary Meeting (EGM) held in Lagos on October 13, 2014. The capital raising falls in line with Access Bank’s fiveyear corporate strategic plan to

Looking ahead The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, said the proceeds from the offer would be used to upgrade the bank’s information technology platforms to enable it provide better services, upgrade the bank’s branch networks and further improve the working environment. “The funds raised would provide Access Bank with additional capacity to further consolidate its leading corporate banking business as well as additional capital headroom to support our increasing market share in the SME and retail segments,” Wigwe said. The bank promised to deliver sustainable value to its shareholders even as it will increase return on investment to all stakeholders. While speaking at the bank’s Facts Behind the Rights Issue on the Nigeria Stock Exchange, Wigwe said that there were significant improvements in measures of the bank’s key performance and in group’s overall stability ratio that would ensure sustainable value in the bottom-line of the bank. He said that the board of directors was confident that the bank had the appropriate capacity to protect and safeguard the interests of its depositors and shareholders at all times. Wigwe said that investors should not be wary of the current market price of the bank, saying that distortion in the market dragged down the price. He said: “We don’t manage share price, but the fundamentals of the bank. We are going to give good returns on investment as our target is to be among top three banks in 2017.” Already, he said, the bank was talking to institutional investors, high networth investors and individuals, particularly the investors who understand the value of long term investments. Analysts’ opinion Analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, an investment firm, noted that incorporating the expected dilution of earnings from the bank’s rights issue, “we arrived at a target price of N8.74 for 2015, which also reflects the tighter operating environment expected. “Access Bank, however, remains a good company, from which we expect an impressive performance in 2015 in spite of the restrictive operating environment, in furtherance to the bank’s achievement in 2014,” they said.

EXPANSION Firm already into health insurance service

iberty plans to start offering asset management services in Nigeria, the company said in its recently released annual report. It is an initiative that should broaden its offering in the country beyond health insurance. According to BDlive, the plan is to establish a presence in West Africa and be in a position to offer insurance and investment solutions. Liberty operates in 16 African countries. Its vision for the year 2020 is to be among the top 10 insurers in Nigeria and top three in Kenya. At the moment Liberty has only health and asset management capability in Ghana and a health offering in Nigeria. In Nigeria, Liberty has been offering health insurance since 2009 through Total Health Trust. Last year its asset manager, Stanlib, set up operations in Ghana through the acquisition of Stanbic Investment Management Services division. In the year ended De-

Insurance

Liberty targets top 10 spots in Nigeria by 2020 cember, Liberty Africa Insurance generated R59m in Black Empowerment (BEE) normalised operating earnings out of a total of R2.6bn. In the asset management business it reflected R59m in earnings from the rest of Africa. Liberty also noted that its BEE scheme, which was done in 2004, had matured, transferring R2.3bn of value for its beneficiaries. In 2004 Liberty sold a nine per cent stake to a BEE consortium consisting of black managers, empowerment groups Shanduka and Safika and the Liberty Community Trust. About R900m of value was created for 1,227 black employees, R900m of value for Safika and Shanduka, and R500m for the community trust. Liberty said when the deal matured its black partners owned 7.5 per cent of the group. Subsequent to the maturity of the deal at the end of December last year, Liberty employees sold about 1.8-million shares.

NAICOM to sanction insurers over worsening account details

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has instructed insurance institutions to start harmonising the returns being rendered to the commission or face stiff sanctions. In a circular entitled “Harmonised Returns with Effect from April 2015,” signed by the Director, Supervision, NAICOM, Nicholas Opara, the commission stated that the new directive was to further enthrone regulatory clarity particularly with respect to regulatory returns requirements. The circular stated: “In furtherance to the commission’s determination to enthrone regulatory clarity particularly with respect to regulatory returns requirements, it became necessary to harmonise the processes of obtaining various returns from insurance institutions.” He noted that the harmonised returns were categorised as “on occurrence, monthly, quarterly,

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

bi-annually and annual basis”. NAICOM also attached schedule of the harmonised returns. Opara added that the returns shall be submitted to the commission according to the regularity of returns (i.e. on occurrence, monthly, quarterly, bi-annually and annual basis), through the medium required and forwarded to the emails only for each. The insurance operators are also required to submit the returns to the commission in the format prescribed (Ms Excel) and on separate sheet using the attached templates without modification. Where both the hard and soft copies are required, the operators were mandated to submit both as required. NAICOM further explained that the new circular does not preclude companies from complying with other regulations and additional returns requirements as may be required by the commission from time to time.

The Liberty shares have traded at levels between R122 and R169 from January to date. The Standard Bank

Group, which holds 53 per cent of Liberty, is expected to soon issue further details about the BEE status in the group.

However, last year when the chairman and Safika director Saci Macozoma stepped down from the insurer, it was

stressed that Safika would remain invested as a substantiated shareholder in both Standard Bank and Liberty.

L-R: Representative of President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief Femi Deru; Deputy Director, Finance, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Mr Joshua Okeowo; Director General, FIIRO, Dr Gloria Elemo and Chairman, ICAN Ikeja district, Mr. Oluseyi Ogunjobi, during ICAN’s Presidential visit to FIIRO office in Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

TRAINING Managers trained to create and implement strategies

n its determination to improve the leadership and managerial skills of its staff, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has collaborated with the Business School of the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, to train some members of its staff. The training, which held in Abuja between March 16 and 20, 2015, featured presentations and a case study workshop facilitated by leading international experts on leadership strategy and sustainable development. Participants were drawn from the managerial cadre in the Commission and were equipped with the necessary skills to translate things learnt during the programme into actions in the workplace while facilitators took turns to answer questions on issues raised by participants. The programme with the theme, “Executive Education Programme: Sustainability Strategy, Leadership and Management for the Public Sector,”

PenCom collaborates with UK university for capacity building was delivered by the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI) of Edinburgh University, United Kingdom during which participants were granted access to the institution’s virtual learning environment. Participants were taken through some topics including Orchestrating Winning Strategies, Strategic Leadership, Role of Pension Funds in Corporate Governance, Governance of Pension Funds, Regulations of Pension Funds, Sustainability: Overview and Global Trends; Aviation Infrastructure and Africa’s Development and Environmental, Social and Governmental (ESG) Integration across Asset Classes – an Investor’s Perspective. The Director of the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI), University of Edinburgh, Dr. Kenneth Amaeshi, said participants were given insights from researches on Sustainable Development, Pension Funds Management, and Leveraging Pension Funds for Infrastructure Development, Strategy and Sustainable Leadership.

“We have developed tools and training capabilities to equip managers and decision-makers with the requisite skills to create and implement sustainable strategies, in this way, linking academia with practice,” Amaeshi stated. Other facilitators at the programme include Dr. Tazeeb Rajwani, Senior Lecturer in Strategic Management and Director of Government Affairs Research Club at Cranfield University, United Kingdom; Professor Amon Chizema, a Chair in International Business strategy and Head of International Business, Strategy and Innovation at Loughborough University; and Martin Currie, Professor of Finance and Investment at the Business School of the University of Edinburgh; Martina Macpherson, founder of the Sustainable Investment Partners (SI), a consulting firm specialising in strategy consulting business development and investment analysis services; and Adun Okupe, the Africapitalism Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh.

Business | Insurance

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Premium Pension rolls out mobile apps CUTTING EDGE Innovation allows customers view details of transactions

ith a view to facilitating its operations and enhancing customer service and interaction, Premium Pension Limited has introduced a mobile application known as the Premium Pension Mobile. In a statement made available to New Telegraph, the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) said the initiative was in response to the evident need for devices that would further close the gap between the company’s operations and its customers on the one hand and the customers and their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) on the other. The Executive Director, Operations and Services, Mr. Kayode Akande, said, “The pension industry is highly technologically driven. It is important that we remain at the cutting edge of technological rendition of pension fund administration in the country.” “The Premium Pension Mobile is a mobile application that is downloadable from the app-stores of Androids, Blackberry, Apple Store and Windows phones” added Moses Kemza Riman, the company’s Head of Information Technology. The mobile application is loaded with exciting features which include a dashboard view that shows summary of a customer’s account/fund while incorporating a pie chart for the purpose of clarity. It also includes the history of unit prices and a graphical representation of movements in this regard. The mobile application also offers investment overview, contribution history, customer service information and contact layout as well as information on the company’s branches. Frequently asked questions are answered while balances and detail investment historical figures are included as well as a feedback form. Akande said, “The features exuded by this application are reflective of professionalism and transparency in our operations and relationship with our customers. These are the necessary ingredients that would

…appoints independent director shore up public confidence not just in our company but in the contributory pension scheme.” Meanwhile, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga has been appointed as an independent director to replace Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN) who formally retired from the board of Premium Pension after completing two consecutive terms totaling six years. The appointment has been approved by the

Belo-Olusoga

National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Belo-Olusoga, a Chartered Accountant, is a distinguished Fellow of both Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN). She began her career as a Trainee Accountant with Coopers and Lybrand (Chartered Accountants) where she qualified as a chartered accountant before joining the then Continental Merchant Bank (CMB)

Limited. As a thoroughbred professional, Mrs. BeloOlusoga was specially chosen as a team member who worked with Accenture to develop the Continental Merchant Bank’s strategic plan. She was a pioneer management staff of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Team Leader in the Corporate Banking Division. She also worked in some other departments of the bank before retiring as Executive Director and Head of the Bank’s

South- West division saddled with the responsibility of all marketing operations within the region. In the course of her illustrious banking career spanning nearly three (3) decades, she attended several prestigious international training programs and Business schools across the globe including, IMD International Lausanne, Switzerland; Harvard Business School Massachusetts; INSEAD, Fontainebleau France; Kellogg Business School, Chicago Illinois, Phillips Consulting, Johannesburg and host of others. She is expected to bring to bear on Premium Pension Limited her extensive experience and broad range of competences acquired in banking and financial industry.

Firms inject about N20bn into pension fund

L-R: Communications and Engagement Manager, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Ms. Bolaji Sanyaolu; Chief Planning Research and Statistics Officer, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Ms. Susie Odiete-Onwuka; Group Product Manager, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Ms. Aigbeme Momoh and Brand Manager, Ribena, Mr. Essien Ekemini, during the final draws of the Lucozade Ribena Big Cash Giveaway Promo in Lagos

ustralia’s troubled life insurance sector needs to come up with solutions to mend consumers’ distrust in the industry during the next few weeks, or be prepared to face increased government intervention, warned Assistant Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg. Speaking at a Financial Services Council breakfast in Sydney, Frydenberg said the industry had a matter of weeks and not months to tackle conflicted payments such as hefty up-front commissions. If the industry failed to act sooner, Frydenberg warned that: “We will have to agree on a course of action which may involve further government regulation, but we would prefer not to do that.” “We would prefer a co-regulatory model, where the industry has a big say on the outcome ... I am saying to the industry now, you get on with the job as a matter of urgency.” Frydenberg fired the warning shots after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission found almost one out of two pieces of advice given by plan-

Insurance industry told to allay consumer fears ners who sell life insurance had failed to comply with the law. Former Australian Prudential Regulation Authority member, John Trowbridge, issued a report in response to the regulator’s findings, and proposed a $1200 cap on up-front payments for advisers. Trowbridge also suggested broadening advisers’ approved products lists, and that financial planners should not pocket more than 60 per cent of the first year’s premiums if a policy costs less than $2000. His suggestions have drawn backlashes from advisers who argue it would simply not be profitable to write life risk business because they would earn less than the cost of setting up policies. The Association of Financial Advisers of Australia, which commissioned the report with the FSC, urged caution before adopting any of Trowbridge’s recommendations.

But Frydenberg said public confidence in the financial advice sector had been “shaken – and understandably so” after the number of high-profile product and advice failures in recent years. Financial planners from Commonwealth Bank, Macquarie Private Wealth and National Australia Bank have been caught up in cases of dodgy advice that cost clients their retirement savings. Trowbridge’s recommendations around commission structures, ensuring approved product lists cover at least half of all providers and a re-examination of the culture of advisers, among others, were are all deserving of consideration, he said. “You come to government with your proposed changes, and we will weight that up against what ASIC and Trowbridge and the FSI has recommended, and we will make a decision,” Frydenberg said.

bout N20 billion pension contributions was remitted in 2014 by private organisations granted compliance certificates by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to bid government’s businesses this year. PenCom disclosed this in publication on its website, which showed the number of firms issued compliance certificates in 2015. According to the pension industry regulator, 1042 firms were issued certificates in 2015 as against 762 in 2014, an indication that more firms have embraced the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). PenCom noted that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, which has 13756 workers, remitted the highest fund amounting to N7.09 billion. The firm was followed by Reynolds Construction Company Limited, with 5228 workers and N624.80 million. Others are: Price Waterhouse Coopers Limited, 765 workers, N521.22 million; Dantata & Sawel Construction Limited, 3834 workers, N317.69 million; Ernst & Young, 322 workers, N235.66 million; Mothercat Limited, 2494 workers, N186.48 million; Systems Applications Products Nigeria Limited, 59 workers, N120.85 million; AIICO Insurance Plc, 338 workers, N108.43 million and Leadway Assurance Limited, 380 workers, N100.11 million.

Business | Financial Market News

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

17-Apr-15

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

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

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

535.00 581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 98.31 600.00 524.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 279.50

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

0.02 1.33 2.03 2.28 2.37 3.12 4.20 4.52 4.83 6.78 8.91 13.62 14.10 14.59 15.27 19.25

12.61 13.89 13.60 13.60 13.61 13.73 13.87 13.91 13.92 13.95 13.96 16.86 17.30 17.80 15.49 14.07

3.66 13.76 13.51 13.52 13.53 13.60 13.78 13.81 13.84 13.88 13.90 16.80 17.22 17.70 15.42 14.02

99.85 98.96 102.58 92.82 91.58 92.49 106.54 77.37 105.48 110.43 101.16 90.13 74.85 52.08 68.15 87.31

100.00 99.11 102.73 92.97 91.73 92.79 106.84 77.67 105.78 110.73 101.46 90.43 75.15 52.38 68.45 87.61

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

5,117.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,782.51

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

Description

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.10 1.09 1.64 2.01 2.22

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

14.85 16.53 15.73 14.56 16.44

98.46 100.75 100.32 103.18 96.66

31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 10-Oct-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.37 0.45 0.73 0.73 2.01 1.27 2.71 2.09 2.10 2.08 2.08 2.27 2.71 4.60 2.67 3.22 5.61 5.71 3.37 3.40

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

17.19 16.77 18.61 17.63 14.56 15.05 15.45 15.37 14.58 14.57 18.35 14.60 14.66 14.92 14.65 14.74 14.95 14.95 15.21 14.77

98.28 98.37 96.97 98.54 92.30 98.52 96.83 97.67 98.98 99.82 93.01 101.57 101.72 98.61 100.18 100.01 94.57 100.10 98.22 100.50

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

323.86

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

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

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

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

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

8.50 2.16 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 30.81 9.00 13.73 10.20 27.00 15.09 80.00 25.70 10.78 87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

452.88 440.18

Corporate Bonds

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

*FLOURMILLS

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto

NAHCO

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

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# #{r}

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

FSDH

A/GCR

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

*DANA

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

NAHCO UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

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

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.34

1.00

13.41

98.88

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.40

1.00

13.97

99.23

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.48

2.63

16.39

98.94

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.45

1.00

14.85

97.65

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.52

1.34

15.12

98.84

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.46

1.00

14.62

96.74

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.47

1.88

15.70

103.60

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.73

1.00

14.69

101.90

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.90

1.00

14.61

105.22

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

1.90

1.00

14.61

102.12

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.43

1.00

14.78

97.94

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

1.75

2.29

15.97

99.72

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

2.08

6.11

19.68

97.34

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.71

2.16

15.82

100.35

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.58

2.76

16.71

94.79

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.70

1.13

15.12

105.42

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.46

1.00

15.26

83.57

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.46

1.00

15.26

90.09

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

161.83

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

160.13

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.82

1.00

14.68

89.91

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

14.92

86.30

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 21.97 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.54

5.35

105.89

106.85

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.95

4.62

100.50

101.48

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.88

5.73

103.15

104.16

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,547.74

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

157.41

43.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.53

4.26

100.98

103.37

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

11.35

92.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

11.02

9.77

89.51

92.52

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.31

6.74

95.98

97.69

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

41.47

42.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.12

97.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

11.64

10.59

90.79

94.00

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

9.26

95.00

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

26.16 11.55 9.92

26.16 11.13 9.92

44.00 89.91 90.30

44.00 91.64 90.30

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.08

10.63

88.75

90.63

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,760.00 3,896.72

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 13 20 27 34 48 55 69 76 83

FIXINGS Maturity 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.05 9.95 11.93 12.10 12.28 12.56 12.08 12.00 10.25

Offer Discount (%) 12.80 9.70 11.68 11.85 12.03 12.31 11.83 11.75 10.00

Bid Yield (%) 13.11 10.01 12.04 12.24 12.48 12.80 12.37 12.31 10.49

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 13.5033 14.8894 15.9475 17.1160

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

13.08

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

13.42

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M 6M

198.23 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60 206.28

198.33 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21 213.47

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 13.25 13.30 13.40

^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

27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

600.00 524.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 279.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

5,117.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,782.51

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Agency Bonds

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

FMBN

27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

6.78 8.91 13.62 14.10 14.59 15.27 19.25

13.95 13.96 16.86 17.30 17.80 15.49 14.07

13.88 13.90 16.80 17.22 17.70 15.42 14.02

110.43 101.16 90.13 74.85 52.08 68.15 87.31

110.73 101.46 90.43 75.15 52.38 68.45 87.61

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 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.10 1.09 1.64 2.01 2.22

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

14.85 16.53 15.73 14.56 16.44

98.46 100.75 100.32 103.18 96.66

Business | Financial Market News

NSE advises market operators on cyber security ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

323.86

Sub-National Bonds

DIGITAL THEFT

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

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

Need to secure information takes front burner at first Nigerian Capital Market Information Security Forum

Stories by Chris Ugwu

he Nigerian TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Stock TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Exchange (NSE) has stressed Corporate Bonds

the need for stakeholders in *UPDC *FLOURMILLS the Nigerian capital market BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS to ensure A+/Agusto; A-/GCR they protect NAHCO valuA-/Agusto FSDH able intellectual properties A/GCR UBA and business information in BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING Nil digital form against*DANA theft and ‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

#{r}

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

misuse. KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 The12.50 Executive Director, Mar13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 ket Operations and Technology, 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 Mr. Ade Bajomo, who stated this 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 LAGOSNigerian 19-APR-2017 at the10.00 first Capital 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 Market Information Security 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 Forum (NCMISF), said that the 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 US government identified cy14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 ber security one of the most 14.00 NIGERas III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 serious economic and national 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 security challenges 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019the world over. 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 Bajomo described 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 cyber security15.00 asKOGI an 31-DEC-2020 increasingly criti14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 cal management issue which 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 companies must now fend off. He said while sophisticated companies have recently enUPDC 17-AUG-2015 dured10.00 highly public breaches to 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 their technology environments, 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 many13.00 incidents go unreported. FSDH 25-OCT-2016 He 14.25 added that even disgrun13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 tled employees were adding to 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 the menace by releasing sensi-

tive electronic information as 31-Aug-10 intellectual 12.50 propwell as taking 30-Sep-10 13.00 erty to competitors. 30-Jun-11 14.00 “In developing countries, 30-Jun-09 15.50 19-Apr-10 every 1030-Jun-10 extra mobile10.00 phones 13.75 per 100 people the rate 30-Dec-10 increase14.00 30-Sep-11 14.00 of growth of GDP-per-person 04-Oct-11 14.00 by more than one percentage 09-Dec-11 14.50 12-Dec-13 point, drawing people 14.00 into the 14-Feb-12 banking02-Oct-12 system, hence 15.50 the need 15.50 to secure and maintain 22-Nov-12 14.50infor12-Dec-12 14.75 mation integrity ,” Bajomo said. 10-Oct-13 14.75 He noted that the Interna27-Nov-13 13.50 31-Dec-13 15.00Secutional Organisation of 31-Dec-13 14.50 rities Commissions (IOSCO) 06-Jan-14 15.00 reported a sharp increase in the number of Exchanges and Capital Market operators expe17-Aug-10 riencing information 10.00 security 09-Dec-10 12.00 breaches. 06-Jan-11 14.00 “No 29-Sep-11 such thing as 13.00 100 per 25-Oct-13 14.25 cent security but executives can 30-Sep-10 13.00 take sensible protect 30-Nov-12 steps to18.00 09-Apr-11 being secure 16.00 their business, can

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

*TOWER#

09-Sep-11

18.00

09-Sep-11

16.00

22-Sep-11

14.00

18-Oct-13

15.75

17-Feb-12

18.00

01-Apr-14

16.00

Forte Oil reports 33% drop in Q1 profit A/Agusto; A/GCR

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

F Nil

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

UBA

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# #{r}

*DANA

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 orte Oil Nigeria Plc in the comparable period brand to ensure14-Nov-13 it had sufA+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 A/GCR 30-Dec-14 UBA per of 2013, accounting for a has reported 33 ficient cash reserve for its 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC prof- decline of 13.25 7.94STANBIC per cent. IB 30-SEP-2024 operations. A/GCR cent decline in 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC it before tax for VALUE the first However, its revenue The company’s chairTOTAL OUTSTANDING TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION quarter ended March 31, rose 32.8 per cent to man, Mr. Femi Otedola, 2015. N170.127 billion during the said 2014 financial year was Supranational Bond According to a notice year as against the third and final year of 10.20 IFCN128.027 11-FEB-2018 bilAAA/S&P 11-Feb-13 IFC 11.25 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P 10-Jul-14 from the Nigerian AfDB stock lion posted inAFDB 2013. the company’s three-year TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE market, the petroleum Shareholders of the strategic transformation TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION marketing company said company had approved a initiative. its pre-tax profit grew to Issuer dividend of N2.50 per share “We are pleased with our Description Rating/Agency Issue Date N842.34 million in the first and a bonus of a new share 2014 performance amid the FGN Eurobonds three months of the year, for every five shares held challenging operating envi6.75 JAN 07-Oct-11 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P billion a year that was proposed by the28, 2021 from N1.26 ronment,” he said. board of the company in12, 2018 For the year 12-Jul-13 ago. under reBB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL BB-/S&P Its revenue declined by its 2014 financial year. view, the board proposed BB-/Fitch; JUL 12, 2023 BB-/S&P N33.06 billion in 2014 from Shareholders, in6.38 their a total dividend 12-Jul-13 payout of TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE N34.78 billion reported a views, expressed confi- N2.7 billion, representing TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION year ago, accounting for a dence in the fact that the N2.50 per share and also an drop of 5.19 per cent. Forte Oil brand has become additional bonus share for Corporate Eurobonds 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 every five shares01-Feb-11 held. Forte in the B/Fitch; B-/S&POil had reported AFREN PLC I a phenomenal player 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 Otedola said, 19-May-11 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK 7.94 per cent decline in pre-PLC I market. “We re7.25 JUL 25, 2017 25-Jul-12 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC tax profit during the full The National Coordimain committed09-May-13 to our vi6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC year ended December 31, nator of the Independent sion of being the08-Nov-13 foremost 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 10.25 APR 08, 2019 08-Apr-12solu2014. integrated energy B/Fitch AFREN PLC II Shareholders Association 6.25 APR 22, 2019 22-Apr-14 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P BANK PLC The company’s ZENITH profit of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir tions provider in Nigeria 8.75 May 21, 2019 21-May-14 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC before income tax dipped with strong presence in Sunny Nwosu, commended 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 07-Aug-13 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 09-Dec-13 downstream operations, to N6.006 B-/Fitch; B/S&P billion compared AFREN PLC III the group for its diversifi9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 24-Jun-14 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II serto N6.524 billion recorded cation, but also urged the power and upstream 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 23-Jul-14 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD B-/S&P

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

15.25 16.45 11.93 13.25

10.20 11.25

Coupon (%)

6.75 5.13 6.38

11.50 7.50 7.25 6.88 6.00 10.25 6.25 8.75 8.25 6.63 9.25 8.00

14-Aug-14

be hard work but is not rocket 8.50 31-Aug-15 0.37 science, pay attention to people, 2.16 30-Sep-15 0.45 technology and processes, keep 4.86 30-Jun-16 0.73 your ground as0.73 na5.73 ears to the 30-Jun-16 57.00 19-Apr-17 2.01 tive senses work in an informa25.73 30-Jun-17 1.27 tion and join 2.71 the 25.00 centric age 31-Dec-17 30.81 NCMISF – get30-Sep-18 good advice 2.09 and 9.00 04-Oct-18 2.10 early wherever pos13.73 warning 09-Dec-18 2.08 10.20 12-Dec-18 2.08 sible,” he advised. 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 10-Oct-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

2.27 2.71 4.60 2.67 3.22 5.61 5.71 3.37 3.40

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.08

1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.44 1.00

14.60 14.66 14.92 14.65 14.74 14.95 14.95 15.21 14.77

101.57 101.72 98.61 100.18 100.01 94.57 100.10 98.22 100.50

10.63

88.75

90.63

First Bank among Nigerian lenders needing capital boost –S&P

tandard & 452.88 440.18 has named

Poor’s (S&P) First Bank of Nigeria Limited among 2.50 17-Aug-15 0.34 banks that need to raise capi09-Dec-15 0.40 tal18.75 or restructure their balance 0.42 06-Jan-16 0.48 sheets in the next 18 months 15.00 29-Sep-16 1.45to 5.53 25-Oct-16 1.52 combat low oil prices, accord20.00 30-Sep-17 2.46 ing to Bloomberg. 0.64 30-Nov-17 1.47 5.40 09-Apr-18its view 1.73 S&P increased of 2.54 09-Sep-18 1.90 Nigeria’s Banking Industry 0.70 09-Sep-18 1.90 Country Risk22-Sep-18 Assessment3.43to 35.00 2.40 from eight 18-Oct-18 nine on April1.7515 in0.36 line with 17-Feb-19 Kenya and 2.08 one 4.50 01-Apr-19 2.71 notch above the lowest level. 2.05 14-Nov-20 5.58 30.50 more than 30-Dec-21 6.70 The 40 per cent 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.46 plunge in Brent crude prices 15.44 30-Sep-24 9.46 since 161.83 June is weakening the economy of Africa’s biggest 160.13 oil producer and may lead to an12.00 increase in bad loans, 2.82 the 11-Feb-18 12.95 01-Feb-21 4.75 ratings company said. 24.95 The Central Bank of Ni21.97 (CBN), which requires geria lenders Outstanding Valueto have a capital adeMaturity Date Bid Yield (%) ($mm) quacy ratio, or CAR, of at least 15 percent, last year, removed 500.00 assets that 28-Jan-21 5.54 some count as capital as it sought to bolster4.95 the 500.00 12-Jul-18 financial industry’s ability 5.88 to500.00 withstand12-Jul-23 shocks. Banks 1,500.00 should build a buffer of 1.5 1,547.74 to 2 percentage points above the regulator’s benchmark, 450.00 according to 01-Feb-16 Matthew Pirnie, 157.41 6.53 a 500.00 director in19-May-16 S&P’s financial 350.00 25-Jul-17 11.35 services team. 300.00 02-May-18 11.02 “There will be a lot of capi400.00 08-Nov-18 7.31 300.00 08-Apr-19 said in tal raising,” Pirnie an 41.47 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.12 interview in Lagos last Thurs200.00 21-May-19 11.64 day . First Bank “is one that in 300.00 07-Aug-20 9.26 360.00 the next 12 to09-Dec-20 18 months 26.16 will 400.00 24-Jun-21 11.55 have to do some sort of capi450.00 23-Jul-21 9.92

8.75

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

27.00 15.09 80.00 25.70 10.78 87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

Head of Information and 4.44 17.19 98.28 Security Management, NSE, 3.23 16.77 98.37 Mrs. Femi Oyewole, said that 4.46 18.61 96.97 the3.48 forum was one of the 17.63 98.54best 1.00 14.56 92.30 things that happened to the 1.00 15.05 98.52 capital community 1.79 market 15.45 96.83as it 15.37 operators 97.67 opwill1.80give market 1.00 14.58 98.98 portunity to take care of their 1.00 14.57 99.82 4.78 18.35 93.01 businesses.

tal raising or come up with a balance sheet strategy” that may include “slowing growth 1.00 13.41 or removing assets.” 98.88 1.00 13.97 First Bank’s CAR 99.23 stands 2.63 16.39 98.94 at 16.7 per cent and will 1.00 14.85 97.65rise 1.34 company 15.12 retains 98.84 as the more 1.00 14.62 96.74 profit in future, Bello Mac1.88 15.70 103.60 1.00 chief executive 14.69 101.90 cido, officer 1.00 14.61 105.22 of the holding company, FBN 1.00 14.61 102.12 Holdings Plc,14.78 said in an97.94 inter1.00 2.29in Lagos 15.97 99.72“We view on April 13. 19.68 97.34 are6.11 not going to sell shares to 2.16 15.82 100.35 do that,” he said. 2.76 16.71 94.79 1.13 15.12 105.42 Loan losses in Nigeria will 1.00 15.26 83.57 increase to as much as three 1.00 15.26 90.09 per cent in the next two years from about 1.8 per cent, according to Pirnie. The figure for 1.00 South African banks89.91 is less 14.68 1.001.5 per cent, 14.92 86.30 than he said. Several Nigerian lenders have already started to boost their capital buffers.Offer United Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Price Bank for Africa Plc started a Prices & Yields N11.5 billion share sale in De5.35 105.89Access 106.85 cember, while Bank Plc4.62 completed one of N53 bil100.50 101.48 lion on March 18. Skye Bank 103.15 104.16 Plc,5.73whose credit rating S&P lowered to B- on April 15, six levels below investment grade, plans to raise N 50 billion in a rights it said in March. 157.41 issue, 43.00 43.00 4.26 100.98 Nigerian banks have103.37 to con11.35 92.00 tend with a 92.00 weaker naira as 9.77 89.51 92.52 well as increased risks from 6.74 95.98 97.69 their to oil and42.00 gas ex41.47lending42.00 7.12 97.00 97.00 plorers. The naira has fallen 17 10.59 90.79 94.00 per9.26 cent against the dollar in 95.00 95.00 the26.16 past six months as 44.00 export 44.00 11.13 89.91 91.64 revenues from oil plunged. 9.92 90.30 90.30

4,760.00 3,896.72

17-Apr-15

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute FIXINGS Money Market (Spot & 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 and may not be accurateForeign or up toExchange date. We do not guarantee the DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR 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. 13 30-Apr-15 13.05 12.80 13.11

**Treasury Bills^

20 27 34 FGN Bonds 48 55 69 Rating/Agency 76 83 90 97 104 111 118 132 139 146 160 167 NA 181 230 244 265 279 293 307 321 335 342 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 356

VALUE

7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 Issuer 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 1-Oct-15 NA 15-Oct-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 7-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 4-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 3-Mar-16 17-Mar-16 24-Mar-16 7-Apr-16

9.95 11.93 12.10 12.28 12.56 12.08 Description 12.00 10.25 4.00 23-APR-2015 11.07 10.69 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 11.09 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 12.68 9.85 27-JUL-2017 12.67 9.35 31-AUG-2017 12.52 12.78 10.70 30-MAY-2018 12.51 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 12.66 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.09 15.54 13-FEB-2020 13.07 12.93 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 12.81 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.91 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.99 12.49 22-MAY-2029 12.97 13.17 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.05 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.81 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 13.03 13.00

9.70 11.68 11.85 12.03 12.31 11.83 Issue Date 11.75 10.00 23-Apr-10 10.82 10.44 16-Aug-13 10.84 27-Apr-12 12.43 27-Jul-07 12.42 31-Aug-07 12.27 12.53 30-May-08 12.26 29-Jun-12 12.41 23-Oct-09 12.84 13-Feb-15 12.82 12.68 27-Jan-12 12.56 14-Mar-14 12.66 28-Nov-08 12.74 22-May-09 12.72 12.92 20-Nov-09 12.80 23-Jul-10 12.56 18-Jul-14 12.78 12.75

10.01 12.04 12.24 12.48 12.80 12.37 Coupon (%) 12.31 10.49 4.00 11.38 11.01 13.05 11.45 15.10 13.18 9.85 13.22 9.35 13.11 13.43 10.70 13.17 16.00 13.40 7.00 13.93 15.54 13.97 14.08 16.39 14.00 14.20 14.24 15.00 14.42 12.49 14.48 14.80 8.50 14.75 10.00 14.52 12.1493 14.84 14.89

Bonds

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

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 535.00

Rate (%) 13.5033 14.8894 15.9475 17.1160

23-Apr-15

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 12.1061 27-Apr-17 12.6464 27-Jul-17 12.6724 31-Aug-17 13.3208 13.7994 30-May-18 14.5979 29-Jun-19

233.90 23-Oct-19 98.31 13-Feb-20 NIFEX 600.00 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) 524.68 14-Mar-24 BID($/N) 199.0125 75.00 28-Nov-28 OFFER ($/N) 199.1125 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 279.50 18-Jul-34

13.08

O/N

13.42

REPO

Tenor

Call TTM (Yrs) 1M

Maturity Date

NITTY

Tenor 581.39 1M 476.80 2M 20.00 3M 100.00 6M 9M 300.00 12M 351.30

OBB

3M 0.02 6M

Rate (%)

Bid13.25 Yield (%) 13.30 13.40

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D 1M Offer 2M Yield 3M (%) 6M 3.66 1Y

12.61 13.50 1.33 13.89 13.76 2.03 13.60 13.51 NOTE: 2.28 13.60 13.52 :Benchmarks 2.37Bond 13.61 13.53 * :Amortising µ :Convertible Bond 3.12 13.73 13.60 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.20 Management Corporation 13.87 13.78 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 4.52 13.91 13.81 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 4.83 Finance Corporation 13.92 13.84 IFC: International LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables 6.78 13.95 Management 13.88 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 8.91 13.96 13.90 O/N: Overnight 13.62 16.86 16.80 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 14.10 17.30 Company 17.22 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement 14.59 17.80 17.70 15.27 15.49 15.42 19.25 14.07 14.02

Bid ($/N)

198.23 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 Bid Price 205.60 206.28 99.85 220.29

Offer ($/N)

Price

198.33 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31Price Offer 207.21 213.47 100.00 226.27

98.96 99.11 102.58 102.73 92.82 92.97 NA :Not Applicable 91.58 91.73 ^ : Market Prices # : Floating Rate Bond 92.49 92.79 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 106.54 106.84 77.37 77.67 ‡ : Bond rating under review 105.78 †: Bond 105.48 rating expired N/A :Not110.43 Available 110.73 {r} :Issuer in receivership 101.46 101.16 90.13 90.43 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 74.85Bank for Africa 75.15 UBA: United 52.08 52.38 68.15 68.45 87.31 87.61

5,117.44 4,782.51

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

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds FMBN Modified Duration Buckets

***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

<3 3<5 >5 Market

Description

Issue Date

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 Porfolio Market 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 Total Outstanding Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 1,438.69 1,409.48

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

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

0.00 17.25 Weighting by Mkt 0.00/16.00 Value 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 44.51

1,168.05

1,099.68

32.78

36.14

625.33 3,232.06

846.07 3,355.23

25.22 100.00

19.35 100.00

24.56 2.40 Bucket 112.22 Weighting 116.70 66.49 0.42

322.380.33

0.25 323.861.00

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 % Exposure_ 08-Dec-16 Mod_Duration 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17 19.74

0.10 1.09 Implied1.64 Yield 2.01 2.22 13.79

38.61

13.95

41.65 100.00

14.96 14.34

# Risk Premium (%)

2.63 2.27 Implied 2.00 Portfolio Price 1.00 2.85 106.3003

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

14.85 16.53 15.73 INDEX 14.56 16.44 1,190.98

98.46 100.75 YTD Return 100.32 (%) 103.18 96.66 7.5041

108.8401

1,086.02

7.2534

75.9384 99.4766

1,067.32 1,124.08

5.9884 6.5291

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

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

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

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

12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00

8.50 2.16 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 30.81

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

0.37 0.45 0.73 0.73 2.01 1.27 2.71 2.09

4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80

17.19 16.77 18.61 17.63 14.56 15.05 15.45 15.37

98.28 98.37 96.97 98.54 92.30 98.52 96.83 97.67

Business | Interview

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian employees need quality capacity building – Soluade Mrs. Abimbola Soluade, Chief Executive Officer, Pitman Training Lagos, in this interview with Chris Ugwu, speaks on some challenges facing manpower training and reasons that led to the return of Pitman training in Nigeria

How do you see Nigeria becoming an economic superpower? Everybody is aware of the impact that well-trained people make in the home. In the Yoruba community, women spend a lot of time training their girls because they are aware of the impact she would make in keeping her home strong, raising quality children if well trained. The impact of training is felt in the home, in the organisation and of course in the country. We complain today about bad leaders; but bad leaders were trained and trained badly. It is said that a people deserve the leadership they get. The society trained these people in bad habits and when it seems these bad habits are yielding financial rewards, we get to have more of this kind of people. How do we then prevent them from getting into government and leadership roles? If we can change the negative attitude by developing people with positive attitude, well cultured and well groomed people, they’re going to make a whole lot of change to the economy. The issue of poor electricity will be a thing of the past. How do you feel for example when you go to the bank and an employee of the bank where you have put your money talks to you anyhow? Now because of that kind of treatment, you withdraw your money and go to another bank. Now this is how it is – I was reading recently in a newspaper how a large number of Nigerian children school in Ghana. How does that help the economy? The money that should be used to improve our economy is being taken to Ghana. These things have a terrible impact on our nation. But do you blame them? If they cannot get what they want here, they move their money out of the country into a neighbouring one to achieve what they want. If only we would improve the quality of training here, it will help our own economy grow.

We complain today about bad leaders; but bad leaders were trained and trained badly

Why did Pitman training return to Nigeria? Employers in Lagos start business with a mindset of making profit and within a short time of starting business, they find out that they do not have the capacity to run the vision by themselves and then they begin to employ staff. Within a limited t i m e , it becomes clear that these s t a f f, however good t h e y seem to be at the start have areas where they need to be trained. Appraisals make that obvious but you don’t throw the employee out because of that. He’s good in a number of other areas but not meeting up on other areas and you know that if he could just improve in those weak areas, it would translate into better achievement of organisational goals. For this reason, the need for training becomes obvious. Of recent, however, employers dip hands into the company’s purse and send staff on training with the objective of getting them improved towards meeting organisational goals but on return from training, little or no impact is made at work.

Soluade

Solving such issues is what Pitman Training is all about. Pitman Training Lagos is the first Nigerian centre of Pitman Training Group UK. Isaac Pit-

man, as we all know, invented shorthand in 1837 and because of his generous heart, would not keep the invention to himself. He began to train and empower

Business | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

people, he began to make impact and help the people around him to get skills that would make them outstanding. The training college he founded is what has grown into the present day Pitman Training Group, existing in several countries, making impact and delivering trainings recognised as a badge of quality. You probably will be aware that Pitman Training was once actively here in Nigeria, training people. My aunt was trained as a Secretary by Pitman in the 60’s. With the background of quality training becoming more and more uncommon in Nigeria and discovering that Pitman Training Group has grown bigger and better in the UK, we walked up to them, asking them to please come back and the result is Pitman Training Lagos. How are you convinced that Pitman will impact on modern day Nigerian employees? It is something that is very sure. Two hundred years of doing the same thing, consistently in the same direction is no joke. You wouldn’t expect a five-year old to do certain things that a 50year old does. That’s the place of experience. Pitman Training has consistently been training professionals and continuously improving their training methods, consistently receiving awards as one of UK’s educational super brands. There’s no doubt about what we will do, we have a record for it and the record is proven that Pitman trained students have the skills that employers need and they are exceptional at work. If a fresh graduate comes here for example to be trained as a Personal Assistant, by the time he/she goes through a 520hrs of PA diploma with us, you can be sure that they know exactly what to do from day one of resuming work for a PA position. That’s the kind of impact that Pitman makes all over the world and continues to make. There are things involved. It’s simple. We look at the employers’ goals and from that angle train students on the skills required to bring that role. What are the challenges that trainers face in the country? Look at campaign adverts, you will find things like, “We will make it easier for business men to run their businesses.” That is because everybody knows how difficult it can be to run a profitable business in this country. Pitman Training in Lagos is within the Nigerian community and will certainly experience some of these things but the beautiful thing is that we at Pitman Training, as an organisation that trains people on how to succeed in business, have taken these things into consideration and we know what to do. But certainly there’s no business that will achieve their best with the kind of electricity we run business with here, so it is probably easier for our training centres to run better in countries where they have constant electricity. Another challenge is also the fact that many people’s attitude towards training is not good enough but once you buy a product today and enjoy it, it is most likely that the next time

B I O D ATA Work experience: British Gas Nigeria P.A. to M.D. Dec. 08 – Jan. 09, British Gas Nigeria Facility Management Dept Oct. 08 – Nov. 08, PA to Chairman, Gemini Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited, June 2000 – February 2001 Current position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pitman Training Lagos School attended: University of Ibadan Education qualification: BSC Fishery Years of experience: 19 years

you go into the supermarket, that’s what you will pick off the shelf; because you have seen value. With the assurance of the kind of value we have to offer, we know that all we need is to produce our first set of graduates, the rest is history. Generally, how do you see the issue of unemployment in Nigeria? It’s unfortunate but if you look out there, you hear applicants say there are no jobs, yet you hear employers say there are no good employees. If you go online today and google vacancies in Nigeria, you’ll get tired. There are vacancies everywhere but yet there are applicants everywhere. There is a continuous need for organisations to fill vacant role. As I’m speaking with you, people are on queue in CAC trying to register companies. So there are vacancies everywhere but the problem is skill, lack of skills. Employers want things done, but the employee is not meeting up and that creates a vacuum. That’s why Pitman Training is here to make sure that people get the skills that local employers want. Today in Nigeria for example, if you put up 10 Personal Assistants, you will hardly see anyone who has a diploma or who has a certificate to show that they have really studied to perform that role. There are certain roles that people believe they can just fill up with the next relative that graduates from university. Take for example, the role of a receptionist. Someone just walks up and says, oh she’s a good girl and the next thing she gets the job. These are the kind of things that go on. There are jobs, but there aren’t people who are skilled enough. So are you saying you are comfortable with Nigeria still dealing with expatriates? If we have people with good skills, people with good attitude who do better than expatriates, why are we going to keep paying expatriates? In the western world, there are Nigerians working well, filling roles and doing much better than the expatriates

If we have people with good skills, people with good attitude who do better than expatriates, why are we going to keep paying expatriates?

we have here. If you for example have a dream of building something and you move around but cannot find someone who understands what you’re saying, not to talk of putting it together, and then you travel to a neighboring country and find someone who will get the job done pretty well, will you likely continue your search in Nigeria or pick up an expatriate that will do the work for you? This brings us to the importance of vocational training in our country. What is the essence of going all over the place with your B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering and somebody who does not have OND gets on the generator and gets the job done while you don’t even know the first letter of the repair techniques? You have that paper and you don’t even know what to do. That is exactly what I’ve been talking about skill. When I talk about skill, I’m talking about getting on the issue at hand, knowing what to do, doing what should be done right, within the right time frame. This is where Pitman Training makes the difference. We look out for selling people’s dreams to them more than selling our courses. So on the issue of expatriates, it’s sometimes because we don’t have handy and skilled people who can get the job done, but it’s also sometimes about attitude. It’s about quality of training and attitude here. A few of our people look at white coloured people with that men-

Soluade

tality, well as if the skin does the magic so they would rather employ him. I tell you that if you put a Nigerian who is very good and probably better than the white guy, you can be sure that the white guy is going because it will soon become obvious to the employer that it is more expensive maintaining the white guy. What we need is to take up the challenge of improving ourselves to that level. And we have the capacity. Nigerians are brilliant, Nigerians are resilient, Nigerians are strong but unfortunately these things are not often well utilised. Sit in the market by a pepper seller and in no time, you’d see these things and know that if they had the opportunity of being schooled, they probably would do better.

Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015

Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059

Business | Capital Market Daily Summary (Bonds)

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059

No Debt Trading Activity

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at April 19, 2015 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 13 35 48

Current Price 27.24 26.25

Quantity Traded 129,864 247,835 377,699

Value Traded 3,408,383.20 6,417,810.15 9,826,193.35

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 27 27

Current Price 2.60

Quantity Traded 446,704 446,704

Value Traded 1,160,252.66 1,160,252.66

824,403

10,986,446.01

Quantity Traded 129,500 1,950 27,510,200 8,899,006 36,540,656

Value Traded 187,025.00 1,755.00 87,151,745.06 373,203,301.26 460,543,826.32

36,540,656

460,543,826.32

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. Daily SummaryJOHN as of HOLT 17/04/2015 PLC. Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals

75 Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 6 1 223 158 388

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 1.42 0.94 3.15 42.31

388

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Page

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 185,364 185,364

Value Traded 184,979.60 184,979.60

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 51.51

Quantity Traded 103,796 103,796

Value Traded 5,372,767.96 5,372,767.96

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 23 23

Current Price 11.40

Quantity Traded 196,080 196,080

Value Traded 2,269,087.70 2,269,087.70

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol SKYESHELT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 100.00

Quantity Traded 1 1

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

485,241

7,826,935.26

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts Daily Summary of 17/04/2015 DNas TYRE & RUBBER PLC Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

53 Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 3,750 3,750

Value Traded 1,875.00 1,875.00

Symbol CHAMPION

No. of Deals 30 78 18

Current Price 7.85 170.00 20.71

Quantity Traded 846,400 389,265 10,196,618

Value Traded 6,613,381.00 66,700,038.48 211,174,818.00

Daily Summary (Equities) GUINNESS INTBREW

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

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

Symbol NB PREMBREW

No. of Deals 193 1 320

Current Price 161.29 3.61

Quantity Traded 1,275,658 1,109 12,709,050

Value Traded 207,162,090.86 3,870.41 491,654,198.75

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

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 170.01

Quantity Traded 4,376 4,376

Value Traded 727,120.30 727,120.30

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

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MANDRID NASCON

No. of Deals 34 51 156 41 1 62 345

Current Price 4.65 7.22 34.00 3.49 5.35 8.49

Quantity Traded 636,241 1,726,228 3,447,360 516,974 1,894 1,695,472 8,024,169

Value Traded 2,993,927.33 12,463,157.46 117,305,609.48 1,802,243.46 10,132.90 14,327,901.65 148,902,972.28

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 27 69 96

Current Price 41.01 940.00

Quantity Traded 64,918 93,142 158,060

Value Traded 2,575,542.96 87,142,113.92 89,717,656.88

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 25 4

Current Price 4.20 1.01

Quantity Traded 1,132,278 184,417

Value Traded 4,626,222.00 186,261.17

Symbol

No. of Deals 29

Current Price

Quantity Traded 1,316,695

Value Traded 4,812,483.17

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 23 38 61

Current Price 27.00 43.43

Quantity Traded 70,614 196,330 266,944

Value Traded 1,902,424.71 8,152,961.41 10,055,386.12

22,483,044

745,871,692.50 Value Traded 103,496,124.27 104,712,775.45 12,688,172.14 73,973,256.30 206,119,496.69 10,154,946.78 6,862,159.50 165,774,879.42 21,060,954.00 759,397.30

Food as Products--Diversified Daily Summary of 17/04/2015 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC.

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

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 FIDELITY BANK PLC Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. WEMA BANK PLC.

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 Micro-Finance Banks Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

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

Current Price 6.64 4.58 20.50 2.13 28.85 2.55 2.27 4.99 11.00 0.98

Quantity Traded 15,426,507 23,524,929 618,768 34,515,616 7,170,229 3,993,078 3,067,320 33,738,331 1,911,321 777,254

Symbol ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 355 1,572

Current Price 23.00

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE EQUITYASUR INTENEGINS MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 24 12 2 2 5 2 8 1 3 1 42 102

Current Price 1.09 0.87 0.50 0.50 3.04 0.50 0.68 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51

Quantity Traded 28,436,805 153,180,158 Page

Quantity Traded 2,638,787 1,840,286 3,775 121,666 60,000 100,000 91,658 92,500 5,600 246,000 2,575,816 7,776,088

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 1.17

Quantity Traded 573,590 573,590

Value Traded 686,251.30 686,251.30

Symbol

No. of Deals 54 15 566

Current Price 2.90 4.05 9.84

Quantity Traded 2,637,941 1,674,733 38,612,866

Value Traded 7,630,029.99 6,838,478.52 374,045,675.43

No. of Deals 152 1 23 143 954

Current Price 3.45 0.52 29.00 1.62

Quantity Traded 16,665,392 261 355,908 9,695,905 69,643,006

Value Traded 55,671,637.35 138.33 10,301,503.11 15,353,316.72 469,840,779.45

231,172,842

1,833,247,608.21

Quantity Traded 103,631 6,016,000 252,092 690,101 671,738 7,733,562

Value Traded 206,008.90 20,140,533.45 13,677,903.85 1,317,861.71 625,525.02 35,967,832.93

7,733,562

35,967,832.93

Quantity Traded 50,368 50,368

Value Traded 25,184.00 25,184.00

AFRIPRUD Daily Summary (Equities) CUSTODYINS FBNH

Page Symbol FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

2,644 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

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

No. of Deals 180 73 51 202 218 72 38 313 (Equities) 53 17

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

No. of Deals 7 7 38 21 17 90

Current Price 1.99 3.35 56.26 1.91 0.95

ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 PREMIER PAINTS PLC. Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals 12

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Page

Quantity Traded 19,263 19,263

Value Traded 32,554.47 32,554.47

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 3,635,590 3,635,590

Value Traded 1,817,795.00 1,817,795.00

3,705,221

1,875,533.47

11 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PREMPAINTS WAPCO

No. of Deals 20 13 22 20 54 3 1 89 222

Current Price 20.02 9.50 35.66 11.14 180.00 0.83 10.93 90.00

Quantity Traded 52,225 40,909 95,210 134,035 748,564 1,500 10 1,026,588 2,099,041

Value Traded 1,090,195.87 382,828.22 3,498,209.90 1,469,015.57 134,738,871.61 1,257.42 103.90 92,669,927.51 233,850,410.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 1.73

Quantity Traded 194,552 194,552

Value Traded 336,574.96 336,574.96

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 28.70

Quantity Traded 8,820 8,820

Value Traded 242,720.00 242,720.00

2,302,413

234,429,704.96

CUTIX Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY INDUSTRIAL GOODS Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Page

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals Mining Services

Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 MULTIVERSE PLC Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059

Mining Services Totals

231

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.21

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 24,750.00 24,750.00

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

6,000

25,250.00

Daily Summary (Equities) No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 54,469 54,469

Value Traded 27,234.50 27,234.50

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

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 359 359

Current Price 18.16

Quantity Traded 8,049,766 8,049,766

Value Traded 141,402,600.40 141,402,600.40

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

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 20 21 32 21 3 16 113

Current Price 38.00 3.13 204.25 160.00 50.54 180.00

Quantity Traded 25,153 174,260 45,087 29,715 2,610 15,399 292,224

Value Traded 958,766.50 531,307.40 8,897,755.00 4,762,864.82 125,332.20 2,783,178.47 18,059,204.39

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 398.83

Quantity Traded 12,544 12,544

Value Traded 5,017,477.77 5,017,477.77

8,409,003

164,506,517.06

Quantity Traded 576,087

Value Traded 479,033.49

Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 OIL AND GAS Totals

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC.

Page

486 Symbol

No. of Deals 7

Current Price 0.84

DailyRTBRISCOE Summary (Equities)

Page

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 7

Current Price

Quantity Traded 576,087

Value Traded 479,033.49

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

Symbol TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 1.35

Quantity Traded 61,050 61,050

Value Traded 82,225.00 82,225.00

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 659,000 659,000

Value Traded 329,500.00 329,500.00

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

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 4.85 9.63

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000 20,000

Value Traded 46,100.00 91,500.00 137,600.00

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 7 8 15

Current Price 1.45 4.47

Quantity Traded 28,120 71,050 99,170

Value Traded 40,555.32 321,827.36 362,382.68

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.54

Quantity Traded 57,300 57,300

Value Traded 30,096.00 30,096.00

No. of Deals 8

Current Price 2.20

Quantity Traded 52,900

Value Traded 111,066.00

Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059 Road Transportation

ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol AIRSERVICE

Page

No. of Deals 38 46

Current Price 6.86

Quantity Traded 341,642 394,542

Value Traded 2,317,817.58 2,428,883.58

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 3.14

Quantity Traded 136,610 136,610

Value Traded 432,065.40 432,065.40

2,003,759

4,281,786.15

EQTY Board Totals

4,940

315,666,144

3,499,563,132.87

Equity Activity Totals

4,940

315,666,144

3,499,563,132.87

SERVICES Totals

Symbol NAHCO

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

Symbol

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

Symbol BOCGAS

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2

ETF Board Totals

Daily Summary as of 17/04/2015 Printed 17/04/2015 14:59:59.059

Symbol COURTVILLE

Current Price 1.77

Value Traded 2,889,242.59 1,630,088.84 1,887.50 60,833.00 180,600.00 50,000.00 62,754.02 46,250.00 2,800.00 123,000.00 1,316,116.16 6,363,572.11

No. of Deals 2 2

ICT Totals

Value Traded 650,754,843.50 1,356,357,005.35 4 of 12

Symbol TRIPPLEG

Current Price 2,314.00 16.08

Quantity Traded 22 1 23

Value Traded 50,908.00 16.08 50,924.08

50,924.08

Page

Daily Summary (ETP) 2

of 50,924.08

Photo | News

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima (standing); President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (sitted right); Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi (sitted right) and others, during a congratulatory visit to General Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.

L-R: Executive Director, Partnership for Child Development, Imperial College, London, Dr. Lesley Drake; Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, at the London School of Economics Africa Summit.

Second Republic Power and Steel Minister, Dr. Paul Unongo (right), receiving the Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom, in the former’s residence in Makurdi. PHOTO: CEPHAS IORHEMEN

L-R: Leader, House of Assembly, River State, Mr. Chidi Loyld; Director-General, Great Together Campaign Organisation, Mr. Victor Giadom; member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Eric Apie and Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Chioma Golden, at a news conference of All Progressives Congress (APC) members, in Port Harcourt.

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo; Deputy Chief of Staff, Abubakar Kachalla and Director-General, Beareau of Public Enterprises, Benjamin Dikki, at a meeting on National Council on Privatisation (NCP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives member-elect, Ogbia Federal Constituency, Hon. Sodaguo Festus-Omoni; Governor Seriake Dickson and his wife, Dr. Rachael Dickson, during Festus-Omoni’s visit to the governor in Yenagoa.

L-R: Alademure of Ibokunland, Oba Festus Awogboro; House of Assembly member-elect, Obokun State Constituency of Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye and newly inducted Chairman, Obokun Christian Association of Nigeria (OBCAN), Venerable Olu Ariyo, at an induction of new OBCAN Exco at Obokun Local Government Secretariat, Ibokun.

Parish Administrator, Our Lady’s Queen of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Jude Nwigwe, during a mass to mark the 2015 Mother’s Day celebrations at the Our Lady’s Queen of Nigeria, Pro Cathedral, Garki in Abuja.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

News

SOUTH-WEST

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ekiti crisis: Olive branch not cowardice –Fayose Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has said that his extension of the ‘Olive branch’ to the opposition in the state was not a display of cowardice on his part or a sign of being scared of political opponents. He also said his emergence as the governor of the state eight years after leaving office, was an act of God and that the survival or otherwise of his administration would only be determined by God. He made the remarks in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, during a thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Anglican Communion, to mark his victory at the Supreme Court, Abuja last week. Reacting to media reports that he had begged the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the House of Assembly to sheathe their swords on their impeachment plot, he said he only said he was sorry because he had to sue for peace as a leader. “Extending the Olive branch does mean an act of cowardice. The truth is bitter, the media should be told not to twist the truth, but say it as it is. I am hid-

den in Christ and in God. This is why I stand the test of time in spite of all odds. It is God who has done this. “When I contested for the Senate, they said I lost and I did not fight anyone. I did not go to the tribunal and I was saying good things about the government then. The opposition should be courageous enough to accept defeat. I follow President Goodluck Jonathan in and out of office. Jonathan gave up a lot

against the state. In a release issued yesterday in Ado-Ekiti by the lawmaker-elects and signed by Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, Hon. Segun Adewumi and Hon. Adeniran Alagbada, the in-coming lawmakers opined that “Ekiti people, by their votes on April 11, passed a vote of no confidence on the APC lawmakers. “Having been rejected by the people, the APC lawmakers should be civil enough to allow peace to reign in the state. All these talks of impeachment of the governor today, impeachment of his deputy

tomorrow is not the type of stories that we should be hearing from the APC lawmakers. “Rather, they should be asking themselves how they lost the confidence of the people so much that none of them was reelected. “It is, therefore, our plea to the outgoing APC lawmakers that they should use the remaining 42 days to seek forgiveness from Ekiti people that they ran a government that burdened the people with debt. “They should bear it in their minds that Ekiti people are ready for them this time around. Any attempt to test the will of the people, using support from their Lagos-based godfathers, would be resisted by all means possible.”

Watch your back, Bishop warns Buhari Babatope Okeowo Akure

he Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province of the church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Rev. Latunji Lasebikan, has urged the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, to be wary of those pretending to support his

ple my priority has been my sin. Let the opposition accept defeat. I don’t do fetish things, I depend on God. My enemies always make me win by getting the people’s sympathy for me. If God has established this government, it will not crumble. That is why my case is apt to the biblical verses of the Acts of Apostle. It says if it is the will of God, you cannot overthrow it. They say they are coming tomorrow, we will be expecting them,”

Fayose said Earlier, the Dean of the Cathedral, Very Rev Francis Bankole, urged the governor to appoint the right people into positions, while asking the warring parties to bury their differences and work for the development of Ekiti State. “It is you people that can help the government, let all political parties work together for the good of Ekiti. Let all Ekiti people always be thankful to God. Do good things

and say good things about Ekiti,” the cleric said. It was gathered that governor Fayose had, on Saturday, told a prayer gathering that he was ready for peace and pleaded with the APC members of the House of Assembly to allow peace to reign in the state. In his reaction, the leader of the APC legislators, Adewale Omirin, said it was the governor that was acting as a stumbling block to the peace of the state.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon; Chairman, Nestle Board of Directors, Mr. David Ifezulike; wife of the Managing Director, Anita; Olu of Orile Imo, Ogun State, Oba Kolawole Mathew Olubiyi; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Dr. Samuel Adenekan and Lika of Imo, Mrs. Abimbola Odunewu, during the handing over of water borehole to Orile Imo community, Ogun State…at the weekend. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

…Don’t destabilise Ekiti, legislators-elect tell APC ewly elected members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop causing chaos in the state, saying Ekiti people won’t let the outgoing APC lawmakers destroy the state before they leave office. The lawmakers-elect, under the aegis of the Conference of Ekiti State Lawmakers-elect, said what the outgoing lawmakers should be concerned about now should be stock-taking and preparation of their handing over notes, not wagging relentless war

of things for the survival of Nigeria. Jonathan prevented the prophecy that Nigeria would break in 2015 from coming to pass. “It was rough for me to emerge as the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate. My case is like that of Joseph and Shedrach, Meshack and Abednego. I am enjoying the mandate of God. I don’t read things in social media, I’m a governor of the common people of Ekiti. “Making common peo-

ambition for selfish reasons. The cleric also urged the in-coming President to pilot the affairs of the country with the fear of God and ensure that his administration entrenches good governance in order to put smiles on the faces of the people who voted for him. Giving the advice at the weekend in Ondo, in

Ondo West local government area of Ondo State in a speech he delivered at the Third Session of the 21st Synod of the Diocese of Ondo, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), the cleric urged the Presidentelect to fulfill his election promises to the people, so that the confidence reposed would be justified.

Conduct LG election, PDP tells Fashola Wale Elegbede

he Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the non-conduct of local government elections in the state as undemocratic, urging the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola to immediately commence the process of conducting the polls and stop giving support to the continuous existence of undemocratic councils in the state. In a statement signed yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, the PDP urged the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), to make use of the Perma-

nent Voter Card (PVC) and card reader for the council polls, stating that the Lagos Assembly should make necessary amendments to the current LASIEC law to accommodate the use of PVC and card reader to conduct the council polls. According to the PDP, the composition and existence of the councils as presently constituted was illegal, unconstitutional and an aberration to democracy as they are not recognised nor accommodated in any of the nation’s governing laws. The party stated that section 7 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, only recognises democratically elected local government

council is guaranteed. “It is thus unexpected that a lawyer-governor who claims to be a progressive and democrat can continually disregard this constitutional provision and allow illegal, unconstitutional councils since October 2014 when the tenure of the last councils terminated.” The PDP said it was tasking Fashola, to prove beyond doubt that he was truly a democrat by immediately ensuring that LASIEC releases the notice for the local government elections in the state. “We are taken aback that a lawyer- governor can run the state councils with illegal and unconstitutional structures.”

Engage in constructive criticisms, PDP stalwarts advised Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Comrade Jackson Olalekan Ojo, at the weekend charged the national leadership of the party to engage in constructive criticisms against the new government of Mohammadu Buhari, to ensure that the

administration fulfills its mandate to Nigerians. Ojo, who made the remark while fielding questions from newsmen on ways the Buhari administration could transform the country, argued that constructive criticisms are introduced by opposition parties that will ginger his administration to be functional and productive. The party stalwart, who

is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), also decried those who left the PDP for the APC shortly after the party won at the polls. He warned the leadership of the APC to be wary of the PDP defectors, saying: they do not share the same ideology with the party and that it could spell doom for the APC in near future.

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

bonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi, at the weekend attributed the failure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded general elections to not doings things right by the leadership of the party, following the crises that engulfed the party in the build-up to the general elections. He spoke at the Government House, Abakaliki, when he received the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state. He said, ‘’I’m a stickler to doing things the way we have agreed. If you have an agreement in this case, the party’s constitution, in this case a consensus reached with the highest authorities we must respect them. ‘’But because that was not done, the party started having some problems. ‘’The President summoned a meeting in Abuja to iron things out

Why PDP disintegrated, byElechi and ordered that primaries should not hold in four states of Adamawa, Taraba, Ondo and Ebonyi until issues emanating from first congress of the party in those four states were resolved, but the directive was not respected. “Some people who felt that they were more powerful and influential than the President flouted that order and went ahead to conduct the primaries. ‘’Many felt aggrieved and decided to leave the party. I decided to remain in PDP and that was how we disintegrated from being the leading party in the country into now an opposition party. ‘’We who obeyed the President were vilified and castigated while those who disobeyed him with impunity became the angels and saints of the party and this is what I can’t understand till today’’. Governor Elechi explained that he has de-

Coalition calls for polls cancellation in four Abia LGAs

n the build-up to the re-run of the governorship election in Abia State, a coalition of civil society organisation and election observers have called for the cancellation of the election in four local governments of the state. The local governments are Obingwa, Osiioma, Ugwunagbo and Isialangwa North. While giving report on the April 11 gubernatorial election in the state at the weekend, the coalition called for the total cancellation of the election as it accused the state government and the PDP of interference in the polls. The Coalition, led by Comrade David Anyaele, of the Centre for Citi-

zens with Disabilities (CCD), had accused the PDP stalwarts of thumb printing ballot papers in their homes and snatching of ballot boxes. Anyaele, however, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy all erring INEC officers found culpable and have played a role in the controversial election in the state. “We demand for total cancellation of the four Local Government Areas, Ugwunagbo, Osiosioma, Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa north; not some pulling units or wards in those areas because reports from our teams of observers show there is no elections in these areas.”

Resist corrupt politicians, Baptist Convention urges Buhari Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

resident of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, has called on the Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, not to appoint corrupt politicians into his executive council, advising him to shun their advances. Ayokunle gave the advice in Owerri, the Imo state capital while briefing newsmen on the 102 Annual Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention holding at Obinze, Imo state.

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Urging Buhari not to let Nigerians down, Ayokunle said, “Corrupt politicians who already must have been pressurizing you for positions must be avoided in the choice of your team. And the size of government also must be cut down so as to make money available for social and economic development.” He urged the Presidentelect to address the issues of corruption, unemployment, erratic power supply, insecurity, bad road network and other decaying infrastructure across the country.

cided to tow the path of peace and resolved his differences with those who opposed him and called on the Christian

Association to pray for the incoming government to succeed, saying ‘’if it succeeds, we shall all be better for it’’.

Earlier, the state Chairman of CAN, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Nshii, said they visited the governor to thank him

for initiating a reconciliation move after the election which, he said, has restored peace to the state.

L-R: Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; Leader, Aba Union, Elder Emmanuel Adaelu and Secretary, Chief Godfrey Akara, at a press briefing in Lagos...at the weekend

Enugu speaker denies impeachment plot against Chime Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

he face-off between Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state and the Enugu State House of Assembly deteriorated further at the weekend as both sides were engaged in a war of words over a purported N11 billion loan request by the government which led to the non-release of the assembly’s allocation in the last couple of months. Chime had, on Saturday through his press Secretary Chukwudi Achife, hit out at the Speaker of the House, Hon. Eugene Odo, accusing him of embarking on an alleged vendetta mission over his unsuccessful bid to become governor in the just concluded

elections. Last week, the assembly had issued a warrant for the arrest on the Accountant General of the state, following his repeated failures to appear before the House over certain financial issues, especially the issue of the said allocation to the legislature, a situation said to have led to speculations that they may move to impeach the governor. Odo has, however, denied any move of impeachment against the governor, maintaining that the State Assembly had powers to order arrest of the Accountant General of the state contrary to the stand of Achife, that the House did not possess such powers. Reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Agbo, the Speak-

Ebonyi governor-elect assures workers on minimum wage Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governorelect, Chief Dave Umahi, has assured workers in the state that he would fully implement the N18,OOO minimum wage, after the take-off his administration. He also promised to reduce tuition fees in all state owned tertiary institutions, without discrimination. Umahi, who stated this during a thank you visit to some areas of the state, stated that all his campaign

promises would be fulfilled to the people of the state across the thirteen local government areas. He added that he would build a just system which would provide basic needs, ensures equal opportunities for self-development through quality education and gainful employment. According him, war against poverty, through integrated rural development, rapid industrial growth, anchored on our resource-endowment would be pursued by his administration.

er said,“The House for now has no plan to impeach the governor, we are rather concerned with strengthening issues for the interest of the masses. “We are crying for the public to appreciate what the House is passing through; but the House hopes that it would not be

pushed so hard, the lawmakers should be allowed to do their duties”, he stated. But Chime’s aide had accused the speaker of deceiving the public by claiming that the Assembly rejected the loan request, which he claimed the legislators had approved since last year .

Polls re-run: Group cautions against militarisation of Abia election Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

group known as the South East Progressives Assembly (SEPA), has cautioned against electoral fraud and irregularities that may subvert the will of Abia people during the Saturday, re-run election in some areas where elections were inconclusive in the state. SEPA in a statement signed by Ebere Uzoukwa and Comrade Munonye Maximus, President and Secretary respectively and made available to newsmen, alleged that there was a planned collaboration between the military and some corrupt Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to doctor the results of the election in favour of the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate. The statement reads: “The South East Progressives Assembly has been alerted of the nocturnal

meetings involving the Abia State gubernatorial candidate of the APGA, Dr. Alex Otti, some INEC officials, representatives of the state Returning Officer, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba and top military officer from 82 Division of the Nigerian Army to perfect plans on how to rig the Saturday, April 25 re-run election in favour of the ex-Diamond Bank boss as the governor of Abia State at all cost. It is, therefore, our fervent wish to remind INEC and other stakeholders that Abia people have already spoken on April 11 through their massive votes for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. He presently leads Dr. Alex Otti of APGA with 80,053 votes. The total votes in contention in the affected polling units though with 179,224 registered voters are not more than 90,000 after considering non- collection of PVCs and other recurring factors.

News

SOUTH-SOUTH

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Protest votes give APGA victory in Bayelsa’s rescheduled poll

rotest votes against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State at the weekend led to the victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Kolokuma/Opokuma 2 Constituency, Ebiye Tarabina, in the rescheduled House of Assembly election

in the state. Tarabina, according to the result declared on Saturday by the Returning Officer of the election and Senior Lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, Dr. E. Roselyn, Tarabina defeated the PDP candidate, Ongore Ebikeme, with 3, 962 votes. Ebikeme scored 3, 182 votes.

But loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in an earlier statement circulated to newsmen in Bayelsa, claimed that the party is already cruising to victory in the rescheduled House of Assembly polls in Sagbama, Southern Ijaw and Kolokuma-Opokuma constituencies. According to the PDP

agents, the APGA candidates were allegedly sponsored by the First Lady, Patience Jonathan and Waripamowei Dudafa and were roundly defeated at the polls in spite of their undue interference and manipulation of the process. One of the aides of the accused Dudafagha, Bebetimi Dasuo, told newsmen at the

venue of the election that the allegation of manipulation was false. He said: “We are all out to vote for the person and not the Party. The people of Constituency Two believed strongly in the victorious candidate and used their vote to protest against imposition. My boss stayed away because he does not want to be accused

of manipulation.” New Telegraph gathered from results collated from other seven constituencies in which the rescheduled election were held that the PDP won amidst allegation of undue manipulation and intimidation of voters by armed security men deployed by the state government.

NUJ inaugurates committee for delegates’ conference Tony Anichebe Uyo

he Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated a seven-member Credentials Committee to organise its fifth triennial delegates’ conference. The theme for the conference, which is scheduled to hold from Wednesday, June 24 to Saturday, June 27, is “Fostering Safety of Journalists and Building Synergy with Agents of the State.” The conference will elect officers for the post of President, Deputy President, six Vice-Presidents for each of the six zones, six Zonal Secretaries for each of the six zones, National Treasurer, National Internal Auditor and Financial Secretary respectively. The conference will be attended by about 835 journalists from across the 36 states of the federation and

will also attract key labour leaders in the country. The credentials committee, which is chaired by a veteran broadcaster, Mr. Gbenga Onayiga, was ratified by the Central Working Committee/National Executive Council (CWC/NEC) of the NUJ held in Abuja from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2015. Speaking before inaugurating the committee, NUJ President, Alhaji Muhammed Garba, urged the members to conduct credible elections that the union would be proud of. “I want you people to conduct the forthcoming election in a manner that would make it more credible than the just concluded general elections in the country. “We have covered other elections and made criticism; it is time for us to show good example for others to follow,” he said.

Group canvasses zoning of Reps’ speakership slot to S/South Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

s the battle for the speakership position in the House of Representatives gathers momentum, members of the Niger Delta Peoples Confederation (NDPC) yesterday urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the plum position to the South-South geo political zone. They also recommended the choice of the lawmaker representing Owan Federal Constituency, Pally Iriase or his counterpart representing Akoko Edo Constituency, Peter Akpatason, all from Edo State and top ranking lawmakers for consideration for the plum job. In a statement issued by Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture and made available to newsmen in Benin, the group said the choice of either of the two lawmakers have become necessary to reflect the prin-

ciple of federal character as provided for in the nation’s constitution. Iyamu said: “As far as the South-East geo-political zone could not make it to the exalted seat, in order to be fair to all, the speakership position of the House of Representatives should be zoned to the South-South geo-political zone under the leadership of the APC, without any opposition within the party contesting or agitation from other geopolitical zones.” He said Edo State contributed 45 percent votes during the March 28 general elections among all the states in the oil rich region. According to him, “Viewing it from the standpoint of the justconcluded presidential election, where General Muhammadu Buhari emerged the winner on the platform of the APC, it is on record that it is only in Edo State that the President-elect was able to obtain about 45 percent votes in the South-South.”

L-R: Rivers State PDP chieftain, Mr Ferdinard Alabraba; Mr Anderson Hart and General Secretary, Ijaw Youth Council, Mr Emmanuel Alagbariye, at a thanksgiving service in honour of the Rivers State Governor-elect Mr. Nyeson Wike, in Port Harcourt…yesterday

Crisis brews in C’River APC over campaign fund Clement James Calabar

arely a week after the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the Cross River State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is heading for post-election crisis over campaign funds. The bone of contention, according to the National Vice-Chairman (South South) of the party, Hon. Hilliard Eta, who spoke with New Telegraph at the weekend, is the N100 million allegedly given to the State Executive Committee of the party for both the

Presidential and National Assembly elections, as well as the Governorship and House of Assembly elections held on April 11, “but which found its way into the private account of the state chairman.” Eta said he had summoned a meeting of the stakeholders at the weekend to do a review of why the party performed so woefully during the justconcluded governorship poll. “We met to find out why our party performed so woefully in the state after getting more than N350 million for both the Presidential/National Assembly elections as

well as the Governorship/House of Assembly elections. But most importantly, the N100 million which found its way into the private account of the state chairman, which has not been accounted for,” Eta said. He continued; “If the party at the national level worked like the Cross River State chapter, then we won’t have the victory we have today. After getting over N350 million, the party is still where it is. Over N100 million for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, N24 million accrued to the state chapter from the sale of forms and others came under

various subheads. Meanwhile, New Telegraph gathered that at the stakeholders’ meeting called by Eta, there were calls for the removal of the state Chairman of the party, Mr. Usani Usani. A source, who was at the meeting, said members also called on the national leadership of the party to ensure the removal of Usani “to save the party from extinction in the state.” However, when our correspondent put a call to Mr. Usani to respond to the allegation, he did not pick his call, rather he sent a text message that he was in a meeting.

Female cultists attack 17-year-old student Chris Ejim Yenagoa

uspected members of a notorious female cult group at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Ammassoma in Bayelsa State at the weekend, attacked a 17-year-old student over her refusal to accept the offer of membership of the group. The suspected cult members, who were reportedly led by a final year student of the Edu-

cation Department of the institution, known as Annabel, attacked their victim in the hostel and injected her with a strange substance after subjecting her to severe beating and torture. The victim, the daughter of one of the lecturers in the institution, is a student of the Economics Department. While some students claimed that the attack was due to domestic squabbles among roommates, others claimed

that the victim ran into troubled waters with the suspected cultists due to her strict Christian ways and refusal to accept advances to belong to the notorious group said to be involved in lesbianism and other vices. A friend to the victim, who identified herself as Claire, said the victim was attacked about 4.00am last Tuesday in her room. “She was tied to a chair and was severely beaten by four girls. Her attached hair

was forceful removed and was forcefully injected with unknown substances that made her behave unusually. “When her attackers saw that she had fainted, they brought her out of the room and were subsequently apprehended.” New Telegraph gathered that investigation into the incident, which was reported to the Students’ Senate Disciplinary Committee, would be made known to the authorities this week.

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

News 49

NORTH

APC to Aliyu: Return funds taken illegally

lStudy claims properly before going public – Governor’s aide Dan Atori MINNA

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has said that it will consider the apology by the state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, in a statewide broadcast, as true remorse for sins committed, should he return to the state coffers the mon-

ies he has taken illegally. The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Vatsa and made available to our correspondent yesterday, alleged that the Ward Development Project (WDP) funds deducted but not released nor accounted for by the government stands at N13,426,000,000. But reacting to APC’s

allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aliyu said the WDP funds are intact, well utilised and that the record of disbursements of the grassrootbased projects are available for public scrutiny. The governor’s spokesman, while expressing satisfaction over Niger APC conceding that the bond projects were people-based, said the APC

has gone beyond party politics to personally attacking Dr. Aliyu. He said: “Niger State APC should settle down administratively and study records before going public with puerile speculations. They should quit acting like an opposition party. They are now the ruling party brought to power by a bandwagon voting pattern.”

Vatsa, however, said: “The recent apology by Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, during a statewide broadcast is most suitable, considering the fact that he has plunged Niger State backward than it has ever been since its creation.”

According to him, “We in the APC consider his apology as mocking the people of the state, true remorse for a sin committed should come with atonement, such that he can be bold enough to return to Niger State coffers what he knows that he has taken illegally.

APC challenges Jang over senatorial seat Musa Pam Jos

he candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the justconcluded Plateau North senatorial election, Mrs. Eunice Sambo, at the weekend approached the Election Petition Tribunal in Jos to file a petition challenging the election of Governor Jonah Jang at the poll. The APC candidate lost to Governor Jang, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the March 28 senatorial

election. While Jang scored 234, 455 votes, Sambo polled 221, 274 votes to cave in for the former in the keenly contested political battle. She had immediately cried out that the election results were manipulated, adding that she would contest the result at the tribunal to claim what she called ‘her stolen mandate.’ It is not surprising therefore when she filed a petition against the senator-elect last Friday at the tribunal’s premises and was confirmed to our correspondent by the Secretary to the tribunal, Elsie Akpabio.

Gov debunks looting allegation Musa Pam Jos

Gombe State Governor and Governor-elect, Ibrahim Dankwambo (right), displaying his Certificate of Return presented to him by INEC Supervising National Commissioner in Gombe State, Dr Nuru Yakubu …yesterday

45 feared killed in Benue communal clash Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

t least 45 people were feared killed yesterday following a clash between the people of Ologba and Egba communities in Agatu Local Government area of Benue State over a parcel of land. New Telegraph gathered that scores of people who fled the community are taking refuge in villages that are safe, including Obagaji, headquarters of the local government. Egba is the same community where 82 people were killed in March and thousands others were rendered homeless in an attack on residents by armed Fulani insurgents. An indigene of the area and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship running mate, Mr. John Ngbede, told reporters that the warring communities had an intractable communal issue, adding that many people were injured. He blamed the attack on the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government in responding

to distress calls made by the people and advised it to deploy military troops and establish military posts around towns bordering Agatu. He said: “We have made several presentations and appeals to the Federal Government to establish military posts in the towns bordering our area to avert these incessant attacks, but to no avail. My people have been continually attacked and killed like animals and the Federal Govern-

ment has not shown any concern. This is really painful,” Ngbede lamented. Also, in a reaction, a member of the House of Assembly representing Agatu constituency, Hon. Sue Audu, expressed grief over the killings and appealed to the Federal Government to intervene to avert further loss of lives. Some of the inhabitants told New Telegraph that 45 deaths had occurred in Ologba in the

past, adding that fighting was still intense. The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hyacinth Dagala, who confirmed the incidence, said 23 bodies have so far been recovered at different locations in the area. Dagala said the villagers had been fighting over a fish pond and that the renewed crisis was a result of suspicion by Egba community that Ologba people have organised the recent Fulani invasion against them.

INEC vows to improve on future elections Dahiru Suleiman Dutse

he Inde pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to further improve the electoral process in future elections in the country. INEC Zonal Commissioner in-charge of Katsina, Kano and Jigawa States, Ambassador Muhammad Ahmad Wali, said this in Jigawa State

at the weekend. Wali, who spoke at the presentation of Certificates of Return to the governor and Deputy Governor-elect including senatorselect in Jigawa State, said the success of this year’s general elections was informed by INEC’s adoption of improved processes for elections. For example, the introduction of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and the Card Readers

helped the commission a lot in curtailing election malpractices; a situation he said has further improved the process. Earlier in his remark, Jigawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Halliru Aliyu Tambuwel, enjoined politicians to be magnanimous in victory and always accept defeat in good faith, since in any election, there must be a winner and a looser.

he Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, has debunked allegations by the Governor-elect in the state, Simon Lalong, that the Jang administration has started a massive looting of the state treasury. He also accused the administration of sale of government-owned landed property as well as the conversion of government property for personal use, among others. Jang, in a statement through his Executive Assistant, Clinton Garuba, signed and made available to New Telegraph yesterday, described the allegations as baseless and capable of misleading the people.

“Our attention has been drawn to a press statement issued by the media aide to the Governor-elect of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, in which some spurious allegations were raised against Governor Jonah Jang. It will be recalled that the Director of Media, Publicity and Protocol Affairs to the Governorelect. Mr. Festus V. Faunter, had, in a statement, alleged that the outgoing administration was embarking on a massive looting of the treasury, causing irregularities in the civil service records, had embarked on lopsided appointments, sale of government-owned landed property, as well as conversion of government property for personal use, among others.

Suswam moves belongings out of Govt House Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

arely five weeks to the handing over date, Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has been moving his belongings out of the Government House. This was just as his Deputy, Chief Steven Lawani has concluded plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the May 29 handover date. New Telegraph observed that the governor’s prop-

erty are being taken out of the Government House in trucks and mostly at midnight to his Anyin and Abuja residences, where he is expected to stay after leaving office. Our correspondent also observed that since the governor lost his bid to go to the Senate his belongings, including some vehicles, have been moved out of Government House, just as he has stayed in Abuja, ostensibly making plans for a smooth transition for his successor, Dr. Samuel Ortom.

WORLD | News

MONDAY APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

EU leaders call for emergency talks after 700 migrants drown off Libya

s many as 700 people were feared dead after a fishing boat packed with migrants capsized off the Libyan coast overnight in what officials said may be the Mediterranean's worst disaster as thousands flee poverty and war to Europe. Top officials in Europe, whose recently-downsized border protection program has been criticized by international aid groups, said urgent action was needed. EU

foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said foreign ministers would discuss the issue at a meeting in Luxembourg today. If confirmed, the death toll would bring to 1,500 the total number of dead since the beginning of the year resulting from the flow of migrants seeking to flee insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Only last week, around 400 migrants were reported to have died attempting to reach

Italy from Libya when their boat capsized. Yesterday twenty eight people were rescued and 24 bodies recovered from the 20 meter-long vessel, which sank around 70 miles from the Libyan coast, south of the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, the Italian coast guard said. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said later that around 50 people had been rescued of the 700 reported to be on board. "They are literally trying to find people alive among

the dead floating in the water," Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said. French President Francois Hollande said the EU had to do more, telling Canal television that rescue and disaster prevention efforts needed "more boats, more over flights and a much more intense battle against people trafficking." "More EU countries must take responsibility for the refugee situation," said Sweden's Min-

Husband sets wife on fire in Pakistani â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;honour killing'

700 feared dead as boats capsize in the Mediterranean.

Islamic State kills 30 Ethiopian Christians in Libya

slamic State militants in Libya shot and beheaded groups of captive Ethiopian Christians, a video purportedly from the extremists showed yesterday. The attack widens the circle of nations affected by the group's atrocities while showing its growth beyond a self-declared caliphate in Syria and Iraq. The release of the 29-minute video comes a day after Afghanistan's president blamed the extremists for a suicide attack in his country that killed at least 35 people and underscores the chaos gripping Libya after its 2011 civil war and the killing of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. It also mirrored a film released in February showing militants beheading 21 captured Egyptian Christians on a Libyan beach, which immediately

drew Egyptian airstrikes on the group's suspected positions in Libya. Whether Ethiopia would or could respond with similar military force remains unclear. Ethiopia long has drawn the anger of Islamic extremists over its military's attacks on neighboring Somalia, whose population is almost entirely Muslim. While the militant in the video at one point said "Muslim blood that was shed under the hands of your religion is not cheap," it did not specifically mention the Ethiopian government's actions. The video, released via militant social media accounts and websites, could not be independently verified by The Associated Press. However, it corresponded to other videos released by the Islamic State group and bore the symbol of its al-Furqan media arm. The video starts with what

it called a history of ChristianMuslim relations, followed by scenes of militants destroying churches, graves and icons. A masked fighter brandishing a pistol delivers a long statement, saying Christians must convert to Islam or pay a special tax prescribed by the Quran. It shows one group of captives, identified as Ethiopian Christians, purportedly held by an Islamic State affiliate in eastern Libya known as Barqa Province. It also shows another purportedly held by an affiliate in the southern Libyan calling itself the Fazzan Province. The video then switches between footage of the captives in the south being shot dead and the captives in the east being beheaded on a beach. It was not immediately possible to estimate how many captives were killed or confirm their identities.

Pakistani man and his father have been arrested in the country's latest so-called "honour killing" after they set the son's wife alight for leaving the house without asking his permission, police said yesterday. Muhammad Siddique became enraged on learning that his wife, Shabana Bibi, 25, had visited her sister without first asking him if she could go out, her brother Muhammad Azam said. Siddique and his father then beat Bibi before dousing her with petrol and setting her on fire in Central Pakistan's Muzaffargarh district on Friday, Azam said. Bibi had been married to Siddique for three years, during which time she had suffered repeated domestic abuse for the couple's inability to have children, Azam said. Suffering

acts that seek to plunge our country into anarchy". Rioting and looting over the last two weeks have exposed tensions between South Africans and immigrants from across the continent, including Zimbabwe, Somalia, Ethiopia and Malawi. President Jacob Zuma, Saturday cancelled a state visit to Indonesia to deal with surge in violence, and pleaded with foreigners to stay

in South Africa. Heightening public concern over the attacks, the Sunday Times published front-page pictures of a Mozambican man being stabbed to death in broad daylight in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra. The photographs showed Emmanuel Sithole being attacked early Saturday by a man in jeans wielding a knife. Sithole was taken to hospital but died of his wounds,

burns to 80 percent of her body, Bibi died of her injuries in hospital on Saturday. "We have arrested the husband and father-in-law of the deceased woman and charged them for murder and terrorism," district police chief Rai Zameerul-Haq told AFP. The charge of "terrorism" is regularly applied in such cases so as to expedite the legal process. Hundreds of women are murdered by their relatives in Pakistan each year through domestic violence or on the grounds of defending family "honour". The Aurat Foundation, a campaign group that works to improve the lives of women in Pakistan's conservative and patriarchal society, says more than 3,000 women have been killed in such attacks since 2008.

Yemeni troops back exiled leader

he Yemeni commander of a vast military district covering half the country's border with Saudi Arabia pledged support yesterday to exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, local officials said. The announcement puts at least 15,000 troops in the desert and mountain border area on the same side as Saudi Arabia, which backs Hadi and has waged an inconclusive three-week bombing campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen who are allied with Iran. "Brigadier General Abdulrahman al-Halily of the First Military District announced today his support

S/Africa vows crackdown against anti-immigrant attacks outh Africa yesterday vowed to hunt down those behind a wave of attacks targeting immigrants, saying 307 people had been arrested over violence that has left at least seven people dead. The government stepped up its response to unrest in Johannesburg and the eastern coastal city of Durban, with Home Minister Malusi Gigaba resolving to end "all

ister for Justice and migration Morgan Johansson, who called for an expansion of the EU's Triton border protection program, which only operates within 30 miles of the Italian coast. The previous search and rescue operation "Mare Nostrum" was canceled last year because of the cost and because some politicians said it encouraged migrants to depart by raising their hopes of being rescued.

the paper reported. "Perpetrators are being arrested, charged and prosecuted," Gigaba told a press conference in Pretoria. "So far 307 suspects have been arrested in connection with attacks on foreign nationals and public violence.â&#x20AC;?We want to issue a stern warning to those who lend themselves to acts of public violence. We will find you and you will be dealt with to the full might of the law."

for constitutional legitimacy as represented by President Hadi," one of the officials told Reuters. The declaration was also broadcast on official radio in the city of Seiyun, the main city of the Hadramawt valley area where the district's main military base is located. Most of Yemen's military is loyal to powerful ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, whose forces are fighting alongside the Shi'ite Muslim Houthi militia in battles stretching across Yemen's south and east. But the defection of the northeastern troops brings to about 10 the number of divisions that back Hadi. It may point to an increasing sense in the military that momentum favors the president, who resides in exile in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Beginning last week, most of the army divisions along Yemen's eastern Arabian Sea coast evacuated their posts and handed security of their bases and Yemen's Masila oil fields, the country's largest, to armed Sunni tribes. Other powerful tribes followed suit Monday within the First Military District, announcing after a vast gathering that they supported Hadi and the Saudi-led military operation, in a move which likely encouraged the commander's decision.

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

News

International Sport

Mourinho commends Mikel’s two minutes action

Hazard relishes match-winner’s role

Glo League

Heartland, Giwa, Wikki secure away wins

Interview/Features

Sport

I will play for Eagles again, says Ehiosun

Did you know? That Rashidi Yekini is Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations with 13 goals.

CBN juniour tourney serves off in Lagos Âjibade Olusesan

he 9th edition of Central Bank of Nigeria Junior Tennis Championship will serve off today in Lagos, New Telegraph can report. According to the Director, Corporate Communications department of the CBN, Ibrahim Muazu, who was represented by Isaac Okoroafor at the press briefing to herald the competition, the tourney will take place at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club from today (Monday) till Saturday. He said players will compete for honours in U-10, U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories. He said the objectives of the tournament were to “ensured that young talents are discovered early and nurtured to limelight while ensuring a transition platform to seniour category.” He said that the junior competition serves as a feeder to the CBN Senior Open Championships which is also sponsored by the bank. He added that more than 170 young players are expected to feature at this year’s edition.

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Super Eagles players celebrating after scoring a goal with Stephen Keshi (left) passing out instruction

Super Eagles Job Keshi rejects N3m salary Charles Ogundiya and Adeolu Johnson, Abuja

he controversy surrounding the re-appointment of Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, reached a new height at the weekend after the coach failed to sign the contract papers presented to him. New Telegraph can report that apart from his failure to apologise to the Nigeria Football Federation board members over his outburst in recent times, the salary in the new contract was not favourable to the “Big Boss”. According to our source, the salary of N5m proposed in the

• NFF demands total submission previous contract has been reduced to N3m, something that did not go down well with the coach. “The federation is tired of the shenanigans of the coach and is ready to put different hurdles on his way so as to reject the contract,” the source said. “The coach too is not helping matters with his refusal to apologise to the leadership of the federation after his utterances in the past. “To me the time is too short to be looking for a new coach, but Keshi should also come down from his high horse if truly he wants to get back the

job.” The source however said everything should be settled before the end of the week, and hopefully the coach will resume ahead of the AFCON qualifiers starting in June. New Telegraph also scooped from competent sources at the NFF Glass House that the federation wants Keshi to adhere strictly to the terms specified in his contract before he could continue in the saddle as the Super Eagles coach. Top on the list of demands from the NFF top echelon is that Keshi must be submissive to the football authorities in

the course of the job. Our source further disclosed that the NFF wants him to respect and take advice from the federation’s Technical Director and Keshi’s former boss, Amodu Shaibu. They equally want him to jettison his arrogant disposition and see those at the NFF as his employers and not servants. The above factors, our source said, resulted in the delay in signing the new contract last week as the NFF’s President Amaju Pinnick and the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, in company of the federation’s lawyers together with Keshi and his agents, were busy working out the details last week.

52 Sport

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mourinho commends Mikel’s two-minute action Emmanuel Tobi

helsea boss, Jose Mourinho, has praised Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, for his role despite playing two minutes in the Blues’ 1-0 crucial win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. “The team was fantastic. I’m the one that knows how fantastic they were because the game was exactly what we wanted.

When you manage to play the game you want to play, it’s fantastic. The players were magnificent, on top of that Eden had that magic the top players have, especially in big matches. “Obviously he was fundamental for us but Cahill made an amazing block on (Radamel) Falcao, John Terry was amazing, the goal keeper was there for us all the time, Azpilicueta was for me the best player on the pitch and (Branislav)

Ivanovic was fantastic (Nemanja) Matic worked like an animal, (Kurt) Zouma put Fellaini out of the game, our number 11 (Drogba) was another animal, fighting against two kids young enough to be his sons,” Mourinho stressed. He added that, “Hazard was what you know, Oscar worked fantastically well, Ramires came in and gave us what we needed, Mikel came in for two minutes and held the ball,’

Ofere inspires club to Scottish Cup final Charles Adebayo

igeria forward Edward Ofere scored to lift Inverness CT to the final of Scottish Cup for the first time in their history on Sunday after a 3-2 win over Celtic. The game, which stretched to extra time, saw Ofere getting what looked like the winner for Inverness in the 96th minute to give them a 2-1 lead over the Scottish Cup veterans, but John Guidetti levelled for Celtic in the 103rd min-

Mikel

ute, before David Raven’s 117th minute strike sealed the historic victory. Inverness best shot in this competition was reaching the semifinal twice, in the 2002/2003 season when they lost 1-0 to Celtic and in the 2003/2004 season when they lost 3-2 on penalties to Dunfermline Athletic after the game ended 1-1. Inverness CT will now face Falkirk in the final. Ofere’s compatriot Efe Ambrose was an unused Ofere substitute for Celtic.

Crystal Palace, Leicester chase Ujah Lulu splashes N7m scholarship on players C F rystal Palace and Leicester City are amongst a number of clubs interested in signing Cologne’s 24-year-old striker Anthony Ujah this summer. Standing at a little over six feet tall, the Nigeria international has scored 10 goals in 28 league appearances for the German outfit after signing for them on a permanent basis in the summer of 2013. Prior to that, the front man had spent two years at Mainz, but has flourished this term, and has subsequently attracted a fair bit of attention from further afield. Whether or not Alan Pardew

would want to take a gamble on a striker who is completely unproven outside of the Bundesliga or Norway, having started his career with Lillestrøm remains a subject of some debate, but there may well be a belief from those scouting Ujah that he has what it takes to succeed in the English game. Should Palace be serious about making a move for him, Pardew and co. may well encounter one or two problems in obtaining a work permit, given the sporadic nature of his appearances for Nigeria over the last two years, but now, it remains the stuff of pure speculation.

ormer Nigeria Football Federation President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi has awarded academic scholarship worth N7.25 million to 10 U-13 players to pursue their education at FOSLA Academy. The players who were picked from FCT and Kogi state are Emmanuel Yakubu (Idah), Simeon Zakari (Igalamela), Bala Abubakar (Omala), Ayuba Yusuf (Ofu), and Adaji Timothy (Dekina) all from Kogi State, while the

Federal Capital Territory produced Onyeka Chukwu (Kuje), Jeremiah John (Kwali), Gideon Goodlag (Gwagwalada), Nawas Abdullahi (Karshi). Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of FCT Football Association, Musa Talle, praised the former NFF boss. He said that with the quality of players that are currently in the Academy, that the country would soon be the greatest beneficially. He advised the new students to be of good behaviour in the Acad-

Gent stop Simon from U20 World Cup

igeria have been dealt a blow ahead of next month’s FIFA U20 World Cup after Belgian club Gent said they would not release star forward Moses Simon for the tournament because it is not on the FIFA calendar. AfricanFootball.com can exclusively reveal that Gent will block ‘Daddy’ Moses Simon from the World Cup in New Zealand also because they say he is a very important player for them as they close in on the Belgian league title. “Moses Simon will not be released for the World Cup because his club insists the competition is not on the FIFA calendar. This is a mistake on the part of Gent because the World Cup is

Ujah

Okpekpe: New prize money for Edo indigenes

rganisers of the third Okpekpe 10km road race scheduled for next month in Okpekpe have announced a quantum increase in the prize money for the first nine Edo-state born finishers in the men and women race. The respective male and female winners will go home with N500, 000 each,

an increase of N400,000 while the first and second runners-up will get N300,000 and N250,000 respectively. The ninth-placed runner will get N50,000 while the eighth, seventh, sixth, fifth and fourth-placed finishers will go home with N75,000,N100,000,N150,000 and N200,000 respectively.

emy, while ensuring that their football career is not compromised at any point. In his speech, the elated Proprietor of the Academy, Lulu said the FOSLA Academy remains the first privately owned Academy in Nigeria with emphasis on providing youths that are naturally endowed with football talents, the opportunity to continue their education while pursuing their careers in the game of football.

Yusuf Ali, a member of the organising committee and former Africa, Commonwealth and World Universities Games long jump champion explained that the committee arrived at the decision to increase the prize money for the locals because of the need to encourage them and make

them more competitive. ‘The committee feels there is the need to make Edo-state indigenes raise their game and make them more competitive. The new prize money structure will make them train more and, hopefully, we will get them to compete for the main prize of $25,000,’he said.

Simon

on the calendar,” an official informed AfricanFootball.com Simon, who made his Super Eagles debut last month against Uganda in Uyo, is on the provisional 35-man squad for the World Cup after he played a bit role as the Flying Eagles reached the knockout rounds of the 2013 tournament in Turkey. The 19-year-old Simon has scored six goals in the regular season for Gent since his January transfer from Slovakia. Gent are top of the Belgian championship playoffs ahead of Club Brugge and Anderlecht and so on course to featuring in the UEFA Champions League next season.

International Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Pellegrini’s weak, claims Toure’s agent

Y Chelsea’s Eden Hazard sandwiched between Man United players, Juan Mata and Angel di Maria... Saturday

aya Toure’s agent Dimitri Seluk has criticised Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini for making the Ivoirian a scapegoat following a poor season. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from City, with Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan confirmed to be interested. In an interview with The Mirror, Toure’s Monacobased agent Seluk also took a swipe at the City hierarchy for the money that they have misspent. “Some people at City are trying to blame Yaya

for what has happened this season,” he said. “But those people aren’t taking responsibility for their own mistakes. “I am talking about executives who have bought players for a lot of money - and then put those players on the bench. I am talking about executives who spent a lot of money on Stevan Jovetic and then drop him from the Champions League squad. “I feel sorry for Pellegrini. He is a good coach, but a weak manager.” Toure joined City from Barcelona back in 2010.

Adriano rates Messi, Suarez world’s best

Hazard relishes B match-winner’s role

den Hazard said he is revelling in his role as Chelsea’s match-winner after his goal against Manchester United edged his side one step closer to the Premier League title. The Belgian scored his 18th goal of the season to earn the Blues a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge which took Jose Mourinho’s men 10 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table. If they win at the Emirates next Sunday, the Blues could wrap up the title three days later with victory at Leicester and Hazard said he loves his job as Chelsea’s entertainer. Hazard told Chelsea TV: “Every game I try to do one good moment. This is my job. I like my job. I try to give pleasure to the fans when they come to the stadium. I did very well. “It’s very difficult, but in one moment you need something special with a special player like me, or Oscar, Didier (Drogba), Willian. This

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE Team

Pts

1 Chelsea

2 Arsenal

3 Man Utd

4 Man City

5 Liverpool

6 Tottenham

7 Southampton

8 Swansea

-4

9 Stoke City

-3

10 West Ham

11 C. Palace

-3

12 Everton

-2

13 West Brom

-14

14 Newcastle

-20

15 Aston Villa

-21

16 Sunderland

-23

17 Hull City

-16

18 Leicester

-17

19 QPR

-21

20 Burnley

-25

arcelona defender Adriano has described Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez as the “best attack in the world” and is relieved that he is playing alongside the trio and not against them. The former Sevilla fullback believes that no other side can boast the talent the Catalan outfit has, disregarding Real Madrid’s attacking three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. “I think we have the best at-

is why we play football, to play this kind of game and to score against this kind of team.” Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille after their Champions League win in 2012 and has won the Europa League and this year’s Capital One Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. He said helping Chelsea to win their first Premier League title in five years is the next objective. “I came to Chelsea to win this league,” Hazard said. “I know how difficult it is to win this league, because every team tries to play, every ewis Hamilton exgame it’s a battle for three points. tended his World “When you win this league you Championship lead can say to everybody ‘yes, I won the with his third victory of English league.’ It’s not easy.” the 2015 season in a Bahrain GP in which a rejuvenated Kimi Raikkonen claimed a brilliant second place. Although Hamilton nevston Villa will take on Ar- er enjoyed a lead of more senal in the final of the FA than six seconds at any Cup after producing a stun- stage of the 57-lap night ning fight back to beat Liverpool race, the Briton took con2-1 at Wembley and reach their trol of proceedings from the start and expertly manfirst FA Cup final for 15 years. Tim Sherwood’s side found aged his tyres and pace in themselves a goal behind on the half hour mark as PFA Player of the Year nominee Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring. Villa responded just six minutes eal Madrid have conlater as Fabian Delph crossed for firmed that Luka Mothe in-form Christian Benteke, dric has strained ligawho fired his ninth goal in his last ments in his right knee and six matches. must now wait to see when The turnaround was complete the influential midfielder in the 54th minute when Benteke will be available again. and Jack Grealish combined to reModric, who only came lease Delph, who fired past Simon back from a four-month inMignolet to give his side the lead. jury lay-off in March, was Liverpool pressed for an equal- substituted in the second iser as the game wore on and Ste- half of Real’s 3-1 home win ven Gerrard, making his final over Malaga on Saturday FA Cup appearance for the club, after damaging his knee in thought he had levelled the scores a challenge with visiting with just minutes remaining only midfielder Recio. for his header to be cleared off the The Croatia international line by Kieran Richardson. underwent tests on Sunday There were four minutes add- morning and, while Madrid ed on at the end of normal time have not given any estimate and Mario Balotelli had one final on how long Modric might chance but his header flew over the be out for, reports in Spain bar as Villa held on to reach next suggest he could be sidelined month’s final. for up to six weeks.

tack in the world,” the 30-yearold said, according to Goal.com. “Messi, Suarez and Neymar have learned to play with each other very quickly. There is an amazing understanding between them on the field of play. “We are all very relieved to have the three of them on our team and not be playing against them!” Messi scored his 400th goal for in Barca’s 2-0 win over Valencia, helping maintain their two-point lead at the top of La Liga.

F1: Hamilton victorious in Bahrain

Aston Villa to battle Arsenal in FA Cup final

the evening conditions of the desert to secure yet another win and open up a 27-point championship lead. Behind the world champion, however, the battle for second place proved to be both tense and fastchanging with Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel and, in by far the finest performance of his second Ferrari career, Raikkonen all going head-to-head and wheel-to-wheel at various stages of the race.

Modric injury worry for Real

A club statement read: “Following tests carried out on Luka Modric at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been found to have a strain to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. His situation will be monitored.”

Modric

Adriano

RESULTS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Man City 2 – 0 West Ham Newcastle 1 – 3 Tottenham C’Palace 0 – 2 W’Brom Everton 1 – 0 Burnley Leicester 2 – 0 Swansea Stoke 2 – 1 Southampton Chelsea 1 – 0 Man Utd GERMAN BUNDESLIGA Bremen 1 – 0 Hamburg Wolfsburg 1 – 1 Schalke Dortmund 3 – 0 Paderborn Freiburg 2 – 3 Mainz Hertha 0 – 0 Cologne Hoffenheim 0 – 2 Bayern Leverkusen 4 – 0 Hannover Augsburg 2 – 1 Stuttgart ITALIAN SERIE A Sassuolo 1 – 1 Torino Roma 1 – 1 Atalanta Chievo 1 – 1 Udinese Empoli 2 – 2 Parma Palermo 2 – 1 Genoa Sampdoria 0 – 0 Cesena Juventus 2 – 0 Lazio SPANISH LA LIGA Vallecano 2 – 0 Almeria Granada 1 – 1 Sevilla Barcelona 2 – 0 Valencia La Coruna 1 – 2 Atl. Madrid Real Madrid 3 – 1 Malaga Ath. Bilbao 4 – 0 Getafe

Sport

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Glo League: Heartland, Giwa, Wikki secure away wins Charles Ogundiya

eek four of the Nigeria Professional Football League produced some Tantalising results as three different teams recorded away victories in some of the matches played on Sunday. Heartland recorded the biggest victory of the day, ending Kwara United’s unbeaten start to the season in a 3-1 victory in Ilorin. Giwa of Jos defeated Rangers 1-0 in Enugu through a 50th minute goal by Shuaibu Ibrahim, despite the on-

slaught from Rangers strikers, Giwa ended the game with the three full points. Godwin Obaje was the hero for Wikki Tourists, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 away triumph over Abia Warriors in Aba Ahmed Mohammed gave Wikki the lead in the 51st minute of the game before Chikara equalised for the home team from the spot in the 68th minute as Obaje broke the heart of the Umuahia fans scoring the winning goal. In Kano, Moses Ekpai got the only goal at the end of the first half to give the

league defending champions the maximum three points at stake in a 1-0 defeat of Enyimba of Aba. Bayelsa United put an end to FC Taraba’s good run with a 1-0 victory in Oghara, while Akwa United put their season back on track with a 1-0 defeat of Gabros International now known as Ifeanyi Ubah FC. A last minute goal gave Sunshine Stars a 2-1 victory over Dolphins of Port Harcourt in Akure as Shooting Stars of Ibadan picked their Enyimba’s Chinedu Udoji (right) chasing Rangers’ Efe Yarhere during a Glo League match first point of the season in a 0-0 draw away to Nasarawa United.

Abuja ready for 2015 Unity Polo tourney Adeolu Johnson Abuja

igeria’s capital city, Abuja is bracing for a huge flock of tourists as Guards Polo has concluded plans to host another bill board event, the Abuja Guards Unity Polo Tournament, that would further reposition the federal capital city as a major destination of choice when it comes to the king of sports. Chairman of Guard Polo Club, Senator Mohammed Jibril, confirmed that the 2015 edition billed for May 12 to 19 would be the most competitive and exciting in years. He said that the annual event is supported by corporate heavy weights in communication, banking, oil and gas and manufacturing sectors of the economy. “Since democracy took root in 1999, every May 29 has been celebrated as a

public holiday in honour of the country’s progressive growth as a democratic nation and we are using the Unity tournament to celebrate our much cherished democracy,” he explained. “We are also using this carnival polo tournament to let polo enthusiasts and the business communities know that the Nigerian capital city has a facility like the Guard Polo Club that can comfortably host an international polo tournament of any magnitude,” the Senator said. Tournament Manager, Aliyu Umaru, confirmed that everything was on ground for a successful hosting of the tournament. “Our pitch is in top shape and the location of the Guards Polo Club remains a tourist delight. Those who would be part of this historic event are guaranteed a most exciting and memorable time in Abuja,” he added.

NCF to construct N200 cricket pitches in Abuja Adeolu Johnson Abuja

he Nigeria Cricket Federation said that it would construct two international standard cricket pitches at the Abuja National Stadium. Emeka Onyeama, President of NCF said in Abuja that work on the project would commence on April 17. Onyeama said the aim was to provide quality playing pitches to boost Nigeria’s chances of securing the hosting rights for the 2016 Cricket World Cup. According to him, the N200 million for the project will be provided by the federation’s new sponsors, Montage Cable TV. “We want to be able to host

cricket World Cup and invitational tournaments from countries all over the world because Nigeria is a very big market. “We want to use this ground to commercialise the game in Nigeria and reach out to many countries to ensure quality matches are played here on a weekly basis. “Television stations will be expected to buy broadcast rights and we cannot do this if we do not have an international standard ground, that is why we are working hard to have these pitches in place,” Onyeama said. He said work on the pitches, covering 22.5 hectares, would be completed in three months ahead of the National Cricket Club League in September.

EAGLES ROUND-UP

Martins, Ogbeche, others hit target Musa, Ujah fire blank Ajibade Olusesan

Ajibade Olusesan

layers outside the mainstream of the Super Eagles maintained their good run abroad as Obafemi Martins, Batholomew Ogbeche, Edward Ofere and Dele Alli all hit target for their clubs last weekend. Martins scored for the second week running, helping Seattle Sounders to a 3-1 victory over Colorado Rapids in the MLS. The former inter Milan striker hit target in the 71st minute to score his fourth goal of the new MLS season. Ogbeche rescued a point for his Dutch Eredivisie side, Cambuur, in their 1-1 draw with Excelsior in a week 28 encounter at the Cambuur Stadion and the Nigerian also created history in the process. The home team was trailing up to the last minute of the encounter before Ogbeche fired past the opponent’s goalkeeper, Gino Countiho, who had been in excellent form all night. The striker who was in Nigeria’s squad to the 2002 FIFA World Cup has taken his tally to 15 and he is the first Cambuur player in history to reach

Martins (right)

that figure. Ofere got his name in the history book when he scored in Inverness’s shock 3-2 win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup on Sunday. The Nigerian scored the second goal as the less fancied

side reached the final of the competition for the first time. Nigeria-born England youth international Alli scored his 16th league goal on Saturday in a 6-1 thrashing of Leyton Orient in an English League One tie.

uper Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa, has now gone six matches in the Russian league without scoring after he fired blank again in CSKA’s 1-1 home draw with Krasnodar on Sunday. Musa last scored for CSKA in their 2-1 win at Terek Grozny on March 7 and despite playing for 90 minutes on Sunday he could not help his team to victory at home. Anthony Ujah was also caged at Hertha Berlin as his Bundesliga side, Cologne, played a goalless draw with their hosts. Ujah who scored in Cologne’s 3-2 win over Hoffenheim penultimate weekend has 10 goals to his credit in 22 league matches. Odion Ighalo suffered similar fate when he failed to add to his 20 Championship goals when Watford defeated Birmingham City 1-0 on Saturday. Victor Anichebe who replaced Brown Ideye in West Brom’s starting line-up against Crystal Palace did not score as Baggies won 2-0 but the Nigerian generally had a decent outing.

In Turkey, Godfrey Oboabona was reinstated into the starting Rizespor’s lineup in their 3-1 loss at stanbul Baakehir on Saturday. The defender bagged a 68th minute yellow card in his 15th league appearance for the club. Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi’s woe continued in Lazio as he was again overlooked in the club’s 2-0 loss to Juventus in the Serie A on Saturday. The Nigerian has not played in Lazio’s last five matches and he has not started for the club since October 2014.

Musa

Interview/Features 55

NEW TELEGRAPH MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

I will play for Eagles again, says Ehiosun and keep soaring higher. I know I’m working hard and doing well and by God’s Grace I will be back.

Ekigho Ehiosun’s celebrated move to Europe hasn’t gone as expected and he now plays for FK Gabala in Azerbaijan. In this exclusive interview with sl10.ng, the former Warri Wolves striker said he was still enjoying his football It’s nice talking to you again. Tell us how it has been with you these past years Thank you so much. It’s been okay, God has been faithful to me and I can’t complain. I have life, I’m doing what I know how to do, and I’m having fun. That’s enough to be grateful for. You started your career in Europe in Turkey, but how and why did you make the switch to Azerbaijan? There are some situations you have to consider in order to make things work for you. Like they say, when the desirable is not available, you have to make the available desirable. There were too many problems in Turkey and they were too much for me to handle. There was also the issue of limited number of foreigners in the Superlig and there are no wages in the first league. You need money, to take care of things, even though it isn’t everything. So how would you describe the Azerbaijani experience so far? Well like you said, it is an experi-

The Super Eagles have been struggling lately. What do you think could be the reason? Struggling is part of it, it is part of the game. It cannot be smooth sailing all the time, when we find some good rhythm, things will turn around. Moreover to get results, you have to struggle sometimes because it isn’t always easy. So I’ll say struggling is allowed but not for long. We will get there by God’s Grace and all things being equal. It will take the whole team to achieve that and I believe they will.

ence and I will say so far so good. The league is growing, and the most important thing is that I’m playing football here. The league is also highly competitive. I’m enjoying the experience, even though the cities are not so good but the capital, Baku, is a great place. Playing football apart from the money involved has been fun to me. And I can say I’m really having fun. Speaking of money, how much money is there playing football in Azerbaijan? I can’t really say, but it is better than playing a whole season without getting paid. Okay. At some point you were heralded as the next big thing in Nigerian football. Four years down the line, you seem to have disappeared. What happened? Do you think you left Nigeria at the wrong time? Disappeared? Really? You think so? My friend I left when I ought to. I have no regrets. I enjoy what I do with my feet and it’s a gift from God. If you’ve followed up closely, you would have known I didn’t move an inch. Not be-

Ehiosun

ing in the media daily doesn’t mean it was a wrong time to move. So looking at it now, do you still think of playing for the Super Eagles again? Of course I will play again when the chance comes. It’s a matter of time and chance and when it comes again, I will take it. That I am not in the Super Eagles for now doesn’t mean the Super Eagles is not in me. I’m an Eagle; I soar high always

So what’s the next plan? Are you moving during the summer transfer window? Next plan? Working towards that. Got some offers already but still weighing them. I can’t tell for now, you should know about that. Anyway, they (my club) already made it clear they want me to stay and they await my response. It’s not something that will be hidden. If I’m staying or not, when it’s time, trust me you will always know. Any final words to your fans? I love them more than they know and can’t thank them enough for their support and prayers. I’m still me, still doing my thing I’ll always make them proud.

Gebrselassie the best I have ever seen – Coburn US steeplechaser and 2014 IAAF Continental Cup winner Emma Coburn, the third fastest woman over the barriers in the world last year, in this interview with the official website of the IAAF, gives her opinion on some of the best things in her world.

Gebrselassie

ignore the other people in the race and just focus on myself. I try to do this and not let other athlete’s reputation or times cloud my focus. My main rivals are probably the best girls in the world but I try to tune them out.

Greatest achievement in athletics I actually have two. Making the 2012 Olympic final as a collegiate athlete and finishing as the top American in London in the steeplechase was a brilliant moment. Secondly, running a US record for the steeplechase (9:11.42 in Glasgow although not subsequently ratified) last summer was also a great achievement. It is hard to take away the Olympics. I was very young but also very happy to show poise under pressure. Another fond memory was running 9:11 because I had set that as a goal. It is hard to distinguish between the two. Best friend in athletics That has to be my training partners: Kara Goucher, Jenny Simpson and Shalaya Kipp. Shalaya competes in the steeplechase so we travel the circuit and spend so much time together internationally. Jenny and I are on the same Diamond League schedule and we are best friends on the circuit. Kara is more of a mara-

Best piece of coaching advice My coaches (Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs) like to use the phrase ‘business as usual.’ They’ve constantly communicated to me not to let others dictate my life, so that I should take ownership and responsibility of my craft. They have said to me, whether in practise or on the start line of a race, that it is me that has to make all the little things happen.

Coburn

thon runner, but she has been a great friend to me both on and off the track. Greatest rival Although I have been competing internationally for three or four years, I have found my best technique for coping is to

Greatest disappointment I was in my senior year at college racing at my last NCAA meet in Eugene (in 2013). I was hoping to get the collegiate record but the day before I found out I had a stress fracture in my back. I still competed, but my main concern was trying to finish the race in one piece. I did win (in 9:35.38) but I definitely wanted to run faster.

Greatest indulgence My greatest indulgence is sweets and ice cream. I usually have a cookie or ice cream every day. I can’t live without a little chocolate or ice cream! Best athlete ever seen I’ve watched many of Haile Gebrselassie’s great races and I can’t believe how he manages to close out races as fast as he does. He is an athlete I’m amazed to watch. I’ve watched a video of his 10,000m record online and he grinded it out the whole way. I also really respect Allyson Felix. In my mind, she is such a great all-round athlete not only for her ability to consistently win medals but also her poise under pressure. She also impresses me how kind and how normal she is. Best other sport I love watching college basketball and American football. I love playing beach volleyball when I am on vacation, but I have to be careful these days not to play too often. I also like to shoot around with a basketball, but I don’t play contact games these days.

On Marble

A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying. – B. F. Skinner

World Record

Sanctity of Truth

John Lennon's molar tooth sold at auction was set by an upper right canine tooth extracted from the mouth of Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon I of France), in 1817, which sold for the hammer price of £11,000 (then $19,140) at the Dominic Winter auction in Wiltshire, UK.

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

N150

Public arena The column you write

Repulsive impunity and grandstanding Mecha Udo

ithout doubt, one of the reasons the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lost and is still losing massively in the 2015 general elections is the fact that the party wittingly or unwittingly embraced, nurtured and promoted impunity as the hallmark of its conduct in all its affairs and even in the affairs of state. Having come to power through elections that were far from being free and fair, the party did not care about the feelings of the people, it did not bother about operating as a creation of our democratic experiment, it disregarded, abused, and jettisoned the nation’s laws, it abandoned every democratic tenet within its ranks and became a law unto itself forgetting that it was a creation of law. For the first time in the history of democracy in Nigeria, a political party fielded candidates that did not go through any real intra party primary election. The powers that be at various levels of the party apparatchik selected and imposed candidates at its wimps. The broad membership of the party whose responsibility it is to elect party flag bearers for elections at party primaries were completely alienated; it was the will of the high and powerful in the party that prevailed at every stage. Well articulated and evidenced protests by disenfranchised candidates were treated with disdain; after all, they could not afford to pay the price for a party ticket. The selection process was conducted using the principles of monetocracy; a new kind of selection systems invented by PDP that selects candidates based on the weight of aspirants wallets. Even President Goodluck Jonathan made history by becoming the first PDP Presidential candidate that did not face any candidate at the party primaries and this was not because they were no interested and keen candidates, but because the party emasculated every form of opposition and treated as abhorrent and offensive, any other indicative interests in the office of the President no matter how qualified the aspirants may have been. The PDP candidate therefore went into the national elections untested, the ways and means of real politicking was lost on them as they understood only the processes and methods of political exclusionism and intolerance of opposition candidates. This must have formed the basis for the party’s decision to do nothing about selling its own candidate, but instead focused on ways and means of either disqualifying or eliminating the opposition candidate. But they did not know what time of day it was; they failed to see the desperate yearning of the people for change, they refused to heed the very loud call that the system was grinding to a disastrous halt because of the brazen reign

Attahiru Jega

Orji

of impunity within its ranks and in the land, they called the opposition paper tiger, even when that opposition had ripped their party into two unequal parts and taken the larger part. They were blinded by greed, power and financial gains and lost every sense of decency, decorum and civility in their conduct and disposition, the people left them and they did not know nor did they care. While the electorate were resolved to change the way things were done and not necessarily political parties, the electoral umpire worked hard to also reform the electoral processes, PDP did not care, it believed only in its time tested unlawful, immoral and despicable methods of stealing the people’s mandate. Little wonder that when reality dawned on them, they attacked the electoral umpire and the newly introduced methods with all the venom they could muster, but that was doing too little too late. The rest is history. PDP has made negative history. They left the people with no choice as they offered none. The reform of the electoral processes where the people are now having more voice in the choice of their leaders has however been restricted to only four geopolitical zones in the country. The South East and its brother South South where the PDP still holds sway are still embroiled in all manner of electoral malpractices. They have not only rejected the new measures aimed at reforming our electoral processes and thereby create an environment of political responsibility, but they have completely destroyed just about every opportunity or avenue of having the people participate in the choice of their leaders. Instead of a reform, we now face a completely deformed and warped culture that has damaged the political psyche of the people of these zones. Elections in these zones are now

completely hijacked by armed gangs, state apparatuses are now deployed to do the unwholesome, electoral officers are heavily compromised to thwart the will of the people, even where they (the people) have defied intimidations to come out and cast their votes. It is no longer rigging in these zones, there are now brazen shows of taking power by force no matter what the people say or think. People are chased away by armed gangs, ballot boxes are snatched (even in the full glare of television cameras), ballot papers are carted away to homes of individuals to be thumb printed by hired thumbs, sometime under the watch of unscrupulous and compromised security men, fakes of sensitive INEC materials are produced and used as authentic even to the knowledge of INEC officials, people are killed, maimed, harassed and compelled to stay away from polling centers. The exercises have been turned to some sort of war that is executed without recourse to any known conventions of war. It is simply not democracy and it does not have any semblance of it. We have seen the worst of this style of brigandage in Abia state, where a sitting Governor, Chief Theodore has abandoned his mandate to govern but now supervises over criminality in the name of electioneering. The Governor now breeds thugs; erstwhile students of higher institutions in the state, he is promoting cultism, arming same deviants with lethal weapons all in an attempt to foist his unpopular choice on the people he has asphyxiated with bad governance and diabolical practices even in government affairs. He is now overly determined to sustain the reign of terror in the land even after he would have left office on May 28th 2015. Having failed to keep his own son away from cultism, he now glories in destroying other people’s children by encouraging active participation of

these students in crimes of every nature in the state. It is now official that Abia state has become the core dreg of the Nigerian society, it now sits at the bottom of the ladder of every form of development (economic, social, and human). While other states have had their elections, losers have congratulated winners and the rest of the society have since moved on with their lives, Abia is still in the throes of political death , held down by a brigand led by the outgoing Governor. Abia has become a national embarrassment, Abia is now a sore point in our evolving democratic culture, and Abia is now a political and economic emergency requiring urgent attention from other component parts of the country. We must note that when one part of the country ails, the country cannot be said to be at ease. There is need for intervention from the highest levels of government in the area of security and the electoral process in Abia state. Even as a rerun of the governorship elections have been slated for the 25th of April 2015, INEC is encouraged to move its headquarters to Umuahia, to oversee the elections. There is an immediate need to reshuffle the postings of the electoral officers in the state. The malignant corruption virus has eaten deeply into the states security network and the electoral umpires and watchdogs, so a more national and neutral set up should oversee the re –run. And above all, electoral officers who have one way or the other breached the provisions of the law and/or violated the oaths of their offices should be made to face the full wrath of the law. In Abia, we have heard of cases where known government officials have led thugs to commit crimes including armed robbery; for that is what it is when a ballot box is snatched at gun point. We have read of the Governor taking over the functions of INEC officials by directing the production of fake results. The last time we checked forgery was still a crime in Nigeria. We have cases of known and named council caretaker Chairmen (the Governor’s appointed stooges) stealing Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and other sensitive electoral materials. In the same state we have also seen cases where electoral officers have manipulated data collected from the polling units, the story of the Resident Electoral Commissioner being summoned by private interested parties and intimidated to alter electoral processes and pronouncements have also been told. From all intents and purposes these are high criminal activities that must be addressed if we hope to make progress in our democratic evolution. Fortunately, there is no status of limitation in crime, so these acts of high crime must be necessarily recorded and dealt with at the appropriate time. •Dr. Udo, an attorney on holidays in Nigeria, is based in Barbados.

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