New telegraph thursday, march 17, 20binder2 by Newtelegraphonline

New Telegraph Economic Summit holds today

he much-anticipated New Telegraph Economic Summit takes place today at the Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos. The Summit, enriched

by the array of accomplished public and private sector figures it has attracted, was convened to highlight the compelling arguments for the diversification of the Nigerian

economy from its present excessive dependence on oil. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, would formally inaugurate the Summit, which

features speakers like Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the former

Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr.

Godwin Emefiele, would give the keynote address at the Summit whose theme, Nigeria: Beyond the Oil Economy, was an apt choice that reflects the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Thursday, March 17, 2016

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N'Assembly fails to pass 2016 budget }5

Saraki

APC leaders woo ex-Governor Osoba }3

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Osoba

Teenager jailed 37 years for duping American of $40m }8

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Igbokwe

Arms scandal:

We bought N740m houses for Badeh’ s sons –Witness l'Ex-CDS spent Air Force funds on N1.1bn mansion' }3

L-R: Barr. Benjamin O. Kalu, Mr. Christian Bouvier, Mr.Giovanni Afflisio, Mr.Marc Van Doornick, Mr. Stephen Verhaegen, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (Chairman), Ms. Pauline Mercier (Company Secretary), Mr. Damien Bindels and Mr. Nicholas Bindels after Q1 2016 Solcarbon Board of Directors meeting in Brussels, Belgium... on Tuesday.

Troops reclaim armoured carrier from terrorists

lFemale bombers kill 26 worshippers in Borno}4

Heavy snoring increases cancer risk- study }10

ThurSday, March 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

D a i ly T e l e g r a p h P u b l i s h i n g Co m pa ny Ltd. Presents

ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2016

Theme:

Nigeria: Beyond the Oil Economy

Keynote Speaker:

Special Guest of Honour:

Mr. Godwin Emefiele

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Executive Governor, Lagos State.

SPEAKERS:

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole

Chief Audu Ogbeh

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Otunba Segun Runsewe

Executive Governor, Edo State

Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals

Ex-Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC)

DATE:

March 17, 2016

TIME:

10:00am prompt

VENUE: Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

R S V P: Laurence Ani 0802 310 3360

Taiwo Ahmed 0803 304 2915

Yemi Ajayi 0802 314 2833

Supported by:

Lagos State Government

Edo State Government

Dangote Group

NEWS

ThurSday, March 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

How we bought N740m houses for Badeh’s sons –Witness Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

former Director of Finance and Account of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Salisu Abdullahi Yushua (rtd), yesterday revealed how the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd), diverted public fund to purchase properties for himself and his children. Yushua, a Prosecution Witness, told the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that Badeh bought a N1.1 billion property for himself and N770 million properties for his two sons in Abuja with the money belonging to the Nigerian Air Force. Badeh is being tried over alleged diversion of about N3.9 billion belonging to NAF. The witness told the court that the money was diverted by the former CDS between 2012 and 2014. In his testimony, Yushua told the court that Badeh instructed him to buy houses for two of his sons in a highbrow area of Abuja. According to him, the former defence chief in-

structed him to look for choice property for his first son, Alex Badeh jr., because he wanted him to own a house. The witness claimed that Badeh bought a house at Wuse 2 at N260 million for his first son, renovated it with N60 million and furnished it with N90 million. He also said that when Badeh’s second son turned down a house worth N340 million, a second house had to be bought for N330 million. “My chief also told me he wanted his second son, Kam, to own a house. The name of the owner of the house is Isiaka Rabiu. “I told him the price of the house was about N340 million. He directed me to pay. I paid the dollar equivalent of the money to Rabiu. The money was from the normal amount I take to my chief monthly. “When Kam saw the house, he didn’t like it. When my chief saw it, he said we should look for another one. “One evening, I was sitting in my house. One Hon. Bature called and requested me to see him. He was then living at Kumasi Crescent at Wuse 2. When I saw him, he told me he wanted to sell his house. He was building another

Crude oil rises as producers meet on output freeze

il prices rose yesterday following announcement that producers will meet next month in Qatar to discuss a proposal to freeze output as U.S. crude production declines. Producers both from and outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will hold talks in the capital, Doha on April 17, Qatari Oil Minister Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said. The minister said in a statement that about 15 OPEC and non-OPEC producers, accounting for about 73 per cent of global oil output, supported the initiative. Brent crude futures were up 78 cents at 39.52 dollars a barrel at 1140 GMT.

144.39m

The total number of connected lines of Nigeria in May 2015. Source: Ncc.gov.ng

£8.5m

The amount of money received by Everton in the January 2016 transfer window. Source: 101greatgoals.com

U.S. crude futures were trading 79 cents a barrel, higher at 37.13 dollars. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela, along with non-OPEC member Russia, agreed last month to freeze output at January levels, but Iran has rejected such a deal. On Monday, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said a deal could be signed excluding Iran, which he said had the right to boost oil output after years of sanctions. Kuwait plans to take part in the meeting, acting oil minister, Anas al-Saleh said yesterday. Analysts, however, said talks about freezing output would do little in a global glut that sees more than one million barrels of crude produced every day in excess of demand. But Standard Chartered said supply concerns due to non-OPEC production cuts could drive prices above $60 a barrel by the end of the year. "We think that in coming months, supply-side concerns will dominate, particularly when global inventories start to fall, which we think will happen in the third quarter," the bank said in a note.

house somewhere. “He requested me to find someone who can buy the house. I told my chief (Badeh) and he said he wouldn’t like Hon. Bature to know that he was the one buying. “I told him we could use Barrister Useni Umar. I told Useni that my chief would like to buy a house, but he wouldn’t want the buyer to know he is the one buying. “I took Useni to Hon. Bature as an agent. After two days, the barrister told me he had concluded negotiation with Bature and that he had agreed to sell the house for N330 million. “My chief directed that I should pay for the house. I took the equivalent of N330 million in dollar, which was deducted from

his (Badeh’s) own money, and effected the payment. “I collected the title documents for the house and handed them over to my chief," he added. Speaking further, the witness told the court that NAF is funded through budgetary allocation under capital, overhead and personal monument subheads and that the amount budgeted and approved for NAF each year varies, but said they receive a little above N4 billion monthly for personal emolument only. "We usually receive a little above N4 billion monthly for personal emolument, however, our total wage bill as at that time was over N2 billion including salaries and allowances. After salaries and allowances are

paid, we usually have a balance of about N1.6 billion or N1.7 billion monthly. "Out of the amount, the sum of N558 million is usually earmarked for Chief of Air Staff’s control while the balance is disbursed to Commands and directorate unit for priority projects and training," the witness told the court. Yushua further stated that the former CDS instructed that the N558 million should be changed into dollar denomination and he, in turn, directed the finance officer to convert it into dollars. He, however, told the court that he had no written instruction because it was verbal instruction. He further told the court that every month, he and the finance officer take the

sum in dollar to Badeh's residence at Niger Barrack, Abuja. He said in January 2013, Badeh told him that he wanted to buy a house and he made inquiry and got a house in Ogun Street, Maitama, through a friend. According to his evidence, Badeh inspected the house and paid N1.1 billion to purchase it after being satisfied with the property. "He directed that we should pay for the house after negotiation was completed. He brought the balance to make up N1.1 billion and I gave the money to Barrister Hussein Umar, who sold the house on behalf of the owner," he added. According to the witness, when Umar asked CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

L-R: Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja… yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

APC leaders woo ex-Governor Osoba Wale Elegbede

arring any last minute change, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, would soon be returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he dumped for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the build-up to the 2015 elections. It was learnt that Osoba is likely to return to the governing party before the party’s convention scheduled for April. Osoba headed the constitution drafting committee of the APC. New Telegraph learnt that the National Leader of APC and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is the brain behind Osoba’s return to the governing party. Governor Ibikunle Amosun is not part of the planned return of Osoba. His political associates are likely going to work against the return. Multiple sources told New Telegraph that Tinubu and some leaders of

the party in the South-West have been holding talks with Osoba on his return to APC. It was learnt that Osoba told the party leaders that he cannot return to the party as a “new comer, having been a foundation member.” The former governor stated that he must be accorded similar recognition like pioneer members. “I can tell you that the likes of Tinubu wanted him back in the party as soon as possible, but the cold response in the governor’s camp to the purported return is adding a fresh twist to the whole issue. “Interestingly, those working behind the scene for his return are planning an elaborate welcome back for him, but Aremo has insisted that he wants a low key return devoid of all fanfare since he was a founding member of the party,” a source familiar with the arrangement told New Telegraph. According to the source, the closeness of Amosun to President Muhammadu Buhari may be employed

to settle scores between the two Egba-born politicians. “Many believe that Osoba left the party that he helped form, based on principles. You know in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, but permanent interest. I think Amosun is not comfortable with the return because the major issues that caused the misunderstanding between the duo has not been addressed. The return of Osoba to APC, if not well managed, may pitch Amosun against Tinubu, especially if the terms of the governor are not considered. “Also, the intrigues around his return might not be unconnected with the game for 2019, both at the state and national levels. You know Osoba has friends across the land and his influence is quite enormous.” He stated that Osoba, who was instrumental to the emergence of Amosun in 2011, is already in talks with his supporters on the modalities of their return to the party.

Efforts to speak with the former governor proved abortive, as calls made to his cellphone were not answered. He did not respond to the short message service (SMS) sent to his phone. Recently, the lawmaker representing Ifo/Ewekoro federal constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, gave a hint that federal lawmakers from APC in Ogun State are set to wade into the row between Amosun and Osoba. “The difference between them was political rather than personal. We are going to work with both of them,” Isiaka stated. In the build up to the 2015 elections, Osoba fell out with Amosun. Hence, Osoba, alongside the three former serving senators in the state – Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East); Akin Odunsi (Ogun West); Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central); former deputy governor, Segun Adesegun; seven out of the nine House of Representatives’ members from the state, as well as a chunk of the state House of Assembly members, pitched tent with the SDP.

NEWS

ThurSday, March 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Troops reclaim armoured carrier from terrorists

Emmanuel Onani, Anule Emmanuel and Ahmed Miringa

he Nigerian Army yesterday said that its Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) that was captured by Boko Haram fighters, during the July 9, 2015 attack on Buni Yadi, Yobe State, has been recovered by troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion. The Army, which made the disclosed this in a statement by its spokesman, also noted that many suspected fighters were killed during the clearance operation, which resulted in the repossession of the APC. It added that troops cleared Boko Haram's camp at Golgore and Bulasari, between Tuesday and yesterday, even as it said a soldier, who sus-

tained gunshot injuries during the last operation, was being treated at a general hospital in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. The statement reads: "In continuation of the clearance operations of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists’ reported locations and hideouts by the military, troops of 120 Task Force Battalion cleared the camp at Bulasari. This is coming after clearing Golgore camp on Tuesday. "During the operation, quite a number of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed while one of our soldiers sustained gunshot wound. The solder’s condition is stable and is currently being managed at Damaturu General Hospital. "One of the most significant aspects of the operation was the recovery of Nigerian Army APC earlier captured by

the terrorists during an attack on Buni Yadi on 9th July 2015. The APC was discovered at Golgore River line and it has since been evacuated. "This operation has further proven our commitment to rid our country of the menace of Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal elements in the society." Meanwhile, two female suicide bombers yesterday attacked Umarari mosque, on the outskirts of Maiduguri in Borno State, killing 26 worshippers. No fewer than 18 faithful were injured. The first bomber struck inside the mosque while the second blew herself up outside as survivors tried to flee the scene of the attack. The incident took place about 5:30a.m. New Telegraph learnt that the first female

bomber, who dressed like a man with a turban on his head, detonated the bomb and instantly killed 17 worshippers inside the mosque, except the Imam who sustained severe injuries. Shortly after the first bomb was detonated, the second terrorist rushed under the tree outside the mosque with a baby strapped to her back, screaming for help. As soon as some women rushed to offer her help, she blew herself up killing nine people including her baby. A survivor, Umar Usman, said he escaped because he was late to worship. "We were just a few metres away from the mosque when a loud bang erupted and all we could see was dark smoke and bodies littered around," he told The Associated Press. The Nigerian Army confirmed the attack.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Northwest University, Kano, Prof. Mustapha Ahmad Isa; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Pro-Chancellor/ Chairman of Council of the university, Mallam Sule Yahaya Hamma; member, Governing Council, Hajia Maria Alikote and Executive Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Halima Dangote, during a visit to Dangote corporate office in Lagos

AMCON's liabilities rise to N6.6trn Philip Nyam Abuja

he managing director of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Ahmed Lawan Kuru, yesterday said the corporation’s liabilities now stand at N6.6 trillion. Kuru, who disclosed this at an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives’ Adhoc committee on alleged fraudulent sale of banks by AMCON, also explained that the liabilities were incurred after the purchase of bad loans worth N3.3 trillion at the sum of N1.7 trillion. The AMCON boss, who resumed duty on November 10, 2015 and claimed not to be aware of most of the transactions in the sale of Enterprise Bank to Skye Bank, however confirmed that due diligence was adhered to in the deal.

Explaining why AMCON took over Aero Contractors but refused to do same to Arik Airline, which is also a debtor, Kuru explained that AMCON owns 60 per cent stake in Aero and needed to take over in order to recover its money. He also stressed that Aero showed weak corporate governance unlike Arik Air, which has a strong corporate governance and is making positive efforts towards paying its debts. “The difference between Aero and Arik is that we owned 60 per cent equity in it in addition to a N12 billion debt and it showed weak corporate governance; from a fleet of 15 in 2015, it went down to three. We envisaged that if we did not intervene, there would not be any Aero by now. “Arik as it is today is a very solid airline and it has not shown weak cor-

porate governance and I believe in the next two weeks, we will resolve our issues,” he disclosed. The committee headed by Hon. Albert Adeogun expressed concern at the rise in liabilities particularly as AMCON owes the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N4.5 trillion. "About two months ago when we met, you said the liabilities of AMCON stood at N4.5 trillion, today you say its N6.6 trillion. What are the components of this liability? Who are your creditors," Adeogun inquired. Responding, the CBN governor represented by the Director of Banking Operations, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, said that while the debt to the CBN stood at N4.5 trillion, the N6.6 trillion includes calculated interest which would have accrued to the debt by 2024. "AMCON looks at its cash flow periodically

and the banks generate N250 billion annually to AMCON, they have assets that can pay off their liabilities and by 2024 when AMCON is expected to be wound down, the liabilities would have been extinguished," she said. She added that due diligence and due process were followed in the sale of Mainstreet and Enterprise banks, adding that the buyers, Skye Bank and Heritage Bank, were not permitted to use depositors’ funds. Testifying before the ad hoc committee, Executive Director, Legal and Corporate Services, Skye Bank, Abimbola Izu, reiterated that AMCON misrepresented facts during the sale by hiding Enterprise Bank liabilities to them. She lamented that they were given a sketchy information about the true picture of the bank before the transaction was sealed.

The life expectancy at birth of women of Fiji in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org.

N1.36trn The projected expenditure of Foreign and Domestic Debt Service of Nigeria’s 2016 Budget proposal. Source: Channelstv.com.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, the first blast occurred in a mosque, while the second one happened about 50 metres away. "This is to confirm that there were twin person-borne improvised explosive attacks carried out by two female carriers in Ummarari village near Molai, outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, this morning (Wednesday). "The first attack targeted a mosque, while the second blast took place about 50 metres away, a few minutes later. Sadly, 22 people were killed and 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries," the statement said. It added that military, security operatives as well as "care givers" have since been mobilised to the area, even as the injured are said to have been evacuated to Molai General Hospital, for medical attention. "Troops, security agents and care givers have been mobilised to scene, while the wounded have been evacuated to Molai General Hospital for treatment. The troops, security agents and the Civilian JTF have secured the area and are combing the environment for possible clues," the Army said. The Army, however, reassured the public of its

determination to defeat Boko Haram, even as it enjoined the public to "be more security conscious, cooperate with the troops and security agencies." President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the terrorist attacks. The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, assured that with the current renewed determination of the Nigerian security agencies, coupled with the regional and international attention constantly now focused on the eradication of terrorism, the final end of Boko Haram is in sight. Buhari stated this yesterday in Abuja while commiserating with families of the victims of the attacks. He said the condemnable and reprehensible attack on a place of worship by perpetrators who pretended to be worshippers, has once again exposed them as mere criminals who have no place among civilized people. He expressed his deepest sympathy and condolence to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Borno over the incident. The president, who wished speedy recovery to those injured, also commended the security agencies and care givers for their prompt deployment to the area and reaffirmed that those who perpetrate, finance, organise and sponsor these reprehensible acts of terrorism will not escape punishment. Buhari implored Nigerians to continue to remain vigilant to the antics of these lawless individuals and cooperate with the relevant government agencies “in our unshaken resolve to defeat the enemy.” He prayed for the repose of their souls.

New Telegraph Economic Summit holds today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

grim economic realities occasioned by declining oil price. Emefiele would be speaking on the topic, Returning Nigeria to the Boom Days: Prospects of a Non-Oil Economy. Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State, would be speaking on Digging Deeper for New Wealth: Opportunities in Solid Mineral Resources. Former NTDC helmsman, Runsewe, who had earlier lauded the initiative behind the Summit,

would be speaking on the topic: Our Heritage, Our Destinations in a New Economy. "Your proposed summit could not have come at a better time than now that our economy is undergoing very severe downturn, occasioned by the dwindling prices of petroleum products," an extract from his letter said. Other papers for discourse are Nigerian States: Beyond the Mono-Product Economy and Back to Land: Nigeria's Boundless Prospects in Agriculture.

NEWS

ThurSday, March 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rivers rerun: We’ll deal with perpetrators of violence –IGP Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has read the riot act to wouldbe perpetrators of violence during Saturday's rerun elections in Rivers State. He said the police are ready for the agents of violence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed March 19 for the conduct of rerun elections into three senatorial districts, 12 House of Representatives and 22 House of Assembly in Rivers State. There has been heightened tension in the state in the past three weeks, leading to killings and abduction of innocent people. But at a joint press conference with the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu in Abuja yesterday, Arase said the intelligence unit of the Nigeria Police has conducted a comprehensive security threat analysis of Rivers State.

£16.5m

The amount of money spent by Everton in the January 2016 transfer window. Source: 101greatgoals.com

The life expectancy at birth of men of Fiji in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

According to the IGP, "The areas likely to present major security threat, as well as individuals who are poised to make themselves available as political thugs to threaten the peaceful conduct of the electoral process, have been identified. "I can assure you that appropriate mechanisms have been duly put in place to prevent these antidemocratic elements from manifesting their criminal intent." He, however, said police cannot make any arrest now since no crime has been committed, but said they were being closely watched. Arase, who defined the role of the police during the election to include assisting INEC to enforce the electoral laws, protect lives and property, prevent crimes, enforce criminal laws and bring all criminal elements to justice in line with the police mandate as enshrined in Section 4 of Police Act and other relevant extant laws of the Federation, said police personnel to be deployed for the conduct of the rerun polls would "be potent enough to deal firmly, swiftly and professionally with any individual regardless of his or her political leaning or status." He disclosed that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, Abuja has been deployed to Rivers State to assess the security situation, un-

dertake threat analysis and perfect the mobilisation and deployment of Police assets to address noticeable threats. Apart from the DIG, Arase disclosed that the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, three Commissioners of Police (one each to the three senatorial districts), three Assistant Commissioners of Police and 6,000 police personnel have been equally deployed to reinforce security in the state during the elections. The IGP added that the 6,000 police personnel would "comprise of eight units from visiting PMF Squadrons, and 46 units from the three existing PMF Squadrons in Rivers State. "Conventional policemen are also being drawn

Abuja

he Senate will not be able to pass the 2016 budget proposal as it earlier promised Nigerians two weeks ago. Spokesman for the Senate, Aliyu Sabi, gave the indication yesterday in Abuja, when he briefed journalists on the Appropriation Bill in the National Assembly. At yesterday’s plenary of the House of Representatives, the budget report presentation was missing on the order paper. Spokesman for the House, Abdulrazak Namdas, explained that though it was not laid yesterday, it will be laid today. He assured that the House is committed to passing the budget before members proceed on Easter break. However, the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, said that the budget would be passed next week Tues-

day. The Senate had proposed to pass the bill on February 25, but was unable to fulfill this task due to the contentious padding and other sundry issues raised against the bill. Later, the joint National Assembly Committee on Appropriation, through Senator Danjuma Goje, told Nigerians that the report of the bill would be laid before the two chambers on March 16 and then considered and passed today. Sabi said that the budget would be laid today and then subjected to further legislative actions that would culminate in the passage of the bill as soon as possible. He explained that the briefing became imperative to forestall possible suspicion, speculations and anxieties within and outside the National Assembly on the position of the budget. He said: "All is almost set for the laying of the 2016 budget tomorrow (to-

mocracy has evolved to a level where political gladiators and electorate should allow morality, integrity, genuine national passion, service and the dictates of the law to guide their actions. Arase warned politicians that the days when political power is attained through the rule of violence rather than the rule of law and democratic values are fading away. INEC Chairman, Yakubu, said the rerun elections would be conducted in 23 local government areas of the state comprising 319 wards and a total of 5,942 polling units and voting points. His words: “INEC has engaged 24,930 ad-hoc staff drawn from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and students of fed-

eral tertiary institutions, specifically the University of Port Harcourt, the Federal College of Education (Technical) at Omoku and the Federal University in Otuoke in Bayelsa State. The INEC chairman also disclosed that training of poll officials has since commenced and would be rounded off today, adding that Smart Card Readers would be used for the confirmation of the PVCs and authentication of voters. According to him, all non-sensitive materials have already been deployed to each of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State while sensitive materials, expected to arrive Port Harcourt yesterday, would be shared to the LGAs and Registration Area Centres (RACs) on today.

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Mrs. Yetunde Ajayi; Chairman, Dr. Bunmi Ajayi; and Mr. Oreoluwa Fadayomi, during the inauguration of the Committee on Restructuring of the State Building Control Agency (LSBCA) by the governor, in Lagos… yesterday.

N'Assembly fails to pass 2016 budget Chukwu David and Philip Nyam

from 13 states of the federation to complement the manpower profile of River State Police Command. "In addition, Special Protection Units, Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), Federal Special Anti- Robbery Squad, operatives of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Counterterrorism Unit and Marine Section of the Force are also being deployed. "These land and marine assets will be complemented by aerial surveillance to be undertaken by not less than three Police helicopters. "The Nigeria Police will also be supported by other sister security agencies and the Armed Forces," he said. Arase reminded politicians that the nation's de-

day) in the Senate chamber as we have promised Nigerians and with that, one or two processes that are required will take place and we will have our budget as promised. "We are laying the budget tomorrow; that means that every little work that needed to be done with respect to getting that budget as an appropriation has been done. Literally, laying the budget tomorrow means that beyond laying it, we will discuss it, by taking it clause by clause and giving it the loud voice that would proclaim its passage.” When asked why the Senate was unable to keep its word by passing the budget today, the lawmaker said: "When a target is set, it is to allow you to work very hard to achieve the target. By virtue of the fact that the budget would be laid tomorrow (today), it shows that we had worked so hard to get to that point. The rest after laying the budget is merely administrative.

'Badeh spent Air Force funds on N1.1bn mansion' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

in whose name the house document should be prepared, he said it should be prepared in the name of Iyalikan Nig. Ltd, a company, which the commission said Badeh has interest. The witness further stated that sometime in 2013, Badeh also approached him that he needed a plot and an engineer was brought, who sighted Plot 1386, Oda Crescent, Wuse 2, which was later paid for at the cost of N650 million after being satisfied. Earlier, the court had refused an application by Badeh seeking to stop further hearing on the 10-count criminal charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preferred against him. Badeh, through his counsel, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try him on the basis of the charge, which he said was grossly defective. In his application dated March 15, Badeh argued that the charge did not disclose any offence known to

Money Laundering Act, insisting that the charge lacked legal validity. However, counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to disregard the application, saying it was a deliberate ploy by the defendant to stall the commencement of his trial. Jacobs argued that sections 221 and 396(2) of the ACJA, 2015, provided that any objection challenging jurisdiction of the court or validity of a criminal charge must be considered alongside the substantive case. He contended that it was late in the day for Badeh to raise the objection since his trial has already commenced. In his ruling, the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, held that there are laid down procedures for the prosecution of criminal cases under the ACJA. “Having regards to section 396(2) of the ACJA, the application can only be considered alongside the substantive issue and ruling delivered along with

judgement on the matter. “Section 221 of ACJA said objection shall not be entertained during proceeding or trial on the ground that a charge is defective. The court can only entertain and make findings on the application at the end of the proceeding and ruling delivered when the matter is decided. “Right of the defendant to be heard has been preserved till the end of the proceeding. It would have been a different matter if this is a civil matter or if it was raised before the enactment of the ACJA. As at today, the law has changed. “The application is hereby refused. The prosecution is hereby directed to call its first witness for the trial to commence now,” the judge held. The court later adjourned to March 23 for continuation of trial. The court had earlier admitted Badeh to bail in the sum of N2 billion with two sureties in the sum of N1 billion each. Badeh is, however, yet to perfect his bail condition.

ThurSday, March 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

In the Court of Appeal of Nigeria

ThurSday, March 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

In the Court of Appeal of Nigeria

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

UNILAG MSSN protests alleged clampdown

Mojeed Alabi

embers of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) yesterday grounded activities on the campus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The students, who were protesting what they described as the clampdown on their activities by the management of the university since October last year, paralysed human and vehicular movements for more than two hours. This came as about 102 students of the university’s Faculty of Science, who were foundation students of the College of Medicine, kicked against the decision to bar them from proceeding to 200-level, having fulfilled all the requirements expected of them. The MSSN members, who were in their hundreds, carried placards with various inscriptions, warning the university against abusing their fundamental human rights to freedom of religion and association. One of them, who preferred anonymity, said the university had acted on a petition by anonymous individuals accusing the society’s leadership of financial recklessness. He said: “The university has since looked into all the allegations and found

out that they were frivolous and unfounded. Yet, instead of lifting the ban placed on our activities, it rather imposed a staff adviser on us and forced our former staff adviser who was freely chosen by the association, to resign.” But in its response, the Deputy Registrar (Information), Mr. Toyin Adebule, said the university was already working towards resolving all the contradictions. Adebule said there was a new policy on the campus demanding that all associations and clubs be registered and required to follow certain laid down rules. He said: “You know most of these societies engage in a lot of activities requiring regulation. Most of them seek donations outside the campus and there are other activities that we need to moderate. So the process of registration is being perfected and we will communicate you appropriately.” Meanwhile, about 102 students and their parents have decided to approach the court to pursue what they described as the university’s decision to mortgage their future by denying them the opportunity to proceed to the Medical College at Idi-Araba, having fulfilled all the necessary academic requirements.

The protesters Photo: Mojeed Alabi

Igbokwe

Teenager jailed 37 years for duping American of $40m A 19-year-old secondary school leaver, Tobechukwu Igbokwe, was yesterday sentenced to 37 years imprisonment by a Lagos High Court for defrauding an American of $40 million (about N7.96 billion) in an inheritance scam. Igbokwe was arraigned before the court, presided over by Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo, on a 12-count charge bordering on forgery, conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences. Akapo found him guilty on all the counts and sentenced him accordingly. He was sentenced to seven years on counts one to eight; eight years on count nine; seven years on count 10, eight years on count 11 and seven years on count 12, making a cu-

mulative of 37 years imprisonment. The sentence is to run concurrently with effect from October 28, 2013. The court also ordered Igbokwe to return the $40 million as restitution to the victim and forfeit a Toyota Corolla car, proceeds of the crime, to the Federal Government. Igbokwe was arraigned on Monday, October 28, 2013 and pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge pressed against him. He later changed his plea to “guilty” and was convicted by Akapo accordingly. Before the conviction, the prosecuting counsel, Kayode Oni, tendered various exhibits before the court which were all admitted and marked as such. However, the defence counsel, D. A. Omougbai, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy,

since Igbokwe had shown enough remorse for the offences he committed. Igbokwe (alias David Prince) and his accomplice, Ifeanyi Obi, were alleged to have duped an American, M. Silva, of $40 million in an inheritance scam. Silva was made to believe that Igbokwe and his accomplice had a huge inheritance which they wanted to move to a foreign account for safe-keeping. The victim was asked to send money to “process” the transfer and in the process, he wired $40 million in several installments through Western Union to Igbokwe. Igbokwe also confessed that he had duped other foreigners. Some of them are T. Bedwell ($6,000) and R. Hunt ($15,000).

Lagos, Mile 12 traders agree on market relocation Muritala Ayinla

raders at Mile 12 Market, Lagos yesterday agreed to the planned relocation of the market and restriction of the commercial motorcyclists popularly called Okada riders in the area. The agreement was reached after weeks of meetings with

Lagos State government over the closure of the market on the heels of the bloody ethnic clash which led to the death of over 10 persons and destruction of property worth millions of naira. Speaking at a joint press briefing by the leadership of the Mile 12 Market, Maidan

and Agiliti communities, the market’s Financial Secretary, Alhaji Sheu Usman, said they had decided to work with government in achieving its goals. He said: “We have resolved to ban the use of Okada as a means of commercial transportation in the area because of their flagrant disobedience to

the 2012 Road Traffic Law. “Also, they cause road accidents in the area. For instance, they were responsible for the breakdown of law and order that predicated the present crisis in our community. Shanties and blighted areas within the communities that could harbour miscreants will be

removed in order to eliminate illegal activities of hoodlums from the community.” Usman explained that the shanties were illegal structures and unsuitable for human habitation. He added: “These areas are prone to landslides and other environmental problems especially flooding. Their removal will greatly enhance the security of lives and property in the communities.”

METRO

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

10 killed, six injured in Ogun auto crash Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

en people were yesterday killed while six others sustained injuries in an auto crash at the Ajebo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident involved an Iveco truck marked GGE 338 XL and a fully-loaded Mazda commercial bus with registration number APP 912 XH. It was learnt that the crash occurred about 2:10p.m. when the commercial bus attempted to overtake the truck. The Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ogun State Command, Davis Ogiamiem, said the accident was caused by wrongful overtaking. Ogiamiem, a deputy corps commander, disclosed that the accident occurred at a section of the highway where there was traffic diversion. According to him, the driver of the commercial bus, who was travelling from Ibadan to Lagos, rammed into the oncoming truck. He said: “The cause of the crash was

due to wrongful overtaking and loss of control by the driver of the Mazda commercial bus. “He was travelling from Ibadan end to Lagos, it was in that process that the driver rammed the bus into an oncoming Iveco truck, travelling to Ibadan. The accident occurred around 2.10p.m. this

afternoon (yesterday).” Ogiamiem added that the victims’ bodies had been deposited at the mortuary of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu. He said that the six injured passengers were taken to the same hospital for medical attention.

The scene of the accident

Motorists travel 100km to buy fuel Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

otorists in Ilorin and other parts of Kwara State now travel as far as Oyo town, a distance of about 100 kilometres, to buy fuel. This followed the bickering between the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and members of the Independent Petroleum Marketing Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). No private filling station is selling the product throughout the state. This started on Monday in line with a ‘warning strike’ declared by IPMAN. Our correspondent, who went as far as Share in the northern part and Ajase-Ipo in the south, reports that no

An empty filling station

station was dispensing fuel. The development has pushed the black market price to between N300 and N400 per litre as at the time of filing this report as there appeared to be no end in sight to the face-off between the two groups.

The crisis was triggered by the insistence of the DPR that independent marketers must comply with the regulated price regime while the marketers said they would only sell at prevailing market price. Last week, DPR officials

sealed stations not complying with its directive. But as they were doing that, IPMAN leaders were opening the affected stations. On Tuesday night, the DPR announced that it had suspended monitoring of sales of fuel in filling stations in the state following threats to the lives of its officials. The Head of Operations of DPR in Kwara State and acting Operations Controller, Mr. Oyedele Ibitayo, who made the announcement, alleged that some IPMAN members were causing security threat to lives of some officials while discharging their duty. Ibitayo, who explained that the last outing of the department was done with police escort, which he described as anomalous in a civilised society, attributed the negative action of IPMAN members to DPR’s refusal to allow them to sell petrol above the official pump price.

Girl abducted on her way to UTME centre Camillus Nnaji

20-year-old student, Miss Chioma Clement, has been reported kidnapped while on her way to sit for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)-conducted Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at Agidingbi, Lagos. Her guardian, Mrs. Njideka Orazulike, said the girl left home at 7:10a.m. on March 10, for the examination centre at Agidingbi Secondary School, Ikeja, but had not returned since then. Orazulike said Chioma had hurriedly sent a distress SMS to her that day which reads: “They beat me and collected my phones. I don’t know where I am now. Mummy please, save me.” Orazulike said that was the last contact she had with Chioma as her phone had been switched off since then and nobody had come up to give any information about her. She said the abductors had not in any way communicated the family. The businesswoman said Chioma had been with her since she was five years old. “She has been with me for 15 years since she was five years old. Her mother is in Enugu, but I have been catering and training her in school here in Lagos,” she added. Orazulike said her husband had reported the incident at the police station at Grammar School, Ojodu Police Station and Ikeja Police Station. She said: “We want to reunite with her. I know God will do it. As for the abductors, I don’t know what they want from such a small girl. None of her friends had been able to see her since then too.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmus, did not pick her calls for confirmation.

Chioma

City Briefs

Fire guts two-storey building Taiwo Jimoh

ire yesterday razed a twostorey building at Surulere area of Lagos metropolis and destroyed property estimated to worth millions of naira. Witnesses said the incident started about 1a.m. at 27, Durojaiye Street, Pako, Surulere when occupants of the building were asleep. It was learnt that the cause of the inferno could not be ascertained. Some of the residents said the fire could not have been caused by an electrical surge because they had light for over four days without any itch. A security man, Umaru, said when they noticed the fire, the occupants ran out of their flats. He said: “I don’t know how it started. We contacted the fire service officials immediately we saw the fire to prevent it from reaching other floors.

The fire officials really tried and I am glad nobody died. Some of the occupants only sustained injuries when they were trying to escape from being caught by the fire.” At the scene, some occupants of other buildings were returning their belongings into their houses after moving out of for fear the fire might spread to their own buildings. A resident, Mr. James Onuoha, said everyone was deprived of his sleep because of the fear it was going to spread. He said: “My wife and children spent the night packing our belongings. We couldn’t afford to lose anything. It was double work for us in the morning. I have not experienced this kind of fire before.” Meanwhile, another bungalow housing 10 rooms at 5, Oseni Street, Sabo, Yaba, Mainland, was also gutted by fire. The state Director of Fire Service,

Bedlam over kidnappers’ dungeon hoax Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

T Fadipe

Mr. Rasak Fadipe, said the service received a distressed call from the residents about the burning building at Surulere but his men were able to put out the fire. He said: “We responded to the inferno and rescued the occupants of the building unhurt except a few people who sustained minor injuries when they were trying to escape from being caught by fire.”

here was uproar in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday over alleged discovery of a kidnappers’ dungeon around College Crescent, Oke-Ado area of the metropolis. Some residents attempted to lynch an Igbo trader trading in the vicinity. It was, however, discovered that the man, simply identified as Okezie, operating in an uncompleted building around Imalefalafia area, appeared to have mental challenge. Okezie, who runs a car wash, allegedly attempted to stab a student of a private school near a popular printing press on College Crescent but he escaped and fled to his school. The principal, it was gathered, went to the spot with the boy to ascertain his claim. He was said to have said before the principal and police, while pointing at Okezie that: “He was pursuing me with a knife.” This scene, which attracted the police and a large crowd of people, caused apprehension as parents started to pick their children from schools in the area.

NEWS | national

NCC explains lifting of regulatory ban on MTN Kunle Azeez

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday, explained what informed its decision to lift the ban on regulatory services, which it placed on MTN Nigeria for several regulatory infractions. The Commission, in a letter signed by its Head, Compliance, Monitoring/ Enforcement, Mr. Efosa Idehen and the Head, Legal and Regulatory Services, Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye, specifically

stated that the lifting of the suspension was as a result of several letters from MTN to the NCC. The letter stated that, “we have reviewed MTN’s plea and also took into consideration the fact that MTN has abated all the infractions that gave rise to the suspension of regulatory services by the Commission.” However, the regulator was quick to note that the lifting of the ban on regulatory services was, in no way, related to the fine the Commission imposed on MTN on October 20, 2015

NNPC faults claim of non-remittance of N3.2trn

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has faulted the claim by the Auditor General of the Federation(AuGF) that it failed to remit N3.235 trillion to the federation in 2014. This was contained in a statement signed by Isiaka Abdulrazaq, NNPC Group Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Accounts, yesterday in Abuja. It would be recalled that the AuGF had, on Monday, announced that the NNPC failed to remit N3.235 trillion to the Federation Account for the period ended 31st December 2014. "NNPC wishes to state in strong terms that the AuGF’s declaration is erroneous. " It should also be noted that although this period is before the New NNPC Management’s appoint-

ment in August 2015, the management still deems it fit and important to correct any misinformation about the activities of the corporation," it said. It added that if not corrected, it would adversely affect its current and future financial and operational plans. It said that since the new management was appointed, it placed great emphasis on transparency, accountability and integrity. That, it said, could be seen with the initiatives such as the publication of NNPC monthly Financial and Operations Reports in all major newspapers as well as on its website. Others include focus on cost reduction across board, which had yielded a drop in monthly operational losses from N30 billion in August 2015 to three billion naira in January 2016.

DISCLAIMER

Alhaji Abdul .A. Salam Tijani (General)

HEAD OF AKINLOWO OLAIFE FAMILY

We, the family of Akinlowo Olaife family residing at Shasha, Lagos State, thereby disclaims Alhaji Abdul .A. Salam Tijani (General) of 7-9 Ojo Ogundana Crescent, Akonwonjo, Lagos as the head of the Akinlowo Olaife Family. Tijani should stop parading himself as the Head of Akinlowo Olaife family, Shasha, Lagos State. The only recognised Head of Akinlowo Olaife family, Shasha, Lagos is Chief Tajudeen Odubiyi. Any person dealing with Alhaji Abdul A. Salam Tijani in connection with Akinlowo Olaife’s family, does that at his/ her risk. Members of the public, take note.

for failure to deactivate 5.2 million improperly registered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards for which a fine of N1.04 trillion was imposed. According to the Director, Public Affairs of NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, in a statement issued by the Commission yesterday, the infractions that led to the suspension of regulatory services to MTN predated the fine. According to NCC, the regulatory services suspension-induced infractions included but not limited to tariffs and promotions by MTN in letters from NCC of May 4, 2015, May 9, 2015 and May 25, 2015 respectively to withdraw unapproved tariffs and promotions specifically MTN Trutalk, MTN Best II promotions

among others. The Commission said: “Compliance checks on MTN showed that it had failed and deliberately refused to comply with the directives issued by the Commission. “In spite of that, it continued to introduce additional promotions in utter disregard for the NCC directive, contrary to the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and Regulation 8(2) of the Enforcement Regulations 2005 and the relevant provision in the Guidelines for Advertisement and Promotion.” According to the Commission, further communication with MTN in letters dated June 19, 2015 and July 13, 2015 did not in any way discourage the operator from these infractions.

thursday, march 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Fashola: Diversification will improve power supply Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

inister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has reiterated the commitment of the government in diversifying its energy mix for improvement of electricity supply. According to the Minister, who spoke while receiving in audience the visiting Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Yukiya Amano, the mix will go beyond the traditional sources of gas, oil and Hydro to include nuclear and other renewable sources like solar, biomass and wind. In statement from the Director of Press, Mr. Timothy Oyedeji, the Minister commended the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission and its team of experts for the research works and human capacity building effort in

this specialized field. Also, he urged the Commission to leave no stone unturned in letting Nigerians know that nuclear energy is for peace, hence it could be used for developmental purposes in engineering, medicine, environmental protection, security, agriculture and food security. Fashola challenged Atomic Energy experts to do more in the area of public enlightenment as many Nigerians have limited knowledge about the use of nuclear technology for power. “You must begin to break down the seeming complex issues around nuclear power into simple terms and language that our people can understand. We must try to demystify issues around nuclear power in Nigeria”, he said, adding that the nation cannot afford to be left behind in the acquisition of appropriate nuclear technologies.

L-R: Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and National Commissioner, INEC, Prince Solomon Adedeji Soyebi, during the joint press briefing of IGP and INEC Chairman on the Rivers State byeelection schedule for 19th March, 2016 in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO:ELIJAH OLALUYI

Heavy snoring increases cancer risk Appolonia Adeyemi

eing a heavy snorer may cause cancer tumours to grow and spread as this starves vital organs of oxygen. These findings were presented at the European Association of Urology Congress in Munich recently. The terms tumour and cancer are sometimes used interchangeably. A tumour is not necessarily a cancer. The word tumour, simply refers to a mass. Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential of invading or spreading to other parts of the body. Professor Arnulf Stenzl of Tübingen University in Germany said: “Although this is an ex-

perimental study, it is remarkable because it demonstrates the influence of oxygen deficiency on the growth of renal cell carcinoma tissue - both primary tumour as well as metastases.” The new report has found people who suffer from sleep apnoea - which can block the airways for 10 seconds or more - have far worse cancer outcomes than those who sleep soundly. It is thought that this starves vital organs of oxygen, which makes the body release a signal protein to form more blood vessels. In turn, this feeds tumours allowing them to grow and spread. This may explain why those who exercise and get oxygen pumping through

their blood may be more protected from cancers than those who lead sedentary lives. Sleep apnoea is thought to affect an estimated 44 per cent of British middle-aged men and two per cent of middle-aged women having it. Previous studies have linked sleep apnoea with an increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke but there was no explanation of the link to more aggressive cancers. But this new study, which used mice with kidney tumours, suggested it could be down to the process known as hypoxia, where a tissue or organ does not get enough oxygen. Dr. Antoni Vilaseca, of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, said: “Patients suffering from obstructive

sleep apnoea usually suffer from intermittent hypoxia at night. 'This work shows that intermittent hypoxia has the potential to promote the formation of blood vessels within tumours, meaning that the tumours have access to more nutrients. 'This is of course an early animal study. So, we need to be cautious in applying this to humans. 'Nevertheless, this work indicates a plausible mechanism for just why conditions which restrict oxygen flow to tissues, like sleep apnoea, may promote cancers'.

The life expectancy of women at age 60 years of Cuba in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Governance Nigerians shouldn’t expect magic from APC – Abubakar

Politics Chief Ebenezer Babatope is a former Minister of Transportation and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT). He speaks with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE on corruption allegations against members of his party, its planned national convention and the 2019 general elections

There are several allegations of mismanagement of public funds by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during former President Goodluck Jonathan administration to prosecute 2015 general elections. What is your take on this? We don’t know where the All Progressives Congress (APC) is manufacturing all the stories they are brandishing about from but all I know as a lawyer is that he who asserts must prove. So, let the APC government and President Muhammadu Buhari come out and prove what they are saying. And if they cannot prove what they are saying in the interest of democracy, peace and justice to this country, let them halt what they are doing. APC contested election against our party and they did not use leaves neither did they used pebbles nor stones to contest against us. They used money and they should ask themselves where the campaign money came from. If they don’t say it now, somebody will say it for them sometime because as you lay your bed, so you will lie on it. Now, they are hammering on the PDP all the time

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@yahoo.com

Interview Ezugwu: Umeh’s arrest, plot to destabilise Anambra

13 14

PDP erred by not challenging Buhari’s victory – Babatope

Babatope

but we leave posterity and history to judge and to prove what they are doing. The media should ask the APC the source of its funding for the last general elections. And we are also asking: Did APC not used money for the election? Where did they get the money from? People have alleged that former Rivers State governor, now Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, funded the party. People have also alleged that former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, made money available. Let APC be honest to themselves and be honest to the principles of fighting for justice within the democratic setting in Nigeria. They should consider what is going to arise from what they are doing. It is not good for them to be justifying themselves and condemning others. It can’t pay and it won’t pay. Considering the revelations on the said huge sum released by exPresident Jonathan and the PDP leadership to prosecute last general elections, why did the PDP still lose the presidential election? We lost the election because God said we would lose it. That

is my own interpretation and looking back, I think it is good for us that we lost the election. It is now making us to tighten our belts and to prepare ourselves for the democratic battle of 2019. And we know that by the grace of God and with the determination that PDP has had now, we are going to get victory.

I was never satisfied with the figures that came from Kano State during the presidential election

Do you think the campaign fund was judiciously used by PDP members to prosecute the election? I raise no objection to anybody wanting to examine the campaign fund of the PDP and wanting to prove that the campaign fund was misused. Let it come out as it is part of the problems the PDP must solve. However, I raise objection to the holier than thou attitude of the APC people and I think it cannot help democracy and it cannot help them in the long run. Less than a year after the PDP’s 16 years reign at the federal level, the party is now being associated with negative report like corruption, Boko Haram, arms deal scandal, among other ills in the society... All I know is that we tried our best when we were in govern-

ment. Jonathan tried his best. He bought arms to fight the insurgency war and he combated the Boko Haram sect. Up till now, we have not been told a single pin that has been bought by APC government and we have not been told what they have deviced in pursuant of the war. Jonathan tried his best. All I can say is that by the grace of God peace will return to Nigeria and Boko Haram will be defeated. And when Boko Haram is defeated, then Nigerians must sit down and see how they can apportion blames on what has happened. I know very well that the blames of Jonathan and the PDP will be very minimal when we get to that stage. But corruption was very high under Jonathan’s administration... Corruption could be high under anybody’s administration, I don’t dispute that. Is Buhari saying that everything is well with his government now? He cannot say that because by the time the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) guards its loins and do its job well the way those who established the agency CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

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

wanted it to do, then we would know the truth. I am not saying PDP is without blame; of course we have plenty of blames to carry on our heads. We are aware of that, we accept that and we are prepared to ensure that we explain to Nigerians what actually happened. But having said that, I think the APC should not adopt any holier than thou attitude but should ensure that they do that which is right and just. God does not support anybody doing injustice to another and neither will God ever support anybody doing selective justice. When APC people are prepared to do things that are just, everything will be alright. You said the PDP committed some mistakes, what are the mistakes? We make mistakes every day. All political parties make mistakes and we of the PDP made mistakes during the elections. For example, I was never satisfied with the figures that came from Kano State during the presidential election. And when those figures came from Kano State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) told us what was recorded was the right figure. We ought to have challenged the ridiculous figure with concrete realities on ground but we didn’t do that. So, it was a great mistake. Secondly, many of our aspirants went absolutely imperial and there was no need for that. That was also a great mistake. But having said that, we have realised our mistakes; we are still correcting them and we will ensure that by the time we go into the 2019 elections, we would have corrected them. What is your take on the demand in some quarters that former President Jonathan should be invited for probe by the anti-graft agencies? That should be dismissed. Papa Obafemi Awolowo had a saying, which must not be dismissed. He said, ‘do not assault the myth of leadership and authority.’ A nation that wants to develop must not go out to assault the myth of leadership and authority. If the APC people want to assault the myth of leadership and authority in Nigeria by putting Jonathan on trial, I wish them the very best of luck. By the grace of God, we shall be alive when they will come back to recount and the recounting will not be easy.

It’s an insult to probe Jonathan – Babatope when that happens, we will look inward in the South-West to see what we can do. As it is now, some people are qualified to contest. I am qualified to contest but I don’t want to contest. Some people are qualified to contest by the virtue of the positions they have held in the party. We have Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, Olabode George and Yekini Adeojo, who are all former deputy national chairmen of the party. But some of our people are saying let us see whether we can try Bode George. And if Bode George accepts to contest, let us try him. If Oyedokun wants to contest, that is also good but Bode George is what our mind is working on because these are tested people who are experienced. We need tested hands in the PDP to counter Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the APC. Why don’t you want to contest? Having shown interest in the position of National Secretary of the party before, I am not going to show interest again. I have resolved and I have told members of my family that I am not going to put myself up for any contest in the PDP. I am 73 and it doesn’t mean that age will debar me from contesting but I want to use the remaining days of my life to serve the interest of my party and Nigeria and to ensure that we win power back from the APC. Is Chief Bode George going to be the candidate of the South-West? I have not even asked Bode George whether he has interest in contesting for national chairmanship of the PDP or not. He has been my friend for years. I have also not asked Shuaibu Oyedokun whether he has inter-

est or not. I have not asked anybody but my mind is just telling me that if I am to act as Ebenezer Babatope, the former Director of Organisation of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), I will zero in on these two people. I am going to prevail on Bode George to contest and I know that if he contests, by the grace of God, he will win and the party would be set for victory.

If the APC people want to assault the myth of leadership... I wish them the very best of luck

Do you think he has the capacity to lead the PDP to victory in 2019? How will he not have the capability? He was PDP deputy national chairman and so too was Alhaji Shuiab Oyedokun and Yekini Adeojo. They were former deputy national chairmen of the party and they have been very good people and anyone of them can lead the party very well. I am a friend of Bode George. I want to talk to him and convince him to contest. If he contests, as a friend, I will be with him. Do you think that Senator Ali Modi Sheriff will vacate the national chairmanship position after the expiration of his three months tenure? He will. In fact, he has given his word that he will quit at the convention in Port Harcourt and all principal organs of the PDP have zeroed on him. They supported him and I am sure he will leave. What do you think will happen if Sheriff makes a u-turn and decides to extend his tenure or contest during the convention? I don’t think Modu Sheriff will want to over stay in office. I do not think so. I am very sure he will not do so because if he does so, he will raise several constitutional issues that will eventually

crumble the PDP and eventually destroyed him in particular. You expressed your view about the PDP national leadership zoning the national chairmanship to SouthWest. What would be your take if the slot is not given to the SouthWest? That is goodluck to the PDP but I want to appeal to our party to put into consideration equity and justice and to ensure that the national chairmanship of the party is zoned to the South-West. Do you see the PDP becoming stronger after national convention? After the national convention in Port Harcourt by the grace of God, the party will not only be strong, it will be very strong and mobile to ensure that we win power in 2019. I am very confident that the PDP will come back to power and I believe that with what we are doing in the party and with the support of God, we will return to power. But some members of the party are rumoured to be planning to team up with some aggrieved members of the APC to float a new party... I have being reading about speculations that some people are trying to form a new party. I can tell them as an experienced party organiser trained by Papa Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that it is not easy to form a party. All those who are jumping and trying to form a political party are just wasting their time. Let them go and form the political party; they will meet with brickwall they would not be able to surmount and their heads would be dashed against the rock. I want to advise them to stay within the PDP and fight because that is where the golden path of victory lies. Are you insinuating that no party can challenge PDP and APC in 2019? It is so clear that both APC and PDP have formidable formations on ground and anybody who will challenge them must go an extra mile and we are waiting to see what extra-ordinary they will produce. Don’t you see the wrangling within the PDP leaders affecting the party’s chances in 2019? We will try our best to bring all the aggrieved members of the party back and I believe that among those who have left the PDP, including the former governors who joined APC will return to the PDP. We are still going to win most of them back because they are being mishandled by APC. I don’t like the treatment being given to Senate President Bukola Saraki in the APC. If Saraki had remained in the PDP, we would not treat him the way the APC is treating him in the case of the Code of Conduct Tribunal. They should know how to manage them and if they don’t know how to manage them, we shall help them manage them and it will be to the detriment of the APC.

How do you foresee the forthcoming national convention of the PDP? We are set for the convention in Port-Harcourt and by the grace of God, it will set our party squarely on the path of victory because we are going to examine all matters that should be examined and we are going to lay on the table all the things that we need to do to ensure that we have a very good and effective team to lead us to the 2019 general elections. What would be the fate of the South-West geo-political zone in the national convention? By the grace of God, we are appealing to the party to zone the national chairmanship of the party to South-West and

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Babatope

So, you are confident that former PDP members in APC will return to the PDP... They are coming back. Many of them will come back and we are not going to shut our doors to their effective participation in political party process.

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State was at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja, recently where he fielded questions from journalists on the performance of his government, war against corruption and other issues. JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM reports

Nigerians shouldn’t expect magic from APC – Abubakar

Why are you at APC national secretariat? Routine consultation! This is the national headquarters of my party. I am a very strong party adherent and I believe that I should respect the platform that has brought me into prominence and that platform is the APC. I come here regularly for routine consultation with the top echelon of the party. Before the election, you were here and you told us many things you were going to do if you emerge as Bauchi State governor. You are in power now, how has it been after nine months? Well, I will say so far so good. I believe everybody is aware of the poor state of the economy of Nigeria with the dwindling price of oil in the international market. This permeates all over the society – the Federal Government and all the state governments – with the possible exceptions of a few state governments, like Lagos State which generates quite a sizable proportion of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The situation we found when we took over was a very sorry situation. For example, civil servants were owed four months’ salaries and my state is essentially a civil service state. Everybody depends on the civil service. So, the very first action we took was to pay one month salary to assuage the situation because when we came in, it was like a keg of gunpowder, you know, ready to explode at the slightest opportunity but we were able to curtail it and after that the Federal Government of Nigeria intervened via the bailout and when we got the bailout, we paid the entire salary backlog to the extent that today except for the delay in the payment of January salary in respect of teachers of local government and the delay in the payment of February salary of the entire workforce of the state because of an exercise I have embarked upon to determine the credibility of the payroll of the state, I am not owing anybody any salary. We heard that the exercise you embarked upon was able to expose about 20, 000 ghost workers existing in the payroll of the state before you came in. How true is it?

Abubakar

In the entire payroll made up of the state and the local governments, slightly above 19, 000 ghost workers have been discovered and the exercise is still ongoing because what the AccountantGeneral has reported was the result of the physical verification. I added another aspect to the verification, which is the use of the Bank Verification Number (BVN). I gave an order that starting from February, no person who is either an employee of the local government or the state in Bauchi would be paid cash, everybody would be paid through the bank and that person must supply us his BVN number. We have done that and it is yielding fruit and people are not even aware that I have not stopped at that. Right now, there is further verification of the BVNs supplied because you know Nigerians are very smart. When we said BVN, somebody sat down, calculated that BVN is an 11 digit code and said so let me go and concoct my own BVN and send it to Bauchi State government. He thought he had scaled through, but what I have done with the entire BVN that have been supplied is to give it to a bank and the bank is using the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) platform to crosscheck on these BVNs. So I am expecting additional revelation to come. The Federal Government’s antigraft war has been ongoing. How much of this fight is Bauchi State government engaged in and what is delaying you in probing the last administration? Well, we are probing the last administration and a lot of rev-

If there was any rot it took 16 years to build such rot. Therefore, people should not expect magic from APC

elation has so far been made, but what I want people to understand is that we are not an investigative outfit; we are not elected to investigate. Right now, I have a high – powered committee that is investigating all contracts from 2007 to 2015. This is after I have set up a public property recovery committee under a retired Air Commodore of the Nigeria Air Force and it has succeeded in recovering lots of properties that were carted away earlier on. So, we are investigating, but our attitude towards investigation is that any revelation we discovered, we will now bring it under the investigative authority, which is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for them to carry on and do a thorough investigation and then proceed against the culprits with a view to retrieving the illgotten wealth. So, this is what we are doing in Bauchi State. You were at the villa recently, where you talked about refund concerning the work the state has done, especially at the airport? Well, an airport has been built by Bauchi State government. The previous government that built the airport through their ways and means was able to obtain all the necessary approvals of the Federal Government for refund of the money expended. All I did was to write a reminder to Mr. President to see if he can be able to revalidate the approval of the former president and call for the refund to be given to Bauchi State, I don’t know where you got that; I didn’t say that. It was reported that your convoy

was recently attacked on your way back from Gombe. What actually happened? One, anything you read about Bauchi State in a particular online medium, don’t believe it. They started by saying I gave my son a N950 million contract but everybody knows in Bauchi State that such a contract does not exist. They now said I was going to appoint my wife as the Commissioner for Finance; and I was going to appoint my sister as the head of SUBEB. I have made appointments in all these positions and their reports did not come to pass. They said I am making plans to move to the Poeples Democratic Party (PDP) and people should wait and see my commissioners, that my commissioners are going to come mainly from the PDP of the last regime. I have appointed my commissioners and their reports did not come to pass. So, there are some people who have not accepted the will of God in Bauchi State. The people who contested election with me are the ones sponsoring these kinds of publications. I am a Muslim and I am fasting. Nobody pelted me with anything on my way back from Gombe. It is a blatant lie written by faceless people. It is unfortunate that the way things are in this country I cannot go after the online platform because they are faceless. If I could, you would have heard l am in court with them by now, but because they are a faceless medium, there is nothing I can do. Now, what would be the fate of those found guilty for paying ghost workers in Bauchi State? Don’t jump the gun. You will hear from us. I assured you that every culprit that is found to have a hand in the sponsorship of ghost workers in the payroll of Bauchi State government would face the wrath of the law. This one is a promise. As Nigerians continue to look at the ticking of the clock for the APC government in terms of performance, what is your advice to the masses? Well, let me say that it is unfair for the APC government to be judged this way. People have forgotten that the party that held sway before, was there for 16 years and if there was any rot it took 16 years to build such rot. Therefore, people should not expect magic from APC. We are committed. You can see from the time we took over, power has improved and even oil, which its price is dwindling has started to pick up from the efforts of Mr. President. So, people should not be impatient. People should give us at least 16 years and see if we cannot be able to turn around all the rot that the PDP has done, but not to judge us in eight or nine months. It is not fair. I am assuring Nigerians that the APC government at the centre is on course and we will deliver.

POLITICS

Chief Willy Ezugwu is the Secretary General of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and a chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). He speaks in this interview on governance in Enugu State and an alleged plot to destabilise the party. FELIX NWANERI brings the excerpts What is your position on the appointment of local government caretaker committee chairmen to run local governments in Enugu State by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, which is against the provision of the constitution? I heard that they held a stakeholders meeting to take a decision on whether to have caretaker committees for the local governments, But, I objected to such arrangement. In a democracy, when you talk of stakeholders, they are first and foremost political parties because they are the ones that participate in elections. That was why I initially said no but I later had the opportunity to be briefed on the issue and I learnt the state has no money to conduct an election at the moment. And when I asked more questions, I found out that they are expecting money to be able to conduct a credible, free and fair local government election. Following the explanation they gave, I saw it as something that is feasible and I said okay, let us give them some time to see whether they would conduct the election and if we give them time and they did not conduct the election, Nigerians would still hear how Enugu State caretaker committee chairmen are running the councils. However I was told and given assurance that the state will conduct the local government election but that it was delayed due to lack of funds and they are expecting to source fund for the election. What is your assessment of the performance of the present administration in the state in the last nine months? The moment you do well I will say it but the moment you do bad, I will also say it. I am not a contractor, so if you are a governor and you are not doing well, I will say it the way it is. That is why they call me the voice of the people in my state. I have been to Enugu State and Nsukka, my senatorial district severally since the Ugwuanyi administration came on board. Most of the governors across the country embark on road projects, but let me see the type of roads they are building. You build a road and in less than one year the road is gone with pot holes everywhere. But when I came across the roads that the present government in Enugu State under Ugwuanyi is building, I saw solid and strong roads. The quality of the roads is not what you can compare with road projects in other states. I must say that

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ezugwu: Umeh’s arrest, plot to destabilise Anambra So, his leaving APGA was part of the plot is to destabilise Obiano’s government. The governor should know that the ultimate aim of the so called recent arrest of Umeh for reasons that are not clear is to destabilise his government but people like us will not take it. APGA is a national party, but is a symbol of the South-East. APGA must not lose Anambra State. These detractors should allow Obiano to do his work. I learnt recently how Obiano was able to attract over $2.9 billion foreign investment to Anambra State and the same person is being distracted from doing his job. It is highly unfortunate.

Ezugwu

what the contractors handling the various projects are doing is commendable. If Governor Ugwuanyi can ensure this kind of quality jobs, it shows that he means well for the state. It is not about building roads, but how solid are the roads? It is not like the roads built by some governors we had in the South-East in the past. Most of the roads are gone. But given what I saw on ground in Enugu State, I am satisfied and I give Ugwuanyi kudos for that. You are a chieftain of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its senatorial candidate in Enugu North in the 2015 general elections. What is your assessment of the only governor on your party’s platform –Chief Willie Obiano – of Anambra State and what effort is the party making to reconcile him with his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi? If Governor Obiano is not doing well, how come the Sun Newspapers honoured him with the Best Governor of the Year award recently? Aand you know that the Sun Awards is one of the most credible awards in this country. In as much as there are many organisations that give awards on daily basis, but you can see that the Sun Award is credible. You can see the calibre of people who were honoured at the event. Obiano happens to be number one, the best governor. So if the Sun Newspaper has done its assessment on the Anambra governor who are am I, to say that he is not doing a good job. So, there is no doubt that Governor Obiano is doing a fantastic job in Anambra State. On the disagreement between Obiano and the former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, I want to tell you

The governor should know that the ultimate aim of the so-called recent arrest of Umeh... is to destabilise his government

that you don’t know what power is until you get into power, and you will not know how people would behave until you give them power. We all fought for Obi. You know that he was impeached at a time during his first term, but he came back, went to Supreme Court and won. When he was vying for a second term in 2010, our leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, made a demand on Anambra people even though he was sick then. And what was the demand? He demanded from Anambra people to ensure that Peter Obi wins a second term under APGA. But it is very unfortunate that instead of Obi to carry APGA as his baby, after he won the election, he decided to disorganised it, either directly or indirectly. It is incontestable that Obi is the cause of APGA’s problems. What is the likely impact of Obi’s defection from APGA to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in future elections in Anambra State, including the governorship election? It is very unfortunate that since the inception of APGA as a political party, it has been fighting court cases. During his last days in office, Obi tried to recognise Maxi Okwu, who was then a member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of APGA, as the national chairman of APGA but we said no. Later, the Supreme Court upheld the party’s leadership under Chief Victor Umeh and acknowledged him as the authentic chairman of APGA. Yes, Obi governed Anambra for eight years and he happens to be the only governor that has ruled the state for two tenures, so the plot is to stop any other person from attaining such height.

So you saying that the recent arrest of Chief Umeh by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of funding of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was politically motivated? They want to destabilise APGA by all means. Chief Umeh is contested the Anambra Central senatorial rerun and it stands, he has no contender. In fact, I call him distinguished senator now. So, the people of Anambra Central senatorial district should make sure that no vote is subtracted from his expected landslide victory in the rerun election. Today, all those who came through the back door both from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP have been disqualified and those who think that they can destabilise APGA still went ahead to do what we call ‘arrangee’ by instigating the DSS to arrest Umeh over an unsubstantiated allegation that he is supporting IPOB and MASSOB. That is fallacy. That is a big lie against Umeh, who I know very well. All this is to destabilise APGA as a party in Anambra State but it will not work. What will Umeh bring new to the table if he gets elected to the Senate? It is clear to everyone in Igbo land that Umeh’s ambition is not motivated by selfish interest. He is not going to the Senate because of juicy positions to enrich his pocket. Politics is about nobility of character and I believe that no one can fault Umeh on this. He has been at the centre of APGA struggles and progressive movement in Anambra State. And there is no doubt that the APGA governments, which he had helped bring to power, have been doing well for our brothers in the state in the past nine years. Umeh has always been a good ambassador of the South-East, so I am confident that he will represent our people well whether he is from a minority party or not. You don’t have to belong to the so-called big platforms to make quality presentations in the Senate. Most of those we have there now are mere praise singers, who cannot stand up and fight for the CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The member representing Brass Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Watson Belemote, in this interview with Pauline Onyibe, speaks on the legal battle he went through to reclaim his mandate, the Nigerian judiciary and plans for his constituents, among other issues. Excerpts:

POLITICS

Violence has no place in politics – Belemote

est may not come in as humans but in my own case, I think God was at it, following the circumstances with which they took us there. There is no court in the universe that would have given a different verdict. That is the confidence we had. Because we know that we did not do anything sinister, we had every necessary document that we needed to work with. So, when the case came, it did not come as a surprise because we were ready ahead of time.

It took 10 months of legal battle before the controversy surrounding your emergence as the representative of Brass Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform was resolved. What does your victory mean to you and your numerous supporters? My victory is a clear manifestation of the people’s love for me because it goes to show that their votes counted during the last general elections. I actually attributed my victory to God Almighty and my teeming supporters. How do you feel that despite winning the state Assembly election, you were denied the opportunity of representing your constituency before the court settled the matter? I felt okay because I knew it was not alien. These are the things that are expected because they are the ingredients of democracy. Without them, democracy is not complete. We knew that surely these things would come, knowing where we were coming from. We were coming from a minority party and we knew that things like this must surely come up. We leaned on God for everything and today, here we are. Going by the kind of politics being played in this part of the world, one would expect that you could have resorted to violence to reclaim your mandate but you did not. Where did you derive your brand of politics from? Before I delved into politics, I seriously sought the face of God to give me the needed wisdom. And part of my manifesto is to give democracy a redefinition. We didn’t want what used to happen to repeat itself. That was the reason for the peaceful disposition that was experienced before, during, and after the election and the litigation process. We don’t envisage violence and we don’t intend to consider it even as a last resort. What is your advice to politicians and their supporters who believe in do-or-die politics; those who kill and maim others to get power? In politics, there are major players. You have the principals and the supporters, and everybody have their respective roles to play. For you to be a principal, it is not good enough for you to just bear the name, boss. You need to transmit to your supporters how you want things to be. You also need to be innovative and bring in new steps in whatever you are doing. In my own situation, that was what I did and I will advise everybody to

What is the secret behind your large followership in your constituency? It is the grace of God. I say it is the grace of God because it encompasses so many things. The grace of God gives you direction because without it, you cannot navigate your ways through. We availed ourselves the room and opportunity to learn just like they say “an inquisitive person never goes astray.” We used a lot of time to sit down and studied the politics of yesterday, bringing some key factors of contemporary politics into play. We worked in that light and by the grace of God, the people saw the genuineness in us; our social life, how we discuss with people and all that. All of that is under the umbrella of grace. That is why I say it is the grace of God.

Belemote

emulate that because violence has no place in politics. The role of the principal is to, at every point in time, call his supporters to order and give them the orientation that violence is never the solution. You must use your intellect. There are many things you do to make things happen. We did a lot of hard work, coupled with the grace of God, to be where we are today. To the supporters, they need to talk to themselves, knowing that they are the future of our society. They don’t need to be used as mercenaries. People would be sending their own children abroad and keep using other people’s children for violence because of their pecuniary interests. This must not continue and because of meager money that they are going to be paid, you see youths with promising future resorting to violence and destroying their destiny. That is not welcoming at all. So, my candid advice to key players in politics is for them to holistically jettison any kind of violence and let them use their intel-

lect. When you use your intellect in anything you do, the sky will not even be your limit. So, to me, violence has no place in politics.

Politics, they say, has just permanent interest, no permanent enemy

The judiciary has received knocks in some quarters with regards to election petition tribunals in recent times. How would you access the judiciary? Are there some reforms you would want to be done to avoid the long process in litigations? I think the judiciary is now trying to vindicate themselves from the perception that people have about them. When you talk about the judiciary, they are an independent organ of government and they have their specific roles to play. They work with reports, evidence and facts presented before them. So, in the eyes of the ordinary man, you may be seeing a different thing, while in the eyes of the law, it is a different thing altogether. It all depends on how articulate your legal team may be. It is what they see and have at their disposal that they work with. I am not saying that some level of imperfection and area of inter-

Now that your people have willingly given you their mandate, what should they expect from you? Right from the start, they have given me their support and this is the time I even need their support most because without them I cannot function. My own is to see how I can work with the government of the day and see how I can give my people an effective representation and let their voices be heard. I need their total support while I give them an effective representation. Your opponents must have subjected you to some pains and difficulties while trying to regain your mandate. Now that victory has finally come your way, what is your disposition towards them? Politics, they say, has just permanent interest, no permanent enemy. Sometimes, the tide may be rough. But we cannot begin to say he did this or that to me, so I will do this to him. No! We run an open door politics. Everybody is welcome on board. So, we need everybody’s support to harness the ideas that we have.

Obi responsible for APGA crisis – Ezugwu C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 4

right of our people. Some of them have never made any meaningful contribution since the National Assembly was inaugurated. We don’t want such people again. Umeh has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the Igbo cause as he sacrificed his comfort and opportunities for material gains to develop APGA as a platform that has the interest of the SouthEast at heart. He had several opportunities

to sell out his people but he never did that. Instead, he has continually demanded accountability and good governance at the grassroots level being the most relevant tier of government to the people. Did you also assess other candidates contesting the election on this scale before arriving at this conclusion? I cannot vouch for the other candidates who are likely to become ‘Abuja senators’ should the electorate in Anambra Central

make the mistake of electing them. Representation in the National Assembly is about the constituents and must never be left in the hands of people who have track records of having no understanding of what the South-East or its constituents need. Again, we are no longer talking about political parties in the South-East but people who have over time, demonstrated that have what it takes to give our people effective representation in the upper legislative chamber.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Buccaneers in Ekiti Turning Point MIKE ARAYUWA WILKIE pmikky1950@yahoo.com 0802-309-7251 (sms only)

r. Peter Ayodele Fayose, Governor of Ekiti State was Governor of the State from May 29, 2003 to October 16, 2006 before his impeachment in a serious-minded political chess game. In recent times, he confirmed that he was a truck-pusher before becoming the Governor of Ekiti State. Again, on June 21, 2014, Fayose defeated the APC incumbent Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, in a gubernatorial contest to become the Governor, a second time. Fayose therefore holds the singular record of defeating two incumbent governors of the state. In 2003, he also floored Niyi Adebayo of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). From all indications, Fayose is blessed with the political masterstroke to rubbish all known gubernatorial incumbency factors and perhaps, he is obviously competent to win any elective position in the Fountain of Knowledge State. Since the advent of Muhammadu Buhari as president, Ayo Fayose of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has been a known critic of his government with respect to policy formulations and implementations. It is instructive to stress that the governor seems to be the unofficial watchdog of the Buhari’s administration. Fayose’s critical comments about the Buhari’s government has been seen in certain circles as too harsh while others are of the view that such criticism tallies with democratic prin-

ciples and practical politicking. For the purpose of clarity, the governor has lambasted President Buhari on his serial trips abroad and that he should minimise his travels and concentrate on how to resolve national issues and questions. During the imbroglio of the 2016 budget, Fayose advised the president to withdraw it, make the required corrections of errors, deliberate errors, outright fraud and re-present it to the National Assembly. He has equally called the president, a dictator which was reminiscent of his status as a military head of state (1983-1985) before his administration was terminated in a bloodless military coup led by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on August 27, 1985. Consequent upon these circumstances, it would appear that the APC-led Federal Government may react in order to silence Fayose. On Friday, March 4, 2016, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the Ekiti State House of Assembly in a buccaneering and commando-like manner, arrested some allies of the governor, including four legislators. It was said that they were whisked away to Abuja for undisclosed offences. Reacting to this visible and indecent approach of the invasion of Ekiti House of Assembly, the governor said: “the DSS under President Buhari was operating beyond its constitutional mandate, adding that the Government of Ekiti State may have to reconsider the usefulness of men of the DSS in Government House and other Institutions of the State Government”. Further, the Governor said: “if Buhari likes, let him relocate all the DSS men in Nigeria with the entire ammunition in their armoury to Ekiti, the will of Ekiti people can never be broken. They will only try and as they have always done, they will fail because dictatorship has never triumphed over the people. Even Buhari’s dic-

This outburst by the governor can only be likened to that of a political gladiator whose wish is to protect his office, the legislature and the entire Ekiti State

tatorship between 1983-1985 ended one day and Nigerians will also outlive his present dictatorship”. This outburst by the governor can only be likened to that of a political gladiator whose wish is to protect his office, the legislature and the entire Ekiti State. The reaction of the APC in the state was to regard Fayose’s statement as an ethnic whipping sentiment. Additionally, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC said that Fayose would not go scot-free with the plethora of anomalies and illegalities and unconstitutionalities of his government. However, the APC could not say exactly why the DSS stormed the state House of Assembly, arrested some members and disrupted the day’s proceedings. This would have balanced the PDP’s government and the APC’s positions on the matter. In this political game, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, alleged on Tuesday, March 9, 2016, that some men who claimed to be operatives of the DSS, told members of the House that they should be ready to be part of the impeachment plot against the governor, with an incentive of the sum of $1m. In this regard, Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Roland Owie, an astute PDP politician from Edo State, immediately urged Buhari to investigate the allegation of this bribe by the DSS. He reminded Mr. President that such actions will endanger the nation’s democracy if encouraged. Professor Wole Soyinka has also called on the president to investigate the bribery allegation and the invasion of Ekiti State by the DSS. I have all positive reasons to align myself with the robust position of the two prominent Nigerians. After all, the practice of democracy should not encourage some official bandits to disrupt and ridicule the separation of powers in government in whatever manner, if the allegations are investigated and proven to be true.

Lekki tragedy: More questions than answers Olabode Samuels

hese are certainly not the best of times for Lekki Worldwide Estates Limited, promoters of the hugely popular Lekki Gardens. The tragedy that has befallen the company is a proof of the vicissitudes of life; proof that the pendulum of life can swing in different directions at different times. It could be fortune today and misfortune tomorrow. It also shows that disasters can occur from the most unexpected quarters. Before the tragedy that struck last week in form of a building collapse that claimed the lives of 35 people, what came to mind at the mention of Lekki Gardens was a foremost player in the burgeoning real sector of the Nigerian economy and arguably the country’s fastest growing residential property developer. The company, which is synonymous with provision of high quality and luxurious homes for the middle and upper class, has, in just four years of coming into existence, redefined the concept of housing in a country with a huge housing deficit of more than 17 million. By the beginning of 2015, the company had delivered 2,500 housing units at affordable prices to owners who are not known to have issues with the houses. The question should therefore arise as to why the tragedy of March 8, 2016 oc-

curred? What happened to a structure that was only one of the many in the area, some of which have been occupied for more than one year without complaint? How did a company that places premium on quality and standard find itself in a situation in which it has to provide answers to the whys and wherefores of an occurrence it could not possibly have envisaged? Could the incidence that has tainted an otherwise unblemished record have been averted? These and several other questions become pertinent when it is considered that there hasn’t been any report of untoward developments in any of the estates developed by the same company in Ogun and Rivers states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. The answers to these and other questions will only be provided after a thorough investigation of the Lekki tragedy by relevant agencies of government. We are used to stories of building collapse in areas like Idumota, Isale Eko and other thickly populated areas where old and dilapidated structures can no longer bear the weight increasingly exerted on them by the number of occupants that rise by the day. We are by now familiar with reports of buildings that collapse under construction in areas where unqualified contractors use sub-standard materials to minimise cost. But Lekki? And within an estate being developed by an organisation that is not a new en-

trant? But while we wait for investigations to reveal what went wrong, perhaps it is worthwhile to attempt to answer an important question that may arise from the unfortunate incidence. There is, immediately, the question as to whether there was greed on the part of the owners of Lekki Gardens. This would seem far-fetched, if information on the company’s operations is anything to go by. Despite the increased attention that is being paid to provision of houses in the country today, especially by the federal and state governments, in response to demand that has been difficult to satisfy, real estate is still a sector that is waiting to be tapped. With a population that is growing out of control, provision of houses will not be adequate in the foreseeable future. There is, therefore, no reason for greed on the part of a housing provider, certainly, not one that has built a reputation for meticulousness, as well as safety of customers and clients, within the short period of its existence. Allegation of greed has come as fallout of the story in the public domain to the effect that the collapsed building was marked for demolition, not having met required standards, yet the company still went ahead with its construction, ostensibly looking more at profit making than safety. A comment on this aspect of the incidence is hampered by

the fact of the matter being in court, which would make it sub judicial. But it bears mentioning that at times like this, public comments are mostly coloured by emotion than reason, perhaps understandably so, especially as there has been loss of lives. We regularly see this type of reaction when there is a crash involving an aircraft, with attendant loss of life. The government toes the familiar path and responds impulsively by suspending the operating licence of the beleaguered airline, while the court of public opinion finds the airline guilty of operating flights with obsolete aircraft. It doesn’t matter that at the end of the day, the airline’s operating licence will be restored and the company will resume operations with the same obsolete aircraft. And the same public will fly on the obsolete aircraft. The high casualty figure in the Lekki building collapse makes dispassionate conversation on the incidence extremely difficult. But suffice it to say that a company that is clearly ahead of its peers in terms of housing delivery does not need to cut corners to achieve success. While we grieve with the families that lost loved ones and sympathise with the injured, it makes sense for us to await result of investigations into the incidence, as it may not go the way opinions are going already. •Samuels, a licensed real estate agent, wrote from Lagos

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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espite reported glitches across the country, there is no doubt that the introduction of the card reader in last year’s general elections helped restore some integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process. Its use returned the people back to the prime position they lost when electoral outcome became determined not by their ballots, but by the devious machination of a few. With the card reader, elections became downright unpredictable, a huge contrast to the long accustomed norm where the re-election of incumbents - or victory for their political parties - more often than not were a foregone conclusion. But the innovation has been limited to the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and House of Assembly elections. The local government elections have yet to shed that notorious taint of predictability. One can correctly guess the outcome of council elections, it seems, by merely looking at the party that controls the state. The corollary is that elections into local government councils have become, more or less, a perfunctory function of state governments conducted because there is an obligation to do so not necessarily arising from a firm commitment to a grassroots political unit whose leadership truly reflects the wishes of the masses. There is hardly any state in the federation that bucks this trend. For instance, in the council election held in Niger State

electorate which culminated in the last month, the All Progressives deployment of the card reader are Congress (APC) won in all the 25 non-existent where council polls local government areas. The govare concerned. The thoughts seem ernor of the state is a member of to be this: we would rather live the APC. The party triumphed with the electoral shenanigans at as well in Zamfara State where a the local government level than party man presides as governor, experience them at general elecwinning the entire 14 council seats in last month’s poll. It also tions. The result of this disinterest had a spectacular outing in the is that some governors seldom council election held May 2014 in bother about council elections - in Kano State, notching victories in some cases, elections have not all the 44 local government chair- been conducted for years - prefermanship seats and 484 councilring rather to run their affairs with appointed “caretaker chairlorship seats in the state. men”. Given A similar patthat their tentern played out ures depend on in Ekiti last Dethe whims of cember where The governors the appointing election into the governors they 16 chairmanwho appoint the are often not as ship and 177 chairpersons of these accountable to councillorship the people as positions were commissions must elected chaircalled for the respect the right of persons would Peoples Demothe people to elect have otherwise cratic Party (PDP) which whoever they deem fit been. From primaalso produced the governor of the state. In Anambra, it was not a different scenario. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) - the party to which the governor of the state belongs - proved formidable in the January 2014 council election, winning in 20 out of the 21 local government areas with one declared inconclusive. It also won 304 out of the 318 councillorship seats in the state. There is a disproportionate degree of scrutiny with regard to elections at the national level and at the grassroots. The sort of expectations and agitations from the

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ry education, primary health care, refuse collection and several other municipal functions, local government councils occupy an important spot on the socio-political service chain. Conceived to provide the most basic grassroots’ needs which the macro concerns of national politics cannot sufficiently address, the councils have ironically become the most distant. It’s the reason why voters would fret over the outcome of a presidential election and not be bothered that those who run the council areas where they reside did not emerge through a

democratic process as should be the case. The only protest about such anomaly comes from opposition parties. Even then, it is not because they are convinced holding council elections will make any difference; it’s usually a half-hearted protest spurred more by the desire to score political points. However, the seal of credibility which the use of card readers conferred on the last general elections is gradually emboldening a section of the electorate to push for the adoption of the technology by States Independent Electoral Commission or an outright scrapping of the second-tier electoral body derided as mere rubber stamp of governors’ wishes. The push is increasingly gaining traction especially given that it was one of the recommendations of the National Conference convened by the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Reforming the law that establishes the States Independent Electoral Commission is indeed an imperative, and the National Assembly has a huge role in that regard. But, above all, the independence of SIEC should not reflect only in nomenclature; the governors who appoint the chairpersons of these commissions must respect the right of the people to elect whoever they deem fit to run their affairs at the micro level. That way democracy would blossom and the fear of the voters’ wrath at the next ballot would impel the elected officials to deliver its so-called dividends.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthEastFocus South South Focus Benin awaits the crown prince

21 News Lamentations over Cameroonian gendarmes

School children on the bridge

Schooling only in dry season As the rainy season is fast approaching, the people of Amutu Community, Onicha Igboeze in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are jittery and and set to stop their children and wards from attending schools. That is as a result of the danger posed by the traditional wooden bridges linking the area, schools and markets to the people, UCHENNA INYA writes

uring the dry season, the people of the area including pupils move freely on wooden bridges linking the Ogwuabonshi River and the community, though with caution on the side of little children. But once rainy season sets in, the children will stop attending schools, else they will get drowned by the river. A teacher in Amutu Community Primary School, John Okikie, told New Telegraph that the lives of the pupils are highly jeopardized during rainy season, which affects the academic activities and pupils’ attendance to school. He said that the risks posed on all and sundry by the river, the bridges and the unpleasant nature of the roads in the area have become unavoidable as there are no optional

routes. He noted that his principal concern was the lives of his pupils. “If it is not the quick intervention of some passers-by, one of my pupils would have been drowned last year as his legs stripped off the woods. “The child was lucky that some adults were at her back and as she fell into the river, when her legs slipped off, the people rushed immediately and rescued her. And that is the way it has been for long. “If you don’t hear that this child drowned yesterday, you will hear that the other child drowned today.” He appealed to the state government to come to their aid by constructing the road and bridges that link schools around the area and the village. “Our present governor

is doing very well and we hope he will come to our rescue. He has constructed many roads and bridges in different parts of the state since he came into power. “It will be nice if he remembers us and comes to our rescue because in this rainy season, many parents will not allow their children and wards to attend schools for fear of being drowned. “Those who allow theirs to attend will not have rest of mind until they see their children return safely. The situation has adversely affected academic activities in our school.” He appealed to the state government to come to their aid by constructing the road and bridges that link the school and the village. On his part, a stakeholder in the area, Donatus Ogbonna, said Ogwuabonshi River and its environs had

been a generational cause for worry as it had in the past claimed many lives with many injured. “In the recent period, many have sustained various degrees of injuries ranging from bruises, dislocation and fracture’’. He explained that the bad condition of the bridge has divided the village into different fragments without an alternative route, thereby subjecting the people of the area to perpetual risk of life and economic retrogression. He further disclosed that parents are always at suspense over the safety of their children, whenever their children go to school during the rainy period, especially when there is a heavy down pour. According to him, it has made many parents and guardians to resort to stopping their wards from

attending school during the rainy season. He pointed out that the last rainy period was disastrous on the residents as the wooden bridges through which the people passed through the river were swept away severally by flood but they did not relent in replacing them as the route is pivot to other areas like some schools and markets. He said their roads are not motorable and accessible to even pedestrians and called on the state gover nment and good spirited individuals to come to their aid. Another resident, Mrs. Augustina Ogbonna, said that the inaccessible roads in the village have been contributing to the loss of lives from time immemorial till now and contributing to the low economic status, as peasant farmers find it difficult to convey their produce to the central markets in the area. “Apart from the bad nature of this Ogwuabonshi bridge, the roads in this place are not accessible. “During rainy season, we don’t pass through this road, let alone the bridge unless you want to take risk and this has adversely affected economic activities in our area. “A situation where you can’t convey your agricultural produce to the market and your children cannot go to school is worrisome. “But we know it may not last because the state gover nment has been constructing roads and bridges both in the urban and rural areas. “We know the governor will come to our rescue because we have been hearing what he is doing. There was a bridge like this that links Ozibo and Amaike Aba communities in Abakaliki which many school children died trying to cross it during raining season and we are hearing that the governor has started constructing the bridge. “This is why I have optimism that our condition here will not last, especially now we have a governor who is almost from this area.” She called on Governor David Umahi to look into their plight as that alone will not only enhance lives positively but also improve the academic performances of the children in the area.

News|south-east

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Struggling for women’s business T he business of making women look beautiful has ever been lucrative. A woman will rather spend her earning on her looks and borrow to feed. This explains the boom that makers of beauty products enjoy all the year round. Every woman wants to look beautiful or enhance her beauty. So, the demand has outweighed the service of the few hands that engaged in styling and beauty. And what used to be the exclusive preserve of the women folk has been taken over by men. At Isi Gate Umuahia, women wait in turn to be attended to by young men, whose business is to help women look good. From manicure and pedicure, to fixing of nails and hair and eye lashes, the young men are making a living when others have justified criminality with unemployment. Some others have taken to touting, robbery and kidnapping in the guise of making ends meet and are completely unconcerned with the social acceptability of the dignity of labour. But a group of young men have found fulfilment in providing a service hitherto thought demeaning and too low for a man at a time most would waste their youthful and productive energy in dangerous adventures. As a result, they no longer depend on anyone for their needs. Rather, they contribute to the upkeep of the family. The business has also provided a veritable platform for other endeavours they may want to undertake because from it, they can raise the required capital for other businesses. The society is made better when young people are gainfully engaged, as it is said the idle hand is naturally the devil’s workshop. Interestingly, the women that patronize them have no qualms with their being of the opposite sex. All they care is to have value for their money and they are hardly disappointed. They make as much as N15,000 on a good day. Mr Nwachukwu Tochi is 19 years. He said he learnt the trade from his sister. “My sister introduced me to the job because I showed interest. The job is okay. We call it styling and it involves fixing of eye lashes (eye contact) fixing of hair and nail, manicure and pedicure. For hair fixing, we

They are in it for survival. There is no shame in the race for survival for some young men, who have resorted to making up and beautifying women in Umuahia, as IGBEAKU ORJI reports collect N5,000. For the eye, we collect N3,000 and for the lashes, we collect N1,000. We fix nails for the fingers N400 and feet N500.” According to him, there are many patrons especially within the young and middle ages. “Some of them book in advance and call me on phone to confirm their time. In this place, I am known as P-Square. When you ask of PSquare, they will direct you to me. During the peak period (season) like December, I make as much as N15,000 a day but at off peak period like now, rainy season, I make from N3,000 to N5,000 a day.” He said he has trained some other young people, who have established their own styling business. Tochi said one can be trained after paying a token. The

entire training kit, he said, will cost N20,000 while a part will cost N8,000. Mr. Ifeanyi Kalu said he is happy with the business and has been doing it for three years now. He said that with N10,000, one can acquire the tools for the business. “All you need is file, eye lashes, nails, nail polish, hardener, cortex and one or two plastic chairs.” He said that with N8,000 one can be trained for the vocation. The place where they do the business is a beehive of activities. It is the busiest part of the town in front of the large building that used to house the commercial transporters before they were relocated to the New Park at Ohiya. While some of them use umbrella to shelter from the

A male stylist at work

Averting a bloodbath in Nsukka Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

elements, others just do it in the open on the narrow strip that leads to the stairway of the building. They use two plastic chairs, one for them and the other for the client. There is also a short bench for those who are waiting to be attended to. At the end of the day, they are happy, smiling home with bulging pockets. Even some with regular employment do not earn as much as these young men make. The business is not affected by economic vagaries because women must look good nor is it done on credit. Blaming government for unemployment will not solve the problem. There is always something to do, a need to supply, a service to provide which can change ones fortune when discovered.

he people of Opi Community in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Umabor Ehalumona Community to produce the killer of two of their sons, late Mr. Ikechukwu Ezema and Sunday Abonyi or face the wrath of the community. Arising from a security general meeting of the town last weekend, the people resolved to tow the part of justice by petitioning the Inspector General of Police Mr. Solomon Arase; the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Department of State Security Services, DSS and other relevant agencies on the matter. The President of Ogbozalla Town Union, Ignatius Okoro, who briefed the press shortly after the indoor meeting,

said, “We have decided to be civil in this matter but we want to warn that our position to tow the part of civility must not be mistaken to be weakness”. “Of course, Umabor and all other communities that have boundary with Opi know that Opi Community had never been cowards since her existence on the planet earth and nobody should take us for a ride. We will not accept it. “We have also decided to wait for the 21 days and after the expiration of the 21 days and the Traditional ruler of Umabor, Igwe Kelvin Mamah, fails to produce the killer of our sons, then we would have no option, than to defend our lives and property, even if it will cost us the last drop of our blood. A stitch in time they say saves nine”, Okoro warned. Impeccable sources close to the Chief Security Officer of the town, who did not want to disclose his name, told our correspondent that youths of the town are trooping in, in their numbers and are

being prepared for the impending war. They alleged that seven people from Umabor community, who shot some youths during the crisis, were arrested and handed over to the Area Commander, Nsukka Police Division but claimed that the police released them on bail after few days. Reacting to this development, the Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, Enugu State, DSP Ebere Amarizu, told our correspondent that the police was on top of the situation, assuring the two communities that no stone would be left unturned to unravel the circumstances that led to the gruesome murder of the two young men. “My brother, what I want to tell you is that we are on top of the situation. We have been holding meetings with the stakeholders in the two communities and I want to reassure them that police will not compromise their civil responsibility of enforcing peace, law and order

as well as security of the people under their watch.” On the allegation of release, he said he has not been briefed about that and as such, there was nothing he would say about it for now. A prominent, politician from Umabor community and member representing Nsukka East in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Chinedu Nwamba, told our correspondent that he has been making frantic efforts to broker lasting peace between the two sister communities. “I thank you Sir. I want to tell you that I’ve been making every effort to see that this crisis does not degenerate beyond this level we find ourselves now. “We have also had meetings with the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Professor Mrs. Onah, the relevant traditional rulers, president generals and other stakeholders and we are appealing for calm.” He denied the allegation that one of the deceased was killed as a result of rape related case, but rather said it was the report they received from the traditional ruler of Umabor Igwe Mamah.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthSouthFocus

Benin awaits the crown prince It is a ritual. The initiation process for the crown prince of Benin Kingdom is a long process. Last weekend, the ancient city stood still as the prince took a giant leap forward. CAJETAN MMUTA reports

t was a rare privilege that no one would wish to miss last week in the ancient kingdom of Benin in Edo state. The state virtually stood still as the capital city headed for history. Like a carnival, the people of kingdom, including the low and high, indigenes and strangers alike, trooped out in ecstasy to pay homage and solidarity to the Crown Prince of the kingdom as he walked into the realm of honour. He was formally installed as the Edaiken N’ Uselu. The colourful ceremony, which came last week Saturday, shook the city centre and adjoining towns and was carried out after several other traditional rites had been performed at designated shrines and within the inner chambers of the ancient palace. It was indeed a show by all shades of personalities in the kingdom, including a large crowd of government officials, led by the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, politicians from different walks of life and parties, captains of industry, women groups adorned in Benin traditional attire, drummers and cultural troupes, entertainers, youths groups, palace chiefs, who filed out according to their ranks and responsibilities. They all defied the scorching sun to witness and accord respect to the Edaiken on the departure ceremonies at the ancient palace to his Uselu palace. Edaiken’s journey to Uselu started from his private residence at the Government Reservation Area (GRA) with a procession to the Benin Royal Palace, where some traditional departure ceremonies were performed by the Iwebo Society led by the Eribo of Benin kingdom. The installation of Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, as the Edaiken of Uselu, marked the successful completion of the mandatory traditional rites as a prelude to his ascension to the Uselu throne as the Edaiken. As the rich Benin tradition held sway, the popular Oba markets, shops and other business outlets were temporarily shut throughout the duration of the ceremony while some streets and roads leading to some of the traditional shrines were cordoned off by security personnel and manned by colourfully

The prince arrives

dressed palace chiefs. That was even as commuters and lovers of Benin rich culture and tradition struggled to catch a glimpse of the event. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), army and policemen were stationed at strategic points to ease human and vehicular movements. However, the arrival of the convoy of the Crown Prince in company with some first class Benin chiefs and retinue of Benin sons and daughters as well as security teams from his private residence to the palace, charged the atmosphere to commence the ceremony proper at about 2pm. After a brief consultation with palace chiefs and the performance of some traditional rites and rituals at the palace, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, clad in a white and red traditional regalia, with a pair of dark glasses, was accompanied by the crowd on procession to the popular Five Junctions (Adanisen), a boundary spot between Egor and Oredo councils. He was received by Uselu chiefs, prominent leaders, sons and daughters amid heroic shouts of joy and to welcome the new dawn after a brief traditional sacrifice. The heir apparent to the traditional stool, at about 4pm, rode from the Five Junctions in a long convoy with Oshiomhole,Odubu and other top government officials and

Some chiefs at the event

palace chiefs to Edaiken palace at Uselu in Benin. According to decades of history of the kingdom and its tradition, before the ascension to the Edaiken stool of Uselu, the heir apparent is expected to undergo through deep traditional rites and the new palace will serve as temporal place of abode before he eventually becomes the Benin Monarch. It would be recalled that last year, the Benin Crown Prince performed the Iguohun ceremony which in local parlance was the propitiation of his destiny. That was done seven days after being conferred with the Uko N’ Iwebo title. It was done in appreciation of divine grace and good for-

tune of his destiny and served as a final rite to the Iwebo society initiation. The occasion was marked with a feast, spiritually infused choral renditions by the lsekhuian Royal Palace women group and other traditional musicologists that spiced the ceremonial arena. New Telegraph learnt that the Iguohun ceremony (propitiation of his destiny) created the opportunity for the spiritual renewal and fortification of the personage of the heir apparent to the Benin throne and an occasion to ask for God’s continuous guidance, blessings and protection for the Edaiken, the Royal households and the Benin Kingdom. The Acting Ukueben, a senior in the Enisen group

of the Royal Palace chamber of Iwebo, officiated at the ceremony which held at the official residence of the Edaiken. Ukueben prayed for God’s favour and divine health upon the Benin Crown Prince and the Edaiken was anointed with blood of sacrificial offerings, under the watchful eyes of Eribo, the Acting Head of Iwebo. The ceremony climaxed with the Royal dance by the heir apparent to the Benin throne and Edaiken N’Uselu with the Eben, a ceremonial sword. He danced round the sacrificial offerings amidst praises of Iyare, Iyare. Ambassador Eheneden Erediuwa was also initiated into Royal House of Iwebo kingdom, which marked the completion of his seven days initiation into the Royal House of Iwebo. The Royal House of Iwebo is one of the many Benin Palace societies headed by the Uwangue. Initiation of Prince Erediuwa into the Royal House of Iwebo was in conformity with the Benin custom and it showed the boundless dynamism rooted in Benin rich cultural heritage. After the seven days initiation with its attendant rites, a large crowd accompanied the Crown Prince from the palace courtyard to his residence at the Government Reservation Area. Prince Erediauwa was dressed in white attire and red cap while other Iwebo members wore white wrappers and trekked to the residence of the Crown Prince. In addition, the Crown Prince had earlier as part of the spiritual fortifications visited shrines and in the process conferred with the Uko N’ Iwebo amidst dancing and singing. During the event, he trekked to the shrines and was escorted by a large crowd his family members. He Before the visit to the shrines, Prince Erediauwa was conferred with the Uko N’ Iwebo title shortly after performing some rituals at the Ugha-ErhaOba. Members of the Iwebo lined up to guide him into the Iwebooba-Obaosanobua and were dressed in white wrappers and wore no shirts. After some minutes, the Crown Prince stepped out, led by the head of the Iwebo, Chief Eribo. Among the shrines visited included the Aro-Edion-Edo, Ekpenede, grave of Iden N’ Okpokhuo, Aruo-Emotan and others. During the period, businesses around the Oba Market were shut even as people trooped out to have a glimpse of the Crown Prince while members of the Isekhuen group stood guard.

News|south-south

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lamentations over Cameroonian gendarmes It has been anguish for the people of Effiat in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. They are under threat from the authorities of neighbouring Cameroon. TONY ANICHEBE, in Uyo, reports that the people are now willing to take up a battle

Some of Bakassi residents

here is intense lamentations and tears at the moment in many villages of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. That is following the continued rape, looting and hostage taking in the creeks of Effiat communities after the illegal annexation and occupation of 16 villages in the Mbo Mangrove Island by gendarmes from Republic of Cameroon. New Telegraph gathered that the mangrove island, which hosts 16 villages of Effiat clan in Mbo council area of Akwa Ibom State, sharing common boundary with Cameroon, is currently under the administrative control of the Cameroon authorities, a sad condition which is allegedly happening as “a result of the expansionist policy of the Cameroon government”. On daily basis, some of the people of the area, according to the member, representing Mbo in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Samuel Ufuo are being killed by militants anytime they attempt to react to their predicament, while scores of others are terrorized, dehumanized, deprived of their rights and privileges as well as maltreated by the Cameroonian government security agencies. Ufuo, while presenting the situation of the hapless Mbo people during plenary over the weekend, when the report was reread for deliberation under matters of urgent public im-

portance, expressed worries that the affected people, who are still living in their villages established when there was no Nigeria or Cameroon as countries, would be allowed to be so humiliated. The lawmaker noted that a former member, who represented the area in the National Assembly, Mr Robinson Uwak, had in January 2015, alerted the Federal Government of the situation in Mbo, but no action has been taken since then to demarcate properly the maritime boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon as determined by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the settlement for the ownership of the Bakassi Peninsula in 2002. It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, during a visit to the Cameroonian President, Paul Biya, shortly after his inauguration as President of Nigeria, last year, assured his host that the country will continue to abide by the ruling of the ICJ on the Bakassi Peninsula. Buhari had also said his administration would ensure the faithful implementation of the Green Tree Agreement, which regulates the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. But Ufuo reiterated that the mangrove islands were not part of the territory ceded to the Cameroon government by the world court during the Bakassi Peninsula issue. Ufuo’s position had earlier

Oil and gas revenues that should accrue to the state and the Nigeria government, ...employment opportunities to our teeming youths are lost to the Republic of Cameroon

been raised by Uwak during his presentation to the House of Representatives last year. Ufuo recalled with sadness that the affected natives can no longer take care of their families because they have lost their sources of livelihood. The Mbo mangrove island is said to be blessed with numerous natural resources such as copious fishing routes and approximately 350 oil wells. This strategic economic importance, it is believed, may have brought the envy of the Cameroon government. New Telegraph gathered from the record of the votes and proceedings of Wednesday 14 January 2015, of the 7th House of Representatives, then led by Malam Aminu Tambuwal (now Governor of Sokoto state) that the House had made three resolutions on the matter which included to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate and report within 30 days (beginning from 14th January 2015). Others were to urge the Attorney General and Surveyor General of Nigeria to submit all relevant instruments being used in recent delineations by international surveyors as recommended by the United Nations, and to strongly urge the Nigeria government to re-exert its sovereignty over the troubled island with the mandate of protecting Nigerians being maltreated in the hands of the Cameroonian gendarmes. The resolutions, New Telgraph gathered, were made after the House received a report on the matter by the then member representing Oron (Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urue Offong Oruko) Federal Constituency, Robinson Uwak, where it was not only pointed out that the disputed islands were not part of the territory ceded to the Cameroon government by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the Bakassi Peninsula issue, but also that the encroachment has led to the loss of about 350 oil wells and gas revenues which ought to accrue to Nigeria. According to Ufuo, the resolutions were discarded following the electioneering at the time and the subsequent end of the 7th National Assembly regime in June 2015. Describing the situation as pathetic, Ufuo said the people of the affected villages are still buying and selling in Mbo and other Akwa Ibom markets, including paying their taxes, boat licences and other levies to the Akwa Ibom State government. “Should this annexation by the Republic of Cameroon be allowed to continue after the ongoing demarcation by both countries, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole will lose the territory with thousands miles in our coastal water including mineral resources.

“Sad to note that as a result of the illegal occupation of the islands by the Republic of Cameroon, oil and gas revenues that should accrue to the state and the Nigeria government, ...employment opportunities to our teeming youths are lost to the Republic of Cameroon. “Cognizant of the 11th March 1913 Anglo-German treaties that lay this island firmly within Nigeria territory as the island lays West of the Rio Del Ray estuary which serves as the official border line between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon as reaffirmed by the ICJ judgment on the 10th October 2002. “Also cognizant of the fact that the ICJ had ordered both Nigeria and Cameroon to withdraw sovereignty over areas they were not entitled to under the 1913 Anglo-German treaties. This resulted in Nigeria ceding over to Republic of Cameroon 32 villages from Adamawa (state) to the Lake Chad area while Cameroon is holding tight to Akwa Ibom 16 villages of Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area, of the mangrove island,” Ufuo’s position, as earlier presented to the house of assembly, read in part. As soon as the matter was read at the state house of assembly over the weekend preparatory for deliberation, the House dissolved into the committee of the whole to take the recommendations of the committee on security, youth and sports where it was earlier committed. But midway into the deliberations, the committee said it realised that there were current security realities which needed to be reflected in the report and recommendations. While presenting the report of the committee of the whole, Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke, said the committee considered it necessary for the entire House to go into adequate consultations as matters contained in the recommendations have security implications and which cannot be taken on the face value. The House further rescheduled the matter for deliberation in the next two sittings which, according to the Speaker, adequate inputs would, by then, be in place in order for a sound decision and judgment to be made as it concerns the recommendations of the committed on security, youth and sports. Tensed atmosphere pervades the Effiat community when our correspondent visited the area over the weekend. A resident, Mr Nduonyi Asuquo, who trades on crayfish and dry fish, said girls and women were being raped in the full glare of the public, while the perpetrators make jest of their men who watch helplessly.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Features Canned drink package harbours germs

Health Appolonia Adeyemi

or one in 10 women that live with endometriosis, having pain might be a familiar path. From experiencing painful menstruation to painful sexual intercourse, the women know better. The burden endometriosis imposes on them, is often written off as women’s problem. Given the advancement in modern medicine, the tide is turning while hope of reprieve has returned for many women living with the condition worldwide and in Nigeria. This was highlighted recently as thousands of Lagosians trooped out during a match to create awareness on endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the womb and causing pelvic pain, especially associated with menstruation. Endometriosis is a chronic, debilitating, and often painful condition, which can also lead to infertility, fatigue, bowel and bladder problems. About 40 per cent of women who have endometriosis may experience infertility. “That’s why we are talking about early diagnosis so that women who experience the condition can have all the options available through modern medicine,” said Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, founder of Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN). According to Ajayi who is also the Managing Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, being diagnosed with this condition early will go a long way to help. It will pave the way to address the problems that are associated with it and it may tackle the disorder. He said once diagnosed with endometriosis, a woman should decide whether she wants to be alone, get married and choose what needs to be done to maximise her fertility before it becomes compromised. Endometriosis is the name given to the condition, where cell like those that make up the lining of the womb, the endometrium, is found elsewhere in the body. In Nigeria and West Africa, as part of awareness campaign on endometriosis, the theme for 2016

Appolonia Adeyemi Health Editor

appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

Interview ‘Nigerians lack access to kidney care’

24 25

Endometriosis: Early detection curbs infertility

Magese

Signs she may have endomatriosis

PHOTO:yinstill.com

World Endometriosis Month is: ‘End the Silence’. The World Endometriosis Month is marked globally in March. This theme explains the involvement of Ms Millen Magese, a former Miss Tanzania and a philanthropist, in ESGN’s 2016 awareness campaign in Lagos. Magese who lives with endometriosis, began her campaign tagged “Many Faces of Endometriiosis’ two years ago. “I thought keeping quiet is no longer an issue, she said. My experience with endometriosis is not something I should keep alone. “I just want to be able to save just one girl, to educate her to understand endometriosis and to speak out about the condition.” Highlighting her challenges with endometriosis, Magese, a fashion model based in New York, said living with the condition became a struggle. Although, she presented with the condition at the age of 13 years, Magese was diagnosed with endometriosis 13 years later. My ordeal with menstrual period is not something I can ex-

plain, she said. “ I had low back and abdomen pain. I passed out; I threw up; I stayed in the hospital with morphine; and there were days when the period pains were really bad.” I had to inject myself for me not to pass out, added Magese. On things done to alleviate pain, she listed them to include acupuncture, exercise, Yoga, among others. She praised support from her family as one of the things that kept her going through her struggle with the condition. Her message to girls who live with endometriosis: “don’t be ashamed on the story; you have to speak out concerning anything about reproductive health.” However, she stressed that keeping the pain inside and dealing with it alone kills faster. Magese therefore urged affected girls and women to speak out so they can find help, break the chain of silence and become the woman they want to be.” What is endometriosis? Sadly, the vast numbers of women with this condition, are misdiagnosed, mislabeled and misunderstood thereby subjecting them to severe pain, inability to work, socialise or maintain a meaningful

About 40 per cent of women who have endometriosis may experience infertility

Ajayi

relationship. The condition may be the cause of half of all unexplained infertility. For now endometriosis remains incurable and scientists are still trying to discover exactly what triggers the agonising affliction. According to Ajayi, endometriosis is not a lifestyle disease. “There’s something that is making the endometrium to implant in another place where it is not supposed to be. Therefore the more the number of menses the person has the more it is likely to become worse, he said. One of the signs to watch out for is that if menstruation pain is as painful as to disrupt the woman from living normal life, endometriosis should be suspected. Another important factor to note is that if endometriosis is not addressed early (from the time it presents in a woman, it could result to infertility because this condition is about having the endometrium where it not supposed to be. So it is like one is bleeding inside. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Health \ features

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Canned drink package harbours germs Medical Eleazar Nwanti

s Jade Dehinde commuted from Apapa to Lagos Island in a minibus known as ‘Danfo,’ the heat from the scorching sun was hard on his skin. He perspired and sweat dripped freely from his forehead. He regularly wiped the sweat with his handkerchief. Getting to Ijora Bustop, the driver pulled up, for a passenger to alight. Dehinde heard a roadside trader selling bottled water, different brands of soda and other sweetened drinks, calling out to consumers, “buy your cold Pepsi, Coke, Viju, Lacasera, bottled water! At that point Dehinde realised that the heat had become unbearable and he needed a cold drink to quench the impact of the scorching sun. He promptly beckoned on the trader: “give me a canned malt drink.” Dehinde stretched forth his hand through the window of the vehicle, collected the drink, paid, promptly opened the canned drink, placed the can package very close to his mouth and gulped its content. From Dehinde’s action, it was clear that he did not bother to clean the can before drinking from it. Merely looking at the canned package it was also clear that the top of the can was dirty, raising the issue that often, canned drink packages are not cleaned before CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Early diagnosis means seeking care early which could improve the quality of life for affected women. For instance if the woman needs to do acupuncture, a laparoscopic surgery to treat it through the removal of the endometrium from locations where they are not supposed to be implanted, including doing other recommended options by medical experts, it will provide a better quality of life as well give them succour. How endometriosis causes infertility On how endometriosis can cause infertility, the founder of the ESGN said, during menstruation, the woman would bleed in the uterus where some endometrial are implanted as well as outside the uterus wherever endometrium is implanted. “Bleeding

they are sold to final consumers. According to medical experts, drinking directly from a canned drink package that is not clean, could have adverse health implications. In most cases, these canned drinks are stored in warehouses for a long time, thereby exposing them to dirt including dust, urine and droppings from rodents. While the drinks are stacked in warehouses and retail shops; they accumulate a lot of dirt Danger in dirty can package which could pose danger to health. Irrespective of how neat a canned drink may appear, a good number of bacteria could be present atop the cans especially if they are not properly cleaned before a consumer drinks directly from it. Several diseases are linked to germs contracted from canned drink Irrespective packages that are not properly cleaned. of how neat a Speaking on this, Dr. Iheukwumere Nwaiwu canned drink of the Federal Medical may appear, a Center, Bayelsa identified Leptospirosis and Hanta good number Virus as diseases associated with dirty canned of bacteria are drinks that are not proppresent on them erly cleaned. According to him, the diseases could result from the urine and droppings from infected rats and other rodents on these cans, although there has been no reported case. Among bacteria that could be present atop a dirty canned drink packag are campylobacter, shigella viruses such as the Ad-

Facts

Compulsive gambling S

enovirus and Rotavirus. All these bacteria could result to diarrhoeal diseases, said Nwaiwu. Campylobacter is the second most common cause of foodborne illness. The symptoms of Campylobacter infection, or Campylobacteriosis, include fever, nausea, among others. Shigellosis is a diarrheal disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Similarly, he said carcinogen, a substance or agent that could cause cancer, may be present on top of dirty canned drinks. This could also predispose to various cancers. He added, “You can also contract gastritis, that is irritation of the stomach wall and linings” from dirty canned drinks. Speaking in similar vein, Dr. Cedric Spark, Infectious Disease Specialist at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas in the United States (U.S) said, “canned drinks that are not properly cleaned could cause infections with a variety of serious

medical conditions in patients.” He identified running water as the best method to clean a canned drink before consuming directly from the can. Similarly, a Public Health Official and Senior Lecturer at Department of Health Education, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Golda Ekenedo advised that proper measures need to be taken to check the health implications of drinking from the top of a dirty canned drink. “Apart from ensuring a proper hygienic storage system of the canned drinks,” she said, homes and warehouses should be rid of pests, and top of canned drinks should be washed before direct consumption from them. After cleaning the cans, he noted that the use of glass cup or straw could mitigate the impact of the dirt from the cans and this is largely dependent on the final consumer.” Properly clean the top of your canned drink before you drink from the cans, she advised.

Endometriosis: Expert seeks doctors’ training to aid diagnosis outside the uterus means that when the blood being shed outside the uterus mixes with other organs it could stick with other organs. “When the organs gum together, it could form scar. Therefore there is distortion in the anatomy of the organs.” Similarly, Ajayi said for fertility to be achieved, sperm and egg must meet. “The scar can prevent both sperm and egg from meeting.” Anatomical distortion and adhesions caused by endometriosis reduces the chance of natural conception. The increased number of adhesions means there is higher possibility the egg will get trapped and prevented from getting down the Fallopian tube. Apart from this, managing director of

Participants at the 2016 awareness walk by the Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN), held in Lagos recently

Nordica Fertility Centre said: “There are also chemical issues causing the infertility. “The blood is not just pure blood. It has some chemicals called prostaglandins which kill eggs.” According to Ajayi “there is also a structural way by which the women living with endometriosis have infertility. “It affects both the quality of their

endometrium and the quality of their eggs. It is all encompassing.” Although, endometriosis cannot be prevented, he said, “when scientists know what causes it the world may be able to attempt preventing it.” Ajayi urged the government to provide more equipment in general hospitals, in tertiary hospitals, and train more

doctors on how to diagnose endometriosis. “We don’t want to see women at the point when they cannot have children. We want the diagnosis to be made much earlier so that these ladies can have good quality of life.” Also, he appealed to the government and corporate entities to provide funds for research and treatment for this condition.

ome drugs that treat restless leg syndrome have a side effect of compulsive gambling. Dopaminergic agents that treat a variety of conditions, including restless leg syndrome, can cause otherwise ordinary people to become gambling addicts. Physicians do not always warn patients about this potential side effect, and patients and their families do not associate it with drug therapy. If you take any new medications, read the label for potential side effects. Gambling may be one of them! No one clearly understands why this happens. Differences in men and women There are many differences between men and women that we don’t entirely understand. For instance, women have smaller-diameter coronary arteries surrounding the exterior of their heart in relation to the size of the heart; men have larger-diameter arteries. If a female heart was transplanted into a male patient, the arteries over time would grow to be the larger-diameter type. Men also have larger-diameter strands of hair. Women blink about twice as much as men do and have a keener sense of smell. Men burn fat more quickly (about 50 calories a day more). There’s no artificial blood They can’t make artificial blood. You can get an artificial hip, knee, elbow, even ankle, and there are machines that can replace the heart and lungs, but there is no way to make synthetic blood substitutes in the laboratory. Nerve impulses from brain travels fast Ever wonder how you can react so fast to things around you or why that stubbed toe hurts right away? It is due to the super-speedy movement of nerve impulses from your brain to the rest of your body and vice versa, bringing reactions at the speed of a high powered luxury sports car.

Health \ Interview

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Nigerians lack access to kidney care’ Dr. Opeyemi Komolafe is a Consultant Nephrologist at the Abuja Clinics. In this interview with EBERE AMEH, he discusses the causes and prevention of kidney disease, while calling on the government to subsidise kidney care in the country There seems to be a rise in kidney disease in Nigeria. What is the reason behind this rise? There are two factors responsible for the perceived increase in kidney disease in Nigeria. First is that greater awareness has led to an increased recognition of the disease. This is not to say that kidney diseases didn’t occur in the past, but most of the time, they probably weren’t identified and the awareness in society was not as much. Hence, the awareness seems to be greater now, we seem to be getting more cases. The increase also has to do with the westernisation of our lifestyle. So, what we are doing is that we are importing diseases by virtue of our changes in lifestyle, particularly, with respect to diet, sedentary living and adoption of unhealthy practices like cigarette smoking and so on. These are contributors to common causes of kidney disease like diabetes and hypertension. These diseases are generally referred to as diseases of affluence. The more affluent a society becomes, the more westernised a society becomes, the greater the incidence of diabetes and hypertension, and all of these drive the incidence of new cases of kidney disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has projected that the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries like Nigeria will continue to rise. There has been a steady rise of these diseases over the last few decades. In the past, we used to have more of infectious diseases in Africa and other developing countries, but now, because of the factors that I mentioned earlier, we are getting an increased spike in NCDs. What are the causes of the disease? In general, chronic kidney disease can be caused by various factors. Besides uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, which I have highlighted, you also have conditions that are generally related to abnormal activation of the body’s immune system resulting in a failure to differentiate self from non-self. Specifically, the immune system which ordinarily should be protective fails to recognise the kidney as an innate part of the body and launches an attack against it, damaging it in the process. We call that glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis is a heterogeneous group of disorders with various causes and patterns. This is one of the common causes of kidney conditions in Nigeria, though, diabetes and hypertension come in a close second and third respectively. Africans and other individuals of Afro-Caribbean extraction are genetically more prone to develop kidney disease. There are other causes of kidney disease that are related to poor

obstetric care for pregnant women. For instance, excessive bleeding after childbirth, poorly managed pregnancy-induced hypertension can all lead to kidney failure. Some cases are related to prostate enlargement which is common in elderly men. If the prostate is obstructing the flow of urine and that obstruction is not taken care of early enough, it can eventually lead to damage of the kidney. Similarly, kidney stones can lead to obstruction to urine flow with the same effect. There are also genetic conditions which could manifest at birth or show up later in life. Some of them run in families, for instance Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Sickle cell disease can result in chronic kidney disease. Infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C have also been clearly linked to kidney disease. And as you have a rising prevalence of these infections, you get a rise in kidney diseases too. Some forms of cancers can also damage the kidneys secondarily. Acute kidney injury can also result from situations such as substantial blood loss for instance, after a road traffic accident or losing large amounts of bodily fluids from diarrhoea and vomiting. This tends to occur particularly, if prompt and adequate blood transfusion or rehydration respectively is not ensured. A serious infection in the blood for instance what we call septicemia can involve the kidney and cause an acute kidney problem too. But by and large, in our environment, acute kidney failure usually results from excessive blood or bodily fluid loss (from any cause), serious blood infections and abuse of over-thecounter pain medications, what we call Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac. Also, herbal remedy usage also accounts for a proportion of cases. What can we do to avoid kidney disease? The most important thing is prevention. Prevention as you know is better and cheaper than cure. One thing we should all learn to do is drink lots of water and avoid indiscriminate medication use. Individuals above the age of 40 should have annual check-ups for diabetes and hypertension. If these conditions are detected early, they can be managed properly so that they do not lead to failure of the kidneys. Stop smoking, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight and eat a healthy diet. All these lifestyle adjustments are very important in preventing kidney disease. What are the things to look out for, the symptoms of kidney disease? For acute kidney failure what you may get much of the time, is that the person just suddenly notices that he is not urinating as much as he used to previously.

Komolafe

Africans and other individuals of Afro-Caribbean extraction are genetically more prone to develop kidney disease

This is usually accompanied by a general feeling of unwellness and sometimes swelling of the face and feet. That is the major sign, but there are other signs. But when it comes to chronic kidney disease, the reason most of the times it is not recognised early is because most of its symptoms are rather nonspecific. In order words, an affected individual may simply notice loss of appetite, poor sleep, weakness of the body etc. This weakness in chronic kidney disease partially results from a fall in blood level which we call anaemia. More specific symptoms include facial swelling, swelling of the feet, reduction in the volume of total urine being passed and increase in the number of times one wakes up at night to pass urine. As the kidney failure progresses symptoms like repeated vomiting, hiccups, itching of the body, shakiness of the hands, drowsiness and even convulsions may ensue. If left uncorrected for a long period, progressive loss of consciousness and ultimately death can result. What tests are available to detect the disease and how often can they be done? The simplest screening test that can be done is called a urine analysis. I think everyone should endeavor to do this at least once a year, as part of an annual medical check-up. But going to relatively more complex tests, we are talking of things like a blood test for electrolytes, urea and creatinine, and ultrasound scan of the kidneys. With the prevalence in cases of kidney disease in the country, is the government doing enough to chech

the disease? There is a lot of expertise with respect to kidney care in Nigeria and there are lots of facilities for kidney care in Nigeria, both in the private and public sector. What is lacking is access to that care. One major reason for this impeded access is the cut-throat price of dialysis and medications for dialysis. Conservatively, to maintain an individual with end-stage kidney disease it costs between N70,000 to N100,000 each week! So you have a situation where even when people know that they have kidney disease, they cannot pay for the services. So, they suffer and sometimes die. Therefore, what the government needs to do is provide subsidies in order to make the treatment more affordable for the man on the street. In order words, the government should either bear a large proportion of the cost of kidney treatment or have a way of making the consumables that are used for dialysis to be available in Nigeria at rock bottom rates so people can afford it. Are you talking about the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)? I am referring to the NHIS in part. If government can include dialysis under some of the coverage that is available under NHIS, it will be nice, but also, if it can drive down the cost of dialysis consumables so that even those who are not covered by the NHIS scheme can access a government hospital and get dialysis treatment cheap, it will be even better. Of course, there are specific operational challenges as well in terms of frequent equipment breakdown, fluctuating supply of dialysis consumables in the market and so on and so forth.

Health \ News

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

MTN partners states, JNC to boost maternal, child health

T L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Amina Shamaki and the Commissioner for Health in Sokoto State, Dr. Shehu, Kakale Shuni during the National Council on Health (NCH) meeting held in Sokoto State

Sultan leads campaign against maternal mortality

he Chairman, National Council on Health who is also the Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole has solicited the support of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III to lead the campaign against maternal and child death during pregnancy and delivery. This is contained in a statement from the Director, Media and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Mrs Boade Akinola. According to the statement, the Minister made the plea over the weekend when he led

State Commissioners of Health who converged in Sokoto for the 58th Council on Health meeting to pay courtesy visit on the Sultan of Sokoto in his palace. Prof. Adewole explained that the council members were committed to implement Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria, which would ensure that every Nigerian irrespective of where she or he lives would be able to access health without suffering financial jeopardy. His words, “one thing clear to us is your intervention in every health matters would produce

dividend, we want to use your name, your office and your personality to drive our efforts to reduce maternal and new born death in Nigeria as you did on polio.” “What we want is a situation where our women would survive when they carry babies in their wombs and also that the children they deliver should survive, no woman should die just because she wants to give birth and we believed that your words, your leadership in this initiative would help to convince people that a pregnant woman needs care in the hospital,” he said.

he MTN Foundation has said that sector to help reduce maternal mortalit would collaborate with JNC In- ity. ternational and six state govern“That is why we have started the ments to reduce infant and maternal MTNF Maternal Ward Support Project. mortality in the country. “Through this initiative, we seek Executive Secretary of the MTN to contribute to unhindered access to Foundation, Ms Nonny Ugboma who healthcare systems and skilled health unveiled the plan at the MTN Founda- professionals for pregnant women in tion Maternal Ward Support Project Nigeria,’’ she said. media, said the partnership would help Ugboma said that the goal under secure the future of Nigerian children. the first phase of the MTNF Maternal According to her, it will also save the Ward Support Project was to renovate lives of mothers from needless deaths. and equip maternal wards in at least 24 Ugboma said that the six states se- hospitals across the six selected states. She said that each of the maternity lected to benefit under the first phase of the MTNF Maternal Ward Support wards would be equipped with 20 hosProject included Abia, Cross River, Ka- pital beds with cardiac rest , standard hospital mattresses and bed pillows. duna, Niger, Oyo and Sokoto. “According to 2015 reports from the They would also have10 standard four-way foldable ward World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 830 screens, 20 metal bedside women die from preventable cupboards and visitors’ Maternal deaths causes related to pregnancy chairs, 10 drip stands, 20 and childbirth every day hydraulic over-bed tables, also occur due to and, 99 per cent of all mater10 height adjustable baby nal deaths occur in developcots and two Carl Novel lack of access to ing countries like Nigeria. Baby incubators. pre-natal care “We also hope to sensiShe said that the MTNF was committed to ensuring tise women in these states that mothers and children led to visit the maternity wards healthy lives. so that they can get easy access to the She said, ``A majority of these cas- right care in a conducive environment. es occur within the first week of life, “MTN Foundation and its public and mainly due to complications during private partners are making the investpregnancy and delivery. ment because we are convinced that ma“However, a sizeable number of maternal, neonatal and child health should ternal deaths also occur due to lack of be one of the highest priorities for our access to pre-natal care. society. “MTNF has so far invested over N18 “We are concerned about how maternal health can be improved and so, billion into key projects spread across we believe that the private sector must health, education and economic empowwork with government and the public erment’’ Ugboma said.

Cashew: The wonder plant (2)

n the other hand, when you eat foods containing LDL fats (like lard, egg yolk, pork and liver for example), the liver distributes it throughout your body, often attaching to the cells, which become clogged with plaque. To lower your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease, enjoy a handful of cashews or other nuts, or a tablespoon of nut butter, at least four times a week. Cashew is rich in copper. An essential component of many enzymes, copper plays a role in a wide range of physiological processes including iron utilisation, elimination of free radicals, development of bone and connective tissue, and the production of the skin and hair pigment called melanin. For example, copper is an essential component of the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, which is important in energy production and antioxidant defences. Copper is also necessary for the activity of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme involved in cross-linking collagen and elastin, both of which provide the ground substance and flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints. Low dietary intake of copper may also be associated with increased fecal free radical production and fecal water alkaline phosphatase activity, risk factors for colon cancer. Numerous health problems can develop when copper intake is inadequate, including iron deficiency anaemia, ruptured

Nature Power

Anselm Adodo

naturepower@paxherbals.net twitter: @anselmadodo

blood vessels, osteoporosis, joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, brain disturbances, elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduced HDL (good) cholesterol levels, irregular heartbeat, and increased susceptibility to infections. Since prevention is better than cure, take cashew regularly to stay healthy. Magnesium in cashew helps regulate nerve and muscle tone. Everyone knows that calcium is necessary for strong bones, but magnesium is also vital for healthy bones. About two-thirds of the magnesium in the human body is found in our bones. Some helps give bones their physical structure, while the rest is found on the surface of the bone where it is stored for the body to draw upon as needed. In many nerve cells, magnesium serves as Nature’s own calcium channel blocker, preventing calcium from rushing into the nerve cell and activating the nerve. By blocking calcium’s entry, magnesium keeps our nerves, blood vessels and muscles relaxed.

Insufficient magnesium can thus contribute to high blood pressure, muscle spasms (including spasms of the heart muscle or the spasms of the airways symptomatic of asthma), and migraine

Cashew fruits

headaches, as well as muscle cramps, tension, soreness and fatigue. Given these effects, it is not surprising that studies have shown magnesium helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, lowers blood pressure, helps prevent heart attacks, promotes normal sleep patterns in women suffering from menopausal sleep disturbances, and reduces the severity of asthma. Next time when you see a cashew fruit, do not take it for granted. It is a wonder fruit.

PHOTO

High-sugar diets fuel lung cancer

ating a diet high in sugar raises the risk for diabetes and also boosts the odds of developing lung cancer. That is the upshot of new research by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center that found consuming a diet with a high glycemic index — a classification of how rapidly carbohydrates elevate blood sugar levels — increased the risk of developing lung cancer in non-Hispanic whites. The study — published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research — is the largest study to investigate potential links between glycemic index (GI) and lung cancer. The findings are the first time to link GI with lung cancer risk in people who never smoked and those diagnosed with the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) subtype of lung cancer. Nationally, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, causing more than 150,000 deaths each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Industry Nigeria’s forex policy threatens real sector

Business What's news Regulation for N40bn telcos’ services market coming p.28

Firm sees Nigeria’s industrial index rise to 52 in Q2 p.28

eWorld Fresh sanctions dangle on telecoms operators

29 31

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE January 2016.............................9.6% December 2015........................9.6% November 2015........................9.4%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(BDC as at Feb 25)

(Interbank as at Feb 25)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N320 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N450 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N370

l Foreign Reserves – $27.807bn as at 25/2/2016

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N307 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N224

Source: CBN

L-R: President/ CEO, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Ms Sola Salako; Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garba Kankarofi and Client Service Director, Insight Communication Ltd, Mr Wole Ogundare, at the 4th Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria [BJAN] Consumer Right Day Symposium held in Lagos.

Telecoms: Monthly mobile porting falls by 17% IMPROVEMENT The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Decline in porting suggests improved service delivery on subscribers’ networks, foreclosing decision to port

As ported lines hit 446,010

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Taiwo Hassan

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Kunle Azeez

he volume of porting activities among Nigeria’s telecoms subscribers has declined by 17 per cent, though the total number of ported lines so far has reached 446,010 since the launch of mobile number portability (MNP) in 2013, New Telegraph has learnt. The number of porting subscribers declined from 17,742 in December to 14,648, according to the latest MNP report released by the telecoms regulator. The reduction by 3,092 phone lines thus represents a slide in monthly porting by 17 per cent. Adoption of MNP is need-based, as subscribers only migrate from one network to another when the quality of service on their existing network is not satisfactory. As such, analysts say that the

decline in the number subscriber that ported in January is attributable to the seeming improvement in the quality of service on their existing network. Meanwhile, the introduction of MNP in 2013 has widened telecoms consumers’ choices as subscribers are able to migrate from one network to another without changing their lines. Since 2013, the monthly porting on mobile networks, mainly the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks of MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat, has been gaining traction. According to NCC’s latest MNP report, the introduction of the service has created wider service choices for telecoms subscribers, as not less than 446,010 has leveraged the porting service by changing operators. Currently, there are over 149 million active telephone lines on the four GSM networks with opportunity to migrate from their existing network to other network as they deem fit. Following the launch of the service in 2013, telecoms networks in June, July, August, September, recorded 5,802; 6,753, 12,039 and 13,072-ported lines respectively.

149 million Being the current number of active telephone lines on the four GSM networks in Nigeria

In October, November and December 2013, the monthly figure also increased to 14,296; 7,830 and 5,850 in that order. The number of subscribers porting their telephone lines also continued in the upward swing in 2014. As at January last year, the number of ported lines were 7,080 in February; 13,383 in March; 14,183 in April; 9,365 in May; 10,325 in June and July, 2014, the figure stood at 11,110. By the end of August 2014, the total number of monthly ported telephone lines was 13,878; 18,980 in September; 16,697 in October; 13,578 in November; and 10,539 in December. By January, this year, the monthly ported lines stood at 14,330; 14,801 in February; 14,718 in March; 15,357 in April and in May, the figure stood at 18, 071. In June, July, August, September, October, November and December, the figure seated at 21, 152; 28,712; 19, 453; 20, 370; 16,579; 18, 258 and 17,558 respectively. Speaking on porting activities in the country, Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, noted CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

business |NEWS

UNWANTED The policy framework will address the rising case of unsolicited text messages Kunle Azeez

he policy framework for effective regulation of N40 billion annual value-added services (VAS) segment of the Nigerian telecommunications market is inching towards its final stage, New Telegraph has gathered. The telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in a document entitled: ‘‘Consultation paper on procedures and guidelines for the provision of value-added services in Nigeria,” said it is currently engaging and consulting with industry stakeholders to make valuable inputs into the policy document. However, inputs made by the stakeholders not later than March 30 would be reviewed and considered for inclusion in the document before the poli-

Ported lines hit 446,010 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

that MNP is a need-based value-added service for willing subscribers. He said: “MNP is not a compulsory service that people must subscribe to. If a subscriber sees a need for it, he or she may switch from his or her current network to another and if not, he or she remains on its current network. “So, you don’t expect a surge in MNP uptake since it is based on the decision of the subscribers to either port or not to port. Yet, I believe we are having impressive uptake, coming mostly from individuals who have seen a need to migrate. The beauty of porting services is freedom of choices,” Ojobo said. The NCC, in 2012, had set strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on Quality of Service (QoS) for telecoms operators and has continued to sanction operators for not meeting the QoS parameters. He said the MNP scheme was introduced to also boost competition among telecoms operators to provide improved services, encourage them to invest in network expansion, as well as providing wider choices for subscribers.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Regulation for N40bn telcos’ services market coming cy comes into effect. “The Commission has instituted consultation processes that will culminate in the review of the framework for the provision of Value Added Services in Nigeria, especially content services,” Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, said in the document. Accordingly, Danbatta said in keeping with the provision of Sections 7172 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, the Commission has notified all stakeholders, including VAS licensees, of the upload of document for their contributions. NCC has the primary responsibility to attract investment, promote competition, protect consumers, manage scarce resources and to balance stakeholders’ interests. The Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) also

confers on it the responsibility to control and regulate other related services offered in addition to the basic voice communications. These include data services, Internet and other value added services. NCC said telecommunications, being a dynamic, fast-changing and a technology-driven industry, has continually evolved over the years, as a result of continuous innovation and development. As such, the traditional network-centric and facilities-based business model is fast being overtaken by over-the-top services in terms of volume and turnover. According to the draft document, the Commission has, up to this time, allowed the value added services industry to develop without any encumbrance or significant regulatory interference. “Consequently, the VAS

industry in Nigeria has grown to a multi-billion Naira industry, and has also become an enabling tool for facilitating efficient operations in other sectors of the economy. “Examples include mobile banking, Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s landmark e-wallet for fertilizer distribution, National Food and Drugs Administration Commission’s (NAFDAC) short code for detection of fake drugs, among others. “However, there is a dark side to the success story. The Commission has received several complaints from the public in respect of service providers who use short codes assigned for Value Added Services to perpetuate fraud, the menace of unsolicited text messages that flood customers’ phones, fake bank credit alerts and anti-competitive activi-

ties, among others.” According to the NCC, consequent upon the developments and the fact that the VAS industry is beginning to approach maturity, the Commission was of the opinion that it was time to regulate the industry in order to protect, balance and reconcile stakeholders’ interests. “So, the Commission has developed a set of regulatory guidelines to help achieve the above objectives. However, in line with our long-standing participatory regulation policy, the guidelines are hereby published for public comments. Observations by stakeholders will be put into consideration in coming up with the final guidelines.” However, the Commission, in the 41-page document, said it would not, for now, regulate retail price paid by subscribers for value added services.

“This will be left purely to market forces. NCC may however, review its position if consumer protection needs dictate otherwise,” NCC said. The 41-page document consists of the three sub-sections including regulatory guidelines, technical guidelines and draft VAS hosting service licence. It provides clearer regulations that will help in addressing the issue of filtering of VAS messages on mobile network being sent to same subscribers, unsolicited messages, conditions for licensing of VAS operators, revenue sharing, among others. This newspaper learnt that following the various discrepancies in the industry, NCC had, two years ago, held a summit on VAS market with a view to ascertaining the key challenges facing the industry.

L-R: Managing Director, Aba Mega Mall, Mr. Ugo Umeseaka; Regional Manager, Victoria Island, Skye Bank, Ms. Oyinkan Adesanmi; General Manager, Foods Division, May & Baker, Valentine Okelu, and General Manager Marketing, NEM Insurance, Andrew Ikekhua, at the launch of Shopsmart Online Discount platform, in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

BATTERED ECONOMY Nigeria now among the 10 countries with the highest inflation rate in subSaharan African Taiwo Hassan

he passage of 2016 appropriation bill by the Federal Government would make the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rise to 52 in the second quarter, Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC) has forecast. Chief Executive Officer of the company, Bismarck Rewane, disclosed this at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Downstream Group: Business work-

Firm sees Nigeria’s industrial index rise to 52 in Q2

shop, in Lagos. He said that the February 2016 index rose to 50.6 from 44.6 recorded for January and December (54.2). The expert said that the PMI was an indicator of the economic health of the manufacturing sector based on five major indicators: new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries and the employment environment. Noting that all developed and significantly developing economies run PMI, he said that the sector’s operating environment had not yet rebound as expected, but noted significant improvement was expected when the 2016 budget is passed into law.

He noted the passage of the budget would spur government spending in the various sectors of the economy, adding that the multiplier effect would be positive on economic activity. Rewane said that manufacturing sector still remains the catalyst for the country’s industrial development and listed the factors constraining growth in the sector to include currency exchange pressures, oil price slump and inflationary pressure. He explained that with the country’s inflation rate, which stood at 9.6 in January, Nigeria was among the 10 highest inflation countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

He predicted that there would be no change during the first and second quarters in the monetary policy rate (MPR). Rewane stressed that treasury bills were expected to fall by 4.95 per cent (91-day) from an average of 12 per cent in the second quarter, adding that high inflation in the country’s economy had eroded gains from treasury bills. He noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) would reduce in the country, adding that the 2016 budget would boost liquidity in circulation in the second quarter. Rewane noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may adopt tightening measures to curb excess liquidity.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Industry

Nigeria’s forex policy threatens real sector

With the new foreign exchange policy in place, goods produced locally have been on the increase, TAIWO HASSAN writes

here is scarcely any country that lives in isolation in the world. This is because the economies of all countries across the globe are linked directly or indirectly through trade and foreign exchange. The price of foreign currencies is therefore important to the understanding of the growth trajectory of all countries of the world. Nigeria, like many other developing economies, has adopted two main exchange rate regimes. The adoption of these exchange rates is aimed at maintaining stability in exchange rates. Basically, the growth of most manufacturing sectors depends on the stability of the foreign exchange market. Growth can only be achieved if the value of the currency used in transactions does not depreciate. This is because it is the goal of every economy to have a stable rate of exchange with its trading partners. The failure to realise this goal had subjected the country’s manufacturing sector to the challenge of a constantly fluctuating exchange rate at the autonomous market. Dichotomy in forex Due to the plunge in the prices of crude oil in the inter national market, which culminated into the reduction in government’s oil revenue from sales of oil, the Federal Government decided to introduce some economic measures to save the country’s economy from further declining. However, the CBN having looked at the effect of the oil drop and its impact on the

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Gov

Muda Yusuf, LCCI DG

economy, announced currency controls, which necessitated the closure of its official forex window, the Retail Dutch Auction System and Wholesale Dutch Auction System. It also banned importers of some items from accessing forex at its official market, an action, which further caused the naira to plummet. The apex bank had also in August 2015 barred banks from accepting cash deposits into domiciliary accounts - a measure aimed at preventing fraud and round tripping. But in January 2016, the CBN lifted the ban on lodge-

Manufacturers still face challenge of accessing forex

ments into domiciliary accounts while announcing that it had stopped the sale of forex to over 2000 bureaux de change operators nationwide. The action by the CBN fuelled speculation, which caused one dollar to exchange for as high as N391 at the parallel market as at Thursday, February 18. As at the close of business last Tuesday, N322 exchanged for a dollar. MAN on BDCs Consequently, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to

OPS to CBN: Probe offshore project financing Taiwo Hassan

he organised private sector (OPS) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to investigate allegations that some commercial banks in the country give foreign exchange to some indigenous companies to finance projects outside the country. The OPS made this call in an in a chat with New Telegraph in Lagos. They said that there were still issues arising from regulatory to rent-seeking behaviour that needs to be dealt with decisively by the apex bank. The private sector body said this had further showed that forex could not be guaranteed by the com-

mercial banks except CBN solely monitors the distribution. Similarly, a chieftain of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Bode Lawuyi, said there were a lot of overtures emanating from the banks as regards forex distribution to some private entities in desperate need of forex. To him, giving out forex to such indigenous companies involved in offshore project financing at the stipulated official exchange rate indirectly means that Nigeria is developing other countries’ economies at the expense of local economy. He explained that banks should give out forex to genuine local manufactur-

ers that are committed to backward integration development so as to attract foreign exchange into the country. He added that this should be a priority at this period of economic crisis. Lawuyi noted that CBN needed to ensure close monitoring of the forex distribution, stressing that forex was meant to boost local production but patronage by these companies only worsened an already bad situation. His words: “Private sector operators have raised the alarm over the unfavourable forex situation in the country. There are lots of issues from regulatory to rent-seeking behavior that needs to be dealt with de-

cisively. Whilst the Federal Government is doing everything to protect the naira, there are Nigerians, corporates and individuals alike, who are grossly undermining the government’s position – sometimes with the aid of regulators – knowingly or unknowingly. He said: “On one hand, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) claims to be safeguarding the currency in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the naira but on the other hand, the lack of a transparent exchange rate policy and inequitable distribution of foreign exchange to all players in key sectors, meant to boost local production only worsens an already bad situation.

stop funding the bureaux de change segment of the foreign exchange market. The association believed that the action would enable the apex bank manage the freefall of the naira. MAN President, Dr. Frank Jacobs, said that the continued funding of the bureaux de change market was posing danger to the country’s currency. Jacobs said that the Bureaux de Change market should be provided with alternative funding window by sourcing their forex independently from other sources. He said this is the only way out of the present economic limbo Nigerian manufacturers are facing in their effort to access forex. His words: “The association appreciates the challenges the country is passing through at the moment and will do everything possible to support the Federal Government to overcome the situation. “Towards ameliorating the situation, MAN would like to advice, for a start, that the Central Bank of Nigeria should stop funding the Bureau de Change market. It is difficult to understand why. In the first instance, these outfits should depend on official allocation of forex by the CBN for their survival. The Bureau de Change market should provide alternative funding window to the economy, in which case they would source their forex independently from other sources and supply to the forex market.” Looking inwards However, the scarcity of foreign exchange has forced some manufacturers to look inwards for raw materials for their production. Manufacturers had to embark on urgent search for raw materials and substitutes that could be sourced locally because access to forex through the official route was near impossible while getting it through the black market was very expensive. The currency scarcity has affected various food items in the market with manufacturers groaning over their inability to get forex in the banks. Conclusion No doubt, the effect of the parallel market on locally manufactured products has been enormous, as products suddenly increased astronomically. However, Federal Government’s intervention is needed as an antidote to the perennial agony manufacturers operating in the country are currently facing.

business \ industry

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Multinationals rethink Nigeria’s long-term investment DILEMMA Firms express uncertainty over long-term investments in Nigeria Stories Taiwo Hassan

he on-going economic woes and lower profit projection is making some major manufacturing companies with international affiliates to revisit their long term investments plans in the

Nigerian manufacturing industry. Specifically, parent companies such as Heineken, Diageo and Coca-Cola Bottling Company are all studying the ongoing foreign exchange policy in Nigeria, especially as it relates to importation of raw materials for their production. The tight dollar restriction has forced domestic lenders to delay hard currency loan and trade repayments to foreign banks thereby increasing the risk of default. In addition, another burn-

ing issue has to do with the epileptic power supply and scarcity of fuel for operation. According to information monitored on these companies’ websites, these institutions are perturbed with the Nigeria’s economic outlook, as they express uncertainty over their long-term investments in the country. Specifically, their inability to bring in raw materials for production due to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s foreign exchange policy, especially the ban placed on 41 items on import

prohibition list, is affecting their revenue projections for the year. These overseas-based companies are wary of the negative impact the Nigerian market is having on their sub-Saharan market, especially the production output. It was revealed that Federal Government’s economic policies really had major negative impact on their profits last year. Also, they are struggling to cope, as they are operating at low capacity due to shortage of local raw materials, power,

L-R: Marketing Manager, Consumer Market Intelligence, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Mr. Samson Oloche; 1st Vice President and Vice Chairman, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen; Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Franco Maria Maggi; Council Member, NIMN, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti; and President and Chairman of Governing Council, NIMN, Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye, during a courtesy visit to NB Plc in Lagos.

Firm to re-jig operation for long-term growth

uinness Nigeria, a beverage manufacturer and a subsidiary of Diageo Plc, has begun the process of reviewing its organisational structure and design in order to enable it build a more effective and efficient business for sustained, long-term growth. Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria, Peter Ndegwa, said that the company needed to reposition in order to achieve its objectives and respond to an increasingly volatile operational environment. He said: “It is our ambition to be the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products company in Nigeria. With a challenging market economy and slowing gross domestic product growth, increasing inflation, oil price crisis amongst others, we feel that this is a good opportunity for us to look at our structures, processes and culture and see how we may build a simpler, more agile and performance-ori-

ented organisation in order to achieve that ambition and respond with speed to enable us to win in the market. “While work is on-going to determine the full extent of these changes, we know that headcount will be impacted but our focus is to take a broader look at our organisational design to enable us build a more effective and efficient organisation. These changes are required because we are determined to create the right conditions for our people, our brands and our business to succeed. “Africa is the fastest growing region for Diageo in the world and Nigeria is an important market for Diageo in Africa. We are committed to the Nigerian market; we have been here for 66 years and expect to be here for many more years. We feel that these changes will help transform our business and put us in the best shape to grow our business today and for the future.”

Envoy seeks Abuja Chamber’s support to boost trade

he Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria, Job Mbengono, has called for the support of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to assist his country in charting a course aimed at increasing trade relations between both countries. He made the call during a courtesy visit to the President of ACCI, Tony Ejinkeonye, in his office, according to a statement. In his remark, Ejinkeonye said that trade facilitation was basically the chamber’s priority and most times policy advocacy, which has reflected in so many government policies. The ACCI president noted that the focus of the chamber was on growing trade relations within nations in the African continent. The ACCI boss also noted that 85 per cent of businesses in Africa were internationally focused while 15 per cent were within the continent. He stressed that the

chamber would assist the Embassy in identifying sectors of investment interest among its members with possible B2B meetings between members of ACCI and the Equatorial Guinea business community. At the last Equatorial Guinea National Day celebration, Mbengono said: “That though the volume of trade between both countries is very low at the moment, given the potential of Nigeria and the experience of its private sector, a lot can still be achieved in the near future. “Nigeria is a giant in the region. We know about the potential of Nigeria. The businesses that we have are more from European and American countries, but we will like to see African countries too and there is no better country to invest than Nigeria. I have witnessed how aggressive the Nigerian private business sector is and I want to attract that to Equatorial Guinea.”

fuels and non-access of foreign exchange at the banks. Heineken disclosed that it was keeping an eye on Nigeria, as currency turmoil makes it harder for the company to get money out of the country. A spokesperson for the brewer said currency extraction in the country, Heineken’s second-biggest by profit contribution, was getting “more difficult but is not impossible. “We clearly are mindful of what is going on,” the spokesperson added. Heineken revealed that it had already factored a possible devaluation into its fullyear estimates. However, analysts covering Coca-Cola HBC, which also has a large exposure to Nigeria, said that a devaluation that took the naira down to current black market levels could leave a EUR50 million hole in the operating profits of the bottler. The Heineken spokesperson said: “While Nigeria is important in the overall company, we are much diversified such that our exposure to any one country is limited.” Heineken’s volumes in Nigeria increased slightly in 2015, according to full-year results released this month, but the company has acknowledged that demand has shifted to lower-value brands. For Diageo, it planned to increase its use of locally sourced raw materials in an effort to tackle macroeconomic challenges in the country. Diageo’s Africa President, John O’Keeffe, said he was “mindful of the short-term uncertainty” in Nigeria, which could lead to currency devaluation. Diageo is taking proactive steps in the market, according to O’Keeffe. “We are increasing the amount of local raw materials that we’re using. “Not that long ago, we were using about 30 per cent in Nigeria, and that has moved up to 50 per cent. We will be kicking on from that at an accelerated pace,” he said. Economic challenges have been mounting as cheap oil slashes vital revenues from crude sales, forcing the central bank to introduce currency curbs to conserve foreign exchange reserves, which have fallen to a more than 11-year low. President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected calls by the International Monetary Fund to lift foreign exchange curbs and allow a more flexible rate for the naira currency, backing the central bank’s actions. The tight dollar restrictions have forced domestic lenders to delay hard currency loan and trade repayments to foreign banks and increased the risk of default, bankers say. Foreign funds fled Nigerian assets, as the oil price decline worsened, further weakening the naira and helping fuel inflation which is currently outside the central bank’s target range at 9.6 per cent.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

eWORLD

Fresh sanctions dangle on telecoms operators Worried by the deluge of complaints received from telecoms consumers on the various fraudulent and illegal activities perpetrated by telecoms operators, the Federal Government has warned telecoms players to either comply with the laws of the land or be prepared to face heavy sanction for noncompliance. KUNLE AZEEZ reports

ollowing his appointment as minister of communications under the current administration, Mr. Adebayo Shittu was quick to express his reservations on the many ills being perpetrated by telecoms operators in Nigeria. At his first meeting with journalists in Lagos in December last year, he vehemently challenged the operators to address the issue of quality of service, illegal deduction of subscribers’ airtime credit and unsolicited short messaging services (SMS), among others. He had noted then that in as much as government has continually created a conducive and enabling environment for telecoms companies to operate, a development that has made the nation’s telecoms sector become a haven for investors and currently an over $32 billion industry, the operators, on the other hand, have a mandate, as part of their licensing conditions, to provide high quality service to their bourgeoning subscribers. The prima facie observation of the minister and, which has also been pointed out by various industry stakeholders, especially consumer advocacy groups such as the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), soon became manifest following the inundation of the ministry with complaints on the various ways through which telecoms operators rip off their over 152 million subscribers. Dangling the hammer Having observed the telecoms operators for several months without any indication, government, last week, released a warning statement lucidly highlighting the key areas, where operators, including MTN, Globacom, Etisalat, Airtel and other telecoms firms involved in telecoms service provisioning, need to adjust or face the music. The areas highlighted by the minister, according a statement signed by the minister’s Spe-

erators.” Also, with a view to achieving the 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018, the minister has urged the operators to deploy more 3G sites and leverage their newly-acquired spectrum and the new spectrum to be licensed by the NCC to deepen broadband penetration from the current 10 per cent.

Shittu

cial Adviser, Media, Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, focused on the poor quality of service, incessant dropped calls, unauthorised charging of subscribers for unsubscribed/unsolicited messages, mandatory rollover of unfinished data bundles, under-declared revenue and profit as well as the outsourcing and discrimination against Nigerian employees. “My office has been inundated with complaints, petitions and calls on the fraudulent and unauthorised charges by GSM network operators in the country. It has been alleged that these unauthorised charges have been so prevalent. This action must stop immediately or else severe sanctions will be imposed on any operator that violates this directive,” the minister started. Extortion of subscribers Speaking on the extortion of Nigerian subscribers by telecom operators, Shittu noted that many Nigerians have been complaining of unauthorised charges or deduction for unsubscribed/unsolicited messages, ring back tones, by all the telecom operators. Operators also often embark on automatic renewal of those services without their consumer’s consent. New Telegraph gathered that cases of such fraudulent deductions cost telecoms subscribers an estimated N360 billion annually, according to NATCOMS’s recent estimate. Consequently, the minister has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to properly monitor telecom operators and prevent them from imposing dubious charges for services not rendered and provide regular updates on monthly basis, stating that “any operator found wanting, henceforth, will be sanctioned.” Poor services and others Poor service is another ill that subscribers continue to battle with in the telecoms industry. Over the years, the NCC, in a

NCC boss, Umar Danbatta

There is need for all network operators to consider rolling over the monthly unused data by the subscribers to the new month

frantic attempt to tackle these issues, has put in place Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which all the operators are expected to comply with. Commenting on these developments, Shittu said, in respect of incessant dropped calls on all networks, it was alleged by many subscribers that “this action is deliberate on the path of network operators to defraud Nigerians by charging for uncompleted calls that terminated abruptly as a result of network issue.” Capturing the situation on the poor QoS, the minister said: “This is as a result of poor signal strength on the mobile phones, poor signal quality and call setup failure occasioned by network problems. “At times,” he noted, “network will disappear on one’s mobile phones despite staying close to an operator’s site or one calls and phone tells one that the number one has called is not available on the network or the number does not exist. This happens repeatedly until one makes several attempts before the call is connected.” Data bundle billing/penetration The minister has also expressed his consternation at the rate at which telecoms subscribers engage in some activities that amounts to fraud while offering data services to their over 97 million Internet users in the country. One of the inadequacy, as noted by the minister, is the denial of consumers the opportunity to roll over their data bundle. “There is the need for all network operators to consider rolling over the monthly unused data by the subscribers to the new month. It is unfair, I dare say, for any operator to wipe out the unused data of any subscriber,” he charged. He also wanted the operators to eschew hidden tariff billing, saying: “Going forward, all tariff plans introduced by the telecom operators need to be properly investigated and explained to the subscriber to ensure that there are no hidden charges by the op-

Revenue declaration Another area stressed by the minister borders on the fiscal responsibility of the telecoms networks to government, as he accused telecoms firm of indulging in underdeclaration of revenue and profit. On this, he said: “It has come to my notice that the telecom operators do not fully declare to government their total annual gross revenue, thereby short-changing government in underpaid taxes and levies. “The Federal Government will take advantage of new technologies to verify the amount of revenue generated by the telecom operators via government regulatory and revenue agencies such as the NCC and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others. Local contents Finally, Shittu drew operators’ attention to the need to prioritise local empowerment of both the employees and corporate contractors over foreigners. He said: “I am aware that professional jobs meant for Nigerians are being taken over by foreigners and even menial jobs that are expected to be carried out by Nigerian artisans were given to foreigners. This is clearly against the intention of the expatriates’ quota policy. “It has also come to my notice that some companies have laid-off a high number of its Nigerian employees in the last two years and outsourced most of its operations to foreigners who are evading tax because of non-documentation by Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). “Some of these foreigners came into Nigeria on visitors’ visa but they ended up working without work permit. This practice is prevalent across all the mobile operators. The Federal Government is already investigating this and any operator found wanting will be severely sanctioned.” Conclusion Indeed, telecoms operators have, through their umbrella bodies, stated that they also face many challenges in their operations. However, the minister said, notwithstanding the various challenges they face to which the government is also supporting them to address aggressively, “The government hopes that all telecom operators will strictly comply with extant laws and rules guiding telecom operations in Nigeria in order to ensure mutual cooperation and respect between the government and operators.”

business \ eWORLD

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NCC to police: Protect $32bn telecoms sector INVESTMENT Adequate investment will increase investor’s confidence in the nation’s telecoms industry Stories Kunle Azeez

Mr. Solomon Arase, in Abuja, lamented that apart from the actions being illegal, they also violate Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, CAP C39, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Industry analysts say sealing up of base stations also has its social implication that is cutting off subscribers from communicating, thereby, degrading quality of service, which is already a major concern. Also, acts of wilful destruction of telecoms infrastructure, cutting of fibre optics and general vandalism have become very worrisome, hence, the proposal for the institution of a critical

he Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has appealed to the Nigerian police to join hands with the Commission in protecting the country’s over $32 billion telecommunications industry. He said the call has become imperative considering the pivL-R: Senior Special otal role telecommunications Assistant to the play in the lives and economic President on Job wellbeing of any country. Creation and Youth The minister said to ensure Empowerment, Mr greater contribution to the econAfolabi Imoukhuede; omy, no effort should be spared Country Manager, HP, in protecting the infrastructure Mrs Ify Afe; Regional and platforms of the industry. Director, Middle East, The NCC boss particularly raised concerns about increas- Turkey and Africa, Intel Corporation, Cigdem ing cases of illegal sealing up of Ertem; Distribution telecoms base transceiver staManager, Lenovo tions (BTS) across the country by various persons, including West Africa, Mrs Terae Onyeje; Southern organisations, communities, & sub-Saharan agencies of the federal, state Africa Director, Intel and local governments, at times, using law enforcement officers. Corporation, Mr. Carlos Martinez, at a joint Danbatta, who led a team of NCC directors and officials on press conference on PC a courtesy visit to the Inspec- Adoption Initiative held in Lagos. tor General of Police (IGP),

Teledensity rebounds to 108%

elephone teledensity, otherwise known as telephone penetration, in the country has rebounded to 108 per cent, according to the latest industry status report by the telecoms regulator. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in the study, which captured the January statistics as the latest in the industry, showed that Nigeria’s teledensity gained traction in the month, bouncing back from 107 per cent in December. In November last year, industry teledensity stood at 108 per cent, but fell to 107 per cent at the end of December. According to the NCC data, subscriber base, which earlier fell to 151 million in December, also rose to 151.3 million in January, resulting in corresponding growth in teledensity. Of the 151.3 million active subscriber base in January, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators recorded 149 million up from 148 million subscriptions in December. The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and fixed line networks also had 2.1 million and 186,868 active subscriptions respectively. In the CDMA segment, Visafone, which was recently acquired by MTN Nigeria,

contributed most of the 2.1 million subscriptions. However, while voice subscriptions peaked at 151 million, mobile Internet users fell by around two million from 97 million in December to 97.5 million in January. While MTN remains the network with the highest number of Internet subscriptions in the country, the NCC data, however, showed that it did not record additional subscriptions in January. According to the data, MTN witnessed a decline from 39.9 million to 38.2 million Internet users in December and January respectively. Other GSM companies, including Globacom, Etisalat and Airtel witnessed increase on their mobile Internet subscriptions. According to the regulator’s data, between December last year and January this year, Globacom grew from 25 million to 25.4 million mobile Internet subscriptions; Etisalat grew from 15.1 million to 15.2 million while Airtel also rose slightly from 16.83 million to 16.85 million. In terms of percentage share of market by technology, the report shows that the GSM operators now have 98.47 per cent of the market while CDMA and fixed line networks have 1.41 per cent and 0.12 per cent respectively.

infrastructure law that will require the police to monitor and protect public infrastructure. “While we seek your support for urgent actualisation of this law, we wish to implore you to see to the use of the current provisions of the law to ensure that individuals found to be engaged in wilful destruction of telecoms infrastructure are timely prosecuted,” Danbatta pleaded with the IGP. Both agencies of government pledged to collaborate on vital issues concerning security of telecoms infrastructure and capacity building for modern policing, which Arase said forms the bedrock of modern security

practices. The EVC used the opportunity of the visit to place a request list on the table of Arase. The wish list includes the intervention of the latter in such areas as Illegal sealing of base stations, protection of critical telecom infrastructure, stealing of telecom equipment and prosecution of cases on contraventions of NCC regulations, the IGP lauded the role of modern telecoms in tackling national security challenges, citing kidnapping as one area where the role of GSM has been pronounced. Explaining that over the years the telecommunications sector has grown in leaps and

currently forms the super structure of modern lifestyle, social and economic practices, Danbatta told Arase that except something was done urgently, the adverse practices as listed above will hurt the industry and impact very negatively on life in the country “Virtually all the financial transactions, mobile money and mobile banking and several others are made possible as a result of the infrastructure and platforms provided by the telecom industry. The sector currently contributes 10 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country,” he added.

‘Glo hits 39m subscribers’

frican telecoms company, Globacom, said it has increased its group active mobile subscriptions to 39 million in all its three operations. Globacom, an indigenous telecoms operator, currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic where it currently has 34 million, three million and two million subscribers respectively. This is even as the company currently supports over 500 enterprises for their daily telecommunications services. Speaking during the visit of the Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, to the head office of Globacom in

Lagos, Head of the Globacom delegation, Mr. Adewale Sangowawa, who stated these in his welcome remarks, recalled how the company restored fading hopes in the telecom industry by introducing per second billing and crashing the cost of acquiring SIMs from N20,000 to as low as N100. “According to the International Telecommunications Union, the revolution in the Nigerian telecoms industry is due principally to government’s ingenuity to deregulate the telecom sector and Globacom’s push to make it accessible to all. Nigeria today boasts of over 100 per cent teledensity, and over 150 million active

telephone lines,” he said. According to him, “beyond the statistics, however, is the massive contribution this proudly Nigerian network with global footprints has made in transforming social, educational and business life in the country. Globacom was ahead of its time in introducing multimedia messaging service, mobile Internet, mobile banking, tele-conferencing, vehicle tracking, e-learning and other innovations. Globacom has ensured that Nigerians enjoy the benefits of technological advances available elsewhere around the world by pioneering the introduction of such services in the country.”

Smile drives 4G LTE services

o further accelerate Federal Government’s strategy to support the plan by Nigeria to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has introduced two new 4G LTE innovations to its customers in Nigeria. The innovations, according to a statement, are the SmileVoice and SmileUnlimited. Smile is the first operator in West Africa to offer its customers Voice over LTE services, giving them access to the fast growing global standard for voice and video calling. SmileVoice, according to

the statement, comes in two options of using a world-first downloadable free mobile App that affords customers with a Smartphone Android and Apple iPhone device the ability to make SuperClear voice calls over Smile’s 4G LTE network, or through the use of VoLTEenabled handsets plus a Smile SIM card, such as the latest Samsung devices. SmileUnlimited offers customers 30 days of unlimited access to Smile’s SuperFast 4G LTE mobile broadband service. Speaking at a media interaction to unveil the initiatives in Lagos, Chairman, Smile

Communications Nigeria, Mr. Dr Ernest AzudialuObiejesi, claimed that Smile was the first mobile operator in West Africa to develop and introduce Voice over LTE, in addition to a world first in a free Voice over LTE application that enables its customers in Nigeria with Android and iPhone devices to experience high-quality voice calls over Smile’s network. He said: “We are committed to improving the quality of voice and data services in Nigeria. With SmileVoice, our customers can call anyone locally and in the world just like on any other mobile.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mom&Parenting They are necessarily not women of timber and calibre. They may not have the best life has to offer, but refused to be defeated by the challenges and hardship of life. In fact, they may not live in the proverbial glass house and may not have the opportunity to drive flashy cars and send their children abroad. But they are considered the best women of substance. Oluwatosin Omoniyi writes

Parenting The long walk to gender parity

Mom’s Alert Mother nature

Heroines of our lives

hey may be poor and not even have voices for their beings and status of lives but they are the ones with strong values. They remain stoical to bear the pains, storms and thorns of life. For these people, the mothers among them especially, their joy is the accomplishment of motherhood! According to Aarti Khurana, a psychologist, a freelance writer and a poet, women of substance are not necessarily those with silver spoon in their mouths but more of women who constantly have one conflict or the other to fight. She explained: “I am a woman of substance. Don’t judge me by my looks, my clothes or the way I wear my hair. My beauty is not limited to my looks or the way I walk. Define me by the tough emotional battles I fight each day. Define me by the way I keep smiling no matter how emotionally worked up I am. My life is not glorious and I don’t have medals or trophies to flaunt but my biggest trophy is my heart full of love and compassion. I am sensitive and overemotional at times but I am not weak. I know when, where and how to react to the situations in my life. I have been cheated and betrayed in love but I am still not afraid to fall in love again because I have confidence in my abilities to love with all that I have. I have endured

Mom&Parenting

Oluwatosin Omoniyi City Editor

Happily riding with her kids

the pain of heartbreak and moved on because I am emotionally strong and I have made my decision to stay happy for myself. I have been broken, shattered and rebuilt and I am a woman of endurance, confidence and courage. I have the capacity to endure pain and survive despite all the odds in my life because I am strong through and through. I’m unique in my own special ways even with my flaws and imperfections. I am proud of what I am,” she said. For Dorcas Olawunmi (pseudonym), a primary school teacher and mother of five University graduates; she is a woman of substance regardless of the level of her life. Though married, she was responsible for seeing her children through school, feeding and even shelter. She said she was forced to stay put in her 30 years old marriage more because of the African societal values that says ‘a woman’s honour and crown is her husband.’ But she said she can’t remember the last time she was totally happy because she doesn’t get financial and emotional support from her husband. “Since he got retrenched from his banking job 22 years ago, my husband lost confidence in himself. He lost the zeal and will to work any longer. He since became the wife while I became the husband. He became the local chief in our community where he keeps custody of the community’s money and regulator of the rules and regulations of the community. I took loan which I paid back for eight years to build a three bedroom bungalow in a remote

PHOTO: WWW.PINTEREST.COM

Happy mother raising a strong child

PHOTO: WWW.LAGOSTODAY.ORG

Mother and son-Emmanuel Adebayor in Togo

PHOTO: WWW.DAILYMAIL.CO.UK

area before other people moved in there. In the same vein, I was able to see my children through schools with loan facilities. So far, I have not really enjoyed my life especially emotionally as I often cry and get sick due to worries. I was not able to buy clothes or car. I left my hair as low cut so as to avoid the expenses of making hair weekly but my joy lies in the fact that my children

are graduates of good universities and they are well behaved. I feel accomplished,” she narrated. I am a woman of substance. I have severally been broken, shattered and rebuilt. I may not have gone to battle fields to fight but I have constantly fought to survive and to keep my heads above the waters of life. I have fought tougher emotional

34 34

battles in my life. I am a woman of endurance, confidence and courage. I beat my chest to say, no man can withstand the level of challenges I have endured,” Hassana Daura boasted. Daura was rendered a widow and homeless during the 2009 Boko Haram strike in Bauchi State, northern part of Nigeria. She refused to be defeated; rather, she got engaged in different trades like frying bean cake, selling rubber sandals and farming vegetables. She was able to start her businesses with the sum of N40, 000; money she got from a non-governmental organisation, NGO, that visited her community then. Seven years after, Daura became a big time farmer, loading trucks with her vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, basket of tomatoes and send to other parts of the country for sale. “Now, I count millions of naira. I am living comfortably in Kaduna with my five children in a house I built; I also have a duplex in Lagos where my children stay. Two of my children are working while others are in the university. I have three cars, long story short, I am fulfilled and comfortable. I am grateful to my God,” she said. Adiza Ogbe, 56, is an epitome of faith and determination. She refused to be conquered by the facts life presented to her. She was thrown out of her matrimonial home for having only girls as children. She was sent packing with four girls whom her ex husband believed can’t be anything beyond prostitutes. Since she wasn’t educated and obvious she could not secure a good paying job, she went into sweeping streets and cleaning offices, in a bid to feed her kids. From there, she was able to raise enough capital to start business. She started soup ingredients and condiments business. And that was it, she broke even! “Two of my daughters are in medicine line, one a dentist and the other a medical doctor. Then one a mechanical engineer and the fourth girl is studying computer science at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,LAUTECH, in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. I was able to raise them single handedly since primary school through contributions I do with my association within the market here. I may not have a house of my own yet, I don’t care. I am happy that I proved my husband wrong,” she said. Professor Remi Sonaiya, the 2015 presidential candidate during the International Women Day symposium orgainsed at the United States Consulate General office, Lagos, described a woman of substance as a woman of power of positive influence and meaning. “She is a woman who knows that not only has she strength enough for the journey of life but knowing that her strength lies in the journey where she will become strong,” she said.

Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

i-Protect

Childhood Protection & preservation culture

with

Taiwo Akinlami principal@taiwoakinlami.com

Safety is a major issue within and outside the school system

MOM’S ALERT with

grace.essen@gmail.com

The long walk to gender parity

Where do we go from here? L

he newspapers in the past week reported that over 10 armed kidnappers, on Monday, February 29, 2016, at about 8.00PM, invaded Monday night stormed Babington Macualay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos, and kidnapped three female Senior Secondary School students. It was also reported that that was the second attempt on the school, gunmen having attacked the school on January 22, 2016 but were intercepted by the internal security of the school. The Nigeria Tribune of March 5, 2016 also revealed, ‘only weeks ago, it was reported that gunmen had attempted to attack another boarding school in Ikorodu, Government Model College, Owutu Ikorodu, not far from Agric Bus Stop.’ At the risk of drawing controversy, permit me to submit that I am not surprised at the ugly incident and other one foiled. If I am surprised at all, I am only surprised at the reaction of primary and secondary caregivers. I am surprised at our noise, which possesses all the ingredients of nothing but effervescence and impotent heat of passion. Today’s popular noise, in reaction to the unfortunate but preventable kidnap is laden with nothing but emotional outburst, as it is not calling for the careful public review or probe of the circumstances leading to the kidnapping of the precious children, with a view to using same as a veritable template for preventing same in the future both for same school and others within the state.

The best demand of the noise today is an effort to find the precious children, who were kidnapped. As far as I am concerned, the least of our concern should be finding the children physically. While efforts must be made in this area and I am glad that the precious children have been rescued, we must be concerned more about that part of the kidnapped children that may be lost forever to that sad experience. We must be concerned about the very high risk of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and great emotional imbalance. We must therefore be concerned about credible efforts at psychosocial support for the kidnapped precious children and their other school mates, who witnessed the ugly incident, which no child should be allowed to witness, even in his/her dream or nightmare. In 2013, we released our Audio Program, titled, ‘So, You Want to Send Your Child to a Boarding School? Ask these 11 Fundamental Child Protectionfocused Questions,’ where quoted the words of Benjamin Franklin: ‘distrust and caution are the parents of security.’ In this Audio Program, we share as the 7th question: ‘still as part of Child Protection measures, what are the safety measures put in place by the school?’ We submitted in the Audio Program as follows, ‘safety is a major issue within and outside the school system. What measures have the school put in place to ensure the safety of the children?’

THE VIRTUOUS MOM with

Hameed Opeyemi abdulvirtuepen@gmail.com

Mother nature If best is our home, she works rightly for If climbing a mountain is marriage, she will never fall If caring for real is in two, mum ready to give four If university admission means love, mama will pick a form If working as lastman official will make her firm Mum ready to give this a growth like a tree stem Every value of lovely life belongs to mothers Working in perfect line to suite our want in all matter Able body she possess to fight for us not murderer Be around this being, all you feel is not of border An inborn spirit of friendliness she gives to our father Kids sit and stand at her giant shoulder to see farther Mother Nature… measuring this will mean stress Mother nature… always to the rescue to cure our distress Mother nature… gallant at the family luncheon in cool green dress Mother nature… with her delicacy comes our skin in fresh Mother nature… all she want from us means sense Mother nature… deep down her heart love for all is first Nature abhors a vacuum, her mind cherished fortune One touch of nature makes her world clean Feminine seems intellects, educating one is the in-thing Every effect to turn the house to one in her scene Valuing to work in stress to quench our distress No one like mothers, no one can be like one Perfect in nature, made from man by God Every mother is in turn a potential woman Not all women means in line a potential mother

For mothers, life of fun must be for the house For mothers through her nature, smiles always in her face Even when in deep sorrow, in her face, you see no trace Mothers in true act of love they care Answering the rule of old and new authority of decease Real mothers’ world means real not for pretense Carrying around evidence of inner room intercourse Nine month of ups and down smiling in pain with no frown After the tommy drop, her care she gives in full cup Frown her kitchen, aromatic scene filing the air Atmosphere in eagles hand, smells humming her pride No one expect this during her early days as bride Ask our daddy, trial I set in line uttered Truthful in nature, cooking made easy her signature Say yes for mothers! Value of immense for her creature Talk about homemade, mothers the answer in red made For those ones not in tune uses the home mind Nature of the original sends caring as signal Talk about the kids care, her love for all is rare Gem in dynasty, with her care we feel no tears Mother’s nature! Serving, giving, nurturing, caring Early days of her time here, shows love in abundance Mother nature! Making, nurturing, building, teaching …mothers are queen in sky light days …mothers are gems in rough ride days …mothers are masters to all future seekers Mothers’ nature! Educating one means worldly favour.

Grace Essen

ast week we joined the rest of equal opportunity to be involved in the world to mark this year’s decision making even regarding isInternational Women’s Day, sues that affect them. 117 more years though we still grapple with fears, for young girls everywhere to have pains and disappointments that in equal opportunity to education, and the 21st century, women and girls probably get to choose when and to are still abused, maltreated and whom they will be married. dehumanized in our communities Must we wait that long? in the name of marriage tradition There’s a new survey from Lonand customs, and also in school and gitude Research, showing that acwork environment. celerating women’s advancement International Women’s Day is a in the workplace and creating genday set aside globally to celebrate der-balanced teams produce better the economic, political, social and outcomes and create prosperity. This cultural achievements of women. means that half of the overall talIt has been observed since the ear- ent in the world would become fully ly 1900’s. This year, the theme is: engaged and utilized, while invest‘Pledge For Parity’ with a call for ing money back into the economy, action towards accelerating gender families and savings. Here are some parity. of the highlights of recent research: Events were held all over the More equality higher GDP. world on March 8. Women, includMore equality more productivity. ing political, community, and busiBetter gender balance on boards ness leaders, as well as leading ed- better share price and financial perucators, inventors, entrepreneurs, formance. celebrities and television personaliMore gender-balanced leadership ties, spoke at various seminars, con- better all-around performance. ferences, lunMore women pocheons, dinners litical leaders more or breakfasts, prosperity. talk shows Certainly it will and marches. take time for the full Even students potential of women More genderin schools and to be embraced in other educathe workforce, in govbalanced leadership tional settings ernment, even in the better all-around society. But if it is to participated in special lessons, be, we must make it performance debates or prehappen, it won’t come sentations on a platter. Let’s ask on the role of ourselves what we women in society, their influence, will do to accelerate women’s progand issues that affect them. ress in the workplace and in the sociIn as much as we do have much ety. 117 years is far too long to wait to to celebrate, one thing is clear – the achieve gender parity and enjoy the progress towards gender parity has benefits it will offer us all. slowed in many places. We can help accelerate gender Globally, 31 million girls of pri- parity first by women working tomary school age and 32 million girls gether to help, support and mentor of lower secondary school age are fellow women and build their capacout of school, with sub-Sahara ity to fit into leadership roles - manhaving the lowest proportion of age businesses, head organizations countries with gender parity in and governments positions when education. opportunities present themselves. The World Health Organization’s Also we can reinvent gender roles, global prevalence figures show that reset norms and provide equal opabout one in three (35%) of women portunities for all. worldwide have experienced either Gender parity is not in any way a physical and/or sexual intimate call for women to stand head-to-head partner violence or non-partner with men. It is a cry to give women sexual violence in their lifetime. and girls equal opportunities and Also violence against women in access to education, jobs, positions, the home is a horrifyingly common wages, health and other necessities. occurrence in Nigeria and around In spite of challenges and limithe world. tations, women have continued to Even the representation of contribute immensely to national women in government in Nigeria development. We have women in has dropped compared to the pre- business, politics and academia vious administration of Goodluck doing amazingly well. However, we Jonathan. need more women in similar posiIn 2014, the World Economic tions. We all will be better for it. Forum in its Global Gender Gap Every one of us – men and Report predicted that it would take women, can do something to help until 2095 to achieve global gender achieve gender parity more quickly parity. Then one year later in 2015, - whether to help women and girls they said that with a slowdown in achieve their goals and ambitions, the pace of progress the gender gap call for gender-balanced leadership, wouldn’t close entirely until 2133. respect and value difference, develop That means it will take until 117 more inclusive and flexible cultures years to achieve global gender par- or root out workplace bias. Each of ity in the workplace. 117 years until us can take the lead within our own companies and governments are spheres of influence and commit to equally led by men and women.117 take pragmatic steps to accelerate more years for women to be given gender parity.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Features

The wreckage of the car in which the Ocholis died

Ocholi: Time to stem road carnage

ntil March 6, when the news of the death of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. James Ocholi (SAN), his wife, Blessing, and son, Joshua, broke, the issue of road accidents had become a normal and re-occurring phenomenon in Nigeria. The death of the Ocholis in what appears to be one out of the numerous road accidents, occurred at a time the Nigerian Army announced that it also lost one of its top senior officers, the Chief of Training and Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Yusha’u Mahmood Abubakar, in a road accident in Borno State. As if that was not enough, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, barely 48 hours after Ocholi’s death, also escaped death in Kano State. From the foregoing, road safety

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

The death of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. James Ocholi (SAN), his wife and son in an auto crash, has, once again, drawn the attention of Nigerians to the need to reduce carnage on the roads, writes NDUBUISI UGAH exports have argued that the issue of road accidents in the country has painted a gloomy picture of the state of helplessness in which the Nigerian nation has found itself owing to the recurring road accidents. It is reported that deaths from reckless driving were the third leading cause of deaths in Nigeria. Statistics also showed that since Nigeria has assumed the status as Africa’s fastest growing economy, it then implies that the traffic and transportation problems are also growing at a steady rate, which requires all the help it could get. Investigation showed that although both the developed and developing nations of the world have suffered from varying degrees of road accidents, the developing countries clearly dominate with Nigeria having the second highest rate of auto crashes among 193 ranked countries of the world. It was learnt that 15,090 lives were lost in 3,075 road accidents between June 2006 and May 2014. This “staggering” figure on a national scale, according to Mr. Vitus N. Ukoji, in his report entitled: “Trends and Patterns of Fatal Road Accidents in Nigeria (2006-2014),” showed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of fatalities (1,579 deaths from 620 accidents),

Human factor accounts for up to 90 per cent of accidents

while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja had the highest relative number of deaths (0.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants). The report, using the Nigeria Watch database, also stated that Nigeria “is ranked secondhighest in the rate of road accidents among 193 countries of the world”. The World Health Organisation (WHO), in its report sometime ago, adjudged “Nigeria the most dangerous country in Africa with 33.7 deaths per 100, 000 population every year”. “One in every four road ac-

Ocholi

cident deaths in Africa occurs in Nigeria,” the report added. The WHO survey as well as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) reported that 5,693 fatal road accidents occurred in Nigeria in 2009. The causes of these accidents were then categorised into human, environmental and mechanical factors, with the human factor being responsible for 90 per cent of accidents, while the mechanical and environmental factors take the remaining 10 per cent. The human factors include visual acuteness, driver fatigue, poor knowledge of road signs and regulations, illiteracy, health problems, excessive speeding, drug abuse and over-confidence while at the steering wheel. Although April 2013 went down as the worst month in terms of road accidents, as according to reported cases, it was gathered that there could be more unreported cases of accident, especially as often as it happens, some of the injured die without proper documentation taken. Despite the happiness and change of quality of family lives associated with owning a vehicle, its possession has left so many families bereaved of their breadwinners CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

FEATURES

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Removing Maths’ phobia through competition Ten primary school pupils have been recognised for academic excellence by emerging as young mathematicians, TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE reports

ecently, some pupils got the ultimate reward for their brilliant performance as they distinguished themselves among thousands of pupils to emerge top 10 in a Mathematics competition. The 2016 edition of The Ultimate Mathematics Ambassador (TUMA) Annual Mathematics Competition, organised by The Ambassadors Schools, Ota, Ogun State, was an avenue to discover young mathematicians in the country. During the prize giving ceremony, the 10 pupils, who distinguished themselves in the completion, were honoured and rewarded with cash prizes, laptops, plaques, textbooks and other gifts. However, the TUMA 2016 prize giving ceremony was a mixed bag of fortune. While those who excelled were happy, those who did not do well were disappointed. The family, teachers and pupils of the winning sides were also excited over the achievements of their wards while some could not control their emotion seeing their wards not winning in the competition. Out of about 349 primary schools in Lagos and Ogun states who took part in the competition, a 10-year-old pupil of Grace Children School, Gbagada, Lagos State, Daniel Emeka-Ilozor, emerged winner, scoring 93 per cent to beat Adekunle Oreoluwa David (10) of Lifecrown Private School, Abeokuta, Ogun State and nine-year-old Kabiawu Khalid Kolawole of St. Bernadette School, Ipaja, Lagos, who came second and third respectively. Adekunle

Second runner-up, Kabiawu (left), winner, Emeka-Ilozor and first runnerup, Adekunle, display their prizes at the event. PHOTO: TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

scored 87 per cent while Kabiawu scored 84.5 per cent. Emeka-Ilozor won N125,000 cash prize with a plaque, textbooks, bags and other gifts, while Adekunle and Kabiawu were rewarded with N100,000 and N75, 000 cash prizes with plaques, textbooks, bags and other gifts. Apart from their personal gifts, Emeka-Ilozor also won a laptop, printer, textbooks and plaque for his school while Adekunle won a laptop, textbooks and plaque for his school. Kabiawu, on his part, won a printer, textbooks and plaque for his school. The three top mathematicians also brought smile to the faces of their teachers as Emeka-Ilozor’s mathematics teacher went home with N50,000 cash and a plaque, while Adekunle and Kabiawu’s teachers also went home with N30,000 and N20,000 cash and plaques for helping their students to come second and third. Emeka-Ilozor expressed happiness over his victory. He said he was happy to have come first in the competition. His mother, Mrs. Emeka-Ilozor, could not hide her joy seeing her child emerge overall winner of the competition. She said Daniel

prepared very well for the competition and gave thanks to God for making her son to defeat other participants. The remaining seven students, who made the top 10, were also rewarded with N15,000 cash prize and other consolation gifts while their Mathematics teachers went home with N10,000 cash. The seven pupils were 10-yearold Oluwafikunayomi Olapade of Future Kids Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos who came fourth with 84 per cent while his schoolmate, Duke Samuel, came fifth with 81.5 per cent. Nine-yearold Matilukoro Omobolaji Theresa of Frontliners School, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos came sixth with 78.5 per cent while 10-yearold Abioye Esther Oluwaponle of Krystal-Ball International School, Shogunle in Lagos came seventh with 76.5 per cent. Aliyu Nimotullahi Ideraoluwa of Al-Ameen Group of Schools, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Mabinuori Ifeoluwa Rachael, both 10, earned joint eighth position with 75.5 per cent while 10-year-old Njoku-Obi Iheanyi of The Foundation School, Surulere, Lagos came 10th with 74.5 per cent. The remaining participants

from the 349 schools were awarded Certificate of Participation and consolation prizes. According to the Chairman of The Ambassadors Schools Ota, Mr. Samson Osewa, the aim of the competition is to discover, encourage and challenge mathematically gifted pupils throughout the nation and to reduce Mathematics phobia among pupils. Osewa noted said the competition was organised annually to stimulate the interest of pupils in the study of Mathematics and to use the results (statistics) of the competition to identify areas of need and implement intervention programmes as well as to foster friendly relationship among mathematicians in the country. He said: “The Ambassador Schools, which was established in 1998, is a Christian school located in Ota, Ogun State. As a complete full-fledged and government approved school, we place importance on the teaching of all approved subjects. We, however, cannot undermine the fact that Mathematics is a key subject in the study of sciences.” Also expressing their worry on the poor performance of pupils in Mathematics, some university lecturers and other academics charged teachers to be friendly with their pupils to ensure that they are successful in their academics. In his address, the Head, Civil Engineering Department of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Oluwole Agbede, advised teachers not to create phobia in students about Mathematics. He said the knowledge of Mathematics was very important in daily living of human beings and therefore advised people to pay attention to the subject. Also, the Director-General of National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Prof. Adewale Solarin, encouraged Nigerian students to compete in global competitions. Solarin, who gave out his agency textbooks to the winners and participating schools, also urged public schools to participate actively in school competitions.

‘Human, mechanical factors responsible for crashes’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

or lovely ones owing to unprecedented rate of road traffic accidents (RTAs). The causes of road traffic accidents are conventionally ramped into human, mechanical and environmental factors. The human factor accounts for up to 90 per cent of accidents. In fact, the mechanical and environmental factors are subservient to it. Lack of knowledge of road signs and regulations, illiteracy, health problems like poor eyesight, excessive speeding, alcoholism, drug abuse, arrogance, overconfidence are some of the human factors too numerous to mention that cause RTAs. Mechanical factors include poor vehicle maintenance, tyre blowouts, poor lights, un-roadworthy vehicles, broken down vehicles on the road without adequate warning sign etc. Rainfall, sun reflection, storm, heavy wind, potholes, un-tarred roads are some of the environmental conditions that contribute to RTAs. Nigerian roads, despite the current

effort of the Road Maintenance Agency, are still in very bad states, especially those leading to rural areas. Some rural areas do not even have untarred roads that could link them to the nearest town, making pregnant women and other patients die in the cause of animal transportation. According to FRSC, not less than 87,320 road users lost their lives between 1990 and 2001 alone, most victims being between 20 and 40 years. To shed more light on this, the FRSC has highlighted three major causes of accidents. Speaking in an interview with a news medium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the Ijebu-Ode Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr. Isah Seidu, said error of judgement by motorists while overtaking, bad roads and driving against traffic, were the causes of accident. He said: “Error of judgement in traffic has been identified as deadly and has led to many crashes on our roads. This occurs when a driver fails to calculate correctly the speed of an approaching

vehicle while attempting to overtake a vehicle ahead of him. “Where an assumption is relied upon for judgement, there are bound to be mistakes which could lead to road traffic crashes. As a driver, you must exercise extreme caution and patience before committing to overtake as the manoeuvre can backfire with any slight misjudgement. It is important we recognise that there is no shortcut to safety other than to obey traffic rules and regulations for us to stay alive.” Though FRSC members are doing a decent job, there is need for more training and capacity to meet the demand of enforcing the law. Other law enforcement agencies at both state and federal levels also need to be trained in order to synergise with the FRSC. Nigeria needs a national policy that will ensure that vehicles that are not road-worthy are kept off the roads. The policy will also ensure the development of transportation and road safety research as well as ensure that road safety education is part of the nation’s educa-

tional curriculum. Experts also argue that the policy, aside from protecting children who are the future of the nation and other vulnerable road users like pedestrians and old people from being violently killed and injured in road accidents, would ensure that road safety platforms are not used to extort the people but to educate, serve and prevent road accidents, and a policy that will make road safety and transportation data available to the public. More vehicles on the road usually lead to more road accidents as the risk of accident is increased with exposure. The impact of exposure on traffic safety is well reflected in the number of deaths and injuries recorded on Nigerian roads. For instance, 6,450 Nigerians lost their lives on the roads in 2013, which include 4,552 men, 1,398 women, 299 boys and 201 girls. A “conclusion drawn” by an independent body on road crashes in the country, “Nigeria Watch” states that next to the Boko Haram insurgency, road accident is the second highest source of violent death in the country.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Money Line

High inflation puts MPC in tight spot

DILEMMA Disquiet over poor GDP numbers Stores by Tony Chukwunyem

ontrary to general belief, the significant increase in inflation in February may not push the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to hike interest rate at its meeting, which begins next Monday, analysts at FBNQuest have said. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) last Tuesday, inflation accelerated to 11.4 per cent on an annualized basis from 9.6 per cent in January.

he Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) Professor Chris Onalo, has urged countries to establish specialist tertiary institutions that will offer courses on credit management. He made this call in his address at the 4th convocation and graduation ceremony of the Post Graduate School of Credit & Financial Management (PSCFM), which took place at the Pan Atlantic University in Lagos. Professor Onalo, who is also the President/CEO of the PSCFM, stated that the availability of credit was key to the growth of an economy. According to him, “Nations of the world must endeavour to establish effective specialist tertiary institutions to provide faculty for credit management

It was the first time since December 2012 that the inflation rate would rise above 10 per cent - a development that fuelled speculation that the MPC would hike rates at the end of its meeting in Abuja next Tuesday. However, in a note made available to New Telegraph, FBN Quest analysts said, “The MPC would generally have been expected to hike at its meeting next week, given that the headline rate has risen above the policy interest rate of 11.00 per cent. However, it also has to contend with the very poor Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers for Q4 2015 and the prospect that the current

quarter will be no better.” In a note issued last week, the analysts had predicted that growth in the first quarter of this year would be slow like the last two quarters of 2015. They hinged their forecast on budget delays and the reduction in household spending after the holiday. Experts from FBN Quest said, “The first quarter of the year is generally the weakest for growth, not least because of delays in approving the budget and therefore in releasing funds for capital investment. Household spending also dips after the holiday season. 2016 is unlikely to prove an exception”.

Institute wants more credit mgt training institutions learning as a component of total corporate governance learning system.” Citing the existence of PSCFM as well as the London Postgraduate Credit Management College (LPCMC), he noted that Nigeria, the United Kingdom as well as the United States already had such specialised bodies. He said that the LPCMC had entered into a working partnership with two international universities-one in the UK and the other in Panama. The ICA boss, who commended the graduates for successfully completing the programme despite their tight

work schedule, urged them not to be satisfied with being experts in credit management. He said the graduates’ purpose “is that of helping to transform the Nigerian economy from cash to credit and to ensure transparency of the system.” He also called on wealthy individuals and corporate organizations to institute professional chair at LPCMC/PSCFM, saying that this move will enhance the need for effective corporate governance in the country which is built on the foundation of high quality specialised skills and professionalism.

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

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 11.4 11 10.77 US$37.43 US$27,867,081,467

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 Feb, 2016 24/01/2016 Mar 2015 16/3/2016 15/3/2016

Source:CBN

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.50 22-JAN-2026 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 105.57 114.20 112.97 119.58 111.42 102.60 85.58 99.35

1.11 3.29 3.91 5.87 7.99 9.85 14.35 18.34

NIBOR

Rate (%) 7.3500 9.4011 10.4175 11.3554

Bid Yield 9.68 10.74 11.34 11.68 11.94 12.04 12.14 12.23

Change (%) -0.16 ▼ -0.09 ▼ -0.30 ▼ -0.52 ▼

Change (%) 0.03 ▲ 0.00 ↔ -0.16 ▼ -0.04 ▼ -0.05 ▼ 0.07 ▲ 0.02 ▲ -0.02 ▼

Price 105.72 114.50 113.27 119.88 111.72 102.90 85.88 99.65

Tenor (Months)

Change (%) 0.03 ▲ 0.00 ↔ -0.16 ▼ -0.04 ▼ -0.05 ▼ 0.07 ▲ 0.02 ▲ -0.02 ▼

NITTY

Rate (%) 7.1490 7.3286 7.3956 7.7427 8.3015 9.6842

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 9.54 10.64 11.25 11.61 11.89 11.98 12.09 12.19

Change (%) 0.39 ▲ 0.50 ▲ 0.33 ▲ 0.08 ▲ -0.03 ▼ 0.23 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 6.72 6.84 -0.07 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 7.08 16-Jun-16 6.97 7.10 -0.07 ▼ 8-Sep-16 7.91 7.66 7.95 -0.28 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 7.53 8.22 -0.29 ▼ 2-Mar-17 8.29 9.01 -0.49 ▼ 8.04 8.71 -0.49 ▼

Spot($/N)

Bid 197.60

Offer 197.70

Change (%) -0.76 ▼

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016 Spot($/N)

196.00

197.00

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) 0.04 ▲ -0.18 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

It will be recalled that the NBS had stated in data released last week that the country’s economy slowed in the final quarter of 2015 from the previous three months and annual growth remained far weaker than the previous year. The Bureau said that that yearon-year growth during the three months to December slowed to

2.11 per cent from 2.84 per cent in the third quarter, slower than the 5.94 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014. Interestingly, analysts have attributed the increase in inflation to the turmoil in the foreign exchange market, which was triggered by the opposition of the CBN and the MPC to the devaluation of the naira.

Umar-Sadiq is WEF’s 2016 Young Global Leader

he World Economic Forum (WEF) has named the Chief Executive Officer, PHN, Muntaqa Umar-sadiq as 2016 Young Global Leader. According to a statement from WEF, by this selection, Muntaqa joins a community of past Young Global Leader (YGL) honourees that include David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Chelsea Clinton, Board member of Clinton Foundation; Larry Page, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Google, USA; Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Facebook, among others. Klaus Schwab and John Dutton, Executive Chairman and Head respectively of the Forum of YGL explained that the honour bestowed each year

by the WEF recognizes and acknowledges the most outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world. “This honour is bestowed by the World Economic Forum each year to recognize the most distinguished leaders under the age of 40, nominated from around the world”, they explained further. Umar-sadiq comes to the table with impeccable pedigree as a young graduate of the University of Cambridge, England and Imperial College School of Medicine in London, and also a holder of Chartered Alternatives Investment Analyst (CAIAI) charter.

‘Lender, Kia auto finance deal thrills customers’

ttracted by the good terms that go with the deal which include free first three services, discounted prices, free delivery, 5-year warranty and free tracker, customers of Skye Bank Plc have shown interest in the auto finance agreement between the lender and Kia Motors. According to a statement issued by the bank, the arrangement enables customers of the bank who wish to purchase brand new Kia vehicles do so without difficulty. The arrangement covers Kia models like Picanto, Rio, Cerato, Optima and Sportage. The auto finance arrangement was put in place following the huge interest, which Nigerians have shown in the Kia brand and its wide acceptance by corporate bodies who

use Kia as official cars. The statement said interested members of the public must first be account holders with the bank who will make only 20 per cent equity contribution before taking possession of their choice cars. It therefore urged those interested in new and comfortable cars to avail themselves of the funding window provided by the bank to come on board, noting that Kia spare parts are readily available in the country, just as maintenance facilities for the cars are provided everywhere across the country, thereby offering convenience to the teeming car owners. According to the bank, the partnership would enable the bank to add value to customers by providing them with convenience, comfort and mobility.

Bank joins global community to celebrate financial literacy

nited Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is joining other financial institutions and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to celebrate the global money week by holding a financial literacy day event for about 500 students today at Imaguero College in Benin City. According to a statement issued by the lender, Group Managing Director and CEO of the UBA Plc Phillips Oduoza, will personally tutor the students on “How you can make your money grow” by helping the students understand the concept of money and how to

manage money. The event, which will be hosted at Imaguero College, Benin City, will also have in attendance students from over 20 different secondary schools in Benin City. The governor and representatives from the ministry of education in Edo State will also be in attendance. The Global Money Week is a worldwide celebration aimed at creating the next generation of confident, responsible and skilled people with an understanding of the financial system and how it can be tapped into to enhance their welfare.

ThurSday, March 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

GSK FY net earnings down by 48%

laxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has posted a 47.77 per cent slide in profit after tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2015. According to filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), profit after tax (PAT) dipped 47.7 per cent to N965.047 billion from N1.848 billion in the corresponding period of 2014. Pretax profit for the year ended also declined 57.95 per cent to N1.157 billion from N2.752 billion recorded a year earlier. Revenue moved from N30.521 billion in 2014 audited period to N30.634 billion in the review period of 2015; indicating a marginal growth of 0.4 per cent. Based on the performance, the company proposed a dividend of 30 kobo to its shareholders for the full year ended 2015. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria posted a 36.6 per cent drop in profit after tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2014. Post-tax tax dipped 36.6 per cent to N1.848 billion from N2.919 billion in the corresponding period of 2013. Pretax profit for the year ended also declined 36.2 per cent to N2.752 billion from N4.314 billion recorded a year earlier. Revenue moved from N29.183 billion in 2013 audited period to N30.521 billion in the review period of 2014; indicating a marginal growth of 4.5 per cent. The company proposed a 75 kobo per share dividend and one (1) new share for every four (4) existing shares to investors of the company. The Nigerian unit of drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline had said its 9-month pretax profit fell 25.9 per cent to N2.06 billion ($12.47 million), compared with N2.78 billion the previous year. Turnover however, rose to N23.21 billion during the nine months to the end of September, from N21.33 billion in the same period of last year, the company said in a filing with the Exchange. However, the company’s profit before tax (PBT) for the year ended December 2013 (FY13) had grew slightly by 3.35 per cent y/y to N4.31 billion from N4.17 billion in 2012, while profit after tax also followed suit as it climbed by 3.19 per cent to N2.91 billion in FY13 from N2.82 billion as at FY12.

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

Stock market sustains third day fall BEARISH Investors’ wealth down by N31 billion Stories by Chris Ugwu

he Nigerian equity market yesterday tumbled for the third consecutive trading day, as sell pressure was unabated, culminating in 24 losers and nine gainers. Stocks continued to lose value, as negative investor sentiments remained amid profit takings by market speculators

who are capitalising on gains recorded during the last two weeks. At the close of business, the NSE All Share Index (ASI) and market capitalisation declined by 0.34 per cent each. Also, transacted volumes increased by 1,417.39 per cent, as a total of 4,160,000,000 units of Unity Kapital Assurance Plc were dealt in a block trade at N0.77. Consequently, the AllShare Index dipped 87.65 basis points or 0.34 per cent to close at 25,657.48 index points as against 25,745.13 recorded the previous day. The market capitalisation of equities depreciated by N31 billion or 0.34

per cent, as market sentiments remained in the red zone. Meanwhile, a turnover of 4.3 billion shares in 4,125 deals was recorded in the day’s trading. The insurance sub-sector of the financial services sector was the most active (measured by turnover volume); with 4.2 billion shares exchanged by investors in 60 deals. Volume in the sub-sector was largely driven by activities in the shares of Unity Kapital Plc and Mutual Benefits Plc. Also, the banking sub sector, boosted by activities in the shares of UBA Plc and GTB Plc followed with a turnover

of 71.86 million shares transacted in 1,348 deals. Shares of Dangote Sugar Plc led the gainers chart, appreciating by 4.99 per cent to close at N6.31 per share. Unity Bank Plc followed with a gain of 4.69 per cent to close at 67 kobo per share, while Champion Breweries Plc gained 4.33 per cent to close at N3.13 per share. On the flip side, shares of Oando Plc led the losers with 9.54 per cent to close at N4.36 per share. Tiger Branded Goods Plc plunged 6.25 per cent to close at N2.85 per share, while ETI Plc dropped 4.98 per cent to close at N15.45 per share.

L-R: Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Sola Oladipo; Chief Country Representative, Global Transaction Banking, Deutsche Bank, Mr. Andreas Voss; Deputy Country Representative, Mrs. Adeola Azeez; Executive Director, Zenith, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu and Director, Africa Coverage DCM, Deutsche Bank, Mr. Paul Agbaje, at the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Nestle Nigeria’s FY2015 PBT up 20% N estle Nigeria Plc has posted a 20 per cent growth in profit before tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2015. The company in a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) posted a profit before tax of N29.322 billion for the full year compared with N24.445 billion a year earlier. This indicated a growth of

20 per cent. Its profit after tax firmed up by seven per cent, from N23.736 billion in 2015 to N22.235 billion recorded in 2014. Revenue equally grew by six per cent to N151.271 billion during the year under review, from N143.322 billion in 2014. Based on the financial performance, the board of director proposed final dividend of N19.00 per share.

SEC boss re-elected AMERC chairman

he Africa Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) has re-elected the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Mounir Gwarzo, as Chairman of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). This is contained in a statement by the Head of Corporate Affairs of the commission, Mr Naif Abdusallam, in Abuja. According to Abdusallam, Gwarzo will serve as Chairman of AMERC for two years. He said that AMERC comprised securities regulators who were IOSCO

members within the Middle East and North Africa as well as sub-Saharan African regions. It explained that Gwarzo’s re-election was a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence and improved image in the international community. “It is also a strong indication of the overwhelming support the Nigeria SEC boss enjoys among peer regulators following a very successful first tenure.” It said: “By this re-election, Gwarzo is to serve on the Executive Committee of the highest decision making organ of IOSCO for the next two years.

The company began the year 2015 with bad numbers, posting 50.6 per cent decrease in profit before tax for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015. The company’s financial statement showed profit before tax of N3.487 billion compared with N7.071 billion a year earlier, indicating a drop of 50.6 per cent. Revenue also dropped to N27.556 billion, from N33.425 billion in the same period last year, representing a decrease of 17.5 per cent. The trends of unimpressive performance following harsh operating milieu continued in the half year, as Nestle Nigeria Plc posted 23.86 per cent decrease in profit before tax for the first half ended June 30, 2015. The company recorded a profit before tax of N10.606 billion compared with N13.931 billion a year earlier, indicating a drop of 23.86 per cent. The company’s profit after tax was equally down by 24.9 per cent from N11.835 billion in 2014 to N8.887 billion during the year under review. Revenue also dropped marginally to N65.924 billion, from N67.200 billion in the same period last year, representing a decrease of 1.89 per cent.

Addressing shareholders at the company’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the chairman of the company, Mr. David Ifezulike said: Our company has delivered on its short-term commitment while continuing to strengthen the foundations of our future growth. Our success has always been based upon our determination to stay the course and look ahead, to understand the environment in which we operate, to organise ourselves to seize opportunities to deliver profitable growth, now and in the future,” Ifezulike said. “Although we are operating in a challenging and turbulent economic environment, we see these as fascinating times. As we look to 2015 and beyond, I can say that our company is well positioned. We are well positioned to respond to the challenges and to grasp many opportunities presented to us. While delivering in the short term, we will remain focused on our business, long term, and continue to build foundations for future growth. We will take appropriate steps to accelerate our growth as we have done in previous years and as you expect your company to do always,” he said.

NEWS | national

thursday, march 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME NZENWA: I, formerly known and addressed as Ezenwa Jasper Onyenaturuchi and Nzenwa Japher Onyenaturuchi,now wish to be known and addressed as Nzenwa Jasper Aturuchi. All former documents remain valid. UBA, CBN and general public take note.

AFOLABI

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Afolabi Olukayode Olanrewaju now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Afolabi Olanrewaju Olukayode. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADERIBIGBE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obitayo Olufunke wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aderibigbe Olufunke. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

Ukandu

I, formerly known and addressed as Aham Obi now wish to be known and addressed as Uzoma Ukandu. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Ojuko

I, formerly known and addressed as Shyllon Yetunde Esther now wish to be known and addressed as Ojuko Yetunde Esther. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ABANUM

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nneka Odinjor now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nneka Abanum. All former documents remain valid. The Federal Polytechnic Oko and general public take note.

EDGAL

I, formerly known and addressed as Moses Edgal wish to be known and addressed as Aghomon Moses Edgal. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Adegoke

I, Adegoke Kudirat Asabi is the same person as Adegoke Kudirat. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

Imeh

Reps probe CBN over UBEC intervention funds Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday resolved to probe the various intervention funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the inability of some state governments to access the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) project funds across the country. This followed the adoption of two separate motions titled; “The need to investigate the various intervention funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria and urgent need

to urge states defaulting in UBEC funds to step up," sponsored by Hon. Ayodele Oladimeji (PDP, Ekiti) and Hon. Aishatu Dukku (APC, Gombe) respectively on the floor of the House. In his lead debate, Oladimeji noted that the CBN had continued to sponsor various intervention projects running into trillions of naira. He argued that the CBN, which has as its primary role, the regulation of other financial institutions has regrettably taken over the role of the commercial banks, expressing concern that the impact of over $2.5

trillion spent by the CBN as intervention funds in many sectors of the economy were not felt by the citizens. He therefore urged the House to order comprehensive investigation into the matter with a view to unravelling what these intervention funds are used for. Support the motion, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno) said the CBN does not have the requisite capacity to disburse these intervention funds. Similarly, Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike (APC, Kwara) said it is very important for the House to look into what transpired

This is to confirm that the names Imeh Effiong Monday and Emeson Effiong Monday refers to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Imeh Effiong Monday. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, First bank Plc and the general public should please take note

at the level of the CBN intervention funds. He added that the public is concerned that the beneficiaries of these intervention funds are not those who they were meant for. Also speaking in support of the motion, Hon. E. J. Agbonayinma (PDP, Edo) urged the House to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the matter and report back to it in six weeks. The House unanimously adopted the motion when the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, called for a voice vote on it, which was overwhelmingly supported. Children of the late James Ocholi during the Special Valedictory Court session in honour of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment in Abuja …yesterday.

PUBLIC NOTICE

WINAI WOMEN INITIATIVE NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

PHOTO:ELIJAH OLALUYI

The Trustees are: 1. Stella Monye 2. Ibrahim Amaechi Amusan 3. Mrs. Obiajulu Nzigbo 4. Ebony Okosun 5. Mr. Bolaji Rosoji AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To empower single motherhood through skill Acquisition. To provide career counseling and scholarship. To provide job opportunities and wealth creation. 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 : Silas Udoh Esq. (Legal Adviser)

Onyekachi Eze

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABUJA

KNEELING WOMEN MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Past. Mrs. Deborah Effiong 2. Dcns. Mrs. Irene Enyindah

–President. –Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To Raise Prayer Alters For Homes And Marriages. 2. To Minister To Hurting And Abused Women. 3. To Provide Support For Women And Children In Need Etc. 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 : A. S. EROMOSELE ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MEN OF VALOUR FRIENDS CLUB

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 (as amended). The Trustees are: 1. Leonard Udenyi - Chairman 2. Oliver Nwanga – Vice Chairman 3. Iheuko Matthew – Secretary 4. Diocha Ataeme – Financial Secretary 5. Okoro Maduekwe - Treasurer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster love and unity among members. To encourage friendship and cater for the welfare of members. To encourage and assist members in attaining human development and social growth. 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 : Jedidiah .O. Nwakpa, Esq. (Solicitor)

PDP faults INEC on postponement of FCT elections

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of acting a script of an unknown political party in the postponement of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja Area Council elections. The elections were earlier scheduled for March 19, but was postponed to April 9.

But in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP said there was no valid reason for the shift, except the fear that the PDP and its candidates were going to sweep the elections in the areas. It added that it was aware that the postponement was part of the moves to deny the PDP of its imminent victory at the polls. “Intelligence reports available to us indicate that the Independent National Electoral Com-

Senate mourns Ibru, sends delegation to condole family Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate yesterday paid tribute to the former Delta State Governor, Chief Felix Ibru, who also served in the fifth senate and died last week at the age of 80. The Senate, which reviewed the contributions of the deceased to the development of parliamentary democracy, submitted that he played immense roles in the pro-

motion of patriotism, private sector development and building of national unity and peace. It subsequently observed a one-minute silence in his honour, having served as a senator representing Delta Central between 2003 and 2007. The upper chamber also sent a delegation to condole with the family of the late senator, the people and government of Delta State and also to participate in the late senator's funeral.

mission (INEC) was instigated to shift the election, merely because that particular political party realised that our candidates were going to sweep the polls. “It is indeed incontrovertible that most Nigerians from all walks of life, residing in Abuja are in support of the PDP and are ready to express this support overwhelmingly at the FCT elections. The shift, we know is a fallout of the panic and conspiracy against the PDP," the statement added.

The party wondered whether the postponement was to allow a particular set of electoral and security officers being used in the Rivers State National and State Assembly rerun elections enough time to conclude that assignment and return to conduct the one in Abuja in two weeks time. “Is the development a confirmation that these particular electoral and security officials are on special assignment against the PDP?" the party alleged.

PDP back to winning ways, Sheriff, Mimiko Babatope Okeowo Akure

he National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and the Chairman of the party's governors forum, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday said the party will win the 2019 Presidential elections. The duo predicated their assertion on the resolution of the crisis

rocking the party in the past and the winning of the bye-elections which had been conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in recent time. Sheriff, who was in Akure, the Ondo State capital for consultation with Mimiko, ahead of the party's congress slated for May, said the party was back to winning ways and would climax with the 2019 presidential election.

News|south-west

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

DFID partners Ambode on Lagos education Muritala Ayinla

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode’s vision for a sustainable educational growth in the state received a boost yesterday as the Department for International Development ( DFID), expressed readiness to collaborate and support the state government in the areas of education and economy. This was even as the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education, also expressed readiness to continue to give quality legislation that would help the state government to achieve success in the implementation of its various educational policies. The DFID Permanent Secretary Mr. Mark Lowcock, made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit on the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule,

as part of the reasons for his visit to the country. He said the DFID would help the state government achieve all its desire for quality education in schools and upgrade its school infrastructure to make teaching/ learning more conducive. Lowcock stated that the body was encouraged by the commitment of the state government to the implementation of various educational policies, geared towards repositioning the education sector of the state to meet international standard practice. He said specifically, DFID, would be willing to assist the state government in the areas of upgrading of schools infrastructure, provision of modern instructional materials, adoption of information technology for teaching and general improvement of the economy.

Amosun brokers truce in Awujale, Alake supremacy feud Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

over nor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, yesterday brokered peace into the supremacy battle between the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, thus ending the supremacy feud between the two prominent Yoruba monarchs. At a parley brokered by the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in Abeokuta, the two foremost traditional rulers also pub-

licly declared that they were not on the warpath. New Telegraph gathered that Amosun was worried with the controversy generated by the recent public spats between the monarchs and decided to intervene. It would be recalled that the Awujale and Alake, at separate fora, disagreed over the categorisation of Yoruba Obas following the visitation by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to their palaces. Oba Gbadebo, in the ranking of the five top Obas, placed the Ooni of Ife as the first, followed by the Alaafin of Oyo,

the Oba of Benin, with the Alake coming fourth and the Awujale fifth. But Oba Adetona dismissed the ranking as self-serving and misrepresentation of facts, saying the Alake was not higher than the Awujale in order of ranking and that the Alake, at best, remains a junior traditional ruler in Yorubaland. The Alake also replied and berated the criticism of the Awujale over his ranking, stressing that he stood by his earlier position on the matter. However, yesterday, the feuding monarchs decided to sheathe their

swords after a closeddoor meeting held with Amosun at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. It was learnt that, at the meeting which lasted about two hours, the governor pleaded with the paramount rulers to give peace a chance in the interest of the state. Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting, Amosun said the monarchs only came to deliberate on how to ensure peace in the state. The governor stated that the details of their meeting were “classified” and would not be divulged to the public.

Teacher returns wrongly-paid allowance, hubby gets employment

school teacher, Mrs. Ayodele Grace, has returned to the coffers of Ekiti State Government the over N101,000 wrongly paid her as rural and core subject allowance. Grace, who teaches in Ikere-Ekiti, was wrongly credited with the money meant for those teaching in rural schools and those taking core subjects in public secondary schools. According to a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Grace sent a text message to Governor Ayodele Fayose, when she got the alert from her bank and told the governor she was not entitled to the allowance. Governor Fayose, who

hosted Grace and her husband, Sunday, in his office, said when he got the message from the teacher, he was surprised at her level of honesty. “She sent me another reminder that the money was still in her account and that she did not know how to get it returned to government’s coffers. I decided to call her and thanked her for her honest act. I promised to reward her with N50,000, but I was again surprised when she said she would not take the monetary reward. “I asked her what she wanted and she said her husband is unemployed and would not mind if I could assist in that area. This is also a virtue of a good woman and wife.”

Afe decries conversion of alma mata to ‘bakery’ Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

he founder of Afe Babalola University, AdoEkiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), yesterday lamented the conversion of the primary school he attended, Emmanuel Anglican Primary School, to a bakery. The legal luminary said a school that currently paraded lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers and other outstanding personalities as former pupils did not deserve such a fate. He spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during the foundation laying ceremony of a ‘new Emmanuel Anglican Primary School’, an event attended by former pupils of the school, as part of activities

marking the 120th anniversary of the school. Alumni members, including Pa Ojo Aderibigbe, Pa Bolarinwa, Rev Ola Oba and Seun Adetola, lauded Babalola for his support to the dream of developing the school. The SAN, who equally expressed worries about the lack of spaces for the construction of the proposed new school building, noted the new school would be modern enough. He charged teachers to rededicate themselves as “you are making leaders of tomorrow”. ABUAD’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Ajisafe, also an alumnus, extolled the school which he saw as having laid a solid foundation for the various eminent ex-products of the school.

L-R: Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, after a closed-door meeting at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta… yesterday.

Ibinabo Fiberisima files bail application, may be released today

he Court of Appeal Lagos Division today, will today, preside over the bail application of the immediate past president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberisima. The actress is seeking her release from the five year jail term affirmed by the Appeal Court, pending the determination of the case by the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, had previously upheld the judgment of a Lagos High Court which sentenced the actress and former beauty queen to five years imprisonment for the death of Dr. Giwa Suraj. The court dismissed the appeal filed by the actress, challenging the sentence which was handed down by Justice Deborah Oluwayemi for reckless driving which caused the death of Dr. Suraj, in an auto crash which happened along

the Lekki-Epe expressway, Lagos in 2006. This is coming hours after the late doctor’s sister, Bola Giwa- Adeyemi wrote an article that went viral online. In the said post, she lauded the Nigerian justice system in the story she captioned “Justice At Last.” The statement partly read; “Ibinabo was never remorseful, they brought her to meet with me shortly after my brother’s death in G.R.A. Ikeja before my return to the USA, but her only concern then was to drop the charges against her. I told her that it’s not my family Vs hers but the State Vs her, that where I come from in the USA, we do not interfere with the justice system, that they should do their job and advise her to apologize publicly to the masses and to the family and throw herself to the mercy of the court. She said and l quote, “I can’t do that, because it’s going to damage my career.”

Ogun workers suspend strike for two weeks Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

orkers in Ogun State, last night, suspended their indefinite strike “for two weeks”. The workers said the suspension was for Governor Ibikunle Amosun to address their demands. The state chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Akeem Ambali, who confirmed the development in a telephone chat with our correspondent, said all workers under the employ of the state should resume at their duty posts on Thursday (today). Ambali explained that the suspension of the industrial action became imperative following interventions from well-meaning personalities, including members of the state House of Assembly and foremost traditional rulers. He said: “Yes, we have suspended the strike. But it is for two weeks to enable the state government look into our demands. It

followed the intervention of well-meaning people in the state. “The Speaker and honourable members of the House of Assembly met with us and they asked for two weeks to enable them iron out our issues with the governor. Also, the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Alake of Egbaland met with Labour and promised to intervene by meeting the governor. I think they have met the governor. “Also, Dr Ade Abolurin (former Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) met with us and pleaded that we suspend the strike. Many people, including the Body of Former Permanent Secretaries also intervened. Therefore, as a mark of respect, we decided to agree with them. “If they are saying two weeks, then let us wait and see what would happen. The governor will meet Labour personally in the next couple of hours.”

News|SOUTH-EAST

1.8m

The total number of social interactions on Twitter of Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid in 2015. Source: Goal.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

31.26m

The total number of subscribers of Airtel Nigeria as at June 2015. Source: Ncc.gov.ng

The life expectancy of men at age 60 years of Cuba in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

UNTH performs 130 open-heart surgeries Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

uthorities of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, have said that the hospital has successfully carried out Open Heart Surgeries (OHS), on at least 130 persons since the recommencement of the programme in the hospital in March 2013. This is coming as the hospital raised the alarm that over five per cent of the nation’s population

may be living with Surgically Amenable Conditions, asking governments at all levels to vote resources to arrest the situation before it degenerates into a crisis level. Briefing newsmen on the resumption of the 12th session of the programme where a total of 22 patients were expected to be operated, the UNTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Chris Amah, said another vital facility to the open heart surgery, the Cardiac Catheterization laboratory had been acquired and installed in the hospital with about 15 patients al-

ready benefitting from it. Amah noted that the hospital would aim to carry out at least 100 open heart surgeries annually if enabled by funding, noting that because of the huge financial involvement required for the exercise, coupled with the fact that most people with heart-related diseases are poor, most people were yet to take advantage of the exercise in the hospital. He said out of the 22 patients slated to be operated upon, two persons received sponsorship from the National Health In-

surance Scheme (NHIS), while another patient received sponsorship from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. While explaining that the new facility, the Cardiac Catheterization machine which came through the University of Nigeria Education Trust fund, would help to reduce the number of people that would go through the process of open heart surgery, as it helps in accurately detecting the state of hearts of patients, Amah, said improved funding had become imperative.

L-R: Chairman, Fc Ifeanyi Ubah, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah; Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano and Chief Tony Nnacheta, during the governor’s visit to Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium in Nnewi … yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Newspapers seizure: Vendors claim loss of N1m Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

ewspaper vendors in Aba, the commercial nerve center of Abia State, are counting their losses following the raid carried out by the Nigerian Army on newspapers on vendors on Monday morning, which led to the confiscation of

several copies of various newspapers seized. The newspapers were carted away in two Hilux vans as the Army authority said its men only seized unregistered local papers which carried seditious news. While the vendors claimed they lost over N1 million to the raid which witnessed the seizure of

newsper titles like The New Republic, Freedom Journal, The Voice of South East/South South and the Authority Newspapers the Army Public Relations Officer, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Major Sydney Mbaneme, told journalists in Umuahia, yesterday that Authority was not among the newspapers impounded. The Army spokesman

said they were only after “unregistered papers with seditious publications capable of causing breach of the peace”. Solders in two Toyota Hilux Vans were reported to have stormed a popular newspaper distribution zone at St. Michaels Road Aba, and seized newspapers carrying pro-Biafra reports.

NGOs decry electoral fraud in Abia North senatorial rerun poll

he National Association of State Assembly Legislators (NASAL) and the Centre for Grassroots Development and Crime Prevention have described the Abia North Senatorial rerun poll as an exercise fraught with several irregularities. They added that the level of electoral fraud committed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its agents was not only alarming, but also a major setback to Nigeria’s nascent democracy. According to a statement jointly signed by Comrade Sunny Elekwa and Amaka Ojide on behalf of the two organizations and made available to the media yesterday in Arochukwu Local Government, the election was marred by snatching of ballot-boxes and other voting materials, violence, falsification of results and disenfranchisement of voters. The statement noted that thugs and miscreants hired by Abia State government and the PDP unleashed terror on voters in order to execute their undemocratic acts. The statement reads in part, “as accredited Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observers that observed the rerun poll in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State, after visiting most of the polling units, we noted with dismay that

the election was characterized by massive rigging, as the electorate were not allowed to vote by thugs who were deployed by the PDP to cause mayhem. “It is pertinent to mention that in Wards 2 and 3 in Arochukwu, figures were manipulated and fake results were announced in most of the polling units by the corrupt polling officials. “The PDP candidate, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa and officials of Abia State Government harassed voters and carted away voting materials during the poll. “It is after a careful review of our observations and follow-up visits to the affected areas that we came to the conclusion that unless a rerun is conducted in these affected wards, there is no legitimate winner in the March 5 Abia North Senatorial rerun poll.. “While we advise the appropriate authorities to investigate the electoral malpractices perpetuated before, during and after polling, we call on the INEC to probe the returning officer, Dr. Ojike Nwankwo for conflicting decisions, having declared the election inconclusive at 7a.m on March 6 before reversing his decision at 12 noon on the same day to declare the PDP candidate as the winner of the race.”

Ebonyi Assembly probes projects under Elechi Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

bonyi State House of Assembly yesterday commenced probe of the projects executed by former Governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi. The House, during its plenary, constituted a nine-man adhoc committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Odefa Obasi, representing Onicha East constituency. Announcing the constitution of the committee, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Francis listed the projects embarked

upon by the former administration to be probed to include; Centenary City formerly known as Ochu-Udo City; and the internal roads project in the city. Others are the International Market, Sharon/ Iboko Road, Offerekpe, Ukawu and Ezillo Water Schemes, Kpirikpiri/ Nwofe Road, Offerekpe/ Offenakpa Road, and the World Trade Centre among others. Nwifuru directed the committee to summon all the contractors that handled the projects and submit its report within two weeks.

Ikpeazu, Assembly condemn cultist killings at ABSU Court strikes out case against Abia NUJ Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

bia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu and the Abia State House Assembly have condemned the weekend cult violence in the Abia State University, Uturu which led to the beheading of two students. The governor said the gory picture of the two lifeless bodies with their heads severed has been a source of agony and mental torture to all wellmeaning people who have

respect for the value of life. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Godwin Adindu, the governor described the incident as “a show of savagery which should not be identified with students who are going through a process of training in character and learning.” He lamented that such trend of violence was capable of tarnishing the growing reputation of the institution of academic excellence in Nigeria, as attested by the performance of the students in the Nigerian Law School

and in other national competitions and awards. Ikpeazu warned that such dastardly acts perpetrated by students in the name of cult rivalry can no more be condoned in the tertiary institutions in the state, stressing that Abians are peace-loving people who have respect for the value of life. The Governor further appealed to ABSU community to remain calm and law abiding, while the security agencies have been mandated to take full control of the situation and bring the culprits to book.

Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

fter four years of legal battle, an Umuahia High Court yesterday stuck out a suit filed against the Abia State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the executives of the Correspondents Chapel following the claimants’ notice to discontinue the case No. HU/97/2012. The state correspondent of the Vanguard Newspaper, Anayo Okoli,

Obinna Ibe, then of Insider Magazine and George Opara of National Mirror, had dragged the defendants to court over the outcome of the Correspondents’ Chapel election in 2012. The claimants had gone to court on behalf of themselves and “other concerned members of the Correspondents Chapel”, seeking the nullification of the election of the Chapel executives led by Emmanuel Ugwu of THISDAY on the ground that the disqualification of News Agency of Nige-

ria (NAN) reporter, Emmanuel Acha, was unconstitutional . Acha, who had vied for the post of chapel chairman along with Ugwu, was disqualified for noneligibility, having not attained the requisite professional practice of five years as stipulated in the NUJ constitution. The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NUJ, had expressed displeasure over the action of the protesting journalists and suspended them from the union.

thursday, march 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rivers rerun: Police vow to deal with thugs, trouble makers Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

eputy InspectorGeneral (DIG) of Police (Operations), Sotonye Wakama, yesterday warned thugs and other trouble makers against disrupting Saturday's state and national assemblies rerun elections in Rivers State. He said the police were ready to confront whatever obstacle that is placed against a peaceful and suc-

...Declare Rivers CTC chairman wanted cessful election. He said the Police would not beg anybody to be peaceful, but that it would enforce law and order. Wakama, who announced this yesterday during a meeting with leaders of political parties and candidates in the coming rerun elections, said it was unacceptable for innocent lives to be lost in the name of politics. The DIG, who was in the meeting with the service chiefs, as well as

the heads of other agencies, said there won’t be any sacred cow as far as security was concerned, adding that there would be heavy deployment of police personnel and equipment ahead of the elections. He said: “In other ways, if volatility should occasion, we are going to stretch, and I repeat, we are going to stretch the law to its fullest. "Let me explain it, if it would require us to use a

14,492

The number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation assisted by UNHCR in Senegal at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com.

Managing Director, Azura Power West Africa Limited, Dr. David Ladipo (left), presents Shares Certificate of Edo State Government to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the State government's its partnership in the Azura Power project, in BeninCity… yesterday.

Cross River council generates N3m monthly Clement James Calabar

he Point of Sale (PoS) automated machine that was introduced into Cross River State in 2014 has assisted Ogoja Local Government Area to generate an internal revenue of about N3 million monthly in two major markets in the council, according to the Council Chairperson, Mrs. Rita Agbo. Agbo, who shared her council’s experience in the adoption of PoS to improve internally generated revenue, said until now, the markets only generated less than N500, 000 monthly.

Dakuku, APC leaders meet Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

head of the rerun elections in Rivers State on Saturday, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the last year's election in the state and Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, yesterday met with the national leadership of the APC. The meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the National Secretariat of APC in Abuja, lasted a little below an hour. Dakuku, who came to the APC secretariat with a black Prado Toyota

change OF NAME

Ekhaguosa

I, formerly known and addressed as Sandra Mamus Umukoro wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sandra Mamus Ekhaguosa. All former documents remain valid. Skye Banks Plc & General public note.

Okorie

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Florence Moses Ehiri wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Moses Okorie. All former documents remain valid. Banks & General public note.

Jeep, refused to entertain questions from journalists, after the meeting, as he rather shouted "they would bow, they would bow", before entering his car. According to a source at the meeting, the new Director General of NIMASA came to see if his party would help the state APC in the elections in the areas of security. The rerun elections would include, three Senatorial seats, 12 House of

mortar pestle to kill a mosquito, I am not saying we are killing anybody, we are going to bring any erring person to book. “We are not here to plead; we are not here to beg; we are not here to besiege or to request. We are here to tell you that, should there be any problem, wherever it rises from, we will deal with that problem with the full weight of the law.” Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police have declared the Caretaker Committee chairman of Asari Toru Local Government Area, Sobomabo Jackrich, wanted over recent killings in his council. The Deputy Inspector of Police in Charge of Operations, Sotonye Wakam,, who made this known, while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on the incessant violent and killings of innocent citizens in the state, said that Jackrich has been hiding since the killings, and has a case to answer. He said that Jackrich was among those being investigated over the killing, adding that some of them have been arrested and charged to court. “It is noteworthy to let you know that Austin Jackrich, Ipalibo Jackson, Destiny Lawson and Godknows Cotterel have been charged to

Representatives, out of 13 and 22 state House of Assembly out of 32. Since the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC fixed the rerun election date, the two opposing political parties, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Congress, APC have allegedly turned Rivers State into a battle field. Many opposing political parties members have been allegedly killed.

PDP to Edo exco: Ensure level-playing field for all Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South zone, Mr. Berry Negerese, yesterday advised the newly elected party leadership in Edo State to ensure it provides a

level playing field for all the aspirants in the forthcoming primaries in the state. Negerese gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Benin City, the state capital. He said the national body “will not tolerate any semblance of impunity within the party leadership.”

south-south | news

‘Bayelsa has highest number of abandoned NDDC projects’ he Senate Committee on stakeholders to make T on Niger Delta has inputs that would reflect described Bayelsa State the needs of the states in as the state with the highest number of abandoned projects awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from its inception to date. Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Nwaoboshi Peter Onyeluka, stated this when he led a delegation of members of the factfinding committee to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Seriake Dickson at the Government House, Yenagoa. Nwaoboshi, who said the more than 40 abandoned projects in Bayelsa State is worth about N12 billion, explained that the purpose of the visit was to undertake a holistic investigation into the activities of the NDDC in the nine states of the Niger Delta region. While noting that members of the committee would be in the state for two days, he called

this year’s budget of the commission. In his remarks, Dickson identified overpoliticisation of the operations of the commission, in terms of appointments and award of contracts, as the major cause of project abandonment in the state. He condemned a situation where contracts were awarded based on political patronage to the detriment of the development of the people and called on the Federal Government to take measures to reverse the trend. Citing the SagbamaEkeremor senatorial road project, which suffered a setback for 16 years, Dickson said his administration had to take over the project worth over N30 billion and urged the committee to chart a new course to enable the NDDC develop the Niger Delta.

We’ll fight enemies of Niger Delta – Ex-militants

Chris Ejim Yenagoa

x-militants, under the auspices of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI) have vowed to fight enemies of the Niger Delta to be able to achieve meaningful development in the region before the termination of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The National President of the body, Reuben Wilson, who disclosed this to newsmen in Yenagoa, after an enlarged meeting with members of the organisation, said the amnesty programme was aimed at developing

the region. He said those involved in criminal acts such as kidnapping, sea piracy, pipeline vandalism and snatching of speedboats, were enemies of the region who tend to destroy the peace and development of the Niger Delta. He said as a body, the organisation will collaborate with the various security agencies to fight against those he described as miscreants. According to him, the amnesty programme was still on and nobody should parade himself as a militant as the programme is aimed at ensuring peace and development in the region.

APC: Oshiomhole’s interest in guber race for progress, continuity Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Michael Egharevba, yesterday said Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s interest on who succeeds him as governor in the September gubernatorial election, is to ensure the progress and development of the state. Egharevba spoke in an interview with newsmen in Benin City, the Edo State capital. While he allayed the fear in some quarters

that the APC governorship primaries would not be free, fair and transparent, he argued that Oshiomhole’s interest was to make sure the foundation he laid in the state was not only sustained but tremendously improved upon. The Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to the governor cautioned that the governor’s interest should not be misconstrued to mean imposition of candidate in the election, stressing that like every other delegate, Oshiomhole has only one vote.

WORLD \ NEWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Obama unveils Garland for Supreme Court P resident Barack Obama yesterday unveilled the centrist judge Merrick Garland as his pick to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by late conservative justice Antonin Scalia, setting the stage for an election-year showdown with Republicans. According to White House

officials, after weeks of deliberation Obama will tap a former prosecutor they say “has more federal judicial experience than any other Supreme Court nominee in history.” The nomination comes even as Obama girded for a brutal battle with the Senate, where the Republican majority has vowed to ignore his selection.

Ivory Coast death toll rises to 19

he toll from a deadly attack in Ivory Coast by an Al-Qaeda affiliate rose to 19 yesterday, with the body of a young man shot in the head found on the beach. State-run RTI television showed images of the body and quoted the person who had found it as saying it had been “washed back by the waves”. Citizens from Burkina Faso, Germany and France were among those killed when gunmen stormed three hotels and sprayed a beach with bullets at the GrandBassam beach resort, an unprecedented jihadist assault in Ivory Coast. The sleepy town, with its pristine beaches and UNESCO-listed French colonial-era buildings, is packed with visitors on weekends from nearby Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s main city and commercial

capital. A security source said it was possible that some corpses had been washed away from the beach following the assault. Several witnesses had reported seeing the attackers firing on people bathing in the sea or swimming. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) said the shooting rampage was one of a series of operations “targeting dens of espionage and conspiracies”. It directly threatened France and its allies in the region in warning that nations involved in the anti-insurgent Operation Barkhane and the 2013 French-led Operation Serval in Mali would “receive a response”, with their “criminal leaders” and interests targeted, according to the SITE group which monitors extremist groups. Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, was France’s star colony in Africa.

Pope slams governments who close doors to migrants

ope Francis yesterday criticised governments who close their doors to migrants in comments that came as the European Union seeks to shut the Balkan route into its territory. The leader of the world’s Roman Catholics called for a more compassionate approach to “people living through a real and dramatic exile, far from their countries, with the ruins of their own homes still in their eyes, fear in their hearts and often suffering from the loss of people dear to them. “How is it possible that so much suffering can be inflicted on men, women and innocent children,” the pope said at his

weekly audience in St Peter’s Square. These people “are there, at frontiers because so many doors and so many hearts are closed”. Francis has regularly spoken out on Europe’s migrant crisis. Last month he praised Greece’s efforts in seeking to deal with the huge influx of people in a humanitarian manner and said other European countries should help to share the burden. The pope has also urged every Catholic parish in the region to take in at least one asylum-seeking family. The Vatican is currently hosting two families. The migrant crisis will dominate a summit of European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday.

Turkish president steps up bid to prosecute pro-Kurd MPs

urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday stepped up his efforts to have pro-Kurdish lawmakers prosecuted, accusing them of “inciting terrorism” days after a suicide bombing in Ankara that the government blamed on Kurdish rebels. Erdogan, who earlier this week said he wanted to expand the definition of “terrorism”, urged parliament to move quickly to end immunity from prosecution for lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). His call comes as part of a growing clampdown on opposition media and pro-Kurdish voices that

has drawn criticism from Europe. Earlier, police detained eight proKurdish lawyers in a dawn raid, a day after three academics were arrested on charges of “terrorist propaganda” for signing a petition condemning military actions in operations against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Turkey has blamed the PKK for a suicide car bombing in Ankara on Sunday that killed 35 people. Parliament has set up a committee to consider stripping five HDP MPs, including leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, of their immunity so they can be tried over their call for Kurdish autonomy.

The Republican party’s leadership has insisted the nomination should be made by Obama’s successor in the White House, who takes office in less than a year. Filling the vacancy could be one of the most consequential actions of Obama’s presidency, with the potential to tip the balance from majority conservative to liberal. “Throughout his career, Chief Judge Garland has shown a rare ability to bring people together and has earned the respect of

everyone he has worked with, No one is better suited to immediately serve on the Supreme Court.” White House officials said. Garland’s appointment leaves Republicans with a tough task of ignoring someone they have already confirmed once for lower office and who has publicly opposed the judicial activism they claim to resist. At the age of 63, Garland also offers them the tantalizing prospect of a candidate that would be expected to

serve less time on the bench than some of the younger names floated. Obama will make formally announce his selection at 11:00 am. In a preview statement Obama said his candidate would be “eminently qualified to sit on the Supreme Court. I’ve devoted a considerable amount of time and deliberation to this decision. I’ve consulted with legal experts and people across the political spectrum, both inside and outside government.

US President Barack Obama announces his Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland (R), in the Rose Garden at the White House.

Egypt vows to shed light on Italian student’s death

gypt’s president, Abdel Fattah El-sisi yesterday vowed to do everything he could to shed light on the fate of an Italian student found dead in Cairo bearing signs of having been tortured. The corpse of Cambridge University PhD student Giulio Regeni, 28, was found dumped in a ditch on the outskirts of Cairo in February, in a case that has strained ties between Italy and Egypt. Egyptian authorities are working “day and night” to solve the crime, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in an in-

terview with Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper. “I promise you that we will do everything to shed light (on the case) and we will get to the truth,” he said. Addressing Regeni’s family, he added: “We will work with the Italian authorities to bring to justice and punish the criminals that killed your son.” Sisi said that as a “father first and foremost”, he understood the “pain and suffering that you feel at the loss of your son. I feel the shock and bitterness that has broken your heart,” he said.

Regeni disappeared on January 25. Many Italians and Egyptian opposition figures believe he was abducted and killed by elements of the Egyptian security services, an allegation the authorities in Cairo have rejected as baseless. His slaying while he was in Cairo doing research for his doctoral thesis has become a cause celebre amongst academics around the world and has turned the spotlight on what rights and opposition groups say are increasing abuses by security services under the militarybacked government in Cairo.

‘Ties will progress no matter who wins US election’

hina-U.S. relations will continue to develop regardless of who wins the US presidential election in November, China’s Premier Li Keqiang said yesterday, after criticism of Beijing by US candidates. The Chinese government has largely refrained from commenting on the US election campaign, saying it is an internal matter for the American people, despite attacks on China by real estate mogul and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump. Trump has frequently accused China of stealing jobs

China’s Premier Li Keqiang gestures as he speaks at a news conference

and portrayed himself as a tough negotiator who would beat Beijing at its own game.

US Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has also weighed in with criticisms of China, saying earlier this month that as the Chinese economy slows, China will engage in more damaging practices in global trade. Li, speaking at a news conference at the end of China’s annual meeting of parliament, said the US election “has been lively and caught the eye of many”. “I believe that no matter in the end who wins the laurel and serves as president, the underlying trend of China-U.S. relations will not change,” Li said.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport News

Did you know?

Sport

Egypt ready to shock Eagles in Kaduna –Coach

That UEFA Champions League match between Athletico Madrid and PSV was the first round of 16 game to end 0-0 on aggregates over two legs

International Sport FIFA set to reclaim funds from corrupt officials

NIG v EGY.... 7 days to go

46 47

World Indoor: Nigerian athletes target $2.4m

Egypt name squad N for Nigeria IN

Zamalek, Al-Ahly players dominate list

Charles Ogundiya

gypt on Wednesday announced their squad that will face Nigeria in a 2017 AFCON qualifiers with players from the country’s domestic league top clubs, Zamalek and Al-Ahly, dominating the 25-man squad. The winners of three successive Africa Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008, and 2010 will face the Super Eagles on March 25 in Kaduna, before playing the reverse fixture on March 29 in Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria. According to the list released on the Egyptian Football Association official website, nine players from Egyptian league champions Zamalek and seven from rivals Ahly were called for the two matches. Zamalek striker Basem Morsi and winger Mahmoud Kahraba were the prominent absentees, alongside right winger Ahmed Fathi and

midfielder Moamen Zakaria from Ahly. Earlier on Monday, Cuper has called up five foreignbased players for the crucial match, including Roma winger Mohamed Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny. Egypt are leading group G with six points, two ahead of the Super Eagles who occupied the second position on the table, with only group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 AFCON in Gabon. The Pharaohs will be all out to avoid defeat in the backto-back matches to maintain their leadership in Group G while the Eagles need at least four points from the available six to turn the tide in Nigeria’s favour.

FULL SQUAD:

Goalkeeprs: Essam El-Hadary (Wadi Degla), Ahemd El-Shenawy (Zamalek), Mohamed El-Shenawy (Petrojet)

Mohammed Salah

Essam El-Hadary

IN OUT

Mohammed Elneny

Basem Morsi

OUT OUT

Ahmed Fathi

Charles Ogundiya igerian athletes representing the country at this week’s IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon, US will be battling for a total of $2,464,000 prize money. The Athletic Federation of Nigeria has picked 17 athletes to represent the country at the championships which starts on Thursday March 17(today), and ends on until Sunday 20) at the Oregon Convention Center. As it has become traditional with the IAAF, there is also a $50,000 bonus for any athlete setting a world record during the four-day championships. Top prize for an individual event is $40,000, while the first and second runners up will go home with $20,000 and $10,000 respectively. There is also prize money for the fourth to sixth positions ranging from $8,000, $6,000 and $4,000 respectively. For the relay teams, prizes have been set out from first to sixth position same as individual events, with the country’s athletes expected to participate in the men and women’s 4x400m relays.

Mahmoud Kahraba

Defenders: Omar Gaber, Hazem Emam, Ahmed Dewidar, Ali Gabr, Hamada Tolba (Zamalek)- Ahmed Hegazy, Sabry Rahil, Ramy Rabia (Ahly) Midfielders: Hossam Ghaly, Ramadan Sobhy, Abdallah El-Said (Ahly)- Mostafa Fathi, Ayman Hefni, Tarek

Hamed (Zamalek), Ibrahim Salah (Smouha), Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan (Anderlecht), Amr Warda (Panetolikos FC), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal) Strikers: Mohamed Salah (Roma), Ahmed Hassan Kouka (Braga), Amr Gamal (Ahly), Marawan Mohsen (Ismaily).

Nigeria’s medal prospect, Ogho-Oghene Egwero

Balogun, Samuel sure of Eagles’ victory The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Adekunle Salami

wo Super Eagles players -Leon Balogun and Aaron Samuel - have expressed optimism about the chances of the Super Eagles against the Pharaohs of Egypt in the forthcoming back-to-back 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Cup qualifiers against Egypt. Samuel who plays for CSKA Moscow and Balogun of Mainz, Germany on Wednesday said the Egyptians were beatable not only in Kaduna but also in Alexandria. Nigeria and Egypt clash in Group G of the qualifying race first on March 25 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Day 3 and at the Borg elArab Stadium, Alexandria on March 29 which is Day 4.

Target home, away win for Nigeria

Balogun said: “We will target to win both matches. If we get the six points, that would ease our path to the Africa Cup finals. Winning will be the principle driving us in both matches. “Egypt is a big football –playing nation, but Nigeria is also very big. There is no complex going into both matches and we have the men to give us victory in Kaduna and away in Egypt.”

Samuel was particular about the goals and the current form of Nigerian players who have been impressive for their clubs abroad. He said: “Goals will not be a problem when we take to the pitch in Kaduna. We have more and bigger stars than the Egyptians. “There is nothing to fret about. I have heard what the Egyptians were saying, that we would not be able to

score in Kaduna. That is mere wishful thinking on their part. They are trying to play a psychological game. The goals will surely flow from our boots into their net.” Samuel, who previously played in China, scored two brilliant goals for the Super Eagles in the 2015 Cup of Nations qualifying race – against Sudan in Abuja and against Congo in Pointe Noir.

SPORT NEWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Egypt will shock Eagles in Kaduna –Coach

Emmanuel Tobi

gypt assistant coach Mahmoud Fayez has boasted that the Pharaohs are ready to shock the Super Eagles by securing a victory at the Ahmedu Bello Stadium, Kaduna in the first leg of the back-to-back 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers billed for March 25. The Pharaohs of Egypt are looking to end their six-year absence from the AFCON finals by finishing top of Group G ahead of Nigeria, Chad and

Tanzania. Fayez said that they had come up with a plan to overcome the West African giants. “We know everything about Nigeria, we have been studying them. They are a very good side but we have our plans in place to beat them,” Fayez said. “We think we are capable of going to Kaduna and not just winning but also shutting them out totally. We simply can’t afford to let them score and they won’t, as we know what to do when we get there.”

Confed Cup: Nasarawa hopeful, off to Algeria Adeolu Johnson ABUJA

asarawa United football club departed the country Wednesday morning with high hopes to come back from Algeria, venue of their CAF Confederation Cup return leg match with Constants FC on Friday victorious. The team which left aboard Turkish Airline had a stopover in Turkey before connecting to Algeria. The first leg ended in a slim 1-0 victory in Abuja and the Chairman of Nasarawa FC, Isaac Dandali, said before the

Super Eagles striker, Aaron Samuel (Left)

Siasia gets Gabon 2017 mandate

departure that there was no cause for alarm in the return leg. “We did not really know their strength before the first leg but now that we have seen and played against them we now know how to take care of them,” he said. Danladi said that winning the encounter was a task that must be done, adding that they ware going to Algeria to attack from the blast of the whistle. “We do not want to have a repeat of what happened last year when the country’s representatives crashed out early,” he said.

Adeolu Johnson ABUJA

oach Samson Siasia has finally been handed the mandate to lead the Super Eagles to the 2017 African Nations Cup finals in Gabon. This followed a truce brokered between the Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick and the President of Nigerian Football Coaches Association, Bitrus Bewarang. The CAF instructor said the NFF President had agreed that Siasia would lead the team to Gabon next

year if he secures the ticket. Pinnick and Bewarang had earlier exchanged hot words over the comment by the former that Nigeria is searching for a foreign coach. But Bewarang later disclosed that both of them had buried their hatchets and agreed that the assignment be given to Siasia if he earns the ticket. “We are now asking for the cooperation of all Nigerians, coaches and stakeholders to beat Egypt and qualify,” Bewarang said. “The first statement from the President was out of anger and everything has been resolved.”

LMC gives Enyimba, Wolves, Nassarawa’s fixtures Charles Ogundiya

T Enyimba’s Chinedu Udoji vying for the ball against Rivers United’s Felix Benjamin

he League Management Company has announced new dates for some of the matches involving clubs playing on the continent, Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Nassarawa United. Announcing the adjustments was the Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar, who said the essence of the new dates was to accommodate the return leg of the second round of the two Confederation of African

n continuation of its programme, the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation Taekwondo Team, will be heading to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria to train with the University Team. The team is being coached by two-time national champion and Internationally Certified Coach, Sani Lawal. The event is scheduled to take place from March 18 to 20 2016 at the ABU indoor hall, and will have a total of five training segments covering: general fitness, technical-tactical training, taekwondo basics, competitive training and video analysis

methodology. For Vice-Captain of Team CCSF, 18-year-old Peter Itiku of Government Secondary School, Garki, “We have been consistently training four times a week for almost a year and we are excited to go and practice with university students in a city we have never visited.” Three-time Olympian, and CEO of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije, emphasised the importance of the project saying, “We did not have this kind of opportunities as 15 and 16 year olds but this is the right time to simulate these youngsters. Exposing them early is important to fire their Tokyo 2020 Olympic dream.”

matches are now to hold on March 30. It therefore means that the Match Day 2 fixtures: Enyimba vs Shooting Stars, FC IfeanyiUbah vs Nasarawa United and Wikki Tourists vs Warri Wolves will hold on March 30. However, the Match Day 8 fixtures involving the clubs and which were to hold midweek of Wednesday, March 23 had been shifted by one day to March 24 to allow the clubs travel time after their return from continental engagements.

‘Flamingos won’t rely on massive win against Bantwana’

CCSF takes taekwondo training to Zaria Tosin Obisesan

Football Club competitions, Champions League and Confederation Cup, which takes place this weekend. “Most of the fixtures will take place during the midseason break and thus will not alter our calendar as such,” he said. Nasarawa United, Enyimba were to have played outstanding fixtures from Match Day 2 on Wednesday, March 16 but both teams are billed to travel out late Tuesday for their continental dates, hence the

Grace Adewara

Bala Nikyu

ead Coach of the U-17 Women national team, Flamingos, Bala Nikyu, has said that his players will not rely on the massive 6-0 victory recorded in Abuja when they play the second leg against South Africa’s Bantwana. Four goals from Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and two from Yetunde Fajobi gave the Flamingos a comfortable advantage heading into the final leg next weekend in South Africa. Nikyu said : “My girls will not rely on the big win

here in Nigeria. When we confront the South Africans in the return leg, we will try and replicate what we did against Namibia, whom we defeated 4-0 here in Abuja and 5-0 in Windhoek. “We are also not underrating the Bantwana of South Africa as they will try to reduce the number of goals, but we will be ready for them.” Nigeria has participated at all previous editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final competitions from New Zealand 2008 to Trinidad and Tobago 2010, Azerbaijan 2012 and Costa Rica 2014.

SPORT

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Muyiwa Daniel Column md_muyiwa@yahoo.com 08023525087 (sms only)

Hail King Harrisson!

unday, March 06, 2016 has gone down in history for our country, Nigeria, as one determined fringe soccer player–Harrisson Chinedu-who plies his trade in Cambodia but decided to return home and chase the Guinness Book of World records, in the art of balancing the ball on his head from the redeemed Camp on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway to the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, was achieved. Chinedu had dreamt of this feat for two years after an Indian soldier recorded the 45km feat and acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records. He had his dream in his heart until he met Dr. Rafiu Ladipo-a man who does not need any recognition for the transformation of supporters club at domestic and national levels since 1991. As a recap, Ladipo would be remembered as that scrappy man who followed IICC Shooting Stars carrying the Nigerian flag as defender, Samuel Ojebode, leads the team out at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan for the African Cup winners competition in the days of black and white photograph until the finals at the Lagos National Stadium where the Oyo State military administrator David Jemibewon was a faithful backer of the team. Ladipo at those times made that attachment to the team his song as he shuttled the Apapa Wharf and his ‘bed’under the containers where he learnt the trade of a Clearing Agent. Fate had it in his success as he rose from grass to what is the proverbial grace ‘graduating’ and broke the poverty line to overcome. He not only became a force with IICC but was so influential within the Supporters Club then controlled by my late Uncle-Deacon George Osho and whose frontline bosses were Alhaji Ogunsiji, Elders Olukokun and drummerboy Idris. I recall that on the way to the coverage of the 1983 U-20 World Cup in Mexico, the quartet was on the same flight with my leaders-Joe Audu and Segun Adenuga. We transited in New York on the Nigeria Airways Flight with tickets bought with that “hefty” naira and I still have on my passport the exchange of N493(four hundred and ninety-three naira) for $600(six hundred US dollars) The ticket for the New York/Mexico City flight was bought right from Lagos and the three journalists had to receive now Eagles boss, Samson Siasia, at the Airport when he was at that competition courtesy of Leventis United Football Club’s boss John Masteroudes, who made us sign a bond that he will team up with the club on arrival from the tournament as a ‘spectator’ having been left out of the 21-man party of skipper Alli Jeje as picked by coach Chris Udemezue and his assistant Isiaka “krobo” Yakubu at our hangout-Elders Club-also in Surulere without any recourse to blackmail or rewards-financially or otherwise- as is the stupid course bandied around now in the despicable case of Nigerian football. I have written on these pages that I will spare no excuses or tears for Siasia with his decision on not sticking with his Olympic team but this Eagles of no future whatever happens against Egypt and thus giving a myopic NFF led by Amaju Pinnick to shop for its “foreign messiah”. Ladipo’s arrival to be boss of the NFSC has over time revealed what that aspect of football in the world has evolved and in moving on he founded the Rafiu Ladipo Sports Foundation in setting up a Sports Hall-of-Fame. However, when Harrisson came with the challenge, the foundation took it on and after about one and a half years of intensive work, the coordinator, Effiong Nyong and Ladipo’s aide Ayo Opadokun, achieved the board’s aim as led by journalist- Tony Ubani and including Kunle Solaja and others to deliver Harrisson Chinedu’s record despite all odds. What is left now is for this country to toast this latest world champion beginning with Sports Minister Solomon Dalung leading him to President Mohammadu Buhari and all the states of the federation with the private sector managing this brand that was believed in by a sport betting outfit, especially as we begin the passion week. For now “stand up, standup for the Champion, stand up”. Harrisson Chinedu, I celebrate you. To Ladipo, I’m not surprised. Bless You!

FIFA set to reclaim funds from corrupt officials

orld football governing body, FIFA, have lodged an appeal to reclaim the funds that were lost to corrupt officials through bribes and other illegal schemes. A statement from the world football’s governing body on Wednesday read: “FIFA today (Wednesday) submitted documents to the US authorities in an effort to reclaim tens of millions of dollars pocketed illegally by corrupt members and other football officials. “In its capacity as a

‘victimised institution,’ FIFA has submitted a Request for Restitution to the US Attorney’s Office and the US Probation Office for the Eastern District of New York, claiming damages from 41 former officials of FIFA and other football organisations, including Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner, Jeffrey Webb and others who have been indicted in the ongoing investigation by the US Department of Justice,” the statements read. “FIFA is seeking restitution for the money the defendants pocketed to enrich themselves, but also for the salaries, ben-

defendants for the damage their actions caused to organisation’s brand and reputation, its intellectual property and its business relationships.”

Olusegun Giwa

Man United’s Young train ahead of Liverpool

efits and bonuses that were paid to them during their tenure at FIFA and other football organisations. FIFA is also seeking money from the

GOtv Boxing Night: Organisers assure on adequate security

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge (in red) scored from the spot during a 2-0 first leg victory

anchester United manager Louis van Gaal welcomed long-term injury absentees Ashley Young and Cameron BorthwickJackson back to training ahead of their Europa League clash with Liverpool on Thursday. United must overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg of their last-16 tie following defeat at Anfield on March 10 with goals from Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino handing the advantage to Jurgen Klopp’s side. Van Gaal will be relieved his injury concerns are beginning to lessen with 22 players taking part in training,

Former FIFA president Sep Blatter

although it remains to be seen if the game against Liverpool comes too soon for Young and BorthwickJackson. England international Young has not played since the 1-0 victory away to Liverpool in the Premier League on January 17 due to a groin problem, while Borthwick-Jackson has been on the sidelines since sustaining a knock in February’s FA Cup win at Shrewsbury. Defenders Phil Jones and Luke Shaw remain absent with Adnan Januzaj and Timothy Fosu-Mensah involved in training, despite being ineligible for Thursday’s match.

ans coming to watch top class boxing action at the GOtv Boxing Night 6 have been assured of adequate security in and around the venue of the event. The assurance was given by Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Flykite Productions, organisers of the boxing tourney. “This edition falls on Good Friday and we are expecting families to come and enjoy boxing. The security will be tight as it has always been. One of our partners, KSquare Security, is the leading provider of security services for big events in the country. Fans have nothing to fear. The security arrangements will be top-notch,” he said. GOtv Boxing 6, holds on March 25 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos with best boxer smiling home with a N1million prize money. The event will feature two title fights and three national challenge duels.

Saheed Fijabi, one of the GOTV boxing night contenders

Sharapova gets support from Venus, King

enus Williams and Billie Jean King are the latest grand slam champions to

Sharapova

support Maria Sharapova after the Russian was stripped of her ambassadorial role with the United Nations. The revelation has drawn split commentary across the entire sports community, but Serena and Venus Williams have emerged as Sharapova allies. “I think she (Sharapova) has been a role model for a lot of people,” Venus said in Indian Wells. “She has a ton of fans, and I think she has affected a lot of lives in a positive way. “Hopefully that (a failed drug

test) won’t be the end of that.” Her comments came as the International Tennis Federation blasted former French health and sport minister Roselyn Bachelot for accusing Rafael Nadal of failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs. Bachelot enraged Nadal by claiming the Spaniard’s sevenmonth absence from tennis in 2012-13 was due to a failed test. The ITF said: “Accusations against Rafael Nadal are not only surprising, but also incorrect.”

On Marble

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

–George Bernard Shaw

Sanctity of Truth

Buccaneers in Ekiti

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How Okorocha took Biafra to London

n February last year and in this space, we discussed extensively about the sudden popularity of Chatham House in Nigeria’s polity. The then presidential candidate of the then opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, actually addressed the global community in a lecture at the house. We had wondered the sudden neocolonialism that was emerging through the non-governmental organisation. Recent craze to speak at Chatham House was actually made popular by the embattled former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col Sambo Dasuki, who on January 22, 2015, while speaking on security situation in Nigeria, hinted the bewildered nation that the general elections were going to be shifted because among other challenges, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not ready. The rest is now history except to note that much water has past under the bridge, with Dasuki conspicuously at the centre of a major corruption battle of this government. But just last Thursday, Chatham House was again in the news. The talkative Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, was the Chatham House’s main character this time. According to Imo State protocol information, Okorocha was in Chatham House to speak on free education with Imo State as a case study. Okorocha is among some Nigerian public officers who believe they speak well and should talk at any slightest opportunity, even if such talk was not relevant. Such characteristics must have informed a governor, whose state is virtually in a mess, rushing to London to speak on free education. With over N500 to a pound, Okorocha parked a handful entourage to London to deliver a lecture on free education and a supposedly populist government found this a priority at this time. Ahead of the general elections when the governor was seeking a second term in office, Nigerians can recall his slogan of ‘my people, my people’. Since after the election, the slogan has changed to ‘my government, my government’. It was in the new spirit that he jumped into the aircraft with taxpayers’ hard currency to deliver a lecture on free education while teachers in the state are being owed salaries. Just last month, the Nigerian labour community over took Imo State and forced the governor to rescind his decision to sack over 3,000 workers. That was the image of a government, which chose Chatham House for a lecture on Imo State’s problem, the same week some of his aides were whisked away by anti-graft agency for allegedly mismanaging the bailout fund released to states to pay workers. But unknown to Okorocha, a far

Political Musings IKE ABONYI igwebuike2001@yahoo.com 0802-402-4029 (sms only)

Gov. Okorocha delivering his speech at the Chatham House

weightier problem in the country was waiting to take the shine off his self-glorification lecture. Back home in the South-East and South-South region, youths have been holding it against Okorocha’s party, the APCled by Buhari over the handling of the agitation of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), especially the continued incarceration of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Some protesting youths have been brutally killed by security operatives. Buhari has said repeatedly that under his watch, Biafra would have no place in Nigeria. In an interview with an online medium in June last year, Okorocha said of IPOD and Biafra struggle: “Know that it has not got the backing of the South-East. They are trying to create tension and relevance, just like they have gotten”. The governor then compared the Biafran struggle to a mirage: “the more you look, the less you see.” But last Thursday at Chatham House, the governor saw that the Biafran thing has long gone beyond mirage. Just as he opened his lecture on free education programme from primary to university level and his

concerted effort at human capital development initiatives in the state, a young “Biafran” and member of IPOD in the United Kingdom walked to the podium displaying the Biafran flag to the audience. He opened talks with Okorocha in Igbo language wondering what he intend to say here while at home he ‘has been killing’ his brothers and parents because they are agitating for a Biafran state. Okorocha was visibly embarrassed but tried to calm the young man down but he would not. The exchange in Igbo turned to English when some people in the audience told him to go and sit down since he has made his point “if I don’t sit down what would you do’, he queried back. They threatened to bundle him out of the hall and this got the protester more upset and he increased his shouting against the injustice of the Biafrans at home. As the exchange continued, a bewildered Okorocha stood helpless wondering perhaps ‘who brought these people here, I thought I left them in Nigeria.’ As it turned out, media wise, Okorocha went to London to deliver

talk on free education but he ended up probably against his will delivering Biafra agitation to the world. Nothing was heard of Okorocha’s lecture outside the Biafra drama that quickly went viral. This expectedly did not go down well with Okorocha and his government but there is absolutely nothing they can do. Reacting to the development, the Imo State Government claimed that IPOB’s action was not only embarrassing to Okorocha as an Igbo leader, but, also, to Ndigbo, both at home and in the Diaspora. A statement by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, alleged IPOB acted the way it did at Chatham House because “Okorocha has not supported their actions or the actions of any other pro-Biafra group. “That was their only reason for throwing caution to the wind and invading the Chatham House to disrupt such a wonderful outing by a bonafide leader and son of Igboland.” Who says Biafra is dead? As a country yes perhaps, but as an idea, no. Hear these marble words from Nigeria’s Nobel laureate and literature giant, Prof. Wole Soyinka: “Once an idea has taken off, you may defeat those behind it in a war but that does not mean the end of the idea.” Last line..... Please I don’t know if you have had electricity in your area lately. I am not talking of fuel because we all know the situation now. One wonders if the body language of few months ago has taken flight to another country. In case you wondering what to do, just turn to your neighbour on your right and blame it on Jonathan and turn to the left and blame it on PDP and move on. God bless Nigeria.

(C.) Olulana Kayode

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