New telegraph tuesday, march 29, 2016 by Newtelegraphonline

Senate summons Kachikwu over fuel scarcity

lNNPC goes hard on erring marketers, plots license's withdrawal Adeola Yusuf and Chukwu David

he Senate yesterday summoned the Minis-

ter of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachickwu, to appear before it today and offer explanations behind the unending fuel scarcity across the country.

The summon was issued by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), after carrying out on-thespot assessment of the

crisis situation in major filling stations within the Abuja metropolis. Worried by the pathetic state of affairs they met on ground, with many filling

stations not selling fuel due to alleged lack of supply from the NNPC Depot in Suleja, the committee's Acting Chairman, Jibrin CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Kachikwu

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Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Braithwaithe

NDLEA intercepts letter laden with heroin }8

Amusan

Buhari, govs, Kalu, Dogara hail Tinubu at 64 }3

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Tinubu

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Dump site where scavengers make fortunes }18

Arms scandal:

Army General weeps

...as panel traces huge payments to personal accounts }2

Ex-Accountant-General refunds N1bn Why Dasuki will not be released, by Buhari

A public health personnel of Live Healthy Organisation (LHO), Christabel Okonji, attending to children at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, in Apa Local Government Area, Benue State …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Boko Haram destroyed 1m houses in Borno –Gov Obasanjo: Security forces overcoming forces of destruction }5 humans could reproduce from skin samples –Expert

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NEWS

Arms scandal: Army General weeps

Emmanuel Onani Abuja

onfronted with i n c o n t r ove r t ible evidence of malfeasance, a serving Major General broke down in tears during his appearance before the 13-man panel probing procurement of arms and other military equipment between 2007 and 2015. New Telegraph gathered from highly placed military sources that the two-star general, who once held a powerful position at one of the formations under the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wept shortly after he was confronted with hard and overwhelming evidence of alleged corrupt practices in the procurement of military hardware. The Army General was

among the 17 serving and retired military officers indicted in the first interim report of the audit panel over the procurement of arms and other equipment for the Nigeria Air Force (NAF). “He was indicted in the first interim report on the Air Force. Now he has a case in the procurement of arms and other military equipment for the Nigerian Army,” the source said. It was gathered that the senior Army officer, who is currently on posting at the DHQ, is alleged to have been involved in the purchase of some substandard Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other equipment, for the prosecution of the anti-Boko Haram war in Borno and other troubled North-East states. One of the sources, who spoke on the condition of

anonymity, owing to the sensitivity of the probe, said the General, who initially denied any wrongdoing in the arms deal, was forced to eat his words, when the audit panel confronted him with suspicious transactions made through his personal accounts. “The panel discovered through painstaking investigation several suspicious lodgements in personal domiciliary accounts in about five banks belonging to the Army General,” the source said. The said transactions were all the panel used to humble him during his appearance. New Telegraph's investigation further revealed that many of the purchases were done at outrageously high and inflated prices; a development, which was said to be too stunning to

contemplate. The panel, it was reliably learnt, allegedly discovered that the General was deeply involved in the procurement process, using his former position at one of the military formations. "Maybe I should tell you that a serving Major General broke down in tears when he was confronted with realities of his involvement in (alleged) shady deals in respect of purchase of arms and other military equipment. "Though, he had insisted that his hands were clean, claiming that he did not abuse his office at a formation. All that ceased when the panel showed him hard and incontrovertible facts, which suggested that nothing could be farther from the truth. "Listen, as a serving officer, what will such huge

L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III; Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, at the convocation lecture of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State...yesterday

Why Dasuki will not be released, by Buhari ...says Biafra agitation illegal

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government was not prepared to release former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, from detention. The president said that Dasuki, who is presently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), has multiple cases in court, which he must diligently face and answer. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in an interview with New Telegraph yesterday in Abuja, explained that the cases against the former NSA were all complicated. Reacting to criticisms that Buhari does not respect court orders and continues to detain Dasuki, the presidential

spokesman said that "the ex-NSA's problem is not with President Buhari who I must say has the highest regard for the rule of law.” Garba noted that the president remained the best friend of the rule of law and due process the country has seen so far. "If five courts of the land are trying different cases in which a man is involved and one or two of those courts let the accused persons go home on bail, what happens with the other three cases? "If you are a prisons controller, will you set that person free when you have three other judges directing that he be kept in detention? "Colonel Dasuki faces a multiplicity of cases and, sadly for him, his hand appears to be showing in more of the cases as recent revelations from the ongoing investigation in the Office of the NSA has

shown," he added. Garba, who also spoke on the agitation by Biafra, said the matter was a rested case. He said as far as he was concerned, Nigerians paid the supreme prize of going to a three years' civil war, which claimed the lives of over one million people. Garba noted that those calling for a State of Biafra have no grasp about the political history of the country. He said the issue of Biafra was settled at the end of that civil war. "Remember that this country fought a civil war for 30 months in which one million people were killed. The issue of Biafra was settled at the end of that civil war. What is there again? "It is people who haven't read Nigerian history and don't know about it that are trying to raise new dust,” he said. Buhari was recently

quoted for supporting the liberation of the Saharawi people in Morocco, a statement which most Nigerians criticize as against the agitation of the Biafra group. According to Garba, "for anybody to make comparison between Western Sahara and Biafra, that is a display of knowledge deficit in international politics. One, Western Sahara is a classic case of decolonisation.” He said: "It is the last remaining colony on the African continent and we all owe it a duty to ourselves to liberate Western Sahara. "In fact, as military Head of State, President Buhari was the first to recognise Western Sahara and then the rest of Africa followed. So, he is being consistent. But Biafra is for the dismemberment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is already a settled entity. These two scenarios are clearly different," he stressed.

amount of money be doing in his personal accounts, as a public officer? "As officers and soldiers, we are not strangers to the fact that our esteemed profession is not one that confers outrageous wealth on us," he said. Continuing, the reliable source said: "It is ridiculous that, what we are seeing was done by some of our officers. "The (alleged) fraud is so monumental that you will want to ask what is really happening in our country." A retired Major General, who handled finances of the Nigerian Army, confirmed to New Telegraph that he had appeared before the panel. “I was invited to state all I knew about the arms purchase. As a Major General, I was a member of the Army Council and I had the privilege to have served three Chiefs of Army Staff. So, I stated all that I knew about the procurement of arms and ammunition. The three Chiefs of Army Staff I served were not in any way involved in the arms scandal. “So, my invitation was just a routine thing. My hands are clean and the records are there,” the General told New Telegraph. Also, New Telegraph reliably gathered that a former Accountant General of the Federation (AuGF) has refunded over N1 billion to the Federal Government. Sources close to the arms panel told our correspondent that what put the former AGF into trouble was payments made to him from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) office while he was in office. A source said: “You know, when you are in office as he was, there are certain things you cannot run away from. The money in question was given to him as a thank-you gift. But you also know that it is difficult to deny receipt of such gifts. The records are there. So, when the panel called on him upon discovery, he had no option than to return whatever he took.” The source said that for now, it was not clear if the

The number of deaths that resulted due to Ebola virus outbreak that occurred in Sudan in 1979. Source: Who.int

18.52

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Azerbaijan in 2012. Source: Itu.int

TUESday, March 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

former AGF would be prosecuted or has been left off the hook by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). New Telegraph also gathered from authoritative sources that some former Chiefs of Army Staff (COAS) may soon be invited to shed light on award of contracts and procurements made during their tenures. "Let me state that the invitation, whenever it happens, will not amount to guilt; it will be to offer clarifications on possible grey areas," a sources said. This is coming on the heels of indications that the audit panel may have submitted its third interim report to the president on contract awards and procurements by the Nigerian Army. The interim report is coming after the audit panel had turned in two previous reports bordering on arms procurements by the ONSA as well as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The holistic probe spans a period of eight years (2007-2015). New Telegraph gathered from highly placed military sources that the interim report on the Army, which is now being studied by President Muhammadu Buhari, contains discoveries that are said to be more damning than that of the Air Force. It was gathered authoritatively that many retired Army Chiefs as well as other retired and serving officers, were indicted of alleged fraud running into billions of naira. The sources, who spoke with New Telegraph in confidence, also hinted that some of the Task Forces set up in the past, were alleged drain-pipes for diverting billions of naira. "The panel has turned in its interim report on the Army to Mr. President, who is now studying same, and will soon direct the EFCC, to act, by way of investigation and possible prosecution of suspects, in the event that prima facie cases are established against anyone. "In fact, the findings of the panel as contained in their latest report, are more damning and heartrending," one of the independent sources, said. He added that "the panel also discovered that many task forces constituted in the past, were a conduit for siphoning public funds," even as he added that "a Major General was also indicted in the interim report." It was further learnt that the panel arrived at its conclusion after embarking on physical assessment and verification of some Army formations, where the equipment purchased or said to have been purchased, were kept.

TUESday, March 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEWS

TUESday, March 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari, govs, Kalu, Dogara hail Tinubu at 64 Anule Emmanuel, Philip Nyam and Temitope Ogunbanke

resident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Lagos State governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as he clocks 64 years today. The president, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said he believes that the rising political profile of Tinubu since he was elected a Senator in 1992 is a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness. Buhari explained that it is the same qualities that had endeared him to the electorate and given him all-round success as a private sector worker, a businessman and two-term governor of Lagos State. "As one of the pillars of the APC, President Buhari commends the visionary leadership style of the Asiwaju of Lagos, who is also the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, for creating a formidable opposition party in Nigeria that worked vigorously within a short period to oust a party that had been in power for 16 years," he stated. The president assured Tinubu, whom he affirmed as the national leader, that

£10.45m

The annual salary of Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus in 2014/2015. Source: Paywizard.co.uk

his patriotism and commitment to democracy and good governance and his generous spirit will always be remembered and appreciated by generations of Nigerians. The president prayed that the Almighty God will grant Tinubu “long life, good health, wisdom and prosperity as he steadfastly supports efforts to promote the development of Nigeria.” Eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has congratulated Tinubu on his 64th birthday. Kalu stated that the frontline politician is a force to reckon with beyond the shores of Nigeria. According to him, over the years, Tinubu has remained on the side of the masses in all ramifications and that the large cult-like followership of the APC chieftain is clear testament of his selflessness and large heart. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: "I join millions of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu's well-wishers, supporters, followers, political associates and family in celebrating an icon whose contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria is commendable. "Your doggedness, forth-

1.4%

The annual population growth rate of Nicaragua in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

rightness and passion for a just society have earned you goodwill across the country, regardless of political affiliations. "During the military era, you sustained your stand as a welfarist despite the humiliation from the powers that be. "You have continued to sacrifice endlessly for the sake of democracy in Nigeria. "As you add another year, my brother and friend, I pray that God Almighty will continue to give you the strength and wisdom in the service of God and humanity." Kalu added that: "Asiwaju's exemplary leadership qualities as a consummate politician and a philanthropist are worth emulating. Nigeria needs

bold and patriotic leaders for the country to prosper." Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has described Tinubu as a formidable political force who has brought changes to the political landscape of Nigeria. Dogara, in a press statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Turaki Hassan, said: "On this joyous occasion of your birthday, we in the House of Representatives, salute you, great leader, for the milestones you have attained in Nigeria. "Your feats are bold and exceptional; from business to governance and politics. As a governor, you made sweeping reforms that till date; your successors are still building on and mak-

ing Lagos State proud. "In politics, you have been a formidable force, helping to put together a great political party that won power at the centre in Nigeria. You have proved to be a true hero of democracy, a light that cannot be concealed!" he said. Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said, “Tinubu’s life has been an eventful one dotted by numerous achievements and accomplishments.” “Nigeria has benefitted immensely from your fountain of knowledge, wealth of experience, political sagacity and leadership acumen. The remarkable impact you have made in all spheres of human endeavour remains a reference point,” Amosun said.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun described Tinubu as a true democrat and bridge-builder. In a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said: "Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu means many things to many people but there are certain things that everyone agrees about him: a political think-thank, master strategist, promoter of politics of inclusion, political futurist and fearless activist and top politician per excellence. "No doubt, the accounts of modern Nigerian political evolution would not be complete without ample recognition of the roles of this selfless political leader.”

Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Senator Shehu Sani (second left), during a visit to the Fulani community, in Rafin Roro Village, Kaduna State … yesterday.

Senate summons Kachikwu over fuel scarcity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Barau, said the petroleum minister had to appear and explain what led to this alarming development and the way out of the trouble. He said the situation was so worrisome that the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, had to ask the committee to urgently intervene in order to salvage Nigerians from the deepening crisis. His words: "This situation is very bad and unacceptable; hence, the need for the minister to appear before us tomorrow (today) and unveil his plan of the way out of the chaos to us. "Even if he doesn't have any plan yet out of the lingering problem, the Senate President and the entire members of the committee are more than ready to rub minds with him for that needed purpose." Senate Minority Whip and a member of the committee, Philip Aduda, called on the Federal Government to arrest the

situation as quickly as possible, by making fuel available to Nigerians. He said that what Nigerians needed was availability of fuel at the filling stations across the country and not the on-going blame game and media warfare within the ranks of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). "Government should look for petrol and ensure that it is given to the people. The current situation is unacceptable; we are Nigerians and it will be bad for us to continue remaining on queues. "If the APC leaders like, let them blame themselves; that is their problem, but the most important thing is for us to have fuel in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is what we are looking for and that is what we want. We want to see all these queues disappear," he stated. Petrol marketers at the various stations visited by the lawmakers lamented that lack of supply and inadequate supply of petrol

by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), recently, resulted in the present scarcity being witnessed across the country. The Manager of Forte Oil, located directly opposite Transcorp Hilton, Maitama District, explained that he used to receive five to six tankers of fuel daily, but the supply had been reduced to three tankers daily. National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, berated the minister for his handling and comments over the fuel scarcity. Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday vowed to withdraw the license of any erring marketer hoarding petroleum products. The corporation stated this in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammed. The state-owned oil firm maintained that the

monitoring has been intensified to ensure full compliance with approved prices. "Violations of approved prices and hoarding of petroleum products attract the following penalties. Level 1: Giving out of petroleum products free to the public. Level 2: Sealing off fuel stations found to be hoarding petroleum products and payment of a fine. Level 3: Withdrawal of marketer’s license and any NNPC, DPR, PPPRA or government agent found conniving/wanting will be sanctioned accordingly in line with public service guidelines and procedures." Muhammed stated that NNPC is on top of the petroleum products supply and distribution situation, stating that “we remain committed to eliminating this endemic issue once and for all within the next few days.” His words: "Nationwide petroleum supply and distribution have been ramped up to all states to ensure product avail-

ability in the country. The current supply to states is in excess of the normal consumption especially in the five major consuming cities. "As partners in progress, we encourage the general public to report product hoarders and saboteurs of this administration’s change efforts as they are wittingly fighting every bold change effort currently being put in place. We encourage everyone to shun panic buying and undue return trips as this attitude emboldens marketers to hoard products. "Supply constraints due to foreign exchange challenges are being resolved through collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria on innovative ways of closing the gaps in accessing foreign exchange. Similarly, as a result of credible leadership provided by the Honourable Minster of State, Petroleum Resources/Group Managing Director, NNPC, the major international

upstream oil companies have indicated their willingness to support major oil marketing companies with some of the required foreign exchange. "In the medium term, NNPC is working on sustainable strategies to permanently address the issues and challenges facing the midstream and downstream sectors. The overarching objective is to make Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products as was the case in the 1970’s. "…Changes usually take time, effort and a lot of focus. We understand the plight of Nigerians and the impact on the overall economy. We genuinely empathise with the attendant sufferings and wish to reassure that we are focused and committed to bring an end to this situation within the next few days and we kindly call on all Nigerians to partner with us on this journey to allowing the whole process of change come into fruition."

NEWS

TUESday, March 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Boko Haram destroyed 1m houses in Borno –Gov Wale Elegbede and Ahmed Miringa

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State yesterday gave a chilling account of the Boko Haram terrorists’ activities in the North-East. “Tens of thousands of our innocent citizens were brutally killed; married and single women were abducted and raped; our sons were forced into becoming child-soldiers; more than two million citizens were internally displaced in camps and host communities in Maiduguri alone. “Others fled to different parts of Nigeria including Lagos, some fled to neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon. About one million private houses were destroyed by insurgents across the 27 local government areas in the state,” the governor said. He, however, stated that the fight against the sect has largely been resultdriven since President Muhammadu Buhari came into office. Speaking in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid him a visit, Shettima said he believes that if Obasanjo were the president in 2014 when the Chibok schoolgirls were kidnapped by the sect, the ex-president would have provided leadership that will lead to the recovery of the missing girls. Shettima said his administration conducted a post-conflict assessment of the crisis that was verified through satellite image and physical analysis, stressing that, “Borno has seen hell.” Reeling out the devastating effects of the Boko Haram attacks on the state, Shettima said 5,335 classrooms and other school buildings were destroyed in primary, secondary schools and two tertiary institutions. “A total of 512 primary schools, 38 secondary schools as well as two tertiary institutions: Umar Ibn Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology in Bama and College of Business and Management Studies in Konduga were affected,” he said. The governor explained further that 201 health centres, comprising mostly primary healthcare clinics, dispensaries and some General Hospitals, were affected across the 27 local government areas. “A total of 1,630 water sources that include motorised boreholes, hand pumps, solar powered boreholes and facilities for

piped water schemes were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents,” Shettima added. He noted that 665 municipal buildings comprising ministry and local government buildings, prisons, police stations and electric offices were destroyed. His words: “Also, 726 power distribution substations of 11 KV/415V and distribution lines of 415-230V were destroyed across the 27 local government areas of the state and so were destructions of our eco systems that include parks, game reserves, forest reserves, grazing reserves, green wall projects, orchards, ponds, river basins and lakes, some of which were either poisoned or bombed in 16 out of 27 local government areas.” While bemoaning the lackadaisical attitude of the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in the fight against insurgency in the zone, the governor said: “Your Excellency, after the Chibok abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in April 2014, it took 19 days for me

86,773

The number of refugees in Bhutan at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

75.5%

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

to receive a call from the Presidency.” Speaking on the dedication of Obasanjo at ensuring that Nigeria stays as one indivisible country, Shettima said: “At some point, when governance was at its lowest ebb in this country in recent past, Obasanjo was the lone voice that told the truth to power. He was the only elder statesman that openly stood up against the re-election of an administration that the entire world had condemned. “Some senior citizens kept mute for fear of the unknown should the president win re-election and this is why they restrained themselves from speaking against a regime that had grossly failed Nigerians, especially on the area of national security.

“At some point, Baba Obasanjo was the loudest voice speaking against poor handling of the security situation in Borno and rest of the northeast. When others saw Maiduguri as a no-go-area, Obasanjo risked his safety and flew into Maiduguri in September 2011 and drove to a daring location to interface with the in-laws of late Mohammed Yusuf,” he said. In his response, Obasanjo, who is on a two-day visit to the state, commended the Buhari-led administration for its various efforts at ending insurgency in the state and the North-East at large. While stating that there is light at the end of the tunnel in the fight against Boko Haram, the former president expressed confidence in the capacity of the

Nigerian military. He said: “I know that he (Buhari) is very, very concerned about the insurgency. He has gotten it right that first of all there must be military ascendency over the insurgents. I think we are not out of the wood yet, but it appeared we can see the light beyond the tunnel. “There is no doubt that with the combined efforts at the local level, at the state level and at the federal level, even at the community level, that our security forces are on the ascendency over the forces of destruction and the menace of insurgency that we have experienced for almost six years now.” Expressing delight that socio-economic activities had begun to pick up in Maiduguri after many

years of the insurgency, Obasanjo said: “My experience from the airport to Government House is that what I experienced in 2011 is different from what I experienced today. “There is evidence that things are changing, the situation is improving. We pray that by the end of this year, no one will be in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp again.'' Obasanjo commiserated with “all our people in the state, and indeed the North-East, who have been victims of the insurgency in the way that we have never experienced in the country before.” “There is no family in this state that had not really suffered in one form or the other. Please accept my condolence and that of my entire family,” he said.

L-R: Deputy Director, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Henry Nkemadu; Chairman, Commonwealth ITU Group, Dr. Bashir Gwandu and Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, at the Mobile World Congress in Spain...recently.

CCT lacks power to try Saraki for criminal offence –Justice Uwaifo Foluso Ogunmodede

former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo, has asked the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to hands off the criminal trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. This is coming days after the tribunal dismissed a motion seeking to quash a 13-count charge of false and anticipatory asset declaration initiated against him. Justice Uwaifo made the submission last week Friday when he spoke on “The Code of Conduct enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria and its crucial importance in the fight against corruption” at a seminar organised by Ben Nwabueze Centre for Studies in Constitutional Law and Related Subjects. According to him, the tribunal, which functions among others, were strictly administrative, lacked the requisite powers to adjudicate on criminal

matters as “the claim that the tribunal has and can exercise criminal jurisdiction over him is tenuous in substance, ambivalent in direction and ambiguous in meaning.” He, however, insisted that the CCT must be stopped from further trying the Senate President or putting his liberty at risk on the alleged criminal offence as its continued handling of the matter had become an embarrassment to the nation’s administration of criminal justice. He said: “I need to remark, however, that the tendency to get the Code of Conduct Tribunal and probably similar bodies to intrude into the administration of criminal justice is not a welcome development. It is, indeed, a challenge to our constitutional democracy, which puts the liberty of individuals at risk. It is also a challenge to the foresight of anyone who fails to appreciate this dire consequence.” Besides, he asked the CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar, to purge himself

of the allegation of bias hanging on his neck, just as he described Saraki’s trial as not only a charade, but politically inclined. He said: “It is now open secret that the power behind the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) did not back him (Saraki) for that office. It is fair to see a connection between that circumstance and the

Code of Conduct matter. There is the rumour that the chairman of the CCT has an alleged crime hanging over him, which might give the impression that he may be willing to act as the hatchet man over Saraki to save him the prospect of the alleged crime not seeing the light of the day by way of prosecution. “Looking at the treat-

ment Saraki has received so far in the tribunal presided over by the said chairman who might or is deemed to know that there is the Sword of Damocles hanging over him; would the ordinary right-minded persons aware of the situation have the impression that there was a real likelihood of bias on his part to deny Saraki justice”?

Chibok: Suspected bomber receives treatment in Cameroon Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he Presidency yesterday confirmed that the arrested suspected bomber laying claims to the Chibok girls has started receiving medical treatment in Cameroon. The arrested bomber claims to be one of the 219 missing Chibok schoolgirls. Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement said the

girl was found to be heavily drugged and bore several injuries on her body. He said: "The girl’s health condition had delayed her movement to the far north regional capital of Cameroon, Maroua, as earlier planned. "Pictures of the arrested suspected bomber obtained by Nigerian officials indicated that the girl was likely a minor, between ages nine to 12 years. "Her accomplice was about 30 years or more, and both spoke only in Kanuri language.”

"Considering the wellknown guidelines regarding the publication of photography of minors, we have decided to forward the pictures of the suspected bomber to the Murtala Mohammed Foundation for verification by interested Chibok community stakeholders. "The Ministry of Women Affairs, the Nigerian High Commission in Cameroon and other agencies of government will continue to work together with other stakeholders to verify all the issues," he said.

NEWS | national

tuesday, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SERAP: Why FG must publish Tambuwal warns against religious discrimination spending of recovered loot Adeolu Adeyemo

Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

ocial Economic Rights and Accountability (SERAP) yesterday asked the Federal Government to comply with a court order, which mandated it to publish how recovered loot since 1999 was spent. The request was contained in a letter signed by the Executive Director of the group, Adetokunbo Mumini, dated March 28 and addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). The group, in asking the AGF to use his office to ensure compliance noted that the Federal High Court, Lagos, has insisted on enforcement of the judgement ordering the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to publish widely the spending of recovered stolen funds since return of democracy in 1999. The group, however, attached a certified true copy of the judgement delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris to that effect. The 69-page judgement was dated March 24, 2016 and signed by Honourable Justice Mohammed Idris. According to the judgement, "Transparency in the decision making pro-

cess and access to information upon which decisions have been made can enhance accountability. “Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens, but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law. In a constitutional democracy like ours, this is meant to be the norm. “I am of the view that on receipt of SERAP request, the government had the duty to respond to same. If it does hold the information, it must supply it within seven days from receipt of the request. Where a decision to withhold information is taken, the government/ relevant authorities must inform the plaintiff of its reason. In respect of the SERAP reliefs on recovered stolen funds since return of democracy in 1999, the government had kept mute. Let me say that they have no such power under the law. “There is public interest in public authorities and high-profile individuals being accountable for the quality of their decision making. Ensuring that decisions have been made on the basis of quality legal advice is part of accountability. “The judiciary has no choice but to enforce com-

pliance with the Freedom of Information Act. There is no doubt that the FOI Act is intended to act as a catalyst for change in the way public authorities approach and manage public resources and records. The judiciary cannot shirk its sacred responsibility to the nation to maintain the rule of law. “I am of the view and do hold that the action should and does succeed in whole. Documents relating to the receipt or expenditure on recovered stolen funds since return of democracy in 1999 constitute part of the information which a public institution and authority is obligated to publish, disseminate and make available to members of the public. The government has no legally justifiable reason for refusing to provide SERAP with the information requested."

Osogbo

he Governor of Sokoto State, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday warned Nigerians against religious discrimination and tribalism. He described them as the major problems facing the progress of the country. He also linked ethnicity and religious intolerance to the recurrence of ethno-religious conflicts plaguing Nigeria as a nation. Speaking while delivering lecture on "Religious Tolerance and Challenges of Democratic Governance, during the 4th & 5th Convocation Ceremo-

357,612

The total number of active fixed wired or wireless lines of Nigeria in February 2014. Source: Ncc.gov.ng

ny of Fountain University, Osogbo,the governor preached oneness among Nigerians for better and improved country. According to him, "Corruption and incompetent leadership have added another dimension to the ugly phenomena in not only preventing equitable distribution of resources and opportunities but in also making the politics of religious and the ethnic exclusivity more appealing He added that, the phenomena of ethno-religious conflict has plagued and threatened the existence of the nation, owing to the insecurity and bad leadership. "However, the soaring tides of poverty, unemployment, ethno-religious crisis, poor infrastructure, environmental hazards, insecurity and particularly bad leadership have converged to deny the country the potential to reach the benchmark

of development in the 21st Century. "Mismanagement of natural resources and misrule by elite from all divides have been the factor, which impoverished and denied opportunities to the majority of Nigerians. He added that, "Since independence, religious and ethnic rhetoric has leveraged claims to political representation and opportunities. "The nation therefore needs to evolve a system of leadership selection and accountability, which produces the sort of leaders that would confront the challenges associated with our history, socioeconomic inequality, and building viable institutions for democracy and good governance. "In essence, politicians, public officials and political office holders must be those who are not necessarily detached from religion." L-R: Prince Ademuyiwa Oyewumi, Prince Oyeniyi Oyewale, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, Special Adviser to Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Apostle Emmanuel Alao Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers ( NIESV) Abuja branch, during Oyewale's induction as a member of the insitute in Abuja… recently.

Nigeria excels as ICAO audit ends Wole Shadare

here is an indication that Nigeria performed excellently at the just concluded audit of the country’s aviation industry conducted by the global aviation regulatory body, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Spokesman for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Sam Adurogboye said this was made manifest during the presentation of preliminary audit result at the closing meeting of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). H noted that these result clearly indicated that Nigeria has done excellently well according to the auditors. The presentation was presided over by the Team leader of the Auditors, Mr. Jean-Claude Waffo. He was joined by three team members to present their assessment of the aviation industry in Nigeria. Each member gave an individual assessment of all

the delineated areas. These are: Legislation (LEG), Organisation (ORG), Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG), Air Navigational Services (ANS) and Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA). During the presentation, the Team leader and the members articulated all their systemic findings in the course of the 11-day USOAP Audit conducted on Nigeria. While there were areas that were identified as open items that need to be closed, the auditors were unanimously very satisfied with the level of improvement in the aviation industry in Nigeria.

SackedVCs: CSOs withdraw suit against Buhari, Education Ministry Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

ess than five days after his public apology over the dissolution of the Governing Council of universities, a human rights organisation, Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CCSG), has withdrawn its case against President Muhammadu Buhari and the

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu. According to the Coalition, while President Buhari's decision to reverse an action that was taken in error was highly commendable, the constant embarrassment brought to his government by those who believe that it was still business as usual "should be ruthlessly addressed to serve as deterrent to oth-

Shell raises gas production by 20MMscf/d Adeola Yusuf

il giant, Shell, yesterday, declared that it had ramped up gas production from Agbada field in the Eastern Niger Delta to 20million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d), minimizing the nationwide

acute power supply inadequacy. Power generation and supply had crashed to about 2,000 Mega Watts (MW). Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC), the company's subsidiary in Nigeria, which revealed

this in a statement, maintained that its Joint Venture is producing more gas from Agbada field in the Eastern Niger Delta in support of government’s aspiration of increasing domestic gas production for manufacturing and power generation.

ers". In the case filed at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, the CSOs, among other reliefs, also asked the court to declare as illegal, the sacking of 13 Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities and reinstatement of the Governing Councils of universities. During the National Executive Council meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Thursday in Abuja, Buhari in his apology admitted that the sacking of the governing councils was done in error. He said: "We gave a blanket order which we had to rescind when we said all boards are suspended or dissolved. We had to go back and lick our vomit in terms of universities councils because we found out that according to their laws, they cannot choose vice chancel-

lors unless the councils sit and interview candidates who want to be VCs. “There is nothing wrong in saying sorry and going back on your decision. So, we said sorry and allow all the universities to continue with their councils. Please, try to bear with us as we reflect on where we found ourselves.” The CCSG in a letter to Buhari signed by its President, Mr. Etuk Bassey Williams and Secretary-General, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim, and obtained by journalists on Monday in Abuja, described the President's apology as a noble and timely action which has put him on the right side of history. While calling on the President Buhari to march his words with action, the coalition said, "Nigerians are watching and anxiously waiting to see this open apology made by you come into fruition because much is expected of this government."

news

tuesday, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Army offers N1m reward for information on abducted Colonel

he Nigerian Army yesterday raised the reward for anyone with useful information that could lead to the rescue of its abducted officer, Col. Samaila Inusa, to N1 million. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the army had on Sunday, placed a N500, 000 reward for anyone that provided useful information that could lead to rescue of Inusa. Spokesman of 1 Di-

Akeem Nafiu

ewswatch Times Limited, formerly known as Newswatch Newspapers Limited, and its owner, Jimoh Ibrahim, have been dragged before the National Industrial Court (NIC) Lagos, by a former staff of Newswatch, Mr. Iwuchukwu Francis Iheanacho, over alleged seven months unpaid salary arrears. The suit dated March 22, 2016 and marked, NICN/LA/200/2016, was filed by his lawyer, A. O. Omodele. In his statement of fact before the court, Iheanacho claimed that he was employed through a letter of appointment dated October 1, 2012, by the defendant. The claimant added that; "The defendant trick-

vision, Nigerian Army, Colonel Abdul Usman, told newsmen yesterday that the army authority was ready to give the said cash reward to any person with useful information that could lead to the rescue of the officer. Usman said the army would treat such information with utmost confidentiality and give adequate protection to anyone who provided the required information. NAN also recalls that Inusa was abducted on

March 26 in his MercedesBenz car by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers around Kamazo along the Kaduna Refinery Road in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 1 Division of the Nigerian Army issued a statement confirming the abduction of the officer on Saturday night. “The abductors dropped off Colonel Inusa’s wife and left with him in his car; the car headed towards Abuja,” the statement reads in part.

Newswatch staff sues Jimoh Ibrahim over unpaid salaries ily did not issue letter of confirmation of appointment to the claimant after being qualified for same despite constant demands for it. All he was told at the registry of the defendant is you have been employed; carry on with your work. "That upon noticing the lackadaisical attitude of the management of the defendant, particularly the non-payment of outstanding salaries and other issues connected thereto, the claimant, in line with employment law tendered its letter of resignation dated 28/05/2015. "That despite the constant visit and demand for the outstanding salaries of the claimant from

the defendant, the latter refused and/or neglected to pay same, which prompted the claimant counsel, Yemi Omodele (Esq.) to write a letter dated 17/08/2015 to the defendant demanding for the payment of all outstanding salaries of the claimant. "That the defendant claimed that it deducted some money and remitted it to Leadway Pensure Limited, which it did not do." The claimant visited the office of the Leadway Pensure Limited wherein retirement savings account statement was printed and given to him showing that the defendant did not pay a kobo to the said company.

FG asked to set up committee on Agatu, Fulani crisis Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

s part of measures to find a lasting solution to the incessant clash between Agatu and Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, the Idoma Initiative and Miyetti Alla Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have called on the Federal Government to set up a panel of inquiry on the lingering crisis. Rising from a town hall meeting held by members and leaders of the two groups in Abuja yesterday, leaders of MACBAN called on the Federal Government to immediately set up a high powered committee that would include the leadership of the Idoma Initiative and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to comprehensively look into the immediate and remote causes of the crisis with a view to finding a lasting solution. The committee, the two group said should also be

mandated to ascertain the level of destruction of lives and property from both sides, adding that the Federal Government should draw up a roadmap to commence the immediate reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Agatu back to their various communities. They added that the Fulani who lost their cattle during the crisis should be compensated accordingly. In a communique jointly signed by the Convener of Idoma Initiative, Paul Edeh and the National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa, President of Agatu Network Forum, Christian Enenche and National Secretary of MACBAN, Baba Othman, the groups said they have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the Idoma in Agatu and the Fulani nomadic community carrying out grazing activities in Agatu land. They also directed their members in Benue

and Nasarawa States to immediately direct all Fulani herdsmen carrying out grazing activities in Agatu to immediately withdraw and move to Nasarawa State while dialogue towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict is on-going. MACBAN also agreed that Agatu youths should desist from patrolling the river bank until when better understanding is sought between the two parties. "It is difficult or a near impossibility for two people to live together without disagreement, our people are hurt and their people were also hurt. But after the town hall meeting, we have come out to say there's a better way forward. We are saying let's come and keep dialoguing until when we would say the Fulanis and Agatu have agreed.” As we speak, I can confirm that the Fulani herdsmen have left Agatu, which is an outcome of a town hall meeting we held.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO Juliana Francis

wo men, Yunusa Amusan and Frank William, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in peddling drugs through the postal service. While Amusan (33) was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for receiving heroin letter from his uncle in Bengaluru, India, William was picked up by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for his involvement in smuggling and peddling of cocaine in South Mumbai, India. The letter, which was sent from Bengaluru, India, on Express Mail Service (EMS), was addressed to Amusan in Mushin, Lagos. According to the NDLEA, Amusan was grabbed by operatives when he came to collect the letter. The agency spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said: “Upon interception by the NDLEA, about 480 grammes of powdery substance that tested positive for heroin was found inside the letter. The thin parcels of heroin were carefully hidden in the letter in a manner that made it difficult to detect. This is the first case of heroin letter discovered by the anti-narcotic agency this year.” NDLEA said that Amusan connived with his uncle who lives in India to import heroin disguised as letters to Nigeria. But the suspect, a technician, denied knowledge of the content of the letter. He said: “I run errands for my uncle who lives in India. He used to send money and letters to me to give to his wives and friends.

ABIODUN BELLO abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

NDLEA intercepts letter laden with heroin

Sometimes, he will ask me to buy foodstuff and send to him in India and in return, he gives me money to take care and sustain myself. “The letter my uncle sent to me was opened in my presence and other officers and it was found to contain heroin.” But William’s arrest, according to The Times of India City, was through a joint operation with the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC).

The suspect reportedly belongs to an international drug racket, using postal services to smuggle drugs and contraband. The cocaine found in is possession when he was arrested at the weekend, weighed 600gm and was worth between Rs 4 crore and Rs 4.8 crore ( $640,000$719,500) and concealed in the axle of a vehicle that was sent via post from Latin America. Confirming William’s arrest, Dhananjay Kulkarni, DCP,

Detection, Mumbai police, said the NCB received a tip-off that a parcel containing drugs was to arrive in India. Kulkarni said the NCB tied up with the postal services and ANC and trailed the consignment for nearly a week as it passed through two to three countries. When the parcel reached a post office at Khoparkhairane in Navi Mumbai, the officers laid a trap and arrested the Nigerian, when he came to collect it.

“We could have stopped the parcel at the Foreign Post Office as all post parcels are routed through it but we played along so we could reach the recipient. “The demand for cocaine is increasing in the city,” Kulkarni said. According to him, international drug peddlers send parcels through postal services or courier companies and provide the wrong KYC and address of the recipient.

Parcels of heroin found with Amusan

Amusan

City Briefs

Estate launches shuttle buses to check crime Taiwo Jimoh

esidents of Beachland Estate at Arepo area of Ogun State yesterday launched two shuttle buses to prevent cases of armed robbery and influx of motorcycle riders into the estate. The Chairman, Community Development Association (CDA), in

The estate shuttles

the estate, Mr. Olusegun Aluko, said the inauguration of the buses was to curtail the activities of criminals disguising as motorcyclists to rob the residents. He said: “We have had different experiences in the past from the motorcycle riders, where some of the residents have sustained injuries through accidents.

“We are also contending with the motorcycle riders who come into the estate with guise of picking passengers, but turn out to be robbers. We believe that if we are using bus shuttle, it would limit the activities of the riders in the estate.” Aluko, however, said that the motorcycle riders would not be totally banned in the estate but their activities would be regulated. He added: “Activities of the riders in the estate are not properly monitored because we cannot guarantee that all the motorcycle riders coming into our estate were for transport purpose, but some of them take advantage of others coming in to perpetrate evil.” At the inauguration, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ibafo Police Station, represented by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Mr. Kolawole Joseph, urged the residents of the estate to be security conscious.

Gunmen sack police station, injure one Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

ne person was yesterday injured when hoodlums numbering over 10 invaded a police station at Noyo community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. A witness said the hoodlums were armed with AK47 rifles when they stormed the police station. The witness added that some policemen who were on duty ran away from the station on sighting the armed men. Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Peace Abdallah, said police foiled attempt by the hoodlums to set the police station ablaze.

According to the commissioner, the hoodlums’ efforts to torch the station were aborted. She said: “The gang who operated with AK47 rifles poured petrol and threw fire into the DPO’s Office before they were repelled by the superior firepower of officers on duty. “All the officers and men at the station are safe except a guard who sustained injury during the attack.” Abdallah added that the police had begun trailing the hoodlums. The commissioner urged members of the public to always provide useful information to the police to enable them to carry out their operations effectively.

METRO

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

I became fraudster after being conned –Suspect

Juliana Francis

30-year-old man, Ojo Dauda, has told personnel of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos that he became a fraudster after he was defrauded and the conman told him to join the syndicate. Dauda and his partner in crime, Segun Olatoye (36), were arrested on Lekki-Ajah Expressway on March 26. They were arrested after a victim, Abayomi Ayoola, 28, reported to the RRS. Dauda allegedly confessed to the crime. He said: “In November 2015, on my way home from work around Ikorodu area, a guy, later identified as Olaiya, stopped me. He asked for direction; after giving him the description of the area, he cajoled me to walk some miles with him. I can’t say what happened, but I couldn’t find any money again.” According to Dauda, immediately he realised

Dauda and Olatoye

his money was gone, he rushed back to where he met Olaiya. “He told me that he couldn’t refund my money; that the money had been shared. He now gave me an option to join

their syndicate. He said I would realise N10,000 daily. I joined in order to support myself financially. “I have made a lot of money, but I cannot say exactly how much I have made. I do not keep my

money in the bank. I make and spend money on frivolous things,” Dauda said. Recalling how he was duped by Dauda and others, Abayomi said: “On March 26, my ‘madam’ sent me to the bank to deposit certain amount of money. While coming from the bank, one of the suspects accosted and asked me if I knew a man called Rildwan Baba Ijebu. I said no. Suddenly, another guy met us at the same spot. In fact, I didn’t know how they took me to Alpha Beach, where my Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card was collected. They used credit card to withdraw N15,000 from my accounts. They took N30,000, which I had on me, a Q10 Blackberry and a Nokia phone.” Abayomi said that since the incident, he had been looking for the syndicate at the spot. When he sighted them on March 27, he alerted RRS.

Man beats wife to death Pauline Onyibe Yenagoa

middle-aged man, Osita (sur name withheld), has reportedly beaten his wife to death in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The incident occurred at Onopa on the outskirts of Yenagoa on Thursday. A neighbour, who described Osita as a drunk, said the suspect was in the habit of always beating his wife at any slightest opportunity. He said Osita was jobless while his wife was the one taking care of him and their three children from whatever she realised from her provision store.

Osita, according to the neighbour who prefer red anonymity, started beating his again after coming home drunk on that fateful Thursday night. But when the man discovered that the woman was no longer breathing, he quickly dragged her body to the road with the intention of telling her relations that she died in an auto accident. H o w e ve r, when neighbours caught him while dragging the body, he reportedly said the woman went to buy ice block before she fell down and died. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asinim Boswat, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident.

Osita’s house where the incident occurred

Sexual harassment: Panel arrives Queen’s College tomorrow Mojeed Alabi

Students of Queen’s College

Juliana Francis

esidents of Ebute-Metta, Lagos State, have narrated how robbers attacked six hotels in the area and robbed lodgers. Witnesses said attacks on the six hotels occurred within four weeks. The bandits stormed the hotels and carted away phones, money and laptops. The robbers vandalised vehicles and inflicted injuries on lodgers. In one of their attacks, the hoodlums, numbering about 11, stormed a hotel at Odaliki Street, Apapa Road on March 12 and robbed the guests. They stole cash, phones and CCTV recorder. They raided 20 hotel rooms at BF Hotel before the arrival of the police. A police source said: “We received information from workers of the hotel that armed robbers came around 2a.m. on March 12. They scaled the fence of the hotel and gained access into the recep-

embers of the Panel of Inquiry into the allegation of sexual harassment against a teacher, Mr. Olaseni Osifala, at the Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, are billed to arrive at the college tomorrow. This is even as the panel has sent out invitation letters to the concerned stakeholders such as the school management, the leadership of the Parent-Teacher Associa-

tion (PTA), the accused teacher, the blogger who reported the accusation, the leadership of the college’s unit of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and the old students’ association, among others. Meanwhile, the invitation meant for the accuser, Mrs. Chinneye Okoye, has been dropped at the office of the PTA at the college. The PTA Chairman, Mrs. Beatrice Akhetuame, confirmed this.

She said the panel forwarded the invitation to the PTA, believing that Okoye was a member of the association. Akhetuame appealed to the individual concerned to come open and pick the letter. According to her, the interest of her daughter who is the supposed victim is not only important to the school but the safety of other students. The chairman said all parents of pupils in the school had been made

Robbers attack six hotels, beat up lodgers

Lagos CP, Owoseni

tion. They were armed with pump action guns and sledge hammer. Two of them wore face mask. “They moved from room to room, ransacking. They beat up the lodgers and collected cash, laptops and other valuables. They raided the hotel director’s office

and stole the CCTV recorder. They used sledge hammer to break down doors. One of the workers on night duty escaped through the window and called the proprietor of the hotel. It was the proprietor that called the police. The robbers escaped before the arrival of policemen.” Another hotel on Ondo Street, Ebute-Metta was raided three days after the first one. They also raided another hotel on Vaugh Street, Apapa Road, two others at Parklane. A resident, Olumide Akeem, said: “When they attacked the hotel on Ondo State, they beat up guests, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Iponri Police Station. They wounded him badly. He was lucky to have escaped with his life. “The robbers, who usually disguised as cultists, called ‘Kobagidi

Boys,’ attacked and wounded three vigilantes. “The other day, they attacked Alhaji Hamzat, an American returnee in his house. They beat up Hamzat and escaped with his Murano Jeep.” The Secretary of the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria, Lagos Island, Mr. Agbodimu Musbau, said: “Cultists have graduated from maiming and petty thieves to full blown robbery. They used to engage in supremacy battle but today, they are robbers. These boys are called ‘Kogbagidi’ and ‘Otto Boys.’ “They continue to reign in Ebute-Metta despite residents and police efforts to check their activities. We need government to check crime in Ebute-Metta. The police should deploy special crack teams to curb escalating crime wave in our area.”

to go through emotional pain by the development and urged all stakeholders to be open and truthful in their presentations at the panel. She said: “It pains me when people say the college or the PTA is shielding a teacher from being punished. I have five girls and one boy and my mother has three girls and one boy, so I grew up to know how to protect girls. “There are two of my daughters in the college, and I wonder how I would have information that a ‘beast’ lives around my daughters and I wouldn’t cry out? What school image am I protecting? Which image is greater than my children’s future? Nigerians need to be sincere in their comments.” Meanwhile, another parent, Mr. Richard Ugwuka, has appealed to other parents to use the holiday period to get the real facts from their daughters. According to him, if anyone thinks the kids were brainwashed while in school, they now have better time to talk to them. Ugwuka appealed to journalists to always set records straight in their reports. He added: “The social media has become cemetery where people are buried without trial in Nigeria.”

NEWS | national

tuesday, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Humans could reproduce from skin samples Appolonia Adeyemi

n expert on the ethics of genetics at Stanford University in California, United States (U.S) has claimed that humans may be at the point of a monumental change in the way they reproduce, using laboratories rather than the bedroom to create children. Hank Greely, Director, Centre for Law and the Biosciences and Professor of Genetics at the Stanford School of Medicine, argued that couples will use genetic material from a few skin cells to create eggs, which will then be fertilised using sperm samples taken from the prospective father. The procedure will allow parents to effectively 'design' their babies by selecting the one they want from 100 or so embryos created in this way. This procedure will be feasible in 20 years from now, according to Greely. This is a departure from the traditional method of human reproduction which takes place as internal fertilisation typically involving sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. According to a report in The Times, Professor Greely said: 'In 20 to

40 years, when a couple wants a baby, he will provide sperm and she will provide a punch of skin. 'Parents will get the embryos grouped by categories. One category will be very severe, untreatable, nasty diseases. 'This will affect one to two per cent of embryos. Another category will be other diseases. The third is cosmetic – hair, eyes, shape, whether the hair goes white early. 'We don't know much about this yet, but we will. A fourth category is behavioural – I think here information will be limited.' Professor Greely outlines his vision of the future in his book The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction. He argued that stem cell technology already makes it possible to do much of what he has outlined. Genetic tests are already used to pinpoint certain conditions in embryos used in In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures and the growing understanding of the genome is extending this all the time. In vitro fertilization is the most common and most effective type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help women become pregnant. The IVF procedure involves fertil-

izing an egg outside the body, in a laboratory dish, and then implanting it in a woman's uterus. Scientists have also shown it is possible to grow reproductive cells like eggs and sperm in the laboratory using stem cells. Professor Greely said using a combination of cloning and stem cell technologies it may be possible to save women from the invasive procedures needed to harvest eggs for IVF. Instead genetic material could be removed from a skin cell – taken from the woman's body – and then used to create stem cells. These can then be encouraged to grow into eggs that can then be fertilised using conventional IVF techniques. Developments in preimplantation genetic diagnosis would allow prospective parents to pick the embryo that most suits the traits they desire while also being disease free. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis was first used more than 25 years ago and the list of conditions it can be used to identify is growing. Professor Greely said parents advances in this technology is leading to what he calls 'easy preimplantation genetic diagnosis'.

tunji braithwaite dies

L-R: A former Provost, Cathedral Church of Christ, Rev. Yinka Omololu; widow, Mrs. Grace Braithwaite; Mrs. Taiwo Mayokun and Vicar, St. Paul’s Church, Breadfruit Street, Lagos, Ven. Akinwande GodwinOdubena, during a condolence visit to the family of late Tunji Braithwaite in Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Tunji Braithwaite dies at 82 Suleiman Husaini

rudite Lawyer and founder of the National Advancement Party, NAP, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, yesterday died at the St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, after a brief. He was aged 82. Olumide, the second son of late Braithwaite said: My father was a man of integrity, courage and a man of the people, who sacrificed his life for the common people physically and dutifully.” He said the father died at about 5.00am. To him, Nigerians have

lost a rear gem, a brave man, who stood firm by his words in whatever situation he finds himself. “His style of politics is unique and resolute. He is also a man of faith and always stood by it.” Yesterday at the late Braithwaite's residence , a prayer session was held for him by the members of the family and members of St Paul's church, Bread Fruit Street. Former Provost, Cathedral Church of Christ, Very Revd Yinka Omololu, gave the sermon during the prayer session which took about two hours. Braithwaite, who was

born in 1933, was the youngest of eight children. He attended the famous C.M.S Grammar School between 1946 and 1953 before heading his law degree at the Council of Legal Education, London between 1957 and 1960. He was admitted into the Lincoln’s Inn in 1960 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in March 1961. Secretary of late Braithwaite, Amina Bello who has spent seven years with him said: "Baba has been very good to everybody. He takes everybody's burden to be his. So, we shall feel his vacuum in us.”

Manufacturers lament fuel scarcity, hike in food prices Kalu, Atiku, Tinubu, Amosun, Ambode mourn Taiwo Hassan

uelled by the lingering ongoing fuel crisis and poor electricity supply in the country, the Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) and private sector operators have disclosed that they now spend double amount of money on petroleum products to power their generating sets in order to remain in business. Specifically, the double payment on petroleum products is expected to have a significant impact on the already N2 trillion

being spent by small and medium scale enterprises, banks, other corporate entities and traders across the country who have no other option but to rely on generators to run their businesses. Already, the manufacturers revealed that the issue of petroleum products and electricity take 65 per cent of their profits every year. This situation is coming on the heels of lack of petroleum products fuel in most of the petrol stations across the country, as many businessmen and women resorted to patronizing the

black market section to power their generating sets to be able to get means of livelihood and survival of their businesses. Specifically, the SMEs and the manufacturing sector are the most hit in this period of lingering fuel scarcity which has taking toll on various businesses in Nigeria. Information from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) showed that the numbers of Nigerians using power generating sets in the country has increased to over 100 million from 60 million in 2009.

Minister to NIPOST: Stop hiring stamp duty agents Kunle Azeez

inister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, has ordered the immediate stoppage of appointment by Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) of stamp duty agents. He said that the collection of stamp duty is “serious business for government” with N2.5 trillion being projected from it as revenue source this year. Shittu, in a statement signed by his Special Ad-

viser on Technical Services, Mr. Adeyanju Binuyo and made available to New Telegraph, yesterday, said NIPOST was not authorised to appoint new agents in respect of collection of stamp duty. “The minister has received information that a committee purportedly raised by the acting PostMaster General has commenced the process of appointing agents to collect stamp duty on behalf of the Nigeria Postal Service and, by implication, on behalf of

the Federal Government. “The minister hereby serves this warning that NIPOST has not been authorised to appoint new agents in respect of collection of Stamp Duty. The Minister recalls that before this dispensation, a few corporate bodies and organisations were claiming to have an agreement with NIPOST in respect of this matter. There are presently, in the public domain, many claims and counter-claims,” the statement said.

ormer governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has described the late Braithwaite as a patriotic Nigerian, whose contributions to the social and political advancement of the country would be remembered by Nigerians for years to come. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “The passing of Dr. Tunji Braithwaite is painful as he died at a time the country needed his counsel on national issues. “He was an outstanding statesman by all standards. He demonstrated selflessness and forthrightness in his legal and political endeavours.” National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu said: “

His death has left a vacuum in the political firmament of Nigeria. But though dead, he lives behind a robust political legacy and his vibrant intellectual contributions to the polity will remain relevant for a long time to come. "He was a staunch advocate of a united and progressive Nigeria." Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described him as a man who was consistent in the pursuit of his convictions. He said that his death has robbed the country of one of its greatest giants not only in the field of law, but also in politics. Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja yesterday said he particularly admired the late Braithwaite because of his unwavering com-

mitment to constitutional reforms, especially his agitation for restructuring of the country. Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described as “a great loss,” the death of Dr. Tunji Braithwaite. Amosun said: “He will be remembered, not just for his contributions to the legal profession, but also to the development of democratic ethos in Nigeria.” In his tribute, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, expressed shock and sadness over the demise of Braithwaite. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Ambode said Braithwaite’s demise was a great loss to both the state and the nation.

Afenifere, Women Arise mourn Braithwaite Temitope Ogunbanke

an-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere; Centre for Change and Women Arise for Change Initiative, have described the death of foremost social

crusader and founder of Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, as great loss to Nigeria. Afenifere, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, yesterday, said

the late politician would be remembered for his consistency, tenacity and intellectual fecundity. “Afenifere mourns the passing away of iconoclastic political leader and social activist, Dr Tunji Braithwaite at the age of 82."

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Governance Nigeria on path to recovery, says Buhari

Politics

NASS Achieving the needful through ‘crisis’

13 16

APC's conspiracy of silence Onyekachi Eze reports on the allegation by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, that the party’s leadership has done nothing to mediate in the ongoing trial of the Senate President Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)

he statement credited to Mr. Timi Frank, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has introduced another dimension in the perjury case against the Senate President Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The APC deputy spokesperson had in a statement last Friday accused the leaders of the party of conspiratorial silence in Saraki's travails. “I sincerely hold that the current trial of Saraki is not only undeserved, but amounts to paying a good man with evil. I also want to say that the leaders of our great party have unfortunately remained quiet in the face of evil," Frank said. He recounted the contributions of the embattled chairman of the National Assembly in APC's victory against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last year's presidential election, and said such could not have been possible without "courageous strategists like Saraki who lent their political weight in favour of the APC at the risk of their own lives and personal survival. “I don’t think we have forgotten how Saraki as a Senator in the 7th Senate brought the attention of Nigerians to the fraud perpetrated by the last administration in the name of fuel subsidy. I recall how Saraki led five other governors

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@newtelegraphonline.com

Saraki

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC – a development that successfully turned the political tide against the PDP and eventually tipped the electoral scale against them during the 2015 general elections. “I don’t think we have forgotten how Saraki led scores of Senators to cross over to the APC on the floor of the Senate. Saraki has paid his dues at a time it was suicidal for anybody to stand up to the then ruling PDP. I believe it is time for all of us to act to save our party. It is time to rally round our generals who have fought valiantly and led us to victory. To abandon Saraki is to abandon a worthy comrade." The former Kwara State governor is currently standing trial before the Justice Danladi Umar-led CCT on a 13-count criminal charge. He was accused of falsely declaring his assets when he served as governor of between 2003 and 2011. According to the charge sheet, the Senate President was said to have between May 2003 and May 2011, when he served as Kwara State governor, falsely declared his assets as well as made anticipatory declaration of assets. He was also alleged to have operated foreign bank accounts while in office as a public officer and acquired assets beyond his legitimate earnings, which include the claim that he owned and acquired No 15A and 15B McDonald street, Ikoyi, Lagos, through his company, Carlisle Properties Limited in 2000, when the said property was actu-

Odigie-Oyegun

I believe it is time for all of us to act to save our party... To abandon Saraki is to abandon a worthy comrade

ally sold by the Implementation Committee of the Federal Government landed properties in 2006 to his companies, Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited for the aggregate sum of N396, 150, 000. Saraki was also alleged to have made false declaration on or about June 3, 2011, by refusing to declare plot 2A Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he acquired between 2007 and 2008 through his company from the Central Bank of Nigeria for a total sum of N325 million. Again, the Senate President was said to have refused to declare No1 Tagnus street, Maitama, Abuja, which he claimed to have acquired in November 1996 from one David Baba Akawu. This offence, the prosecution said was a breach of section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He was arraigned before the tribunal in September last year, and he pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Saraki had before now, queried the propriety of the tribunal to bring the charges against him, more so as at that time, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice whose duty it is to prefer the charges against him, had not been appointed. He pursued this to the Supreme Court, which early this year, ruled that he should submit himself for trial by the tribunal. His counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi

(SAN), had argued that the Senate President was never accorded the opportunity to clarify the alleged discrepancies discovered in four assets declaration forms he submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) while he was in office as the governor of Kwara State. According to him, the laws that established the CCB stipulates that any one perceived to have falsely declared his assets, must be summoned to give explanations. “The defendant was never afforded such opportunity, not even a chance to kneel down and apologise,” Agabi submitted. He also cited the case of former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, who sometime in 2012, was discharged and acquitted on such ground. But the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who admitted error in Tinubu's case, said the provision of 1979 constitution upon which the former Lagos State governor was freed had gone obsolete with the enactment of the 1999 constitution (as amended). “It is unfortunate that the defendant is making every effort to turn this trial to child’s play. His argument before was that there was no Attorney General of the Federation when the charge was filed; now that there is an AGF he had turned round to argue that the AGF has no power to file charge against him. It is our position that this application has no merit whatCONTINUED ON PAGE 12

POLITICS

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE chronicles the life and times of prominent legal practitioner and politician, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, who passed on yesterday

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Braithwaite: End of an era

he death of foremost social crusader, legal practitioner and politicians, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite after a brief illness can be described as end of an era because of what the late elder statesman stood for during his life time. Braithwaite was man of many parts and delight of journalists any day. He is one of eminent Nigerians who express their views on national issue without minding whose ox is gored. Braithwaite ventured into politics in the Second Republic when he registered the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) and contested the 1983 presidential election. His party then was the only new political organisation allowed to field candidates for the election. From the Second Republic till his demise yesterday, Braithwaite never hide his passion for good governance in Nigeria. Though, he was never in the corridors of power, public office holders reckoned with him, and his opinions on public issues were never be relegated to background. He was among those who championed and forced former President Goodluck Jonathan to convoke the 2014 National Conference. Braithwaite during his 80th birthday in September 2013 urged Jonathan to organise a National Conference and the ex-President promised to convene it and true to his words, he announced his plan for the conference few weeks after the elder statesman birthday. As a renowned and tireless activist, Braithwaite because of his passion for a better and corrupt

Braithwaite

free society led many protests against government’s anti-people policies. During the January 2012 fuel price increase protest and Occupy Nigeria protest, Braithwaite, who was then 79 year old, led some eminent Nigerians like renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabuaze and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, on the aegis of National Action Coalition (NAC) in a peaceful protest in Lagos to call the attention of the then President Jonathan to the suffering of Nigeria. He and hundreds of protesters, who marched against deployment of soldiers to Lagos State after a week-long strike over fuel price, were tear-gassed by police on January 19, 2012 at Billings Way in Ikeja, Lagos. Braithwaite journey to the legal profession is not an accident

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

soever, and same should be dismissed with substantial cost,” Jacobs submitted. Last week, the tribunal ruled that it would go ahead with the case, and asked Saraki to prepare for his defence. But, Frank, who is regarded as a renegade within the APC accused the leaders of the party of conspiratorial silence in Saraki's travails. This probably explains why the party's National Working Committee (NWC) refused to allow him fill the vacancy created by the exit of Alhaji Lai Mohammed who is now Minister of Information and Culture. Naturally, as Mohammed's deputy, Frank ought to have stepped into his shoes, but APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and National Secretary, Alhaji Mai Bala Buni are the ones speaking for the party now. APC has scheduled a mini-National Convention to fill the vacancies created by those who left the NWC, including that of the National Publicity Secretary. Frank is the first APC leader to speak on Saraki's trial, stating that the trial was politically motivated. This was the same view expressed by counsel to the Senate President. He believes the Attorney General of the Federation did not fulfill all the condition precedents capable of conferring jurisdiction on the tribunal to try him.

Though, he was never in the corridors of power, public office holders reckoned with him

because that was the only profession that he wanted to practice. While growing up, he dreamt to become a successful lawyer and marry a medical doctor. With hard work and divine arraignment his dream came to pass. He was called to bar in 1960, four years after getting married in 1956 to Dr. (Mrs) Grace Braithwaite, who graduated from the former College of London University now University of Ibadan. . Since his main motive of becoming a lawyer was to defend the defenceless, Braithwaite during his legal profession, handled many tough cases that pitched him against the government in power at the time. As a young lawyer with less than two years in the bar, he was on the legal team that defended the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi

Awolowo, when he was tried for treasonable felony in 1962/1963. Apart from Awolowo’s case, Braithwaite, in February 1977 also represented the RansomeKuti family to get Beko and Fela out of detention as well as taking legal steps to redress the alleged barbaric acts of the then General Olusegun Obasanjo regime. He fought the case through the High Court to the Supreme Court, leading a few other courageous and well-known lawyers. Apart from being a respected lawyer, activist, politician and social crusader, Braithwaite was also a good dresser. During his life time, he had a unique way of dressing in special attires different from the usual flowing agbada. “The attire is catching among Nigerian youths and symbolic of a revolution that must take place in Nigeria. My outfit is a revolution outfit and it symbolise revolution. It is my trade mark and I am very happy to observe that it is catching among the young people. I believe very soon many people would soon throw away their tie and suit and start wearing something like my outfit,” he said during an interview. Braithwaite was also a religious and family man. He is a devoted member of the Anglican Communion (Church of Nigeria) and apart from attending Sunday services, he hardly miss weekly services. In the last few years, he is one politician who always attends public function with his wife. Braithwaite was born in 1933. He was educated at the prestigious C.M.S Grammar School, entering the school’s Preparatory Section in 1946 and completing his education there in 1953. He proceeded for his A Levels at the London University at Kennington College in 1955 and enrolled in 1957/58 as a Law student at the Council of Legal Education, London. He was admitted into Lincoln’s Inn that same year and graduated in 1960.

APC's conspiracy of silence The belief of many was that Saraki is being persecuted because he presented himself as president of the Senate against the choice of the party leadership for the position. His action, his traducers said, led to the emergence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the opposition PDP as Deputy President of the Senate. Ekweremadu has presided over the upper legislative Assembly, which many APC senators regarded as embarrassment to the party. In fact, Ekweremadu is the first senator of an opposition party to have ever presided over a majority party dominated legislature. This would have been avoided but for Saraki's intransigence. This is a crime, which the Senate President has to pay for. Tinubu got a reprieve even when his party was not in government. The question is: Was the case deliberately bungled to give him a soft landing? But in the case of Saraki, he was made to stand trial even in an absence of chief law officer of the federation. Also, his charge coming barely two months after he allegedly went against the APC's rule is enough for one to conclude that the trial has political under-

tone. This is more so given the fact that the said offence was committed in 2011, about four years before after he left office. And it was when his party in government that the alleged crime was discovered. The prosecution however, rightly argued that there is no time limit for criminal prosecution. Many Nigerians believe that Saraki's travail is orchestrated by leaders of the party, and it is associated with the Senate leadership contest. The same people were said to be aversed to an attempt by the party leadership to find political solution to the problem when APC stakeholders' meeting was convened at the Presidential Villa last month. The meeting was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo with APC National Leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Saraki and other National Assembly leadership in attendance. President Muhammadu Buhari was outside the country on official visit to some Middle East countries. Those opposed to the party's intervention on Saraki's CCT trial were said to have acted fast by sending text messages to some media houses that the Senate President was going to Villa to beg APC

leaders. The issue of Saraki's case was therefore not discussed at the meeting. Against this backdrop, some analysts say that Timi Frank may not be entirely wrong when he accused APC leaders of refusing to mediate in the trial.

Frank

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Being transcript of President Muhammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarks at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secretariat in Abuja, last week

POLITICS

Nigeria on path to recovery, says Buhari

e are members of the legacy party, plus All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). We realised since 2005 that to remove the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power, we must sink our differences, come together and form a party. God willing, that eventually happened and that is why we are where we are today, coming together inspite of our differences, both personal and ideological. We must not forget that. Having identified that as members of the legacy party, we again identified three fundamental things facing us. First, security; second, economy and unemployment and thirdly, corruption. We campaigned throughout the country on these three fundamental issues and nobody successfully challenged us and these issues remained relevant. On security, we have made progress. It was a very courageous decision that the party took and executed by the executive by removing most of the military hierarchy and appointing those to take over from them, acquiring some new hard and soft ware and raising the morale of the military to go secure the rest of the country which was then 14 out of 774 local governments. I have said it often that as far as I know and the service Chiefs who are on ground, they (Boko Haram) are not holding any local government. But they still have some capability especially on soft targets by using technology. For Niger Delta, the militants are sending some conflicting messages. Some have said they are ready to drop their arms and join the rest of the nation to build it. But part of them are still sabotaging installations which is making investments in that lucrative area of Nigeria difficult because nobody will submit his riches to financial institutions, get money only to suffer huge loss. So, the environment for investment is being sabotaged by our own selves, Nigerians. We are doing our best with the military by trying to persuade them to join the rest of the country because in unity lies our strength. Of course the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been changed, but I appeal to the leadership of the military, security agents and INEC that what I want Nigerians to remember me for, even if I have to leave

L-R: President Buhari; APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and National Secretary, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni at the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NEC meeting in Abuja

the Presidency tomorrow is that I respect them. I want all Nigerians to believe and hold their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as personal entitlements as Nigerians and use it the way they like, and vote for whoever they like at which ever election. If they voluntarily sold it, it is part of their right and so, let them sell it and remain at home and not participate in any election. But let the law enforcement agencies give them the confidence that nobody can hire thugs, give them drugs and stop them from exercising their fundamental right. I am afraid I did not succeed in the election in Kogi, Bayelsa, Rivers states. I think that more Nigerians were killed or killed themselves in Rivers than in any particular state. At this stage of our political development, to remain brutal is shameful and as a government, I promise we will do something by the next general elections. On the economy, the fall of oil prices after Nigeria has made itself a mono economy is a disaster. I wonder why people could not believe that in Nigeria, about 27 out of 36 states have difficulty in paying basic salaries of their workers. If from 1999 to at least 2003, oil was above 100 dollars per barrel and an export of about two million barrels per day, how come Nigeria failed to make some arrangement to cushion the effect of a probably volatile oil market? Again, it shows failure of the last administration. But we are now to pick the pieces as an APC government and so, there is no need complaining, but let us concentrate and see how much we can do with whatever remains of the economy. We realised that agriculture and solid minerals are two areas that can quickly come to help us to recover economically, at least in terms of employment and feeding ourselves and more impor-

We are now to pick the pieces as an APC government and so, there is no need complaining

tantly, saving the hard currency to make sure that what is left of our industries remain open, employing Nigerians and producing goods and services which is very important. The policy we are trying to implement is Single Treasury Account (TSA) in which we insist that we have to know what comes in and what goes out for us to make a comprehensive amendment to the economy. If you go and see the Central Bank governor, he will tell you that in the TSA, we have more than N3 trillion. Where would this money have been if TSA was not in vogue? I was made to understand that vouchers would have quickly been raised towards the end of the financial year and cheques made. Whether they are going into projects or private pockets, nobody can prove it to you. But that money is there, it is identified, if is quantified and when the budget comes back eventually, the Ministry of Finance will see how to allocate it to the rest of the country. We have tried to make sure that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is reorganised, so that we know how much of our crude is taken, how much it is sold and to which account the money is going. But I tell you that up to the time we came, if anybody told you that he knows how much of crude exchanges hands either on the high sea or reaching their destination and the accounts the money goes into, that person is not telling you the truth. We are getting the cooperation of countries that has received this crude. But we have to be sure of the facts in our hands before we start prosecution so that Nigerians will believe what we have been telling them. Again, I have to repeat myself here for you to appreciate what I am going through because you

are closer to the people than myself. I was telling a British team that came to supervise the training team they sent that when I was in uniform, you took the perceived corrupt ones and put them in safe custody and quietly told them they were guilty until they can prove themselves innocent. But now under multi-party democratic system, I see some of them ride Rolls Royce, some of them have built estates here, but they are innocent until we can prove them guilty. This situation is true and you don't need to stress your imagination to find out. If you can find out, you discover that a level eight officer has five houses, while you, as a permanent secretary or commissioner is still living in a rented house. We have to get credible evidence to carry out successful prosecution and get judgement from the judiciary. But effort is being made to give a list of recoveries in whatever currencies so far so that Nigerians will know that it is not all about long stories. For the party, I will like you to continue to make sacrifice. I know you are being harassed since the election that they haven't seen anything on the ground. Well, if you have any explanation that could be accepted, is that you have three more years to go. When we came in after 16 years of PDP, the government had 42 ministries. We reduced them to 24, removed 21 Permanent Secretaries. We sat down and reflected seriously. We were all in the process of taking over at a time of national budget. So, imagine the volume of work and with what happened in the National Assembly, the padding; it would appear that below the permanent secretaries, there are still a lot of bureaucracies that are still with them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Anambra Central: How Obi can stop Umeh My Word CLEM AGUIYI totalpolitics@ymail.com 0803-474-7898 (sms only)

t’s often difficult to predict the outcome of a major election where there are heavy weights as contenders because anything can happen.

For Chief Victor Umeh and his supporters’ victory seem so close, yet too far away! Despite their machination to avoid any form of stiff contest vide procurement of highly compromised and dubious court judgment that bars everyone but Umeh, something they will not do forever because democracy entails there must be an election where the people will freely vote and elect their choice of representative. Whereas the APGA ticket is settled on Chief Umeh, both the PDP and APC primary elections outcome is hardly settled. It is nevertheless, looking increasingly probable that Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Victor Umeh will be facing off as PDP Versus APGA in the fresh election battle. This exciting probability will only happen if the PDP will bury its acrimony and put the right foot forward by uniting behind a candidate capable of winning votes. I do not think that this is the best time for my friend Chief Clement Annie Okonkwo who once represented the zone in the Senate to re-launch himself. He is a good man, solid and accomplished but this is not his time. Umeh of course will be happy to run against Chief Okonkwo or Sharon Ikazor but will do anything to avoid the likes of Senator Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, Dr Chris Ngige or Mr. Peter Obi. These to him are nightmares and nemesis rolled in one! A SWOT analysis conducted recently by Kevin, Charlyn and Kimberly Associates Ltd and published online by the African Free Press showed that 65 per cent of the polled voters in Anambra Central will vote APGA if former Senator Okonkwo is featured as the PDP’s candidate. On the other hand 60 per cent of the voters believe that in a contest between Umeh and Peter Obi that Obi will win. Mr. Peter Obi is not a stranger to APGA and Anambra Politics. He knows the party in and out. He contested and won a re-election on the APGA platform making him the first and only governor to have governed Anambra state back to back. He suc-

cessfully installed a successor in the person of Chief Willy Obiano who though now estranged owes him a debt of gratitude. As governor, Obi was credited with many firsts; he led by example and was a role model in humility and a reference point of how to be a responsible leader; he built the highest network of roads attributable to any state governor; his investment in education saw the state coming first consecutively in JAMB, WAEC and NECO. Out of office he has continued to issue scholarships and providing direct assistance to private and public schools; his frugal management of resources is legendary as he attracted several developmental partners some of whom have now left the state due to shift in values and principles as typified by the current leadership. Despite serving the state responsibly, there are people who argue that Obi as a governor may not be good in the Red Chamber because as they said he is gentle and soft spoken. Obi himself admits that he does not shout and cannot shout! Truth is people who dismiss Obi’s senatorial aspiration because he is gentle and soft spoken miss the point and are probably ignorant about how the Senate operates. The senate by character is a distinguished institution where each senator not only speak with decorum but carries a highly dignified image; the senate is not a theater for rascals or Chairmen of Motor Parks neither is it a place for talkative, rabble rousers or bread and butter politicians. Obi talk’s sense when he talks, his soft and velvet voice makes him likeable and wins him friends and he commands the listening ears of the high and mighty. Obi as an experienced board room guru is an expert negotiator who understands the art of the deal, he is a democrat, a man of great ideas who knows how to push his ideals forward for people to buy in, he is therefore best suited to network with other senators to achieve consensus without splitting hairs especially now that ndi-Igbo need a bridge builder who must work with others with less acrimony. In all his political life he has served ndi Igbo selflessly, dutifully and responsibly. No one I know of is more pro Igbo than him; he is an advocate of Igbo moral and value regeneration; an unapologetic champion of the re affirmation of the values of our fore fathers; he condemns the lack of principles among Igbo elites and over commercialization of politics. Though stingy and economical with merriments, he is lavish with investments in industry and support for education and scholarship while encouraging hard work and discipline. No one expected him to bid farewell to APGA. He was forced out due to differences in values between him and his handpicked successor. Many hearts were bro-

Obi as an experienced board room guru is an expert negotiator

ken including mine because he left with the soul of the party; hence the APGA dream began to fade. It’s therefore not for nothing that his declared interest to run for senate as a PDP candidate has generated frenzy and hostility from Chief Umeh who has abused everyone that showed interest in the position. He has abused from Uche Ekwunife to Sharon Ikazoh, Chris Ngige to now Peter Obi. The amount of incendiary attacks he releases on potential opponents made one analyst to describe him as the APGA Donald Trump of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone. Umeh of course is a certified orator, charismatic and the most surgical political attacker around. He is a man who can say or do anything in pursuit of vote hence Obi must never take running against him for granted or else the fall will be Todd. This election however is Obi’s to win or lose. Only Obi can help Umeh to the Senate by him refusing to run or running a weak campaign all together. For a resounding success he must work hard to unite behind his campaign voters that support Uche Ekwunife, Annie Okonkwo and Chris Ngige to work for him. He must also realize that a lot has changed since he left office. Ekwunife for instance, is one female politician that commands the women votes. Her supporters still feel offended by the dubious court judgment procured by Umeh to truncate their hard earned victory. Obi’s wife, Margaret, the former first lady is also well loved in the zone and must stump the podium for the husband. A combination of Margret Obi and Ekwunife’s effort will deliver the women’s vote to Obi. Dr. Chris Ngige remains the Master of Idemili politics. Even though, he will not be a candidate in the fresh election, his influence cannot be underestimated. Dr Ngige would have been neutral in this election but probably will not remain neutral, not after his rumored death which allegedly originated from opposite camp. An angry Ngige had issued a statement accusing those desperate to become senator as the architect of the rumour. Though he neither mentioned Umeh or APGA in the statement he obviously alluded to them. Ngige’s supporters will never help Umeh to the Senate. There are also this group of angry voters within and outside APGA who have not forgiven Umeh for his sins against them. These were people who procured nomination forms to run for councillorship and chairmanship elections that were never held and they never got a refund of the hefty sums they paid. They are tired of Umeh and will happy to get even. Above all, the Anambra PDP needs to come together; they need to make peace with themselves, bury individual ambitions and rise together. They need to realize that they have a huge potential to win big for the party and the state so as to put an end to Umeh’s awful politics and their own acrimonious legacy.

Modu Sheriff: Has a Daniel finally come? Ben Atuegwu

bservers are beginning to wonder aloud if the new Peoples Democratic Party national chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff is the Daniel that has finally come to judgment in PDP. Unlike his predecessor, AlhajiAdamuMu’Azu, whose emergence as the PDP National chair, some months to the 2015 elections, was heralded by unanimous and thunderous shouts of “all hail the game changer,” Sheriff ’s emergence was greeted with discordant tunes within the ranks of the party’s leadership. Surprisingly, while it took Mu’Azu, about eight months to really change the game for PDP by leading her to a colossal defeat in the 2015 elections, it has taken Sheriff just a few weeks to begin to reverse the trend for the party, which is making many to ask if he is the Daniel that has come to judgment in PDP. Or is he? Let’s find out.

It is becoming obvious now that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors, led by Dr. SegunMimiko, must have seen tomorrow when they chose Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, popularly called SAS, as the new national Chairman of the party. Against all odds and stringent opposition, especially from former ministers, the governors stuck to their gun, won over the Board of Trustees and finally installed Sheriff as the Chairman. Those conversant with Sheriff ’s political pedigree should not have ordinarily opposed his emergence as the National Chairman of PDP. In Nigeria where politics is bareft of true ideology, his coming from the opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) did not really matter. What actually counted and still counts is that the man has always been in firm grip of his environment. In Borno State where he hails from, Sheriff bestrode the political landscape like a colossus. From a kingmaker when he made the late Mala Kachalla governor, he later became the king and served out two

terms as governor. It is on record that anybody who had his endorsement easily won elections because the grassroot believed in him as a trusted mobilizer. That kind of mobilizer and firm leadership is what PDP urgently needs at this moment of healing, rediscovery and re-invention. Whether he had been in PDP for just two years or 16 years is immaterial. What matters is his ability to lead the party back to the wining ways to restore the confidence of members and halt the drift and incompetence that characterized the recent past. And just one month on the saddle, Sheriff has confirmed that he is the true sheriff who has arrived town to restore order and recover the years the locusts have eaten. Right from the day he assumed office, he served notice that PDP would take back power in 2019. Expectedly, many did not take him serious. They saw the statement as zealotry to please and nothing more. But then, those skeptics never really knew the man or how determined and courageous

he is in pursuing matters that truly mean something to him. Rebuilding PDP means a lot to Sheriff. True to type, he used the re-run elections in some constituencies as a dress rehearsal on what to expect from his leadership. Not minding the propaganda of change by the APC, Sheriff, in Kogi and Kwara, encouraged the state chapters to win Senatorial elections. His strategy of persuasion through logical reasoning paid off and suddenly PDP discovered that it still has the strength to conquer. In Imo State, the National Chairman was on ground to supervise preparations towards the Imo North Senatorial re-run elections. And when INEC postponed it, he demanded explanations. Both INEC and APC knew that somebody was now in charge of PDP. Indeed, just immediately after the Rivers State re-run, Sheriff demanded the probe of violence in the elections in the state. Again, he was physically present to mobilize the people. • Atuegwu wrote in from Owerri.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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These Pharaohs must fall

hen the going gets tough the Eagles get going for to dismiss the Nigerian senior national soccer team with a wave of the hand is technically speaking akin to a suicide mission. Football like Bobby Robson once said is full of surprises that is what keeps it from being boring. The Eagles are in a tight corner boxed by Egypt in the qualifiers of the 2017 Africa Nations Cup. A questionable last minute equaliser last Friday in the Kaduna first leg was all the North Africans needed to boost their confidence. However, it is pretty difficult to say it is all over for Nigeria. As they file out in Cairo today for the second leg, the hosts have every reason to worry about the West Africans. It is on record that when the going gets tough Nigerian teams get going. On the way to the Atlanta 1996 a Olympic Games, Dream Team One were ruled out when they managed a 3-2 win over Egypt in Lagos. In the return leg, they put the homers under so much pressure that possibly the Pyramids had to intervene before a 1-1 draw earned Nigeria the ticket to Africa’s first Olympic soccer gold. It looks like we are go-

ing to see a repeat of that. Brand new captain Mikel Obi has spoken the minds of Nigerians. The players have rekindled hope by vowing to teach Egypt another soccer lesson. It is all part of the rivalry between both countries. The Pharaohs started the humiliation when on the invitation of Governor General Nnamdi Azikiwe, they beat Nigeria 1-0 in Lagos in a friendly to mark our Independence in 1960. They took it further in 1963. Eagles ‘ Nations Cup debut was in 1963 at the Kumasi Stadium, Ghana. A 6-3 drub-

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win. The import is that the Egyptians have no cause yet to celebrate especially when they are confronting Nigeria. A draw in Kaduna sounds bad, it does not imply that the situation is hopeless. The Eagles are capable of turning the tide and doing what they know best: tormenting Egypt. In 1991 Nigeria hit Egypt 2-1 in Cairo. In 2003, Nigeria broke a 35 - year-old jinx

It is on record that when the going gets tough Nigerian teams get going

bing was what Egypt offered. That disgrace forced Nigeria to keep Egypt ins weeping until 2010. For 47 years the North Africans could not beat Nigeria at the Nations Cup. In 1976, they lost 3-2 in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. At Nigeria ‘80, Egypt fell 1-0. Cote D’Ivoire’s ‘84 was tight but after 2-2 at the end of full and overtime Muda Lawal’s last kick gave Nigeria 8-7 penalties victory. At Algiers ‘90, Eagles were 1-0 better and Tunisia ‘94 ended goalless. It was at Angola 2010 that the mummified Pharaohs came back to live with a 3-1

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by winning the CAF Champions League.It happened in Egypt at the expense of Ismaila. Those who do not know

history are forever condemned to repeat it. That is what we expect the Eagles to do in Cairo. The presence of Emmanuel Amuneke on the bench as a member of the technical crew should remind the hosts of the 1991 All Africa Games loss. It was due to his performance in that match that Zamalek grabbed him.He knows where and when to hit Egypt.Nigerians are full of expectations. No matter the odds there is no cause for alarm. Samson Siasia has identified lapses which have also be-

ing worked on.Having lost his job in 2012 following inability to take Nigeria to the Nations Cup a repeat is certainly out of his dream. Eagles therefore have an opportunity to put smiles on the faces of compatriots. Our football certainly deserves to shake the continent. As three - time champions Nigeria must move ahead, lead the way and show that we are still a force in African Football. That we must prove in Cairo.What better way than silencing the Pharaohs of Egypt in the land of the Nile and at the sight of Mount Sinai. Match venue does not make any difference. Ismailia, Alexandria, Cairo tasted defeat in the past. If Egypt could get a draw in Kaduna, they are also beatable right inside their bedroom. If home crowd was all Eagles needed to win last Friday, they had more than enough support in Kaduna. The Super Eagles are condemned to win this all important away match. The best way to prove that our soccer has what it takes to compete with the best is to silence the Pharaohs. The Egyptians do not have a better team. And we believe Mikel Obi and his teammates know what to do. Victory or nothing.

POLITICS

Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

s it currently stands, the 8th National Assembly is not where every member can hold claim to a sweeping harmonious relationship amongst themselves. Stemming from how the leadership of both houses emerged, some members could still be feeling bruised that the process failed to recognise the worth of their choices, or for the process to accord them the opportunities of bartering for more influential positions within the Assembly. But somehow, the Assembly has been discharging its functions in a manner which does not publicly revealed hints of leadership inadequacies, or members ganging up to deliberately carry out actions at cross purposes. As at today, such outlook is pleasing to Nigerians, who can afford to be unperturbed while the members find ways to politically and socially shape up their differences. However, in our peculiar environment where political maneuverings keep being reinvented, the current calm posture of members is also intelligently concealing any inkling of near or future payback plans. But safeguarding our democracy demands caution and not to jump into conclusions that all wounds have finally healed. Yet, more importantly is for us to keep wishing that the situation does not become like a bushfire which estimation of destruction cannot be assessed from its tiny beginning. With the level of work needed to pull Nigeria out of the self-inflicted destructive actions, any scrap of harmony which translates to everybody’s dedication is highly desired in the redemptive process. Interestingly in some ways, the tone of the political times is positively changing with the emergence of a fairer electoral umpire. In the past when the Nigerian leadership did not care about how their political transactions with Nigerians could determine the outcome of their political career, there existed a wild insensitivity, and the political leadership could not readily connect themselves to the fact that the abandoned ordinary Nigerians are the ones who have provided the platform upon which they were enjoying the specialities of their privileged living. By then, even the media appeared caught in the web of such untoward societal disconnect. Praise-singing and paid-for slanders overtook the essence of developmental agenda of the media. At such, this present insipid discord existing within the hallowed chambers would have been experiencing a daily battering to the extent that some members’ fortitude would become outburst. But today, Nigerians are befogged with having the kind of Assembly that would set the right agenda to immediately commence remedying the serially broken aspects of government's social contract with the people. And certainly not a two careless ones rammed in by interpersonal, political squabbles. On the other hand is the new realisation that Nigeria may just have unknowingly come across the pattern of governance that works best for it. This is the discovery that the leadership of Nigeria needs a fine level of crisis within the member-

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NASS: Achieving the needful through ‘crisis’

Bukola Saraki, Senate President

ship of each arm of government in order to break their self-serving bond. The artistry should provide rewards for members who volunteer to be whistleblowers on encountering unwholesome acts within the Assembly. Looking forward, this should effectively set off a research project for scholars who are concerned about the growth of Nigeria. The objective should encapsulate ‘how to create the kind of crisis needed for effective governance in Nigeria’ There should be no consternation about this. It should simply be seen as the effect of making honey from a compost of foul appearing materials. It is a case of the society ultimately benefiting when witches are hurting themselves in the coven and their heinous matters taken to the market place for scrutiny and sanctions. Achieving an utopian political system has been an evolving search for different societies. In the earlier times, philosophers like Aristotle, Plato, Niccolo Machiavelli have been involved in how to create mutual disharmony in diffusing the concentration of power. And persons such as the English scholar, James Harrington, English political theorist, John

Yakubu Dogara, Speaker House of Reps

The leadership of Nigeria needs a fine level of crisis within the membership of each arm of government

Locke, and the French political writer, Baron Montesquieu gave the project a more refined depth of understanding by buttressing separation of powers as necessary checks and balance in mitigating arbitrariness of governance. Prescribed for Nigeria is the doctrine of separation of powers taken a bit further than just separation amongst the three arms of government. As the current members of the National Assembly are strictly in avoidance of any slip that could be used as a payback by a fellow member, this no doubt begins to demand and instil the right attitude in all. This process of instilling the right attitude can also be replicated within the executive arm when the governors become aware that their commissioners are not dependent on them for their appointments or sacks. Even now, the gains have since been rolling in from the 8th National Assembly. Now we have the Assembly devoid of the usual allegations of collecting bribes to approve ministerial nominees: Now we have the Assembly that would not only be interested in how the budget takes care of their personal interests, but how Nigeri-

ans should not be cheated: Now we have the Assembly whose members are not just interested in how the electricity distribution companies could have bargained with positions of board membership to allow any exorbitant tariff scale through, but the Assembly which know that their primary task involves how to bargain on behalf of Nigerians: Now we have an Assembly whose members can look straight into the face of JAMB officials and request them to reduce their registration fee of N5, 650 to N2, 500 and to also extend the admission validity period to three years because JAMB is not a profit making venture but a body which ought to be working for the interest of Nigerians. This is the kind of positivism which Nigerians expect. These are the kinds of actions which are fast making the 8th National to appear like doing the ordinary Nigerian’s bidding. Nigerians are also hoping that the attitude would be carried along into the process of overseeing the works at the various ministries, departments and agencies when the budget is passed. •Ogbeide-Ihama, a political analyst, writes from Lagos

Nigeria on path to recovery – Buhari C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

So, you have to appreciate the position we are in. Having cut 42 to 24, correspondingly, the parastatals will be cut down to some size and realigned and the boards reconstituted. We gave a blanket order which we had to rescind when we said all boards are suspended or dissolved. We had to go back and lick our vomit in terms of university boards because we

found out that according to their laws, they cannot choose Vice Chancellors unless the Boards sit down, interview prospective candidates, who want to be VCs. So, there is nothing wrong in saying sorry and going back on your decision. So, we said sorry and allow all the universities to continue with their boards. But for the rest, eventually, we will make it. So, please, try to bear with us as we reflect on where we found ourselves.

For globetrotting, sometimes, you need to present your case on personal basis to your economic colleagues and neighbours. Nothing is better than personal touch and I believe that we are learning a lot and eventually, the nation will realise so, I don't envy you on the harassment you are going through from your constituencies. Take it with a lot of determination and we will be all right, God willing.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Living Dump site where scavengers make fortunes

Inside Abuja

News Uber Technology, Access Bank float leisure ride in Abuja

18 20

Unemployed youths take to car washing businesses in Abuja, writes AMADI NNAMDI

he zeal to harness the economic potential of Abuja is never lost on many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Aside being a serene city for civil servants and the political elite, the metropolis is a haven for small and medium scale businesses run by young self-employed people who have taken up the challenge of fending for themselves in the absence of white collar jobs. In their numbers, they provide auxiliary services to the vast population. One of such thriving micro-businesses, giving good returns to the operators is car wash outlet. Of late, there has been tremendous increase in number of car wash outlets in both the city and its adjoining towns. Business analysts say the growth was propelled by the high rate of car purchase by residents of the city. Many have underestimated the economic potential of the car wash business while a few with adventurous business acumen have decided to invest in the same sector. In the city centre where the nouveau rich lives, one would most likely find the automated car wash centres which is not so popular due to its high cost. On the other hand, car wash outlets using the manual system could easily be found at every nook and cranny in the satellite towns. Yusuf Ahmed, an operator of a manual car wash enterprise along Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja, said he ventured into car wash because of the desire to be self-employed. He said that with as little as N3,000 one could start up the business anywhere if one wanted to do it manually. As for the automated model, he said, one would need hundreds of thousands of naira to set it up. Ahmed said that with good planning, one can actually groom a car wash into a big business that could employ many people. According to him, the manual car wash is a business any unem-

Onwuka NzeshI

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF nzeshi@newtelegraphonline.com

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Some youths ekeing a living at a car wash in Abuja

Car wash: Abuja thriving business rate of N1,000 because it demands thorough cleaning. However, business turn over varies. On a good business day, he said, he could make at least an average of N5,000 while on another lull day; he could pocket N1,500.

ployed graduate could run to keep body and soul together pending when he or she gets a better employment. He said, if empowered by government financially, he can expand his own business, accept and train other interested youths who are willing to learn the rudiments of the trade. "I have trained many people here, including graduates and I am still willing to train more people here, people should not be shy to do legitimate business, no matter how small, it is better than going into crime," he said. Another car wash operator, Apeh Clement said he first started

Car wash outlets using the manual system could easily be found at every nook and cranny in the satellite towns

as a security guard when he came to Abuja. "I was a security man, but that job didn't pay me at all. I have a family of five, one wife and three children all in school. So, I just switched to this business and by God's grace we have been living fine at Nyanya, all my family depend on my income from this business,â&#x20AC;? he said. A car wash operator around the Asokoro district of Abuja, said he washed inside and outside of a car for N500 while clients are required to pay extra fees depending on the level of dirtiness of the vehicle. For instance, he said, cars imported from Cotonou are washed at the

Challenges Like other businesses, running a car wash has its peculiar challenges. According to our respondents, there are two major challenges â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unavailability of legitimate business space and lack of fund. Lack of designated space to carry out their car washing operations has brought incessant harassment by the government officials. Also, lack of fund has not only hindered the business from expanding, it also stifled acquisition of modern equipment. Other challenges are; inadequate water supply, incessant harassment by men of the task force on development control. The operators therefore urged government to provide them good location to save them from undue interference as well as making loan facilities available to them. Customers reactions Commenting on the quality of CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Inside ABUJA | SLUMS

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Dump site where scavengers Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

osa, is a scavengers' colony tucked away from the ambience and aesthetics of Abuja, Nigeria's capital city. The 90 hectares central dump site situated in Gosa village, off the Airport Road, has no basic facilities to support human survival in the 21st century. The dump site is the size of about 130 football pitches and more than twice the size of the popular Olusosun dump site in Lagos. Interestingly, it is home to about 3,000 men making a living from waste. They come mainly from Kaduna, Kano and Katsina, to the massive dump site in search of livelihood despite the associated health risks. Awalu Abdulsalam, 30, is a scavenger who lives inside this colony. Like every other scavenger, he is loathed and despised in the city centre, apparently because scavenging for waste is perceived as a dirty job meant for the uneducated, homeless and less privileged persons in the society. But unknown to many, Awalu earns more money than the average director in the Federal Civil Service, a cashier in the bank and over 80 per cent more than the average civil servant whose minimum wage is just N18,000. With a sack hanging behind their backs, a hook like iron rods in their hands, scavengers rummage through waste bins and refuse dumps in the neighbourhood in search of re-useable items. The Kaduna State-born Awalu is a dealer of disposed plastics especially bottled water containers. According to him, he makes a handsome income every month for sorting out waste materials for recycling. The waste items are usually conveyed in trucks to either Kano or Lagos where there are transformed to new items in waste recycling factories. On a daily basis, buyers besiege the dump site with trucks looking for various recyclable items such as metallic tins, aluminium bars, plastics, iron rods as well as fibres. According to Awalu, buyers must first discuss

Scavenger houses on the dump site

their needs with the chairman of the scavengers, Mohammed Abubakar, who then directs them to a dealer of such items. For a first time visitor, the Gosa dump site cannot be a pleasant experience given the putrid odour that oozes out of the place and the colony of flies and rodents roaming freely across the area. But then, a community of scavengers popularly called Mai-bolla live with the waste and smell. Their only companions, perhaps are their dogs and the wild birds hovering over the dump site in search of preys. The other side of Abuja After about an hour's drive inside the bush and 30 kilometres off the major road, our reporter, trailing a waste-compacting truck going to dump its content finally arrived at the Gosa dump site – a place better described as the other side of Abuja. The site is not known to most residents of Abuja, yet most solid wastes from the city end up at the dump site without being sorted or processed thereby adding significantly to environmental hazards such as air and underground water pollution. Many residents would probably argue against a possible existence of such a waste site in the FCT, for it is a direct opposite of what the city centre represents. Though Abuja is touted as the fastest growing city in Africa, it is way behind Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, which was said to be the cleanest place in Africa in a report by Foreign Policy Group in 2011 because of the measures – including laws – put in place to help with waste management. According to Waste Atlas, a crowd-sourcing free access map that visualises municipal solid waste management data across the world, Nigeria generates 25 million tonnes of municipal solid waste yearly. This is more than thrice what Ghana generates. But in waste collection, Nigeria only collects 60 per cent of its own waste while Ghana collects 85 per cent of waste generated across its cities. Health hazards Although full of opportunities, the mountain of grime in

Scavengers sorting out metal items

A community of scavengers, popularly called Mai-bolla live with the waste and smell. Their only companions, perhaps are their dogs and the wild birds hovering over the dump site in search of preys

Gosa possesses some health and environment threats to residents of the city. The poor management of waste in the city in recent times has raised questions on the seriousness of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to carry out its statutory responsibility of protecting and maintaining the city’s environmental allures. Due to the inefficient management of waste, a larger chunk of the waste generated by the residents of Abuja are being catered for by scavengers. It is not unusual to see itinerant scavengers roaming the city for treasures hidden in refuse dumps, roadsides and drainages. Just like the itinerant scavengers who act like the field workers picking the wastes from waste bins, backyards and road sides, the scavengers resident in Gosa are exposed to varying degree of health risks. They have no access to clean and safe water. They depend on hand dug wells in the colony whose water, as

A Kano-bound truck being loaded

witnessed by our reporter, is not clean for human consumption. They are exposed to mosquitos’ attacks as what they called their houses are batchers made from torn tarpaulin, flex banners and polythene. Though Awalu said they make use of mosquito nets which he said they purchased from a nearby village hospital, many of the scavengers, often fall sick due to malaria fever attacks. Chief of Scavengers Emerging from a foot path leading to the huge dump site, with a big sack strapped around his shoulder and an iron rod in his hands, Abubakar Muhammed, was all smiles as he approached his base like a hunter coming home with a nice catch. He had gone in search of wealth on the mountains of waste for close to four hours and from the content of his sack, it was a huge success. Abubakar, who also is the chairman of the scavengers,

Inside ABUJA

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

make fortunes

Bottles already sorted out at the dump site

dropped his sack and headed straight to have a shower. Minutes later, he approached our reporter asking him if he could be of help. His palms were hard and rough, and must have been toughen by several years of holding iron rod to rummage waste in search of his goods. He actually controls the colony as none of the scavenger agreed to talk to our reporter without his permission. Abubakar, our reporter was informed, has been a resident of the dump site since 1997. Overtime, Abubakar seems to have built an immunity against germs at the dump site. He says, he does not fall sick because he has become used to the business. According to a research by Ezeah Chukwunonye and four other scientists on the public health impacts of waste scavenging in Abuja delivered at the 2009 World Congress of the International Solid Waste Association, waste scavenging was

identified as a possible pathway for spreading certain communicable diseases. Corroborating the research, Abubakar said that coming down with illnesses was like a ritual that every new entrant into the site must go through like an initiation. He disclosed that it was not unusual for new entrants in the community to fall sick in about two to three weeks after their arrival. “E dey normal sir. New people coming into this place will first fall sick before they will become normal. Some might have stomach problems, coughs, or vomiting sef,” he said. Environmental hazards Aside from the health threats posed by the huge dump site and the scavengers to other residents of the city, there are also serious environmental issues associated with the indiscriminate dumping of waste without proper management.

Chairman of scavengers, Abubakar Mohammed

Awalu at Gosa dump site

Every kind of waste is being disposed of here... the unfortunate thing for the residents of Abuja is the chemical waste it releases to the water table

This perhaps informed the outburst by the then Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Folashade Grace Bent when she in the company of other members of the committee visited the site as part of their oversight functions. Senator Bent lamented the condition of the dump site, describing it as an eyesore to the nation’s capital. However, seven years after her lamentation nothing concrete has changed. The site still welcomes untreated hospital, industrial, chemical and domestic waste on a daily. “I’m very depressed. I’m extremely sad with what I’m seeing here with my colleague, it’s an eyesore that does not befit any human being in any city no matter how uncivilised the city might be but this is what we are confronted with. I don’t understand it. I’m amazed and extremely disappointed that this kind of thing is in a federal seat of government. Honestly, it is disheartening I must confess I’m not happy with it. “Every kind of waste is being disposed here; hospital waste, industrial waste, chemical waste and the unfortunate thing for the residents of Abuja is the chemical waste it releases to the water table, which is a very dangerous chemical which is capable of eliminating everybody if taken in,” she said. Not only does the chemical pollution of the underground water poses a serious threat to residents of the city, the attendant production of greenhouse gases due to the burning of the refuse thereby aiding climate change. Gains of living with waste As for the trio of Abubakar Mohammed, Kabiru Mohammed and Awalu Abdulsalam, waste is wealth. They may be living in the midst of filth but they are far richer than many who live in the city centre and work in more cosy environments. Abdulsalam deals in recyclable plastics bottles. He is a father of one, and goes to visit his family in Kaduna two weeks after he must have spent a month at the dump site. “I make about N5,500 daily dealing in plastic water bottles. I have been on this site for about seven years. I go to see my family in Kaduna for two weeks after spending one month here,” he said. Abdulsalam, who makes about N150, 000 in a month earns more than an average cashier in a bank who goes home with N70, 000 to N80, 000 monthly and 88 per cent more than a civil servant on a minimum wage of N18, 000.

As for him, he has errand boys who go into the dump site every day to look for used plastic bottles for him. Abdulsalam has eight boys who work with him and they are paid daily according to their output ranging between N1,000 to N2,000. The profit can even be more depending on what is being traded, says the chairman of the scavengers, Abubakar Muhammed. “Rubber goes for N25 per kilo, iron or tin goes for N20 per kilo while aluminium is the costliest; it goes for N70 per kilo,” he told New Telegraph. When our reporter got to the dump site, a truck was being loaded with recyclable aluminium bottles. According to the Chairman, a truck at the site conveys 85 bags of waste each weighing not less than 100 kilos translating to about N357,500 profit minus the N25,000 paid to loaders of the truck while a kilo goes for between N45 and N50. He also disclosed that loading a truck with recyclable plastics cost N25,000. "It takes about a month for a team of scavengers to produce recyclable materials that can fill a truck," he said. The cheery news for the scavengers and their buyers however is that the resources or what they are looking for are readily available as compacting trucks keep bringing waste almost on hourly basis to the site. It means they can never run out of stocks. They may not be recognised or commended for what they are doing, but their activities go a long way in fighting environmental problems that lead to global warming and climate change. Virtually all the items they sort out are non-degradable. Potential alternative energy Gosa dump site can also be a source of alternative energy. A report by the Centre for People and Environment in 2010 suggested that the Gosa dump site has the potential for ‘landfill gas to energy’ scheme if upgraded. In 2010, the report indicated that AEPB was discussing with a foreign company on recommendation that the dump site could be developed into a modern waste conversion facility to generate electricity. Six years after, a visit to the dump site can only shows the insensitivity and care-free attitude of the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration in harnessing the potential of the site. The energy potential of the waste dump site, it was learnt, can be harnessed and used to generate electricity for the Idu Industrial Estate which is about five kilometres away from Gosa.

INSIDE ABUJA \ NEWS

Abdulwahab Isa

purred by the success the scheme recorded in Lagos State, Access Bank Nigeria Plc. and Uber Technology, a South African-based Information Technology firm have introduced an innova-

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Uber Technology, Access Bank float leisure ride in Abuja tive car rent system that would allow residents of Abuja secure leisure cab rides from the comfort of

FG seeks deployment of volunteer doctors to IDP camps Obinna Odoh Abuja

ollowing the poor health conditions of Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) in the country, the federal government has appealed to doctors and other health personnel willing to assist in saving lives to be deployed to camps in liberated communities to join the few ones on ground. The government promised that adequate security and other incentives would be provided for them. Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani Sidi, made this appeal when he led a team of Health Policy specialists and Clinicians for an on-the-spot assessment and strategy appraisal at IDPs camps. He said the assessment

was to determine medical challenges and health-related issues affecting IDPs camps in Maiduguri and host communities as well as liberated communities with emphasis on children, maternal care and vulnerable persons. Sidi explained that there were 12 satellite camps set up in liberated communities currently without adequate health personnel, adding that even though the agency had an MoU with University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and working relationship with other secondary health facilities for referral cases, these camps need to have medical personnel for immediate treatment of cases. Common health problems identified in some of the visited camps included; hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sight problems, malaria, peptic ulcer disease and malnutrition.

UNDP to help strengthen Nigeria’s solid mineral sector Ebere Ameh

he United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals has proposed a cooperation framework for strengthening the solid minerals sector. This is targeted at increasing the production of minerals to generate revenue for the country as well as create employment opportunities for the million unemployed Nigerians. This was disclosed by the newly appointed UN

Resident Coordinator, who also serves as the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Fatma Samoura, during a media breakfast meeting in Abuja. According to her, the early stages of the framework will seek to improve the solid minerals policy, legislative and regulatory framework as well the strengthening of the capacity of the key public institutions that govern the mineral sector, particularly the Ministry of Solid Minerals and related departments.

their homes using their smartphones. Speaking at the launch of the scheme, General Manager, Uber Nigeria, Mr. Ebi Atowodi, said the scheme would give the people of Abuja an affordable, easy and flexible choice to move around the city safely and reliably. “For those who don’t know, Uber moves around millions of global citizens every day offering affordable and reliable rides at the touch of a button. By offering a friendly and reliable

BRIEFLY

he International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is seeking for $15 million to enable it provide continued shelter support, conduct displacement tracking and biometric registration and psycho-social support for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in different camps across Nigeria. The IOM in partnership with the federal government and other humanitarian agencies have relocated 189 families from a school to Bakasi camp as part of its overall support to families displaced by the violence.

Victor Etuokwu described it a novel scheme that will not only create jobs for Nigerian youths but support a world class mobility scheme in one of Africa's fastest growing cities. He described the scheme as a laudable initiative which Access Bank was proud to partner with in order to create a process where customers have a wide range of options whenever they choose to move from one part of the city to the other. "Some of the innovative features riders enjoy in the course of ride

L-R: Former Minister of Special Duties, Kabir Turaki (SAN); Chief J.K. Gadzama (SAN) and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, during a visit to Atiku in Abuja

SGF to Lottery Commission: We abhor fraudulent activities Ebere Ameh

ecretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir Lawal, has warned the management of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) that the administration will not tolerate fraudulent activities in the lottery business. He said it is tantamount to economic sabotage for any operator to under-remit government revenue

IOM seeks $15m to assist IDPs Ebere Ameh

complement to existing transport options, we can help improve urban mobility in Abuja, reduce traffic congestion and the environmental impact of vehicles at the same time. "Abuja is a place where entrepreneurs are born, it is a growing city in the heart of Nigeria. This is a reason why Uber loves Abuja, its people, energy, innovation and beauty really speak for itself," he said. Executive Director, Personal Banking Division, Access Bank Plc., Mr.

include, the possibility of easily sharing your ride details, including the specific route and estimated time of arrival, with friends or family members for extra peace of mind. They’ll receive a link where they can see in real time the name and photograph of the driver, their vehicle, and where you are on the map until you arrive at your destination – and they can do all of this without having to download the Uber app themselves,” Etuokwu said. Inside Abuja learnt that the scheme has a dedicated Incident Response Team to answer to more urgent issues, particularly if there was a report that a driver or rider has acted dangerously or inappropriately.

to the commission. According to a statement signed by the Director of Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, the SGF at a meeting with the management of the commission assured that the Federal Government will support them in their determination to generate more revenue through lottery activities. He told the commission that he would work

Communication Assistant, IOM, Nigeria, Ikechukwu Attah, said each family was provided with a newly built shelter by IOM along with a nonfood item (NFI) package. This voluntary relocation, he said, was part of a government-led drive to vacate schools where IDPs were initially settled in order to be able to reopen these schools for classes in April. The IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa (WCA), Richard Danziger, who is on an official visit to Nigeria reassured the IDPs of IOM’s commitment to providing shelter and NFIs to alleviate their plight.

closely with the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation to strengthen the legal framework within which the commission operates so as to enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the commission as an industry regulator. He, however, charged the commission to create new products for the lottery industry so as to reap the full revenue earning potential that a huge population like ours has to offer.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Commission, Adolphus Ekpe, informed the SGF that the commission had developed a robust transaction monitoring platform that will be deployed in its operations. According to him, the new platform offers transparency to all actors in the industry, including the players, operators and the regulator such that disputes are substantially eliminated.

NILS sets agenda for child family health policy

s the country grapples with challenges across the different spheres of life, the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) has called for improved budgetary provision on Child and Family Health with effective legislative mechanism for accountability. This position was made during a presentation of Research Report on Government Funding Obligations on Child and Family Health to the relevant Committees of the National Assembly. The relevant committees of both chambers included the Senate Committees on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Health and Appropriation, as

well as the corresponding committees in the House of Representatives. In attendance were Senator Ahmed Lawan, Chairman Senate Committee on the Army; Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs and Hon. Bashir Babelle, House Committee on National Planning; Hon. Mayowa, House Committee on National Planning among other members. Director-General, NILS, Dr. Ladi Hamalai, noted that Maternal and Child Health occupies an important policy space at both national and global level.

INSIDE ABUJA

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

A village scene from Gwagwalada, Abuja

Onwuka Nzeshi Abuja

or first time visitors travelling by road from the southern parts of the country to Abuja, Gwagwalada is like a gateway and a major stop-over spot. What was once a sleepy agrarian community 40 years ago has grown into a boisterous urban settlement hosting people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, cultures, languages and creed. Gwagwalada is the headquarters of the Gwagwalada Area Council, one of the six local government areas of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It has an area of 1,043 km² and a population of 157,770 according to the 2006 national census. It is the home of the University of Abuja as well as the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. One of the national stations of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) is located in Gwagwalada. History The town has for centuries been inhabited by the Bassa ethnic stock, a group of people indigenous to Kagoma, an area south of Zauzau (Zaria) in present Kaduna State. In the pre-jihad days, the Bassa people had their headquarters in Gurmana which was then under Zaria. They intermarried with the Habe Kings of Zauzau. They later migrated from this location down south around the 16th century and spread all over what is today known as the Middle Belt of Nigeria. About 1683, Gbage Daruwana, a Bassa man left Kagoma and founded Gwagwalada after he was denied his right to succession to the throne. Oral history has it that he was selected to succeed the chief (king) of Kagoma but his immediate younger brother Wumani Daruwana who also nursed an ambition to ascend the throne put up a fierce challenge that almost degenerated into a fratricidal war. Although Gbage had the support of three Bassa clans namely, Arisamishi, Akalba and Akagiye,

Gwagwalada: The raffia palm settlement he was advised to leave Kagoma to avoid bloodshed. He left with a band of supporters and moved southwards. They made brief stops first at Lafiya Paribari and then at Kurape but did not find these locations suitable for habitation. The journey southwards continued until they got to a river bank thickly forested by raffia palm trees known as gbagala in Bassa language. They settled around the raffia palm grove and named the place, Gba-gbagala, meaning “the field of the raffia palm”. Over time and with the infiltration of people of other tribes, Gba-gbagala became Gbagalada which was further corrupted to become Gwagwalada. Culture The Bassa people are essentially farmers, hunters and fishermen. This was the reason they settled around the river and the forests. They observe various cultural festivities namely Agunu Dance festival, Araga festival and Danga Hutuo. These annual festivities are usually accompanied by merriments and traditional dance troupes depicting the culture and tradition of the Bassa people. Kingship The rulership of Gwagwalada is the exclusive preserve of the Bassa natives. From its earliest times as a community till now, 10 kings have sat on the throne of the Aguma (paramount ruler) of Gwagwalada. The chronology of the kings obtained from the Waziri (Traditional Prime Minister) of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Garba Bamaiyi shows that Aguma Gbage Daruwana reigned from 1683 to 1740; Aguma Alu Gbage 1740-1778; Aguma Waje Wambayi 1778- 1803; Aguma

These rapid developments have come with a number of hazards, including uncontrolled population growth, mass unemployment

Bawa Waisaje 1803-1861; Aguma Dogara Bawa 1861-1876; Aguma Nufe Alafi 1876-1896 and Aguma Bala Karakpa 1896-1915. Others include Aguma Sheneni Bala 1915-1939; Aguma Alabera Karakpa 1939-1984 and Aguma Mohammed Waziri 1985-1991. The reigning king of Gwagwalada is His Royal Highness (Aguma) Alhaji Mohammed Mgaji. Issues The natives of Gwagwalada will remain grateful to General Murtala Muhammed, the late Nigerian Head of State who initiated the move to site the capital of the country in Abuja. According to Alhaji Garba Bamaiyi, the traditional Prime Minister of Gwagwalada, the town was formerly part of Niger State but was carved out along with several other communities to form the

Senate Building, University of Abuja in Gwagwalada

Federal Capital Territory in 1976. Before this time, Gwagwalada was administered from the old Abuja or what is today known as Suleja. In those days, Bamaiyi recalled, Gwagwalada was highly marginalised and underdeveloped and could boast of neither a primary school nor a health centre. Today it is not only a university town, but hosts other major government institutions and fast becoming a commercial centre. However, these rapid developments have come with a number of hazards including uncontrolled population growth, mass unemployment, rising cost of living and increased crime rate. Bamaiyi, a veteran of the Nigerian Civil War, wants the Federal Government to set machineries in motion to create jobs for the youth and beef up security in and around the town.

Inside ABUJA

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sarakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suit: N2bn bribe allegation forced judge's withdrawal

ast week, Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja withdrew from a suit seeking to stop the ongoing trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) due to an allegation that N2 billion bribe was traced to his bank account. The matter which was earlier fixed for judgement could not go ahead as the trial judge said he was left with no option than to hands-off the matter after his attention was drawn to two online publications alleging that he has been compromised by the Senate President. Justice Kafarati, however, lamented that his integrity was gravely maligned in two separate reports carried by some online media platforms which, he said, claimed that the N2 billion was traced to his account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). FG files criminal charges against Kuku, aides The Federal Government last week filed two separate suits against a

former Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Kingsley Kuku, and two of his aides. The first suit is a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and fraudulent acquisition of property filed before an Abuja High Court against Kuku and one of his aides, Lawrence Pepple, who served as a technical assistant. The second suit is a three-count charge

against Kuku and his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Henry Ogbolue, who were accused of criminal conspiracy and award of contract worth over N27 million to a private company which has Ogbolue as the sole signatory to the account of the company. Dasukiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trial stalled The absence of a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) and his

Saraki in the dock

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 7

service he receives, a regular customer of one of the roadside car wash outlets in Asokoro Districts of Abuja, Engr. Adamu Aminu, said he has never had cause to complain about the quality of service he receives from his car cleaners hence his patronage of their services on a regular basis. "I stay at Karu axis of Abuja. Due to the bad roads there, I prefer to get my car washed here in town at a relative cheap rate compared to that of some big automated car wash centres that charge very high," he said. Another customer who identified himself as Eneji Edward said he patronises certain carwash outlets because of the dexterity and dedication of the washers. He urged government to explore the option of harnessing the economic potential inherent in the business, adding that, the business has the capacity of engaging so many jobless youths and giving them a source of livelihood. Starting a Carwash Interestingly, the business is one that does not require much start-up capital. One roadside car wash operator, Anthony Ifedi, hinted that with as low as N3, 000, one can start up a car wash business. He enumerated a list of the key items needed to start up the business as follows - buckets for fetching water and drums for storing them; which will not cost more than N1,300; car wash detergent and rag which might cost just about N500. Other little items needed are brushes and other local detergents. According to him, one can successfully start up a car wash business and be financially progressive in it. Ifedi disclosed that he has spent about

counsel, J.B Daudu (SAN) and Ahmed Raji (SAN) last week stalled the commencement of trial before an Abuja High Court. At the resumed hearing, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) however told the court that the accused person refused to come to court on the ground that his lawyers, Daudu and Raji, would not be in court. He further told the court that he persuaded the defendant to come to

Inside

ABUJA

COURTS

with Tunde Oyesina

court to see how the proceedings would be conducted but claimed that the defendant did not yield to his persuasion. Reprieve for Lamorde The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has stopped the Senate from going ahead with the probe of a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, over an alleged N1 trillion scam. The Senate had summoned the former EFCC boss to account for the fund seized from some corrupt public office holders but rather than honour the invitation of the lawmakers, the former antigraft boss approached the court to stop his probe. In a motion exparte dated March 7, 2016, Lamorde through his counsel, Festus Keyamo, asked the court to stop the Senate from issuing a warrant of arrest of his client pending the hearing and determination of the suit before the court. The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, after listening to the exparte motion ordered: "That a limited order on injunction is hereby granted to restrain

the defendants pending when they are heard on the reply to the plaintiff's motion on notice. "That the plaintiff's counsel is hereby directed to obtain a certified true copy of the order in this ruling, and shall cause same to be served on the Inspector-General of Police who shall, on the authority of this court's order, refrain to give any effect to any such warrant which the defendants may have issues against the plaintiff on the simple judicial principle of lis pendens". Metuh files stay of proceeding The trial of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, was against stalled last week before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja due to an application he (Metuh) filed asking the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, to disqualify himself from further presiding over the case. Metuh also in separate application prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable the Court of Appeal rule on his application for stay of proceedings in his trial.

Car wash: Abuja's thriving business 14 years in the business, happily married with four kids. He prided himself as the first and longest practising car washer within that vicinity. Giving a peep into the modus operandi of his line of business, Ifedi said peak period for car wash business is weekends when many motorists prefer to do a thorough washing of their cars against a new week. "Sometimes on Monday there used to be more clients after they must have gone to report at their offices first. Also, rain is a factor in the business as many motorists love to wash their cars after a rainy day because of the mess caused by the rain," Ifedi disclosed. At the Jikwoyi axis of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory, some car wash operators are not left out in the acquisition of "wet Naira notes" in the thriving car washing business sector, as observed by Teju Babalola, a motorist that regularly patronise some of the car wash outlets. Teju, who attributed the boom of the business in that area to the menace of bad roads, said: "The roads here are bad and muddy especially when it rains. So, many people going to town prefer to quickly wash their cars every morning before driving to work, hence you see the springing up of so many car wash outlets.â&#x20AC;? On the high rate of competition within the area, Mr. Samson Ejiga, an operator, confirmed that business was no longer as it used to be before due to the rising number of car wash outlets unlike other places where you find one outlet within a particular location and

they enjoy a sort of monopoly. Ejiga disclosed that his car wash outlet which has been in operation for about seven months had to upgrade the quality of its services so as to retain the number of its dwindling customer base. As part of strategies to attract more clients, Ejiga said that he is on the verge of opening a bar within the large premises of the car wash so as to attract customers. Inside Abuja also observed that this seems to be the trend within that axis of Abuja, as many car wash outlets have one form of relaxation spot or the other to attract and engage their customers while their cars are being washed. While concurring that indeed the car wash business has great potential to create employment in the society, Ejiga confirmed that he currently has four em-

ployees in his establishment and that he intends to employ more hands when the bar becomes operational. For those that think the business is meant for only uneducated and unskilled people, wait until you meet Peter, a Diploma in Statistics holder from Benue State Polytechnic, who delved into the business when he lost his former job. He has been taking care of his family of five from the proceeds of his car wash business. "I lost my job, instead of staying idle, I had to find something doing to help myself and my family. This is what I am doing for now, pending when God opens a better place for me," he said. Peter, who confessed that the car wash business in Jikwoyi area of Abuja, has been worth the while, advised unemployed Nigerians to get themselves busy with the job instead of staying idle.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Energy Kachikwu’s statement and perennial fuel scarcity

Business What's news Nigeria can turn W’Africa into single aviation market, say experts p.24

Why passenger traffic is rising, by FAAN

p.24

Homes & Property How Nigeria can become investment hub, by experts

25 29

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE March 2016...............................11.4% February 2016...........................11.4% December 2015........................9.6%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(BDC as at March 18)

(Interbank as at March 18)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N320 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N465 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N360

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

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

Source: CBN

L- R: Vice President, Acceptance West Africa MasterCard, Olufowobi Kamil; Area Business Head, West Africa, Omokehinde Ojomuyide; Group Head, E-Business and Card service, Zenith Bank Plc, Wunmi Ogunbiyi; Group Managing Director/CEO, Peter Amangbo and Executive Director, Sola Oladipo, at the presentation of Award to Zenith Bank by Mastercard in Lagos.

FG plans N2.2trn investments for N’East restoration TWOFOLD Funding efforts on North East will double over the next five years

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

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

Dayo Ayeyemi

residential Initiative for North East (PINE) is proposing a capital expenditure of N2.2 trillion investments for the revamping of communities ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency in the next five years, New Telegraph has learnt. In the PINE document exclusively obtained by our correspondent, it was estimated that it would cost the Federal Government N617 billion investments per year for five years for the reconstruction of North East zone. The proposed expenditure, it was stated, represents 92 per cent of the average N3.3 trillion capital and recurrent expenditure budget for the North East. The document was entitled: “The Emergency Assistance and Economic Stabilisation Plan; The Economic Reconstruction and Redevelopment Plan (ERR) - The Special Intervention for Returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 2015-2020.”

The document noted that the Federal Government’s projection for five years is estimated at about N667.98 billion per year according to the 2015 budget. “This means that funding efforts on North East will essentially double over the next five years to achieve the vision of a transformed and economically relevant region,” the document stated. As at June 2015, the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) had reached over 1,300,000 people in the six north eastern states, with the large majority living in host communities. Approximately 104,000 individuals (eight per cent of the internally displaced population) are staying in camps or camp-like settings. The North-east comprises of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states. Some of the critical areas earmarked for development include education, safety/security, agriculture, entrepreneurship, good government, regional planning and strategic growth management, international trade and market development, infrastructural and health. According to the document, infrastructure development takes the highest funding of N274,515 billion in the budget, followed by education (N257,509 billion), safety and security (21.325 billion), Entrepreneurship (N20,347 billion) and interna-

3.3 million Being the total number of persons displaced by conflict in Nigeria

tional trade and market (N12,199 billion) among others. The document stated that the mandate of PINE is designed to provide emergency assistance, mobilise targeted resources to jumpstart the North-east economy and strategically position the region for long-term prosperity. Besides, it also supports the plan to be implemented by federal and state governments with the funding from Global Development Partners (GDPs), Nigerians’ international business communities and donors. The document said: “The initiative involved as part of government’s soft approach to counter terrorism; an initiative driven by a committee comprised of approximately 32 government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners and representative of the North East.” The North East governors’ regional plan serves as the foundation for the programmes of PINE Nigeria has 3.3 million persons displaced by conflict – the highest number in Africa. This figure was contained in a report ‘Global Overview 2014: people internally displaced by conflict and violence’ released by the Internal Displaced Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS |news

SANGUINITY Airbus estimates only five other cities in Africa, including Nigeria, will become an ‘airline megacity’

Wole Shadare

he Federal Government should support domestic carriers and assist them in turning the West African route into a single market, because they don’t have the capacity to do so, experts have said. Nigeria carriers now dominate the West African market, especially with the operation of four carriers - Arik, Aero, Medview and Dana to Accra, Ghana, leading to insinuations that the market is over-saturated. A top official of one of the airlines to Accra, who pleaded anonymity, told New Telegraph that government can turn the West coast routes into domestic operations because Nigeria has dominance and, in doing so, this will get some returns for the country. Speaking in the same vein, a former DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren, said that government can turn the West Coast route by removing those impediments that make for difficult transition. By so doing, he stated that the carriers from Nigeria would now have a vast market to explore. He said that one of the major challenges that have stunted the growth of the Nigeria Aviation industry is political interfer-

FG plans N2.2trn N’East restoration

Nigeria can turn W’Africa into single aviation market, say experts ence, which, according to him, is all over the world. He, however, called for a strong will and honesty of purpose to surmount these challenges. With its natural resources and oil reserves, West Africa is receiving increasing attention from international markets. Nigeria, rich in oil - and Ghana, rich in gold - are proving to be the stand-out aviation markets of the region. While both face difficulties, such as carrier debt, poor infrastructure and unaffordable travel, the economies of the countries are handily exceeding the global average GDP growth rate.

estimates only five other cities in Africa will become an “airline megacity” – Accra (Ghana, West Africa), Lagos (Nigeria, West Africa), Luanda (Angola, Central Africa), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia, East Africa) and Nairobi (Kenya, East Africa). Johannesburg (South Africa, Southern Africa) is already a megacity, according to Airbus. Nigeria Airways had a troubled and erratic time during its 45-year history. In 2003, a new airline, named Transatlantic Airlines, operated for a few weeks before it collapsed, leaving hundreds stranded. Next, the joint venture attempted by Virgin, re-

sulting in the creation of Virgin Nigeria also had a brief and colourful life before Virgin divested itself of the association. Bellview Airlines had a similar poor track record. Founded in 1992, it finally disappeared in 2009 with many of its aircraft still derelict in Lagos. The staff then began a new carrier that still awaits certification, First Nation Airways. It is a repetitive tale of failure. Ghana Airways ceased operations in August, 2004, shortly after it was banned from US airspace. Ghana Airways suffered a wealth of problems including under-capitalisation and

mismanagement. The carrier’s fleet, comprised of Sovietbuilt Ilyushin jets, could only be serviced in Russia. Ghana Airways served Russia, but it was a loss-making route – most passengers were government officials who travelled for free. Ghana International Airways (GIA) was established to replace Ghana Airways when it folded. GIA launched operations in October, 2005, but was plagued with similar problems to Ghana Airways. In May, 2010, GIA ceased operations, making it the second causality to Ghana’s aviation industry in six years.

L-R: ECOWAS Commissioner for Industry and Private Sector Promotion, Mr. Kalilou Traore; Coordinator, UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office Global Network, Ms. Lucia Cartini; representative, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria, Ms. Louise Setshwaelo, during the launching of ITPO Nigeria, in Abuja ... recently.

Why passenger traffic is rising, by FAAN TINCTURE The US TSA assessment has, therefore, provided an elixir to a prior sense of trepidation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Council (NRC) last year. According to the report, there are 3.3 million IDPs in Nigeria, while 470,500 individuals were displaced in 2013 alone. On a global scale, Nigeria is only ranked behind Syria with 6.5 million IDPs and Colombia with 5.7 million IDPs. The report explained the unprecedented rise in IDPs in Nigeria in 2014 by the increased number of Boko Haram attacks, heavy-handed counter insurgency operations, and on-going inter-communal violence.

Sub-Saharan Africa is showing a solid macroeconomic performance, with many economies now growing at rates close to their pre-crisis average. Nigeria is slightly slower in its growth rates, reporting a smaller-than-two percentage point difference from pre-crisis levels. Ghana, on the other hand, is one of the continents fastest growing. Nigeria and Ghana are headlining growth in West Africa, but it is mainly being captured by foreign (US, Middle East and European) carriers in the absence of financially stable and internationally competitive local airlines. Meanwhile, Airbus

Wole Shadare

ecent figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) attest to the fact that Nigeria has grown appreciably in recent years, from 13,891,677 passengers in 2010 to 15,899,958 passengers lifted in 2015, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said. General Manager, FAAN, Yakubu Dati, said this growth is the outcome of deliberate strategic transformation in the sector by government and, indeed, a key perfor-

mance indicator that the reforms are yielding positive outcomes. He stated that a further boost of confidence came last week when the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which has just completed a security assessment tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, gave the airport high marks. The US team also commended FAAN for what it called consistency methodology in the implementation of TSA Security procedures, which are of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. The US TSA assessment has, therefore, provided an elixir to a prior sense of trepidation. Dati noted that the airports have benefited from the upgrade of Air Navigational Services as

well as aerodrome and ground aids, enabling a fine mix of technology and human interface. Nigerians have had to contend with sad stories about the state of airports across the country, but the airports are beginning to attract due attention. A few years ago, some airports cut a sorry picture of how an aviation infrastructure should not look like. At the moment, findings showed that the airports have received massive improvements with security scanners installed at various passengers processing and baggage handling points that can detect liquid explosives and other potentially offensive materials. New access control and monitoring systems, with tighter access control procedures, have been put in place to keep away unauthorised

persons from sterile areas of the airport.” New CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems, according to Dati, have also been installed to enhance security at the airport with perimeter fencing reinforced to keep out unwanted access to runways. He stated that FAAN has also increased motorised perimeter patrols and installed remote electronic intruder monitoring systems and security tower observation. The parameter access road has been reconstructed in order to facilitate patrols and enhance security. Dati noted that the aviation road map is designed to revolutionalise the aviation industry and increase revenue derivable from it, stressing that this entails institutionalising world-class safety and security stan-

dards, through institutional reforms and infrastructural development. He said: “The new international terminal under construction will be delivered at the close of 2016, with additional capacity of five million passengers. The present terminal, which is about four decades old, has not been left to its fate. It received a new lease of life following an ambitious facility upgrade. “The expanded terminal area has added 42 metres in length to the Arrivals and Departures areas at both ends of the terminal, adding 5,830 square metres to the terminal. Simply put, the cramped lounge areas were expanded to four tomes its original size, creating more space for passenger mobility and processing thereby enhancing passenger satisfaction,” he added.

TUESDAY, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu’s statement that fuel scarcity would linger till May has brought him under attacks and put him on his toes to end the perennial scarcity before that time. ADEOLA YUSUF writes

Energy

Kachikwu’s statement and perennial fuel scarcity

he scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol, rocking Nigeria, Africa’s biggest crude exporter, reached its crescendo last week. The controversial statement credited to Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has further elongated fuel queues. This has put Kachikwu, the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under intense pressure to end the lingering queues in filling stations nationwide before the ‘dreaded’ two months allegedly promised by the minister. Manufacturers kick The manufacturers, under the auspices of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) registered their displeasure with Kachikwu’s statement. The alleged statement fuelled the acute fuel shortage and massive queues for the product in Lagos and Abuja since last Thursday. Consequently, the Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Small and Medium scale Enterprise Group (SMEG), Jon Kachikwu, said that such a statement was unacceptable to Nigerians at a period when businesses are dying in the country over non-availability of petroleum products. The SMEG chairman said that the minister’s stance on the fuel scarcity was already causing more untold hardship to businesses as operators are groaning over the persisting fuel scarcity in the country. NNPC, he said, has failed Nigerians for its inability to end fuel scarcity in the country, adding that the unabated scarcity of the product is contributing to high cost in manufacturing of goods. The OPTS chieftain pointed out that the non-availability of product was a bad signal for the country and the economy as a whole, stressing that manufacturers are paying more for fuel, especially at the black market. He, however, stated that the scarcity will continue to accelerate the country’s inflation rate. “We are surprised with the statement credited to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, that fuel scarcity will persist till May. The multiplier effect of this statement is that many businesses will go under because shortage of fuel has really negatively impacted on many Small and Medium scale Enterprise businesses. We want NNPC to resolve the acute fuel shortage immediately because Nigerians are suffering on a daily

A fuel hawker in front of NNPC Headquarters in Abuja. Courtesy: www. platformsafrica.com

Buhari

Kachikwu

basis,” he said. Lingering queues The acute shortage of fuel and massive queues for the product hit Lagos and Abuja less than four hours after Dr. Ibe Kachikwu’s statement that the scarcity would linger till May. Kachikwu had said during a brief chat with State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa that the fuel scarcity rocking the country would linger till May, a declaration that has snowballed into a massive queues for the product.

to Maryland. In the same vein, the Total filling station at Salolo-Meiran along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway also had long queues, which stretched for over one kilometer. However, stations such as NNPC, Oando, MRS in U-turn area along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway that had hitherto been selling the product, shut their gates. Massive queues have also resurfaced at filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Oyo and Ogun to mention but a few, after a few days of relief. Most filling stations in Abuja had queues, which stretched over two kilometres. Some of the petrol stations along Kubwa Expressway, which had long queues of vehicles, were AA Rano, NNPC Mega Station, MRS, Bulsalewa, Conoil and Mobil. Other fuel stations in the Central Area with long queues were Mobil, Conoil, NNPC outlets, Forte Oil and Total, among others.

Multiplier effect of this statement is that many businesses will go under

Acute queues for fuel were noticed in Lagos since Thursday, as more filling stations shut their gates against motorists. New Telegraph observed that the queues, which have now grown longer, have constituted serious impediments to free-flow of vehicular activities in the Lagos metropolis. At the NNPC mega station in Ikoyi, a log queue of vehicles for fuel spread for about one kilometre, while the queue at Total solar station along the Mobolaji Bank-Anthony way has stretched

The controversial statement Speaking after he led members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), to a meeting with President Mohammadu Buhari, Kachikwu, who doubled as the Group Managing Director of NNPC, said: “I don’t want to put a time frame, but I will expect that over the next two months. Of course, you are aware the SAP programme begins in April. So, over CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Energy

Electricity regulation and fairness Segun Oni

ndoubtedly, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission called NERC is the sole authority for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Nigeria. As a regulator, part of its duties is to instil discipline in the electricity industry and to make sure that participants and stakeholders in the industry adhere strictly to the rules and laws of the electricity industry in Nigeria. In doing this however, it has to ensure that it creates a fair and competitive playing field. This is a cardinal rule in any game, industry and environment where there are set goals and objectives. When goals and objectives in any industry are met, there are rewards and approbations when such achievements are obtained strictly by following the rules as generally expected. That was what was at play when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the regulator of the Nigerian banking industry pounced, penalised and asked some banks to pay for wrong charges allotted their customers. This in effect showed that such banks have violated the rules of the game or profession of banking and have behaved unethically or unprofessionally. This goes to show that regulation is a game of carrot and stick and the regulator wields immense authority to dispense justice no matter whose ox is gored. This simple fact of regulation is very much at play in the Nigerian electricity delivery system where electricity distributors called discos are monitored stringently by the sole regulator of the industry,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

the next two months, we should see quite frankly a complete elimination of this. “Believe me, this is giving me and my team sleepless nights and we are working on it and we are committed to making this go away, Nigerians should please bear with us.” NNPC’s defence The NNPC however, in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garbadeen Muhammed, declared that Kachikwu was misinterpreted. While giving assurance that the Corporation was doing everything possible to end the noticeable fuel queues in most part of the country in the weeks ahead, Muhammed said that the “Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has activated the enablers to ensure sanitisation of the fuel supply and distribution matrix. “The Corporation decried what it termed “misinterpretation’’ of an otherwise benign and sincere assessment of the fuel supply scenario by Dr. Kachikwu during a brief chat

the NERC. It was, therefore, a great surprise to industry watchers in the electricity delivery system of the electricity sector of Nigeria to deal with the unpleasant news that the Senate of Nigeria has interrupted the march of the electricity industry in Nigeria to modernity and world standards and quality, by asking the regulator of the industry, NERC to stop the announced increase in the tariff of electricity this year. The Senate’s order was predicated ostensibly on its perceived exploitation of Nigerians economically by operators in the electricity and power sector of the Nigerian economy. But can this be right or does it make sense and more importantly,

is it fair to the statutory regulator of the industry, NERC? Definitely the answer is no on all counts. First, as already pointed out, the duty of NERC is to administer justice and mete out punishment to those who violate the rules of the electricity industry and so far this body has done very well to deter violators or potential violators of its rules. Indeed, in the electricity industry in Nigeria one can boldly state that the fear of NERC is the beginning of wisdom for practitioners and stakeholders in the electricity and power sector in Nigeria today. So, how come the Senate has taken over the responsibilities of NERC as if that regulator of the Nigerian electricity industry has

abandoned its responsibility to protect the Nigerian electricity consumer? The Senate by overruling the tariff increase is unwittingly or deliberately accusing NERC of negligence and lack of patriotism and those are grievous charges that must put NERC the sole regulator of the electricity industry in a very tight corner indeed. But is that senatorial conclusion correct or deserved by NERC? That is something that NERC itself would have to defend. Then the senate too must show its locus in interfering in the price regime of tariff allocation, which is the purview of NERC according to our statutes. If the Senate felt aggrieved by the tariff increase for whatever

reason, it should have raised its concern earlier or called in NERC to face the appropriate senate committee to explain the rationale or reason for the tariff increase announced over a year ago for implementation this year in February. That is the fair and reasonable thing to do. For now, what the senate has done is to throw away the bathtub with the baby. That is not fair to NERC and it is not fair to the long suffering Nigerian electricity consumer waiting to get his direct billing meter from the discos scattered all over the nation poised to move the nation out of the present power darkness. Segun Oni, an analyst, writes from Ondo

Power installation

Kachikwu’s statement and perennial fuel scarcity with State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa. “The minister’s candour is in keeping with the regime’s policy to be open and sincere with Nigerians at all times. “For the avoidance of doubt, it is pertinent to state that efforts are in full gear to eliminate all extraneous factors, which have so far impeded the free flow of petrol across the country, especially the issue of foreign exchange for oil marketers, which the minister is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria to resolve.” While apologising to Nigerians for the recent hardship in assessing petroleum products, NNPC gave assurance of normalisation of the fuel supply and distribution system in the weeks ahead. Direct sale, purchase beckons The controversy that trailed Kachikwu’s statement has swiftly put NNPC under pressure. The corporation, at the weekend, declared that the Direct Sale Direct Purchase (DSDP)

arrangement for crude, which is expected to help cushion the effect of the scarcity, would commence in first week of April. In a late Friday statement, NNPC called for calm, as fuel scarcity bit harder nationwide. Muhammed said that corporation “empathise with the difficulties Nigerians are presently going through due to the current fuel situation,” giving assurance that “government and NNPC are not taking their patience for granted.” The statement read: “Our immediate concern is to make petrol available through the interventions and processes put in place so that the queues will disappear within the next one to two weeks. As at 1600hrs of today, one (1) PMS cargo containing 42 million litres has completely discharged, two (2) more PMS cargos with a combined ‘Remaining on Board’ (ROB) of 44 million litres are currently discharging while another PMS cargo containing 44 million litres is berthed and awaiting discharge.

“We have enough products lined up to ensure that the supply gap, which created the problem is bridged. In order to ensure effective distribution we are working with Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), oil majors and over 1,000 NNPC staff, nationwide to ensure we overcome the obstacles in the distribution of the products.” Besides, the corporation said: “While not resorting to excuses, we would like to reemphasize that this present management of NNPC and, indeed, government, inherited huge and complicated problems with respect to importation, distribution and pricing of petroleum products. “Nigerians would recall that the sum of N522,258,934,505 meant for payment of fuel subsidy, covering the last quarter of 2014 (October to December) and the entire 2015 was approved by the Senate in December 2015 in order to pay for subsidy arrears inherited by this government.

“For long term solutions, the NNPC and the Government is working to put in place machineries to ensure that our refineries are fixed and working optimally, while the pipelines, which have been under attack for some time now, are repaired. The DSDP arrangement for crude, it said, would commence in the first week of April and all these coupled with the fact that the President has given his support to increase the crude supply to NNPC to ensure local sufficiency of products will go a long way to solve the problems in the short and long term. Conclusion Nigeria, a country that is ranked number one in oil and gas reserves and production in Africa, should not be subjected to the lingering scarcity of the petroleum products. Government should do everything within its power to put an end to the incessant scarcity and attendant suffering, which it usually inflicts on hapless Nigerians.

TUESDAY, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Homes&Property

How Nigeria can become investment hub, by experts

Model of Kingsway Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos

Experts have said that Nigeria can attract investors by creating an enabling environment, fixing infrastructure, building codes and removing difficulties in getting building permit. DAYO AYEYEMI reports

part from the prevailing foreign exchange crisis, other factors such as poor infrastructure, high cost of doing business, among others, have been adduced as part of fundamental issues hindering trade and real estate investments in Nigeria. On many occasions, construction experts also blame lack of appropriate standards for building processes for incessant structural failures of houses in the country. President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Mr. Kunle Awobodu, a builder, said Nigeria will become hotspot of investments in Africa if these issues are carefully tackled. He noted that in recent times, the country had attracted a lot of developments in shopping mall, high residential and grade-A office construction. Also, analysts at Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) believe that Nigeria stands the chance of attracting foreign direct investment if an enabling environment

cive business environment and attractive good returns would be a hotspot for trade and investment,” the analysts said. Nigeria is currently the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of $500 billion and an average growth rate of 6.72 per cent in the past five years before 2015.

is created. Doing Business report Besides, the FDC analysts cited the ‘Doing Business’ (DB) 2016 report by the World Bank, which ranked Nigeria 169th out of 189 countries. They noted that though the report commended Nigeria for making some improvements in terms of reducing fees for property registration and strengthening minority investor protection, it has, however, not done well in the areas of construction permits, getting electricity and enforcing contracts. They said: “There is much work to be done in terms of making it easier to deal with construction permits, getting electricity, and enforcing contracts. “Currently, it takes approximately three to five months to deal with construction permits in Nigeria, and enforcing contracts through the courts takes about 17 months.” First quarter assessment In the first quarter assessment of the nation’s economy by the analysts, they pointed out that growth, population and market size, infrastructure quality, economic/trade policies, security and political climate were among indicators that investors and traders consider when making decisions about doing business with a country These indicators, according to them, give investors an idea of the business environment and potential return on their investments. “A market that has a condu-

There is much work to be done in terms of making it easier to deal with construction permits

Expert’s view Managing Director of FDC, Mr Bismarck Rewane, stated that Nigeria lacked an approved building code that sets the standards for construction. He pointed out that the regulatory procedures were too complicated and lacked standards for construction. These lapses, he said, would leave builders with no option than to proceed on construction without a permit, which leads to numerous structural incidents and building collapses. He added: “Frequent power outages in Nigeria mean that companies have to turn to alternative sources, which increase their production costs and reduce profit.” Bismarck stated that the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) by the World Economic Forum (WEF) also provided insight into factors that affect doing business in Nigeria. GCI noted that inadequate supply of infrastructure was the most problematic factor for doing business. “In addition, low investment in human capital, poor health of the workforce, and inefficient higher

education hinder the country from achieving its potential in attracting investment,” he said. Nigeria ranked 124th out of 140 countries analysed on the GCI for 2015/2016. However, the FDC boss noted that the high growth rate coupled with high interest rates had helped to attract investors during the past few years of slow growth and low interest rates witnessed in most developed economies. He added that Nigeria’s large and growing population in excess of 170 million indicates a significant consumer market, which is attractive for investors. He said: “Another indicator worth noting is Nigeria’s 853km of coastline, which provides access to a larger market and makes it more accessible to trade. Solution To help Nigeria improve its business environment, he stated that it must study countries that have excelled in expressly granting construction permit. He said: “One such country is Singapore, where it takes less than a month (26 days) to get a construction permit and five months to enforce contracts. With statistics like these, it is no wonder that they have consistently ranked first for easing the process of doing business in their country.” Conclusion There is need for deliberate policies by government to commit to infrastructural development and ease construction permit processes to enhance investment.

BRANDING Consultants to embrace modern technology for competitiveness Dayo Ayeyemi

ettlement experts under the aegis of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) are charting a course to promote professionalism and quality service delivery among members for sustainable urban development. The experts that spoke during at one-day Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) of the body have called on town planners to sharpen their skills and update their knowledge with modern technology to enhance effective service delivery. Themed: “Cutting Edge Competitiveness in Professional Practice,” the forum’s highpoint was laying to rest the perceived strained relationship between the Nigerian Institution of Town Planners (NITP) and its regulatory agency, Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC). President of TOPREC, Professor Layi Egunjobi, told the audience that the issue of internal competition between the two bodies as regards NITP examination and education/training programmes had been resolved, calling for best practice among town planners. In his paper: “Branding for Town Planning Professionals,” Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Tunde Agbola, said that there was need for town planning organisations to be consistently preoccupied with maintaining the sustainable competitive advantage offered by ‘town planning brand.’ To really brand the profession, he urged NITP/TOPREC

Town planners close ranks to promote urban devt to focus on building awareness of the people outside the planning community, adding that there must be strong relationship with the governments so as to promote a healthy planning process built on mutual understanding. Agbola said: “In addition to building a strong theoretical foundation, there should be an increased emphasis on communication skills, technical knowledge and practical experience in planning school curricula. “To be more precise, in practice, written and oral communication skills are vital to projecting planning image as

much of it involves liaising, negotiating, mediating and building consensus among stakeholders.” The professor tasked town planners to be authentic, show confidence, develop tools of the trade, dress for success, learn how to introduce themselves and use proper English as key elements for personal brand as professionals. President of ATOPCON, Mr. Olaide Afolabi, stated that the professional development workshop was meant to sharpen members’ skills in deploying technology to improve practice, service delivery, relationship management and

hell has inaugurated the Imani-Shell Estate Phase 2 located in Maitama District of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The project, which was developed by Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCPFA), in partnership with Imani and Sons Nigeria Limited, consists of 28-unit luxury residential apartments to complement the existing 51 units in the phase one of the estate. In a statement, Chairman, SNCPFA and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, noted that the estate was delivered without any injury. Osagie, who was represented by a Director, SNCP-

branding among others. The Chief Executive, Homescapes Limited, Mr.Tunji Odunlami, urged the body to develop and nourish a good working relationship in order to promote the enthronement of professionalism among members. On his part, the immediate past President of ATOPCON, Mr. Moses Ogunleye, in his paper: “Developing Business Strategy for Town Planning Consultancy,” tasked owners of town planning consultancy firms on the need to review, evaluate, redefine/refine their practices to fit into the global setting.

He also enjoined them to be conscious of how policies, laws and regulations would affect their practices in the short, medium and long-term. According to him, an effective business strategy will allow a firm to efficiently allocate its resources, determine its strength and opportunities and manage its threats or weaknesses. A former Chairman, NITP, Lagos chapter, Ayo Adediran, wants ATOPCON to collaborate with other stakeholders to improve the relationship between consultant and professionals in the practice of urban and regional planning in Nigeria.

L-R: Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin; Executive Director, Imani & Sons Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar; Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed; Director, Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCPFA), Mr. Guy Janssens; SNCPFA Managing Director, Mr. Akeeb Akinola; and the Managing Director, Abuja Investment Company Limited, Dr. Musa Ahmed Musa, at the inauguration of the Imani-Shell Estate Phase 2 in Abuja.

Shell, developer complete 79-unit Abuja estate

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Business | Homes & Property

FA, Mr. Guy Janssens, said the new apartments were designed to be efficient in energy consumption and to rank as one of the early green-rated residential accommodations in the Federal Capital Territory. In his remarks, Managing Director, SNCPFA, Mr. Akeeb Akinola, described the project as “a product of vision, commitment, hardwork and collaborations.” He thanked the leadership of the Federal Capital Development Authority and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for their support in making the project a reality. Minister of the Environment, Amina J. Mohammed, described partnerships as a thrust of the President Mo-

hammed Buhari administration. She said: “As I came into the estate, I saw workers everywhere. This tells me that it is the partnership that has delivered not just the estate but also employment opportunities to Nigerian youths is worthy of commendation and emulation.” The minister added that the government was willing to promote and support any such partnership that would drive government’s efforts at providing jobs and meeting the housing needs of Nigerians. SNCPFA is licensed by PenCom to manage the Shell Nigeria staff non-contributory pension fund, a Defined Benefit pension scheme established in July 1991.

Kenya sees high demand in residential property

hile housing prices in Kenya’s residential real estate market stabilised late last year, land costs have seen significant increases, indicating a rise in demand for apartment units, latest housing price index has shown According to the newest housing price index from the Kenya Bankers’ Association, average housing prices edged up by just 1.14 per cent in the last three months of 2015. This marked the third consecutive quarter with a less than two per cent periodon-period increase. The report noted that as average housing prices have declined, land prices in the capital have recorded significant growth. “Prices in Nairobi have risen five-fold since 2007,

with average land costs in the city up 9 per cent in 2015. While the centrally located Upper Hill area of Nairobi had the most expensive land in 2015, averaging around $2million per hectare, land prices in outlying areas, such as Kitisuru, Loresho and Gigiri, increased at the fastest pace,” the study said. According to a recent survey by housing consultancy HassConsult, land prices in Nairobi’s satellite communities rose by around 11.9 per cent last year, almost three percentage points ahead of comparable acreage in the city centre. In Kiserian, a satellite community south-west of central Nairobi, land prices rose by over 25 per cent during the period.

TUESDAY, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

AVIATION

Nigerian airlines’ scramble for IOSA

FirstNation aircraft on the tarmac of an airport

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has boosted its commitment to improving aviation safety in Africa. With three Nigerians already IOSA-certified and more on the line, the sector could witness enhanced safety, WOLE SHADARE writes Heeding the call Nigeria may have heeded the call by IATA for African governments to focus on adoption and adherence to global standards to assure a safe, efficient and integrated air transport system. Connectivity is critical for African growth and development, supporting some 6.7 million jobs and $68 billion in economic activity. Aviation’s economic and social benefits, however, can be undermined by the unintended consequences of government’s action, which are not aligned with the established framework of global standards. “Global standards are the foundation upon which a safe, secure and integrated global air transport system, are built. The system is so reliable that we don’t often think about the enormous coordination that makes it possible. That is why we need to remind governments of the value of global standards that support aviation and the vibrancy of their economies,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Raising the bar Safety is the prime example of what can be achieved with a consistent global approach. The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is the global standard for airline operational safety management. Over the decade, since it was established, there is a clear trend that the aggregate safety performance of airlines on the registry is superior to those airlines that are not on the registry. African airlines on the IOSA registry are performing in line with global averages. And in 2013, there was not a single Western-built jet hull loss by any of IATA’s 25 African-member airlines. Tyler noted: “Improving safety is the biggest issue on the African agenda and global standards play a crucial role in this area. Penultimate year, nearly half of the fatalities on Western-built jets occurred in Africa. This informed African governments, including Nigeria’s decision, to recognise the need to improve safety in the Abuja Declaration’s goal of reaching world-class safety levels by 2015. To be in compliant with high airlines safety regulations, three Nigerian carriers have successfully obtained IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification. Key elements of the Abuja declaration include the establishment of independent and sufficiently funded civil aviation authorities, implementation of effective and transparent safety oversight systems by all African states, completion of IOSA by all African carriers, implementation of accident prevention measures focused on runway safety and loss of control, implementation of flight data analysis and implementa-

tion of safety management systems by all service providers. IOSA is a standard that is constantly evolving. By September 2015, IATA implemented enhanced IOSA, which includes a component of constant quality management.

Over the last century, global standards transformed air travel from a high-risk adventure into a routine part of daily life

Airlines set example In this region, South African Express, Kenya Airways and Egyptair have completed a trial Enhanced IOSA audit. The global airline clearing house is developing an audit programme for airlines that are outside of the IOSA criteria - either because of aircraft types operated or the nature and scale of their operations. The Basic Safety Audit Programme (BSAP) was rolled-out by the end of 2014. This is not an IOSA alternative. Tyler said: “I stress that it is only for airlines that cannot be audited under IOSA. The goal is to give such airlines an opportunity to also benefit from a core of global safety standards.” To broaden the base of IOSA carriers (outside of IATA’s membership), IATA is working with the International Airlines Training Fund to provide inhouse training for 10 African airlines. The IOTA chief stated that governments must also up their game with more effective safety oversight. As of the end of 2012, only 11 African states had achieved 60 per cent implementation of ICAO’s safety-related standards and recommended practices (SARPS), according to the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). There has been some significant progress. But, to be very frank, overall, Tyler said he was yet to see sufficient urgency in dealing with

this fundamental issue, adding that meeting the Abuja Declaration’s 2015 commitment would require a major acceleration in the pace of implementation. Entry of Nigerian carriers The successful airlines are Arik Air, Aero Contractors and FirstNation. Those on the verge of attaining IOSA certification include Allied Air and Cargo services, Overland Airways and Dana Air. Air Peace has done its last workshop, but is about to be audited. The IOSA Safety Audit, the instrument for measuring safety among airlines of the world, is not the criteria to end safety related issues or prevent air accidents all over the world, but it is an audit that helps airlines appreciate the importance of airlines operational safety procedures and following said safety procedures to run an efficient airline. Over the last century, global standards transformed air travel from a high-risk adventure into a routine part of daily life. And when it comes to operational safety management, the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is the gold standard. IOSA will not eliminate all accidents, as shown by the recent tragedy in Russia. The first airline was audited a decade ago. In 2009, it became a condition of IATA membership. And the numbers on safety performance clearly show that airlines on the registry perform better. Africa is no exception. None of the 25 IATA members here (17 in sub-Saharan Africa and eight in North Africa) had an accident in 2012. That aligns with that of all airlines on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | AVIATION

KLM deploys new World Business Class cabin on Lagos –Amsterdam route

n a bid to provide more comfort to travellers, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has concluded plan to deploy

its B777-200 aircraft on the Lagos – Amsterdam route. The B777 airplane according to a statement from KLM, replaces the A330 the carrier used on the route. The aircraft features the New World Business Class (WBC) cabin, which was designed by leading Dutch designer Hella Jongerius. The airline told New Telegraph that KLM created an

entirely new Business Class look and feel while uniting international allure with top Dutch design to emphasise a sense of pride in its Dutch heritage. In addition to designing the interior, Hella Jongerius also shaped the full-flat seats. Customer comfort and safety always form the premise, harmonising well with KLM’s brand values. This also fits

into the broader context of other successful KLM initiatives in WBC with top Dutch chefs and fashion designers. Jean-Raoul Tauzin, General Manager KLM Nigeria & Ghana said: “By revamping our World Business Class cabin we make our Business Class passengers feel at home on board. KLM strives constantly to safeguard individual comfort in amiable

AIR RAGE

settings using innovations while putting emphasis on the best the Netherlands has to offer”. He said the new cabin is fitted with the new full-flat bed, which guarantees optimum comfort, adding that the positioning of the new business class seats and other various smart design elements ensures privacy while sleeping or working.

WITH

STANDARD Customer comfort and safety always form the premise

Wole Shadare

Airlines take joy out of air travel

A Passengers inside the newly introduced Business Class cabin of KLM deployed on the LagosAmsterdam route

NANTA elect new leaders

he Cream of the Travel and Tourism industry converged on Ibadan recently to attend the 40th AGM of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA). The well attended three day event was declared open by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. The event was well attended by Top Government officials including Assistant Director, Head of Federal Information Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs. O. Esan, who represented the of the minister of information and culture. Highlight of the three day event was the peaceful election of new officers to run the affairs of the Association.

Members of the Board of Trustees unanimously elected Steve Isokariari as Chairman at their meeting which held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan. In a keenly contested election for the NANTA Presidential election, Bankole Benard of Finchglow Travels emerged the popular winner, beating his fellow contestant, Tinuke Nwakohu by 132-90 votes. Olumuyiwa Salami takes over from Ngozi Ngoka who has served out her four year tenure as the National Publicity Secretary. By popular choice, Ngoka is now the Financial Secretary of NANTA. Chima Ihe who polled 150 votes to beat Adebola Ogundipe, emerged Internal Auditor.

Others are Olumuyiwa Salami is National Publicity Secretary. Speaking on fares disparity,the outgoing President of NANTA, Alhaji Aminu Agoha expressed concern over what he described as great disparity in fares between what the airlines offer to the Nigerian market and what they offer elsewhere in the world. His words, “The disparity in fares is alarming and we wonder why Nigeria should be singled out for this rip-off. We see no reason why a flight ticket from Accra, Ghana to Europe or USA on some airlines would be cheaper than from Lagos to the same destinations on the same airline.”

Nigerian airlines’ scramble for IOSA CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 29

registry. But the overall safety record for Africa remains a problem that we must fix. African aviation - including non-IOSA carriers - accounts for about three per cent of global airline traffic. Last year it accounted for nearly half of the fatalities on Westernbuilt jets.

Conclusion Africa is the second most populous continent and home to an estimated one-seventh of the world’s population. Yet, it represents just three per cent of global airline traffic. This in many peoples’ view is seen as a tremendous opportunity. Other air markets have matured or are in

the process of maturing; for Africa, the future of aviation is still being created. The message today is that IATA is keeping and defending global standards at the core of the amazing industry. Experts said there is no reason why the next 100 years of commercial aviation cannot become Africa’s century of flight.

ir travel on its own is a hectic experience, even when everything goes according to plan. So when there is the added challenge of unexpected delays or cancellations, it starts to feel more like ‘living through hell’. In Nigeria, airlines are quick to cancel domestic flights on the grounds of factors such as extreme weather; mechanical malfunctions and workers strike actions. These continually throw the plans of thousands of travellers in the country into disarray. Arik Air, described as Nigeria’s biggest airline by aircraft size, is most guilty of this and the aviation regulatory body, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has decided to look the other way, pretending as if all is well with the country aviation sector. It is not as if other airlines do not cancel flights when there is bad weather or technical problems, but the way Arik has carried on leaves much to be desired. In the past two months, the airline has recorded more cancellations, delays, without a reasonable reason other than the excuse that aviation fuel is scare. That is not true. Is aviation fuel scarcity limited to Arik airline ONLY? Is there more to it than the alleged deception of scarcity of JET A1? A friend of mine, Stella Din Jacob had a harrowing experience in the hands of officials of the carrier when her visiting aged parents were to travel back to Jos. From flight delay, it eventually turned to cancellation. Their Arik flight scheduled to depart at noon was delayed till 6pm when the flight was eventually cancelled. All efforts to get reason for the cancellation could not yield fruit, as the officials whom Jacob described as arrogant and rude, could only come up with the excuse of fuel scarcity. Just last week, a similar scenario played out where over a hundred passengers were left stranded by the carrier. Kano bound passengers who had been issued with boarding passes got

the shock of their lives when the flight originally scheduled to depart at 3pm was rescheduled for 9pm. At exactly 9pm, the carrier announced outright cancellation of the flight. Passengers were furious as some of them left with another carrier for Kano. Others had to go back home or to their hotels. Incessant flight cancellation remains a challenge for airlines and demands for compensations by flyers seldom pitch distraught passengers against erring airlines. Albeit Nigeria regulatory authority, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) efforts to ameliorate and mediate in issues as they arise, passengers said there is more ground to cover by all those involved. Passengers’ satisfaction, no doubt, remains the basic impetus that holds the key to the successes of any airline business. When they complain of any unpleasant experience or ill treatment upon the purchase of a flight ticket(s) until they arrive at their destinations, they are guests of the airline and expect to be accorded due courtesies. Flight cancellations, especially one too many, be it mechanical or otherwise, rude flight attendants, poor in-flight services, delays and leaving passengers in the dark without information, as well numerous other bad deals is a pointer that the airlines may well be on its way to extinction or kiss the canvass if passengers’ complaints are ignored. A stakeholder once said, “Because the airlines know that most passengers are not aware that they have a right to complain and get financial compensation when they don’t get the right services, the airlines tend to get away with the unscrupulous act, violate passengers’ right and subject them to physical and financial trauma”. This is in spite of the NCAA regulations that spell out penalties for specific offences by airlines regarding flight delays and cancellations.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Interview Amosun’s free education policy counterproductive – ASUSS chair

Education

Campus AAUA law graduates initiate CSI-Media to help the needy

33 35

CONTEST

The race for the 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has reached its crescendo, as the authority is shopping for who succeeds Prof. ‘Tale Omole, who will bow out of office on June 24, ending his five-year single term.

Mojeed Alabi

s the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) shop for the 11th substantive ViceChancellor, key stakeholders in the university project are showing concern for who wears the crown to pilot the affair of ‘Great Ife’ as the institution is fondly called by its products and admirers. To its owners, parents, members of the university community and the alumni, the next vice-chancellor, who is expected to take over from Prof. Bamitale Idowu Omole, whose tenure expires next month, should not only fix the ivory tower in line with the dream and aspirations of its founding fathers, but should also take the university to the next level. The new vice-chancellor, apart from the task to further internationalise the institution, reposition it on the ladder and world map of excellence, the major concern should be the urgent need to address the challenges facing the university in the areas of provision of municipal facilities such as regular water and electricity supply and upgrading of infrastructure. Besides, he is expected to improve the research profile as well as the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base of the university, named after the late sage and Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; generate ideas that will move the institution forward; strengthen the existing relationship with the alumni, increase the linkage profile, resolve all infractions on campus, and to set the tone for quality leadership that will transform the university to maintain its lead in university education at home and the international front. As part of the moves to sustain the academic tradition and enduring legacy of the university, the alumni association few years ago, canvassed for the appointment of

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

Who becomes OAU’s 11th VC?

●Council/Senate committee to screen candidates April ●ASUU: Our role is ceremonial an alumnus of the institution to become the vice-chancellor. Omole, an alumnus of the university, who took over the baton of leadership of the institution from Prof. Michael Faborode, the Secretary to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and another alumnus, as the 10th vicechancellor, is set to bow out of office on June 24. To shop for a candidate for the job, the university management was said to have advertised the position in some national dailies few weeks ago, in line with the Federal Government-ASUU Agreement of 1999 (Renegotiated in 2009), which set the ball in motion on a level playing ground for all contenders for the esteemed position. Investigations by New Telegraph revealed that in line with tradition, the university’s Governing Council, led by its Pro-Chancellor Prof. Rowland Ndoma-Egba set up a Search Team, chaired by Prof. Ayodeji Agboola of the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Administration. Part of the terms of reference of the Search Team, according to a university source, was to search for competent and credible scholars, who might not ordinarily show interest in the race, but whom by virtue of their exposure and experience, could be advised and convinced to do so. “At the end of the team’s exercise, about 93 professors were sourced, but only two of them showed interest and applied to contest for the plum position,” the source said. Tracing the appointment of vicechancellors of the university, New

Omole, outgoing VC

At the end of the team’s exercise, about 93 professors were sourced...

Telegraph discovered that the outgoing vice-chancellor, would be the fourth to successfully hand over to a successor. According to a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the university, Dr. Olu Alabi, the other seven past vice-chancellors of the 54-year-old institution had their tenure cut short by one reason or the other. “Those that were not forced out of office by unfortunate circumstances or political intrigues voluntarily abandoned the office before the expiration of their terms,” he pointed out. The circumstance of the seemingly controversial exits of its many vice-chancellors might not be accidental after all, as the university was founded on the altar of protests against the recommendations of the Ashby Commission in the late 1950s, set up by the British Government, to review tertiary education needs of the soon-to-be-independent nation of Nigeria. In the race are a total of 12 candidates, who have indicated interest, with the duo of Prof. Afolabi Akindaunsi, Director of the International Office at the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), and one Prof. Charles Akinyokun, who are contesting the position from another university. The 10 other candidates in the race, in line with the aspiration of the Alumni Association, are from the university. They are the incumbent Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Ayobami Taofeek Salami, from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Sciences;

the former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Prof. (Mrs.) Olabisi Aina; former Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, and former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Yisa Kehinde Yusuff. Others include the former Dean of the Faculty of Education and two-term Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Prof. Alao Kayode; former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Anthony Enisan Akinlo; former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Prof. Ayo Ajayi and the faculty’s incumbent Dean, Prof. Bioye Tajudeen Aluko, among others. However, through its interfaced with the 12 candidates, the Governing Council, New Telegraph gathered, has shortlisted the first six, who are billed to face an interview session with the Council and the institution’s Senate Joint Committee between Thursday and Friday April 7 and 8. According to a source close to the Council, but who craved anonymity, the six candidates are Salami, who was said to have scored 100 per cent in the first stage grading; Ogunbodede (92 per cent); Akindahunsi (78 per cent); Akinyokun (66 per cent); Aina (64 per cent) and Akinlo (60 per cent). Meanwhile, the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has set up a committee to interact with the six candidates to understand their intended programmes and policies especially in connection with CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

education

JAMB registrar, Ojerinde must step aside for probe, group insists Mojeed Alabi

he Association of Tutorial School Owners, a body of school owners dedicated to the preparation of candidates for external examinations through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has called on the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, to step aside to allow independent investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the massive irregularities in this year’s examination. The group, which also called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe JAMB’s finances, said apart from drawing allocation from the Federal Government, the examination body still charges candidates ‘exorbitant fees.’ At a media briefing on behalf of the candidates, the National President of the association, Oludotun Sodunke, said while this year’s examination registration showed 2016/2017, the results sent to the candidates showed 2015/2016. He queried the rationale behind the award of 40 marks to candidates at random, saying JAMB could not have turned itself to ‘Father Christmas.’

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Don decries attitude towards History Kayode Olanrewaju

Professor of History at the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Akin Alao, has decried the poor level of recognition accorded History and other indigenous knowledge in the country. This is as the lecturer said that government at all levels in the country, and Africa by extension, should be blamed for their failure to accord indigenous knowledge its prime importance in the scheme of nation building and quest for socio-economic and political development. This was the thrust of his lecture, entitled: “Knowledge Production and Utilization in Africa: African Roots of Alternative Dispute Resolution System,” delivered at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), AdoEkiti. The Public Lecture was organised by the Faculty of Arts in honour of a foremost Professor of History, Gabriel Ishola Olomola. Extolling the virtues of Olomola, the Dean of the Faculty of Art of the state university, Prof. Oladipo Kolawole described him as an erudite Professor and an accomplished scholar whose story is indeed a huge success. Kolawole, in his two-page welcome address during the lec-

ture, further described Olomola as an epitome of discipline, selflessness, leadership, humility and good life. Olomola, a retired Professor is a former lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University and Ekiti State University for sev-

eral years before his retirement. However, in his lecture, Alao called for the adoption of African juristic thoughts and processes, which he said would produce egalitarian, peaceful progressive societies in Africa where peace and justice will

Junior Achievement Nigeria’s (JAN) Venture In Management Programme (VIMP) participants with JAN Alumni and Keynote Speaker, Mr. Zeal Akaraiwe, CEO Graeme Blaque Advisory and JAN Executive Director, Mrs Efua Edeh (Center). VIMP is a Mini-MBA for NYSC students in partnership with The Lagos Business School (LBS).

Research institutes protest exclusion from TETFund Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) has flayed the exclusion of research institutes from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions, particularly in the area of research

L-R: Branch Manager, Keystone Bank Plc, Birnin Kebbi branch, Ibrahim Waziri Umar; Vice Principal of Basaura Institute of Comprehensive Education, Kebbi, Ufuoma Komiti Oliver; PTA Chairman of the institute, Alhaji D. K. Wundu; Representative of JAN, Juliana Ogboka Abechi; Divisional Head, Keystone Bank, Sokoto branch, Hajia Safiya Mu’azu; Principal of the institute, Alhaji Ismail Oladoja; Branch Manager, Koko branch of the bank, Musibau Salawu; and some students of the institute at the just concluded National Financial Literacy Day organised by the bank held at the institute.

Gregory varsity students for US exchange programmes

lans have been concluded by the management of Gregory University, a private university located in Uturu, Abia State, to send some of the students to the United States of America this summer to participate in student exchange programme in two universities. According to the university Registrar, Dr. Austin Orisakwe, who broke the cheering news, the university is set to release two teams, comprising students and officials of the university for the summer exchange programmes at the Kennesaw State University, Georgia and Langston University,

reign supreme. According to him, if an African root of alternative dispute resolution system is adopted, it will produce situations where there will be little delays in the course of justice by eliminating unnecessary technicalities.

Oklahoma in the United States. The registrar said: “The exercise is in furtherance of our yearly exchange programme policy, which had since commenced in last summer with the students’ exchange programme at the Langston University, Oklahoma and The Opportunity Hub in Atlanta with resounding results. “Having perfected our partnership agreement with Kennesaw State University, we are, therefore, set to send another set of students and some faculty members to benefit from their rich academic profile that covers a wide range of disciplines at the universities.”

grant. Addressing a press conference in Abuja after a protest by members of the association, the Vice President of the association, Dr. Nnamdi Onunka, however, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to improve funding to research institutes as well as their allied colleges. He, particularly, called for an immediate review of the TETFund Act to extend the scope of intervention of the overflowing fund to research institutes. Onunka said the government should muster the political will to confront any opposition and do what is fair, just and exigent, regarding research funding which is sine qua non to averting the economic collapse of the country. He explained that the motive behind the protest and press conference was to call the attention of the Federal Government and the good people of Nigeria to the urgent need to stem the abject neglect of funding of research institutions, colleges of ag-

riculture and colleges of forestry in order to avert the imminent collapse of the nation’s economic. “Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has become one of the most controversial issues in the Nigerian media today... We decry and condemn the exclusion of research institutes, colleges of agriculture and colleges of forestry from TETFund allocation that the public universities and polytechnics are enjoying. On his part, the Secretary of the association, Dr. Theophilus Ndubuaku berated those criticising the standard of researches from Nigerian institutes, noting that such researches are of high standard and are being exported. During the protest, which took place at Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, members of the association carried placards with various inscriptions such as “What is needful to put Nigeria back to work is by paying attention to research institutes,” “No TETFund research, no budget for research which way Nigeria?”

NOUN VC set to rebrand varsity Mojeed Alabi

he newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, has promised to build on the legacy of his predecessors and reform the open and distance learning system. Adamu, who stated this while taking over the mantle of leadership of the institution from his predecessor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, at the Headquarters of the University in Lagos, said his vision for NOUN revolves around a new slogan, which

he abbreviated as ‘VERB,’ meaning: Vibrant, Energetic, Rearmed and Ballistic, as an internal slogan. In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Information, Dr. Ronke Ogunmakin, the new vice-chancellor reiterated his commitment to take education to the doorstep of every Nigerian, while ensuring the sustenance of the core values of accessibility, affordability and flexible learning for which NOUN is reputed. Earlier, Tenebe enjoined the principal officers to extend the hand of fellowship to the new helmsman in moving the university to greater

heights. Tenebe described Open and Distance Learning being championed by NOUN, as a child of necessity that must be collectively nurtured to bridge the admission gap created by the inability of conventional universities to provide university education to all Nigerians. Adamu hails from Kano State and holds a double professorship in Science Education (1997) and Media and Cultural Communication (2012) from Bayero University, Kano, where he was a lecturer until his appointment as vice-chancellor.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Amosun’s free education policy counterproductive – ASUSS chair Governor Ibikunle Amosun recently denied the alleged plan to concession the multi-billion naira model schools constructed across the state. What is your position on the model schools? Fingers, they say, are not equal. We, as a union, are not against the establishment of the model schools, but what we are trying to tell the state government is that they should renovate the existing schools; they should put them in proper position before establishing the model schools. Also, we cannot establish the model schools and employ fresh graduates instead of posting the experienced teachers to the schools. The experienced teachers from the existing schools should be redeployed to the model schools, because they are already on the field and they know better than the recruited teachers. Whether the schools are concessionaire or not, it is important that education development should be critical to the state government. The existing schools should be proper taken care of in terms of structures, teachers as well as the environment. When you go to the existing schools, you will see that the schools have been over-populated with leaking roof; no chairs and furniture for the students, there is no replacement for the retired teachers. The stand of the union is that the government should focus on the existing schools and when they are through with their renovation, they can focus on the model schools. What if the government should go ahead with its plan? The governor made us to understand that the model schools will not be concessionaire to anyone or organisation. But, let us wait and see what will happen because we have already made our position known to the state government that the existing schools should be proper taken care of before spending heavily on the model schools. And, he has assured us, but let us see what will happen at the end of the day. How would you assess the free education policy of the state government in terms of implementation? Let us call a spade a spade. There is no way a government can singlehandedly sponsor free education in the state or all over the world. The reason is that the population of students keeps increasing every day. When we look at Ogun State because of the free education policy, many parents have already abdicated their responsibilities to the teachers since they no longer buy educational materials for their children and wards, just because the state government is running free education. Besides, this has led to explosion of student population in public schools. If you go round the schools, we are confronted with over-population of students because of the free education policy of the government. Now, in schools we have two categories of students. One, we have students that are willing to study and those that are being

interview | education

Comrade Akeem Lasisi is the Chairman of Ogun State chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS). In this interview with KUNLE OLAYENI, he speaks on issues bordering on the current state of education in the state. forced to learn because education is free. Due to the free education policy of the government, the numbers of students who are forced to go to school are many because their parents no longer a dime. And this has affected the state of infrastructure in our schools, which have continued to decay and we have dilapidated walls all over the place. Even the roofs of the schools are now leaking. We need chairs and tables for students and teachers that is why we continue to appeal to the state government. The fact remains that no government can fund education solely if it wants to do the best. If students are allowed to pay education support levy and the PTA levy, the schools will be able to carry out minor projects and the government will be able concentrate fully on the recruitment of more teachers and the provision of infrastructure. Teachers are not opposing the free education policy, but the government cannot do it all alone. Parents should be given a clear definition of their financial role in the education of their children. That is monitoring and well-supervised role and that is why we have continued to appeal to the state government to reverse the optional PTA support levy, because if parents have something they contribute to the education of their children, they will be able to monitor the progress of their children in their various schools. But, what we have now is that parents no longer care about the education of their children and wards, and the reason for this is because they no longer pay. The governments are the ones paying the WAEC and NECO registration fees and this has made parents not to care whether their children pass or fail the examinations. If parents have been allowed to pay the PTA support levy, the schools will be able to embark on minor projects and this will make the government to concentrate on recruitment of more teachers and provision of instructional materials and facilities in the schools. The school authorities cannot run the schools effectively due to the over population of the students. In a classroom, we now have more than 100 students and as a result of this, it is difficult for the school authorities to manage the schools effectively. Although, in an ideal school situation, a teacher is supposed to have 40 students in a classroom, but now we are having more than 100 students in classroom. How can there be effective teaching in that learning environment?

Lasisi

The governor should show mercy and reconsider this teacher

In the state’s 2016 budget, over 20 per cent is allocated to the education sector. What in your view does this portend for the sector? The UNESCO has stipulated that 26 per cent of the nation’s total budget should be allocated to the educational sector. At this point, I will need to give kudos to the Ogun State Government, because the governor was able to allocate over 20 per cent of the state’s fiscal budget for 2016 to education when compared to other states of the federation, where little percentage of their budgetary allocation is voted to education development. But, it is one thing to allocate funds to education development, another thing is to implement and disburse the allocated funds for that purpose. We already made our stand known to the state’s Commissioner for Education and we believe the best will be done for the teachers and the system in general.

you have no right to comment on government policy based on public service rule. Mr. Adegbenro contradicted the public service rule. But the deed had already been done, like I said, but we appealed to the state government, we consulted eminent personalities in the state and even outside the state and for government to temper justice with mercy. As the case is now, it is left between Adegbenro and the state government and I will not want to comment on it because the information at our disposal was that the matter has been taken to the court. But we will continue to appeal to the state government; laws are made for human beings; human beings are not made for law. The governor should show mercy and reconsider this teacher; he has family, he has wife and he is the breadwinner of the family. We appeal to the government to allow the sleeping dog lie and reconsider him.

Sometimes last year, one of your members was relieved of his appointment over alleged offensive examination question. How far has your union gone on the matter? The issue of Mr. Jola Adegbenro was a very pathetic one. Even though the teacher appeared before the disciplinary committee set up by the government, but what the union observed was that the teacher in question did what he did in the bid to promote excellence of the profession. But be that as it may, the deed had already been done. I want to appeal to the entire community that when a situation such as that happened, they should allow the major stakeholders to speak on the matter. As a public servant, there are certain rules guiding the teaching profession, there are certain rules prohibiting a public servant on commenting on state policies. If you are a public servant,

Results of students who wrote common entrance and JSCE examinations in the state are usuallu delayed. What is your take on this? That is why those of us in the system will continue to laugh when the people are talking rubbish about the education development of the students. The society has continued to blame the teachers without looking at the rudiments of this problem. The major problem in the education system in the recent times in is the Junior WAEC. Ordinarily, for a student to be promoted to Senior School (SS I), it should be by choice. If the pupil’s IQ is low, he or she does not need to proceed to senior secondary school, and if his intelligence is in his hand and not in his brain, he doesn’t have to go to conventional senior secondary school, where they will be streamlined to either commercial, science or humanities class.

education | public discourse Queen’s College’s sexual harassment allegation

Oladejo: We’re only after justice

Mr. Sarafadeen Oladejo is the Chairman of the college’s chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).

e have read and listened to many Nigerians passing judgement even without trial. Such is expected in a country where social media has taken over the role of traditional media. But for clarification purpose, Queen’s College, Lagos is a reputable school and our association is not only bothered about the integrity of the institution

but the safety of the innocent kids in our care. However, the simple questions we have been asking without anyone ready to provide answers are; who is the accuser? Why should the accuser remain anonymous? Where did the blog owner get the information? All that we want is justice and fairness and not a mad rush to conclusion as we are presently experiencing. This is a teacher, who has been in the system for about 13 years without any official allegation against him be it on sexual harassment or something else. We quite understand there are some forces trying

to pull the college down for their selfish interest, but the spirit of the founders of this great citadel of learning will fight for the school. The unfortunate thing is that even among the old girls, who are busy making allegations on the pages of papers, have refused to come into the open. We will appreciate it if the accusers could come out of their hiding and supply us important information. All that we want is justice and nothing more. The accused has suffered public persecution and it would not be right if he is eventually not guilty of the alleged crime.

Oladapo: Police erred Mr. Olalekan Idowu Oladapo is a legal practitioner and Executive Director of an Abujabased non-governmental organisation- Lygel Youths and Leadership Initiatives (LYLI)

he alleged arrest and subsequent detention of Mr. Olaseni Osifala, the supposed defendant in this case of sexual harassment at the Queen’s College, Lagos, by the police is a violation of Osifala’s fundamental human rights. We have followed the matter very keenly at LYLI, and without jumping into conclusion, we want to emphatically state that Nigerian law does not recognise anonymous complainant. In fact, before an accused could be arrested, there is supposed to be an identified complainant, who would have approached the police and make statement which will automatically

inform the invitation of the accused. Even if arrest is made, under the law, the police cannot hold on to a defendant beyond 24 hours in an urban society, and 48 hours in the case of remote places where courts could not be located within the 40 kilometre radius to the police station. Arrest and detention of anyone on the basis of information on social media amounts to speculation and cannot stand in the face of law. So, if the Nigeria Police are still being guided by the nation’s law, it should understand that what allegedly happened in the case of this man is not only unjust, but an abuse

and any officer, who might have committed such must be taught a lesson. Meanwhile, LYLI will appreciate the accuser to come to the open for proper allegation. The person should know that it is not only in the interest of his or her daughter, but in the interest of millions of school girls out there who are being abused on daily basis by amorous and randy teachers. We must stem the rising cases of abuse of our girls, and LYLI will be on hand to support this war.

Adebusoye: Presumption of innocence important Mr. Ayo Adebusoye is a lawyer and a member of the Steering Committee of the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership.

e quite understand that there are lots of unreported abuses of our girls out there. And that is why we swung into action immediately we heard of the Queen’s College case. But, we are surprised that up till now there is no official report by any identifiable individual. We will like to assure whoever is concerned that Lagos State has the best policies and

programmes against domestic abuses and sexual harassment. One of such is the sexual offenders’ registry. But, why we preach presumption of innocence is the fact that if at the end of the day, the accused is found not guilty, what becomes of him. Today, there is a lot of slander going on and we cannot entirely blame the social media, but also our law enforcement agents who most times do not act and when they are pressured by the

society, they overact. I have been advising my friends against sharing every indictment they see on social media because those being accused are also fathers and mothers to some people, but we quickly forget that the accused could suffer from stigma particularly when he or she is not guilty after all. We hope we will get to the roots of this matter, if and only if the accuser will make himself or herself available to the security agents.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Okonkwo essay boosts students’ learning Kayode Olanrewaju

hirteen years after it was instituted, the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in the country, has continued to produce and nurture future leaders, who are imbued with national consciousness. This is as the entries for the 13th edition of the national essay competition for secondary school students has been flagged off. The entries for the yearly competition, which, according to the organisers opened yesterday, Monday March 28, is expected to end on May 27. The essay competition was instituted by the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, as part of the activities marking his birthday every year. This year’s edition, the 13th in its series, is to celebrate the 71st birthday of the Bishop. The topic for this year’s competition, which is open to students in secondary schools across the federation, is “The State of the Nigerian Nation: Redefining Our Values.” Part of the aims of the competition is to contribute meaningfully towards the growth of the nation’s education sector, and to sensitise the students by encouraging them to excel in their world by developing their ability to think through issues and make a change in their world at their tender age. “Over the years the competition has been very successful in helping the youths to develop analytical and problem-solving skills,” the organisers noted, saying like the previous years, the winner will smile home with a trophy, laptop, N100,000 cash and a plaque, while the school of the star winner will receive three Internet ready desktop computers and a printer. The first runner up will get a cash prize of N75,000 and a plaque, and the school will receive two Internet ready desktop computers and a printer; while the second runner

up will smile home with N50,000 cash prize and a plaque and the school gets an Internet ready computer and a printer. To qualify for the national essay competition, the entry essay must be a maximum of 2,000 words with the student’s passport photograph; full name and address, among others. According to the organisers, the essay should be submitted through email or by post to TREM International Headquarters, Obanikoro/ Anthony, Lagos. Winners of the Mike Okonkwo essay competition, which has spanned over a decade in developing and rewarding the writing skills of Nigerian youths towards national development, will be rewarded at the 17th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, which is scheduled for Thursday, September 1. As part of determination to contribute towards national development, Dr. Okonkwo annual lecture, which debuted in 2000 and the essay competition have grown to become a major contributor to government policies as it brings together experts and technocrats to discuss topical national issues. Besides, it is also to develop and nurture the writing skills of students in secondary schools, as well as to help them to become solution providers to the national challenges.

Okonkwo

Institute harps on diligence, self-discipline among students

he need for diligence and self-discipline has been stressed as the key to excellence among students. This was disclosed by the Director of Administration of Opral Benson Beauty Training Institute (OBBTI), Yaba, Lagos, Mr. Kehinde Ogundimu during the first batch of 2016 matriculation ceremony of the institute. No fewer than 35 students undertook the matriculation oath of the institute established 31 years ago, not only to equip and empower the younger ones professionally, create self-employment and career prospect, but also to complement efforts of the Lagos State Government and the country in particular in addressing employment needs of the people. Towards this end, Ogundimu counseled the students on the need to be focused, hard working, diligent and

disciplined, even as he admonished them to shun all forms of social vices that could truncate their ambition. He specifically appealed to the government at all levels and the organised private sector (OPS) to partner the institute in its efforts towards youth empowerment and capacity building as part of its contribution to address the rising rate of unemployment in the country. “I want to also advise the youth to key into skill acquisition and capacity building programme that will make them self-reliant and employers of labour, rather than job seekers,” the director added. Meanwhile, the Founder and Proprietress of the institute, Chief Opral Mason Benson, urged the matriculating students to be dedicated to their training, saying this is the main attribute for achieving excellence in life.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

campus

Al-Qalam varsity admits students, cautions on bad conduct

f the Vice-Chancellor, AlQalam University, Katsina, Katsina State, Prof. Shehu Ado Garki has his way, adequate security on campus will be top priority of his administration. This is as the vice-chancellor pledged to ensure adequate security of lives and property at the institution. He made the pledge during the matriculation ceremony of the institution, where no fewer than 1,320 fresh students undertook the oath of allegiance of the university, to obey its rules and regulations. Garki, who assured parents and guardians of the safety of their children and wards, however, disclosed that the institution is collaborating with security agencies in the state with a view to ensuring effective policing and security of students and all other members of the university community. While admonishing the students to be law abiding and to be good ambassadors of the university, the vice-chancellor reminded them of the need to keep faith with ethical and moral standards in line with the aspirations of the founders of the institution. Garki, who insisted that the Ivory Tower has zero tolerance for bad conduct, such as examination malpractice, indecent dressing, gansterism and other forms of anti-social behaviour, said the institution will not tolerate acts of indiscipline including drug addiction, vandalism, sexual harassment and threat to lives, which he classified as gross misconduct.

‘Varsities are pivotal to national development’ Franklin Onwubiko and Dimson Chukwuemeka UNIZIK

ndications are rife that Nigerian universities have the pre-requisite and capacity to pilot and champion the much orchestrated national development through the diversification of the economy. This is if the level and quality of the array of research products exhibited by the Ivory Towers at the just concluded sixth Nigerian Universities Research and Development Fair (NURESDEF), hosted by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), especially with development in the area of science and technology is anything to go by. No fewer than 50 Nigerians universities participated in the research fair, where the research projects by the various

Union decries non-implementation of confab report

Richard Enake UNIBEN

lmost two years after the report of the National Conference was submitted to the former administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Students’ Union of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), is not happy that the recommendations are yet to be implemented. The confab, which drew delegates from the diverse interest groups across the country, was convened in June 2014, by the President Jonathan administration to deliberate on the way forward for Nigeria. According to the union, the conference came up with several potent resolutions and recommendations, that if implemented are capable of addressing the challenges confronting the country and its people.

The students, who bemoaned the long silence and lack of attention trailing the recommendations, pointed out that the seeming silence on the recommendations, wondered why the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to accord the conference report the attention it deserved. “It is almost two years that about 492 eminent men and women representing various interest groupings and nationalities in the country gathered in Abuja, to chart a course for the progress of the country,” the union added. Faced with this challenge, the University of Benin community, last week, converged at the Banquet Hall of the university to interface with some of delegates to the National Confab, where they raised some salient questions about the recommendations of the confab report.

universities, attracted wide attention and patronage. The Theatre and Performing Arts Department, as well as the Music Department of the host university, were on hand to trill the audience and add glamour to the event. The exhibition covered Life Sciences and Medicine, Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Science and Technology and Arts and Humanities. Declaring the exhibition open, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka challenged Nigerian universities to take the lead in the quest for the diversification of economy with regards to research and innovations that will move the nation forward. “The government has declared the urgent need for diversification of the economy, and the momentum is expected from the universities,” An-

wuka said, adding that universities should create mean to commercialise their research development and services. He, however, noted that manufacturers and industry should be engaged in research fairs as this will go a long way in bridging the gap between researchers and manufacturers, who might be interested in their research products. The minister assured the universities of the support of the ministry in this direction, even as Anwuka reiterated the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to education as expressed in the 2016 budget, where the sector got the lion’s share. To buttress Anwuka’s position, his counterpart in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Prof. Ogbonnaya Onu, attributed the nation’s slow pace of development to

failure of the universities to commercialize their research outputs. The minister, who was represented by Dr. Charles Agulanna noted that for Nigeria to have effective commercialisation of its research products, there is need for rapid technological innovations, effective strategy management of knowledge and clear focus on value in addition to raw materials, goods and services through sustainable industrial outfits. On his part, the Secretary, Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Michael Faborode lauded the universities for attaching great importance to research, even as he advised them to patent their research work and find ways to commercialize them instead of allowing these innovations to remain moribund in their respective institutions.

Anwuka (far left), Ahaneku (2nd left) and other delegates inspecting the shuttles designed and constructed by UNIZIK students.

AAUA law graduates initiate CSI-Media to help the needy

Adaran

Dayo Ojerinde AAUA

hey all have a vision: A vision to assist the less-privileged, put smiles to their faces and to make the society a better place for all and sundry. That was the vision of four Law graduates of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Toyosi Ayeleso, Tomiwa Adaran, Olaleke Oni and Busayo Ojewale, who are behind CSI Events-Media, their pet project. Determined to help the less-privileged in the society, the quadruple, who initiated the CSI-Media as un-

Ojewale

dergraduates, said that the main focus was to use the proceeds from the event planning outfit to assist orphans and the needy. The Law graduates, who had been called to the Bar, after completing the Nigerian Law School programme, recalled how they formed a group, in which they contributed part of their little pocket money to help the needy. “We were doing this with our little pocket money as students, visiting the Schools for the Physically Challenged, less-privileged and orphanage homes to donate cash and materials,” they said. What began like a child play on campus to add value and class to

event on campus by bringing ‘Red Carpet Glitz’ to events, has today become a household name in the event management industry. According to them, they were doing this using the little income we realised to bring smiles to the faces of the poor in the society. Speaking on the motive behind CSI Media, the Brand Strategy Manager and a principal partner of the group, Ayeleso recalled: “We wanted to bring smiles to the faces of the less-privileged in our immediate community using our little resources, but when we realised we could no longer sustain it because of our little pocket money, the four of us came together to initiate the novel idea that served as a social enterprise where we generated funds for the purpose. “As lawyers, the four of us are partners of the brand for which we raise funds through the red carpet glitz to add value to events.” Instead of engaging in mundane things, Adaran said the CSIMedia began with the red carpet glam into corporate and social events as novelty was of enhancing and adding value to events through innovative strategies that have really worked.

education

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Race for OAU VCship thickens

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

staff welfare and researches. This is even as the union noted that its role in the appointment process is only ceremonial, and therefore, had suggested that the FGNASUU agreement be renegotiated to take into consideration legal role for the union. It was gathered that the union, after its congress on March 15, received reports from some of its members in the Governing Council, and concluded that the university Council acted within its powers in shortlisting the six candidates. The union, therefore, appointed Prof. Saturday Obiyan, the Head of Department of Political Science, to chair a five-man committee saddled with the responsibility to organise and drive the interaction process. Prof. Salami, who led in the first stage, until his appointment as the deputy vice-chancellor, was the Head of the Space Applications and Environmental Science Laboratory (SPAEL) and Coordinator, Climate Modeling Unit, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies of the university. He also served as the Director of the Institute of Ecology from 2006 to 2010. An alumnus of the university (known then as the University of Ife), he graduated with a B.Sc degree (Second Class Upper Division) in 1986 and obtained M.Sc degree from the same institution in 1989 with a specialty in Land Use and Natural Resources Management. Salami obtained his Ph.D degree from the same university in 1996, having obtained, in 1990, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Remote Sensing Applications: Training in Environmental Data Generation/ Handling and Geographic Information System. A widely travelled academic, Salami, who was appointed a Professor on October 1, 2003, was the Secretary of the university’s branch of ASUU between 2000 and 2002, and two-term member of OAU Governing Council from 2003 to 2007. Prof. Anthony Enisan

Salami

Akinlo is a Professor of Economics, with a PhD in Monetary and Development Economics from the university in 1995. He joined the university in

Akinyokun

1990 and rose to the rank of a Professor in 2000. He has over 100 publications in the areas of reforms and growth. Akinlo has served the university in various capacities, which include as Head, Department of Economics (2002 to 2006); Director of Centre for Industrial Research and Development (now Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies) between 2007 and 2011; and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. He has participated in many international sponsored research works and carried out consultancies for organisations such as IDRC, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Institute of Developing Economies (IDE), Population Research Fund (NPF) and UNDP. Also on the list of contenders for the plum position is Prof. Olabisi Aina, a female who obtained her B.Sc in Sociology/Anthropology at the then University of Ife in 1979 and M.Phil (Sociology/Anthropology) at the same university in1985. She obtained her Ph.D also in Sociology/Anthropology at the university in 1992, and was appointed a Professor about a decade after. The only female among the candidates, she obtained Certificate in Gender Policy and Planning from the University College, London in 1996 and specialised in the area of Gender Studies. Her various academic works include Gender Policy and Planning Frameworks; Trainer in Gender Diagnosis/Analysis and Gender Mainstreaming; Gender, Sexuality, Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS; Gender and Domestic Violence; Gender, Conflict and Peacekeeping; Gender Equality in the workplace; Gender and Poverty; Gender and Human Rights Issues (including the rights of the child), among several others. Oluwole Charles Akinyokun, a Professor of Software Engineering, is an alumnus of the university, where he graduated in 1979 and PhD in Computing Studies with specialization in Distributed Database System from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom in 1984 on Commonwealth Scholarship. Born on June 1954 at Idanre in Ondo State, he began his teaching career at the Oba-

femi Awolowo University in October 1985 as a Lecturer I and moved to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in September 1987 as a Senior Lecturer. He became a Reader in October 1992 and Professor of Software Engineering in October 1995. A Commonwealth Scholar and a Fellow of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Fellow of International Chartered World Learning Society (ICWLS), member of the Computer Professional (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN), Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), British Computer Society (BCS) and American Computing Machinery (ACM), Akinyokun is a one-time Nigerian Representative in the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Technical Committee on Artificial Intelligence between 1992 and 1996. Akinyokun attracted NCR Nigeria Limited Endowment Fund on Computer Networks facilities to FUTA in 1990; First Bank of Nigeria Endowment Fund on Computer Science Professorial Chair to FUTA in 1997; Central Bank of Nigeria Endowment Fund on Computer Resource Centre to FUTA in 2002; University of Calgary, Canada Intervention on IT Infrastructure and Capacity Building to FUTA in 2005; AfriHub Nigeria Limited Intervention on IT Infrastructure and Capacity Building to Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State in 2006; ETF Special Intervention Fund on ICT Centre to Federal Polytechnic Ede,

Aina

Ede, Osun State; ETF Special Intervention Fund on Digital Resource Centre, to FUTA and NITDA Intervention on Capacity Building and infrastructure to FUTA in 2010. On the list of vice-chancellors that have severed the university since its establishment are Prof. Oladele Ajose (1962–1966); Prof. Hezikiah Oluwasanmi (1966–1975); Prof. Ojetunji Aboyade (1975–1978); Prof. Cyril Onwumechili (1979–1982); Prof. Wande Abimbola (1982–89). Others are Prof. Adeniyi Osuntogun (1990–1991); Prof. Wale Omole (1991–1999); Prof. Roger Makanjuola (1999–2006); Prof. Michael Faborode (2006–2011) and the outgoing, Prof. Bamitale Omole.

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)  Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre

for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

Learning, unlearning and relearning

n June 12, 2007, I found myself as a speaker at the pre-departure workshop organised by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy at Victoria Island, Lagos, for the 2007/2008 Exchange Grantees. Though my presentation was captioned “Between The US And Us: (T)here You Go,” I dwelled more on the opportunities the Fulbright and other US exchange programmes offer anyone to learn, unlearn and relearn drawing from my own experience, having returned a year earlier. A few years after, I came across Alvin Toffler’s quote, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” The striking quote would later become the crux of the “The 21st Century Illiterates,” which appeared in this column on Wednesday April 9, 2014. Dear friend, there should be a symbiotic relationship among learning, unlearning and relearning, though emphasis is often on the first. The whole essence of formal education is learning, as evident in many mottoes of our schools and institutions. However, our contemporary reality has shown that while not de-emphasising learning, unlearning and relearning have to be taken with equal seriousness. Basically, learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, information, skills and attitudes – a life-long phenomenon or a “fromthe-cradle-to-the-grave” affair, as the Teacher, Muhammad (PBUH), described it. Its continuous and refreshing dimension once made Henry Ford to submit: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” Unlearning, on the other hand, is the process of discarding deeplyheld beliefs and notions about people and phenomena through conscious and continuous (re)learning. For instance, no ethnic group is “bad”. No religion is “evil”. We have all been fed with tissues of lies based on bias and prejudice to such extent that we hold mere sentiments as truth. As Phillip Emeagwali memorably said, even our notion of “history” is nothing more than “his story”, meaning someone’s version of what actually happened. Relearning, meanwhile, is the process of creating new understanding and attitudes around the concepts and issues we already know. We only see our true selves reflected in others. So, whatever has been learnt can be relearnt in a different way, which is the essence of (re)training. The triad of learning, unlearning and relearning is significant to our collective peace. There is so much bile, so much hatred, so much prejudice, so much wick-

We’ve learnt so much trash and vermin edness and so much inhumanity around us. However, those who perpetrate these atrocities are not necessarily people without knowledge; they may even be “learned”. Here, there are irresponsible leaders with good degrees occupying positions of responsibility. They stoke violence having failed to unlearn the “do or die” political mentality. They are consumed by the allure of power without learning from the unfolding experiences of yesterday’s men of power and influence. In the US, there is a presidential hopeful who encourages his millions of supporters to physically attack those who disagree with him. As Hillary Clinton submits, “Donald Trump is running a cynical campaign of hate and fear. He is encouraging violence and chaos. He is pitting Americans against each other.” But “love trumps hate”! We have learnt so much over the years but we have not learnt the lessons of history, relearnt our values and unlearnt our bigotry. The late American comedian, Georg Carlin (1937-2008), jolted us to sense when he said: “We’ve cleaned up the air but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever but we communicate less and less.” In this state of “civilised ignorance”, how can we have peace of mind? We’ve learnt so much trash and vermin. Let us begin to unlearn them all. Let us relearn the positive things we have learnt. Let us live to learn and learn to live like human beings, not like beasts that are just obsessed with attacking, destroying and killing.

Re: Dada’s magic wand The nation that fails to embrace academic excellence will always struggle to attain educational and economic advancement. The Philippines is thriving due to the export of its human resources such as nurses, doctors, engineers, to developing and developed countries in a continuous manifestation of how education is taken seriously. Ayodele Dada is a hero that deserves special attention above those immorality-preaching celebrities who are perceived as role models and heroes of sort by the brainwashed youths. I urge the government to pay serious attention to the likes of Ayodele Dada to reduce brain drain syndrome in our country. –Aina Akindele Oyebanji, Ketu, Lagos State.

BUSINESS |Money Line

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

STRATEGY Part of the strategy has been to identify key sectors and industries that will drive growth and curtail excessive forex demand Wole Shadare

he claim by airlines that scarcity of foreign exchange has made their operations difficult has been debunked, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed it has been selling to carriers through their banks. The apex bank noted that part of the strategy has been to identify key sectors and indus-

CBN debunks restriction of forex to airlines

●Flays astronomical fares by foreign carriers tries that will drive growth and curtail excessive forex demand, adding that airlines have been buying through their banks at the interbank rate. Spokesman for the CBN, Isaac Okoroafor, said: “I am sure if you go through the published statements of sale by the banks you will find this. What is not possible now however, is for CBN to meet just any demand by some of these airlines.” He corroborated the position of the outgoing President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Alhaji Aminu Agoha on the astronomical cost of air tickets

especially by foreign airlines. Buttressing his claim, he said a look at the advertised airfares of these airlines, shows a huge hike in flight tickets by almost 100 per cent, describing it as curious despite easy access to foreign exchange made available to them. His words, “ Is it not curious to note that some of them have their business class fares as low as about N600,000, while others put theirs at close to N2 millon. Can you imagine that? We all need to understand that there’s no way we will collect all our reserves to satisfy just few businesses while other ones suffer.

N1,000 notes shortage hampers banks’ ATM services Tony Chukwunyem

he shortage of N1, 000 notes, which hit the banking system last December, has been blamed for the poor Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) services experienced by some bank customers during the Easter holidays. An official of a mid-sized bank told New Telegraph in Lagos that the shortage of the N1,000 notes led to bank branches rationing the denomination and resulted in ATMs being loaded with mostly N500 notes. According to the official, “The shortage of N1,000 notes is real. We have been told not pay out the denomination unless those that have been

sorted. Also, we have had to configure our ATM cassettes to make the N500 notes the highest denomination dispensed by the machine.” The official explained that loading ATMs with N500 notes instead of the N1,000 denomination resulted in the machines quickly running out of cash, thereby preventing some customers from withdrawing their money at the particular time that they need it. “Usually, we prefer to load the ATMs with N1,000 notes because with this denomination, we can stock more cash in the machines and the inconveniences faced by customers not being able to access their money are significantly re-

duced,” the bank official said. He disclosed that the shortage of the N1,000 notes was first experienced by bank branches in Abuja in December, adding that the scarcity has now hit many bank branches in Lagos. According to him, there is speculation that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may have significantly reduced the amount of N1,000 notes that it usually issues. Attempts to get the apex bank’s reaction were not successful. But an industry source who confirmed the N1,000 notes shortage, said that the development could be part of the CBN’s strategy to control the quantity of money in circulation.

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 12 10.77 US$49.19 US$27,888,285,805

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 Feb, 2016 23/03/2016 Mar 2015 28/3/2016 21/3/2016

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 105.09 114.62 112.80 120.23 109.80 100.57 84.13 98.25

1.09 3.26 3.89 5.84 7.97 9.83 14.33 18.32

NIBOR

Rate (%) 13.6300 10.2818 11.8876 13.0042

Bid Yield 10.04 10.57 11.37 11.53 12.24 12.39 12.39 12.39

Change (%) 6.20 ▲ 1.07 ▲ 1.42 ▲ 1.23 ▲

Change (%) -0.44 ▼ -0.20 ▼ -0.15 ▼ -0.20 ▼ -0.16 ▼ -0.13 ▼ -0.13 ▼ -0.13 ▼

Price 105.24 114.92 113.10 120.53 110.10 100.87 84.43 98.55

Tenor (Months)

NITTY

Rate (%) 5.8052 6.1136 7.0476 8.4058 8.5506 10.1010

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 9.90 10.47 11.28 11.46 12.18 12.34 12.34 12.34

Change (%) -0.44 ▼ -0.20 ▼ -0.14 ▼ -0.20 ▼ -0.16 ▼ -0.13 ▼ -0.13 ▼ -0.13 ▼ Change (%) -0.30 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.50 ▲ 0.33 ▲ 0.36 ▲ 1.43 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) Change (%) 7.17 7.30 0.28 ▲ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 12.75 6.00 ▲ 23-Jun-16 7.42 7.55 0.28 ▲ 22-Sep-16 8.24 7.99 8.32 -0.38 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 13.33 6.00 ▲ 8.59 -0.38 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.08 9.96 -0.05 ▼ 8.83 9.66 -0.05 ▼

Spot($/N)

Bid 198.45

Offer 198.55

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

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 (%) 0.00 ↔

“I don’t know where they got the number of 2000 workers they are parodying but this threat to sack workers is very unfair and this seeming blackmail is not going to print dollars overnight.” New Telegraph had exclusively reported recently that some foreign airlines had concluded cutting down on their staff strength while others are said to reducing the number of flights coming into the country. They claimed that the difficulty in repatriating their huge money out of the country totalling over $1 billion could force them to take the decision. Agoha stated that the alarming and dangerous situation needs an urgent attention, adding that the travel industry is fast losing revenue, while trav-

el agencies are closing shops. To him, job losses in the travel sector would further increase the number of unemployment figure in the country with the added dangers that comes with unemployment. He called on the Federal Government to urgently look into this situation with a view to rectifying it. He stated that already, as a result of that, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airline are taking desperate measures by removing lower fares from their display and offering same to travel agencies that are able to remit funds to them in United States dollars. “Other airlines are threatening to follow suit. We at NANTA are very worried about this situation and would like the Federal Government to call the erring airlines to order as the legal currency for trading in Nigeria is the Naira.”

Sterling Bank partners AUDAX on coding programme

s part of its One Education initiative, Sterling Bank has announced its partnership with AUDAX Code School, an e-learning, training, and assessment solutions company for the 2016 Coding programme. The programme according to a statement from the lender’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola, is designed to improve digital literacy through coding in a fun and collaborative environment for primary and secondary school students in Nigeria. He noted that the objectives of the exercise are to bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria; empower children and teachers in both rural and urban areas; foster creativity and creative thinking skills through information and commu-

nications technology learning and encourage careers of underprivileged youth through Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. Atilola stated that the bank remains committed to the Code School initiative and other similar projects by like-minded institutions who continue to advance the development of human capital especially among the youth in the country. His words: “We are particularly delighted to support this project. It would be recalled that the Bank had in the past, partnered with the company to organize the Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) Hour of Code and a free Boot Camp for kids and adults to spread awareness of the need for computer science education among the youth.”

Largarde’s deputy gets second term

he International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) second-in-command, David Lipton, a former top official in the Obama and Clinton administrations, is poised to serve another five years at the crisis lender under the recently extended leadership of Managing Director, Christine Lagarde. Lagarde proposed that Lipton be reappointed as first deputy managing director for a second term starting September 1, according to a statement Monday from the Washington-based IMF. He assumed the position in 2011. Lagarde was reappointed last month for a second five-year term as managing director beginning in July after no one was nominated to oppose her. Lipton’s reappointment ensures that the U.S., which is the IMF’s biggest share-

holder and wields veto power over major decisions, will continue to hold a strong voice within the institution’s management. However, a Republican victory in the U.S. presidential election in November could present a challenge for Lipton, whose background in Democratic administrations may be at odds with the new policy direction of the White House. Lipton previously served as White House senior director for international economic affairs under President Barack Obama, and was undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department under Bill Clinton. He has also been a managing director at Citigroup Inc. and worked at hedge fund Moore Capital Management. He has a Ph.D from Harvard University.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Financial Market News FMDQ Daily Quotations List

24-Mar-16

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 13.05 16-AUG-2016 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 12.40 18-MAR-2036

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 12.50 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493 12.40

581.39 480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 556.93 605.31 719.99 155.84 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 40.00

16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 22-Jan-26 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34 18-Mar-36

0.40 1.09 1.34 1.44 2.18 3.26 3.58 3.89 5.84 7.97 9.83 12.68 13.16 13.66 14.33 18.32 19.98

8.20 10.04 10.06 10.13 10.35 10.57 11.09 11.37 11.53 12.24 12.39 12.81 12.80 12.78 12.39 12.39 12.65

7.82 9.90 9.94 10.02 10.27 10.47 10.97 11.28 11.46 12.18 12.34 12.77 12.75 12.72 12.34 12.34 12.61

101.83 105.09 99.72 98.97 100.64 114.62 88.17 112.80 120.23 109.80 100.57 113.48 98.02 72.64 84.13 98.25 98.19

101.98 105.24 99.87 99.12 100.79 114.92 88.47 113.10 120.53 110.10 100.87 113.78 98.32 72.94 84.43 98.55 98.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6,237.28

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

6,417.50

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

6192.277269

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.60

2.94

11.79

103.11

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

0.27 0.27 1.07 0.79 1.77 1.36 1.38 1.56 1.57 1.75 1.97 3.66 2.14 4.68 4.77 2.81 2.83 3.97 3.62 3.64 4.03 6.46 3.74

4.46 3.48 1.00 5.71 3.21 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 1.00 2.02 1.98 4.35 1.30 3.76 3.76 1.00 1.52 3.67 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

12.17 11.19 10.85 15.01 13.46 11.08 11.09 14.02 13.76 11.24 12.32 13.16 14.69 12.94 15.40 14.27 11.52 12.42 14.80 12.16 13.62 13.59 14.32

100.37 101.02 99.15 99.04 100.77 103.51 103.52 100.58 100.27 106.43 105.22 103.73 100.10 101.88 98.60 100.43 107.88 107.92 104.38 111.96 110.20 113.70 107.13

29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 30-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 06-Nov-20 14-Nov-20 04-Dec-20 20-Nov-21 30-Dec-21 13-May-22 26-Oct-22 30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24 29-Jul-30

0.52 0.59 0.71 1.07 1.28 1.52 0.97 1.04 1.46 1.46 2.52 1.32 1.65 1.77 2.37 4.64 3.14 5.66 5.77 6.13 4.31 8.52 8.52 9.65

1.00 1.34 1.00 6.96 6.41 2.36 1.88 3.15 6.35 1.00 1.17 6.17 6.11 3.28 4.47 1.00 3.55 2.48 1.00 4.63 2.77 1.00 1.00 1.00

9.64 10.15 10.09 16.81 16.42 12.55 11.61 12.98 16.50 11.15 11.60 16.21 16.33 13.53 14.87 12.64 14.23 14.21 12.75 16.49 14.39 13.81 13.81 13.91

101.64 102.26 103.89 99.67 100.01 100.60 106.41 102.77 101.78 106.23 105.10 99.43 102.24 103.68 100.21 108.93 102.99 100.11 114.74 99.91 104.84 112.22 97.26 104.95

10-Oct-20

2.57

3.37

13.82

101.89

Agency Bonds Nil

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.20

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1.24

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

*BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14 09-Dec-14 17-Feb-15 27-Feb-15 30-Mar-15 01-Apr-15 27-May-15

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00 15.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

1.30 2.05 57.00 16.45 25.00 27.25 4.91 10.98 8.14 21.68 13.87 80.00 21.65 87.50 5.00 4.03 4.04 14.37 4.39 4.53 27.10 3.00 7.68

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

451.93 465.36

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

NAHCO FSDH ***LCRM UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r} *FCMB NAHCO *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC *FCMB UBA FIDELITY *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC *NMRC

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 16.48 FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022 16.00 TRANSCORP 26-OCT-2022 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 14.90 NMRC 29-JUL-2030

29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 30-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 06-Nov-15 14-Nov-13 04-Dec-15 20-Nov-14 30-Dec-14 13-May-15 26-Oct-15 30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14 29-Jul-15

13.00 14.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 18.00 16.00 15.00 15.25 15.50 14.25 16.45 16.48 16.00 16.29 13.25 14.90

15.00 5.53 112.22 116.70 66.49 20.00 0.46 4.50 1.82 0.50 35.00 1.80 0.27 4.50 23.19 2.05 9.76 26.00 30.50 30.00 10.00 0.10 15.44 7.90

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

539.73

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

551.85

Sukuk BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

10-Oct-13

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

14.75

9.77

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

9.77

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

9.95

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

1.89

1.00

9.51

101.15

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

*AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

3.11

1.00

10.60

101.64

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 25.30 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Outstanding Value ($’mm)

Coupon (%)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

7.82

7.54

95.74

96.83

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

6.01

5.58

98.13

99.03

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.98

7.78

91.26

92.28

99.31

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,425.67

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

373.41

19-May-16

12.32

99.31

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

9.45

97.31

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

19.78

18.60

78.57

80.26

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

8.39

94.50

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

9.47

91.60

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

15.49

14.24

83.68

86.43

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

8.25 AUG 07, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

07-Aug-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

07-Aug-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

13.32 13.83 14.69

83.10 83.00 75.28

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

12.23

11.76

84.88

86.63

DTM

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Discount Rate (%)

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

08-Nov-18

8.39

3,523.41 3,082.71 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Yield @ Issue (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Commercial Papers Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP II 4-MAY-16

04-Nov-15

13.25

7.23

04-May-16

6.03

12.41

12.24

Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

04-Nov-15

13.75

2.77

29-Jul-16

127

6.18

14.19

13.53

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.00

**TREASURY BILLS^ DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 56 63 70

FIXINGS Maturity 31-Mar-16 7-Apr-16 14-Apr-16 21-Apr-16 28-Apr-16 5-May-16 19-May-16 26-May-16 2-Jun-16

Bid Discount (%) 5.09 6.13 5.46 5.94 5.20 6.56 6.70 5.44 7.59

Offer Discount (%) 4.84 5.88 5.21 5.69 4.95 6.31 6.45 5.19 7.34

Bid Yield (%) 5.09 6.14 5.47 5.97 5.23 6.61 6.76 5.49 7.70

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 13.6300 10.2818 11.8876 13.0042

Rate (%)

OBB

12.75

O/N

13.33

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 14.00 12.50 13.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

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

198.45 199.12 199.78 200.66 201.16 205.59 213.53

198.55 199.63 200.10 201.00 201.58 206.13 214.45

10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 12.40 18-MAR-2036

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

10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 16.39 14.20 12.50 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493 12.40

300.00 351.30 233.90 556.93 605.31 719.99 155.84 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 40.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 22-Jan-26 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34 18-Mar-36

2.18 3.26 3.58 3.89 5.84 7.97 9.83 12.68 13.16 13.66 14.33 18.32 19.98

10.35 10.57 11.09 11.37 11.53 12.24 12.39 12.81 12.80 12.78 12.39 12.39 12.65

10.27 10.47 10.97 11.28 11.46 12.18 12.34 12.77 12.75 12.72 12.34 12.34 12.61

6,237.28

100.64 114.62 88.17 112.80 120.23 109.80 100.57 113.48 98.02 72.64 84.13 98.25 98.19

100.79 114.92 88.47 113.10 120.53 110.10 100.87 113.78 98.32 72.94 84.43 98.55 98.49

6192.277269

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION NEW TELEGRAPH

6,417.50

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.60

2.94

11.79

103.11

‘Low prices of stocks present investors opportunity’ Agency Bonds

Nil

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.20

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1.24

Sub-National Bonds

30-Jun-11 record significant 14.00 1.30 30-Jun-16 0.27 the capi4.46 12.17 expect that 100.37as the BENUE 30-JUN-2016 Mike Eze,14.00has said that said the market was ripe apprecican only recoup “We 30-Jun-09 15.50 2.05 30-Jun-16 0.27 3.48 11.19 101.02 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 the current of for investment going by their investments. year10.85 progresses,99.15 with no tal19-Apr-17 invested,” Eze 19-Apr-10 ation on 10.00 57.00 1.07 said. 1.00 10.00low LAGOSprices 19-APR-2017 30-Jun-10 13.75 16.45 30-Jun-17 0.79 5.71 15.01 99.04 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 stocks present investors the current low prices of “Because with the litThe Chief Executive or low levels of violence, a Domestic investors 31-Dec-10 14.00 25.00 31-Dec-17 1.77 3.21 13.46 100.77 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 30-Sep-11 tle amount 14.00 of funds 27.25 30-Sep-18 of the 1.36 1.00 11.08 grip on the 103.51 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 you Officer Nigerian opportunity to respond stocks, adding that this tighter securi04-Oct-11 14.00 4.91 04-Oct-18 1.38 1.00 11.09 103.52 advised to leverage 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 Stock Exchange (NSE), to experts’ advice and was the perfect opportularge quantity ty situation in north-east09-Dec-11 will buy 14.50 10.98 09-Dec-18 1.56 3.82 14.02 100.58 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 12-Dec-13 14.00 8.14 12-Dec-18 1.57 3.56 13.76 100.27 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 on the current low of penny stocks or21.68low Mr. invest in 15.50 theONDO market de- nity for investors to stake Oscar Onyema, had ern 11.24 Nigeria, and a more 14-Feb-12 15.50 14-Feb-19 1.75 1.00 106.43 14-FEB-2019 02-Oct-12 15.50 13.87 02-Oct-19 1.97 2.02 12.32 105.22 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 spite recurrent losses in their funds in the market. price stocks, and that enadvised investors to take certain macroeconomic prices of stocks for 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 22-Nov-12 14.50 80.00 22-Nov-19 3.66 1.98 13.16 103.73 12-Dec-12 hances your 14.75 21.65 12-Dec-19 4.35 14.69 for oil prices, 100.10 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 the recent14.75 time. Eze said: “This is the position as a advantage of2.14the low outlook infuture gains 27-Nov-13 13.50 87.50 27-Nov-20 4.68 1.30 12.94 101.88 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 He also called on do- right time for investors31-Dec-13 to shareholder. If such5.00 com- prices of equities and interest rates and the 15.00 31-Dec-20 4.77 3.76 15.40 98.60 naira, 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 31-Dec-13 14.50 4.03 31-Dec-20 2.81 3.76 100.43 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 vest in the market. mestic investors in the take part in the equities panies declare dividends, the 14.27 market’s attractive06-Jan-14 15.00 4.04 06-Jan-21 2.83 1.00 11.52 107.88 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 09-Dec-14 15.50 14.37 09-Dec-21 3.97 1.52 12.42 107.92rather 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021to nation’s capital market market, with the prices of the shareholder will earn “Although many anness could improve Stories by Chris Ugwu 17-Feb-15 16.50 4.39 16-Feb-22 3.62 3.67 14.80 104.38 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 leverage 16.50 on BENUE the 27-FEB-2022 current shares at their lowest levticipate significantly .” 111.96 27-Feb-15 sumptuous 16.50 dividend. 4.53 27-Feb-22 volatility 3.64 through 1.00 12.16 30-Mar-15 17.50 27.10 30-Mar-22 4.03 2.52 13.62 110.20 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 anaging Di- low prices of stocks for els. Brokers are confident “In terms of capital the first half of the year, He said that the NSE 01-Apr-15 17.00 3.00 31-Mar-22 6.46 1.79 13.59 113.70 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 27-May-15 gain if the 17.00 price appreci7.68 27-May-22 3.74 3.04 14.32 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022 that the market would rector Crane future gains. some stock prices are at is unwavering in107.13 its comTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 451.93 S e c u r i t i e s ate and you decide to sell, Speaking with New soon begin to stabilise and their lowest since the May mitment to solidify its 465.36 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Limited, Mr. Telegraph in Lagos, he investors would begin to you will smile to the bank 2013 sell-off, and some are leadership position as AfCorporate Bonds amount of funds below book value, thus, rica’s foremost securities 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 with big13.00 15.00 29-Sep-16 0.52 1.00 9.64 101.64 NAHCO 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 0.59 1.34 10.15 FSDH presenting domestic inif you invest in low price exchange, and is102.26 commit0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 Nil 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 112.22 08-Dec-16 0.71 1.00 10.09 103.89 ***LCRM 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 Nil 20-Apr-12 stocks, 0.00/16.50 19-Apr-17 with no 1.07 6.96 16.81 99.67 but for the116.70 high vestors currency ted to initiatives100.01 that will 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 Nil 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50 66.49 06-Jul-17 1.28 6.41 16.42 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 price stocks, 13.00 30-Sep-17 1.52 2.36 12.55 100.60 as an if the 20.00 price risk, an opportunity for position the bourse UBA 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.46 30-Nov-17 0.97 1.88 11.61 106.41 *C & I LEASING cautious long-term inappreciate the margin attractive listing and inMPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 16.00 4.50 09-Apr-18 1.04 3.15 12.98 102.77 Nil *DANA MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR 09-Sep-11 will not 18.00 1.82 09-Sep-18 1.46 6.35 16.50 101.78 *TOWER he Anabel Leaderwhich is being promoted micro, small and medium be much and you vesting,” he said. vestment destination. MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR 09-Sep-11 16.00 0.50 09-Sep-18 1.46 1.00 11.15 106.23 *TOWER has by the Central Bank of Ni- scale businesses,” he said. 14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018 A+/Agusto;ship A/GCR AcademyUBA 30-Sep-11 14.00 35.00 30-Sep-18 2.52 1.17 11.60 105.10 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† 18-Oct-13 15.75 1.80 18-Oct-18 1.32 6.17 16.21 99.43 *LA CASERA signed a Memorangeria (CBN), the Federal Okoye proposed major MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 17-Feb-12 18.00 0.27 17-Feb-19 1.65 6.11 16.33 102.24 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS II 1-APR-2019 Nil 01-Apr-14 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 1.77 3.28 13.53 103.68 *DANA dum of Understanding Ministry 16.00 of DANA Finance, the sources by which the Fed15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 A-/GCR 06-Nov-15 15.00 23.19 06-Nov-20 2.37 4.47 14.87 100.21 *FCMB (MoU) with the Chartered Securities15.25 and Exchange eral Government could NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 4.64 1.00 12.64 108.93 NAHCO 15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR 04-Dec-15 15.50 9.76 04-Dec-20 3.14 3.55 14.23 102.99 *TRANSCORP Commission HOTELS PLC thereby leading to more Institute of Stockbrokers and the Nigesource international capir a n s N a t i o n the previous year to 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 BBB/GCR 20-Nov-14 14.25 26.00 20-Nov-21 5.66 2.48 14.21 100.11 *FCMB UBA I 30-DEC-2021 A/GCR 16.45 30.50 5.77 1.00 12.75 114.74 (CIS) to assist the instirian Stock16.45 Exchange. tal to finance the deficit30-Dec-14 in wide Express Plc 30-Dec-21 N49.476 million during competition among couUBA 16.48 FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022 BBB/GCR 13-May-15 16.48 30.00 6.13 4.63 16.49 99.91 FIDELITY tute mobilise youths to He expressed delight the recently approved N6 (Tranex) full year 13-May-22 the period under review. rier and logistic service 16.00 TRANSCORP 26-OCT-2022 Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR 26-Oct-15 16.00 10.00 26-Oct-22 4.31 2.77 14.39 104.84 *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 0.10fell 24 30-Sep-24 8.52 revenue 1.00 13.81 STANBIC enroll for Diploma in Se- IBTCthat the private sector led trillion 2016 fiscal budget. 2015 16.29 profit after tax Similarly, providers in the112.22 country. 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 13.25 15.44 30-Sep-24 8.52 1.00 13.81 97.26 STANBIC IBTC curities and Investment. initiative,14.90 which is ultiHe advocated strateper cent to N50.972 fell by 0.15 per The courier and NMRC 29-JUL-2030 AAA/GCR 29-Jul-15 14.90 7.90 mil29-Jul-30 9.65 cent from 1.00 13.91 104.95 *NMRC TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 539.73 President and Chief mately designed not just gic approach towards lion from N66.771 million N716.915 million in 2013 logistics industry in TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Executive Officer, Ana- to create new jobs but also exposure of the Nigerian recorded a year551.85 earlier. to N718.016 million dur- Nigeria is broad and ing the full year 2014. bel Group, Dr Nicholas to support the mobilization youths to entrepreneurHowever, in a filing highly fragmented. The Sukuk 9.77Stock 10-Oct-20 2.57 3.37 13.82 BBB-/Agusto described the MoU *OSUN Okoye, of savings14.75 all OSUN overII 10-OCT-2020 Nigeria, ship training in order10-Oct-13 to from14.75 the Nigerian Key challenges that proliferation of101.89 courier TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 9.77 as a great initiative by the would not only have a muladdress the problem of Exchange (NSE) the have eaten deep into the service providers in TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 9.95 CIS to develop a financial tiplier effect on the overall youth unemployment. company’s pre-tax profit fabric of the courier sec- Nigeria is partly due to Supranational Bond inclusion master plan for development of Nigeria’s Speaking on the imgrew by 53 per cent from tor was the emergence the inefficiencies of the 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 1.89 1.00 9.51 101.15 the young Nigerians.*AfDB of social networks and financial 11.25 markets, but it plementation of the 2016 N49.476 during 01-Feb-21 government owned couAFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P 10-Jul-14 11.25 million12.95 3.11 1.00 10.60 101.64 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE that Okoye explained will equally provide a posi- budget, Okoye explained the previous 24.95 year to e-commerce, which have rier – NIPOST, which TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION the initiative, which is tive boost to the growth of that the federal governN75.678 million25.30 during made postages a hardnut arguably is Nigeria’s Outstanding Value consistent with Anabel’s Issuer our national economy inDescription ment could source fund theCoupon period under review. to crack, as most courier service Maturity Date Rating/Agency Issue Date (%) Bid Yield (%) people Offer Yield (%) biggest Bid Price Offer Price ($’mm) Empower Nigeria Initia- the medium and long term. internationally through The company’s reve- prefer use of facebook, Prices provider. According to FGN Eurobonds & Yields nue also grew by 11 per 28-Jan-21 twiters, yahoomails, tive, aims at overall de“The beneficiaries debt market, capital marreports, there are more 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 7.82 7.54 95.74 96.83 cent from N718.016 mil- among others, than us- than 237 licensed couvelopment of manpower FGN would be exposed to fun- ket, private equities and BB-/Fitch; 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 6.01 5.58 98.13 99.03 BB-/S&P global venture capital. for the Nigeria’s economy damental knowledge of lion to N798.557 million. ing currier services com- rier service providers BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 6.38 500.00 7.98 7.78 92.28 BB-/S&P and creating jobs for thou- a wide spectrum of fiHe noted that some The directors of the 12-Jul-23 panies including Nipost. in 91.26 Nigeria, which comTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 1,500.00 banks in Nigeria had sands of young people. nancial products in the company are proposing In recent times, ecomprise mainly of local TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 1,425.67 According to him, securities market, pen- successfully raised funds a dividend of 10 kobo merce has taken a new courier companies. Corporate Eurobonds many of the qualified sion, insurance, oil and by floating international per share to their share- 19-May-16 shape in the country Of the 237 99.31 courier 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 19-May-11 7.50 373.41 12.32 12.32 99.31 youths will be supported hence, the Fedholders, which amounts with the emergence and providers in Nigeria, the 7.25 JULbonds, 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANKgas, PLC among others. 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 9.45 9.45 97.31 97.31 6.88 MAYeral 09, 2018 Government could B/Fitch; B/S&P 09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 19.78 18.60 78.57 stated that 80.26 there by Anabel Group’s FIDELITY Em- BANK PLC“The Anabel Leaderto N19,882,000. increasing popularity of study 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 8.39 8.39 94.50 94.50 the platform 22-Apr-14 to are91.60 about four91.60 with eipower Nigeria to set upBANK ship Academy promotes Tranex full year local online9.47 retail stores 6.25 APRdeploy 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH PLC 6.25 500.00 2014 22-Apr-19 9.47 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 8.75 200.00 21-May-19 15.49 14.24 83.68 86.43 their own Financial Planits Empower Nigeria mobilize funds to address net earnings fell 14 per such asjumia.com, konther international affilia8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 13.32 13.32 83.10 83.10 as a strategic ning Houses in commubudget cent 9.25 to N66.771400.00 million 24-Jun-21 ga.com, Mystore.com. tions 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24,deficit. 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANKInitiative PLC II 24-Jun-14 13.83 13.83 83.00direct subsidiaries 83.00 USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD 23-Jul-14 450.00 23-Jul-21 14.69 14.69 75.28 75.28 Okoye appealed to the of international courier nities across Nigeria. solution designed8.00/2Y to crefrom8.00 N77.432 million re- 14-Aug-21 ng among others. With 8.75 AUG 14, 2021 B-/S&P ECOBANK NIG. LTD 14-Aug-14 8.75 250.00 12.23 11.76 84.88 86.63 service providers. Thus, Okoye noted that this ate over one million new government to accord corded the previous year. the increase of internet TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 3,523.41 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 3,082.71preprogramme would pro- jobs in the next three to priority to youth employThe company’s penetration and custom- average service quality vide the foot soldiers five years through entre- ment as part of the strattax profit also dropped er awareness, volumeRisk of Valuation in theYield industry is still beOutstanding Value DTM Description Rating/Agency Issuer Issue Date Yield @ Issue (%) Maturity Date Discount Rate (%) (₦’bn)from (%) international best needed for the nation’s fi- preneurship development egy to boost economic by 32 per cent online trades havePremium also hind (%) CommercialInclusion Papers nancial strategy, and the empowerment of activities in Nigeria. N72.665 million during significantly increased, practice.

INVESTMENT

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

*BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

Academy partners CIS on investment

#{r}

Tranex reports 24% drop in 2015 net earnings

#{r}

Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP II 4-MAY-16

04-Nov-15

13.25

7.23

04-May-16

6.03

12.41

Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

04-Nov-15

13.75

2.77

29-Jul-16

127

6.18

14.19

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.00

12.24

13.53

24-Mar-16

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). not constitute professional, financial or **TREASURY BILLS^ FIXINGS Money MarketThe Information does Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) DTM We attempt to ensure the Maturity Bid Discount Offer Discount (%) Tenor Rate (%) investment advice. Information is accurate; however, the (%) Information is provided “AS IS” (%) and on an Bid “ASYield AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance NIBOR 7 5.09 4.84 OBB 12.75 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) or fitness for a particular purpose of any of31-Mar-16 the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the 5.09 basis of the Information. 14 7-Apr-16 6.13 5.88 6.14 Tenor Rate (%) 21 14-Apr-16 5.46 28 21-Apr-16 5.94 35 28-Apr-16 5.20 FGN Bonds 42 5-May-16 6.56 56 19-May-16 6.70 63 26-May-16 5.44 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 70 2-Jun-16 7.59 77 9-Jun-16 7.35 84 16-Jun-16 13.05 16-AUG-2016 7.51 91 23-Jun-16 7.42 ^15.10 27-APR-20177.44 98 30-Jun-16 9.85 27-JUL-2017 6.88 112 14-Jul-16 119 21-Jul-16 9.35 31-AUG-2017 7.70 126 28-Jul-16 7.60 10.70 30-MAY-2018 8.46 133 4-Aug-16 ^16.00 29-JUN-20198.34 140 11-Aug-16 147 18-Aug-16 7.00 23-OCT-2019 7.95 161 1-Sep-16 8.45 ^15.54 13-FEB-20208.83 168 8-Sep-16 NA NA ^16.39 27-JAN-20228.24 182 22-Sep-16 196 6-Oct-16 8.73 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 203 13-Oct-16 8.42 ^12.50 22-JAN-20267.28 210 20-Oct-16 15.00 28-NOV-2028 8.16 224 3-Nov-16 252 1-Dec-16 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.28 266 15-Dec-16 7.53 8.50 20-NOV-2029 287 5-Jan-17 8.58 ^10.00 23-JUL-20307.77 301 19-Jan-17 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 315 2-Feb-17 9.01 12.40 18-MAR-20369.21 329 16-Feb-17 343 2-Mar-17 9.14 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 357 16-Mar-17 9.08 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the TTM

5.21 5.69 4.95 6.31 6.45 5.19 Issue 7.34Date 7.10 7.26 16-Aug-13 7.17 27-Apr-12 7.19 27-Jul-07 6.63 7.45 31-Aug-07 7.35 30-May-08 8.21 29-Jun-12 8.09 7.70 23-Oct-09 8.20 13-Feb-15 8.58 27-Jan-12 7.99 8.48 14-Mar-14 8.17 22-Jan-16 7.03 28-Nov-08 7.91 8.03 22-May-09 7.28 20-Nov-09 8.33 23-Jul-10 7.52 18-Jul-14 8.76 18-Mar-16 8.96 8.89 8.83

Bonds

5.47 5.97 5.23 6.61 6.76 5.49 Coupon 7.70 (%) 7.47 7.64 13.05 7.55 15.10 7.59 9.85 7.02 7.90 9.35 7.80 10.70 8.73 16.00 8.62 8.21 7.00 8.78 15.54 9.21 16.39 8.59 9.15 14.20 8.83 12.50 7.60 15.00 8.59 8.78 12.49 7.97 8.50 9.21 10.00 8.30 12.1493 9.76 12.40 10.04 9.99 9.96

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION #

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds BBB+/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR

O/N Tenor Call 1M TTM 3M (Yrs) 6M

Outstanding Value Maturity Date (₦’bn) NITTY Tenor 581.39 1M 480.13 2M 20.00 3M 6M 100.00 9M 300.00 12M

13.33

REPO

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 5.8052 27-Apr-17 6.1136 27-Jul-17 7.0476 8.4058 31-Aug-17 8.5506 30-May-18 10.1010

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 556.93 NIFEX 13-Feb-20 605.31 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) BID($/N) 719.99 199.0000 14-Mar-24 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 155.84 22-Jan-26 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 1075.92 18-Jul-34 40.00 18-Mar-36

*BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE

<3 3<5 >5 Market

Rate (%) 14.00 12.50 Bid13.00 Yield 14.00

(%)

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

0.40 8.20 7.82 NOTE: 1.09 10.04 9.90 :Benchmarks 1.34 10.06 9.94 * :Amortising 1.44Bond 10.13 10.02 µ :Convertible Bond 2.18 Management Corporation 10.35 10.27 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 3.26 10.57 10.47 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 3.58 Mortgage Bank11.09 10.97 IFC: International Finance Corporation 3.89 11.37 Management 11.28 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables 5.84 Aviation Handling 11.53 Company 11.46 NAHCO: Nigerian O/N: Overnight 7.97 12.24 12.18 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 9.83 12.39 12.34 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 12.68 12.81 12.77 13.16 12.80 12.75 13.66 12.78 12.72 14.33 12.39 12.34 18.32 12.39 12.34 19.98 12.65 12.61

6,237.28

198.45 199.12 199.78 200.66 201.16 205.59 Bid Price 213.53 220.67

198.55 199.63 200.10 Price 201.00 201.58 206.13 Offer 214.45Price 222.46

101.83 105.09

101.98 105.24

113.48 98.02 72.64 84.13 98.25 98.19

113.78 98.32 72.94 84.43 98.55 98.49

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

99.72 99.87 NA :Not Applicable ^ : Market Prices 98.97 99.12 # : Floating Rate Bond 100.64 100.79 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 114.62 114.92 DTM: Days-To-Maturity TTM: Term-To-Maturity 88.17 88.47 ‡ : Bond rating under review 113.10 †: Bond 112.80 rating expired 120.53 N/A :Not120.23 Available {r} :Issuer in receivership 109.80 110.10 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 100.57 100.87 UBA: United Bank for Africa

6192.277269

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

Agency Bonds Nil

13.6300 10.2818 11.8876 13.0042

6,417.50

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

Rating/Agency

O/N 1M 3M 6M

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

Porfolio Market Value (₦’bn)

1,002.65 1,518.32 1,554.77 4,075.74

Total Outstanding Volume (₦’bn)

03-Apr-12 Weighting by Outstanding Volume

883.23 1,325.30 1,667.49 3,876.02

22.79 34.19 43.02 100.00

30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12

17.25 Weighting by Mkt Value 24.60 37.25 38.15 100.00

14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50

1.20

Bucket Weighting

1.20

0.23

1.24 0.34 1.30 2.05 57.00 16.45 25.00 27.25 4.91 10.98 8.14 21.68 13.87

0.43 1.00

03-Apr-17 % Exposure_ Mod_Duration 12.22 29.19 58.59 100.00

30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

0.60

Implied Yield

11.08 11.94 12.39 12.10

0.27 0.27 1.07 0.79 1.77 1.36 1.38 1.56 1.57 1.75 1.97

# Risk Premium (%)

2.94 Implied Portfolio Price 139.2837 152.8274 117.3372 134.4731

4.46 3.48 1.00 5.71 3.21 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 1.00 2.02

11.79

INDEX

1,267.16 1,324.92 1,414.62 1,280.53

12.17 11.19 10.85 15.01 13.46 11.08 11.09 14.02 13.76 11.24 12.32

103.11 YTD Return (%) 14.3801 30.8472 40.4765 21.3566

100.37 101.02 99.15 99.04 100.77 103.51 103.52 100.58 100.27 106.43 105.22

NEWS | south-west

tuesday, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Fayose, a threat to national security –APC Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of threatening the nation's security, describing the governor’s recent utterances and actions as acts of sabotage aimed at making national institutions ineffective. The party's Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said in a statement that Fayose’s unguided

statements had exposed him as fighting a lone battle against the Federal Government for selfish motives to jeopardise the interest of millions of Nigerians. But the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, dismissed APC’s comments as mere rantings, saying the party in the state was crying more than the bereaved even when President Muhammadu Buhari had personally apologised to Nigerians over his inadequacies. He said the governor

has "no apology for criticising obnoxious policies of President Buhari". Adelusi said: "The statement of APC has proved of collaboration between the DSS and the APC. Or at what point does the APC become the spokesperson and defender of the DSS? The APC and DSS are toothless and reckless". But, citing his death wish for President Muhammadu Buhari at a rally held at Fajuyi Square, Ado-Ekiti to welcome the detained member of the House of Assembly,

Akanni Afolabi to the state capital, APC said besides the governor inciting Ekiti people against the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), he had also threatened to bring Buhari’s government down if any attempt was made to probe sundry alleged crimes leveled against him. APC said: “We have heard of reports of Governor Fayose inciting the people to stone the operatives of the DSS anywhere they are seen. This is besides saying many unprintable things about the President

such as saying that he would soon die and declaring the DG of DSS, Lawal Musa Daura, a personal non-grata in Ekiti State. “It is regrettable that Fayose cannot separate his personal view as a man constantly at war with the Nigerian law from the views of lawful Ekiti people, who are ready to submit themselves to the Nigerian law where the rule of law and good governance flourish. “This failure to see governance beyond personal appeal of the governor is costing our state good

governance for the development of our people and her deserved place of honour in this country. "That is why the governor is wasting state’s resources on helicopter charter to ferry an accused person, Akanni Afolabi, from Abuja to Ekiti after which he took six pages of several newspapers on frivolous adverts to publish court records on the accused’s bail application and topped it with the donation of a new car to same Akanni, who is still under investigation over several criminal cases."

2,736

The number of deaths (per 100,000) due to Alzheimer’s Disease in Michigan State in 2010. Source: Alz.org

Ooni’s deputy to create jobs for Ife youths Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

he newly installed Obalufe of Ife and second -in-command to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, yesterday said that he would ensure that there were opportunities for job creation for the teeming youths in the town. Besides, Obalufe assured the Ife community that he would use his position to curry favour from the government especially in the area of social amenities like good road network, stable electricity sup-

ply, provision of pipe borne water, channelization of drainages, and establishment of cortage industries with a view to making life comfortable for residents. He however applauded Ife Chiefs and prominent indigenes for their roles in ensuring that his installation was a success. Obalufe said: "It has been in my mind for the past 20 years that I have a mission for Ife, Osogbo, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole which I have promised to accomplish and now my new appointment will now afford me the opportunity of realizing that dream."

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

OYEWALE

I formerly known and addressed as Abiola Saheed Olamilekan now wish to be known and addressed as Oyewale Saheed Olamilekan. All former documents remain valid. First Banks and general public take note

Kenny

I, formerly known and addressed as Atama Joseph Audu now wish to be known and addressed as Atama Joseph Kenny. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Stephen

I, formerly known and addressed as Matilda John now wish to be known and addressed as Helen Stephen. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Plc and general public please take note.

Oshikoya

I formerly known and addressed as Kolawole Shakiru Salami now wish to be known and addressed as Lanre Salami Oshikoya. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Nig. Plc and general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INCLUSIVE FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION 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. Dr Christian Chikezie Arukwe. 2. Mrs. Francisca Chizoba Arukwe. 3. Barr. Obinna Dim. 4. Dr Judith Chidinma Arukwe. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROVIDE GENERAL AND SPECIALIST FREE MEDICAL SERVICE. 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 : DR CHRISTIAN CHIKEZIE ARUKWE

L-R: Former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Babatunde Rotinwa; former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, during the launching of AMBSAM (Adewale Mogaji Bello Salau Agoro Mogaji Penu) Memorial Foundation in Epe, Lagos…yesterday

un seekers yesterday thronged Lagos beaches to celebrate Easter in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Elegushi, Eleko and Atican Beaches in Lagos, showed that people gathered en masse, to celebrate the Easter Monday. Meanwhile, some of the people who came to transact business at the Beaches said that patronage was very high in spite of the economic hardship. Gbenga Adekoya, a Horse owner at the Elegushi Beach, Lekki, said he made good fortunes as picnickers hired horses as they were riding them for a fee. Adekoya said that short rides along the coastline attracted as much as N600 while photographers were also not left out of the boom as each photograph costs N300. On the contrary, food vendors complained of low patronage as the fun seekers thronged the Beach with food packs. Mrs Ada Chukwudi, a food vendor, said that ``although people trooped to the Beaches in large numbers, only a few of them stopped to eat. ``Some of the fun seekers stopped over at Eateries and Shopping malls to

Easter: Picnickers flock Lagos beaches get what they would eat at the Beach,’’ Chukwudi added. Unlike Chukwudi, Ibrahim Abubakar, a roasted meat seller (suya vendor) at the Eleko Beach, Ibeju-Lekki, said that he recorded good sales, since he started selling at about 10:00 a.m. ``There is economic hardship but people are trooping in to have fun and we are making a lot of sales,’’ he said. Mr Daniel Sammy, a bar owner at the Atican Beach, Ajah, also commended the level of patronage at the Beach. Sammy said that since the beginning of the Eas-

ter holidays on March 25, he has been making good sales, as against other days of the week. The Manager of the Elegushi Beach, Mr Saheed Elegushi, said that the patronage at the Beach was encouraging, adding that lots of visitors and tourists had been patronising the beach en masse since the Easter holidays. However, Mr Nathaniel Udoka, a businessman, who came with his family to the Atican Beach, expressed delight witnessing this year’s Easter celebrations. ``I came to the Beach to relax and have fun with my family for seeing this

year’s Easter,’’ Udoka said. Meanwhile, the National Theatre known for its bubbling activities during holidays was deserted by fun seekers. NAN reports that only a few people were seen sitting on the sprawling lawns at the premises, even as the main theatre showed no plays or movies. Security details at the theatre had time to relax as they did not have to worry controlling any crowd of fun seekers. The popular beer parlours opposite the theatre also recorded low patronage as only a few people were seen taking meals, beer and pepper soup.

Varsity students urged to shun cultism Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

resident of Ode-Omu Progressive Union (OPU) in Oriade council area of Osun State, Professor Isaac Ayoola Ojo yesterday charged the newly matriculated students of Kings University located in the town to shun cultism and other untoward acts capable of ruining their future. Professor Ojo who gave

the advice while speaking with newsmen, also preached against hooliganism and truancy which could retard and mar their progress in life. He however asked them to remain focus on their education, saying that only their dedication would propel them to excel. "The establishment of the university will go a long way at promoting the socio/economic activities of Ode-Omu while foreign

investors would also be attracted at coming to invest in the community,” Ojo said. Also, Ojo while speaking on the 64th anniversary of Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo which coincided with the institution’s matriculation ceremony of the pioneer students/official opening of the university, estolled the Pastor’s virture and prayed that God should grant him long life.

News|SOUTH-EAST

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Give Buhari’s government time, Nwobodo tells Nigerians Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Muhammadu Buhari more time to actualise his change agenda, saying that in no distance period the desirous change being advocated by the present government would manifest. Nwobodo made the call at the weekend shortly after attending a reception organised

in his honour by Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. While restating that the change would come, he however averred that the change might not come exactly the time we expect it, advising Nigerians to be patient. Nwobodo, who singlehandedly built a library Complex for while holding sway as a governor, said though there were challenges facing the country, he was optimistic that the change was bound to bring out some pleasant surprises. He commended Presi-

dent Muhammadu over the ongoing implementation of the Single Treasure Account (TSA), expressing happiness that Nigeria had recorded desired result through the implementation of the (TSA). Reacting to the reception organised in his honour the former governor, said he was overwhelmed and happy that he was remembered. Nwobodo, expressed satisfaction that some brilliant young men decided to leave everything in the world to serve God, assuring them that they would be rewarded.

Describing the seminary as the biggest in the world, Nwobodo recalled that he was instrumental to the famous visit of the then pope of the Catholic Church to the seminary when he was governor. Going down memory lane, the former governor also recalled that when he was detained and released in the past,Bigard also entertained him, adding that the Catholic Church assisted him so much when he had challenges in the past. Earlier in his speech, the Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Albert Okechukwu Ikpenwa commended Nwobodo for donating a library to the seminary, describing the library as one of the best in the country.

L-R: Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogbonna Nwifuru; President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Rev. Ugochukwu Chime and Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga, at the ongoing 27th Enugu International Trade Fair… yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

MASSOB: Buhari’s UN speech boosts Biafra struggle

he Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has said that its hope of achieving its self-rule agitation for the South-East region of the country has received the needed boost with President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Buhari had at the Assembly, urged world leaders to assist the Palestinian state in getting freedom from the State of Israel. This, the group said

had rekindled their agitation for self-rule. The group in a statement issued yesterday by its Deputy National Director of Information, Mazi Chris Anierobi Mocha, noted that it has begun re-strategizing on how to successfully establish a sovereign state of Biafra. Recalling that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had once expressed concerns that the independence of Kosovo on February 17, 2008, from Serbia would

embolden the secessionist movement in Nigeria, Mocha, noted that President Buhari’s speech at the just concluded meeting was an inspiration to nations seeking freedom to step up their separatist agitations. According to him, “Some of the enclaves and proposed nations that have stepped up their separatist activities included Palastine, the new Biafra, Northern Spain, Tibet, Northern Canada, Western Sahara and 20 others.”

27.7

The annual mortality rate (per 100,000) due to Alzheimer’s Disease in Michigan State in 2010. Source: Alz.org

64.2%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Canada in 2003. Source: Itu.int

Kachikwu: Stop grandstanding, group tells Tinubu Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has slammed former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over what it described as unsavoury media assault on the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. In a message released in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the National Chairman of the council,

Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, regretted that such comment shouldn’t have been made by a political leader like Tinubu, ‘especially with the issue of fuel scarcity raised seriously affecting many lives of youth in start-up businesses, unless it was aimed at fulfilling his political agrandisement coated in patriotism. The council argued that Tinubu as one who had unrestricted access to Aso Rock Villa could have taken his complaints straight

to the relevant authorities instead of choosing to bring the government to public ridicule. The statement reads in part: “While claiming to stand for Nigerians, Tinubu chose to make headlines in almost all national dailies through his personally signed statement. Tinubu’s voice is not louder than the rest of all Nigerians who are in pains daily and demanding for an immediate end to the fuel crisis but it is clear that the essence of

the statement was not to help in any way to solve the problem but to cast Mr. Ibe Kachikwu in bad light and pressure Mr. President to sack him.” Explaining further, Ugochinyere, stressed that the attack on Kachikwu was a smokescreen by Tinubu to indirectly rate President Muhammadu Buhari low before ordinary Nigerians because the ongoing reforms embarked upon by the minister apparently were not aligning with Tinubu’s interests.

IPOB to resume protest against Kanu’s continued detention

embers of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have said that they would soon resume protest in the South-East and parts of South-South zones of the country, to press home their demand for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu from detention. Kanu is being tried by the Federal Government for treason following his arrest in Lagos in December by officials of the Directorate of State Security (DSS). IPOB’s Head of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, who stated this in a statement at the weekend, pointed out that the group had endured enough waiting for the Federal Government to set Kanu free. He said: “We have endured, we will start the protest that will bring the

government to its knees,” he said, adding that the protest was earlier called off “not out of cowardice and fear but to show maturity and professionalism in what we are doing and to allow the federal government to release our leader, Kanu unconditionally.” Emma hinted that in the temporary halt of its protests, the group availed the Buhari-led Federal Government an opportunity to take a decision and “release the man who did not commit any crime.” The IPOB spokesman said the violent crackdown by security agencies during IPOB protests would not deter the group as “we know they will kill us as they used to do before now but in the end we will be free.”

FRSC warns motorists over night travels Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

he Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ebonyi sector command, Mr. Charles Aborchi has enjoined motorists in the state to avoid night travels to reduce auto crash in the state. He said most accidents recorded in the country occurred during night travels. Speaking during intensive road safety campaign across the state yesterday, Aborchi charged motorists to avoid drinking and driving, avoid the use of worn -out tyres, overloading and over speeding while on the road especially on highways.

Earlier, the state coordinator, Special Marshals of the Corps Dr. Henry Urochukwu, stated that the exercise was a regular patrol embarked upon by the Special Marshals in the state. He noted that the Special Marshals were also involved in public enlightenment at different locations across the state to charge drivers to avoid over speeding during the Easter season. The Special Marshals during the campaign visited schools, churches and parks to educate road users including motorists on the best safety measures to adopt in order to avoid road crashes.

Okorocha urges politicians to close ranks Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

over nor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has stressed the need for politicians in the state to close ranks irrespective of their political affiliations for the development of the state. Okorocha made the call during the church dedication of little Emmanuel Kamsiyochukwu, son of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a Board of Trustee member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Cathedral Church of Transfiguration, Anglican Diocese, Owerri, yesterday. The governor expressed his delight at meeting the political bigwigs from the state, including the former governor Ikedi Ohakim, former deputy speaker

of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Hope Uzodinma (Imo West) all PDP chieftains again after the 2015 general elections. The governor also advised Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to steer clear of partisan politics and assume the position of elder statesman, saying that the state would better for his advice rather than for him remaining in politics. He said: “Chief Iwuanyanwu transcends politicking in Nigeria and for him (Iwuanyanwu) to continue to meddle in politics at his age is not in the best interest of Imo State.’’ The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owerri, Cyril Okorocha, in his remark, stressed the need for Nigerians especially women to be prayerful for peace in the land.

NEWS | south-south

Dominic Adewole ASABA

neasy calm yesterday pervaded Asaba, the Delta State capital, following the skyrocketed pump price of petroleum products across the state. The pump price, which suddenly rose from between N140 and N180 respectively, has aggravated fears in those returning to their workplaces after the Easter holidays. While some holiday makers were gnashing their teeth in Asaba yesterday after the Easter celebration, others placed their hands on their heads, expressing shock at the unexpected increment. Over 100 persons, who have set aside certain amount of money

tuesday, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Commuters, motorists groan as pump price hits N180 in Delta as transport fares back to their places of work, were caught up by the strange prices at the defunct Toll-Gate, adjacent the River Niger Bridge between Asaba and Onitsha in Anambra State, even as those who ran short of fuel in their cars along the Asaba-Kwale-Ughelli-Warri road, were forced to buy at exorbitant prices. Most of those stranded at the defunct TollGate, were compelled to seek alternative means of transportation to return to their offices in Lagos, Ijebu-Ode and

other towns in the SouthWest axis of Nigeria. While majority of them, who said they work with private and government establishments and cannot afford to miss duty pay meager amount to return through trucks and other available means, others who are business owners shelved the journey with

2.2%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Algeria in 2003. Source: Itu.int

disappointment. The sudden hike in the pump price, New Telegraph gathered, was occasioned by acute scarcity of the product within Asaba and its environs. “The few petrol stations that have the product in town have started to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. On Easter Sunday, we bought petrol in this filling station (names withheld) at N150, today we are buying it at N170, who knows how much it will go for tomorrow,” a commercial driver, who simply identified himself as Okechukwu at Agbor

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel; out-going Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Cletus Bassey; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Okon and Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Etido Inyang, during a Thanksgiving Service and Ground Breaking Ceremony of World Prayer City held in Uyo.

Motor Park, Summit, Asaba, lamented. He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and his Minister of

FG urged to encourage modular refineries Gabriel Efeduku Ughelli

he Federal Government has been urged to encourage the establishment of modular refineries in the country if it must urgently address the incessant fuel scarcity in the country and maintain stability in the price of premium motor spirits otherwise known as petrol. The Delta Central Youth Leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Israel Adarighofua, made the suggestion yesterday in a reaction to the return of long queues in filling stations across the country due to the scarcity of premium motor spirits. Arguing that the setting up of modular refineries would not only address the issue of fuel scarcity and pricing, Adarighofua said it will

Wike: Rivers killings not political, cult-related

Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday dismissed claims that killings in the state were politically-motivated, saying that they were as a result of rival cult clashes. Speaking during a special television appearance, which was broadcast live from Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor noted that such killings were only linked to politics and blown out of proportion by the media. The governor said the state was generally peaceful and remains focused in bringing development to the people by completing the projects abandoned by the past administration, and laying the foundation for growth. He said: "In spite of the biased media tag: 'Rivers of blood', our IGR is improving and there is peace in Rivers State. "There are no political killings in Rivers State. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni

Local Government Area crisis is cult related and is being tackled." According to Wike, his administration has taken concrete steps to improve the security situation in the state by supporting the operations of security agencies, but blamed his predecessor, the Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the state's security challenges. He said Amaechi ‘allegedly masterminded the frequent transfer of security chiefs.’

He said: "The Federal Government needs to allow security chiefs remain in Rivers State to do their jobs and douse the tensions. I have had over three Commissioners of Police removed since I became governor." He also accused Amaechi of personalising the politics of the state in order to further his antipeople interests. "The battle for Rivers State has become personal to Chibuike Amaechi and he is escalating ten-

sion in the state. Security chiefs must be allowed to remain and do their work to help tackle insecurity." Wike noted that he has no regret warning those who plotted to rig the polls, while commenting on the death of the corps member killed during the election. He said: "Election rigging, subverting the will of the people is one of the worst crimes. I don't regret warning election riggers against rigging elections in Rivers State.

Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachiukwu, to step measure to control the arbitrary prices of the product among dealers.

"The strength of PDP is overwhelming in Rivers State and it is evident on the streets. PDP is popular in Rivers State and has won all elections since 1999." Wike said the corps member's death was unfortunate and painful, and noted that an independent investigation and postmortem on the corpse of the corps member must be carried out to ascertain the type of gun and bullet that killed him and those who carry such weapons.

also create employment for the teeming youths of the country. He said: “It is a shame that we are moving in circle, the prices of petrol is going up and down, now it is not even going down anymore. I believe the easiest way out of this crisis is for the Federal Government to encourage the setting up of modular refineries, where these products can be refined locally.

PDP leadership endorses Akwa Ibom speaker Tony Anichebe Uyo

he leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State yesterday said the party was satisfied with the performance of the state House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Onofiok Luke and has no intention to ask for his replacement. This clarification became necessary because of the speculation making the rounds that plans were on to drop the speaker for the returnee former Speaker, Mr. Aniekan Uko, who won his reelection to return to the state Assembly a fortnight ago. Uko’s election as a member representing Ibesikpo Asutan state constituency was annulled last December by the appellate court, thus losing out as Assembly speaker.

Cleric backs Okowa’s plot to reduce labour force Group to Udom: Call your Dominic Adewole commissioner to order ASABA

he Bishop of Ughelli, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Cyril O. Odutemu, has thrown his weight behind the move by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to compulsorily retire some civil servants in the state. The cleric, who predicted woe for those that have been falsifying their credentials to

evade the stipulated retirement age, urged them to voluntarily quit before nemesis catches up with them. The governor had employed the service of a consulting firm, Accapella, to screen the 60, 000 workers in the state and fish out ghost workers and those due for retirement. The ongoing screening had generated animosity across the workforce, especially at the

state’s Universal Basic Education Board, where over 60 dead workers were still collecting salaries. But the bishop, who wondered why some workers that have put up to 35 years in service or have reached the mandatory retirement age, have refused to retire, saying thousands of graduates in the state remained jobless because there were no vacancies.

group, the Akwa Ibom Progressives Forum (AKIPROF) has called on Governor Udom Emmanuel to call his Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Mr. Uwem Ita Etuk, to order and caution him against playing divisive politics and causing unnecessary tension in the polity. Etuk was also advised to focus on supporting the governor and other

stakeholders on moving the state forward instead of rabble-rousing. The forum, in a statement signed by its President, Odudu Abasi Akpan and made available to newsmen, said it was reacting to the statement credited to the commissioner that the current senator representing Uyo senatorial district, Senator Bassey Albert, should not dream of a second term.

north | news

tuesday, march 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG owes Zamfara N57bn on federal roads project

Idris Salisu Gusau

he Zamfara State Government has revealed that the Federal Government owed the state over N57 billion, being the funds spent on the construction of all the federal roads linking the state with its neighboring states such as Sokoto, Katsina and Kebbi, which were constructed by the state government between 2011 and 2015. The state Commissioner of Works Alhaji Mu'azu Nalado disclosed this in his office in Gusau,

the state capital, during a chat with journalists, saying already technical committee in the ministry had been invited by the House of Representatives Committee on Works and Finance to ascertain the level of the project and the expended cost for proper documentation and deliberation on how best the Federal Government would pay back the money to the state government. He urged the Federal Government to release the money to the state government on time in order to enable it carry out developmental projects that

have direct bearing on the entire people of the state. "We are appealing to Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to assist the state by paying the outstanding funds to enable the state government utilise the money in executing more projects for the benefit of the people across the state," the Commissioner pleaded. On the Expansion of Gusau Dam project for enhanced accessible water supply, Nalado noted that the over N606 million project had already been awarded to Mother

Cat Construction Company Limited, adding that the components of the water work expansion, include construction of large spillway, construction of 1.1kilometers road beside the dam, as well as construction of high bridge along the dam embankment side to check flooding in the area. Already, the Commissioner hinted that the state government through the ministry had officially handed over the project site to the Mother Cat Construction Coy Nigeria Limited for the take-off of the project.

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, presenting a souvenir to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Government House, Maiduguri... yesterday

Nyako raises the alarm over cases of market inferno Ibrahim Abdul Yola

enator Abdul-Azeez Nyako, representing Adamawa Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, has expressed concern over the rising cases of fire incidents in major markets in the Northern part of the country. Nyako, who spoke in Yola, the state capital, while addressing members of the constituency, said the frequency of the fire incidents and their pattern happened has made it look more like an act of sabotage against the north. He said: "Within two months we have fire incidents in Yola, Kaduna, Minna, Gusau, Ngurore, Numan, Birnin Kebbi and Kano town markets just to

mention a few of such incidents. The incidents and pattern made the whole thing look suspicious as if someone is deliberately trying to ground the economy of the north just like the Boko Haram." Nyako, who urged security agencies to look into the matter added that marketers and stakeholders also need to review the security of major markets to curtail the trend. While sympathising with the victims of the fire incidents, the senator urged the government at all levels to come to the aid of victims in rebuilding their businesses. Nyako, who donated an ambulance and over 100 motorcycles to his constituency during the event, said the ambulance would be presented to Hong Cottage Hospital.

63%

The estimated percentage of the antiretroviral therapy coverage (range) of Latin America and the Caribbean Africa in December 2010. Source: Who.int

Ortom to Tarzoor: I’ve not mortgaged Benue's future Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

How Buhari's financial discipline saved states, by Shettima

iven the fall in price of crude oil to below $40 per barrel in the global market, which has continued to deplete the nation’s revenue, the governors of the 36 states would have been in terrible financial mess and trouble, if not for the financial prudence of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, has said. The governor, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Isa

Gusau, disclosed this in Kano at a wedding reception also attended by Governors of Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Imo, Katsina and Gombe States at the Government House. It was at the wedding ceremony, where the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar gave out his daughter, Amina in marriage to Lawan Dahiru Mangal at a Fatiha held at Umar bn Khattab Mosque in Kano. He said: "When the

price of crude oil was over $100 per barrel, Borno State was receiving about N4.5 billion monthly. Today, oil price has grossly fallen to less than $40 per barrel, which represents about 80 per cent fall. Oil is the country’s main source of revenue and ordinarily, state such as Borno should have received 20 per cent of what we were receiving when oil was over $100. This month, we received N2.6 billion at a time oil is below $40 and this is more than 50 per

cent of what we were receiving at a time oil was over $100. “The state’s salary wage is N2.6 billion, but we still have to be grateful to President Buhari because if not for his financial discipline, all of us here would be in soup by now. I am not here to play politics; I respect the fact that we are a mixture of people with different political affiliations. Our brother, the Governor of Gombe State is in PDP, so I am not playing politics."

Pilgrim board warns officials against extortion

Army-Shiite clash: Shiites deny abduction of army officer

Ibraheem Musa

Kaduna

aduna State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has said that the ongoing screening and registration of intending pilgrims to Saudi Aradia for this year’s Hajj is free of charge. According to the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi,

the Board has received several reports about some unscrupulous individuals who have been demanding bribes from intending pilgrims under the guise of securing slots for them. In a statement issued yesterday, Abdullahi advised intending pilgrims to report any official that demanded bribe from them in order to facilitate Hajj seats for them to security agents.

Kaduna

he Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has denied that it is behind the abduction of Colonel Samaila Inusa, a senior army officer, who was kidnapped last Saturday in Kaduna, in order to secure the release of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, from detention. The group’s spokesman,

Ibrahim Musa, in a statement issued yesterday, said that the report which quoted some unnamed sources that linked IMN to the kidnap, is part of the government’s campaign of calumny and false propaganda against the movement. There was a clash between the Nigerian Army and the members of the movement in December last year, in which many of the Shiite members were alleged to have been killed.

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom yesterday faulted allegations leveled against him by the candidate of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) in last year’s governorship election, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor that his administration is mortgaging the future of the state through arbitrary borrowings. Ortom, while reacting to the allegation, described the allegations as partisan, mischievous, untenable and unpatriotic. He said in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and ICT,

Chief Tahav Agerzua that he inherited a deficit and empty treasury with huge salary arrears and other financial burdens which Tarzoor's political godfather, Gabriel Suswam, who did not pay the workers, left behind. He stressed that the morale of the public service in the state was also at its lowest ebb as a result of five-month salary arrears that was unpaid by the Suswam's administration. The governor explained: "This state of affairs necessitated the Ortom’s administration to obtain a N10 billion facility to pay May and June salaries, and ensure the take-off of the government as well as meet other critical obligations.

Akume solicits support for Ortom Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

ormer Governor of Benue State and the Senator, representing Benue North West in the National Assembly, Senator George Akume, has urged the people of the state to support Governor Ortom’s administration to enable him continue with the good work he is already doing. He spoke during the fundraising ceremony for blocks of classrooms and examination hall for Mbamtegh Community Secondary School,

Abetse, Mbayion in Gboko Local Government Area of the state. According to Akume, only a man with Ortom's level of discipline and capacity to prudently manage resources would be able to lead the state following the magnitude of looting that characterised the state under the previous administration. But, in his remarks, Ortom said his administration will complete all abandoned rural electrification projects in the state while it will embark on new ones.

WORLD \ NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Storm Katie damages property, flights cancelled

torm Katie has battered large parts of England, leaving flights cancelled, property damaged and thousands of people without power. Flights bound for Gatwick and Heathrow were diverted to other airports and dozens were cancelled as gusts of up to 106mph hit the south of the country. More than 200,000 homes were without power at the height

of the winds, with thousands still awaiting reconnection. A kayaker is feared dead after he capsized in the River Wey, Surrey. Surrey Police said the man had overturned at about 13:10 BST when the river was flooded, and “a large number of officers” were searching for him. The Environment Agency issued 20 flood warnings and about 120 alerts across England in response to what it said were “rapidly ris-

Angolan court jails 17 youth activists

court in Angola yesterday sentenced 17 youth activists, including a well-known rapper, to between two and eight years in jail for rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. The sentence was handed down at the end of a lengthy trial in Luanda that the Angolan opposition has said proves the existence of ingrained political repression. Rapper Luaty Beirao, who went on hunger strike for over a month last year to protest his detention, was given a five-and-ahalf year sentence for “rebellion against the president of the republic, criminal association and falsifying documents”. Another

activist, Domingos da Cruz, who was identified by the judge as the “leader” of the group, was handed eight-and-a-half years for planning a coup and for criminal association. The defendants were calm as the sentences were read out before being taken away to jail at the judge’s orders. The activists insist they are peaceful campaigners for the departure of dos Santos, who has ruled the former Portuguese colony since 1979 and is Africa’s second longest-serving leader. They were arrested in June and have always denied the charges against them. Michel Francisco, a lawyer representing 10 of the accused, said he would appeal.

Pakistan plans crackdown on Islamist militants after Easter bombing

akistan has decided to launch a paramilitary crackdown on Islamist militants in Punjab, the country’s richest and most populous province, after an Easter Day bombing killed 70 people in the provincial capital Lahore, officials said yesterday. Sunday’s suicide bombing at a public park was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban’s Jamaatur-Ahrar faction, which once declared loyalty to Islamic State. The group said it was targeting Christians. The brutality of the attack, Jamaat-ur-Ahrar’s fifth bombing since December, reflects the movement’s attempts to raise its profile among Pakistan’s increasingly fractured Islamist mili-

tants. At least 29 children enjoying an Easter weekend outing were among those killed when the suicide bomber struck in a busy park in the eastern city of Lahore, the power base of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan is a majority-Muslim state but has a Christian population of more than two million. Pope Francis condemned the attack as “hideous” and demanded that Pakistani authorities protect religious minorities. It was Pakistan’s deadliest attack since the December 2014 massacre of 134 school children at a military-run academy in the city of Peshawar that prompted a government crackdown on Islamist militancy.

Fidel Castro to Obama: We don’t need your ‘presents’

idel Castro responded yesterday to President Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba with a long, bristling letter recounting the history of US aggression against Cuba, writing that “we don’t need the empire to give us any presents.” The 1,500-word letter in state media titled “Brother Obama” was Castro’s first response to the president’s three-day visit last week, in which the American president said he had come to bury the two countries’ history of Cold War hostility. Obama did not meet with the 89-year-old Fidel Castro on the trip but met several times with his 84-year-old brother Raul Cas-

tro, the current Cuban president. Obama’s visit was intended to build irreversible momentum behind his opening with Cuba and to convince the Cuban people and the Cuban government that a half-century of US attempts to overthrow the Communist government had ended, allowing Cuban to reform its economy and political system without the threat of US interference. Fidel Castro writes of Obama: “My modest suggestion is that he reflects and doesn’t try to develop theories about Cuban politics.” Castro, who led Cuba for decades before handing power to his brother in 2008, was legendary for his hours-long, all-encompassing speeches.

ing” river levels in the wake of the storm. High winds from the storm left power lines damaged, with about 27,000 homes in England and Wales still without electricity at 17:00. Many properties will remain without electricity until Tuesday because of the scale of the damage, power firms have said. Travel disruption included the closure of Dartford River Crossing and M48 Severn Bridge - which has now reopened - and delays to several train routes because of trees blown on to tracks. Passengers on board planes arriving at Gatwick Airport de-

scribed their “absolutely terrifying” experiences as pilots had to abandon landings at the last minute. Dan Prance, who was on a flight from Budapest, said his plane was “dropping suddenly and swinging left to right” before the pilot “suddenly aborted the landing”. He said some passengers “began being ill and sick” as a result, but there was “a full round of applause and people crying” when the plane finally landed in Birmingham. Arnon Woolfson, whose plane was also diverted to Birmingham, described his flight as

“pretty hairy” as the plane was “not just going up and down, it was going sideways” during an attempted landing in Gatwick. Planes diverted from Gatwick, which had all been due to land after midnight, were also sent to Liverpool, Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands. A spokeswoman said 26 flights had been cancelled and 23 diverted. Heathrow cancelled 61 flights and diverted another 20. Winds and heavy rain started on Sunday night, with many people finding storm damage to trees, properties and building sites after they woke on Monday.

Collapsed scaffolding following strong winds in Woodley, Reading.

Egypt forces 32 judges to retire over Morsi

gypt’s Supreme Judicial Council yesterday forced 32 judges into retirement for having opposed the army’s ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, officials said. Morsi was deposed by then army chief and now President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and since then the authorities have cracked down on all forms of dissent, including secularists and liberals. “Today, the Supreme Judicial Council took a decision to force 32 judges into retirement for intervening in politics and supporting a certain party” after the ouster of Morsi, a senior official from the council said on condition of anonymity. Last week the council had taken similar action against 15 other

judges for the same reason. These judges have been suspended since March 2015 after a lower panel of the council ordered they be sent into retirement. Yesterday the council upheld that order. The judges had refused to recognise the legality of the ouster of Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected president who was ousted after mass street protests against his sole year of divisive rule. The council official said that some of the judges had openly declared their opposition to his ouster at the time in a signed statement at Cairo’s Rabaa alAdawiya Square. Thousands of pro-Morsi supporters had demonstrated at the square for weeks demanding the Islamist’s reinstatement. August 14, 2013 police stormed the square to

disperse the sit-in. About 700 people were killed within hours at Rabaa al-Adawiya and the capital’s Nahda Square where another similar sit-in was being held. Hundreds more were killed in street clashes with police over several months after the August 14 carnage. Global rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say that at least 40,000 people were arrested within the first year of Morsi’s ouster on July 3, 2013. Hundreds more have been sentenced to death or lengthy jail terms after speedy mass trials, including Morsi and several leaders of his outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement. The International Commission for Jurists urged Egypt to reverse the decision concerning the judges.

Brussels attacks: Belgium releases terror murder suspect

man known as Faycal C, the only person arrested and charged with involvement in the Brussels attacks, has been released for lack of evidence. Belgian media gave his name as Faycal Cheffou and said he was suspected of being the mystery third man seen in CCTV footage of the bombers. Tuesday’s attacks on the airport and the city’s metro system killed 35 people and injured more than 300. The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) militant group. Police have blocked off a Brussels square, Place de la Bourse, which saw clashes between police and nationalist pro-

testers on Sunday. Officers told the BBC there was a “security issue”. People were allowed to stay in the square, where mourners have placed candles, wreaths and messages for victims of the bomb attacks. Of the 35 victims, seven have still to be identified, the country’s crisis centre said yesterday (in French). At least 12 of the victims are foreign nationals from the US, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France, the UK, Italy and China, it said earlier. The death toll does not include three attackers, two of whom blew themselves up at the airport and one in the metro. EU institutions based in

Brussels will reopen on Tuesday, following the Easter break, “with important additional security measures in place”, European Commission Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva said in a tweet. A man referred to officially as Facyal C was released on 28 March after being arrested on 24 March in Brussels and charged with “participation in the activities of a terrorist group, terrorist murders and attempted terrorist murders”. In a statement, the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office said: “The clues that led to the arrest of Faycal C were not substantiated by the ongoing inquiry.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport News

Did you know?

Sport

Eagles suffer four hours delay in Abuja

That Algeria have scored the most goals in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers. They have scored 14 goals in three matches played

International South Africa can still qualify, says Mashaba

46 47

Egypt vs Nigeria Time: 6pm

Mohammed Salah

It’s make-or-break for Eagles, Pharaohs Adekunle Salami

T Mahmoud Trezequet

Ahmed Koka

Cuper

Efe Ambrose (Left)

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

he Super Eagle have never had it this tough in the Nations Cup qualifying series. The Gabon 2017 qualifying series is really tough because Nigeria is in the same group with a country that has great pedigree on the continent. The country is Egypt. Both countries clash at 6pm today in a decisive match that could determine the sole ticket winner in Group G. Pharaohs of Egypt have the best record in the competition with seven titles but they have missed the continental football competition back-to-back in the past three edition. Nigeria also failed to qualify for the last edition. Before now, Eagles had lost the ticket due to complacency or administrative problems but this time, a stiff opposition is threatening the country’s will to be in Gabon 2017. They were seen as a big threat to the ambition of the Super Eagles right from the day the draw was made. However, the withdrawal of Chad from the series only on Sunday has made the situation in the group to be more competitive since only one ticket is available without any

chance of the a second team competing for best losers’ slots. Egypt currently have an edge with four points courtesy of the home win over Tanzania but the inability to beat Tanzania away has affected the points haul of Eagles as Nigeria is second with just points. On Friday, the Eagles were stooped from bagging the maximum points courtesy of a late goal by Muhammed Sallah. This evening, the Egyptians will be all out with all the tricks in the world to avoid a defeat but interestingly, Nigeria desperately need to clinch the maximum points to be in good stead for qualification. Coach Samson Siasia can stun the North Africans if he could find a good blend in the defence line. He also needs to retain Odion Ighalo and Kelechi Iheanacho as partners in the attack. More importantly, the Eagles must avoid provocation of their hosts and they must be focused for the entire duration. The Sallah equalizer in Kaduna is enough lesson. This match is very crucial for both sides and it promises to be highly explosive.

Mikel

Ighalo

Siasia

Onazi

Egypt coach confident Grace Adewara

gypt national team coach Hector Cuper remains confident of beating Nigeria as they are set to play the reverse fixture of their Gabon 2017 Africa Nations Cup qualifier. Pharaohs are hosting the Super Eagles in Alexandria tonight after their 1-1 draw in Kaduna last Friday. “We will have an at-

tacking approach in Alexandria,” Cuper said. “We will try to create more goal scoring chances and to be better than Friday’s game, as we are only looking only for a win.” The Argentine added that, “The presence of the fans will give us an edge. It will be different in Alexandria [than in Kaduna]. We are only focusing on Nigeria’s game. That is more important for us.”

Ezenwa ready for big challenge Charles Ogundiya

uper Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, has informed New Telegraph that he was ready to step into Carl Ikeme shoes as the team’s goalkeeper for the game against Egypt on Tuesday (today) The national team first choice goalkeeper, Ikeme, has been ruled out of the encounter in Alexandria, Egypt, due to ill-health, leaving Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi as the two options. Ezenwa however believed that either of the two goalkeepers in camp can do the job for the team while expressing disappointment on the inability of Ikeme to be fit for the game. “It is a big disappointment that Ikeme will be missing the game in

Alexandria,” the Sunshine Stars goalkeeper said. “But the three goalkeepers have been training hard and we all have what it takes to step in easily without changing the rhythm of the team. “The most important thing is to get the job done in Egypt, whether it’s me or Akpeyi, we are all working for the same purpose and that is to get the maximum three points which I know it is possible.” The CHAN Eagles goalkeeper called on all Nigerians to believe in the team as they were going to surprise Egypt in front of their home fans. Ezenwa said: “We never bargained for draw in the first game in Kaduna, and if they can score here in Nigeria, there is nothing stopping us from

scoring against them “I want to say here now that we are ready for anything they will throw at us because we are aware of their antics.”

Ezenwa

SPORT NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Eagles suffer four hours delay in Abuja Adeolu Johnson ABUJA

uper Eagles on Monday began their journey for the return leg of Nations Cup qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Alexandria today on a frustrated note. The Eagles were kept at the departure Hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for over four hours before they were cleared to depart

…as supporters’ club reports Egypt to CAF

at about 1: 30 pm instead of the 9:30am earlier arranged. Our correspondent learnt that there was huge delay in obtaining the landing permit for chattered Arik Air flying the team to Egypt while Sudan also delayed before endorsing that the plane could use their air space. The drama is part of

the antics the Egyptians had lined up to frustrate the Eagles in quest of the crucial three points at stake. With this development, the Eagles may not feel the Alexandria turf as part of the tricks to frustrate the team. It was also learnt that the Eagles were welcomed by a cold reception last night as Nigeri-

ans in Egypt were denied access to the airport to receive Eagles. Meanwhile, the President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Raufu Ladipo, has promised to report the Egyptian Embassy in Abuja to the Confederation of African Football and Presidency for denying 51 members of the club visas to Egypt.

Ladipo expressed disappointment over the refusal of the Egyptian Embassy to release their passports before the departure of the chattered Arik Air that ferried the team, administrators and some journalists. “It is cheer wickedness and attempt to stop us from going to support our team in Egypt,” he said.

“The young men and women that are going out to support the team with their money all slept at the airport waiting to be cleared after submitting application for visas two weeks ago. “If nothing is done about this issue, we will pay them back whenever we meet even at the agegroup level and damn the consequence.”

Mikel: Mourinho lost confidence in me Ajibade Olusesan

uper Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has blamed former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, for losing confidence in him and confining him to the bench. Mourinho was fired by Chelsea in December following a string of disappointing results and was replaced by Dutchman Guus Hiddink who has since reinstated Mikel in the Chelsea first team alongside ei-

ther Cesc Fabregas or Nemanja Matic. “I think confidence is everything,” Mikel said. “If a manager doesn’t believe in you, trust me there’s no way you can succeed. Even if you do things right he would always make sure he finds fault. “He didn’t have the belief that he had in me before, which is fine because every manager has the player that they have trust in. “It is a tough busi-

ness, football, so when a manager comes in he wants to have people he believes in. If he doesn’t believe in you he doesn’t play you. And I think it’s all about a manager giving a player confidence.” Mikel added that Hiddink had changed everything in the club. “Hiddink came in, he spoke to me, he gave me the confidence and now I have played 20 games and we’re in the best position where we haven’t been all season.”

Amuneke expects tough game in Egypt Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles assistant coach Emanuel Amuneke has predicted a tough match as Nigeria battle Egypt in a second game of the African Cup of Nations qualifier in Alexandria on Tuesday. The Eagles failed to take the three points in Kaduna after Roma winger Mohamed Salah grabbed a last-gasp equaliser for the Pharaohs in a dramatic 1-1 draw. Amuneke affirmed that from his previous

experience with Zamalek, the Egyptians will be strongly backed by their fans in Alexandria. “From experience, Egyptians are very passionate about football and I’m not surprised the game will be played

Amuneke

in Alexandria in order to guarantee maximum support,” Amuneke told CafOnline.com “The game on Tuesday would be different from last Friday’s (in Kaduna) where we unfortunately conceded a late goal. It’s going to be tougher. We would have to apply a lot of wisdom and cannot afford some of the mistakes we made in Kaduna. I wouldn’t subscribe to the notion that we were tactically naive against Egypt in Kaduna because that was a match we would have won with some luck,” he added.

Nigeria finishes second at ITTF Junior Circuit

ith just four boys, Nigeria still made its presence felt at the ITTF Junior Circuit tagged Egypt Open after the West African giant finished second behind host – Egypt in the overall medals table. Egypt dominated the event claiming gold medals in the junior events while also sharing the gold with Nigeria and India in the cadet and mini-cadet events. In the junior team event, Egypt claimed gold in the boys and girls divisions while they also ruled in the singles and doubles.

To be named the second overall best team, Nigeria inspired by Amadi Omeh claimed one gold and three silver medals to beat India to third place. India won one gold and one bronze medals. Egypt’s Marwan Abdelwahab and Mariam Abdelaziz won the respective Cadet Boys’ Singles and Cadet Girls’ Singles titles. Meanwhile, Rinad Fathy and Eman Taha donned the Cadet Girls’ Doubles crown with Hend Fathy emerging as the winner if the MiniCadet Girls’ event. However, both the Mini-Cadet Boys’ Singles and the Cadet Boys’

Singles titles finished in the hands of visitors from foreign shores.

Emenike (Left)

Mikel (Left)

West Ham coach denies £11m clause on Emenike Emmanuel Tobi

est Ham boss Slaven Bilic has denied a £11 million clause in the contract to sign on-loan Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike on a permanent deal.

Bilic also denounced the speculation that the former Super Eagles striker’s future is tied to making 10 Premier League appearances. “It is absurd we would never have agreed to such a clause and that the club has no obligation to sign him,” Bilic told Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik Bilic He also revealed that the club will make a decision on the future of Emenike at the end of the season. “Everything will become clear at the end of the season,” he added. West Ham will hold talks with Fenerbahce and Emenike regarding signing the striker on a permanent transfer at the end of season. “We will hold talks with Emenike and Fenerbahce at the end of the season but it is too early to say if he will stay or not it also depends on the money being asked,” he said. Emenike has two goals in all competitions for the Hammers since joining over the winter transfer window.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Gabon 2017 AFCON

South Africa can still qualify, says Mashaba

outh African national team coach Shakes Mashaba says they still have a chance to qualify for the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. Mashaba was speaking ahead of their second leg qualifier against Cameroon in Durban on Tuesday night, saying his aim is to win the three remaining Group M matches. Bafana Bafana are currently camping in Durban preparing for the crucial encounter after their 2-2 draw in Cameroon last weekend. “I can say they will still lose one or two games, and they will not have a walk in the park,” said Shakes to Kick-Off.com. “We are looking at trying to win the last three games and then we have a big chance of going through. “But we need to make sure we consolidate once we score – that is very critical. “If you look at the equalizer [Cameroon’s second goal], it was a set piece. We need to avoid such things when are at a stage like that.” The South Africans have two points out of three matches having lost to Mauritania, drew to Cameroon and Gambia and the coach believes the Indomitable Lions will come out for a draw. The clash is scheduled to be staged at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban on Tuesday 7pm.

Thamsanqa Gabuza of South Africa being challenged by Allan Nyom of Cameroon during the AFCON Qualifier match between Cameroon and South Africa

Algeria, Senegal close to Gabon

Senegal’s Pape Souare

Cyclist dies following crash

anty Group rider Antoine Demoitié has died as a result of his injuries following a crash in the Gent-Wevelgem race on Monday. Demoitié hit the deck with four other riders with 115kms to go but was struck by a motorbike as he lay on the ground. The 25 year old Belgian was taken to hospital in Ypres and transferred to the intensive care unit of the university hospital in Lille but after midnight local time, AFP and Directvelo. com reported that Demoitié had died as a result of his injuries.

Antoine Demoitié

lgeria and Senegal will be out to secure their place at the 2017 Africa Cup Nations, hosted by Gabon, when they face Ethiopia and Niger respectively in a qualifying match on Tuesday. The ‘Fennecs’ moved a step closer to booking their place at next year’s tournament with a thumping 7-1 win over the same opponents in Blida this past weekend. Nine points from three games has opened a five point gap between the North Africans and Ethiopia atop the Group J standings, with the Seychelles having also managed four points from their

allotted games. As a result, Algeria could book their place at the upcoming showpiece with two games to spare: If Lesotho beats the Seychelles in Maseru and Algeria manage a win in the Ethiopian capital, the 1990 champions will be at next year’s showpiece - a draw in Lesotho coupled with a win will also be enough for Christian Gourcuff ’s men. For Terenga Lions of Senegal, they moved to the verge of booking a spot at next year’s tournament finals with a 2-0 win over Mena in Dakar on Saturday evening, with goals from Mohamed Diame and Oumar Niasse securing victory.

AFCON RESULTS Zimbabwe

4 - 0 Swaziland

CAR

2 - 1 Madagascar

FIXTURES Togo

Tunisia

Liberia

Djibouti

Angola

DR Congo

Uganda

Burkina Faso

Morocco

Cape Verde

Rwanda

Mauritius

Sudan

Ivory Coast

Lesotho

Seychelles

Ethiopia

Algeria

Niger

Senegal

Namibia

Burundi

Malawi

Guinea

Gambia

Mauritania

South Africa vs

Cameroon

Côte d’Ivoire to step up gear in Sudan

ôte d’Ivoire will be expected to step up a gear when they battle Sudan in Khartoum on Tuesday, in the reverse fixture of their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers’ Group I double clash. Despite a disappointing performance at Stade Félix HouphouëtBoigny in the first leg on Friday, the Elephants reached their first objective with a 1-0 victory over the Nile Crocodiles, courtesy of a 34th minute winner from Gervinho. But the defending champions will have to raise their game away from home if they are to secure an additional three points and take a step closer to the finals of the continental event. “We suffered from the heat. We had a difficult and tough game,” national coach Michel Dussuyer admitted. “It was not a great performance, but the most important was the victory. It is going to be difficult in Khartoum.”

Barcelona may rename Nou Camp after Cruyff

arcelona’s board of directors will meet on Tuesday (today) to discuss initiatives to honour the late Johan Cruyff, who last week died after a battle with cancer. The Dutch legend died on Thursday aged 68, leaving behind a legacy as one of the game’s greatest icons. He lit up the Nou Camp as a player before reinventing the club as a manager. Keen to pay tribute in a manner that matches what he did for Barcelona, the board of directors are ready to discuss a number of proposals, including one to change the name of the Nou Camp to the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

The proposal was put forward by Sport, who ran a survey amongst Barcelona fans earlier this week. 60 percent of fans (8,000 participants) backed changing the stadium name, outscoring other proposals such as erecting

a statue outside the ground and retiring his famous No.14 shirt. One proposal, which would surely cause outrage if selected, is simply to put his name above the No.14 entrance door at the Nou Camp.

Cruff

Germany expect tough game against Italy

ith Italy set to face Germany in Munich on Tuesday, Die Mannschaft assistant manager Thomas Schneider is expecting a tough game against a strong Azzurri side. Germany’s record against Italy is less than impressive, last picking up a win in 1995, with the Azzurri since going on a seven-game unbeaten run against Tuesday’s opponents. With the Germans looking to build on their 2014 World Cup win by triumphing in the upcoming European Championship, Schneider is targeting a win against the Azzurri to kick-start

their pre-tournament preparations. “The result is important for us,” he said to press ahead of the game. “We want to get a good result going into the next break from international fixtures. “Italy are in good form at the moment. They are very versatile and tricky to play against.” Backing up the claims of Schneider, Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira is also expecting a challenging game against the Azzurri. “It will be a very special game,” Khedira said. “Germany against Italy is always a big game.”

On Marble Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.

– Victor Hugo

Clem Aguiyi

Sanctity of Truth

Anambra Central: How Obi can stop Umeh

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016

}14

N150

Of tyrants, martyrs and heroes (2) CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY

t is with the foregoing in mind that we must examine and critically analyse the performance of the Buhari administration. I have nothing personally against President Muhammadu Buhari and, as he knows, I have the utmost respect for his office. Yet, like Oliver Cromwell and Sir Thomas More, despite the sign of the times and the hazards and perils of standing against injustice and tyranny, we must rid ourselves of our fears and speak the bitter truth. And that truth is as follows. The more our government persecutes its perceived enemies, the more they are sowing the seeds of disintegration in our country. The more they oppress and attempt to intimidate those they seek to silence and subjugate, the more they engender anger, rebellion, alienation, enmity and division. Nobody wishes to be part of a country in which apartheid, genocide, ethnic cleansing, islamisation, state-sponsored terror, religious bigotry and the selective application of justice is alive and well. Nobody wishes to be part of a contraption which seeks to empower and strengthen a tiny minority and which seeks to impoverish and enslave a pliant and docile majority. If you want a country to remain united you do not go out of your way to kill, destroy, intimidate and tell lies about those that oppose you, that criticize you and that are not in your political party. You do not attempt to relegate Christianity into being regarded as a weak, inconsequential and second rate faith. You do not burn the cross and attempt to shame our faith. You do not drag our nation into a military coalition of Sunni Muslim countries. You do not refer to concerned Christians as “religious bigots”. If you want your country to remain together you do not get into bed with the Jihadists. You do not refuse to condemn the heinous activities of your kinsmen, the Fulani militants and herdsmen. You do not tolerate the banning of preaching in public places, the banning of all-night prayers or the licensing and pulling down of churches anywhere in the country. You do not condemn the bombing in Brussels and remain silent about the massacre in Agatu, the slaughter of the Igbo in the east and the mass murder of the Shia in Zaria. You do not behave like the King of the North and instead you conduct yourself like the President of Nigeria. If you want your country to remain together you do not try to convict and jail your opponents for no just cause or attempt to silence them with sensational, salacious and baseless allegations and lies. You do not use the security agencies to insult and threaten them on a daily basis and attempt to demonize them with half truths and mendacity before the entire world. You do not impoverish the people with half-baked and ill-conceived economic and fiscal policies which have resulted in untold hardship, an unprecedented economic recession, high food and fuel

Crossfire FEMI FANI-KAYODE ffk2011@aol.com

Buhari

prices, endless fuel queues, high electricity tariffs, the exile of the U.S. dollar, the unofficial devaluation of the naira, high unemployment and the lowest generation of electrical power since 1999. You do not tell your people that you are ‘’not a magician’’ and that they have to live with the debilitating and traumatic fuel queues up until May. If you want your country to remain together you do not tell your people that you will import Brazilian grass and establish grazing lands and settlements for Fulani herdsmen in the south. You do not say that as a testimony of your so-called ‘’monumental efforts’’ to save the nation and as part of your contribution to national and international development our country will start producing toothpicks in 2018. You do not say that we will send a man into space in 2030 when we can’t even produce enough petrol and refined products to fuel our cars and meet our local needs in 2016. If you want your country to remain together you do not implement an economic policy that is nonsensical, counter-productive and irrational, that drives away foreign and local investment, that has killed the manufacturing and industrial sector, that has crippled farmers and the agricultural sector and that has turned us into a nation of poverty-stricken paupers and destitute beggars. You do not implement a foreign policy that has turned us into the joke of the African continent, the laughing stock of the civilized world and the lackey of the Arab world. You do not use your Armed Forces to intimidate your people or your AK47-wielding ethnic militias to kill, crush and terrorize those that you consider to be

subhuman slaves and second class citizens. You do not attempt to break the spirit of those that refuse to worship you and bow down before you with brutal aggression and naked intimidation. These things that you insist on doing do not breed love, peace, joy, hope and unity: they breed hate. They also breed bitterness, defiance, suspicion, fear and rage and ultimately they will result in civil unrest and a bitter and prolonged conflict. I do not believe in violence and neither do I call for or support the idea of an armed struggle. I am a man of peace and like Sir Winston Churchill, the United Kingdom’s greatest Prime Minister, once said I believe “jaw jaw is better than war war”. I do not subscribe to the logic of force and instead I believe in the force of logic. However when a people are pushed up against a wall and when a government has as its primary objective the silencing and cowering of the opposition and the destruction and humiliation of leading opposition figures, things begin to change very quickly. When dreams are shattered, when hearts are broken, when children weep, when widows mourn, when tempers flare, when

hearts harden and when blood boils, the center cannot hold and things fall apart. When men cry through the night for the future of their nation and when women wail in despair because there is no hope for their children, the center cannot hold and things fall apart. Where the voice of reason is drowned, when lawful opposition is reigned in, when peaceful dissent is silenced and when the fury of violence becomes inevitable, the center cannot hold and things fall apart. History proves that those angry young men and women that do not believe that they have a future in a united Nigeria and that do not share or care for our disposition for peaceful dialogue will eventually say “enough is enough” and rise up like an all-powerful, angry and erupting volcano. They will push the rational and reasonable aside and they will pick up their weapons of war in a desperate attempt to break the yoke of slavery and liberate themselves from the bondage of servitude. Let us pray that it never comes to that. Let us trust God that restraint and good reason will prevail. Let us hope that we settle our differences in a peaceful manner. Let us pray that those that hold the reigns of power today will eventually change their ways. Let us hope that they remember that they will not be there forever. • Concluded

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488) Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: AYODELE OJO.