New year thursday, january 8, 2015 binder1234567890 by Newtelegraphonline

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Vol. 1 No. 323

Thursday, January 8, 2015

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Buhari: President desperate to remain in power }2

Foreign reserves climb to $34.49bn

NEW TELEG

RAPH THURS

Interview

igeria’s foreign reserves have increased to $34.49 billion, according to figure obtained yesterday from

the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This represents an increase of $20 million from the $34.47 billion recorded

as at December 31, 2014. According to details posted on the central bank’s website, the $34.49 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

RY 8, 2015

Law

File The powe r of a stable and your vote: A cataly st for united Niger ia

Quakers on genera, Fawehinmi, Ab ayomi diff l election er in North-E ast

lFG defends management of treasury Sunday Ojeme, Abdulwahab Isa and Godson Ikoro

DAY, JANUA

Adedimeji: Blam for insurgency e FG

22&25

five pages of Law

Quakers

Worried Ubani by the secu rity challeng North-Ea st ahead of next mon e in the troubled lawyers have th’s gene disagree ral election, electoral d on the umpirepowers of the Commiss the ion (INEC) Independent Nati onal Elec to cancel the grou toral nds elec OYESINA of insurgency. AKE tions in the area on write EM NAFIU and TUN DE

Page 21

Abayomi

the electi electoral ons and the role of ram threaumpire as Boko the tened more Ha- of “You cannot on the While perceived attacks. hostilities basis was obvio some believe failure of that or the governmen no electi us that there could it about t to bring peace and on posed with in an environme be a place and disen stability in secur nt hence franchise elections ity challenge, group of perso a be cond ns ucted in should not pating in the electifrom particinorth-east, prevent the troub ons and INEC woul others insis led who theirthem from decidthus t that d leaders be emba Elections, a futile will be. ing “So, to rking adventure we cause of should it on think it willthat extent, I gathered ‘perceived don’t bebe prope or to the failur decide hostilities r for INEC even held are bring abou e of governmen in those not to hold electi ons in a place t peace and stabi t to can indeeareas except dangerou in more when it s millions and disenfranc lity the areas d be establishe of hise electi Iraq, Afgh areas like are so volat d that For instaNigerians’. anistan ons ile nce, Mr. Quakers, such happcannot hold therethat Norr even in Syria and ens, . If Nigeria a Senior Advo ison condu cted in then, elections cate of said the other place gency in ongoing the troub insur- not be invalidate s canwas not d’’. To a form enough led north-east to shift or pone the Ikeja bran er chairman of the to disen elections with post- Bar Asso ch of the Nige franc a Nigerians. hising millio view Monday ciation (NBA rian ns of ), Mr. Ubani, INEC to condu Although ’s refusal ct electi he agree INEC had d that ble north-east on in the trouthe requi would be to halt violation site powe or a clear of electi cancel the cond rs provisionsof the constitutio ons in any uct . nal country This, he , such powe part of the said must to settin said would amou rs, Quak g a bad ers nt the ambi be exercised prece within should INEC t of in the troub cancel electident He said: the law. ons a failure “This will go to He said: led region. “If elect ernment on the part of theshow decided ions in one gov- minu providing are way or security adequ the s those because a group we don’t ate impossible states, then,other of it is to get an franchised people to be want figure accur disenfor participat , everybody thirty-six the two-third ate must e in the states as of elections. prescribed

Jonathan fires missile T

here is palpable and anxie fear are appre next montty ahead of of voter hensive that millio h’s gene elect unending ion following ral chised s may be disen ns follow and killin bombing, abdu the insurgency ing the unenfranction in the north ding ans in the g of hapless Nige Just -east. Borno and troubled Adam ri- new year,a few days into awa, Yobe states Haram the rampaging the While . launched Boko ment is the Federal Gove attacks renewing on targe a series of rntion of hitting the decla the a militaryts in Gombe, ra- a the troub emergency church, barrack rule leaving and the gener led zone five week in jured Niger scores of al electi inon, Niger s to However,ians. ians tacks days after , a fiery Lagos Pastothe atformer runn Progressive ing mate to r and the All s Cong the 2011 ress (APC presi Major Gene dential candi ) in date, ral Muh Buhari, Pastor Tund ammadu asked Presi dent Good e Bakare FOLUSO than to invok luck JonaOGUNMOD e his Section EDE JUDICIARY 135(3) of powers under EDITOR stitution the 1999 foluso.ogunm tions as to postpone the Connewtelegraph odede@ online.com © Daily Telegra Haram a result of the elec‘war’ Boko ph Publish ing Compa But lawy. ny Limited ers against each otherwere pitted call for the postp on Bakare’s onement of

CONT INUED

ON PAGE 24

lSome statesmen behave like touts

‘

Some big names are creating a lot of problems in this country, making provocative statements that will set this country ablaze and you tell me you are a senior citizen. You are not a senior citizen; you can never be. You are an ordinary motor park tout

‘

Jonathan

Obasanjo

How APC plans to rig elections, by DSS lPlots hacking, fake results lLai Mohammed: It's hogwash Emmanuel Onani and Temitope Ogunbanke

he Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)

of launching an "elaborate and well-articulated plan" to rig the general election by hacking into the voter registration database of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC). The party, it alleged, is also planning to "inflate" its membership registration data as part of its plot to win the forthcoming elections.

The APC, it added, "had multiple registrations of individuals in multiples of 16, 12, and 10," the DSS said at a press conference in Abuja, by its Deputy DiCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights 4

Quick Read

Editorial

Averting post-election violence }19 Quadri emerges world best table tennis player }52

News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan: Some statesmen behave like touts Anule Emmanuel ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday launched broadsides against critics of his administration. Jonathan, who has been severely criticised by some prominent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, fired back, describing some statesmen, in an oblique reference to the former president, as behaving like touts. Jonathan, while receiving a delegation of Northern Elders Council (NEC) that visited him in Abuja, said most politicians parading themselves as senior citizens or statesmen were not different from bus station touts. He said: "Some people call themselves statesmen but they are not statesmen, they are just ordinary politicians. "For you to be a statesman is not because you have occupied a big office before, but the question is what are you bringing to bear? Are you building this country? Or are you a part of people who tell lies to destroy this country; to create enmity and make people who ordinarily would have been living together to fight themselves? Are you planning to set the country ablaze because you did not get that particular thing you want?" Jonathan's reaction came two days after Obasanjo accused the present administration of squandering huge savings from Excess Crude Account and foreign reserves. According to the president, "At the appropriate time, Nigerians will know all of us. Even though I know most of you know us, the younger ones do not know. Some people are hiding under some cloaks; some big names and creating a lot of problems in this country; making provocative statements in this country, statements that will set this country ablaze and you tell me you are a senior citizen. You are not a senior citizen; you can never be. You are an ordinary motor park tout" "Because if you are a senior citizen, you will act like one. It is not because of the offices we occupy is by divine grace and providence that some of us occupy these offices. But what role are you playing to build this country?" The president expressed sadness that younger Nigerians are seeing the country from the religious divide.

"I was told that even the driver of Tafawa Balewa was a Christian. Our people lived together in those days, why not now that we have even modern ways of life? Our children leave us and go abroad they stay together and do a lot of things together. "But when we come back home, we begin to build walls; this is a Southerner, this is a Northerner, this is a Muslim, this is a Christian, this is a Yoru-

ba man, this is an Hausa man, this is an Ijaw man, this is a Nupe man. Is that the way we are going to develop our country? "America is great today because America is made up of various cultural groups. Everybody makes America because ethnic lines have been so weakened that people think about America. And that is why America is great today. "If today I'm sick, if the

best doctor that can treat me is from Zamfara or Enugu or Ekiti, they will bring that doctor to treat me. They will not ask if that doctor is an Ijaw man, Ogbia or any other tribe. And until we get to that level where we begin to use people based on their competencies; until we get to that level where we don't discriminate based on primordial privileges, that of course, will be the beginning of our develop-

ment. I will continue to plead with you because from all of your activities you have been advocating for that," Jonathan said. The President also described as false the insinuations that he was against the North, saying that his government has ensured development and progress in the North. According to him, VicePresident Namadi Sambo is from the North as well as some of the people who

work with him, including his principal secretary and his chief detail. Earlier, Chairman of the Northern Elders Council, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, had said the country was passing through political transformation. He explained that all Nigerians should appreciate that the country was crafted in a manner that no one section of the country can rule without the support of the other.

L-R: Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Managing Director, Bank of Industries, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Chairman, Cities Growth Commission, United Kingdom and creator of BRICS, Jim O’Neill and Globalization Editor, The Economist, Matthew Bishop, at a meeting of the Global Advisory Board of the Foundation’s Africapitalism Institute in Abuja...yesterday.

Jonathan desperate for power, says Buhari Steve Uzoechi and Clement James

ll Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being desperate to remain in power. Buhari said in Owerri, during a campaign tour of Imo State, that the president was more concerned about being re-elected than in ensuring good governance. “All they want to do is to remain in power by hook or crook, the rest of us do not matter,” he added. Buhari said the Jonathan administration was insensitive to the needs of Nigerians and lacking the political will to tackle critical issues of governance. The APC candidate, during a courtesy visit

to Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, said the Jonathan administration was oblivious of the debilitating effect of corruption on the Nigerian state. He lamented that in spite of the huge amount of money voted for defence in the last three years, there is pervasive insecurity in the country. He said while the power sector was still unable to justify the huge investment so far made in the sector, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, had refused to explain the depreciation in her sector. He said: “It is corruption everywhere. Our economy has been going round in a vicious cycle and we shall break that cycle soon because if we do not kill corruption in Nigeria, corruption will kill Nigeria. Recall that in 1984 when we came into

office, we refused to devalue the naira; we refused to remove subsidy on petroleum products; we refused to remove subsidy on flour and still serviced our debts. By the time we left office, Nigerian currency was N1 to $1.4. “Look at the issue of security; if the number of military personnel deployed in Osun and Ekiti states for just governorship elections were deployed to Chibok, the abducted girls would have been found.” Earlier, Okorocha assured Buhari of the bulk votes of Ndigbo while listing the requests of the South-East to include one more state; a second Niger bridge; upgrading the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport to a full international airport and reconstructing the major inter-state federal roads in the South-East. Buhari also yesterday

listed his priorities, if he becomes president, to include security and fighting corruption. Buhari, who was in Calabar as part of his campaign tour of the states in the South-South, said he would reverse the insecurity situation in the country and set the country on the path of economic progress. “If I am given the mandate, I will confront the problem of insecurity and tackle the economy. The present situation in the country is as a result of corruption. You either kill corruption or corruption will kill you,” he said. He also promised to create employment opportunities for youths while giving farmers the necessary support to boost agriculture. APC National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, said the party would identify with Ni-

gerians who are above 65 years “who have served Nigeria well.” According to him, such a group in the society will be given “age allowance” as a way of encouraging younger generations of Nigerians. “Our government will ensure that anybody who is 65 years and who had served Nigeria well will receive age allowance,” he said. Also, Rivers State Governor and Director General of Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, urged Nigerians to reject PDP because it has not done much to deserve retaining its status as the ruling party. “In 2011, we voted for him because he was our brother; now, we will vote for merit. He is not my brother. My brother is the one with the same father and mother with me,” the governor said.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Travel Advisory

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI)07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10 AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 12:40pm Lagos-Abuja/Kano 4:00pm Abuja-Kano 5:45pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kan 10:10am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 12:40pm Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Sunday Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 10:30am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 1:20pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm

Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

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

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

12:30hrs

16:00hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

MEA 571 MEA 572

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

QATAR AIRWAYS DELTA AIRLINES

UNITED AIRLINES

ASKY AIRLINES

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

Flight No. KP 032 (Tue-Fri) KP 032 ( Tue-Fri) KP 033 (Wed-Sat) KP O33 (Wed-Sat) KP O40 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP 040 (Sun-Sat) KP041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP 041 (Tue-Sat) KP O44 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP 044 (Tue-Fri) KP O45 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat) KP 045 (Wed-Sat)

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Departure 14:00hrs 16:30hrs 8:20hrs 10:35hrs 13:00hr 14:40hrs 17:00hrs 7:15hrs 9:35hrs 11:55hrs 13:10hrs 14:50hrs 17:10hrs 07:00hrs 09:20hrs 11:40hrs

Arrival 15:55hrs 18:15hrs 10:00hrs 12:20hrs 14:00hrs 16:30hrs 18:45hrs 08:55hrs 11:25hrs 12:45hrs 14:10hrs 16:40hrs 18:50hrs 08:40hrs 11:10hrs 12:30hrs

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

ET900 ET901 ET910 ET911 ET930 ET931 ET930 ET931

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

05:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

Lagos-London London-Lagos

VS 652 VS 651

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

KQ 533 KQ 534

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

Lagos-Kigali

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

16:45hrs

332 333

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

IBERIA

air maroc

VIRGIN ATLANTIC ETIHAD AIRWAYS

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

17:30hrs

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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Jonathan to Jega: You must remain neutral lOrders prompt issuance of voter cards

Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan has challenged the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, to ensure neutrality

in the conduct of the February elections. The president gave the charge yesterday during the swearing-in of a new national commissioner in the commission, Prof. Akinola Murtala Salau, at the presidential villa. Jonathan also direct-

ed INEC to ensure that permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) are distributed to all eligible electorate before the February polls. While congratulating the new commissioner, President Jonathan said Salau deserved to be congratulated, because he

is somebody who should have resumed office long ago, but for some issues that made government to step it down. "These are the kind of people we want to put in INEC people with impeccable character. So, Prof. we want to charge you to

go and demonstrate clearly that you are somebody with an impeccable character and that you will do good to all Nigerians irrespective of anything. "INEC is supposed to be absolutely neutral in their work to conduct credible election because the whole

L-R: Mr. Emmanuel Ehimika, a preacher; Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso and Prince Femi Tejuoso, during the presentation of a book on 2015 general election by the Oba in Lagos...yesterday

How APC plots hacking, fake results CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

rector of Public Relations, Ms Marilyn Ogar. But the party, in a swift rebuttal, denied the allegations, describing them as "hogwash." Ogar said the DSS reached the conclusion based on investigation into materials seized from the data office of the party in Lagos. She added that contrary to the position of the APC's National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the raid on the party's office on November 24, 2014, which led to all the startling discoveries, was undertaken after a valid search warrant was secured. She stated that the operation was consequent upon "actionable information that a building located at No. 10, Bola Ajibola Street, Ikeja, Lagos, was being used for cloning of INEC Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by some unscrupulous persons with intent to hack into INEC database, corrupt it and replace same with their own data. According to Ogar, operatives, upon arrival at the location, found that

the building neither had a signpost, banner nor a flag to identify its owner. She displayed a temporary voter’s card, a permanent voter’s card, adding that one of the hard drives recovered from the operation, "contained a video of twenty-one hacking tutorials," which she said, focused on "how to become a hacker and steps to take to avoid detection in the process of hacking web servers." Also, the DSS' spokesperson told journalists of another plan by the APC, "to hack into the systems of media houses, with the aim of broadcasting fake stories or headlines." Ogar said investigation revealed other focal points of the video, to include: "Steps and procedures of system hacking, passwords cracking, decrypting, escalating access privileges and creating backdoors to servers. "It also explicitly explained how to evade security of databases such as Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), firewalls and other measures put in place to deter hackers. "The video outlined ways to identify vulnerabilities in systems and how

to surreptitiously drop a USB flash drive in a target establishment, which when plugged into any computer, transmits malicious codes enough to gain access into and compromise the entire system of the target organisation..." She showed reporters recovered registration forms, transcript of videohacking manual, as well as passports of underage persons and foreigners, to confirm allegations of corrupt practices against the APC. Passports of personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigeria Customs, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all of whom were in their uniforms, were displayed. "It was also discovered that the APC registered underage persons, including several infants and babies as members of the party. We know that Article 9.1 of the APC Party Constitution expressly says: “membership of the party shall be open to any citizen of Nigeria who has attained the age of 18 and accepts the aims and objectives of the party…”

"Similarly, the APC registered several security personnel from the Nigerian Army (NA), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) among others, in their uniforms as members of the party. "Several foreigners were also registered as its members. Also, the APC filled forms without passport photographs and have books containing names of people with their phone numbers. Equally discovered were several envelopes containing passport photographs of various individuals. "From the foregoing, we suspect that there was an elaborate and well-articulated plan to inflate the party’s membership data as well as hack into INEC’s voter registration database through the creation of party membership forms and cards to match INEC’s voters’ register across the country," DSS said. While disclosing that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to its operatives found complicit in the registration saga, Ogar

said it was up to authorities of the army and other security and para-military agencies, to deal with their own personnel. This was as she said the secret service, upon writing, had got confirmation from the aforementioned security agencies that those affected are on their payrolls. Ogar said it was wrong for security operatives to register as card-carrying members of a party as that would compromise their neutrality during and after elections. The DSS, however, said it had released on bail suspects arrested during the raid on the APC data office. It also stated that INEC was shocked at the discovery the service made, noting that the secret service is working with the commission and all the parties, to ensure a secure atmosphere for the elections. But the APC dismissed the allegations, saying the 'findings' presented to the media is a great disservice to Nigeria and an embarrassment to all intelligence-gathering organisations. Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja, described CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

world is watching at INEC and you are coming into the commission at a very critical time with 40 days to the election. So, you are coming at a critical time that I believe the chairman who is here himself also needs your services. "I believe Professor Jega will even want to double the number of staff if he has the resources to make sure that they can cope because Nigerians are getting worried whether INEC can actually conduct elections. "Talking about the PVCs, even some governors are complaining that they are yet to get their PVCs. If governors are yet to get their voters’ cards, of course, that means that so many Nigerians are yet to get and people are a bit worried. "But to me I am quite pleased, not pleased in the negative sense, the awareness that has come on board that Nigerians want to have their voters’ cards. "Before 2011 how many Nigerians complained about not having voters’ cards because elections were not conducted with voters’ cards. Nobody cared. We are all adults in Nigeria and we knew what was happening. But some people came on board and sanitised electoral process but others want to take the glory. "We have to commend ourselves. That today ordinary Nigerians, biggest businessmen, religious leaders are complaining I want my voters’ cards, nobody talked about that before 2011. "So people should commend us and I'm pleased that people are talking about voters’ cards. So, the chairman of INEC luckily you are here, all Nigerians must get voters’ cards; we cannot conduct an election where some people will not have the rights to vote. "People must decide who rules them at all levels not just about presidential elections, but at the lowest level of elections conducted by INEC. The state assembly elections, House of Representatives, Senate and Presidency; all Nigerians must vote and INEC must do everything possible to make sure that all Nigerians have their voters’ cards because we cannot have a situation where some Nigerians will not vote that day," Jonathan said. In his remark, Jega gave an assurance that "every registered Nigerian will get his PVC before February 14 God's willing."

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

INEC to carve out special centres for IDPs Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

here are indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might carve out special voting centres for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) ahead of the February elections. The taskforce set up by INEC recommended the creation of centres for people displaced from their homes as a result of insurgency in the North-East. This is to enable the IDPs to vote in next month's general election. The report of the committee, which was submitted to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, after two weeks of visitation to the various IDPs camps, is being considered by the commission. Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Kayode Idowu, who confirmed the receipt of the committee's report, said the option for possible safe havens to be carved out as constituencies for the IDPs to vote was being considered. "Various options are being considered. One option is to designate a safe haven

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as a constituency, because the law prescribes constituency and residency voting. You can designate a safe area as a safe haven and invite everybody to come to that constituency from wherever they dwell within or outside the country to come over and cast their votes. "If you have possibility of IDP camps being homogenous in terms of where

people migrated from, you can move the polling units and get them to vote. So there are many options that the security can work with but essential it will still need security cover to do these things," Kayode said in a monitored television programme. He also stated that the register of eligible voters is ready for publication next week Tuesday in com-

pliance with the provision of the Electoral Act. While Section 9(5) of Electoral Act stops INEC from registering any person not later than 30 days before any election, section 19(5) directs the commission to publish names of those expected to vote in an election, within 14 days before the commencement of the election. INEC, however, said

that the publication of names would not in anyway affect those who are yet to collect their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs). The distribution of the PVC, according to the commission, will continue till the end of January. Idowu said the display of voters’ names is to allow for public scrutiny of the register for the purpose of claims and objectives.

He said the parties will be given the register and to make objections if need be, stressing that the decision of INEC to use PVCs for the election will not be changed. IDP camps have been created in parts of the country close to the three states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa which have been under attack of insurgents.

L-R: Senior Manager, Business Development, Marketing and Strategy, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Henry Okoede; Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Bayo Adekanmbi; General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ms. Funmi Onajide; Chief Executive Officer, NEO2 Analytics, Mr. Fola Akinmolayan and Senior Manager, Segment Management, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Saidat Lawal-Mohammed, at the launch of the MTN 2015 betterme app in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

FG defends management of treasury CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

billion represented the ‘gross’ amount while $33.52 billion was ‘liquid’ and $975 million ‘blocked.’ Beginning from 2013, the Federal Government had through fiscal policies struggled to shore up the foreign reserves to $50 billion. The reserves had witnessed a continuous fall in recent times occasioned by twin problems of weaker naira and a plunge in the price of oil at the international market, which is affecting Nigeria’s crude oil Brent in recent months. The CBN had in 2014 relied heavily on external reserves to support the naira, which came under pressure following falling international prices of crude oil. Crude oil prices at the international market have continued to rally between $55 and $60 per barrel since December 2014. According to the CBN, the continuous pressure on the foreign exchange market was also attributable to the rise in the inter-

nal demand for the dollar. The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had earlier said the country had spent huge assets from the foreign reserves in ensuring that the official exchange rate was maintained at its previous value of N155 to a dollar. Shortly before Emefiele was appointed CBN governor in June last year, data released by the apex bank showed that the foreign reserves closed red, shedding $1.178 billion or 3.09 per cent at the end of May. The level declined from $38.138 billion at the end of April to $36.959 billion in May, being its lowest in recent times. The decline in May represented a departure from the previous month, when the reserves grew by a slim $314.472 million or 0.83 per cent from $37.834 billion at the end of March. On a year-to-date basis, the nation’s reserves lost $6.65 billion or 15.25 per cent from the $43.61 billion reported at the end of December 2013, when it stood at $43.61 billion. On Monday, former President Olusegun

Obasanjo criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for depleting the foreign reserves. Obasanjo said the economy would not have been this bad if the funds were well managed, adding: “When I was leaving office about eight years ago, I left very huge reserves after we had paid all our debts.” He said his government also left almost $25 billion in the Excess Crude Account (ECA). “The reserves we left when we finished paying all our debts were about $40 billion; that is including debt forgiveness, the remaining debt was not more than $3 billion. Our reserves now, I learnt, are left with around only $30 billion." However, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Finance, yesterday defended its management of the foreign reserves and ECA. Presenting what the ministry described as indisputable fact about the accounts, it said in a statement that Nigeria's gross reserves as at end of May 2007 stood at $43.13 billion

- comprising the CBN’s external reserves of $31.5 billion, $9.43 billion in ECA and $2.18 billion in Federal Government’s savings. The ministry said the figures being bandied were merely concocted to score political point and challenged those in doubt to verify from the CBN’s records. On management of reserves, the statement said that it was a misconception to think that reserves are immutable or cast in stone. "The reality is that since May 2007, the reserves have fluctuated in line with developments in the international oil market, rising from $43.13 billion at that time, peaking at $62 billion in September 2008 during the Yar'Adua/ Jonathan administration when oil prices reached a peak of $147 per barrel, and falling subsequently to a low of $31.7 billion in September 2011. "This fall in reserves was largely a result of the vicissitudes of the global economy and oil market, which caused the CBN to intervene, using some of

the reserves, to defend the value of the naira," the ministry stated. On the Excess Crude savings, a component of the reserves, the statement said part of savings was used to cushion the economy at the height of the global financial crisis between 2008 and 2009. "As a result, Nigeria was one of the few countries in the world that did not seek assistance from international financial institutions at that time. The fiscal stimulus used to shore up the economy during that period was shared by all three-tiers of government. Similarly, savings in the ECA were also used to pay for fuel subsidies for the entire nation and that sharing continued after the crisis ended," the ministry said. The ministry also recalled that it was the Jonathan administration that built the first-ever Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) for the nation in which savings are being made for the future and important infrastructure investments are being supported.

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NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Polls: Our performance'll speaks for us, says PDP Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the verifiable achievements of the Good-

luck Jonathan administration will make Nigerians vote for the party at all levels, during the February general election. PDP also said its presidential candidate and the party have suffered undue

Reps probes INEC's readiness for 2015 elections Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has scheduled a meeting with the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to assess the commission's preparedness for the 2015 general election. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Jerimon Manwe (PDP, Taraba) stated this yesterday through a notice. According to him, "The purpose of this event is to underscore the current burning issues on 2015 general election and to proffer necessary solutions." notice by the House Committee The invitation notice was dated January 8 and signed by the acting committee clerk, Barr. Oscar Okoro. According to the committee, the stakeholders will address several issues including: INEC's level of preparedness for the next month's election; funding; security issues; franchise of internally displaced persons and sundry issues arising from concerns by Nigerians. Presidential and National Assembly elections

are scheduled for February 14 while governorship and House of Assembly elections will hold on February 28. Monitors have raised alarm over the possibility of elections not holding in the insurgency-ravaged North-East. The chances of the country's 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) voting in the 2015 elections remains a major political issue.

criticisms from misguided quarters, observing that the opposition has tried so hard to taint their image and portray them in bad light. The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the PDP stands out as the only party that commands genuine followership among Nigerians irrespective of religious and ethnic affiliation. This, it said, will drive the voting pattern and reflect accordingly in the results of the presidential, governorship, National and States Assembly elections across the country. “This election is beyond propaganda and empty popularity claims in the social media. Nigerians will vote; their votes will count and this will give us victory. This

is because we are running on a record of verifiable achievements of our elected and appointed officers at the federal and state levels," the statement added. PDP stated that its morale has refused to be dampened by the insult and abuse of the opposition, adding that members of the party and many more innocent Nigerians became victims of bad politics by desperate individuals who promote divisions and violence in their selfish quest for power. “Nevertheless, our satisfaction is that majority of Nigerians appreciate our sincerity, our achievements and above all, our commitment in sustaining our democracy and the unity of our dear nation in the face of daunting challenges. “Nigerians appreciate

that it is not by chance but through hard work and careful planning that our economy grew to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the largest in Africa," the party said. It added that it is to the credit of the PDP-led administration that freedom and personal liberty, which is essential components of democracy, have been enhanced, noting that Nigerians relish all forms of freedom, social justice, and fairness in line with the ideology and manifesto of the PDP. PDP said President Jonathan has proven to be a meticulous leader whose policies and actions are product of deep reflection and consultations. "He has been able to withstand all kinds of pressures, even in the

most challenging circumstances. At the state level, the sterling performance of our governors in transforming their states and delivering democracy dividends to their citizens speaks volume of our party’s covenant with the people and commitment to good governance. “Indeed, PDP remains the most popular political party in Nigeria commanding the respect and support of the majority of the voting population in all the nooks and crannies of our country. “In the north, apart from the fact that the PDP is in control of the administration of 12 out of the 19 states in the region, our party commands grassroots support and will win majority of the votes in our original states of Sokoto, Kano, Nasarawa and Kwara," Metuh said.

L-R: Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; leader of Presidential Committee on Hajj/Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubabar III and other members of the committee during the presentation of 2014 Hajj Report in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

How to end insurgency How APC plots hacking, fake results in Nigeria –Emir of Kano CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

he Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Lamido Sanusi II, yesterday stated that the only way to bring the insurgency that has been ravaging the country to an end is to face the insurgents squarely without fear. He said confrontation is the best way to tackle the insurgents. According to him, “if people bring war to your doorstep, they should be fought till they are defeated. The battle has been brought to us, so we are also up in arms against them.” The emir, who made

this known when a delegation of Fulani group paid him a condolence visit over the recent attack at the Kano Central Mosque, said that there are people who believe that the only way to practise their religion is to attack Muslims. Sanusi pointed out that Muslims should know that this war had been brought upon all of them and so they should help security agents to wage the war if not the insurgency will not come to an end. The Kano emir further said that Fulanis are people of good character and that they should endeavour to imbibe these qualities not only to their children but to other tribes as well.

the timing of the release of the 'findings' as a plot orchestrated in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to distract the APC from its ongoing campaigns for next month's elections. It described as disingenuous, flimsy, premeditated, partisan and an irritant the conclusion of DSS that the APC had an ''articulated plan to inflate the party's membership data as well as hack into INEC's voter registration database.” APC said: “First, the DSS and the PDP said the APC was cloning Permanent Voter Cards at the raided office, without a shred of evidence. Now, after a 'painstaking' investigation, the DSS has found out that the APC was only

planning to inflate its membership data and then hack into INEC's database. And this is the outcome of its massive, months-long investigations? “This would have been funny if it were not from a primary domestic intelligence agency saddled with a great responsibility. Can this wishy-washy report stand any serious scrutiny? Can any serious intelligence gathering agency anywhere else in the world take this report seriously? With these kind of findings, one can now understand why Boko Haram has continued to strike at times and places of its own choosing without any prior knowledge by our allpowerful DSS. “Even the presentation of the report by a poorlytrained and highly-politi-

cised spokesperson of the DSS worsened the socalled findings." The party accused the DSS of working with PDP, adding: "We have always warned that our democracy is in clear and present danger, not just from desperate politicians, but also from institutions of state that have compromised in their roles and resorted to crass lawlessness. The DSS' 'findings' today have given us another reason to repeat this warning." In its reaction, the PDP said it has been vindicated by the shocking findings made by the DSS. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday said Nigerians and the international community can now see that the ruling party was not crying wolf as

alluded by some quarters when it earlier raised an alarm that the APC was cloning PVCs and utilizing technologies to hack into the commission’s data base. “When we alerted Nigerians that the APC is on a sinister mission against this country some people dismissed us as crying wolf and playing to the gallery. Now that they have been exposed, the world can see that the APC is indeed a party of criminals in desperate quest for power. “Everyone now knows on what strength a party which lacks genuine followership among the people has been boasting that it will emerge victorious in the elections with threats of violence if it loses," he said.

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NATIONAL

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

JUSUN strike: Lawyers, litigants, inmates groan Akeem Nafiu, Badmus Adedoyin and Cynthia Johnson

awyers, litigants and awaiting trial inmates yesterday wore gloomy faces as the judiciary workers’ strike under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) paralysed judicial activities nationwide. The strike, which en-

16,700

The total population of Anguilla in 2011. Source: Un.org

tered day five today, was embarked upon by the judiciary workers on January 2. They are demanding for judicial autonomy, protesting the alleged refusal by the government to comply with the verdict of a Federal High Court which granted financial autonomy to the state judiciary. Yesterday, no fewer than 20 cases billed for hearing at the Federal High Court, Lagos were

stalled as scores of judicial officers were barred from entering the court. The situation was not different at the Ikeja High Court, where hundreds of litigants and awaiting trial inmates were turned back by fierce looking officers of the JUSUN. For instance, some inmates brought from both the Ikoyi and the Kirikiri Prisons burst into tears as they were turned back from the

36,460

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Gabon in 2009. Source: Itu.int

Ikeja High Court. Apparently miffed, a lawyer, Mr. Chris Chimuko, who had arrived the court at about 9 a.m. described the strike as a misnomer, saying the way the workers were going about their grievances was illegal. At the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, a case initiated by the sacked Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin to chal-

25%

The projected percentage increase of Americans above 65 years with Alzheimer’s in Massachusetts in 2014-2025. Source: Alz.org

lenge his alleged removal by seven of the twentysix member house was also stalled yesterday. The presiding Judge, Justice Saliu Saidu, had at the last proceeding, fixed the hearing of the matter for yesterday. The Judge, while adjourning the matter for the hearing of the motion on notice also directed the plaintiffs to serve all court processes on the defendants.

£3.97m

The monthly salary of Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid. Source: Paywizard.co.uk

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr. Godswill Akpabio; Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, during the official presentation of the two governorship candidates to the Akwa Ibom State community in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Lagos warns residents against harmattan Dayo Ayeyemi

agos State Government has cautioned residents to take precautionary measures as the state is to experience the dry Harmattan haze for some time. The state Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, while stating this during an interactive section with journalists yesterday said that weather forecast from the ministry has indicated that the maximum temperature expected all through this week is 31oC while the minimum temperature of 25oC is expected. Bello said that the weather would be hazy, dusty, warm days early in the morning while fog is expected in the evenings. He, therefore, advised all motorists and other road users to take necessary precautions such as cleaning of their vehicle windscreens before and while driving, reduce speed limits, observe road signs, so as to prevent accident on our roads as there would be increase dust concentration which would reduce visibility especially in the early morning. According to him: “As the air is cool and dusty, we urge residents to take basic health and environmental precautionary measures such as covering of nose, washing hands with soap and water as the weather may cause catarrh.

Fashola: FG clueless on Kalu offers INEC free 180-page advertorial security, power problems Mojeed Alabi Muritala Ayinla A G overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday said that Federal Government has no solution to the challenges confronting the country, even as he urged the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN to sheath their sword and return to work in the interest of the masses. Fashola made the appeal at the commissioning of the Cooperative Home Ownership Incentive Scheme, CHOIS City at Agbowa, Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, LCDA and the first Solar-powered Primary Health Care, PHC centre, Epe. He said: “I made this plea in the interest of the masses, who rely on the judiciary for fair judgment.” He said what the Federal Government misinformed the citizens and foreign investors about

the country especially on insecurity while rebasing of the country’s economy were untrue, saying from all indications, it appears the FG has no clue regarding the solution to the security and power challenges. He said: “First, they were ignorant and later they lied to Nigerians. This indicates that they don’t know what to do on the challenges confront this country especially on insecurity. “On insecurity facing the country, first they (Federal Government) lied that their political opponent were the cause. Later, they lied that it was people in their government. After that, they told Nigerians that those behind the insecurity in Nigeria were foreigners. Again, in their usual tactics, they came out to say that it was some saboteurs who were behind the insecurity in the country”.

s part of its contributions towards ensuring that the forthcoming general election was free, fair and peaceful, the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by a former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu,

has offered to run free advertorial on some select national dailies in the country. The move is aimed at conveying patriotic messages to the electorate. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru

Jega and signed by the organisation’s Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ngozi Okoye, 60 pages of the paid advertorial, will run concurrently in The Sun, New Telegraph and Soccer Star newspapers, between December 21, 2014 and February 21, 2015. The organisation add-

ed that a house-to-house sensitization across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has also commenced, and that volunteers have been campaigning against rigging and violence, emphasizing the consequences of their actions.

Jonathan urges religious leaders to pray for Nigeria Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday received the report of the 2014 Hajj, with a charge to religious leaders to continue to pray for the unity and peace

of the country. The report was submitted by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Oba of Lagos, Riwan Akinolu and members of the 2014 Hajj operation. While receiving the report, Jonathan thanked

the team for a successful exercise and assured that government would continue to support religious exercise such as Hajj in the country. He explained: “The Sultan has made the presentation and it is a summary. We take the

Hajj operation very seriously. So, all the issues raised here, we will look at it. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation normally does a thorough analysis of it and come up with specific resolution of what government should do.”

Why Nigeria may miss MDGs targets, by ex-NMA boss Appolonia Adeyemi

orried at the negative impact falling crude oil prices may impose on health care services in the country, the President of Commonwealth Medical Associa-

tion and immediate Past President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has said that except the nation explores imaginative approaches in managing its ripple effect, Nigeria may not achieve

the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To this end, Enabulele called on the three tiers of government to grant tax reliefs to providers of healthcare services, grant import duty waivers on hospi-

tal equipment and budget adequate resources to health, despite the global oil crisis. “This is in realisation of the strong nexus between quality health care and economic development,” he added.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

NUC laments ‘profit motive’ by private varsities PROFIT MOTIVE Private universities see their facilities as business centres, regulating body alleges

Biodun Oyeleye ILORIN

he National Universities Commission (NUC) yesterday came hard on operators of private universities in Nigeria, alleging that some of them see their facilities as business centres. The regulatory body claimed that most proprietors are ‘stubborn’ and are only sharing their revenue with banks to offset commercial loans to the detriment of offering quality education. According to the commission, profit motive made some proprietors to violate procedures and requirements in an effort to commence lucrative and marketable courses before maturity period. A Deputy Director at the commission, Ashafa Ladan, who made these claims in Ilorin, Kwara State, at a public lecture organised to mark the first Founder’s day celebration of Al-Hikmah University, a private university owned by renowned industrialist, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, said

many of the private universities have inadequate teaching staff in the right mix and quality. Ladan, who spoke on the topic, “The challenges of private universities’ proprietorship in Nigeria”, noted that the report of the Needs Assessment of Nigerian universities also revealed that less than 50 per cent of Nigerian universities teaching staff have doctorate degrees, all of which he added has negative effect on accreditation performance of the universities. His words: “Some private university proprietors either have their operating licenses suspended or undergoing forensic auditing due to their failure to put in place proper structure for governance and administration as contained in their academic brief and the university law. “The guidelines and requirements of NUC and other professional bodies place greater constraint on some proprietors as they would have preferred to employ poor quality teaching staff to maximize their profit; most of the senior teaching staff in private universities are either employed on sabbatical, visiting or adjunct basis due essentially to difficulty in attracting quality staff at this level.

Aliyu calls for more support for Armed Forces Dan Atori MINNA

iger State Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu yesterday solicited for more support to be given to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to enable them confront successfully the series of security challenges facing the country. The armed forces, Aliyu said, should be provided with up-to-date equipment and training in modern warfare, crisis management and tackling of insurgency. Aliyu, who spoke in Minna at the launching of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Week, also asked the political leadership for the ‘political will that they (Armed Forces) do the job they are employed to do properly’. “We must demand from the political leadership, the political will that will ensure they do the job they are employed to do properly. Security

agencies should not be manned by those who failed in other places’. As political leaders, we should give leadership and direction, we must equip it properly and give them the required training. We cannot for any reason, relax. The armed forces are supposed to be combat ready at any time’. Aliyu also asked Nigerians to accord the necessary respect to members of the Nigerian Armed forces, especially because they have decided to lay down their lives for others to live. He also appreciated the role the armed forces have played in ensuring the continued unity and peace prevailing in the country. Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Legion in Niger State, Ex Warrant Officer 11 Musa Abubabkar Kutigi, announced that the proposed secretariat of the Legion will be named after Aliyu because of the support he has given to the organization over the last seven years.

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NATIONAL

Redeem your image, NGE tells INEC Mojeed Alabi

owards the conduct of a successful general election in February, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to redeem its image especially over what it described as the shoddy distribution of the Permanent Voters’ Card, PVC

to the electorate. That was even as the body also advised politicians against heating up the polity ahead of the elections, especially as the electoral body lifts ban on campaign, urging them to be cautious in their utterances, abide by the campaign and exhibit tolerance before and during the elections. These were some of the recommendations

of the editors after their quarterly meeting recently held in Lagos as contained in its communiqué released after the meeting and made available to New Telegraph. According to its National President, Mr. Femi Adeshina, the Guild lamented the spate of insurgency attacks, especially in the North East, saying the crisis calls for “harmonisation

of efforts, change of tactics, and a review of the country's security architecture, to win the war.” The statement added: “The Guild notes that the sudden sharp fall in global oil prices is a wake-up call to the Nigerian government to urgently go beyond rhetorics by developing economic policies and measures to diversify the economy."

L-R: General Manager, Corporate Communications, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SACHOL), Mr. Basil Agboarumi; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Olu Owolabi and General Manager, Human Resources, Mr. David Olorundade, during an interaction with the Airport Correspondents, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO:TONYEGUAYE

Lagos APC candidates charge INEC to provide PVCs

he candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, yesterday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the over six million registered voters in the state get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) before the general election. Expressing concerns over hitches in the distribution and collection of PVCs in the state, the candidates lamented that eligible voters in Lagos might be disenfranchised if the situation was not urgently addressed.

Lagos State has 68 candidates vying for various slots in the February elections. They spoke at a parley hosted by the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at his campaign office in Gbagada. The event was a bonding meeting to have all the candidates in Lagos APC mount a unified front in their campaign strategies. According to them, it would be disastrous if registered voters, who have been unable to collect their PVCs are denied the opportunity of exer-

Jonathan deserves re-election, say Ogun PDP Assembly candidates Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

he 26 House of Assembly candidates of the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday threw their weight behind the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the president's performance remained the best thing to have happened to the party and the country. They also lauded Jonathan, the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji

Adamu Mu'azu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for following due process in the selection and acceptance of the party's gubernatorial candidate in the state, Prince Gboyega Isiaka. They vowed to work assiduously with the chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of South West PDP, Prince Buruji Kashamu, in securing victory for the party in Ogun State during the general elections.

cising their constitutional right. The candidates lamented that available reports showed that several eligible and registered voters in the state may not be able to elect the candidates of their choice because they have been unable to obtain their PVCs due to curious and intractable logistic challenges on the part of INEC. The candidates, therefore, urged the electoral body to allow those with Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) exercise their civic obligation during

the forthcoming polls if it comes clear that the PVCs will not go round. They said this option would become necessary in order to forestall massive disenfranchisement. In his remarks, Ambode said: “The issue of PVCs is critical to successful polls and a commendable electoral system and we demand that INEC provides these tools of change for the masses. “Under no circumstance should any eligible registered voter be disenfranchised because of non-availability or collection of PVCs."

Donations to Buhari's campaign fund rise by N64m Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he Crowd Funding Project of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has swelled by N64 million The amount was N54 million as at last two weeks when the Buhari briefed the press, but today ( yesterday) it has risen to N118 million. Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Hamid Ali (rtd) at the

interactive session with the 84 leaders of Buhari Support Organizations, also stated that the campaign needs more money to prosecute his election. Speaking at the event, Ali called on the groups to make sure that they obtain their Permanent Voter's Card (PVCs) as that would be the only way Buhari could win the presidential election. He said: "You have been an instrument of change and there cannot be change without you. Without PVCs Buhari cannot win".

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro ‘Lagos records 44 fire outbreaks in one week’

Islamic cleric rapes girl

Muritala Ayinla

Taiwo Jimoh

bout 44 fire incidents have been recorded in less than a week in Lagos State with property close to N1 billion destroyed. This is even as the Lagos State Fire Service expressed worry over mass destruction of property occasioned by frequent fire outbreaks. The Director of Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, who gave the figure in a statement, described the fire incidents his men responded to in the past three weeks as outrageous, especially the first five days of the New Year. According to the statistics of the fire incidents, the service recorded 44 fire calls and four false calls within the first five days of the year. Fadipe warned that there “is no small fire incident,” because, according to him, every outbreak of fire is followed by destruction to property and sometimes lives. Noting that the state government placed high premium on safety of lives and property of its citizens, the director decried the nonchalant attitude of the public to the safety of their lives and property. Fadipe also said that harmattan was not the cause of frequent fire incidents but people’s failure to take necessary precautions. He said: “The public should also remember that harmattan is never a cause of an outbreak of fire but a major contributory factor to its spread. Therefore, there is need for the public to be cautious in the way they handle flammable products, electronic appliances, naked lights and avoid bush burning, while also remember that the resultant effect of an outbreak of fire is an agony of different magnitude.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

n Islamic cleric, Quadri, known as Alfa Cisse, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 22-year-old lady and shaved hair from her armpit, head and private part. Quadri was alleged to have tricked the victim, Bose, to his house at Abule-Ojo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State for a prayer. The lady said she met Quadri while she was returning from her place of work around 8.30pm on December 28, 2014. The cleric then invited her for a special prayer at his house. The prayer was supposed to attract favour to Bose and would be conducted with other clerics. Recalling how she got hoodwinked, Bose said: “Alfa ordered me to follow him to his house that other Muslim clerics were waiting for him there. “He said they wanted to pray for me. After I had left my handbag at home, I went back to meet him at his house. He asked me to bring money to buy red candle which they would use for the prayer. I was shocked to discover that he was the only one at home when I got there.” The victim said when she queried him over the absence of other clerics, he told her not to worry, that they would arrive by 3am. Thus she was forced to spend the night at his house.

Quadri

When it was 3am, Quadri woke her for the supposed prayer. She added: “He said I should be saying Lailahailala (there is no God except Allah). While I was still reciting the verse, he ordered me to strip naked and to start praying. “While this was going on, the mensuration pad I had on was already soaked. When he saw this, he said I should put on my pants and sit beside him. He said I should shave my genital hair, my nails and hair from my head. He said he wanted to blend them with black soap. He said after he finished the mixture, my fiancé should bathe me, using the soap mixture.” According to her, after she had given him everything he requested for, she went to bed. She was, however, shocked to see Quadri climbing into bed with her. Before she could get over her shock, he had raped her.

Bose

After prison, I still have the urge to steal, says suspect Shola Adefuwa

fter spending eight months in prison, a suspected car thief has been arrested again. According to him, the eight months in Kirikiri Prison did not stop the urge in him to steal cars. The suspect, Mr Kazeem Kosemani, 37, a panel beater, who later took to crime, said: “I spent eight months in Kirikiri Prison, but I still came out to continue stealing cars. I was arrested last year for car snatching. I was granted bail by the court, through the intervention of my uncle. My uncle paid to get me bailed, but I don’t know how much.” Kosemani said that after his bail, his uncle refused to accommodate him in his house, so, he was forced to sleep in buses at motor parks. According to him, with the aid of a master key, steal-

Kosemani

ing cars from where they are parked is easy. The suspect was arrested after the Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Mr Abba Kyari, led a team of policemen to his

hideout. Apparently, a tracking device was in the car that the suspect’s friend, Ayeke, gave to him to sell. A police source said: “The suspect is a one-man car stealing gang. He said he had removed only five vehicles, but we believe he has removed more. He spent eight months in prison, but he did not learn anything from his incarceration. Immediately, he was granted bail, he went back to his old ways.” Kosemani said: “I use master key to open doors of cars I want to steal. I also use the key to start the vehicle. My friend, Aboki, introduced me to the business. I bought the master key for N12,000. “I prefer to operate at night and in the early hours of the day. I use the key to test the cars at night. If the key can start the car, I will come back around 4am to move it. I have

removed only three cars - at Ijesha, Ajao Estate and Ilasa areas of Lagos State. “I sold a Toyota 3X for N35,000 because the engine was faulty. I sold the second car for N150,000. But Aboki gave me N100,000. The third car was bought by a guy for N35,000. He said he would be going to Ladipo Market to dismantle it and sell the parts.” Recalling how he was arrested, Kosemani said that a friend, Ayeke, gave him a Toyota Serena car to sell. He, however, said he did not know it was a stolen one. Kosemani said that 18 days after the car had been with him, policemen came to arrest him. According to him, it was after his arrest that the police told him that it was stolen a stolen car. Police are still on the trail of Ayeke.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015

Pregnant ‘policewoman’ held for stealing Kunle Olayeni

Assailants strangle farmer in Akure

Abeokuta

Babatope Okeowo

olice in Ogun State have arrested a 35-year-old dismissed policewoman, Funmilayo Balogun, and 13 others for criminal offences ranging from stealing, armed robbery, murder and rape. The state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, paraded the suspects at the office of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Magbon, Abeokuta. Okoye also disclosed that eight vehicles were recovered from some of the suspected armed robbers, who had been terrorising people. According to him, the arrested policewoman was dismissed in 2010 from the Ondo State Police Command over fake result. He said that Balogun was a corporal before her dismissal but had been going about deceiving unsuspecting Nigerians with the rank of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). Okoye explained that the fake policewoman, who is currently pregnant, came to Abeokuta about two months ago and stole a Honda Crosstour worth N5 million from a car dealer. She later sold the car for N3.5 million but collected N2 million as first instalment. The commissioner said that the dismissed policewoman was eventually arrested in Lagos while the stolen car was recovered in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. He said: “This woman specialised in stealing vehicles. She is specialised in deceiving

Akure

Balogun with the stolen car

people, going to car dealers to deceive them that she wants to buy a car. She will bargain with them, after which she will now tell them that they should follow her to the bank to cash money. From there, she will discharge the dealer and take away the vehicle. “I don’t know how she came about the police uniform and that is what she has been using to defraud people. In this particular case, she came into Abeokuta, she negotiated with a car dealer and then pretended to be coming to the state police headquarters, Eleweran. They believed her and gave her two boys to follow her. “She came into the headquarters, drove round, deceived them and went out, came back and dropped one of

the boys and asked the other one to follow her to the bank to collect the money. While their master was inside the office waiting for them, he could not see them and he had to call them; they said that they were still waiting for the woman. “Their boss now sent another boy to the so-called bank. The boy went there and was at the bank waiting for this woman. Then, the dealer called the woman again and asked about her whereabouts. She said she was in the bank. While they were waiting, the next time he called, the woman said she was still processing the money.” Okoye said the fake policewoman subsequently switched off her phone and headed for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, from where she

escaped with the car. “When the dealers reported the matter, we investigated and the investigation landed us in Port-Harcourt where we recovered that vehicle after arresting the woman in Lagos,” the commissioner added. Speaking with our correspondent, Balogun claimed this was the first time she stole after her dismissal. She said she regretted her action and appealed to the government to pardon her because of her children. Balogun, who stated that she already had twins, advised authorities of the police to desist from dismissing erring officers. She noted that frequent dismissal of officers could escalate crime rate in the country.

Woman slumps, dies after husband’s rumoured death

One of the vandalised vehicles

Taiwo Jimoh

flying bullet on Tuesday hit a trader at the Sura Market area of Lagos Island after two factions of street urchins, otherwise known as area boys, clashed over money given to them by a governorship aspirant. After sympathisers rushed the victim, Abiodun Taye, to

the nearest hospital, some of them did not wait to know if he survived. They rushed to tell his wife that her husband had been shot and killed. Immediately she heard the sad news, she slumped and died. A witness said that the clash between the two factions - youths from Oke-Suna and Sura Market - started on

Sunday and spilled over to yesterday morning. The witness said: “The trouble started over the sharing of money given to them by a governorship candidate who visited the area on Sunday.” It was learnt that the hoodlums from Sura Market were not happy with the sharing formula of the money, which later led to a clash between the two factions. On Tuesday, hoodlums from Oke-Suna area stormed the market, shooting sporadically. It was in the process that Taye was shot. A trader said: “We are tired of these clashes on Lagos Island. Whenever they start their trouble, they would loot shops and attack passers-by.” Another trader in the market, who craved anonymity, said that after the victim was shot, some of his friends thought he had been killed and went straight to his house to inform his wife. He said: “The woman had been sick. When she was told her husband had been killed, she slumped immediately. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, but later pronounced dead by the doctor.” At Oke-Suna Street, about

30 vehicles parked inside the mechanic village were vandalised by the hoodlums. The Chairman, Automobile Mechanic and Technicians Association, Mr Ifarinu Muraina, described what happened at the mechanic village as a serious disaster. He said: “We are just in the beginning of the year and already some of the vehicles kept in our custody for repair had been damaged. We are law-abiding technicians in this area; we have been at Oke-Suna for a long time. “The Lagos State Government and Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, should come to our aid and stop these clashes.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident. Nwosu explained that mobile policemen from Lion Building and Adeniji Adele Police Station had been drafted to the scene. He said: “Three people have been arrested in connection with the clash. We urged the residents to go about their normal businesses as adequate security is guaranteed.”

69-year-old farmer, Mr Peter Adeboye, who was declared missing by his family, has been found dead at his farm at Igoba in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. Adeboye was said to have been strangled by yet-to-be identified assailants who invaded his farm at the weekend. The deceased was said to have gone to his farm on Saturday to work but did not return. When he still did not return about 6pm on that day, his wife, Mrs Esther Adeboye, and other members of the family organised to a search for him. They went to lodge a complaint at the police station. The police told them to search his friends’ houses and farm since he said he was going to the farm. On getting to the farm, Adeboye’s body was found on the ground while blood was gushing out of his mouth and nose. But nothing was stolen from him. The position the search party found the deceased gave the impression that he was murdered. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, said the late farmer was strangled by unknown people. He said: “Mrs Esther Adeboye came to the station to report that her husband was missing, that he went to the farm and did not return. It was at this point that they mobilised a search party and moved to the farm. “On getting there, the wife of the deceased saw the corpse of her husband first and when they moved closer to the corpse they discovered that his trousers was removed to strangulate his neck, blood was gushing out from his nose and mouth. “It was also discovered that his handset was placed on his hand.” The PPRO said the body had been deposited at the mortuary of the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, while investigation had commenced to apprehend those behind the incident.

One dies as fire razes Warri market Joe Obende Warri

t least one person died yesterday while petroleum products and sundry goods worth millions of naira went up in flames at Pesu Harbour Market in Warri, Delta State. The fire, which started from one of the warehouses where fuel (petrol and diesel) are stored, was so fierce that efforts by traders to put it off failed. Unwholesome petroleum product sales go unchecked at the popular market. Firefighters battle for several hours to contain the fire but soon ran out of water. The victim, whose name could not immediately be ascertained, was described as a well-known “Mallam” in the market. No one could tell if he was in the warehouse when the fire started. The body of the dead man was still at the market with the fire raging on at the time of filing this report.

News

RIDDLE

What does APC have in common with MEND? PDP asks Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

PDP to APC: Explain your connections with MEND to explain to Nigerians, its relationship with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, said the explanation became necessary following the unsavoury

public reactions trailing the statement by MEND backing their Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. “What exactly does APC have in common with MEND? Why do they want to resurrect it? Nigerians want to know. Are we also ex-

pecting a similar statement from insurgents in the north, who initially named General Buhari to lead the dialogue between them and the Federal Government? “Nigerians are indeed worried by these developments. We, therefore, urge the APC to come

out clean and explain to the citizens what they have in common with these groups, especially given the statement by their flag bearer, after the 2011 elections, that the ‘dogs and baboons will all be soaked in blood”, the statement concluded.

L-R: Rivers PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Nyesom Wike; former Governor of Rivers, Mr. Celestine Omehia and PDP Rivers State deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Ipalibo Banigo, during their campaign visit to Isiokpo, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State…yesterday. PHOTO-NAN

Enugu Catholic Diocese may Police raise the alarm over use dissociate self from Mbaka of uniforms by youth groups Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

he Catholic Diocese of Enugu in Enugu State may make an official statement on the recent attack on President Goodluck Jonathan by the charismatic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, which has generated much controversy in the polity. That is especially coming close to the February 14 presidential election. As the ferocious attack on Jonathan continues to create ripples even among the clergy, NewTelegraph checks yesterday at the old Adoration Ground of the Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Nigeria(AMEN), run by Mbaka revealed that he has put off all adoration programmes till the first week of next month , a situation which made the place devoid of the usual every Wednesday. Before now, adoration activities at that ground located behind Parklane

Teaching Hospital, GRA, Enugu used to cause traffic gridlock in the area. Responding to our reporter's inquisition as to what the Enugu Catholic Diocese would do in the face of the bad blood bred by the development, diocesan secretary , Rev. Fr. Ambrose Agu, said it was better for the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most. Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga, to address the issue next week, if we needed the church's official position on the development. On his part, the diocesan scribe did not make comment on the issue and it was not possible to get any priest to make independent comment on it before filing in this report yesterday. A source, who spoke to our reporter at the old ground in the morning hours yesterday, said: " We are just coming from the New year and all activities have been put off till the first week of February and you can see that the usual crowd is not here today".

Emmanuel Onani ABUJA

he Nigeria Police have raised the alarm over the use of uniforms similar to those of its officers and the rank and file, by youth vanguards, government and private security outfits. A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, said the Police High Command is particularly disturbed about the development, in view of the February elections. It, however, warned Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) as well as Command Police Commissioners, to put their men on the alert, with a view to arresting such persons. Ojukwu quoted copiously from the 1999 constitution, to substantiate the position that such action was illegal. The statement reads: "The attention of the Police High Command has been drawn to some Youth

Vanguards, government security outfit or private uniformed security outfits, who are kitted in a manner similar to Police uniform and accoutrements. This action is illegal as it is clearly stated in section 214, sub section 1 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria stating that “there shall be a Police Force for Nigeria which shall be known as Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provision of this section no other Police Force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof”. "Attention is also drawn to section 42 of Police Act cap 19 LFN 2014 which stated inter alia that “every person not being a Police officer who puts on or assumes either in whole or in part, the dress, name, designation, or description of any Police officer or any dress, name or designation, resembling and intended to resemble the dress, name or designation of any Police officer, or in any way pretends to be a Police officer for the purposes of obtaining admission into any house..."

Groups want reports of Synagogue Church’s collapse released Mojeed Alabi

everal groups including the Nigerian Human Rights Community, NHRC, a coalition of about 135 civil right groups and the Oodua Nationalist Coalition, ONAC, have accused both the Federal Government and the Police of attempting to cover up the reports of their investigations on the collapse of a building belonging to the Synagogue Church of all Nations in Lagos. The building, a guesthouse located within the Synagogue church premises around Ikotun-Egbe area of Lagos State had collapsed to the ground on Friday, September 12, killing 115 victims, including 84 South Africans and one Zimbabwean. In a statement jointly issued yesterday by the organisations and signed by the NHRC Executive Secretary and the ViceChairman of its Northern Zone, Mrs. Feyisike Adeoye and Mallam Yaya Abdulkadir respectively, and the National Chairman of ONAC, Mr. Adewale Adeoye, they stated that the failure of the government to release the report suggests a string of cover-ups, which they claim strengthens the growing public perception that the collapse of the building was as a result of a bomb attack by yet -tobe identified people.”

APGA reiterates support for Jonathan Wale Elegbede and Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday reiterated its support to the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in next month's Presidential election. The party, therefore, disassociated itself from comments credited to Mr. Campbell Umeh-Nzekwe, who had in a recent interview declared that the party won't be supporting the President's re-election bid. The party, in a statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary, Okwukwe Ibiam, said: "We, at the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), strongly stand by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. "We dissociate ourselves from any publication, or publications associating our great party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), or its representatives in the forthcoming general election". According to Ibiam, "the said comments by

a Mr. Campbell UmehNzekwe, a former contact and mobilization personnel for the APGA in Lagos State, does not in any way, shape or form reflect the opinions of either the National Chairman, the National Working Committee, or the Convention of our great party. We, at the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), view Mr. Umeh-Nzekwe's comments as flippant and totally misguided. "We will also like to add that Mr. Campbell Umeh-Nzekwe is not a Special Adviser to the National Chairman, and was never elected to any position of consequence to speak on behalf of the APGA anywhere, or its representatives. Mr. Campbell Umeh-Nzekwe we believe, was reflecting his rather erroneous individual opinion. He may be well-advised to keep them to himself. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), strongly stands by our endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan, and will campaign everywhere in the few weeks ahead, to showcase our strong stance with the President.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Governance

National Assembly

17, 20

Competence should determine who emerges president – Ikedife

I’ll defeat Wamakko, says Maccido

Politics

Why we staged coup against Buhari, by Babangida is doing now. It is very civil, you don’t condemn people, you investigate, you establish facts and so on. This is what is happening now and I think the fact that anybody is innocent until proven guilty is what you are doing now. I think this is good for this country.

Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, speaks on his life at 73, wealth, corruption and the $12 billion oil windfall. He spoke with Zero Tolerance, a publication of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Excerpts: Let us congratulate you on your 73rd birthday. Thank you for reminding me that I am an old man. At 73, do you feel accomplished? First of all, I need to thank God for having attained this age, at remarkably good health still talking and moving. I remain grateful to God, brothers, friends, colleagues and Nigerians generally for all the goodwill. Any regrets? So far, the emphatic answer is, no! Looking back in the last 73 years, what will you say has been your greatest achievement and contribution to this country? Seriously speaking, my generation came at a time when Nigeria was just trying to be on its feet. I went into the military service in 1962, Nigeria was just about two years old and it had the problems of a developing nation, what they need to go through and so on. So, we were witnesses to this develop-

Babangida ment and I think, one should be able to quantify his contributions based on that period, what we had been doing. I think it was very fulfilling and rewarding.

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Why did you choose to go into the military at that time? There was a drive to get students or people from this part of the country so as to balance the officer corps of the armed forces; so there was a deliberate drive to recruit officers from this part of the country and I was fortunate that the minister for the army happened to be from this part of the country. So, one of his first recruitment drives was to come to our school; he talked to us and gave reasons why we should join the military. Then, we saw some demonstration by General Yakubu Gowon; he was a captain at that time, a lot of us got excited. We applied and were recruited.

If not the military, where else would you have been?

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS

My original thought was to be a civil engineer but when this military thing came, I jettisoned that and went in for the military.

A coup or change comes about if there is frustration in the society. Just get that right. There was frustration in the society between 1984 and 1985, the ground was fertile for a coup

EFCC is 11 years old now, what is your assessment of the Commission? Well, I think EFCC has done remarkably well because it came at a time this country needed an organisation that should check the scourge of corruption and the rest of it. I think it came at the right time. I took quite an interest to know how the Commission operates, especially under the present leadership. I believe they are achieving good results. I was reading in the media some of the prosecutions and convictions recorded and I think I am impressed as they have been doing everything in accordance with the law. Like everything new, the Commission experienced some teething problems. First of all, the public needed to understand what it was trying to do, but I understand what the Commission

Despite all the efforts, Nigeria continues to be ranked as one of the most corrupt countries, what will you say is responsible for the high level of corruption in this country? The fact that the corruption index says Nigeria is highly corrupt is quite subjective. A lot of us have had lots of experience in other countries; generally every country has the problem of corruption in various forms. I think what we need is to do the little we did when we were in office; try to find out the source of corruption and then block it. Back in 1986, Cooperative Boards as we knew them then were institutions bedevilled by corrupt practices. An ordinary farmer brings his products, the board is there to assess it as either grade one, two or three. A lot of things went wrong, so what we did was to encourage the farmer to go to the end users to negotiate. The end user will also inspect what you have. So the farmer is talking to you directly, no middle man or anything because the corruption starts where the middle man is. Once you have identified areas that are prone to corruption, the next thing is to eliminate them and get the people educated. In the case of foreign exchange for example, you needed to go to the Central Bank or to the banks before you could get foreign currencies, but by establishing the bureau de change, you could walk in there, exchange the money and put it in your pocket, go on with your business and you are not robbing anybody. One of the things to avoid, especially in government institutions, is too much control, where there is a lot of control, corruption easily manifest. So, you look at where there is a lot of control, try to do away with it and then things will work for the people. The military regimes before you, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics | Interview

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

I’m not as rich as people think, says Babangida Murtala Mohammed/Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari had programmes that frontally tackled corruption. Will you say your government fought corruption? Well, we had different approaches; I think my government was able to identify corruption prone areas and checked them. If you remember in this country, there were things they call essential commodities. These are also sources of corruption; you go and buy omo or food or whatever it is and we got government to take its hands off such activities. Let people use their own brains, hands and labour, nobody has to do it for them. So, we did but I am proud to say that was much more effective. I don’t have the facts but if what I read in the papers is currently what is happening then I think we were angels. I asked that question against the background that during the Buhari administration, there was War Against Indiscipline (WAI), you didn’t have a programme like that. You came in and the programme died as it were. Why didn’t you put up something similar to deal with corruption, knowing that corruption was very prevalent? Because I was learning from the mistake of those before me. If you take for example the War Against Indiscipline, they were teaching you how to queue, to say sorry when you step on somebody! It hasn’t solved anything. It was trying to make you to be civil in your approach to things. Ok, I accept I am going to queue before I get into a car but I might have bribed somebody before I got a ticket to go into the vehicle. We tried not to fall into the same trap, by tackling the source and making corrections in those places. You described yourself as an angel when you ruled this country. Sadly people tend to remember your regime as institutionalising corruption in Nigeria. Yeah, I know. Maybe I have to accept that but anybody with a sense of fairness has no option but to call us saints. I give you example, in a year I was making less than $7 billion in oil revenue. In the same period there are governments that are making $200 to $300 billion. With $7 billion, I did the little I could achieve; with $200 billion there is still a lot to be achieved.

You are not looking at the benchmark, what was the value of naira to the dollar then and what is it today? When I left office, it was N22 to the dollar. Now it is N184 and is not my making. I left it at N22, official rate. When you came into office, the naira and the dollar were almost at par, so what happened that triggered the massive devaluation of the naira under your watch? The world is changing economically and if you want to compete with the industries around the world, you have to moderate your currency and what we did was in accordance with the development in the world at that time. The first time when it became one dollar to four naira, we almost went crazy, all of us in the military, but then we were learning. Our economy should not be oblivious of what is happening in the outside world and we wanted to compete effectively with other countries. All the same, we were able to keep it down to 22. When I left, it went up to 85. Abacha was good; he kept it between 85 and 90. In terms of accounting for resource earnings, we can remember that during your regime, there was also this gulf war and Nigeria earned a lot of money. What happened to the gulf war oil windfall? First of all, that war lasted three months, about 90 something days; it didn’t last up to a year. So get that fact straight. Secondly, the oil price at that time was below $18 per barrel, so there is no way you could make $12.4 billion in three months. We couldn’t have made that amount of money but Pius Okigbo knew what he was doing. He had brains and he said between 1986 or 1988 to 1994, monies that accrued to the Federal Government at that time was about that money you are calling, windfall. He said so. It is there in his book. Then the other thing he said, the monies could have gone into generative investment, I am not an economist but I have an understanding of what this is. Our argument then was if you have the money, why keep it and be looking at it when you have a lot of things that will benefit the ordinary man. So that money was not stolen. Where is it? It is what you see now in the country. Thank God most of the

Every government that came after me investigated me because of that perception. Because they wanted to retrieve the billions I stole. Unless you can tell me that you haven’t been very efficient in your investigation, that’s your problem and not mine

Babangida

infrastructures we put in place are what you are using today and proudly so. What are these infrastructures you are talking about? Abuja for example, I built Abuja. Today we have a brand new capital, we used that money. I gave you a Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, you cannot build it now from all the money Nigeria is making. And what did it cost me? N500, N600, N700 million. For the first time, a dual carriage way was seen in the northern part of the country between Kaduna and Kano and then linked it up from Abuja. You cannot afford to do it now, you cannot even afford to touch it because there are a lot of competing needs. You have to put money in education, armed forces, infrastructural development, you have to put money in transportation; there are a lot of competing demands. You talked about Abuja being a brand new city, surprisingly the city is perhaps the only modern capital without a rail transport system. How come you never thought of building a rail system or was it not part of the master plan? You have got good roads. But the advantages of the rail over road is quite obvious as it is cheaper

and can move more people per time The first standard gauge railway was established during our regime. If you ever travel, just go to a place called Itakpe, there is a rail track linking it to Delta. It is a standard gauge railway. So, we put these things where we thought the country will benefit from it. If as you said, you did so well, why then is the perception that your government and your person are the most corrupt in Nigeria? Well, you gladly use the word perception, and it is said that perception is not reality Why the perception? I should ask you, because it is the perception of the media. Are you worried? No, and you know why? Because now a lot of people can reflect; you believed quite wrongly that we are all crooks and I bear no grudge whatsoever against anybody but I know time will come when they will say after all, they did something and this is what is happening. Now, even our fiercest critics give us credit for certain things we did. You are regarded as one of the wealthiest Nigerians living, how did you make your money? Well, that is if you believe I

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Naira and Kobo I wish I could have shown you my bank account. My account officer just left. I would be ashamed to say it so I won’t say it. What are your investments, what do you do? Are you into telecoms? No. The issue that I have stake in a telecom company has been laid to rest for a long time. Globacom issued a statement, nothing of that nature. Agreed they are good and doing well. I am proud that they came up during our time but I am fairly an arrogant man, I don’t plead. If you are good and it is good for us, we say go ahead and do it. So, no Globacom, no petroleum industry and I am not a farmer because I can’t farm. You have Heritage Press. Yeah, it hasn’t been working very well yet. Are we to assume that outside government you are not productive? Then how do you get by? (Laughs), it doesn’t mean that I am not making money. Of course I have investments, no doubt about that. What are these investments? I would assure you using my head, I came to one conclusion that the best investment for someone like me is banking, that’s all You have shares in banks? Yes How many banks No, in one bank. A major shareholder, sir? Yes. Which bank are we talking of … (cuts in) Again investigate… laughs

have the money. This is not a perception If you give me some facts, throw it and say this is it then I have cause to explain. But I know who I am and what I represent, I know what values I stand for. A lot of us will not make such stupid mistakes. What are the investments of IBB? Let me tell you something, maybe you have a hand in it, I have been the most investigated president Nigeria has ever had. By now somebody should have come forward to say here it is. Every government that came after me investigated me because of that perception. Because they wanted to retrieve the billions I stole. Unless you can tell me that you haven’t been very efficient in your investigation, that’s your problem and not mine. We interviewed General Olusegun Obasanjo and asked him how he makes his money and he told us that he is a big time farmer. In your case, what do you do, how do you earn your money? My pension (Laughs…) What is your worth? It is difficult, worth in terms of ?

All those who fought for June 12, ended up serving the military government they didn’t like and that perpetuated a longer stay of the military in government

We have observed a trend, most Nigerian leaders come into office not comfortable financially but by the time they are leaving, they become billionaires. Why is it so? Now you said most, let me tell you on my own. When I got into office in August 27, 1985 I made a declaration and it is there on record what I had, what I possessed, everything and when I left not much changed. Before I became president I was living in this environment, nobody seems to remember that. I tried farming before I became president, I failed. That’s why I said am not going into that field anymore. So it depends, I am not also sure that every president has left office rich. I know they are not. Apart from Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari and may be Shehu Shagari, some people say every other president left richer. No. This is perception. Everyone went there, served and left. I wouldn’t say they left there richer than they were when they came in. We really wouldn’t want to talk about the dead but is Abacha among the leaders you claim did not make money (cuts in) Ok talk about the living, talk about me. The circumstances surrounding your emergence as military president in 1985, some people believe that it was more of self preservation than national interest. Can you tell us

what happened? First of all we planned a coup towards the end of 1983 that truncated the democratically elected government and the military government came in January 1984. Then that government also suffered the same fate as the democratic government when the military staged one of the finest coup in this country, because there was no blood, nothing was lost, smooth and everybody was treated with the utmost civility and our administration came. When we came in August 1985 there was a plan to kick us out in December 1985, it didn’t work. They went into operation again in 1990. I think the country was going through a phase at that time, it’s a developing country and we always had one reason or the other for doing what we did at that time. But the talk at that time was that there was a rift between you and Buhari and he wanted to dismiss you from the Army. No, let me give you a lesson today. A coup or change comes about if there is frustration in the society. Just get that right. There was frustration in the society between 1984 and 1985, the ground was fertile for a coup. It wasn’t fertile, thanks be to God, in December 1985 when the first attempt on me was made, neither was it fertile in April 1990 when the second attempt was made and we had the support of all of you sitting down here. You write, you analyse, you talk, and you demonstrated. It was not unusual then to hear, in the case of the democratically elected government in 1983, a common phrase was ‘the worst military regime is better than this government’. So you were giving us the impetus to stage a coup. We are not dummies, if we didn’t have the support of all of you, we wouldn’t venture into it. We cannot end this interview without talking about June 12… Yes, it is a day in the history of Nigeria and the day the most credible election was held, so what is your question. Why was it annulled? We gave you a lot of reasons but I understood the passion, at that time everybody was fed up, the sentiment was, just pack your things and go. Our thought process is very limited. First of all, on June 23, 1993, I was on the air, and I told Nigerians why we had to do what we did, but I was sensible enough to know that whatever I said nobody was interested. So, the important thing is get out. I hate to say it but, when we annulled June 12, the same Nigerians supported the intervention of the Military, true or false? True because you saw it, you are old enough; all those who fought for June 12, ended up serving the military government they didn’t like and that perpetuated a longer stay of the military in government. When you were leaving government you used the phrase ‘stepping aside.’ Why did you choose to use that phrase? Every one of you thought that I was not keeping pace with the Nigerian dream. We have a tradition in the military, if you are marching in a column, when they say left, you should obey the com-

mand. If you right foot, somebody will shout at you because you are affecting the column, you should step aside so that the column will continue, that was what I did. What’s your philosophy in life? To be at peace with myself and other human beings. And your values … Oh that one is a lot. I told you earlier when we were talking about the stupendous wealth, I told you I know who I am, I know what I represent, I know my background so there are things I wouldn’t do. What are these things? (Laughs), I wouldn’t steal and I don’t have business to fight you even if you are abusing me. This is still part of what I believe in. I will always forgive you because if we offend God He forgives, so why should I hold anything against anybody Why then was it difficult to forgive your bosom friend, late General Mamman Vatsa? Because others before him faced the same law, the only change in that law was introduced by us to give room for appeal. If I was involved in that coup and it flopped, I would have been shot too. So, it is the application of the law, but then it is painful. We made the law, others suffered the consequences. As military president, you had the power to commute the death sentence to jail term But all those that were shot dead, were shot under a military regime. You have a beautiful mansion here; anybody would like to live in this kind of house. We understand that it is a souvenir from a contractor. Whoever that contractor is, I think he should have gone to jail, to give this as a souvenir. I told you I was living in this environment before I became the president. I built a house here when I was Chief of Army Staff. If I open the window for you, you will see a very beautiful house just behind us, that is where I started and then kept on moving up to this place. But you got this place after you left office? I started building it in 1991, took two to three years so that by the time I finished I would have a house to sleep in. What is the value of the property? Now, or then? Now I cannot estimate because it has appreciated. Then I know what my friends spent Your friends built it for you? No, my friends contributed. You have good friends. Yes I have. Were they your friends before you went into government? They were friends before we came into government and friends while I was in government. Culled from Zero Tolerance

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Competence should determine who emerges president – Ikedife Dr. Dozie Ikedife is a former PresidentGeneral of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and chairman of Anambra Elders’ Council. In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, he advises Nigerians to vote based on what is best for the country and not on personal, ethnic or religious interest. He also bares his mind on the February 14 presidential election and Igbo’s quest for presidency. Excerpts:

or its executives. So, I cannot speak for Ohanaeze Ndigbo as an organisation. But I can speak on behalf of the Igbo people because I am an Igbo man. So, as an Igbo leader, in which direction do you think the Ndigbo should go in the choice of who becomes Nigeria’s president come May 29? It is not easy for me yet to say; I am still studying the issue until the two candidates say what they have for Nigeria and Nigerians. Presently, I am still considering the two candidates because I want to make my decision without too much overblown emotion and sentiments. But if there is wide consultation within the Ndigbo, do you see the Igbo supporting either Jonathan or Buhari in February 14 election? They can support either of them. After all, Jonathan is contesting on the platform of PDP while Buhari is APC presidential candidate. I don’t think I will advice that we all go in one direction. I believe that people should not have all their eggs in one basket. After all, different calculation gives different results and the election looks as if there is going to be a close-call to the extent that even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is talking about run-off. If there is going to be that kind of run-off, then it must be a very close call.

Last week Saturday, Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwu moved a motion on President Goodluck Jonathan’s endorsement during the meeing of Imeobi (inner caucus) of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu, but the motion was stepped down. Why did Ohanaeze reject the endorsement? I wasn’t there; I did not attend the meeting. Were you not invited for the meeting? I was invited to the meeting as a past president of Ohanaeze. Of course for any serious meeting, they always invite me but I did not attend the last meeting. What is your own take on President Jonathan’s endorsement by Ndigbo? Do you think Ndigbo should endorse the president for 2015? I have my personal opinion and I have a suspicion of what should be done. Political support or not support is always predicated on political interest of your people, political party and a group that you belong to. And it also requires a little of prior negotiation and agreement. In fact, because sometimes Nigerians demonstrate that they have short memory, it may even be necessary to write it down, signed and sealed before you move. So that denial and acrimonious accusation and argument of this or that would have a reference point. After all, the interest of any group is how to survive successfully in the country. And the unfortunate situation is that ethnicity, religion and geography come to play a major part in consideration of support or not support to any politician. This is of course unfortunate and I attribute it to the fact that we are still tickling with democracy and the fortune of patriotism in the country is not high. Because if the fortune of patriotism in the country is

Apart from Jonathan and Buhari, an Igbo, Chief Chekwas Okorie, is also contesting in the presidential election on the platform of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Of course, there is an Igbo candidate, we should support him too.

Ikedife high and we are broadminded enough, it will not matter where the president comes from, so long the president, governor or chairman of local government will ensure that amenities and patronages are evenly distributed. It is because of the uneven distribution of amenities and patronages that people are clamouring that president should come from their geopolitical zone, ethnic, religious or professional group and so on and so forth. And this makes it so lopsided that sometimes, we even support an incompetent person just because he is my in-law or because we speak the same language, or we belong to one religious group. The Hausa and Fulani have their agenda, the Yoruba have their agenda, the Igbo have theirs and each group will throw its weight behind whoever they think will help them achieve their agenda. And I think, it is not really a matter of just saying, we will support Matthew, Adamu or Daudu. It is a matter of considering if we elevate the discussion to higher level, then we talk about what is best

We should be able to think at the level of Nigeria generally. We should not just support someone without balancing the equation

for Nigeria; rather than what is best for me and my ethnic group, religious group or geo-political zone. In which case, we will say, what is the problem facing Nigeria today and who can best tackle them? Then we will listen to political parties and their candidates talking about issues, programmes and manifestoes, rather than because he is my brother, I must vote for him; whether he is competent or incompetent. So, to me, it is not an easy matter to say we support someone without knowing what the person can do in the interest of Nigeria. We should be able to think at the level of Nigeria generally. We should not just support someone without balancing the equation. In the context of what you said, is there a possibility of Ohanaeze Ndigbo endorsing President Jonathan or Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the February 14 presidential election? I don’t know. I am not in the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The person who can answer that question is the present chairman

Are you saying that Igbo should support Okorie? They should, why not? Ndigbo should support Chekwas Okorie. Why do you think Ndigbo should support Okorie? He is an Igbo man and in the level of political development, he should be supported by his people and his political party members. But in previous presidential elections, Ndigbo have not been supporting an Igbo presidential candidate, considering the performance of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu in the 2003 presidential election? Don’t forget that no condition is permanent. I am seeing changes in the political calendar and in politics one week is a long time. So, four years is a long time. With Okorie in the presidential race, do you think Igbo presidency is realistic in 2015? It may not be achieveable this time but you must make a showing. I am not just being sentimental; I am being realistic.

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I’ll defeat Wamakko, says Maccido Senator Ahmed Maccido is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation. He is contesting the Sokoto Central senatorial seat against Governor Aliyu Wamakko on February 14. In this interview with BABANGIDA KAKAKI, Maccido, a member of the Sultanate Council, speaks on the performance of the Senate, budget implementation and his chances at the election. Excerpts:

As chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, how far has the Federal Government gone in the implementation of the annual budget? Well, so far so good. The executive arm of government has been doing its best to abide by the law of appropriation and the implementation of the budgetary allocations to the various organs of government. The Senate committee on Appropriation which I chair for many years has been undertaking its responsibilities with caution, tact and consideration for the democratic yearnings and aspiration of the ordinary citizens. Some government departments and ministries over the years have done well by implementing the budget up to 50 per cent, some 60 per cent, while others have been decimally low in the implementation. What sometimes hinders the implementation in many departments and ministries is the non-release of funds from the federal accounts, which to my knowledge has problems of cash backing. By and large, I think some ministries and departments are doing well while others need to be up and doing in the implementation of the annual budget. But it all depends on the release of allocated funds to relevant organs. The 7th Senate of the National Assembly has done its duties to the best of its abilities. However, we should take cognisance of the fact that budget is a mere proposal on the expectations of funds and how to spend it. That is why it is sometimes a problem on the Federal Government to ensure cash backing on all budgetary allocations. The 7th Senate will soon end, what can you say are the achievements of this Senate? Our achievements are many. First, our ability to work in

Maccido unity for the good governance of this country. Despite our political differences, we have ensured the implementation of the annual budgets and the remittance of all unspent funds back to the federation account at the end of every year. We have ensured that all Federal Government ministries and departments do not operate outside the budgetary provision, and according to the laid down rules and procedure of spending allocated funds. These we do through oversight functions by different committees of the Senate. We have made laws that directly or indirectly touch the lives of Nigerians. Above all, our rancour-free proceedings which guaranteed a stable and peaceful Senate unlike before, this is a major achievement. These are some but not all. At the constituency level, what projects would you say are your legacy? Based on my principle, I don’t want to blow my own trumpet. I would have liked someone to say this, but since we are in politics, I will like to say a little. I succeeded in bringing developmental projects to the people of my constituency more than many senators representing other zones in the state. I have built ICT centres at Nagarta College in Sokoto South

I am ready to face whoever wants to contest this seat with me from any political party... All I know is that whoever is contesting should not waste his time because the people have made a vow

Local Government Area (LGA) and thereafter each centre in Rinin Sambo in Sokoto North LGA as well as Garin mai kulki in Binji LGA, in Durbawa in Kware LGA and Gidan Madi in Tangaza LGAs, all of them equipped with desktop computers, air conditioners, standby generators as well as solar powered equipment. I have constructed three blocks of classrooms at Gidan Fillani in Wamakko LGA, and equipped them with desk and chairs as instructional materials of learning. I also built a 50-capacity bed hospital at Samalo village in Wamakko, but the incumbent Governor Aliyu Wamakko refused to assign health workers to it since, and it is sad that it is wasting away after having handed it over to Sokoto State Ministry of Health. I have constructed boreholes in Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Binji, Tangaza, Silame and Wamakko LGAs. In fact, in Wamakko, there are two in Yawuri Housing Estate and Salamo Village. I have procured and distributed 500 KVA transformers in Arkilla in Wamakko LGA and Nakasari in Kware LGA. For the first time, I have renovated and equipped the historic Isan Kware Library in Kware LGA, and Islamiyya schools in Alkanci in Sokoto North and Tudun Wada in Sokoto South

LGA. I have provided 100 units each of solar powered street lights to Silame, Binji, Kware and Sokoto South LGAs. I have purchased and distributed 100 sewing machines to NDE tailoring programme graduates who were sent and paid by my constituency office, to learn dressmaking. In the same vein, I have also distributed 250 motorcycles to some youths in the senatorial zone as well as fertilizer to farmers free across the entire zone. I have constructed 4, 000 dry season open wells to farmers, and also given out another set of 4,000 water pumping machines and generators to farmers. Ever since I was elected, I have made it a point of duty to give out hajj seats free to 20 people annually, to perform pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Every year, as a tradition, I distribute foodstuffs and clothing materials worth N20 million to the people of my constituency. In the history of Sokoto State, I was the first to sponsor 30 free marriage engagements for bachelors, spinsters and widows among those that could not bear the cost – each of the bridegroom had benefited from a brand new motorcycle as well as household beddings and items worth over N230,000. In the area of job opportunities, I have secured over 500 employments and jobs to graduates of my constituency in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army and other federal agencies. I have sponsored 30 youth and women to attend National Directorate of Employment (NDE) programmes to learn various skills and after graduation supplied them with tools and materials free to set up their businesses. As part of our drive, I have given out starting capital to 400 women to set up small businesses, 50 from each LGA within the senatorial zone. I gave out scholarships to bright, brilliant but indigent students to further their education beyond colleges and secondary schools, in which I annually spend N20 million. These are some of our constituency projects over the years, and we still continue to do more. Don’t forget, all these projects and undertakings are not the responsibility of a lawmaker who does not have an annual budget, but that of an executive arm of government. A senator’s duty is to provide laws for the good governance of his people, not to execute projects. These are some of the legacies. Thousands of people in your constituency are calling on you to re-contest the senatorial seat. Why the call? There is a popular adage that one good turn deserves another. It is as a result of these constituency projects that touched people’s lives in many ways that the entire people of CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Opinion

Buhari as a presidential candidate (2)

Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

n my first piece on this subject matter, I made all concerted efforts to highlight the profile of Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Presidential candidate. In doing so, I left Nigerians to voluntarily decide to vote for him, alternatively, to reject him at the presidential polls of February 14, 2017. This piece, as part two, is intended to further the antecedents of the 72 -year-old retired Major General who is willing to confront any obstacle which may exist on his way to the Presidential villa, Abuja. Muhammadu Buhari, at the moment, is said not to have presented his academic credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law. According to his party, the APC, it insists that Buhari’s certificates are intact. While the presidential candidate himself stated that his credentials are with the secretary of the Nigerian Military. Secretary to the Military further stated that Buhari is fully aware of how he could get back his certificates. The implication is that extant due processes for obtaining such credentials do exist within the military. This is the climax of the certificate controversy. It should be clearly stated, however, that Buhari is yet to submit the required certificates to the appropriate authority. For me, I sincerely sympathies with Buhari in this mess. I have a deep feeling that the Presidential candidate need not have sleepless nights as a result, if he is sure that he is in possession of some credentials. In accordance with the constitution of the Federal Re-

public of Nigeria. What Muhammadu Buhari needs as a qualification to enable him contest is noting more than an attempted West African School Certificate or its equivalent. The retired Major General does not need even a University Degree or other post graduate certificates to enable him run for an election and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The aforementioned scenarios beg for some salient questions and some missing gaps. Is Buhari vividly a school certificate holder or its equivalent? Has he other military certificates which can equate the West African School Certificate or the General Certificate of Education (GCE)? If he has any of the mentioned credentials, he ought to have forwarded it to INEC inorder to save him from this crushing and embarrassing moment. Additionally, he would have also saved his political party and those who believe in him the disheartening, depressive, teething and sorry episode. Another issue at stake was when the retired Major General plotted a Military coup in 1983 to sack the Shehu Shagari’s regime and Democracy. Does it mean that the elderly presidential candidate was a Military Head of State then without any academic credential? If he had no certificate whatsoever as at 1983, Nigeria should be seen from the point of view of a pitiable nation state. In the present circumstances, Femi Aribisala, a veteran columnist of the Vanguard Newspaper was of the clear view that Muhammadu Buhari only attended the Katsina Provisional Secondary School. He added that the APC Presidential candidate failed the Command

and Staff College examination where officers such as Ibrahim Babangida, Tunde Idiagbon, Theophilius Danjuma, Augustus Aikhomu and Abdusalami Abubakar passed. Consequently Muhammadu Buhari has no military suffixes attached to his Major General statues due to the fact that he could not pass the said examination. How did he rise to the rank of a Major General before his retirement from the Nigeria Military? It would then appear to me that Buhari gained the favour of those who consistently sent him on short military courses and earning unmerited promotions. Based on these stark realities on the profile of Buhari, it would further seem to me that his Major Generalship was based on the obnoxious federal character which de-emphasizes merit and competence. As a result, I am compelled to conclude that Muhammadu Buhari was a quota Major General. As long as the APC Presidential candidate is unable to produce his controversial credentials, it may not be possible for him to win this election and preside over the country with a population of more than 160 million people. There are so many intellectuals and other highly educated Nigerians who would not prefer a non-certificate holder to become President. To think and do otherwise is to insult the intelligence of Nigerians. Nigeria has grown beyond 1983–1985, a period of military dictatorship when Buhari failed to appreciate the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. • Wilkie can be reached at pmikky1950@yahoo.com (08023097251)

Applauding Jonathan’s reconstructive leadership (2) Augustine Hayes Alfred Continued from yesterday

n truth, he has re-engineered leadership by bringing innovations; he has placed leadership on the pedestal of integrity by ensuring that it is no longer trivialized. He has transformed leadership from favouritism, imbalance and exclusiveness to merit and all-inclusiveness through equal representation and participation. Through its all-inclusive policy, this administration has re-awakened citizens’ political consciousness. They are becoming more and more interested in how they are governed and are really contributing to governance without let or hindrance. Governance is now a purposeful engagement for the good of country and people and no longer a class thing. Votes now count and citizens’ mandate now determines who leads them anywhere in the country. In President Jonathan’s thinking, Nigeria must be transformed for the wellbeing of all Nigerians irrespective of class and location. He is greatly determined in building a country that future generations will be proud to call their own, a country for all on equal grounds. Consequently, he strives to make leadership enjoy the aura of respect derived from achievements for the common good as against myopic, selfish and sectional interest. Mr. President believes that leadership must be purposeful - for positive result not for mere arm-chair warming. He believes that leadership must be opportunity to render incremental service to nation building. He believes that leadership is an opportunity to make positive difference from what has been. He has always demonstrated this attitude at every level of leadership he has found himself. President Jonathan’s talent and readiness for purposeful leadership at any

level providence tasks him with needs to be exposed. His transformation path for entire Nigeria is a mindset script he developed as Governor of Bayelsa State. Back in 2006/07 as Governor of the state, the president saw what no governor at the time saw, and planned to do what no-one at the time would have done. Propelled by idea, he developed an impeccable document that was intended to develop a Bayelsa of all times. Known as Bayelsa People’s Initiative (BPI), the document was a masterpiece for sustainable development of Bayelsa State. It was the collective voice of the entire people of Bayelsa State concerning their present and future infrastructural needs. What a way to approach governance! Although the document was launched to the admiration of the people, he could not implement it before providence threw him up to the centre and charged him with the greater task of rendering purposeful service to the entire country. This fact is a privileged knowledge during my period of relationship with a consultancy firm in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Consequently, his transformation escapade in the country today cannot be surprising to those who know him and his leadership prowess and mindset. Since his assumption of office, he has consistently been touching Nigerians in very special ways and doing all that seemed impossible to do in the eyes of past rulers in Nigeria. In particular, President Jonathan has effortlessly changed the paradigm of governance in Nigeria from the culture of ‘promise and fail’ to that of ‘promise and do as promised’. During his electioneering campaigns in 2011, he promised to provide skills and jobs to Nigerian youth if elected into office. He is keeping to his promise using multi-faceted approach. Graduate Internship Programme being tenaciously managed by the Honourable Minister of Finance cum the Coordi-

nating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Oknojo-Iweala is a particular vehicle the Jonathan Administration is using to make his promise of providing skills for the Nigerian youth a reality. On completion of their training, beneficiaries are given take-off grants by the federal government to start their vocation, become self employed and begin to contribute to the growth of the economy. Other agencies namely, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Niger Delta Development Commission, et cetera, are also embarking on youth skills acquisition programmes to complement the efforts of the federal government in this regard. What a classical approach to national development! Mr. President also made a special promise to empower Nigerian women. Nobody can fault the claim that he is keeping this promise. He is living up to it both politically and economically. More than ever before in the history of Nigeria, women are appointed into key positions in government, ministries and agencies/parastatals and are matching up with their male counterparts in service to our fatherland. His pledge of economic empowerment of women is not in any way a political statement. The administration is keenly pursuing a programme aimed at bringing about enduring empowerment of women through the Youth Enterprise with Innovation (YouWin) Programme. Mr. President sees YouWin as a noble concept of building/nurturing entrepreneurs that will start from the scratch, develop their skills and business acumen and eventually grow to become known businesses in the world. What a proactive approach to building perpetual strong economy! Also coordinated by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, beneficiaries are given take-off grants to start their businesses at the successful end of their training programme. These efforts have already started yielding result.

To further appreciate President Jonathan’s leadership paradigm, Nigerians need to sit back and ask themselves the pertinent question, “What was Nigeria like in terms of infrastructure before the present administration came into effect?” The sincere answer is that everything was in total neglect and near decay, such that Nigeria virtually existed like a country without leaders. The story is different today. Does anyone need to be convinced? Far back in the 1970s and the early 1980s, Nigeria enjoyed vibrant rail transport system that offered cheap and easy means of transportation of goods and people and helped in great measure to extend the life span of Nigerian roads. This system died under the watch of successive Nigerian heads of state/government giving way to extensive use of commuter vehicles for the conveyance of people, and trailers and tankers for the transportation of goods including petroleum products. This negative development contributed to the collapse of Nigerian roads with no much effort by successive administrations to rehabilitate them. The story is different today on the positive side. Rail system of transport has been revived and modernized by the Jonathan administration and linked equitably to various parts of the country for easy and cheap transportation of goods and people. This is a demonstration of competence, sincerity of purpose and courage in the service of fatherland. Also, the damaged roads that were neglected for a long time have been rehabilitated and new ones constructed, and being constructed by the present administration. Agriculture is receiving the desired boost. Concluded • Alfred, author, trainer and commentator on national issues wrote from Lagos through e-mail: justicealltheway@yahoo.com

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

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Averting post-election violence

ormer Foreign Minister and Deputy Chairman, 2014 National Conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has alerted compatriots to grave dangers ahead of the February 2015 general elections, insisting that some Nigerians are bent on dragging the country down the path of disintegration. Akinyemi, who sent a letter dated December 16, 2014, to two presidential candidates f(President Goodluck Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP; and General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress, APC), went down memory lane, pointing out that the conditions precedent before the post-election violence of 2011 appear to be child’s play when compared with the already over-charged political atmosphere of the present times. Whereas Akinyemi suggested a way out of the looming doom, the erudite professor was quick to note that he had observed something similar just before the 2011 election and the violence to follow, but also lamented that his noble intervention was totally ignored, many Nigerians were to be killed in the violence that followed the presidential election. He further explained that, “Firstly, we have this very no-

torious prediction from United States semi-official sources that the world is expecting a cataclysmic meltdown of the Nigerian nation come 2015. Of course, most Nigerians have taken umbrage at this prediction for their country. But there are some who are indifferent to the outcome of this prediction. “Secondly, the certainty of violence after the 2015 elections is higher than it was in 2011. If President Jonathan wins, the North would erupt into violence as it did in 2011. If General Buhari wins, the Niger Delta will erupt into violence. I don’t believe that we need rocket science to make this prediction. “The violence of 2015 is going to be horrendous and worse than the one of 2011 for the simple reason that the illegal, massive importation of weapons into the country has reached such alarming proportions that I really wonder which is better armed, the militias on one hand or the official armed forces on the other hand. “For the avoidance of doubt, I am not imputing the illegal importation of arms to any particular zone. Some years ago, some Iranians were arrested for bringing in a shipload of weapons into Lagos harbour. They were tried and jailed and then smuggled out of the country. It is therefore imperative that

a lot of public education and enlightenment should be carried out before, during and after the elections, people must be constantly educated on why they must eschew violence, because violence is only fit for those who have nothing to lose, but we are all stakeholders in the Nigeria project, hence, we can ill-afford to allow violence and bitterness to engulf and destroy the country. At this age and time, politics should not be a matter of life and death. If indeed, politics is about service and not personal aggrandisement then peace should be the hallmark. Gladiators must do away with politics of bitterness, religious bigotry and ethnicity. All religious community leaders, opinion moulders, elder statesmen and other relevant stakeholders must always preach peace in their respective spheres of influence. The point must always be made that, democracy is much more than elections, but without elections, there is no democracy because election is the cornerstone. Therefore, elections must be credible, fair and transparent, it must be one man, one vote and the vote of the people must count. It would also be recalled that, the latest report by the International Crisis Group has suggested that with Nigeria’s politics sliding dangerously towards violence,

the forthcoming general elections appeared to be in great danger. According to the report, “Nigeria’s Dangerous 2015 Elections: Limiting the Violence”, the general elections, particularly given the bitter struggle between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), would be a fierce contest that might be rocked by violence if certain steps are not taken. “The Boko Haram insurgency, competing claims to the presidency between the majority Muslim north and majority Christian south, inadequate electoral arrangements and apparent bias by security agencies all point toward a very perilous contest whose results may also be disputed,” the report said. The authors of the report however called for urgent improvements in security and electoral arrangements, as well as in political mindsets. It is therefore in this regard that we agree with the suggestion of Professor Akinyemi that, the first step forward is for the two Presidential candidates to meet and sign a Memorandum of Undertaking that will commit both to a civil and peaceful campaign. Supporters of whoever loses should be entitled to peaceful protests but not to violent protests. In this way, the impending danger could be averted.

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20 Politics

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

I’m confident I’ll defeat Sokoto gov – Maccido CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

my constituency drafted me to re-contest the seat in the forthcoming elections. And who am I to refuse the yearnings and aspiration of my people? In fact, I have accepted and decided to re-contest the seat based on the request and beckoning of my people who have seen its results and its benefit. After wide consultations with my mentors and leaders, both spiritual and temporal, Insha

Allah, I will not only re-contest the Sokoto Central senatorial seat but I’m poised to win. In fact, there was a survey carried out in my constituency which indicated that, so far, I am having 70 per cent support ahead of my opponent. So, even if elections are held today, Insha Allah, I will still defeat whoever is contesting against me. To say the truth, due to what we have been able to do over the years, anybody contesting will be put to shame.

You will be facing the outgoing governor, Aliyu Wammako of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the senatorial election. Are you ready to battle it out with him to retain your seat? Yes, I am. In fact, I am ready to face whoever wants to contest this seat with me from any political party. Democracy has given rights to whosoever is qualified within my constituency to do so. So, it is an open contest. All I

know is that whoever is contesting should not waste his time because the people have made a vow; that, they are now wiser, more enlightened, and ever ready to defend their votes which is democracy in real action. To buttress further, I have been able to secure my party’s ticket during the just-concluded primaries without hurdles, which shows that, I have the strong support of my people and party. What are the strategies

Maccido

to be adopted, in view of the so-called incumbency

factor? A man going to a battle field with the hope to win will not reveal and expose his arsenals and display all his strategies. Therefore, you don’t expect me to tell you my strategy because we are going into the battle. But all I can say is that our people who have benefitted from our good representation are ready to do all it takes to ensure they elect us for the second term in a free and fair election. We will not condone election rigging or manipulation in whatever guise. How did you see the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan as sole candidate of the PDP? In a normal presidential system of government, as copied from the United States of America (USA) a sitting president needs not to be subjected to internal party primaries because of his track records of achievements over the years. Therefore, what the PDP governors, Board of Trustees (BOT) and other organs of the party did is in order, and in line with tenets of the party’s leadership. Some people have accused the PDP of being instrumental to many of the problems affecting the country. How would you react to this? People have to understand that governance is a very difficult and tedious task. It is not easy to be a leader and lead well to the satisfaction of all, because human management is the most difficult aspect of management. These problems did not emanate with the inception of this administration; it is an accumulation of previous ones from past administrations. So, in as much as the current leadership has problems as human beings with shortcomings, there is room for improvement and amendments. I really acknowledge that there are problems of insecurity in the North, but it is a collective responsibility of both the government and the people to address it squarely. In my view, the federal and state governments are doing enough. All we need to do is provide the security agents with useful information. We should pray for peace and also give moral support to our soldiers to overcome the security challenges across the region.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Interview

File

Adedimeji: Blame FG for insurgency

The power of your vote: A catalyst for a stable and united Nigeria

22&25

Law Quakers, Fawehinmi, Abayomi differ on general election in North-East

Quakers

Ubani

Abayomi

Worried by the security challenge in the troubled North-East ahead of next month’s general election, lawyers have disagreed on the powers of the electoral umpire- the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel elections in the area on the grounds of insurgency. AKEEM NAFIU and TUNDE OYESINA write

here is palpable fear and anxiety ahead of next month’s general election following the unending bombing, abduction and killing of hapless Nigerians in the troubled Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. While the Federal Government is renewing the declaration of the emergency rule in the troubled zone five weeks to the general election, Nigerians

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY EDITOR

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

are apprehensive that millions of voters may be disenfranchised following the unending insurgency in the north-east. Just a few days into the new year, the rampaging Boko Haram launched a series of attacks on targets in Gombe, hitting a military barrack and a church, leaving scores of injured Nigerians. However, days after the attacks, a fiery Lagos Pastor and former running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2011 presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Pastor Tunde Bakare asked President Goodluck Jonathan to invoke his powers under Section 135(3) of the 1999 Constitution to postpone the elections as a result of the Boko Haram ‘war’. But lawyers were pitted against each other on Bakare’s call for the postponement of

Elections, we gathered are even held in more dangerous areas like Iraq, Afghanistan and even in Syria

the elections and the role of the electoral umpire as Boko Haram threatened more attacks. While some believe that it was obvious that there could be no election in an environment posed with security challenge, hence elections should not be conducted in the troubled north-east, others insist that INEC would be embarking on a futile adventure should it because of ‘perceived hostilities or the failure of government to bring about peace and stability in a place and disenfranchise millions of Nigerians’. For instance, Mr. Norrison Quakers, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the ongoing insurgency in the troubled north-east was not enough to shift or postpone the elections with a view to disenfranchising millions of Nigerians. Although he agreed that INEC had the requisite powers to halt or cancel the conduct of elections in any part of the country, such powers, Quakers said must be exercised within the ambit of the law. He said: “This will go to show a failure on the part of the government in providing adequate security because we don’t want a group of people to be disenfranchised, everybody must participate in the elections.

“You cannot on the basis of perceived hostilities or the failure of government to bring about peace and stability in a place and disenfranchise a group of persons from participating in the elections and thus prevent them from deciding who their leaders will be. “So, to that extent, I don’t think it will be proper for INEC to decide not to hold elections in those areas except when it can indeed be established that the areas are so volatile that elections cannot hold there. If such happens, then, elections conducted in other places cannot be invalidated’’. To a former chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Monday Ubani, INEC’s refusal to conduct election in the trouble north-east would be a clear violation of the constitutional provisions. This, he said would amount to setting a bad precedent should INEC cancel elections in the troubled region. He said: “If elections are decided one way or the other minus those states, then, it is impossible to get an accurate figure for the two-third of thirty-six states as prescribed CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

22 Law | Interview

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Adedimeji: Blame FG for insurgency He is the Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin. Dr. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, in this interview with APPOLOS CHRISTAIN, speaks on next month’s general election, insurgency, his mission at CPSS and sundry issues. General election is next month yet insurgency which is threatening the nation’s corporate existence is on the rise, what is your general assessment of the whole thing? The situation of the country is seriously heartrending, appalling and nerve wrenching. Nobody would have imagined that our country will find itself in the situation it is today a decade ago. Be that as it may, everything boils down to leadership; the leadership of the country will have to be more responsible at the level of discharging its responsibility. The primary function of government is to provide security and if that security component is missing, maybe having a government is only supervision. This problem at hand is unfortunate, is uncalled-for, the Boko Haram has become a kind of octopus that nobody can determine its head or where its links are, but however, the solution still lies with the leadership. The political leadership will have to circumspect, religious leaders as well will have to be up and doing. Not too long ago, we heard what happened in South Africa just as we heard what the Australian investigator said concerning some prominent Nigerians including former governor being possible sponsors of Boko Haram. So, one would have expected a situation where these individuals would have been queried and engaged meaningful, at least to show the citizens that government is very serious to fighting this imminent danger that is facing us. And I want to say that a unilateral approach will not really work in this situation of insurgency. All stakeholders must be engaged to solving the problem because peace is not a unidirectional phenomenon. And government must sincerely and seriously engage with the Boko Haram in terms of dialogue however the case may be because it is until you engage your enemy that you will understand him or her. And this idea is in line with using multi-dimensional means to achieve the end just as they recently told us about a cease fire agreement with the Boko Haram though we later find out that it was a shamble. So, engaging them in other necessary dimension will help to know them better in order to overcome them. Without missing words, the situation in the country is very unfortunate and

Adedimeji

apart from schools that are being bombed now and then, it is not justifiable and does not have any justification in any cultural and religious background. But I strongly believe that since the political leadership controls the security apparatus we have in the country, keeping the security apparatus adequately will definitely bring the insurgents on their kneel in the end. Some time ago I read from the pages of newspapers that the weaponry in the procession of the insurgents is more sophisticated to the ones with some of the unit of our arm forces, no matter whether that report is true or not, it should not be so and should not be allowed to be so at all. So as a matter of duty, the political leadership will have to keep our security forces who are sacrificing a lot to fighting the insurgents for us adequately in all ramifications. As an expert in peace studies, what kind of strategy do you think the insurgents engage in, propelling them to constantly attacking innocent children and schools? Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most effective way through which one can change the world. And a lot of theories have been propounded as to why the Boko Haram is doing what they are doing. For instance; there is a poverty theory, saying that it is because most

Boko Haram has become a kind of octopus that nobody can determine its head or where its links are, but however, the solution still lies with the leadership

of them are poor; that is why out of desperation they heed to terrorism. Many people may not believe it but there is some truth in it. And there is also illiteracy theory which points that the uneducated value less of their life and existence or someone else’. And there is also social injustice theory which says that because people are socially disadvantaged, that is the mindset that the political class has taken all the wealth of the country, therefore considering violence as the only means of getting back at the society. So, by the time you holistically taken a look at these theories and then ask what would make a young person to blow him or herself up, you surely will find out that one out of the theories hold the answer to the problem. But apart from these theoretical instances, there is high level of negative atmosphere of peace in our country. As people are very desperate even to do anything just to eke out a living and unfortunate enough our government is doing less to seeing that its citizens are living well. So, desperation because of frustration has drown this people to reasoning senselessly to the point that what is considered the worst thing to do is rather justifiable to do for them. This is so true because the son or daughter of a prominent northerner or southerner; will never agree

with anybody to blowing up him or herself. So, considering the reality of the saying that an idle mind is devil’s workshop; a government that wants to be more responsible should then be thinking about maintaining social justice, increase capacity for employment opportunities, education and other necessary amenities. In all, I will say that all these theories together are the reason why the Boko Haram in their quest to get back at the government is even bombing schools. And as I earlier spoken of a multidimensional approach to solving the problem, government has to massively invest in quality education because research has shown that people become more tolerant and reasonable when they are educated while the uneducated responds otherwise. So, government, especially the state governments will have to be more responsible because most of them are so irresponsible that they convert state’s wealth to their personal and families own while the rest of the citizens languish in abject poverty which has caused serious structural imbalances to the highest point. It is a known fact that the youth are the progressive agents of change but when they are not engaged in meaningful employment, they turn hazard to the society. So, government must crucially find a way to make employment opportunities available as a matter of long-term solution to the insurgent’s situation we are facing with a view to making it a phenomenon that will continue to abide with us. So, a very wild systemic approach is what I recommend for solving the alarming insurgency issue in our country. What options would you push before the Federal Government? From what I have heard and read in the newspaper, this people are not ghosts but human beings. And we once heard that former president Obasanjo met and initiated a dialogue with them that eventually collapsed. Likewise, we did hear when the human rights crusader, Shehu Sani said that if he is given the necessary support, he can get across to them. So there are people who are willing to help us get to this people if the government is willing as well. And I am aware that government did establish a committee on Boko Haram and I believe that for eminent Nigerians to be gathered in this said committee they must have come up with handsome recommendations but whether the recommendations in that report has been implemented, I do not know. And that is why I earlier said that a lot about the existence of Boko Haram and wiping them out of Nigeria depends on the government because every one of us is under the government. So, I am saying that the government really knows what to do and how to do it, or can better CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Law | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Egodo: Supreme Court’s leadership not about zoning but seniority Board of Trustees, then you are not a party member.

He was the legal adviser to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross-River State between 2003 and 2007. Oga Ndoma Egodo, a titled chief, is a member of the Kanu Agabi Chambers and former chairman, Ikom Local Government. In this interview with CLEMENT JAMES, Egodo speaks on the composition of Justices at the Supreme Court, Aminu Tambuwal’s refusal to vacate his office as Speaker after defection, next month’s general election and sundry issues.

Now, there has been this emerging debate on the domination of the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria by the North. What’s your view on it? In our profession, we respect hierarchy and seniority. In this profession, you don’t jump the queue, it is not politics. If it’s a Cross Riverian who is next to the present Chief Justice, he will naturally flow. So, it’s not a matter of where you are from. In the legal profession, we don’t do zoning, we do seniority. You must have as a judge of the Supreme Court following when you were called to bar. That is why ranking and hierarchy is highly respected. So, that’s the position. It’s not a matter of appointment or selection. Now, looking at the action of Aminu Tambuwal as a speaker, do you think he deserves to retain his position having decamped to another party? Tambuwal is a man of huge dishonor. Tambuwal is my classmate, my call mate in 1992. He is a lawyer and naturally he knows that he’s just flexing muscles with the party that put him in that position. He’s flexing muscles one, because he knows that this is an election period and the President and members of the PDP will not want to rock the boat. He has no right to be sitting there. He went to that position not as a Speaker of APC but as Speaker of PDP but nobody wants to push that because this is an election period, otherwise his sitting there is illegal. He has no business sitting

And do you think the impeachment threat on the President will succeed? That’s very cheap. If you are a strong party member, go to your community and win an election, don’t threaten the President with impeachment. The President is also from a ward so the threat is very cheap and I think it is unacceptable. They are only trying to heat the system which is wrong. How can you be talking about impeaching a President who has just won nomination to run for 2015 election? The people don’t have any feeling for this country. Apart from being ill-timed, it cannot work. What time do they have as politicians to impeach the President? What time do they have to go and do their campaign? Have they just discovered now that the President infringed on the oath he swore to uphold? What are those infringements? Let them put it down. This thing is not just signing papers, it goes beyond that. They should state the misconduct that could warrant the impeachment. They must state those grounds and serve them on the President and give him time to react to those allegations either by himself or his lawyers. Impeachment is not a tea party. He is the President of the country so you can go to the street and find out whether the poll will support the impeachment of the President.

Egodo

there because one, he is a member of APC and two, he is a governorship candidate of APC for Sokoto State. So, he has no business sitting there. Are you in support of the withdrawal of his security aides? Absolutely yes, because he is sitting there as Speaker elected by the majority of member, which is the Peoples Democratic Party. Now, if you are to defect to APC, you should step down. If you look at the situation clearly, there is the minority leader and the minority leader is APC, while the majority of the House is PDP. Then a Speaker who defects to a minority party is a minority leader and should leave the place for the Deputy Speaker who is still in the party. We agree he was elected by his colleagues but colleagues who were in the majority at the time. Remember that he was not the person earmarked for that position. The House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande was to be the Speaker because that position was zoned to the South West. He pulled the rug off the National Working Committee of the party, which is the highest decision

In our profession, we respect hierarchy and seniority. In this profession, you don’t jump the queue, it is not politics

making body of the party, so he is a dissident party member and continues to remain so. He is never loyal. He disobeyed the zoning order of the party and took that position by force. The House also elected the Deputy Speaker from the South East as against the principle and policy of zoning. Some members of the party who are supporting him are the same people who are holding the party to ransom by insisting that Tambuwal must be there. That is like foisting the state of helplessness on the party. Unfortunately, the party leadership has not summoned up enough courage to say this is unacceptable. He keeps boasting that nobody can remove him. How? Because the PDP right now has a fledgling number, very weak; there is no clear cut majority. And members are now concerned with the election, so the Speakership thing is not paramount for now. Otherwise, a single individual or a few members cannot hold the party to ransom. In a party, especially a strong, ruling party, if you are going to take the instruction of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee or

Looking at the candidature of General Buhari, do you see him turning the tide against President Jonathan? Let me tell you, Buhari is spent. Buhari and Osibanjo have nothing to offer this country. As a Nigerian, I am a stakeholder. Remember that Buhari had said he was not going to run any election again, just the same way Babangida said it and he has kept to it. Babangida is a gentleman. But Buhari chewed his words, so, you can see the desperation in him. And I think Osibanjo as a very senior lawyer can go and rest. The reason why they cannot succeed is because President Jonathan has laid a solid foundation in his first term. He has prepared the country for the next level that is why Nigerians will not allow anybody to upset that position. For Buhari to come in now means he is coming as a novice. Before you begin to struggle to put the structure in place, a lot of things would have been destroyed. The transformation agenda carries a lot of things and we need to give him time to complete it. Giving it to Buhari will mean dislocating the entire foundation that the President has toiled to build. He will need another four years to restructure before taking off so the President should continue because he has laid a very solid foundation for the country.

Law | File

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

By Akin Oyebode Introduction t is nearly universally agreed that perhaps the most important determinant of the democratic process lies in the capacity of the electorate to choose in a free, fair and credible manner those who are to exercise political power and authority over them from time to time. Less enthusiastic or, perhaps, one might say, less charitable doubters of the electoral process in bourgeois societies would argue that elections merely afford the masses once every four or five years the chance to select their oppressors and executioners! Yet, as Winston Churchill once observed, democracy was the worst form of government aside from all the others! So, as bad as things might look under a democratic dispensation, especially, bearing in mind our experience here in Nigeria, it should be admitted that the world has been unable to fashion another system that can better offer dividends to the people at large than what democracy does. Despite its steep learning curve, especially in our own circumstances, democracy, it would seem, continues to fire the imagination of many and is perceived by them as the silver bullet capable of extinguishing most, if not all of society’s woes. The allure of elections in the consciousness of Nigerians is proverbial despite their less attractive aspects such as kidnapping of candidates, ballot-box snatching, overnight detention of party apparatchiks, gerrymandering, sundry acts of gangsterism and political intimidation, outright murder of opponents, late arrival or absence of polling officers and deliberate hoarding of voting materials in selected polling units, compromised electoral officials, partisan police and other security personnel, “inconclusive elections”, etc. All this would have to be factored into what has since come to be known as “stomach infrastructure” or provision of commodities and other incentives by desperate contestants out to bamboozle and exploit the poverty and hunger of the electorate for us to be able to come to grips with political behaviour in this part of the world. Accordingly, elections need to be seen more as a process than an event if democratic praxis in Nigeria is

The power of your vote: A catalyst for a stable and united Nigeria

Professor Oyebode

to be properly understood. Rigging which is said to be the bane of elections in Nigeria, more often than not, occurs long before the day of election and has to be contained if elections are to be a true reflection of popular will. Thus, most, if not all the loopholes identified above would have to be filled if the notion of “One man, one vote” is to have any meaning in our environment. However, before we interrogate the role and power of the vote, perhaps it is apposite to contemplate the prospects for a united and stable Nigerian polity. Is a stable and united Nigeria possible? Having just come out of the National Conference, I have become a lot more conscious of Nigeria’s fault lines. Admittedly, we all make nice noises regarding the non-negotiability of Nigeria’s unity but if the truth is to be told, Nigeria is still very much a nation in the process of becoming. The cleavages existing

among the over 400 ethnic groups and nationalities after over a century of forced co-habitation are an overhang on today’s realities such as to inform us all that we are still far off in the journey of nationbuilding. Whereas the heterogeneity which could very well have been harnessed as a veritable source of strength is today more of an encumbrance than anything else, the governing class having stubbornly refused to take decisive steps aimed at welding our various peoples together in order to “move the nation forward.” Instead, all we have been treated to was undisguised manipulation of issues dividing the people such as ethnicity, religion, language, place of origin and human and natural resources endowment in a bid to hold on to power or displace those temporarily in power. Those who had been cast into the political wilderness, having lost out

in the power game, are dead set to reverse the situation by making desperate bids to grab power and restore their hegemony in the country while the forces at the helm of affairs at the present point in time would themselves not easily yield to rival contestants but seem quite ready to fight to the hilt to maintain their hold on power. The political situation in the country at present is that contestants for power are mobilizing massively for an epic battle akin to a struggle by warlords in more unstable climes for control and enjoyment of the nation’s resources. If the divide had been along ideological lines, the situation would, perhaps, have been more tolerable and, most likely, more exciting than the scenario of different factions and fractions of the governing class, locked in an internecine battle for the political soul of the country. The current situation hardly bodes well for political stability and national cohesion and prudent men and women are hedging their bets on what the next Presidential election holds out for the nation’s destiny. Indeed, it would seem that the jury is still out on whether or not Nigeria would actually survive the fall-out from unfolding events. Regrettably, it is within these generally taxing and unwholesome circumstances that we are compelled to contemplate the interplay of political forces for the people’s mandate. The right to choose as an essential ingredient of democracy Democracy, it is frequently stated, is very much about the right or freedom of choice. So high is this value in the pedestal of democracy that in extolling the democratic spirit of the English, Montesquieu had observed that so free are people in England that every Englishman had the right to go to heaven any way he wants! TO BE CONTINUED

Lawyers differ on elections in North-East CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 21

by the Constitution. You cannot even get the right population to cast their vote for who becomes the President of the country. So, I think the best thing for them to do is to ensure that normalcy returns to those states so as to ensure that elections take place in those areas. “Elections, we gathered are even held in more dangerous areas like Iraq, Afriganistan and even in Syria. In actual fact, there is an inherent problem in the country and we cannot gloss over it. What we are saying is that a country cannot behave like an ostrich when it is being faced by a series of problem. We cannot even be talking of elections when so many things are wrong with the country. It is not even proper for us as a country, when we have internal war and some people are talking about how they will remain in power. People in office

are meant to address those problems but they are not tackling it’’. “So, if elections do not hold in those areas, there will be constitutional crisis. Whoever loses the election will make a mountain out of the whole issue. So, whichever way, something has to be done to ensure that elections are held in those places. I think that the earlier normalcy is returned to those places the better’’. Another lawyer, Mr. Wale Ogunade said ‘everything must be done to ensure that the elections meet up with constitutional provisions so as to avoid foisting on ourselves unpardonable and regrettable situations”. He went on: “One will expect that a government that is serious will ensure that every part of the country is well secured since the elections time-table have been fixed long time ago. “If we want to flush out these insurgents within days, it can be done by ECOMOG. Unfor-

Fawehinmi

tunately, the United States has predicted that Nigeria will be history in 2015 and I hope we are not working towards making the predictions a reality. “In the alternative, I want to believe in fairness, that it is, not the whole of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno that are under the siege of the insurgents, so, those parts that are not affected should be further secured. “However, if the elections are not going to hold in the troubled areas, then, we should look at the percentage of voters that are being affected and the total number of votes cast in other places. Cancelling elections in those areas may not invalidate the polls’’. But the scion of the Gani Fawehinmi law dynasty Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi, differ. He said INEC could cancel elections in the troubled zone as the law allows the conduct of elections only in an environment that was

devoid of fear and uncertainty. He said: “However, I believe that the people of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states, know those insurgents and if they are serious about having the elections in their areas, they should feed the Army and the State Security Services (SSS) with the necessary information. So, INEC should only conduct elections in places where the atmosphere for the conduct of the exercise can actually be recorded’’. Fawehinmi was echoed by Dr. Tunji Abayomi, who simply said “once there is a state of emergency, it gives INEC a leverage to take a decision not to conduct elections in such places, this is because a state of emergency is a pointer that all is not well with such a particular zone and such should not be taken for granted. “That is why a proactive action needed to be taken to restore peace and order to the troubled state”.

Law | News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

CAMPAIGN

Lawyer is seeking support to invalidate death penalty for the 54 condemned soldiers Chijioke Iremeka

ays after the United Nations said it was ready to ensure that the death penalty passed on 54 soldiers was averted, a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Richard Chukwuocha has tasked Nigerians to rally support for the convicted soldiers. The soldiers were on December 17, last year, sentenced to death by firing squad by the Nigerian Army’s 7 Division

Lawyer seeks pardon for 54 soldiers General Court Martial for conspiracy to commit mutiny. He described the death penalty on the 54 soldiers was cruel and wicked as the charges under which they were found guilty was no fault of them, saying they were product of a decayed society. According to him, since the solders were poorly equipped to reclaim the cities in Borno State, overtaken by Boko Haram militia, passing death sentence was wicked and unjust. He said: “We will be killing our soldiers for nothing, save irrefutable evidence is produced to the effect that they were properly equipped but re-

fused to engage the Boko Haram. Until this is done, no soldier should be executed for refusing to engage in warfare without necessary weaponry.” He argued that Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution had imposed an obligation on the federation to equip and maintain the armed forces as may be considered adequate and effective for the purpose of (a) defending Nigeria from external aggressions (b) maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea or air and; (c) suppressing insurrections and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the

president among others. He also, recalled that the Chief of Accounts and Budget of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abdullah Muraina, once told Nigerians that ethno-religious crisis and terrorism had left serious financial demands on Nigerian Army, which needed to be addressed. Chukwuocha: “Last year, N4.8billion was allocated for capital projects for the Nigerian Army. Of this amount, because of the security challenges, the army decided to buy ballistic helmets and fragmented jackets (2 items) for 20, 000 soldiers at a cost of $1,500; it will amount to about N3 billion. Meanwhile, about

nine items are needed for the soldiers. “The soldiers were alleged to have disobeyed a direct order from their commanding officer, Timothy Opurum, a Lieutenant Colonel to take part in an operation to recapture Delwa, Bulabulin and Damboa, the communities in Borno State overrun by Boko Haram terrorists on August 9, 2014.” “Falana averred that Boko Haram on July 9 attacked the soldiers when the battalion of 750 troops was down to just 174. The extremists killed 26 soldiers including three officers and seriously injured 82. The soldiers demanded to be properly

armed and were assured this would happen. “Instead, the battalion was ordered on August 4, to recapture the three towns controlled by Boko Haram. The few soldiers deployed were ambushed and kidnapped. Then, when some weapons were made available on August 8, a second group of soldiers recaptured the towns and liberated their colleagues. “They were commended for their bravery and sacrifice, but for some inexplicable reasons, the army authorities ordered that they be charged with mutiny for allegedly exposing the armed forces to embarrassment by asking for weapons.”

‘FG’s best on insurgency not enough’ CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 22

find the best way to get to them to stop the bombing. Would you say the unending insurgency has a political undertone? I am not in any position to say that. Rather I believe that the government is doing it best but the whole truth is that the best is not enough if we must bring the insurgents down to its kneels. From our government, Nigerians are expecting peace and harmony because it is of no use a player dribbling here and there in the field without scoring goals. Because like it or not, more Nigerians are being displaced and are captives in the Boko Haram prisons, so there is nothing to hail the government about with such reality. My personal thinking is that the government knows that it is its responsibility to contain and top the situation and from its own perspective, it is doing enough but it best is not good enough because the situation seems to be getting worst. And yet we have a government in place of which the essence of having a government is to attain security. How would you look at the next month’s general election in view of the Boko Haram war against the nation? Would it have effect on the conduct of the election? Of course it will. How do you organize a free and fair election in a place where terrorists are bombing schools or in a place like Borno? So, definitely, it will affect the elections and that is why the government has to take-up its responsibility to contain the situation more seriously. I believe that the Nigerian security operatives have all and what it takes to confront and conquer Boko Haram insurgents because they have been tried and tested and have succeeded many times in and around Africa. Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, what is it all about? The Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies came into existence in 2008 and it was a partnership with the University of Ilorin and the Society for Peace Studies and Practices. And by 2009, the centre fully commences operations. The mandate of the centre having realized the need to equip the peace scholars, peace practitioners,

peace profession in a world that is becoming increasingly unstable, is to develop high level manpower in peace studies and strategic management segment of the society. The centre is a post-graduate institution in the sense that it offers Master and PhD in Degree in Peace and Development Studies. The centre is also in partnership with some of Nigeria’s security agencies in terms of developing manpower, increasing capacity and collaborating to ensure that our country and the world at large is put on the high pedestal to be able to cope with the security challenges that we are facing. So, it’s just a training capacity and at the sideline of these, the centre as well engages in actually peace work with organizations outside the university in terms of training and capacity building so that we will be able to minimize conflict and able to promote peace. So, apart from the academic component, the center also does some community engagement which involves partnering with the organizations that have similar objectives to develop capacity, peace and promote mutual understanding and advance the messages of peace in intergroup relations. What qualifies you to be the director of this centre? The truth of the matter is that Peace Studies is an inter-disciplinary study and many people we know in the field as at the time the study started in Nigeria at the University of Ibadan, especially the prominent scholars have their background in history, in political science and so on. So, there is no prominent name that we have in Peace studies in Nigeria that will say actually started with Peace studies. So, in terms of qualification I wouldn’t specifically say this or that is why I am chosen to head this centre. But I have been writing on peace and conflict management as far back as 2004, and my first paper was presented at the Nigerian Civil Defence Academy in 2004; the year before the establishment of the centre. So, this is a research institution basically and primarily, and I want to believe that the university maybe felt that my little contribution to this particular field is worthy of me heading the centre and in its wisdom, the university believes that I have what

the centre has been able to graduate a good number of PhD granduants and hundreds of Master Degree holders in Peace studies, of which some of them are presently working with NGOs’, security agencies like military and paramilitary where they contribute to peace and the security of our country.

Adedimeji

it takes; leadership wise to take the centre to the next level. So, there is nobody among those we are going to call the front liners in peace studies that actually have an undergraduate experience. So, to cut it short; I have been working for quite a number of years now concerning the inter relationship between language communication, peace and harmonious relationship and together with others; we have a number of research that we have done in that regard. And even this year in collaboration with some two lecturers from this center, someone from Ibadan another person from Kenya, we formed a competitive research ground to study what we have in the north east now. So, besides being the director of this centre, I have a high interest in peace studies. In terms of result oriented, what is your appraisal of the centre? To my understanding of what you mean by result oriented, I say that the centre has been contributing significantly to the development and promotion of peace scholarship in the country. And the central message of the centre is that through engagement and scholarship, many of the challenges that are confronting us can be overcome. So as a matter of result,

Any challenges being faced by the new studies, I mean Peace Studies as a new field of study? I do not really think we have challenges per se, challenges in the sense that having taken for granted the fact that life itself is full of challenges. So I consider the field to be really attractive to many people considering the fact that promoting peace is the one of the core mandate of the United Nations. And giving the proliferation of crisis and violence all over the world, every conscientious and right thinking person should be thinking of what can be done to making our country and the world at large a peaceful and a better place. So, understanding the theory, and practicing peace will go a long way to help to achieving that. So, at the level of this field of study in our centre, we do not have challenges either of manpower or so to say. And in terms of training our students, the University of Ilorin being among the best universities in Nigeria with the high number of PhD holders among its staffs, whose intellectual resources, academic experiences, professional competence are well establish and known; has equally what it takes to train our students to the international standard. And by the way, breeding out the best scholars in this field is exactly what we are doing here. And again, the fact that the centre is more of a research centre and when you are talking of Masters and PhD, you are talking of high level research in all its ramification. And as an inter-disciplinary field of study (Peace Studies), we engage people in the faculty of agriculture in terms of food security, in alternative dispute resolution; we engage people in the faculty of law, in terms of environment; we engage people in biochemistry, we equally engage people in related fields of studies. So, the center is appropriately pleased to tap from the intellectual resources of the university in terms of post-supervision and support in developing granduants that we will be proud of.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015

Health News

Healthy Living

Seven million bed nets distributed in Niger, others

Thyroid problems linked to falling brows, bears

Health Features

Nature Power

Interventions for people with Down syndrome

Wonders of pawpaw

Health Appolonia Adeyemi, Obinna Odoh and Esther Albert

he harmattan haze is here again. The season characterised by cold dry dust-laden wind comes with various health challenges. It is not surprising therefore to see children and adults presenting with cold and fever. Although, many never perceive the impact of harmattan on health as burdensome, medical experts have identified children especially the underfives and the aged as being particularly vulnerable during this season and have advised special care for these groups to ensure healthy living. With temperatures getting as low as 9 °C (48 °F) during the Harmattan season, its impact on health is clear. Besides, the dusty winds associated with the haze also pollute the atmosphere. Highlighting the impact of harmattan on health, Dr. Adedayo K. Obafisoye, Oshodi zonal chairman of the Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Lagos State, said it raises dust into an environment that is polluted already. “These can cause respiratory tract infections, chest congestion; even infections of the nerves including pneumonia.He added that the effect of harmattan on people varies with age but in small children, it is worst. Even before the onset of the Yultide season, Obafisoye said, “I can tell you frankly it had infected some four to six monthold children many of whom were down with bronchial pneumonia and by now with full blown harmattan, such health conditions are now on high level.” Similarly, during the period of harmattan season, viral infections that result in skin reactions are very common. According to him, this presents

Appolonia Adeyemi appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

How to cope with harmattan

Coping with the harmattan

more in children that have not keyed properly into their necessary vaccination/ immuniation programmes. Often, mothers erroneously refer to such skin reactions as measles, Obafisoye affirmed, “they are not” considering that other symptoms of measles such as red eyes and running stooling do not present in the children. In adults, he listed impact of manifestations of the harmattan as fever, cold, cough, catarrh, and headache. Initially, he said the colour of the phlegm from the cough initially will be normal with clear colour, showing that they are not infected but within four to five days, condition of an affected person can degenerate with the phlegm is becoming yellow and thicker. Among those that are hard hit by harmattan are the asthmatics and others with respiratory tract infections. “One of

PHOTO www.punchng.com

This means individuals must clean their household in time as controlled environment is healthier for children

the trigger agents in asthma is dust. So during the season, the atmosphere is laden with a lot of dust. This means that people who are suffering from asthma during this period are exposed to dusts which result to recurrent and more frequent asthma attacks,” Obafisoye said. On what to do to mitigate the impact of harmattan, he said each individual must take care of his household. “The harmattan will definitely raise dust. There is no how anyone can control that but if you take care of your own environment, it will help to reduce the impact. “Make sure that you clean the environment. Ensure that the dusts that are settled are taken care of regularly. This means individuals must clean their household in time as controlled environment is healthier for children.” Although, he admitted that there is no way people will not

move out of their environment, he noted that even if chest infection or other health conditions developed, it is better to seek medical attention on time and prevent such conditions from becoming full blown infections. Dr. Peter Asadu, senior medical officer at the Medical Centre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, said the people affected with harmattan induced challenges should take precautionary measures and avoid undue exposure by covering themselves very well, using protective gadgets, avoiding exposure to harsh the weather as well as control the environment to escape crises. “If you have to go out for work or business, you should wear protective clothing,” he said. Furthermore, to mitigate symptoms before they come CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Health News

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Seven million bed nets distributed in Niger, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom Appolonia Adeyemi

n other to sustain the fight against malaria in the country, Society for Family Health (SFH), the Principal recipient to oversee the Global Fund interim grant implementation, has flagged off the distribution of of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to Niger, Ekiti and Akwa Ibom States. According to a statement by the Society for Family Health (SFH), seven million LLINs were distributed in the ongoing campaign. The ongoing campaign to all households in Niger was flagged off on December 16 while that of Ekiti was flagged off on December 17. Similarly, distribution of LLINs to households in Akwa Ibom was flagged off on December 18. All were aimed at replacing the LLINs distributed in 2009, which have an expiry period of four years. In Niger and Akwa

Ibom 2.7 million LLINs each will be distributed and in Ekiti, 1.6 million LLINs will be distributed. The strategy is a strict “One Net Card equals One Net” policy. Implementation of the catchup strategy has involved house-to-house distribution of net cards, which entitles every household to at least one LLIN. The mass distribution campaigns will complement and add value to local initiatives that are taking place at State and LGA levels to promote malaria prevention. Speaking on the LLIN campaign, Dr Ernest Nwokolo Director Global Fund Malaria programmes at SFH said, “two strategies are used for deploying LLINs; the ‘catch-up’ campaigns and the ‘keep up’ routine distributions. The catch-up phase rapidly increases ownership of the nets through mass LLIN campaigns for universal coverage, and the keepup phase is to maintain the coverage gotten dur-

ing the catch up through routine distribution of LLINs. It is absolutely important to empower communities with commodities and information that will stimulate sustained changed behaviour.” As a result of the high prevalence of malaria in Nigeria and high rate of mortality, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partnership recommends the use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) especially for people who live in malaria endemic areas. The use of LLINs is a globally accepted method of preventing mosquito bites that can cause malaria. Consistently sleeping inside an LLIN reduces malaria incidence by up to 50 percent. Malaria is a major threat to livelihood and has adverse effects on the physical and social well being of the people as well as on the economic development of the entire country.

L-r: Managing Director, The Bridge Clinic, Dr. Richardson Ajayi; Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Kenneth Iregbu; and Co-ordinator of World Health Organisation (WHO), Lagos State, Dr. Sunday Abidoye at the one day symposium organised by PathCare Doctors Forum to mark PathCare’s 10th Anniversary in Lagos recently.

PathCare promotes change in medical industry

he PathCare Doctor’s Forum, recently organised a one-day symposium to mark PathCare Laboratories’ 10th Anniversary at Muson Center in Lagos. The Symposium, which was themed “Improving the Quality of Healthcare in Nigeria”, turned out to be one of the most attended and significant medical events of the year with well over 500 medical doctors in attendance. The organisers emphasised that continuing education in the medical field plays very vital role in ensuring that medical doctors stay abreast of the advancements in the field,

offering ample opportunities for networking, sharing of knowledge and acquisition of new insights by doctors. “I’ve not seen such a large gathering of medical doctors and experts at an event such as this in recent times” said Dr. Jide Idris, Honourable Commissioner of Health Lagos State. The Symposium addressed key healthcare challenges pertinent in Nigeria today and proffered practical solutions on subjects such as “handling Cardiac Emergencies” which is a leading killer in Nigeria today and the process of “Ebola Surveillance” to sensitise doctors on their important role in avoiding

another outbreak in Nigeria emphasizing that vigilance is even more important now, as EVD is still a potential threat to the Country. Critical insights were shared on how to curb the perennial problem of mass exodus of patients seeking medical care abroad by Dr. Richard Ajayi of Therapia Health/The Bridge Clinic during his lecture titled “Scaling up private health systems in developing countries”. While Dr. Olumide Okunola of the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) presented vital information on how doctors can access finance to improve the standards of their practice in Nigeria.

Healthy Living Dr. Ihuoma Uko-Ndukwe ada.ndukwe@yahoo.com

Thyroid problems linked to falling brows, bears Dear doctor, I have just read about ringworm in your column on healthy living. My hair and bears have itched off. My eye brows have fallen. I have visited hospital and herbal centre, but no improvement. I am tired of this situation. Please help me! What do i do? Answer: Hello Sunny, this is in reply to your question regarding loosing hair suspected to be caused by fungal infection prompting you to visit the hospital were you diagnosed with fungus infection. Taking Lamisil 250 mg daily x 4 weeks normally takes care of the most serious fungal infection. In addition to taking the Lamisil medication, a topical low dose steroid cream like Triamcinolone 0.5% on your beard and eye brows might help. Similarly, if your eye brows are falling off, have you been checked out for thyroid problems because eye brows falling off from the side can be a sign of thyroid issue. You can go to a laboratory to check your thyroid level called TSH. Have you been checked for autoimmune disorder, which is a form of disorder where your body fights itself. Hair shedding can be one of the signs. You can have what they call ANA level checked out with blood draw. If it is above normal, then a specialist in rheumatology can be of help. The shape of most fungal infection is cicular with small deepening in the middle with the egdes a bit red, and middle whitish and scaly. However, some can have unique shapes like (upside down Chistmas tree shapes) especially those at the middle back,. Again, do you have any kind of rash with the hair falling? A trial of low dose steroid cream, not onitment might help even with the itching.

Fallen eye brows

You can have what they call ANA level checked out with blood draw. If it is above normal, then a specialist in rheumatology can be of help

PHOTO: eyebroww.com

Background to beards A beard is the collection of hair that grows on the chin, upper lip, cheeks, neck of human beings and some nonhuman. Beard develops during puberty. Beard growth is linked to stimulation of hair follicles in the area by dihydrotestosterone, which continues to affect beard growth after puberty. Various hormones stimulate hair follicles from different areas. Dihydrotestosterone, for example, may also promote short-term pogonotrophy (i.e., the grooming of facial hair). Throughout the course of history, societal attitudes toward male beards have varied widely depending on factors such as prevailing cultural-religious traditions and the current era’s fashion trends. Some religions (such as Islam and Sikhism) have considered a full beard to be absolutely essential for all males able to grow one, and mandate it as part of their official dogma. Other cultures (while not officially mandating it), view a beard as central to a man’s virility, exemplifying such virtues as wisdom, strength, sexual prowess and high social status. However, in cultures where facial hair is uncommon (or currently out of fashion), beards may be associated with poor hygiene or a “savage,” uncivilised, or even dangerous demeanor.

Health Features 29

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015

Interventions for people with Down syndrome Bilkis Bakare

t is an unimaginable thing if a child’s right to life is decided ever before his arrival on planet earth. Incidentally, the events leading to the choice of this decision is no fault of the child. Available statistics show that 90 percent of people diagnosed with Down syndrome are never allowed to be born due to prenatal testing and subsequently recommendations from uninformed doctors to get rid of the unborn child. Therefore, a person with the condition will be fortunate to be born at all. This is in deviation of the injunctions as contained in the Holy books of Christian and Islamic religions which forbid abortion. The origin of Down syndrome can be traced to John Langdon Down, an English physician that first described the external appearance of the genetic condition in 1866, that was later to bear his name, “Down”. Prior to the reported study on the incidence of Down syndrome by Adeyokunnu of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, who reported an incidence of one in 865 live births, it was believed that Down syndrome is rare or non - existent among Africans. This is collaborated by the reports of other clinicians that found no case of Down syndrome in their clinical studies. It was found out that the main factor that would explain the prevalence of this condition in Nigeria is the increasing maternal age at which more women in Nigeria now conceive. This follows the increasing strong desire to complete formal education before conception and the rising incidence of infertility. In every cell in the human body, there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. Therefore, individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the disorder. Usually, it is always difficult to differentiate people with Down syndrome if a large number of them converge in the same venue due to the physical characteristics they share. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs in one in every 691 live births and is not linked to race, nationality, religion and social or economic status. In addition to other traits unique to individuals with this

disorder, a few of the common traits are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the centre of the palm. In essence, it causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It is important to note that people with Down syndrome may possess these characteristics to different degrees. This condition is usually caused by an error in cell division called non disjunction. It is not known why this occurs. However, it is known that the error occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy. Although, for some time now its prevalence has been linked with advancing maternal age, but it has been recently observed that 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35. During the prenatal period, two types of procedures are available to pregnant women: screening tests and diagnostic tests. The screening tests estimate the risk of the baby having Down syndrome while the diagnostic tests tell whether or not the baby actually has Down syndrome. The most commonly used screening test is “The Triple Screen “, a combination of three tests that measure quantities of various substances in the blood. These tests are carried out between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. In conjunction with other screenings, sonogram, a form of ultrasound is performed to show some physical traits that are helpful in calculating the risk of Down syndrome. Three diagnostic tests are currently available in the detection of this condition during the prenatal period that is the period before the birth of a baby. These are: Amniocentesis, performed between 12 and 20 weeks gestation; Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), conducted between eight and 12 weeks and Percutaneous Umbilic. However, it is usually identified at birth or shortly thereafter by conducting a Karyotype test, a chromosome study which provides a visual display of the chromosomes grouped by their size, number and shape is used to determine if a child has the disorder or otherwise. This is carried out through the examination of blood or tissue cells. The aforementioned physical characteristics commonly seen in babies with this disorder are also used in the diagnosis after the birth of the baby. Aside from both children and adults with Down syndrome experiencing developmental delays and mild to moderate impairments, many children with Down syndrome have health complications beyond the usual childhood illnesses.

A child with Down syndrome

It is very important that an echocardiogram be performed on all newborns with Down Syndrome in order to identify any serious cardiac problems that might be present

PHOTO: www.hospitaalbroeders.nl

Approximately 40 percent of the children have congenital heart defects. Therefore, it is very important that an echocardiogram be performed on all newborns with Down syndrome in order to identify any serious cardiac problems that might be present. While some of the heart conditions require surgery, others only require careful monitoring. Children with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of infection, respiratory, vision and hearing problems as well as thyroid and other medical conditions. Caring for people with Down syndrome can be frustrating and fraught with challenges, as expressed recently by an American mother of a 40 year-old son with Down syndrome. She regretted ever giving birth to the child because he practically depends on her for everything. But it should be noted that they also have many talents and gifts and should be given the opportunity and encouragement to develop them. To achieve the aforementioned, early intervention services should be provided shortly after birth. These services should include physical, speech and developmental therapies. Most children attend their

neighborhood schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. Some children have more significant needs and require a more specialised programme. Some high school graduates with Down syndrome participate in post-secondary education. Many adults with Down syndrome are capable of working in the community, but some require a more structured environment. To overcome the health challenges being faced by these special people, appropriate medical care should be given, so that they can lead healthy lives. If given adequate care, the average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is 55 years, with many living into their sixties and seventies. In conclusion, all tiers of governments, individuals and nongovernmental organisations should rally support for parents and people with this disorder. With the passage of the child right law, their rights should equally be respected and protected as those of normal children. Bakare is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

Impact of harmattan on health CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

and even when they come, Asadu said individuals can get over-the-counter medications including anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic inhalers or inhalers generally. So with protective antidotes like inhalers one can protect oneself from those symptoms, he added. Although, there is no data to show the high influx of patients visiting health facilities as a result of compli-

cations resulting from the impact of harmattan weather during this season, the senior medical officer at the Medical Centre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka said, “from observation we have more patients presenting with respiratory diseases. Especially now, there are also an upsurge of gastrointestinal diseases especially vomiting among children. We cannot actually state if it is the effect of weather or the effect of eating and

drinking usually associated with the post-festive period,” he said, adding, “we have more patients who are vomiting now”. In addition, he advised everyone especially people who are asthmatic and those with respiratory diseases to take precautionary measures because cold weather triggers asthma attack. Dust that is associated with air/wind also triggers asthma attack,” stated Asadu.

Health News

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Coca-Cola, RED Foundation partner to end HIV

Members of JOHESU protesting withheld December 2014 salary at LASUTH, Ikeja...recently

JOHESU members protest over withheld salary Appolonia Adeyemi

ver 700 health workers under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) have staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) demanding the release of unpaid December 2014 salary. The health workers who earlier met at LASUTH and reviewed the on-going JOHESU strike, afterwards matched to the management of LASUTH to express displeasure over the non-payment of their December salary. Speaking on behalf of JOHESU, Comrade Omoba Femi Daini who is Lagos Chairman of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), urged the Lagos State Government to release the December salary of JOHESU members under its employment, adding that the JOHESU strike is a legal industrial action which was

declared after the union leaders gave government sufficient notice. To this end, he reasoned that Lagos Government action of withholding JOHESU some members December salary was uncalled for. Although, the JOHESU strike began nationwide on November 12, health workers in state public hospitals joined the strike on December 4. JOHESU comprises Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN); National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM); Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (STAUTHRAI); Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professions (NUAHP)and Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions. It will be recalled that going by Lagos Government’s “No work no pay” policy, which was effected by the management of

LASUTH, prompted the payment of December salary for some staff who were deemed to have been at work during the strike while a majority were not paid. Hence, after the meeting, those protesting staged the protest and they were welcome by LASUTH’s Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Adedoyin. Similarly, Daini urged the federal government to meet the demands of JOHESU so as to end the ongoing strike which has paralysed health care provision in public hospitals nationwide. Although, he noted that two out of the 10 circulars demanded by JOHESU has been released, top management of JOHESU is yet to receive it, he added. The issues under include Release of circular on adjustment of salary as done for NMA members since January, 2014, immediate payment of at least two months arrears while the remaining are to be paid with 2015 budget, among others.

he Coca-Cola Company and (RED) Foundation have urged Nigerians to join efforts to help end mother-tochild transmission of HIV through a global campaign tagged ‘Share the sound of an AIDS free generation’. Award winning hiphop artiste, Wyclef Jean, recorded a song titled Divine Sorrow for the (RED) campaign together with various Coke Studio Africa artistes, including Chidinma from Nigeria. Proceeds from the song, now available for download as ringtone on the MTN network, will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and also to finance grants which provide HIV prevention, testing, counseling, treatment and care. The campaign shares a message of hope and unity to empower today’s youth to understand that they can be the generation to end the AIDS pandemic. According to Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), 650 babies are born with HIV every day, yet life-saving medication exists and costs as little as $.40 a day. That same medication can reduce the risk of an HIV-positive woman passing-on the virus to her baby by

up to 95%. In 2013, for the first time since the discovery of the virus, more people were newly added to treatment than were newly infected with HIV, a critical milestone marking the beginning of the end of AIDS. “We want to use the instrument of music and its strong connection with the youth to reinforce the message that it is in the hands of this generation to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS,” said Patricia Jemibewon, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Nigeria. Citing the success of the Coke Studio Concerts which have taken several university campuses by storm in recent weeks, she said “The experience has reinforced Coca-Cola’s belief that Nigerian youth can be rallied for a good cause with good music.” The Coca-Cola Company is a frontline player in the global fight to end HIV/AIDS. Since 2006, The Coca-Cola Company and its foundation have committed over $15 million in the fight to end AIDS through awareness, education and prevention. In 2011, The Coca-Cola Company initially pledged $5 million to the Global Fund through the partnership with (RED) and recently raised its commitment by an additional $2 million directly to the fund.

Wonders of pawpaw

he pawpaw plant is a native of South America, where it was cultivated since pre-Columbian times. There are 22 plants and trees in the pawpaw genus; the most famous of which is Carica papaya. Pawpaw (Carica Papaya) reached Europe in 1690 and Asia in the 18th Century. Pawpaw is now grown all over tropical Africa. It is a very beautiful plant; hence it is used ornamentally in some parts of the world. Pawpaw is one of God’s wonderful gifts to humanity. When one looks at the beauty and richness of nature, one cannot but burst into songs of praise to God. Pawpaw is a pharmacy in its own right. We all eat pawpaw and enjoy its sweet and pleasant taste but how many of us know the medicinal values of this wonderful plant? Some time ago, I visited a poor old man living alone in a village house. His three children are working outside the country. This old man had an old sore that refused to heal despite regular medication. The sore had gone so bad that the man’s leg was actually rotting away. “Why

Nature Power Fr. Anselm Adodo, OSB

naturepower@paxherbals.net; twitter: @anselmadodo is no one treating you?” I asked him. He replied: “My children are all living abroad and they always send me Oyibo (Western) medicine to cure my leg, but the leg is stubborn”. My heart sank. At the back of this old man’s house are three healthy pawpaw plants. I drew his attention to the plants and showed him how to use the pawpaw fruit to treat his sore. Within three months his leg was back to normal. He was able to trek to the farm and go to church. How heart-rending it is to see people dying of common illnesses that can easily be cured. Go to our hospitals and you will see what I mean. The drugs are so expensive. Worse still, seventy percent of the drugs in the Nigerian market are fake. What other hope do we have then, but to turn to nature? Pawpaw improves the di-

gestion of protein and expels worms. The ripe fruits are rich in vitamins A, B and C. Vitamin A is good for eyesight. Vitamin B for the nerves and muscles, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps to fight against illnesses. For worms, chew two tablespoons of the seeds of ripe pawpaw fruit first thing on rising and last thing at night. Do this for three days. Take only fruits for breakfast and supper for those three days. The following are some of the other uses of pawpaw: 1. Malaria Squeeze some yellow pawpaw leaves in water. Take a glassful three times daily for seven days. The preparation is also good for jaundice. The dosage is the same.

Medicinal plant pawpaw

PHOTO: www.phytomania.com.jpg

2. Diabetes The green leaves of pawpaw are good for diabetes and for diabetes-induced hypertension. Squeeze the green leaves in water and take a glass three times daily. This preparation is also good for constipation. CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

What other hope do we have then, but to turn to nature

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Industry

ICT

Issues that’ll shape real sector in 2015

N340bn ICT investment drive to spotlight 2015

Business What's news

Experts lament failure of $210m telcos merger deal The failure of a $210 million proposed merger deal involving three ailing telecoms firms to sail through is a setback to the nation’s telecoms sector, President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told New Telegraph in a telephone interview this week.

p.32

Stakeholders call for passage of Climate Change Commission Bill For the umpteenth time, President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to take a second look at the Climate Change Commission Bill and sign it into law.

p.32

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Ships to berth with N35bn rice in January MERCHANDISE Asian merchants flood Lagos port with bulk cargo

Bayo Akomolafe

he Lagos Port Complex is to take delivery of 175,800 metric tons of rice valued at N35 billion this month from eight vessels. This is part of the consignments being expected at the various Lagos ports’ terminals before the end of January 2015. Also, 43,400 metric tons of bulk sugar will be discharged from MV Ocean Splendor at the port during the period. Already, MV Pretty Keel was moored on Tuesday to offload 30,000 tons of rice. Others are MV Agios Nicola, 26,000 tons; MV Atlantic Price, 25,000 tons; MV Marietta, 18,000 tons; MV Vigorous, 38,000 tons and MV Chang An 38,800 tons. It was learnt that the rice were shipped to the country by the Asian rice merchants. Other cargoes expected are containers, frozen foods, petroleum, bulk wheat, salt, bulk gypsum, soda ash and fertiliser, among others. From the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) daily shipping position, it was revealed that 22 of the ships would berth with containers of different goods while five other vessels would arrive with petroleum products, Jet A1, premium motor spirit (petrol), diesel and low pour fuel oil (LPFO). In addition, four ships would discharge fish. Also, 10 ships are expected with vehicles, bulk charcoal, bulk ethanol and general cargo.

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

L-R: Vice-President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACIMA), Mr. Dele Oye; Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah; Managing Director, Polo Luxury Group, Mr. John Obayuwana; and Partner, KPMG, Mr. Kunle Elebute, at the Luxury Business luncheon in Lagos.

NCC issues additional licence to new VAS market players Kunle Azeez

ew players have been licenced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the sector’s Value Added Service (VAS) market currently valued at $200 million. New Telegraph gathered that the additional 59 licences were issued by the regulator in 2014, bringing the number of licensed VAS operators in

the country to 141 at the end of December last year. However, with 141 VAS providers licenced by the Commission, the industry is still fraught with cases of illegal operators playing in the VAS space. Worried by the development, the industry regulator last year organised a stakeholder’s forum where it announced proactive measures being made by government to

nip activities of unauthorised operators in the bud. It was learnt that apart from frequent clampdowns on identified illegal VAS operators, the Commission is now working with industry stakeholders to develop frameworks aimed at sanitising the telecoms VAS market. It would be recalled that in June 2014, four telecoms firms, CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel As at Dec. 28)

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

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

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Dec. 26)

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

Business | News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Experts lament failure of $210m telcos merger deal SETBACK

The success of the deal has created a setback for the infrastructure expansion in the telecoms sector Kunle Azeez

he failure of a $210 million proposed merger deal involving three ailing telecoms firms to sail through is a setback to the nation’s telecoms sector, President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told New Telegraph in a telephone interview this week.

He said: “It is unfortunate that the deal was stillborn when its success would have added a boost to the industry and widened service choices for the over 134.5 million telecoms subscribers in the country.” Ogunbanjo said that the deadlock in the deal was retrogression for the sector, saying: “It is worrisome that over 70 per cent of the CDMA operators licensed by the regulator have gone redundant.” He called on NCC to come up with favorable policies tailored towards protecting and ensuring the survival of indigenous telecoms companies. “In the GSM segment, for instance, three of the big operators are foreign companies, meaning that they will

simply repatriate their profits to the countries to develop their economy. So, there should be a way to protect local telecoms firms that will retain the revenue generated to develop Nigerian economy.” New Telegraph recalls that the proposed merger of three CDMA operators, involving Starcomms, Multi-Links and MTS, started early 2012 under special purpose vehicle called CAPCOM, but did not see the

light of the day. One of the reasons, it was gathered, was the waning investors’ confidence in the profitability of CDMA investment in a telecoms market where the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators are dominating the telecoms space. Also, President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, had expressed sadness at the stillbirth of the deal.

He said: “I am deeply worried about the inability of the deal to take off again. For a while now, we have not heard anything about it. This is an indication that the deal may have hit the rock. But we would have loved to see it succeed, as the proposed capital injection of $210 million into the CDMA segment would have helped in boosting telecoms infrastructure in the country.” When asked if the investors’ reticence to

invest might be a result of the gloomy picture of CDMA market in the country, Ajayi said: “No, I don’t want to believe that, because if you go to other countries around the world, it is the CDMA players that are dominating the market. “So, one thing that I am sure of is, if CDMA players can merge and come out strong with adequate financial muscle, they will compete favourably with the GSM operators.”

NCC issues additional licence to new VAS market players CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat, were accused of colluding with the 10 unauthorised VAS providers to offer different value-added services to the over 127 million telecoms subscribers in the country as at then. The unauthorised VAS operators identified by the commission were 10 Qrios, Pnvasl, Tvemob, Urfilez, Double U, Velti, Nu Object, SEMA, ISYS and ForgetMeNot. In a statement on the illegal operators, NCC had explained: “Following the compliance monitoring activities carried out on Value-Added Service licensees from January to December 2013, the commission directed all the network operators to disconnect all unlicensed VAS providers. “However, subsequent monitoring exercise carried out in March 2014 showed that mobile service providers still have some unauthorised VAS providers on their networks, including MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat.” With the number of VAS providers increasing by the day, experts have said that the nation’s telecoms sector may soon grow its VAS segment to over $500 million market in the next few years. Mobile VAS has evolved from simple text messaging (SMS) to advanced functions such as mobile entertainment, caller ring back tone, push-to-talk, payments

services, email, instant messaging and m-commerce, among others. Value added services are supplied either inhouse by the mobile network operators themselves or by a third-party service providers, also known as content providers. Meanwhile, increased collaboration between telecoms networks, the VAS providers on mobile networks and the regulator have been identified as viable option for growing the telecoms VAS market from its currently $200 million to $500 million in the next few years. National Coordinating Consultant of the Wireless Applications Service Providers Limited GTE (WASPAN), Mr. Simon Aderinola, who stated this in a telephone interview with New Telegraph, urged all stakeholders in the mobile telecommunications industry to join hands in developing the telecoms sub-sector. Aderinola said that the current scenario, whereby mobile networks, wireless application service providers held divergent opinions on several critical industry issues would not augur well for the sector’s development and the country’s growth. According to him, wireless application sub-sector is one that has emerged globally in recent years and not part of the traditional telecommunications services.

L-R: National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Ministry of Health, Nnenna Ezeigwe; Brand Manager, Reckit Benckiser Nigeria Limited, Iku Ejiro and Trade Marketing Manager, Reckit Benckiser, Victor Balogun, at the launch of the new Mortein Automatic Insect Control System in Abuja.

Stakeholders call for passage of Climate Change Commission Bill ASSENT

This is to hasten efforts at combating environmental challenges Dayo Ayeyemi

or the umpteenth time, President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to take a second look at the Climate Change Commission Bill and sign it into law. Joining others in making the call, Lagos-based town planner and environmentalist, Mr. Michael Simire, pointed out that delay in passage of the bill was limiting efforts toward combating climate change challenges in the country. He warned of the grave dangers posed by deforestation, flooding, ocean rise and desert encroachments on the environment, calling for

speedy passage of the bill. Prompt passage of the bill, he explained, would enable the nation to have a full blown agency in charge of climate change activities, where everybody can channel their enquiries. Besides, he said that the establishment of Climate Change Commission, would help government in the area of appropriating budget for environment and in attracting foreign fund to combat climate change challenges by promoting sustainable development. Meanwhile, stakeholders, majority of them environmentalists, recently bemoaned Federal Government’s lack lustre attitude towards the passage of the Climate Change Commission Bill. The experts, who spoke during the “Oye Williams Biennial Lecture” organised by the Nigerian-Spanish Association, lamented that

five years after the Climate Change Commission Bill was introduced, it is yet to see the light of the day. A member of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, recalled that the bill introduced and presented to President Goodluck Jonathan five years ago was yet to be signed. The implications of not getting the bill signed, Majekodunmi said, were evident in various environmental challenges such as desert encroachments, deforestation, excessive rains and sun shine, flooding and erosion, being witnessed in Nigeria and the entire planet earth. He said: “We cannot continue to see the bill remain dormant. There is a lot of degradation all over; the insecurity in the country is due to desert encroachment; Lake Chad has shrunk and people around are moving to the cities,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Industry

Ministry empowers graduates on entrepreneurship skills p.34

Nigeria accounts for 0.01% of global expenditure on R&D p.34

Issues that’ll shape Real Sector in 2015 The Real Sector, which is where goods and services are produced through the combined utilisation of raw materials and other production factors such as labour, land and capital, forms the main driving force of any economy and the engine of economic growth and development. DELE ALAO writes on issues that will affect the sector this year. General elections/security There is no doubt that the general elections and security situation will take its toll on the manufacturing sector this year. Stakeholders have argued that the elections would come with momentary disruption of economic activities in the first half of the year. They are, however, of the opinion that the electionrelated strains would be transitory especially where the electoral process has no credibility issues. The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) also expressed its concern about the risk of crowding out the economy as political activities intensify this year. “We want to caution seriously against this tendency. What appears to be dominating the agenda of the political leadership now is politics rather than growing the economy. Yet we need a strong economy to support our political process under the present democratic dispensation. Accordingly, we wish to strongly counsel that government at all levels should keep very close watch on the economy to ensure that there is no derailment in our economic development process,” NACCIMA said. On the lingering insecurity situation, it is on record that many businesses have been closed down especially in the Northeastern part of the country. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCC), which noted that security was vital to the growth and development of any society, said: “The value of a secured environment is unquantifiable in the life of any nation and a starting point of any attempt at development. The high level of insecurity in the country, especially in the North-East geopolitical zone, the various communal clashes and kidnapping in other regions, is of great concern as these have significantly slowed down businesses in the

them, examples are debt service for offshore facilities, payment of school fees abroad and settlement of medical bills abroad would naturally become more expensive and less affordable.

A manufacturing plant

affected areas.” Power Power infrastructure has been a major challenge facing the country’s manufacturing sector and the economy at large. Industrialists have lamented that about 40 per cent of the total cost of production is spent on generating power alone. Already, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), had said that Nigerians would witness another hike in electricity tariffs. This is coming at a time when power supply has dropped below 4,000 megawatts with adverse effects on business and economic activities. Except the Federal Government improves on the power situation, the real sector may witness another round of power challenge this year. “In view of the critical role that power plays in the development of our national economy, we wish to state that government should continue to work very closely with the generation companies and distribution companies to achieve the desired energy requirement of the country. All stakeholders in the power sector should collaborate to improve on the current output, which hovers between 3,200MW and 3,500MW,” LCCI said. Inflation With the unfolding oil price scenario and the consequent exchange rate depreciation, stakeholders are of the opinion that it was plausible to predict higher inflation conditions this year. “There would be pressures

on production and operating costs across sectors. High cost of imports will also be a major factor. The combined austerity measures of the Federal Government and tighter monetary policy would put additional pressure on consumer prices. Therefore, we expect inflation rate to cross the double digit mark in the first half of 2015,” the stakeholders said. They added: “A natural outcome of depreciating exchange rate in an import dependent economy is inflation. Cost-push inflation will begin to manifest in first few weeks of 2015. This will be driven by high cost of production and high cost of imported finished goods.”

We wish to state that government should continue to work very closely with the Gencos and Discos to achieve the desired energy requirement of the country

Drive for IGR There are indications that this year will witness aggressive drive for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by ministries, departments and agenies (MDAs) of government. Late last year, there were rampant cases of overvaluation of cargo by the Nigeria Customs Service for the purpose of import duty computation. Many investors are said to be already victims of this practice and many importers have been compelled to pay as much as twice the duty they should normally have paid. This approach to revenue generation, some stakeholders argued, would continue this year with adverse consequences for investors. Offshore financial obligations Industry experts have said that servicing offshore financial obligations will become more challenging this year. According to

ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) Adjusting to the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), which became operational on January 1, this year, will be a major challenge to industrialists in the course of the year. Many of them have already expressed reservations over the operation of the tariff. The tariff was proposed as one of the instruments by ECOWAS member States to strengthen their common market, seek the adoption of a common external tariff and a common trade policy to promote co-operation and integration among member states. The tariff is also a step towards creating a common market in the sub-region and a free trade zone and to also enter into negotiation with the European Union (EU) for the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA). NACCIMA had raised concerns over the implementation by the country. “While we appreciate the need for the ECOWAS CET, we are also concerned about the fact that our borders will be thrown open to influx of goods from within the West African region when the ECOWAS CET becomes operational. This is another challenge for our growing industries that are currently battling with the devaluation of the Naira amongst other challenges. The need to ensure compliance to all protocols signed by ECOWAS to eliminate dumping of goods in the region becomes of great importance if our growing industries are to survive with the implementation of ECOWAS CET and for the realisation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan,” the body said. Also, the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) said: “Nigeria will lose the right to use fiscal policy measures as instruments to attract foreign investments into the major sectors of the economy and would no longer be in a position to use fiscal policy as an effective instrument to protect its fledging manufacturing base, among others.” Diversification Diversifying the Nigerian economy, observers have argued, was a pathway to achieving economic stability and would lead the nation in realising its long-term socio-economic development goals. With the fall in the price of oil and the need to increase revenue, it is expected that the Federal Government will intensify its diversification efforts this year by paying greater attention to the non-oil exports.

Business | Industry

Ministry empowers graduates on entrepreneurship skills

TRAINING Skill aims to reduce rate of unemployment in the country Dele Alao

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

he Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) has held a three-day training for interns and participating firms under the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). The training, according to the ministry, is aimed at reducing the current rate of graduates’ unemployment in the country. Speaking at the opening session in Enugu, Enugu State, the Senior Consultant, Fittam Consults, Abuja, Mr. Ademola Michael, said that it has become imperative for the interns under the GIS to be trained on employability skills, ethics and work etiquette, en-

trepreneurship and other capacity-building initiatives. Michael noted that government should be applauded for the recognition it gave the private sector as the major employer of labour, which, according to him, requires certain minimum skills from graduates in order to employ them. Michael lamented that the educational curriculum in the nation’s higher institutions does not provide for the development of the needed skills at the work places, which accounts substantially for why large number of graduates do not get employed. “The thrust of the GIS, therefore, is to partly address this problem by bridging the gap between school and labour

market and provide the graduates with something to do and somewhere to go, while they continue their job search,” he said. The Fittam chief noted that though the training was targeted at interns, the firm believed that a shared vision with partners would enhance the benefit of the scheme. “For the firm representatives, this training provides windows for staff assessment, official etiquette, staff management/development through structured mentorship and other critical lines, which are necessary for the growth of any firm,” he said. He therefore challenged the trainees to take full advantage of the programme and be the change agents in their various

organisations. According to him, since fast tracking manpower development is a key focus of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda and a priority of the Vision 20: 2020, then interns should take full advantage of the training and develop their skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), power, agriculture, construction, health, financial literacy, and others which were provided for under the window of GIS. Also speaking at the training, Mrs. Ngozi Ebechidi, who represented the Director GIS SURE-P, FMF, disclosed that GIS was designed and introduced as part of the SURE-P for graduates to be placed in interested and demonstrated

viable firms/organisations where they would be mentored and supported to develop or strengthen core skills with potential to enhance their employability. She added that the graduates at the training were trained on personal branding, financial literacy skills, skills for the work place, work ethics and etiquette, business leadership, performance and others. The objectives of the training, among others, were to enable the interns optimise the period by developing useful skills and positive work habits, expose them to opportunities for life after internship, and provide opportunity to share experiences with other participants, including firm representatives on opportunities and challenges in the workplace.

Outsourcing to China cost US 3.2m jobs A

L-R: National Sales Manager, Spirits, Diageo Brands Nigeria, Onobun Elijah, winner of the brand new KIA Sorento SUV 2014 model, Ndubuisi Onyenami and Commercial Planning and Activation Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria Kayode Oluwo, at the Baileys Wholesalers Promo held in Lagos.

Nigeria accounts for 0.01% of global expenditure on R&D POOR Commercialisation of R&D results desirable

he Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Ms. Gloria Elemo, has said that Nigeria’s investment in Research and Development (R&D) accounts for 0.01 percent of global expenditure. Elemo said this while presenting a paper titled: “Investment in research and development: A panacea for sustainable job creation in Nigeria.” The FIIRO boss, who noted that Nigeria ranked 94 out of 134 nations in the Global Competitiveness

Index (GCI) in 2010 without of any its universities ranked in the world’s top 500, said that there were huge opportunities and possibilities for wealth and sustainable job creation if governments at all levels continued to partner with the private sector in the uptake and commercialisation of most of its R&D results. She added: “In FIIRO for example, we have developed more than 250 technologies from locally available raw materials and 50 of these have been scaled up to pilot plant production and packaged ready for commercialisation. The Federal Government has a huge role to play by enacting policies and legislations that will encourage production of

consumer goods from indigenous raw materials. The support given to the partial substitution of wheat flour with cassava flour in bread and confectioneries will, for instance, revolutionise the entire cassava value chain. “I believe it is a policy that should be given a serious and speedy consideration by the National Assembly. Nigeria has aspirations to be one of the top 20 world economies by 2020 creating two key issues - a need for massive investment in science, technology and innovation over the next decade and strategic opportunities for researchers in R&D and new product development. FIIRO is poised to play a major role in achieving the year 2020 projection,” she said.

n expanded trade deficit with China has cost the United States. 3.2 million jobs between 2001 and 2013, according to a new report. The report added that jobs outsourced to China have diminished American employment opportunities and have helped contribute to wage erosion since 2001, when China entered the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Between 2001 and 2013, the expanded trade deficit with China cost the US 3.2 million jobs, and three quarters of those jobs were in manufacturing, according to the report from the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning Washington think tank. Those manufacturing jobs lost accounted for about twothirds of all jobs lost within the industry over the 2001 to 2013 period. President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Scott Paul, said one of the ways to get the economy back on track is to fortify the US middle class. “Rebuilding the middle class starts with a robust and growing manufacturing base. The key to a robust and growing manufacturing base in the US is to be exporting more, to have a balanced economy between production and consumption and to have reciprocal trade with our major partners including countries like China and Japan,” he said. Job loss occurred in all states and the District of Columbia, but given that the trade deficit in computer and electronic parts sector grew the most – and accounted for 39.6 per cent of total job losses – the hardest hit state was California, which lost over 560,000 jobs. The three hardest-hit congressional districts were all

in Silicon Valley and among other cities, included Palo Alto, San Jose and Cupertino. Paul said: “The reason for the deficit growth is multifaceted. First, China’s currency manipulation and other trade-distorting practices are a boon for its own exporting. Second, China’s suppression of labor rights make outsourcing more cost efficient for US companies.” The report authors, Robert Scott and Will Kimball, wrote: “Competition with low-wage workers from less-developed countries such as China has driven down wages for workers in US manufacturing and reduced the wages and bargaining power of similar, non-college-educated workers throughout the economy.” Between 2001 and 2013, the US goods trade deficit with China increased by $240.1 billion, or by $21.8 billion on average per year over that period. And over the 2001-2011 period, US workers who were directly displaced by trade with China lost a collective $37 billion in wages as a result of accepting other lower paying jobs.

US President, Barack Obama

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

ICT

Telecoms operators urged on infrastructure sharing p.36

2015 elections: NBC to sanction erring stations p.36

N340bn ICT investment drive to spotlight 2015 A number of activities aimed at actualising the projected $2 billion (N340 billion) investment needed to drive broadband penetration will spotlight telecoms landscape in Nigeria this year, among others, reports KUNLE AZEEZ

igeria is faced with a tall order to embark on aggressive investment drive this year in order to deepen broadband penetration and increase telecoms contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Stakeholders said that the investment drive should be one of the major areas of attention for telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) this year. Already, studies by Pyramid Research, International Data Corporation (IDC) and other tech-focused research firms, have revealed that Nigeria will remain a favourable investment destination in 2015 and beyond. Experts observe that, despite the lingering security problem facing Nigerian economy, telecommunications industry has stood out as a sector that continues to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). By mid-2014, the sector, which boasted of just $500 million in 2001, has today attracted a whopping investment profile of over $32 billion both from local and FDI, according to the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah. The sector’s investment profile was estimated at $25 billion in 2012, having reached $18 billion in 2010. Thus, as 2015 begins, industry stakeholders say the investment inflow into the nation’s telecoms sector should be accelerated. In 2014, the regulator laid a solid foundation by wooing foreign investors at both local and international telecoms events to leverage the broadband investment opportunities that exist in the Nigeria’s telecoms sector and this is expected to begin yielding results through increased FDI inflow this year. Meeting the investment gap According to available data, Nigeria currently has six per cent broadband penetration and the auspicious target of government, as contained in its National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, is to increase broadband access to 30 per cent. Experts say only increased investment could make this target a reality.

Thus, apart from increasing the sector’s investment profile, the licensing of the frequency bands and the issuing of infrastructure companies (InfraCos)’s licences will help contribute to broadband penetration in the current year.

Telecom infrastructure

To rev up this target in 2015, experts say that Nigerian telecoms sector needs additional investment into building a robust Next Generation Broadband Network (NGBN) over the next five years. In his introspective view, Principal Partner, KPMG, Mr Joseph Tegbe, noted that Nigeria has done very well, especially in 2014, in the strides to implementing NGBN, “but the journey has just begun, because an estimated $10 billion (N1.7 trillion) in funding/ investment will be required over the next five years to bridge the broadband infrastructure gap.” This means that to meet the broadband access target in 2018, Nigeria’s telecoms sector must attract $2 billion (N340 billion) investment this year while same amount would be needed annually over the next four years. This, experts say, remains the only way to increase telecoms’ contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is currently estimated at nine per cent of the total national GDP. Infrastructure expansion Over the past years, the industry has witnessed growth in infrastructure expansion by telecoms companies. The bulk of the $32 billion so far invested in the sector has been channeled into infrastructure expansion. Consequently, base transceiver stations (BTS) built by telecoms companies have increased from 27,000 in early 2014 to about 30,000 as at the end of last month, with more than over 106,124 kilometers of fibre optics deployed across the country to date. Also, 44.2 per cent of the 106, 124 fiber optic investment was deployed in 2014 alone. Beyond carrying voice signals, the telcos also ensure that their BTS are now being designed to be 2G-enabled or 3G-enabled to be

Nigerian telecoms sector needs additional investment into building a robust Next Generation Broadband Network (NGBN) over the next five years

able to offer data services. New Telegraph gathered that between 2013 and December, 2014, 2G-enabled sites have increased from 22, 578 to 28,289 while 3Genabled sites have increased from less than 10,000 to 15,048 during the same period. In addition, the industry has also witnessed increased number of Nigerians coming online. From around 58 million in January 2014 to over 78 million currently, while the number of e-commerce sites continued to increase with mobile subscriptions increasing from 127 million to 134.5 million in 2014. “We should expect increased growth in mobile subscriptions as networks build out more infrastructure while the broadband investment will also deepen access to high-speed internet at individual and enterprise level. Broadband will also drive big data and cloud computing services,” said Head of Media at NCC, Mr Sonny AragbaAkpore. Between 2012 and 2014, e-commerce market value in Nigeria increased from $35 million to $550 million while the market potential is worth $10 billion. Also, the industry has attracted $200 million FDI in eCommerce to date. “As more of the over 17 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are provided with e-commerce platforms, a fillip is expected in online business as access to individual to do online shopping right from their IT devices also stands as another driving factor for e-commerce growth in 2015,” said Chief Technology Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr James Agada. Spectrum licensing Though, the regulator failed to license the 2.6 gigahertz spectrum and 5.4 gigahertz frequency bands last year, the prospect of auctioning these spectrum bands are green this year.

Investment data Early submission of industry statistical data by the operators and the release of such up-to-date data by the regulator are critical to taking investments decisions. Consequently, the sector is likely going to witness prompt release of industry data this year, as the Commission, on Friday, tasked telecoms service providers on early submission of their statistical data. The commission gave the charge in a ‘Notification of Revised Timelines for Submissions of Statistical Data,’ signed by the NCC Director, Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo. The regulatory body said that the request for the submission of data was in furtherance of its commitment to provide up to date statistics on the telecommunications industry to support investment decision. “We wish to inform telecommunications service providers that the commission has reviewed the timelines of the submissions of statistical data effective January 2015. “For the mobile GSM, the commission will request for monthly statistical data on the first working day of the succeeding month, with deadline for submission on the 7th of the same month,” Ojob said. “The commission will now request for annual statistical data on the first working day in January with deadline for submission on the 15th of January,” NCC said in the notification. The telecoms umpire said that all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were required to submit monthly statistical information via a template to be emailed to them as ISP were to submit monthly statistical data on the first work day of the succeeding month with deadline for submission on the 7th of the same month. According to NCC, the ISPs are required to submit their annual statistical data on the first workday in January, while the deadline for submission is on January 15. Implications on QoS With all these investment coming into the nation’s telecoms sector, Chief Executive Officer, Backup Networks Limited, Mr Monday Ogbe, said that 2015 should witness improved quality of service (QoS) to telecoms subscribers, compared to the case was in 2014. “We expect NCC to step up enforcement on the operators two while still addressing the myriad of threats to quality of service delivery on mobile networks,” a telecoms subscriber, Mr Adewum Abiodun said.

Business | ICT

DEFICIT Telcos currently has a combined 27,000 base stations whereas about 60,000 are needed Kunle Azeez

elecommunications companies in Nigeria have been urged to fully embrace infrastructure-sharing model in order to reduce their capital expenditure in 2015 and beyond. President, Medallion Communications, Mr Ike Nnamani, gave the advice in a telephone interview with New Telegraph. Nnamani said that infrastructure sharing has come to stay in most telecoms markets, adding that Nigeria cannot be an exception if the telecoms firms aim to maximise their profits in the face of declining revenue. While noting that some operators have started embracing the business model, Nnamani, however, urged the telcos to sustain the momentum. He noted that telecoms business is a highly capital-intensive sector. With about 27,000 base stations already built by telecoms companies, experts say Nigeria’s telecoms operators need about 60,000 functional towers to be able to meet service demand by growing subscribers. As such, Nnamani said infrastructure sharing should be seen as a model for engendering efficiency in telecoms business. He said: “Outsourcing is actually the future of telecoms business for efficiency. That is literally where everybody is going to. If you check over

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Telecoms operators urged on infrastructure sharing the last few months, you will notice that even the major operators have started selling out their towers, base stations to companies that specialise in cell site management and infrastructure sharing because ultimately, it is going to make it more efficient and cheaper for them to operate. “Initially, it may appear as if it is even more expensive for them to do outsourcing and infrastructure-sharing, but over time, it is going to be much cheaper. It will also free them up to focus on their core business of customer acquisition, business development and introducing good customer services, which is key.” Nnamani noted that his company, Medallion, licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as an interconnect clearinghouse, offers career-neural infrastructure facility for the industry. “That is the major advantage we have offered where today, Medallion is seeing a situation, where it takes just a week for an operator that approaches us for interconnection to be exchanging traffic with any other operator in the country. This is because we have streamlined the process that all you need is connect to us. “So, because we are already connected to every other career, you start immediately to receive and exchange traffic from them and this is something that without us being in the market, offering the service, it would take you any time from six months

CWG bags VMware award N

igeria’s Information and Communication Technology conglomerate, Computer Warehouse Group Plc (CWG), has been recognised as the VMware Solution Provider of the Year and Renewals Partner for the Year in the entire West East and Central Africa (WECA). The recognition came the way of CWG at the annual VMware Channels Award ceremony recently held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The award ceremony was organised by VMware, CWG’s Original Equipment Manufacturer partner, to recognise the dedication of its partners, acknowledged for outstanding achievements in sales, performance and customer satisfaction every year. According to VMware, the award is to celebrate outstanding partners and the continual investment they make in developing their skills and capacity in order to better supports VMware customers.” Speaking at the event, Head, Partner and General Business Lead, VMware, Mr Mark Reynolds, said that the awards portrays that “VMware appreci-

ates the critical role partners play in helping its customers move to the cloud, embrace the software-defined Data centre and plot their path to the hybrid cloud.” CWG received the recognition alongside 16 other prominent peers across the continent. These include foremost global technology outfits IBM, Royalty OEM Partner of the Year (WECA); HP, as Royalty OEM Partner of the Year (South Africa), Dell as the highest Revenue contributor of the year (South Africa), Ubuntu as the outstanding OEM reseller (South Africa) amongst others. CWG, however is the only IT firm from Nigeria that was recognized. CWG said that the award adds to its list of recognition for stellar performances over the years. The company was recently named a Global Growth Company by the World Economic Forum and has also been recognised as the Best Absolute Achievement Award in P & MEA; the ICT Solutions Provider of the year, ICT Company of the year, among others.

to one year and you may not get interconnect to some operators at all because they may feel that your subscriber base is not big enough and will not get value to put interconnect facility to you,” he said. In addition, Nnamani said competition might be another

issue that can make it difficult for some operators to be able to interconnect with bigger networks. “The company you want to interconnect with, if you don’t come through a clearinghouse, may also look at you as a fierce competitor which they do not

want in the market in the first place. So, Medallion is bridging that gap through a plug-and-play model and industry is benefitting from it.” He claimed that Medallion has one of the most robust data centre services, where the industry meets.

L-R: Group Managing Director, Teledom Group, Mr Emmanuel Ekuwem; Organiser, Africa Digital Awards, Mr Tayo Adewusi; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and President, Nigeria Internet Group, Mr Bayo Banjo, during the 2014 edition of the award in Lagos.

2015 elections: NBC to sanction erring stations Clem Khena-Ogbena Abuja

he National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has threatened to sanction any station that broadcast any political message, which violate the laid-down rules and regulations guiding broadcasting profession. Already, the Commission said it has put various sanctions on some erring broadcast establishments in the country for committing certain infractions. This was disclosed by the Director-General, NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba, in an exclusive chat in Abuja. Mba, who did not disclose the identity of the affected

broadcast media houses, however, warned broadcast stations across the country to follow the laid-down rules guiding political broadcasts as the 2015 general elections draw closer. While noting that though, broadcast stations that commit infractions based on ‘illegal and unacceptable’ political broadcasts they air are often sanctioned by the NBC, Mba attributed the source of such punishment to politicians. According to him, the broadcast stations in the country were under the strict watch and control of the NBC, adding that there were laid-down codes of conduct that must be respected and obeyed by the broadcasting organisations,

failure of which will attract sanctions. He stated: “We have continually cautioned them and asked them to play by the rules, and then, the code is there to guide them. If they all play by the rules, there will be no problem as far as broadcasting is concerned. “Broadcasters are not essentially the problem; it’s the politicians that are the problem. So, we hope that society will address the politicians, while we address the broadcasters. The challenges are not coming from broadcasters as much as from the politicians. INEC and the members of the public will have to deal with the politicians.”

Airtel, TRACE empower Nigerian youths

ne of Nigeria’s telecoms networks, Airtel, in collaboration with international music video channel, TRACE on DSTV Channel 325, has announced the rollout of the mobile device song contest. The announcement of the contest tagged ‘Airtel Trace Music Star’ followed the unveiling of 5678, the special short code for the

competition. Airtel, in a statement, said the contest allows contestants to audition right from their phones to earn a chance of becoming the next big music star in Nigeria and Africa in addition to being mentored by global superstar, Akon. The contestants will be aided by an interactive voice prompt, loaded with

bi-lingual functionality in English and Pidgin, which will assist in eliminating language barriers and enable youths from across Nigeria to participate in the competition. Speaking on the initiative, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Maurice Newa, noted that Airtel’s aim of initiating the platform was to empower Nigerian youths.

DAILY TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015

Mom&Parenting

Season for Domestic help This is the season when families hire domestic help or housemaids for the homes. Parents are paying agents to bring them nice and ‘God-fearing’ ones, while some housemaids return to their old, tried and tested masters. The most important, according to parents and security experts, is that parents should not forget to put both security and their instincts at alert. With recent happenings where housemaids either maltreat their bosses’ kids or try to kidnap them, parents would need to drastically change their minds and make up their minds on what they want. OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI writes.

or Temitope Adeleye, a caterer, it is a no-no with housemaids again in her house. According to her, she can no longer trust a stranger with her children. She said it was better to hire a matured person who will come at day time and leave by evening. It is not as if they too don’t have their excesses; they do but one will have to over look certain things, especially if it is not dangerous, according to Adeleye. “I rather have such an arrangement than have a full time maid. The full-time housemaids are more dangerous and destructive. They always have satanic ulterior motives,” she said. Stella Ifedigbo, a designer, said the very first time she wanted to hire a maid was when the Uganda housemaid story went viral. “I stopped in my track when I saw the Ugandan maid beating her mistress’ child to a coma online. I nearly fainted,” she said. Ifedigbo added that, “I would rather go for a relative and be prayerful. I will also watch intently. I believe that is better than these housemaids’ issues.” Sandra Laniyan, a public servant said domestic helps are necessary devils but that they can be conquered with the grace of God. She explained that as a working class mother and in Lagos, one definitely needs them. The best solution she suggested is, “to pray and be watchful. If you are a Christian, take them for deliverance and leave the rest to God,” she said. Laniyan added that hiring housemaid is a thing of luck; that is why she said she would always advocate for trusted agents. She also said it is very wise to befriend the housemaids and give them a sense of belonging. “Make them feel that they are part of the family. Give them motherly support and show them love. Agreed that there are some nasty ones among them, but when you play your part, your God is there to protect you and your family,” she said.

Mom&Parenting Team

Oluwatosin Omoniyi Coordinator

Grace Essen Contributor

A maid doing her house chores

Laniyan, who prefers a housemaid to a relative staying with her, said a housemaid disaster can be curtailed than that of a relative. Why? She explained that a relative can monitor one for evil or lack understanding when you say there is no money but a maid knows that whether you are broke or not, you will eventually pay her or him. It is business and treated as such. “For me, housemaid is it but with God’s grace and mercy,” she concluded. Ejiro Ekiugbo, a full-time housewife said housemaid is a no-go area for her. “You don’t know their minds. You hardly know when you offend them. One can hardly please them. They are very greedy and selfish, always wanting more,” she said. Ekiugbo had to sack her housemaid of six months. She explained that she got scared with the recent tales trailing housemaids; coupled with the fact that her housemaid was not helping matters. She said the 19 year-old maid

archived.thisisafrica.me

was stubborn, talked back at her and was aggressive with her kids. “I just made up my mind to let her go before she wreaks havoc in my home,” she said. Bassey Enobong, a lawyer counts herself lucky because her kids are grown. As such, does not need the service of a maid. She said her kids are grown enough to assist with the house chores. Enobong added that she has never had a pleasant experience with domestic helps, ever since she has been hiring them. She explained that at first, they pretend to be humble, behave like normal human beings but midway in the house, they become nasty. “I have observed over time that they become nasty when you are most nice to them. I also observed that they behave well and remain disciplined with those who treat them badly. What a life?! She asked. Enobong believes that some of the domestic helps are dangerous and can even kill and that is why she disagrees that

they are necessary evils. “What are you doing with evil? There is no evil that can ever be necessary, I believe. Best thing, do away with it. God forbid that I stay with a necessary evil!” She exclaimed. She, however, suggested a day-time housemaid that would always come and go. However, housemaids have their stories to tell too. Some of them said they never intended to become mean but their masters forced meanness out of them. Rosaline Ivo, a 21 year-old Benin Republic girl said she started domestic job since the age of 10 and has never been truly lucky. The one time, she said, she would have been lucky; her parents forced the agent to take her away from the place because her parents felt that if her master then, sent her to school, she would not pay them the agreed fee any longer. “And since then, it has been from one terrible experience to the other.” Ivo CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

38 Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2015 DAILY TELEGRAPH

Time again to welcome ‘necessary evils’

Ifedigbo

Adeleye

Ekiugbo

Enobong

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

that two of them were bold to return to the house together. “Right there in front of all, including madam’s husband, they stripped me naked, just to humiliate me. I cried my eyes out. The following day, I packed my bag to leave when everyone had left the house but to my surprise, madam’s husband came, begged me and gave me money. Not only that, he deflowered me that day and I enjoyed it. I made it a point of duty to sleep with her husband, at least thrice a week. At times, I put sleeping tablet in her food, so that I can have her husband’s full attention. And since then till the time I left, there was peace in the house. Her husband and I were so perfect at it,” she confessed. It seems wide and unbelievable but it is happening and that is when the madams become unnecessarily suspicious and aggressive against their housemaids According to Doctor Ernest Ugiagbe, of the Sociology and Anthropology Department of Edo State University, when it comes to hiring domestic helps, the masters, mostly the madams, should be ‘extremely nice’ to the nannies. “When you love, you get it back. Women should be tolerant and selective. They should use the psychological approach in selecting and dealing with their domestic helps. Most importantly, they should be prayerful and watchful as well,” he advised. According to the Department of State Security Service, DSSS, Lagos State Command in conjunction with the Lagos State Security Council, in a document made available to Daily Telegraph, urged members of the public to take security measures into cognizance when hiring domestic helps. The steps are as thus: 1) always sensitize members of your family on security tips gained through security awareness. 2) further sensitize family members on emerging threats against human health as well new crime trends. 3) Endeavour to vet and re-vet domestic staff through the service of DSSS. Members of the public are urged to write to the Director of DSSS on their intention of hiring nanny or domestic help. According to the statement, the DSSS will run a security check that could last a week depending on the data supplied by the intended worker and boss.

explained that some of the places she had worked, they either would not feed her well but expect her to work well. She recounted an experience where the madam would not feed her beyond once a day. “And she would prepare assorted food for her kids. Madam would tell me to wait till her children finished eating. Most times, when the kids eat, Madam would ask me to gather the left-over food for the dogs outside. So, I fashioned out a way which is eating the food by half before the children set to eat it,” she said. Ivo continued that her fourth madam never gave her meat or fish for her food. The day she made bold to take a fish from the pot, she was caught and her madam nearly blinded her. She confessed that to retaliate, she dipped her madam’s tooth brush inside the toilet when her children or her finished toileting, then she rinsed it slightly and kept it back for her. The following day, she said her madam just took it carelessly, put paste on it and brushed her mouth with it. “I made sure I did it for one week consecutively until she fell sick and that was when I insisted I was leaving, so that I would not stay to help her,” she said. For Linda Peters, 22 year-old Benue girl, her toad did not just start running at day time, it was something that was chasing it. She said she did not just become wicked over night but her master made her realise that she had the potential and “I developed it to the fullest with them.” Peters linked her experience to the start when she worked for them. She said she had worked with her madam for five years. The first to the third year was pleasant and smooth, according to her. But the fourth to the fifth was terrible. She narrated that her madam started suspecting her and her husband and accusing her unnecessarily. According to her, there was a day she went out to buy a sachet of Bournvita for one of the kids; she stayed long by her madam’s allegation. “By the time I returned to the house was exactly the same time my madam’s husband entered the house. Suddenly, I saw my madam throw herself on the floor and screaming for help that neighbours should come to help her” she said. Peters said her madam explained to few of the neighbours present that she went out with her husband and

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

Sowing the right words I

got talking with two ladies some time ago on life issues in general, one of them talked about how ‘spoken words’ had affected her life so much. I wanted to know how, so I asked her to tell us about it. From her story, her mum apparently didn’t see much good in her, or so she thought. Her words most times were demoralizing, and often made her feel like running away from home. She spoke lots of negative and discouraging words to her, and criticized her a lot. It was not just herself alone, her siblings as well. She happened to be the first child and so she got the bulk of it, and that affected her so badly even after she had grown up and left home. It seemed she could still hear her mum’s voice ringing in her ears. She told her story with so much pain; I wondered within me if in ten, twenty years from now any of my children can say such about me …. . Some years ago, she ran into one of her secondary school teachers, who asked her what she was doing. And before they parted, he told her he had hoped for more than just a Diploma for her at that time. Instantly, she felt like something hit her. Someone had just told her what she needed to hear, but not in a manner that made her feel bad or like a failure, but in a way that motivated her. She went job hunting and got a job; she saved some money and went back to school. She worked very hard, most of the time under intense pressure. A few years down the line, she got a degree and a professional qualification simultaneously, and since then, she has not had reason to look. She went back to thank her old school teacher who didn’t even know his words had such impact on her. No woman, or let me say no right thinking woman brings a child into this world and not want the best for that child. But at times in the bid to bringing about the best in our children, we often push too hard, without realising it. What is meant to be LOVE comes out in the form of criticism, negative attitudes, harshness or even outright hatred. What we go through in our personal lives - relationships with our spouses, in-laws, colleagues, the pressure we face at work, in our businesses, or the traffic jam we experience on the road on a daily basis, tend to get us all worked up and so irritated, we take it out on our

children without really meaning to do so. Our words, the tone, the expression on our faces crystallize on their minds and form seeds that will germinate and continue to grow especially in cases where such gets repeated over and over. Their natural reaction will be to close up, strive really hard to please us, and then look for acceptance or appreciation elsewhere. I find that sometimes when I yell at my children, it is really not what they did that is the problem; it is an unresolved issue (or issues) on my mind I should have dealt with earlier, or at least carefully kept under control. The children are surprised at my outburst and possibly wondering: “What’s wrong with mummy?” And then I spend the next 30 minutes or so trying to justify my action, knowing well that I was wrong. We have to learn to separate our feelings and frustrations from parenting. “When mama is not happy no one else is.” That is often the case, but does it have to be? Do children have to suffer for what we are going through which is no fault of theirs? We cannot hide our feelings and our pains from our children, but we can manage them better so they do not affect them and our relationships with them negatively. All we need is some self control, it may not be easy, but the future of our children makes it worth every effort. Words are powerful. They are capable of bringing about the unimaginable – you can call it ‘miracle’ if you wish. One will wonder why a 60 year old man still hears his mum’s voice even when she is long gone! It is best to say something positive, better not to say anything at all, than say something negative to our children. Words carelessly spoken may become a snare to them which will come back to haunt us when we least expect. Negative words and criticisms are very common these days, children hear them from friends, from their teachers, on the television, everywhere; but positive and encouraging words are scarce and they don’t quite flow as easily as the negative ones, have you noticed? Words sown bear fruits according to their kind, and we can only reap what we sow. If that be the case, wouldn’t it be wise to sow only the good, at least in the lives of our children?

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

L–R: President, Bayelsa State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah; Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Konbowei Benson; Governor Seriake Dickson; newly sworn-in Head of Service, Dr Josephine Igodo; Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmond Allison Oguru, shortly after the swearing-in of the Head of Service in Government House, Yenagoa.

L-R: President, Civil Rights Congress, Mr. Shehu Sani; former Chairman, Kaduna North Local Government Council, Alhaji Rabiu Khalid and Secretary General, Jama’atu Nasir Islam, Sheikh Khalid Aliyu, during a visit to the Jama’atu Nasir Islam Headquarters in Kaduna.

L-R: Deputy President, The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Comrade Olu Jethro; Senior Assistant National Secretary, NUJ, Mr. Oluwagbenga Bamidele; General Secretary, Rattawu, Mr. Henry Odugala and Chairman, NTA Trade Group, Mr. Godfrey Orhewe, during a meeting with the representatives of the Minister of Labour, Rattawu, NUJ and Stakeholders in Abuja.

A cross-section of members of Peoples Democratic Party, Surulere Area of Lagos State, during a special prayer for the Nation in Lagos.

Photo | News

L-R: Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State; Gabriel Suswan of Benue State; Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta and Lyel Imoke of Cross River State, during the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Organization in Abuja. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

L-R: National President, Bible Society of Nigeria, Dr. Aaron Nuhu; General Secretary, Dare Ajiboye and the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo and Chairman, Idoma Bible Translation Committee, Most Reverend Michael Apochi, during the dedication of Idoma Bible in Otukpo, Benue State.

L-R: Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Comrade Abdul Oroh; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon; Head of Service, Mr Jerry Obazele and Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at the first Executive Council meeting of the state this year.

L-R: Members, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Caretaker Committee, Alhaji Adebayo Thomas; Mrs. Atinuke Ajayi, Mr. Yusuf Akinsanya; Executive Secretary, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon. Adeola Dawood Olajobi and Elewu of Ewuland, Oba Adesina Kuti, during the swearing of the new caretaker committees for Oshodi-Isolo Local Council in Lagos. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Leisure Arcade NUTS

NTPuzzle

By Kaycee

Harry Potter Characters O G B U J K E E N O I M R E H U M T Y W A L P D X Z E R T A I Q U E H E R M K L R D H V R R V N L R D O W G K J H B G R R D R D L P U G F C D U D X Y

MAMA LASISI

By Aliu Eroje

E Z L U D M O W E R T Y I B P L H B D U M B L E D O R E P O K F G H G B F X H G D E G A T J R E T R O M R E D L O V C T O F F I L C H K S P R D C V R F M J V B R C E X N Z D G U J L O H A G R I D F V A H V K R A R T V D G V H B G F P R E O

MOYIN & FRIENDS

By Ayo Oyerinde

M C G O N A G A L L A S E D N

HARRV POTTER

SNAPE

MCGONAGALL

HERMIONE

VOLDERMORT

MALFOY

RON

QUIRREL DUDLEY

DUMBLEDORE HAGRID

FILCH

NTJokes SUDOKU - Answer to No 29

SUDOKU - No 30

HEADLESS PRESIDENT

6 1

5 9

1 2

How to play

Sudoku

ALIU EROJE

CHIEF CARTOONIST aliu.eroje@newtelegraphonline.com

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

Once in a conference, three scientists: an American, a German and a Nigerian, were talking and bragging about the technological advances their representative countries have achieved in the field of medicine. Says the American, “In Washington, there was a baby boy born without forearms, so we attached artificial forearms on him. And now that he is grown, he has become an Olympic professional boxer and a gold medalist at that.” The German replied, That’s nothing to what we have done back in Berlin, there was a baby girl born without legs on her, she is 3 times marathon gold medalist in the Olympics!!” The Nigerian interjected laughingly, “Is that all you have, just gold medalist? In Abuja, we have a baby born without a head! We attached a coconut to the neck and he is now the president”

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Nigeria to avoid capital controls, reviews naira rules

FOREIGN EXCHANGE Additional administrative measure to determine the rates

change a rule adopted around the same time that dollars bought in the interbank market be used within 48 hours or sold to the regulator, Emefiele said. The naira is “currently appropriately priced” and no new measures are being considered, Emefiele said. The currency weakened for a third day, declining 0.2 per cent to trade at 184.23 per dollar by 10 a.m. in Lagos. “We are satisfied with the current adjustment that’s been done,” Emefiele said. “It remains a free entry and free exit market.” Policy makers in Nigeria, which gets 70 per cent of government revenue and almost all export earnings from oil, have proposed spending cuts and in November raised interest rates 100 basis points to a record 13 per cent in a bid to stem capital outflows and defend the naira. The central bank on November 25 also moved the naira’s official peg for twice-weekly auctions to a midpoint of 168 per dollar from 155 and widened its trading band to five per cent either side from three per cent. The measures implemented by the regulator have made it difficult for foreign investors to exit their holdings, Samir

Godson Ikoro

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has said that the country will never introduce capital controls but is reviewing a rule introduced last month to which investors attributed the crushed liquidity in the foreign exchange market. The naira has been battered by crude prices that have dropped more than 50 per cent since June. The naira depreciated almost 11 per cent in the past three months, the most among 24 African currencies tracked by Bloomberg. CBN last month told banks to clear foreign exchange positions daily, having previously allowed them net-open positions of one per cent of shareholder funds in a bid to bolster the currency. “There will be a review in due course,” Godwin Emefiele told Bloomberg “But I can tell you categorically it will no longer be one per cent. It will be less than one per cent. The reason we put a stop to one per cent is because we felt that it was too large to be held by banks as a trading position.” The bank has no plans to

Gadio, head of African strategy at Standard Chartered Plc, said. “There’s a risk that these measures last as long as the central bank feels it doesn’t have the ability to control the exchange rate,” he said before Emefiele announced the review. “That is news to me that foreign investors are unable to exit their positions,” Emefiele said. “If any foreign investor needs to exit its position, he should make a demand to a bank. If the bank cannot find

he African Risk Capacity’s (ARC) pioneering catastrophe insurance pool, which operates as the ARC Insurance Company Ltd. (ARC Ltd), is set to make its first payout, totalling $25 million to three participating countries. Senegal, Niger and Mauritania will be awarded funds resulting from drought experienced during 2014. The report notes that the three regions

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

$2.3bn in December to $34.5bn. This latest fall is the result of the sharp decline in foreign exchange inflows from the oil industry and the related exit of some offshore portfolio investors. While the end of the holiday season may have applied the brake to import demand but the more significant development has been the halving of the oil price over the past six months. Accordingly, the CBN cannot continue to draw down reserves at the rate of more than $2bn per month for long and since the oil price is not expected to rebound quickly and since the CBN is unlikely to adopt a floating exchange rate regime, it said that the nation should prepare for additional administrative measures.

African risk capacity in first payout of $25m to three countries

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

those dollars to buy in the interbank market, the central bank will provide the dollars.” Meanwhile, as the pressures on the naira and the decline in nations external reserves persist, the financial services sector should prepare for additional administrative measures since the central bank is unlikely to adopt a floating exchange rate regime, FBN Capital has said. In a statement issued yesterday, the company said that data from the CBN showedd that official reserves decreased by

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

paid a combined premium of approximately $17 million, and Senegal is to receive the highest payout of more than $16 million. The ARC scheme is Africa’s first parametric catastrophe insurance pool and was launched in May last year to provide regions with post-disaster financing capabilities, as reported at the time by Artemis. Interestingly, part of the report states; “In July, Africa Risk View software detected that the December harvest would be affected by the late onset of rain, the Senegalese government responded and began planning it’s response in September.” A combination of parametric policies and ARC’s comprehensive Africa Risk View (ARV) software enables rapid payout for impacted regions, as extensive historical drought data, risk management tools and peril knowledge provide an element of predictability. By utilising the ARV software, ARC and the relevant regions are able to asses and prepare a payout many months in advance, meaning that post-event financing and redevelopment can happen fast, and that the most vulnerable people are reached first. But it’s not just a premium ARC participants are required to fulfill in order to qualify. To ensure fast, effective and relevant payouts are received, and to ensure the resilience of a country is strengthened, each member must complete several processes. One of these is the full customization of the ARV to the respective national context, which takes a year to complete. On their website ARC describes this section of the process; “One of the objectives of the year-long ARV customization process is for countries to better determine to what

extent exogenous factors like drought are the predominant risk factor in their country and thus if participation in ARC will bring potential efficiency gains.” Contingency planning is also an important and effective aspect of the ARC programme, which again potential member countries must complete in order to receive payouts. ARC says this part of the preparation process “allows participating governments to make evidence-based decisions, with a clear understanding of the financial resources available to them in times of disaster and the types of activities required to save lives as well as livelihoods. The final two requirements of participating countries is the determining of risk transfer parameters and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The latter relates to an engagement agreement between the country and the ARC Agency. The company’s website describes this as a collaborative effort between the country and “the ARC Secretariat in an intensive capacity building programme to prepare incountry government staff for the prospect of risk transfer to the international market.” Once the required processes have been completed the country receives a Certificate of Good Standing from the ARC Agency Governing Board, pays a premium and becomes a member of the catastrophe insurance pool. ARC’s extensive work with potential member countries is proving to be hugely beneficial. As mentioned previously the ARV software predicted Senegal’s December drought almost half-a-year earlier, meaning that work could be done on financing and redevelopment before the event took place – resulting in a speedy post-disaster payout.

Business | Financial Market News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

7-Jan-15

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,783.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,378.16

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.29 1.61 2.30 2.55 2.65 3.39 4.47 4.79 7.06 9.18 13.89 14.37 14.87 15.54 19.53

12.12 15.23 15.36 15.36 15.35 15.33 15.30 15.28 15.25 15.05 14.47 14.42 14.36 14.77 15.02

11.58 15.12 15.28 15.28 15.28 15.20 15.21 15.17 15.18 14.98 14.42 14.36 14.29 14.71 14.96

97.69 96.95 99.45 88.70 87.31 88.06 102.20 72.54 104.80 95.80 103.11 88.40 64.34 71.20 82.00

97.84 97.10 99.60 88.85 87.46 88.36 102.50 72.84 105.10 96.10 103.41 88.70 64.64 71.50 82.30

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

24-May-12 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.70 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.38 1.24 1.92 2.28 2.49

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

15.76 17.80 17.30 16.33 16.36

94.37 99.43 97.99 95.92 92.69

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.67

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

309.39

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.65

4.44

19.33

95.98

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.49

3.23

17.60

98.68

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

1.00

4.46

20.19

94.75

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

1.01

3.48

19.21

96.87

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.28

5.59

20.92

80.90

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.55

1.00

16.32

96.72

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.98

1.79

17.13

92.91

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.15

1.80

17.12

94.78

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.74

1.00

16.32

93.63

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.35

1.00

16.34

96.73

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.36

4.78

20.12

89.42

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.54

1.00

16.36

96.43

A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.79 4.87 2.85

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.35 16.28 18.09

98.39 94.11 93.03

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.31

1.00

16.33

96.14

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.89

1.00

16.25

89.77

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.98

1.94

17.19

92.00

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.64

1.44

16.76

94.32

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.67

1.95

17.27

94.31

96.95

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

460.91 424.59

Corporate Bonds Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.37

4.88

17.86

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.34

09-Dec-15

0.68

1.00

15.96

97.92

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.76

2.63

17.78

97.47

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.73

1.00

16.31

95.13

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.80

1.34

16.65

96.34

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.73

1.00

16.35

92.79

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.75

1.88

17.19

102.19

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.75

3.48

18.79

96.31

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

1.92

5.20

20.50

96.47

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

1.92

5.06

20.36

101.80

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.71

1.35

16.67

92.77

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.03

2.29

17.59

97.29

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.11

6.11

21.42

92.91

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.98

2.16

17.50

96.76

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.85

2.76

18.01

90.18

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.73

1.00

15.82

80.91

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.73

1.00

15.82

87.37

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

124.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

116.51

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.10

1.00

16.34

85.51

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.32

1.00

16.30

85.13

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.29

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

7.39

7.10

96.92

98.29

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

6.62

6.07

95.39

97.04

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.64

7.40

92.22

93.61

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,422.67

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

40.17

36.14

77.13

79.83

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

7.00

100.63

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

11.18

91.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

12.17

11.16

85.84

88.35

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

9.12

8.46

90.09

92.08

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

25.50

22.24

61.75

68.08

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.49

95.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

14.26

13.25

82.50

85.42

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

10.00

92.00

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

6.63 DEC 09, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

09-Dec-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

09-Dec-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

19.69 11.50 10.66

19.69 11.12 10.66

55.50 90.00 87.00

55.50 91.63 87.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.12

9.02

92.75

97.84

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,075.23

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

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

Bid Discount (%) 11.15 10.90 11.00 11.99 11.97 12.92 12.13 12.15

Offer Discount (%) 10.90 10.65 10.75 11.74 11.72 12.67 11.88 11.90

Bid Yield (%) 11.18 10.95 11.07 12.11 12.11 13.12 12.33 12.38

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.1867 14.0591 14.6320 15.6408

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

9.58

O/N Tenor Call 1M

10.17

REPO

Rate (%) 9.33 14.52

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

182.90 183.33 183.62 184.29 185.54 186.78

183.00 183.44 183.76 184.75 186.51 188.24

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.65

4.44

19.33

95.98

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.49

3.23

17.60

98.68

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

1.00

4.46

20.19

94.75

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

1.01

3.48

19.21

96.87

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.28

5.59

20.92

80.90

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.55

1.00

16.32

96.72

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.98

1.79

17.13

92.91

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.15

1.80

17.12

94.78

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTAJANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY,

Business | Financial Market News

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.74

1.00

16.32

93.63

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.35

1.00

16.34

96.73

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.36

4.78

20.12

89.42

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.54

1.00

16.36

96.43

A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.79 4.87 2.85

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.35 16.28 18.09

98.39 94.11 93.03

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.31

1.00

16.33

96.14

Shareholders lose N1.5 trillion in three days

lowing worries about investors, foreign portfo27-Nov-13 Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR‡ LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 31-Dec-13 the 2015 general election also A-/Agusto; KOGI 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 lio investments are SELLBBB+/DataPro OFF A/Agusto *EKITI 14.50 month. EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 expected to remain31-Dec-13 billed for next wary A-/GCR *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 Stock market The tension between of the local bourse06-Jan-14 until TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE the Peoples Democratic the elections are contramples on election TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Party (PDP) and its cluded and possible posttensions major opposition, All election violence curbed. Corporate Bonds Progressive Specifically, at17-Aug-10 the 10.00Congress UPDC 17-AUG-2015 Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 close of ringing09-Dec-10 bell (APC), is currently genA-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS Stories by Chris Ugwu 14.00 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS erating a lull inCHELLARAMS the equi-06-JAN-2016 yesterday, the All-Share NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 Index shed 1354.77 29-Sep-11 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO ties market13.00 as investors, basis 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto FSDH igerian stocks mostly foreign evaluate points or 4.34 per25-Oct-13 cent 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 UBA fell for a third to close at 31,167.54 bathe electoral process and 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C & I LEASING #{r} day in the New outcome while fearing sis points as against MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 Nil *DANA 32,522.31 recorded09-Sep-11 the Year, resulting violence. MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER# post-election # 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR previous day while the to a loss of about N1.159 While theMPR+5.25 local TOWER bourse *TOWER UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR 22-Sep-11 UBA trillion or 11.23 per cent continues to14.00 witness low market capitalisation 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR 18-Oct-13 CASERAsentiment from as pressure persists*LAfoldomestic of equities depreciated #

by N448 4.34 13.50 billion or 87.50 15.00 as market5.00 per cent sen4.55the timent14.50 remained on 15.00 negative position. 4.56 Meanwhile, a 460.91 turn424.59 over of 393.3 million shares worth N5.4 billion in 3,930 deals was record10.00 3.61 ed in the 12.00 day’s trading. 9.34 The14.00 banking sub0.42sec15.00 tor of 13.00 the financial ser14.25 vices sector was the5.53 most 13.00 20.00 active18.00 during the0.64day (measured by turnover 16.00 6.30 volume); mil18.00 with 256.7 2.90 16.00 lion shares worth0.80 N3.5 35.00 inbillion14.00 exchanged by 15.75 2.40 vestors in 1,201 deals.

Volume in the5.89 sub-sec27-Nov-20 5.98 tor31-Dec-20 was largely driven by 31-Dec-20 in the shares 3.64 activities of 06-Jan-21 3.67 ET1 Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. Also, other financial services sub-sector, boosted in 17-Aug-15 by activities 0.37 the09-Dec-15 shares of FBNH Plc 0.68 06-Jan-16 with a turnover 0.76 followed of 29-Sep-16 64.8 million1.73shares 25-Oct-16 valued at N556.51.80 million 30-Sep-17 2.73 in 898 deals. 30-Nov-17 1.75 Further analysis of 09-Apr-18 1.75 the09-Sep-18 day’s trading1.92 showed 09-Sep-18 1.92 that Presco Nigeria Plc 22-Sep-18 topped the day’s3.71 gainers’ 18-Oct-18 table with 10.19 2.03 per cent

to close16.25 at N27.4789.77 while 1.94PZ Cussons 17.19 Nigeria 92.00 Plc 1.44followed 16.76 94.32per with 5.24 1.95 94.31 cent to 17.27 close at N26.50 per share and Wema Bank Plc with a gain of 3.33 per cent to close at 93 share. 96.95 4.88kobo per 17.86 On the downward 1.00 15.96 97.92 2.63side, Guinness 17.78 97.47 Nigerian 1.00Plc led the 16.31 losers 95.13 with a 1.34 96.34 drop of 16.65 9.74 per cent to 1.00 16.35 92.79 close at17.19 N141.74 102.19 while 1.88 Bank Plc96.31 shed 3.48Zenith 18.79 cent to close 5.209.71 per20.50 96.47 at 5.06N15.44 and 20.36 GTB Plc 101.80 with 1.359.70 per16.67 92.77 at cent to close 2.29N21.96 per 17.59share. 97.29 1.00

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.11

6.11

21.42

92.91

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.98

2.16

17.50

96.76

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.85

2.76

18.01

90.18

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.73

1.00

15.82

80.91

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.73

1.00

15.82

87.37

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

10.66

87.00

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.12

9.02

92.75

97.84

John Holt posts 38% growth in pre-tax profits

2014 financial year results may fall below investors’ expectation -Rewane TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Managing DiTOTAL he MARKET CAPITALISATION

might have hit rock bottom. rector, Financial “Current stock prices Supranational Bond Derivatives Com- appear attractive at the 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P(FDC) Limited, IFCMr. moment, but we advise pany 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P Bismark Rewane, AfDB has cautious investing with a TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE expressed worries that focus on long term value TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION companies bottom-line as opposed to speculating for the 2014 financial year and searching for short Description Rating/Agency term gains. We also exmay fall below investors’ Issuer expectations. pect some volatility over FGN Eurobonds The FDC boss, who the coming months until 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P stated this in a presenta- after elections,” he said. tion he made recently at Rewane said CBN was BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P the FDC monthly publi- likely to embark on a BB-/Fitch; said profits that monetary policy easing cation, 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 BB-/S&P would be declared, if any, in H2 2015 to stimulate the TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE in the financial year 2014 economy. TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION by most companies, were “As the US economy likely to be below inves- gains traction we expect Corporate Eurobonds tors’ expectation, adding an increase in interest 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I that most sectors; bank- rates in 2015, this event is 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I ing, consumers, oil & gas, expected to have a nega7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC conglomerates would not tive effect on emerging 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC be insulated. and frontier economies. 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC As a result we expect He noted that one of 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II the positives apart ZENITH fromBANKheavy portfolio reversals, 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P PLC the obvious that the DIAMOND Nige- BANK asPLC investors will opt8.75for May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P safety and security 8.25 inAUG a 07, 2020 rian has toFIRST been B-/Fitch;economy B/S&P BANK PLC 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN less dependent on oil is thatPLC IIImuch developed market.” 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLCsaid. II he prices in the stock market B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

ohn Holt Plc has record- 124.44 total operating expenses to ed 38 per cent increase in 116.51 N470m in the review period profit before tax during from N574m in the same pethe financial year ended Sep- riod of the corresponding 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 of March 11-Feb-18 3.10 tember 30, 2014. year 2013. 10-Jul-14 11.25 with 12.95 01-Feb-21 4.32 The group in a filing The top line level also took the Nigerian Stock Exchange 24.95 a hit as sales fell by 14.8 per 21.29 posted a profit before tax of cent to N1.24bn in 2014 as N427 million during the year against N1.45bn in the preOutstanding Value Issue Date as against Coupon (%)N264 Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) ended 2014 ceding year. ($mm) However, input costs were million in 2013, indicating a growth of 38 per cent. low as cost of sales reduced 07-Oct-11 6.75 by 84 500.00 7.39 Net earnings grew to N914m in28-Jan-21 2013 compared per cent from profit position to N1.08bn while cost of 12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 of N93 million in 2013 year sales margin dropped to 6.62 66.8 per from 72.87.64 per end to12-Jul-13 N591 million 6.38 in 2014. 500.00 cent in 2014 12-Jul-23 However, the company’s cent last year. revenue declined to N2.815 1,500.00 The company was able to billion or eight per cent com- 1,422.67 manage direct materials atpared with N3.038 billion in tributable to projects as gross 2013. profits increased by 12.8 per 01-Feb-11 11.50 450.00 01-Feb-16 40.17 John Holt, a Nigerian con- cent to N327m in the period 19-May-11 7.50 500.00 19-May-16 7.00 glomerate, had succumbed under review as against 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 11.18 to cost pressures as6.88 it posted N375m last 02-May-18 year, while gross 09-May-13 300.00 12.17 a loss08-Nov-13 of N299m in6.00 the first profit margin remained 9.12 flat400.00 08-Nov-18 two quarters to March 2014, tish at 26 per cent. 08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 25.50 Because of the company’s analysis 22-Apr-14of the financial 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.49 well business14.26 and statement 21-May-14shows. 8.75 200.00 diversified 21-May-19 favourable10.00 ecoThe slowdown at8.25the bot- the 07-Aug-13 300.00 country’s 07-Aug-20 09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 19.69it tom line level was caused by nomic outlook, analysts see 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 a 18.11 per cent increase in rebounding to growth. 11.50

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Fixed assets turnover reduced to 0.14 times in the review period from 0.17 times the preceding year. 1.00 16.34 which 85.51 Current ratio mea1.00 16.30 85.13 sures the ability of a firm to meet short term obligation was 0.14 xs, which is lower than the 2.1x industry averOffer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price age. John Holt was able to rePrices & Yields duce debt as finance costs 7.10 down by 96.92 98.29 to were 15.2 per cent N117m as against N138m in 95.39 the6.07 same period of last97.04 year. Additional total loans 7.40 92.22 93.61 in the balance sheet also reduced to N752m from N880m the preceding year, while debt to equity ratio remained flattish at 41 per cent. 36.14 77.13 79.83 Total assets were down by 7.00 100.63 100.63 2.46 per cent to N8.39bn in 11.18 91.50 91.50 the11.16 review period compared 85.84 88.35 with N8.18bn corresponding 8.46 90.09 92.08 period of last year. 22.24 61.75 68.08 The share95.50 price 7.49 company’s 95.50 closed 13.25 at N1.13 82.50on the floor 85.42 of the Nigeria 92.00 stock exchange 10.00 92.00 19.69 market 55.50 55.50 while capitalisation 11.12 90.00 91.63 was N439.74m.

7-Jan-15

4,075.23

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills FIXINGS Money professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis andMarket may not be accurateForeign or up toExchange date. We(Spot do not guarantee & Forwards) DTMtimeliness, completeness, Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount Bid Yieldneither (%) Tenor the accuracy, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of(%)the Information, do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the Rate basis(%)of the Information. NIBOR FGN

8 15 22 Bonds29 36 43 Rating/Agency 50 57 64 71 78 85 92 99 106 NA 113

15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 Issuer 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 NA 30-Apr-15

120 127 155 169 211 239 330 344

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

7-May-15 14-May-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 6-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15

11.15 10.90 11.00 11.99 11.97 12.92 Description 12.13 12.15 4.00 23-APR-2015 12.18 13.05 16-AUG-2016 11.66 15.10 27-APR-2017 12.67 9.85 27-JUL-2017 12.75 9.35 31-AUG-2017 11.09 10.70 30-MAY-2018 12.90 16.00 29-JUN-2019 12.90 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.30 16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.15 14.20 14-MAR-2024 11.76 15.00 28-NOV-2028 13.49 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.50 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.00 10.00 23-JUL-2030 13.15 14.00 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 14.15

10.90 10.65 10.75 11.74 11.72 12.67Date Issue 11.88 11.90 23-Apr-10 11.93 16-Aug-13 11.41 27-Apr-12 12.42 27-Jul-07 12.50 31-Aug-07 10.84 30-May-08 12.65 29-Jun-12 12.65 23-Oct-09 13.05 27-Jan-12 12.90 14-Mar-14 11.51 28-Nov-08 13.24 22-May-09 13.25 20-Nov-09 12.75 23-Jul-10 12.90 13.75 18-Jul-14 13.90

11.18 10.95 11.07 12.11 12.11 13.12 (%) Coupon 12.33 12.38 4.00 12.45 13.05 11.93 15.10 13.02 9.85 13.14 9.35 11.41 10.70 13.37 16.00 13.40 7.00 13.87 16.39 13.74 14.20 12.26 15.00 14.31 12.49 14.40 8.50 14.06 10.00 14.39 16.03 12.1493 16.33

Bonds

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

(N'bn)

Rate (%) 11.1867 14.0591 14.6320 15.6408Date Maturity

535.00 23-Apr-15 581.39 NITTY 16-Aug-16 452.80 27-Apr-17 Tenor Rate (%) 20.00 27-Jul-17 1M 12.1409 100.00 31-Aug-17 2M 12.6275 300.00 30-May-18 3M 12.9100 351.30 29-Jun-19 6M 13.3940 233.90 23-Oct-19 9M 14.6596 600.00 27-Jan-22 12M 15.4575 414.68 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 NIFEX 200.00 20-Nov-29 Current Price ($/N) 591.57 23-Jul-30 BID($/N) 178.00 183.5250 18-Jul-34 OFFER ($/N) 183.6250

4,783.63

OBB

9.58

Tenor

Spot O/N 10.17 7D 14D REPO Offer Tenor Rate (%) (%) 1MYield TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield (%) Call 9.33 2M 1M 14.52 3M 0.29 12.12 11.58 3M 14.87 6M 1.61 15.23 15.12 6M 15.82 1Y 2.30 15.36 15.28 2.55 15.36 15.28 NOTE: 2.65 15.35 15.28 3.39 15.33 15.20 :Benchmarks 4.47 Bond 15.30 15.21 * :Amortising 4.79 Bond 15.28 15.17 µ :Convertible 7.06 Management Corporation 15.25 15.18 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 9.18Government of 15.05 14.98 FGN: Federal Nigeria 13.89 Mortgage Bank 14.47 14.42 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 14.37 Finance Corporation 14.42 14.36 IFC: International 14.87 14.36 14.29 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 15.54 Aviation Handling 14.77 Company14.71 NAHCO: Nigerian O/N: Overnight 19.53 15.02 14.96 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

182.90 183.00 183.33 Price 183.44 183.62 183.76 184.29 184.75 Bid Price Offer Price 185.54 186.51 186.78 188.24 97.69 97.84 191.03 193.93 96.95 97.10 200.12 205.55 99.45 99.60 88.70 88.85 87.31 87.46 88.06 88.36 NA :Not Applicable 102.20Rate Bond 102.50 # :Floating 72.54 coupon bonds 72.84 ***: Deferred 104.80 105.10 95.80 96.10 ‡ : Bond rating under review 103.11 †: Bond rating expired 103.41 88.40 88.70 N/A :Not Available 64.34 {r} :Issuer in receivership64.64 71.20 71.50 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 82.00 82.30 UBA: United Bank for Africa

4,378.16

*for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration # Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **ExclusiveRating/Agency of non-trading t.bills Issuer

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

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

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

0.38 1.24 1.92 2.28 2.49 Implied Yield

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds

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

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

1,013.96

1,034.18

32.63

34.18

3<5

1,385.09

1,365.98

43.09

46.70

567.16

769.57

24.28

3,169.73

24.56

INDEX 2.70

112.22 116.70 Bucket 66.49 Weighting

322.67

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 Implied 1.00 Portfolio Price

15.76 17.80 17.30 16.33 16.36 INDEX

94.37 99.43 97.99 95.92 YTD Return 92.69 (%)

0.33

13.79

15.30

116.9113

1,110.42

11.0419

0.43

46.22

15.19

120.1984

1,017.79

1.7795

19.12

0.24

39.99

14.84

86.7225

1,013.94

1.3939

100.00 31-Aug-10

12.50100.00

8.50 1.00

100.00 31-Aug-15

15.06 0.65

110.9984 4.44

1,059.94 19.33

5.9938 95.98

309.39

A+/Agusto

KADUNA Market

12.50 KADUNA2,966.21 31-AUG-2015

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.49

3.23

17.60

98.68

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

1.00

4.46

20.19

94.75

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

1.01

3.48

19.21

96.87

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR‡

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.28

5.59

20.92

80.90

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.55

1.00

16.32

96.72

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.98

1.79

17.13

92.91

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.15

1.80

17.12

94.78

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.74

1.00

16.32

93.63

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.35

1.00

16.34

96.73

Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions Other Financial Institutions Totals

Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015

Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029

Business | Capital Market

Symbol

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Current Price

Quantity Traded 64,882,721

Value Traded 556,580,710.69

2,194 JANUARY 8, 2015 340,847,818 4,092,778,227.53 THURSDAY, NEW TELEGRAPH

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

No. of Deals 898

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals 2 26 1 9 38

Current Price 3.54 42.79 1.58 0.73

Quantity Traded 56,000 490,830 2,100 483,210 1,032,140

Value Traded 198,240.00 21,013,034.50 3,171.00 356,772.60 21,571,218.10

1,032,140

21,571,218.10

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at January 7, 2014

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

HEALTHCARE Totals

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

ICT

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 24 32 56

Current Price 25.46 27.47

Quantity Traded 42,565 2,192,192 2,234,757

Value Traded 1,001,755.74 59,717,271.83 60,719,027.57

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 2.05

Quantity Traded 238,450 238,450

Value Traded 489,456.50 489,456.50

2,473,207

61,208,484.07

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 Printed 07/01/2015 A.G.14:46:29.029 LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

70 Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 3 1 222 36 Daily Summary (Equities) 262

Activity Summary onTotals Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other (W A) PLC.Exchange © Published byCOSTAIN The Nigerian Stock Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 1.25 1.02 3.03 30.60

262

Quantity Traded 11,000 26,179 19,196,028 273,142 19,506,349

Value Traded 14,230.00 25,393.63 58,230,295.66 8,362,468.63 66,632,387.92

19,506,349

66,632,387.92

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.73

Quantity Traded 341,014Page 341,014

Value Traded 1 249,030.36 of 11 249,030.36

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 54.75

Quantity Traded 2,989 2,989

Value Traded 155,567.78 155,567.78

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 30 30

Current Price 9.48

Quantity Traded 118,544 118,544

Value Traded 1,100,287.81 1,100,287.81

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 10.00

Quantity Traded 30,000 30,000

Value Traded 300,000.00 300,000.00

492,547

1,804,885.95

Quantity Traded 862,971 467,478 672,814 2,245,754 4,249,017

Value Traded 6,006,278.16 66,288,641.72 14,126,185.58 315,746,849.52 402,167,954.98

CONSTRUCTION/REAL Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015ESTATE Totals Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

46 Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS Daily Summary INTBREW NB

No. of Deals 18 24 (Equities) 23 133 198

Current Price 6.96 141.74 21.00 139.82

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON

No. of Deals 32 42 102 11 30 217

Current Price 4.54 5.53 35.38 3.46 6.46

Quantity Traded 593,000 568,228 1,398,504 61,230 309,073 2,930,035

Value Traded 2,698,414.53 3,153,352.88 49,612,121.24 207,280.40 1,969,213.55 57,640,382.60

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 29 14 43

Current Price 42.00 945.82

Quantity Traded 68,044 30,263 98,307

Value Traded 2,736,287.53 27,192,213.39 29,928,500.92

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 10 3 13

Current Price 4.03 1.12

Quantity Traded 78,000 6,500 84,500

Value Traded 298,740.00 6,955.00 305,695.00

No. of Deals DailySymbol Summary (Equities)

Current Price 26.50 33.80

Quantity Traded 8,288,073 386,363 8,674,436

Value Traded 228,757,781.38 13,126,203.97 241,883,985.35

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 UNITY BANK PLC Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029 WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029 FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES

Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK Symbol AIICO

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals ICT Totals

Quantity Traded 1,816,269

Value Traded 1,381,364.44

Value Traded 4,850.00 64,374.00 2,500.00 9,153,840.30 4 of 11 251,866.80 7,600.00 1,050.00 2,441,313.00 10,000.00 5,297,032.92 18,615,791.46

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 90,450 90,450

Value Traded 72,488.00 72,488.00

Symbol No. of Deals AFRIPRUD 24 CUSTODYINS 33 FBNH 747 FCMB 39 ROYALEX 3 Daily Summary (Equities) STANBIC 18 UBCAP 34

Current Price 3.00 3.42 7.81 2.22 0.50 27.99 1.52

Quantity Traded 61,898 6,188,646 25,181,085 21,630,256 20,162 10,327,965 1,472,709

Value Traded 176,455.55 21,182,644.32 195,764,863.58 48,031,168.32 10,282.62 289,170,925.12 2,244,371.18

Current Price

Quantity Traded 64,882,721

Value Traded 556,580,710.69

340,847,818

4,092,778,227.53

Quantity Traded 56,000 490,830 2,100 483,210 1,032,140

Value Traded 198,240.00 21,013,034.50 3,171.00 356,772.60 21,571,218.10

1,032,140

21,571,218.10

Symbol

No. of Deals 898 2,194

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals Current Price 18 0.78

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 2 26 1 9 38

Current Price 3.54 42.79 1.58 0.73

Page

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 148,000 148,000

Value Traded 74,000.00 74,000.00

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.39

Quantity Traded 1,211 1,211

Value Traded 3,911.53 3,911.53

149,211

77,911.53

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 148,000 148,000

Value Traded 74,000.00 74,000.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.39

Quantity Traded 1,211 1,211

Value Traded 3,911.53 3,911.53

149,211

77,911.53

ETRANZACT Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals Current Price 80 21.60 4 9.00 12 35.30 36 9.39 35 171.48 4 3.89 65 80.02 236

Page Quantity Traded 1,524,438 15,800 238,546 529,999 138,049 2,100 682,693 3,131,625

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals Current Price 4 1.24 4

Quantity Traded 55,000 55,000

Value Traded 71,500.00 71,500.00

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals Current Price 1 27.78 1

Quantity Traded 266 266

Value Traded 7,022.40 7,022.40

3,186,891

124,721,537.96

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Daily Summary (Equities) 130,000 130,000

Value Traded 65,000.00 65,000.00

130,000

65,000.00

241

MULTIVERSE

2 2

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

0.50

6Value Traded of 11

32,966,740.37 135,090.00 8,420,941.70 4,737,804.46 23,672,756.52 8,208.00 54,701,474.51 124,643,015.56

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals Current Price 5 0.50 5

Quantity Traded Page 161,100 161,100

Value Traded 7 80,550.00 of 11

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals Current Price 152 16.15 152

Quantity Traded 5,107,608 5,107,608

Value Traded 82,570,703.16 82,570,703.16

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price BECOPETRO 1 0.50 4 38.11 DailyCONOIL Summary (Equities) ETERNA 2 2.99 FO 133 231.88

Quantity Traded 4,000 12,250 4,000 780,958

Value Traded 2,000.00 443,572.50 11,400.00 179,401,082.68

80,550.00

Symbol MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals Current Price 22 160.00 29 146.51 191

Quantity Traded 24,420 126,283 951,911

Value Traded 3,730,378.65 18,692,444.48 202,280,878.31

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals Current Price 14 317.24 14

Quantity Traded 171,313 171,313

Value Traded 54,347,336.12 54,347,336.12

6,391,932

339,279,467.59

OIL AND GAS Totals

Value Traded 85,082,670.87 103,015,475.99 1,811,633,177.12 6,495,787.08 824,639,689.83 21,202,703.75 43,700,673.78 31,345,052.26 19,430,790.53 109,550.00 308,044.76 570,545,621.41 3,517,509,237.38

Quantity Traded 5,000 128,748 5,000 3,003,830 Page 416,778 15,200 2,100 4,882,626 20,000 8,822,406 19,117,957

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029

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

Quantity Traded 14,817,894 21,961,271 103,025,132 4,164,919 37,513,415 9,255,925 18,188,878 8,257,510 2,404,167 219,100 341,584 36,606,895 256,756,690

Current Price 1.02 0.50 0.50 3.10 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.60

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

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

No. of Deals Current Price 99 5.74 65 4.69 35 17.10 53 1.60 252 21.96 77 2.30 37 2.49 182 3.79 44 8.09 3 0.50 16 0.93 338 15.44 1,201

No. of Deals 1 3 1 16 8 1 3 1 1 37 90

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

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OILon PLC. Activity Summary Board EQTY

744,097,790.10

Symbol CONTINSURE CORNERST LASACO MANSARD NEM NIGERINS STDINSURE UNITYKAP UNIVINSURE WAPIC

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

12,171,271.25 12,171,271.25

16,113,479

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

623

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Energy Equipment and Services Totals

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

No. of Deals 2 2

ICT Totals

2Value Traded of 11

83 32 115

Symbol COURTVILLE

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded Page 77,184 77,184

PZ UNILEVER

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals OIL AND GAS

Current Price 165.40

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTYTotals Personal/Household Products

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

No. of Deals 37 37

VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Computer Based Systems Totals

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 Packaging/Containers Totals Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Symbol 7UP

Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 Household Durables Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029 VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 Computer Based Systems Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029 COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

362 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals Current Price 9 0.88 9

Quantity Traded 205,149 Page 205,149

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals Current Price 1 4.00 1 1.17 2

Quantity Traded 1,000 50,000 51,000

Value Traded 3,960.00 58,500.00 62,460.00

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

No. of Deals Current Price 13 3.36

Quantity Traded 270,000

Value Traded 907,200.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

Value Traded

8 180,531.12 of 11 180,531.12

Page

Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 13

Quantity Traded 270,000

Value Traded 907,200.00

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

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals Current Price 1 1.18 1 1.41 4 4.22 6

Quantity Traded 452 3,000 5,750 9,202

Value Traded 555.96 4,440.00 23,057.50 28,053.46

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals Current Price 9 0.55 9

Quantity Traded 492,885 492,885

Value Traded 273,406.75 273,406.75

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

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals Current Price 1 1.70 39 4.97 40

Quantity Traded 6,500 1,185,370 1,191,870

Value Traded 10,530.00 5,736,400.10 5,746,930.10

Support and Logistics

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals Current Price 5 3.32 5

Quantity Traded 824,791 824,791

Value Traded 2,738,306.12 2,738,306.12

3,045,897

9,937,387.55

3,926

393,369,471

5,462,174,298.30

Daily Summary as of 07/01/2015 CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Printed 07/01/2015 14:46:29.029

Support and Logistics Totals

SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

EQTY Board Totals

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

Symbol OMOSAVBNK

No. of Deals 4 4

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Current Price 0.92

Quantity TradedPage 150 150

Value Traded 10 of 11 135.00 135.00

150

135.00

ASeM Board Totals

150

135.00

Equity Activity Totals

3,930

393,369,621

5,462,174,433.30

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 1 3

Current Price 9.83 2,151.00 14.06

Quantity Traded 5 9 200 214

Value Traded 49.15 19,359.00 2,812.00 22,220.15

ETF Board Totals

214

22,220.15

ETP Activity Totals

214

22,220.15

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

News 45

NATIONAL

Buhari, Amaechi visit injured APC supporters Emmanuel Masha PORT HARCOURT

he presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday visited party supporters that were injured by gunmen on their way to Buhari's presidential flag off rally on Tuesday. Buhari and Amaechi were joined on the visit

by the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the state's governorship candidate, Hon. Dakuku Peterside and other party stalwarts. Amaechi, who spoke with reporters shortly after the visit, stressed the need for President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to condemn the ‘unprovoked attack,’ in line with the expectation of the APC. Meanwhile, Gover-

nor Amaechi yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to call on supporters and members of his party, the PDP, to stop unleashing violence on APC supporters in Rivers State and across the country. Amaechi said the President, apart from calling his men to order, should also condemn the attack on the APC members by the PDP hoodlums. He said: “Imagine that the President goes to campaign in Katsina

or in Kano and his convoy is attacked, imagine that, we will condemn it. In the same manner, we expect the President and the Peoples Democratic Party to condemn this violence that has been visited on us by their members and we expect that they should be able to control their members. “The President can’t be promising us free, fair and violence-free elections, if he says violence-free election, and here we have already ex-

perienced violence, what is he expecting us to do?” he asked. He called on the President as the CommanderIn-Chief to provide needed security for Nigerians irrespective of which party they belong. “I have continued to say that if the state is not able to provide security for individuals, individuals begin to provide security for themselves and I pray that people don’t begin to provide security for themselves. I pray that

all of us should come out and support the state to provide security and the state must be ready to provide that security.” According to him, the PDP by this attack on APC supporters has shown that it is not ready to ensure peaceful or violence-free polls. “The fact that people are being attacked here and there is an indication that the PDP is not ready for free, fair and violence-free elections,” Governor Amaechi concluded.

FCT gets N1.2bn sewage infrastructure DEVELOPMENT FG pumps in more money for development of Federal Capital Territory

Anule Emmanuel

T Protesting Nigeria Airways 1999 retirees at the Oki Village, Alimosho Local Government, Lagos…yesterday.

Akpabio asks Akwa Ibom community to endorse Jonathan

kwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday charged Akwa Ibom community in Lagos to vote for the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje and Mr. Udom Emmanuel, of Lagos and Akwa Ibom States respectively, just as he called on the people to continue to support President Goodluck Jonathan by casting their votes for him in the February elec-

tions. Akpabio, who is also the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, gave the charge in Lagos at a reception and formal presentation of the governorship candidates of the two states. The governor said: “Let me call on all of you here that Udom Emmanuel became the popular choice as my successor because of his unbridled track record in the corporate world.

Group tasks FG on empowering military Appolonia Adeyemi

orried by the security situation in the country, especially in the North East part of the country, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health professionals (NUAHP) has called on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts by motivating the military to enable them contain the insurgency tearing the country apart. In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Administrative

Council and National Executive Council meetings held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State between December 17 and 20, the union urged the Federal Government to accede to the union’s demands without any further delay. NUAHP is constituted by pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, dental technologists, among others, commenced the ongoing strike on October 16, 2014 and was later joined by other unions.

PHOTO:TONYEGUAYE

Jonathan launches eight land swap districts in Abuja Amadi Nnamdi ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan will today flag-off eight land swap districts in Abuja. According to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, the President will perform the ground breaking ceremony of the eight districts of the about 10 districts of the Abuja Land Swap Initiative at Waru District, along Apo,

Abuja. He said the groundbreaking ceremony for the provision of engineering infrastructure in the eight districts of Phase IV (South) within the federal capital city is on the basis of the FCT initiative of leveraging on its land resource for infrastructure provision. Mohammed said the FCT is partnering with 15 investors presently in the provision of engineering infrastructure in the two sector centers of Phase IV.

he Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contract worth N1.2 billion for the construction of sewage facilities to connect Guzape District (Lots 1 and 2) to the trunk mains (Stage I - Connection of Guzape Lot 1) in Abuja. Supervising Minister of Information, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammed, who briefed State House correspondents yesterday on the outcome of the weekly FEC meeting, said there is already the provision of N300 million from the FCT internally generated revenue for the commencement of the project while adequate provisions have been provided in the FCT funding plan for the remaining sum. Yesterday’s FEC meeting, which is the first in 2015, was presided by President Godluck Jonathan and attended by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, with most cabinet members in at-

tendance. The minister, who spoke alongside the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, said Guzape District is located around the fringes of Abuja and was not initially considered to be part of the Abuja City Master Plan. He explained that in order to avoid abuses and uncoordinated development around the fringes of the city, the administration embarked on the land use and detailed site development plan of the city to integrate them into the overall city planning scheme. According to the Infor mation Minister, “Consequently, Guzape District Lots 1 and 2, were planned and provided with facilities such as roads, water supply, storm water, drainage system and internal sewage network, including mini-sewage treatment plants. The contractor has been handed 16 months within which to complete the project. “The scope of the work, its significance and substantial compliance of the award process with the provisions of due process were noted and extensively deliberated by members."

FG residents decry neglect by government Amadi Nnamdi ABUJA

ome residents of Jikwoyi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have cried out over what they described as neglect by the government. The residents complained of lack of government presence in the densely populated area. A resident, Onwe Joel,

who claimed to have been living in the area for over 10 years, said they don't have potable drinking water and other basic amenities. “Look around, you can't find any tarred road from Phase 2 to Phase 4, nothing, no water, poor electricity supply, nothing.” Joel also lamented the poor security network in the area, adding that they have been left at the mercy of armed robbers and

other miscreants. Another resident, Atinuke Alade, added that Jikwoyi community has few schools to cater for the educational needs of the rising population. She said pupils and students enrolled in public schools trek far distances to reach their schools. “We also lack health care facilities, which are essential for a populated residential community like this. Our roads are

motorable now because the rains are yet to come,” she lamented. They therefore begged the FCT Administration and the Abuja Municipal Area Council to come to their aid and alleviate their sufferings. Jikwoyi, a fast rising town in the FCT is populated by average income earning Nigerians, who mostly travel to the city centre for their livelihood.

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Tejuoso warns against bloodletting EVIL To kill in the name of politics is to bring a generational curse Temitope Ogunbanke

head of the February general election, the Osile of OkeOna Egba in Ogun State, Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, has advised politicians and Nigerians in general against shedding of blood during and after

next month elections. Speaking during the presentation of his book, ‘Handling Victory or Defeat in Elections,’ in Lagos yesterday, Tejuoso appealed to those contesting in the forthcoming general election not to allow anyone’s blood drop to the ground on account of their political ambition. He said: “When a politician or his/her supporters kill someone, the image of God has been destroyed and cannot be recalled. Blood has a voice that cries to God.

When you or your supporters kill someone in the process of electioneering, the blood cries to God continually even when you are unaware. “On getting to a desired though temporary political office, would someone’s lifetime blood cry to God against you. Don’t let anyone’s blood drop to the ground on account of your political ambition. “When you kill to attain positions through which you acquire wealth, such wealth transferred to your wife/ husband or children be-

come bloody wealth. Very normally, no true father or mother will rejoice if his or her children inherit evil. It is time to think! “Nigeria is one large family. We do not need to kill ourselves to get to positions. God wants peace and a bloodless election. I am begging you as a father in this nation that we should all go about our businesses whether political or otherwise as men of God. “God has created us for his own purpose and pleasure. God did not create us to kill one another. So,

I am appealing to all politicians in this nation as I have been directed by God to do, not to shed blood because God doesn’t want any blood to be shed,” Tejuoso advised. Speaking on the import of the book, the monarch said: “This booklet will go places. It will go beyond the shores of Nigeria and Africa. This book is not for today alone. It is not for tomorrow alone. It is a book for all seasons, wherever elections take place. God doesn’t want anybody’s blood to be sheld.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice-Presidential candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (raising his hand); Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (right) and others, during a Walk for Change exercise to mobilize support for Buhari/Osinbajo Presidency in Osogbo…yesterday

Adopt Option A4 or else..., group tells INEC Muritala Ayinla

ollowing the poor distribution of the Permanent Voters’ Cards and the anxiety over the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair election, a civil society group, Democracy Watch Group (DWG) has called for the adoption of Option A4 in the

conduct of the February elections. The group also charged INEC to test run the e-card reader on or before 31st January, 2015 in all the geo-political zones in the country with a view to knowing the efficacy of the electronic system and avoiding failure that could rubbish the integrity of the election. Briefing journalists

on the state of the nation, Democracy Watch Group expressed the fear that most Nigerians might be disenfranchised unless INEC takes pro-active step to address the issues over poor distribution of the PVCs. The group said INEC’s lack of adequate preparation was telling on the process and that the situation was very worrisome, adding that the develop-

ment could jeopardise the democratic process if care is not taken. Chairman of the group, Wale Ogunade, who addressed the press conference together with Nelson Ekujumi, DWG general secretary, noted that INEC’s failure portends serious danger to democracy, saying that the danger could only be averted if we do the right thing.

Commission sacks 180 Assembly workers in Ekiti Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

o fewer than 180 workers of the Ekiti State House of Assembly employed in the twilight of the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, have been relieved of their jobs. Investigation by our correspondent in AdoEkiti yesterday revealed that the workers affected were employed barely six weeks to the end of

the administration. The workers were notified of the development during a prayer meeting to usher in the New Year by the Speaker, Hon. Dele Olugbemi, at the Assembly complex. While the workers were reluctant at disclosing their names and positions held before their predicament, findings revealed that they were employed last August. The membership of the House of Assembly

Service Commission has not been reconstituted by Governor Ayo Fayose and public servants were not ready to comment on the development. However, Olugbemi told our correspondent that those involved were employed irregularly. “There were some temporary workers in the Assembly that have been there for between four to eight years and we agitated that their appointment be made

permanent, but the former administration did not yield. Less than six weeks to the expiration of their tenure, they sent a list of over 180 persons that they have employed. “They shared the list among themselves, the commission’s chairman had 19 candidates, party chairman had nine and just like that. Those whose employment we said should be made permanent, were not considered,” he explained.

UCH doctors wallow in hunger Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

embers of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan chapter, have lamented the delay in the payment of their November/December 2013 salaries. In a statement issued by General Secretary, Dr. Victor Makanjuola, the association said: “This is to bring to the notice of the general public the grave injustice being experienced by medical doctors in UCH, Ibadan. “As at 5th January 2015, the November and December salaries of the doctors, who are not on strike, are yet to be paid while salaries of the members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), who have been on strike over the same period, have been paid. “It would be recalled that it took the threat of embarking on strike by MDCAN to ensure the payment of three months salaries in arrears last year on the last day of the year 2013,” the release said. The body therefore called on the management of UCH and other relevant authorities in Abuja to promptly effect payment of the outstanding allowance and salaries to forestall further aggravation of an already unacceptable situation in the health sector.

Alaafin’s daughter eyes Oyo House seat under PDP Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

ne of the daughters of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, Princess Folasade, has shown interest in contesting a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). One of his sons, Akeem, has been the Caretaker Chairman of Atiba Local Government and is contesting the House of Representatives’ seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The monarch, who is loyal to Governor Abiola Ajimobi and is supporting his second term ambition, is in firm support of Akeem’s ambition. Interestingly, Folasade has also claimed that she has the support of her father to run for the Atiba state constituency on the platform of the PDP. Folasade, an expert in marketing and management consultancy, has therefore urged Nigerians to shun any

act that may lead to shedding of blood during and after the February elections. According to her, “We are all aware that in 39 days’ time, presidential and parliamentary elections will be taking place in this country. The tempo and temperature are rising, this therefore calls for caution in view of the critical state of security in the country. She admonished all eligible voters to collect their voters’ cards, advising them not to exchange their cards for messy money, but rather use them as instruments of critical decision-making to elect credible and developmentfocused leaders. “We need to vote out poverty-activating and corrupt leaders in Oyo State and elsewhere. I think INEC should be constitutionally empowered to conduct credible, free, fair and acceptable elections. Any electoral misconduct must be severely punished. Democracy, if well practised can guarantee human security,” she added

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

SUPPORT

Chuka Obele sings for Umeh, labels him hope of Ndigbo

ormer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , Onitsha branch, Obele Chuka Obele has said that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the senatorial candidate of the party for

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Ex-NBA boss backs Umeh Anambra Central district, Chief Victor Umeh, would emerged as Igbo candidate for the eighth Senate of the country. Chuka, who stated this in an interview with the New Telegraph in Awka Anambra State, urged every Igbo to vote for the APGA candidate in the forthcoming election. He said he joined Umeh’s campaign train through his personal con-

viction that Umeh would best represent Igbo interest in the upper legislative chamber. He said ‘’ This man represents Igbo interest in his sleep, dressing and thinking and so nobody can give us better representation than he can do.” On the claim that a certain female candidate of a political party had been alleged to have been

anointed by the presidency as the next senator for the district, Chuka described the claim as malicious and defamatory to the first family of the country. He threatened to take appropriate action's on the issue at the right time when he must have got sufficient information about the said malicious claim. The former NBA

chairman restated that Umeh’s presence in the National Conference last year, showcased him as the Senator, Ndigbo would need in the red Chamber to prosecute the region’s aspiration for the creation of the additional states in the South-East and other salient recommendations of the national conference, affecting the interest of the Igbo.

Anambra State Deputy-Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke (right), with the Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, at the launch of the sale of Emblem to mark the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Awka, Anambra State…yesterday

I’ll kick Okorocha out of Govt House, says Ihedioha Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

eputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday declared that everything has been put in place to ensure the exit of Governor Rochas Okorocha after the February 28 governorship election.

Ihedioha, who made the assertion in Owerri, while addressing supporters in a roadshow organized to sensitise the people, stated that with the level of mismanagement and dilapidation inherent in Imo State under the present administration, he cannot wait to kick Okorocha out of government house, through the mandate of the people. The Deputy Speaker, also accused Okorocha, of primitive acquisition of wealth, saying: “Just

like a man unsure of his future, Okorocha is desperately amassing wealth. How do we explain it when the chief executive of a state who has the red pen and is empowered to allocate land, is primitively appropriating such lands to himself with impunity? It tells the kind of person we have as governor.” In spite of Okorocha’s claim that Imo is only indebted to the tune of N12 billion, Ihedioha,

Abia requires 1.9m nets, 19,000 personnel for malaria eradication Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

bia State Government is said to require about 1.9 million mosquitos insecticidal nets to compliment the 19,000 personnel trained for the nets replacement campaign which kicked off yesterday at the Umuahia North Local Government Council secretariat in Umuahia, the Supervis-

ing Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan has said. The Minister who was represented by the national coordinator, National Malaria Elimination programme, Dr Nnenna Ezeigwe, said over 50million nets have been distributed since 2009 world wide including Nigeria. The minister, however, lamented that the use of the nets has been low in spite of the increased

awareness creation campaign. He called on the state government to commit more resources to the fight against malaria. Alhassan reiterated that the nets were free having been paid for by the government through its partners. In his address, Governor Theodore Orji, said the state government would not relent until malaria was eliminated from the state.

insisted that Okorocha, has plunged the state into huge debts, with the borrowing of N43 billion from a commercial bank, which he said is not being accounted for. While promising to reinstate beneficiaries of the 10,000 jobs scheme that were sacked by Okorocha, the PDP governorship flag-bearer regretted that within the last three years, Imo has moved from being an

educationally advantaged state to an educationally disadvantaged state. He said, “It is under Okorocha’s administration and strange educational model that Imo for the first time in its history failed in WAEC examinations. We are pioneers in education and anything that gives half education to our children is not good enough for Imo. We shall restore our education and reclaim our state.”

Ebonyi faults dissolution of council chairmen Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

he Ebonyi State Government has faulted the dissolution of the 13 local government transition committee Chairmen and the 28 development areas coordinators, by the State House of Assembly. The government also, ordered the affected bodies to carry on with their duties of service delivery to Ebonyi people, while the government studies the resolution of the house. In a press statement, issued yesterday in Abakaliki, and signed by the governor's image maker, Dr.Onyekachi Eni, the government emphasized that the state government under Martin Elechi, retains utmost respect for members of the house as individuals and the legislature, as an institution. The statement, noted that with respect to the Honourable members, the government was constrained to note that the resolution was persuasive and advisory,as such does not have binding force of law. The statement, further stated that there was currently no law mandating the Executive arm of government, to submit the names of caretaker committee chairmen, to the House of Assembly for screening or approval. Continuing, he said the 28 Development centres coordinators, were appointed by the government under the Doctrine of Necessity to avoid a vacuum in that tier of government, as all issues pertaining to the house and its leadership were in court and therefore, subjudice at the time. The Caretaker Committees were set up in the 13 councils by the state government following controversial sack of the substantive council chairmen by a court.

Igbo coalition lists conditions to support Jonathan Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

coalition comprising six Igbo groups yesterday gave conditions under which President Goodluck Jonathan, would secure votes from Ndigbo during the presidential election. The coalition urged him to attend to these demands as a matter of urgency. The groups include

the Igbo Leaders Council, Umuada Ala Igbo, Igbo Women Assembly, Igbo Students' Association, and the South-East Self Determination Coalition and Eastern Christian Council. The coalition’s latest demands on the president were made known yesterday in Enugu when their spokesperson, Mrs. Maria Okwor, briefed journalists. Okwor, spoke at the

end of the strategy meeting of the groups, which ran into several hours of Monday, saying that although the groups recently took a decision to try other alternatives other than Jonathan in view of the failure of his administration to address crass underdevelopment of the South East, they have resolved finally to give the president a second chance but on certain conditions.

News

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

oldiers and riot policemen were yesterday deployed in the ancient town of Benin City, Edo state, towards ensuring the protection of lives and property, in the aftermath of protest by students of the University of Benin. The students had vented their anger on motorists plying Benin-Lagos route, burning one state owned mass transit bus branded Comrade Bus and smashed another

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Soldiers, riot policemen take over UNIBEN over controversies surrounding Monday’s demolition of properties allegedly belonging to the institution on the order of the state government. The students, during their protest which started in the early hours of the day, set up barricade blocking all the entries and exits on the dual carriage road and, in the

The number of confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease infection in health-care workers in Sierra Leone as at October 19, 2014. Source: Who.int

process, causing several hours of gridlock. Reacting to the development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIBEN chapter yesterday at a press conference accused the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole and the state commissioner of police of allegedly resorting to highhandedness in handling the issues con-

cerning the ownership of the contentious properties. Chairman of ASUU of the University, Professor Anthony MonyeEmina, also alleged that the governor had issued a directive to security operatives to use maximum force on anybody found flouting government order on the properties. ASUU, said the ac-

3,000

The number of fixed-telephone subscripThe number of adults and children estimattions per 100 inhabitants of Bahrain in 2005. ed to be living with HIV in Bulgaria in 2008. Source: Itu.int Source: Blatantworld.com

tions amounted to a shameful act the body was inundated with the information that the government of Edo state has already sold/shared the properties, stating that the body has information that some highly placed persons in the state, including a traditional ruler acquired parts of the properties.

17%

The crude birth rate of South America region in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

L-R: Chairman, Delta State PDP campaign Committee, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire; Member, Board of Trustees, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Stella Omu; and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, during the inauguration of the party’s campaign committee in Asaba .

Amnesty International hails Shell’s £55m compensation

Buhari gets Urhobo support

Ughelli

ights groups, Amnesty International and Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) have hailed the £55 million compensation paid to Bodo community in Ogoniland Rivers State by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), saying that it was a victory for the victims of the oil spill even though the payment was long overdue. Both groups, which spoke in different statements, noted that the compensation was a victory over corporate negligence, even though it was finally done six years after the two oil spills destroyed thousands of livelihood in the Bodo area. It will be recalled that two oil spills occurred at Bodo, a community in Ogoniland in 2008, the first in August and the second in December.

“While the pay-out is a long awaited victory for the thousands of people who lost their livelihoods in Bodo, it shouldn’t have taken six years to get anything close to fair compensation,” said Audrey Gaughran, Director of Global Issues at Amnesty International. “In effect, Shell knew that Bodo was an accident waiting to happen. It took no effective action to stop it, then it made false claims about the amount of oil that had been spilt. If Shell had not been forced to disclose this information as part of the UK legal action, the people of Bodo would have been completely swindled.” According to Amnesty, the long wait affected the people of Bodo, whose fishing and farming livelihoods were destroyed, and had to live with pollution and grinding poverty.

Gabriel Choba

former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Chief Isaac Emetitiri, has declared that the entire people of Delta Central Senatorial District would vote the party’s presidential and governorship candidates of the party, General Mohammadu Buhari and Olorogun

O’tega Emerhor in the February presidential and governorship elections in the state. Emetitiri, at a briefing yesterday, also dismissed report in the media allegedly credited to the President General of Urhobo Progress Union UPU, Chief Joe Omene that President Goodluck Jonathan would secure one million Urhobo votes. The APC chieftain cautioned that Omene

and UPU should stop misleading the people on the Uvwiamuge declaration, warning that the Urhobo would move for the removal of the present UPU executives, should they betray the people by giving wrong perception about the Uvwiamuge declaration. “Omene should not take Urhobo for granted and it was wrong for him to say the Urhobo one million votes will go

Again, INEC promises free, fair elections Clement James Calabar

or the umpteenth time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to conduct free and credible elections in the forthcoming general elections in the country. The out-going Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River State, Mr. Mike Igini, gave the promise yesterday in Calabar, at the commissioning of INEC’s conference hall, built during his fourand-a-half years tenure in the state. According to him, the country has been awash with pessimism on the ability of the commission to conduct a credible election, but the INEC is ready to prove critics wrong. “Prior to 2011, there was pessimism on the conduct of elections in the country. Today, I can say that the commission is ready to provide integritydriven election process. We want to make INEC a national institution that will be known for building a credible election tradition,” he said. He said the last four years, five months and eleven days he spent in the state as the Resident Electoral Commissioner, he had introduced some reforms which, according to him, will endure for a long time.

to President Jonathan, knowing fully well that Jonathan’s party, PDP, undermined Urhobo and denied us the PDP governorship ticket”. Emetitiri further noted that with the suspicious utterances from Omene, the Urhobo are beginning to doubt his reliability and capability to pursue the collective interests of Urhobo, to produce the next governor of Delta state.

Uduaghan reaffirms support for Okowa, PDP Dominic Adewole ASABA

elta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday declared that he remains a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party, as he reaffirmed his support for the the party’s governorship flag bearer in the state Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who embarked on a door to door campaign towards realising his dream

of winning next month’s governorship election in the state. The Governor’s declaration followed his call to all members of the party in the state, to be ready to commence the electioneering campaigns after the festive period, maintaining that “it is time to prepare for the elections.” Uduaghan, who spoke in Asaba during the inauguration of the state’s PDP Campaign Com-

mittee, said President Goodluck Jonathan and Okowa must record landslide victories in the state. “The celebration of the primaries is over, what is important is the main election, put what happened at the primaries behind us, come together as a family to deliver our candidates at the 2015 elections because we have to give 100 percent support and maximum vote to President Jonathan and

Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. “This is not time for negative media propaganda, use your talents to deliver our candidates, it is going to be a door to door campaign, we have the structure on the ground, we have a lot of achievements both at federal and state levels to market to our people, let all our leaders who are active at both wards and unit levels be mobilised to embark on this campaign”, he said.

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PDP lauded for picking late Gomwalk’s son as running mate Musa Pam JOS

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has been commended for picking Yilji Gomwalk, son of the late Military Governor of Benue/Plateau State, Joseph Gomwalk, as the gubernatorial running mate of the PDP candidate in the state, Senator Gyang Nyam Pwajok. Chairman of Kanke Local Government, Hon. John Ishaku Gotau, gave the commendation yesterday in Jos in a chat with journalists. Gotau described the choice of Yilji as apt, saying all Ngas people of Kanke Local Govern-

ment are impressed by that choice.” “We in Kanke accept the choice of Yilji, because he is our son, he is with a rich history that is reputed even beyond the shores of Plateau State. “His choice by the PDP is strategic and well considered. Apart from his bold and impeccable credentials, his pedigree resonates with esteem all over the Middle Belt region, and we couldn’t have asked for more at this material time.” According to Gotau, the choice of Yilji has a soothing effect on his people, because it is clear by this development that they did not lose altogether in the build up to the polls.

APC youths protest Tarkighir's imposition Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

he All Progressives Congress (APC) youths from Makurdi/ Guma federal constituency yesterday thronged the major streets of Makurdi, protesting the imposition of Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, as the candidate of the party for Makurdi/Guma House of Representatives’ seat in the February elections. The protesters carried placards with inscriptions: “APC Guma/Makurdi rejects Dickson Tarkighir,” “Says Yes to Frank Utoo,” “Justice we stand for, give Frank Utoo his mandate,” “Waku, Akume, give Frank Utoo his mandate,” “Give Frank Utoo his mandate, he is the real winner,” “APC not a dumping

ground for cheap losers,” “Don’t impose PDP losers on APC,” “Akume is a tyrant, not a democrat,” among others. They also chanted solidarity songs; “All we are saying, give Frank his mandate,” and “No to Dickson Tarkighir, Yes to Frank Utoo.” Addressing APC Deputy Secretary at the party's secretariat, leader of the group, Comrade Shighe Tyohen, recalled that Senator Akume at Governor Suswam’s 50th birthday dinner said, if the 2015 elections are rigged, there would be bloodshed, noting that the much anticipated transparency in the 2015 elections will be a mirage if the APC primaries were marred with a lot of irregularities and outright imposition of PDP members on APC.

Plateau commissioner, NUJ partner on free, fair election Buhari Bello JOS

lateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, has promised to partner with journalists for credible, hitch-free elections this February. He sued for the cooperation of NUJ members in helping to enlighten people at the grassroots for a hitch-free poll in Plateau State and the country. Abubakar spoke in Jos yesterday during a courtesy visit to the NUJ secretariat. He said the country is at a crossroad at this crucial stage, so we need to be objective as professionals in reporting what is happening in politics.

Abubakar appreciated journalists for their contribution in restoring peace to the state and also for reporting critical issues of politicking. He said: “This is the time we all need each other, this country is ours, election is around the corner, we should be very careful about who we vote and how we vote, and we cannot afford to disenfranchise anybody on the basis of tribe or religion.” The commissioner lamented a situation whereby some people see the state as their own personal estate, creating crises here and there, causing confusion. He appealed to the political class to shun politics of blame and embrace peaceful coexistence.

Niger State Governor, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (left), being decorated by the State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Ex Wo11 Musa Abubakar, during the launching of Armed Forces Remembrance and Emblem Appeal week in Minna…yesterday

BEAT IT

PDP can't win 25% votes in Zamfara, APC boasts Idris Salisu GUSAU

s the February 14 presidential election approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State yesterday asked the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to forget about winning the election in the state. The party said there was no way the PDP candidate can secure the needed 25 per cent votes needed to win the election in the state as the votes will be delivered to the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. The Director General (DG) of the campaign organisation of Gover-

APC tells Jonathan to forget Zamfara votes nor Abdul’Azeez Yari’s re-election, Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, said President Jonathan should count Zamfara out of the states that PDP will win in the election. Addressing hundreds of APC supporters in Bungudu and Tsafe Local Government areas, Bilbis, in his continuation tour to 14 local government areas of the state, said the APC will embark on house-to-house campaign with a view to sensitising the people on the implication of re-electing the PDP presidential candidate. He said as part of the strategies, the campaign committee has earmarked N5 million for any local government that recorded the least votes for the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate

in addition to a trophy, adding that apart from the N5 million, a special reception will be organised to acknowledge the performance of such local government after the 2015 general election. The Director General appealed to the electorate to vote for APC candidates at all levels for the progress of the state and nation in general, stressing that; “We are appealing to patriotic citizens to cast their votes wisely by electing APC candidates only. “We don’t want selective voting, whereby you will elect Buhari, but not elect our incumbent governor or other APC candidates. We want you to vote for APC candidates throughout the voting period.” Also speaking, a chieftain of the APC in the

state and former Chairman of the defunct All Progressives Party, Alhaji Nabature Nahuce, said already President Jonathan has lost the support of Nigerians, adding that “even the recent statement against the president on the way he is running the country by Rev. Farther Mbaka is an indication that the president has failed.” Nahuce added that security is fundamental as every citizen is entitled to peaceful living, but that the situation in the country has become worrisome with the insurgency in parts of the country. He called on the citizenry to think twice before casting their votes so as to ensure that they vote the right leaders from the APC for the country to progress.

Boko Haram threatens Cameroon with violence in new video

man claiming to be the leader of Boko Haram has threatened to step up violence in neighbouring Cameroon unless it scraps its constitution and embraces Islam. The video, posted online this week, shows a man who looks like the group’s head, Abubakar Shekau, but is filmed from a distance at different angles. The group, which has killed thousands and kidnapped hundreds in its

bid to carve out an Islamic state in northern Nigeria, had also targeted Cameroon in the past year. At least 15 people were killed in an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on a bus in northern Cameroon on New Year day. The insurgents have issued dozens of videos since their uprising turned violent in 2009, sometimes claiming attacks or threatening more. In each film, a man with a beard says he is Abubakar Shekau, the

Boko Haram leader, who the military in 2013, said it had killed. The latest message is addressed to Cameroon President Paul Biya. It reads in part: “I advise you to desist from following your constitution and democracy, which is un-Islamic,” the man says, reading from a script. “The only language of peace is to repent and follow Allah, but if you do not, then we will communicate it to you through the language of violence,”

he adds. It was not possible to verify the video independently. It was done in the style of most of Boko Haram's releases, with Shekau, or his lookalike, standing in the middle of a patch of sandy bush surrounded by masked men with AK-47s and fourwheel-drive vehicles with guns mounted on them. The videos are the main means that the group - or at least a faction of it - uses to get its message out.

WORLD | News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Four journalists, eight others killed in Paris attack

eavily armed gunmen shouting Islamist slogans stormed a Paris satirical newspaper office yesterday and shot dead at least 12 people in the deadliest attack in France in four decades. Police launched a massive manhunt for the masked attackers who reportedly hijacked a car and sped off, running over a pedestrian and shooting at officers. Police said witnesses heard the attackers, who were armed with a Kalashnikov and rocket launcher, shout “we have avenged the prophet” and “Al-

lahu akbar” (God is greatest). Two police were confirmed among the dead and four people were critically injured. The capital was placed under the highest alert status after the attack on Charlie Hebdo, a satirical weekly that has sparked anger in the past among Muslims for publishing cartoons of the prophet Mohamed. Television footage showed large numbers of police in the area, bullet-riddled windows and people being carried away on stretchers. The attack took place at a time of heightened fears in France and other European capitals over

fallout from the wars in Iraq and Syria where hundreds of European citizens have gone to fight alongside the radical Islamic State group. President Francois Hollande, who immediately rushed to the scene of the shooting, described it as a barbaric terrorist attack. “An act of exceptional barbarism has just been committed here in Paris against a newspaper, meaning (against) the expression of liberty,” Hollande said at the scene. One man who witnessed the shooting said he saw two attackers shooting their way out of Charlie Hebdo at around 11:30

am (1030GMT). “I saw them leaving and shooting. They were wearing masks. These guys were serious,” said the man who declined to give his name. “At first I thought it was Special Forces chasing drug traffickers or something. We weren’t expecting this. You would think we were in a movie.” Hollande called for “national unity”, adding that “several terrorist attacks had been foiled in recent weeks”. The White House condemned the attack in the “strongest possible terms,” while British Prime Minister David Cameron called it “sickening.” “We stand with the French people in the fight against terror and defending the freedom of the

press,” Cameron said in a message on Twitter. Yesterday’s shooting is one of the worst attacks in France in decades. In 1995, a bomb in a commuter train attributed to Algerian extremists exploded at the Saint Michel metro station in Paris, killing eight and wounding 119. The satirical newspaper gained notoriety in February 2006 when it reprinted cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed that had originally appeared in Danish daily Jyllands-Posten, causing fury across the Muslim world. Its offices were fire-bombed in November 2011 when it published a cartoon of Mohammed and under the title “Charia Hebdo”.

UN secretary-general: Attack ‘cold-blooded crime’

he UN secretary-general is condemning the deadly attack on a French satirical newspaper as “a horrendous, unjustifiable and cold-blooded crime.” Ban Ki-moon spoke to the media hours after masked gunmen stormed the newspaper’s Paris offices and killed 12 people, including the editor. Ban

called it “a very terrible terrorist attack” and expressed his outrage. He called it an “assault on a cornerstone of democracy.” He said: “This horrific attack was meant to divide. We must not fall into that trap. This is a moment of solidarity around the world.”

Arab League and top Muslim body condemn Paris attack

An injured person is carried into an ambulance after the shooting,at the French Satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo’s office in Paris yesterday.

Governor of Congo mining province loses party post in rift with president

oise Katumbi, the powerful governor of Democratic Republic of Congo’s copper-producing Katanga province, has been removed as regional head of the ruling party, political sources said, highlighting a deepening rift with President Joseph Kabila. Local police and intelligence chiefs have also been summoned to the capital Kinshasa, senior officials said, in an apparent attempt to limit the political fallout following Katumbi’s return to Congo after a lengthy absence due to illness. Katumbi has long been

considered a pillar of Kabila’s Katanga-centred power base. But he made a speech in Katanga late last month that was seen as a thinly veiled attack on Kabila, who has been in power since 2001 and under Congo’s constitution is required to step down in 2016 at the end of his second term. Couching his criticism in football references, Katumbi urged his supporters to challenge Kabila’s right to score a “third penalty” against Congo, a vast mineral-rich country of around 70 million people blighted by conflicts and corruption. Katumbi’s remarks represent

the highest-profile challenge to a possible third term from within Kabila’s own People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD). Katumbi is one of the few political figures with nationwide appeal due in part to his ownership of one of Congo’s top football teams and could mount a major challenge for the presidency if he were to run in next year’s polls. Political analysts and opposition leaders expect Kabila to attempt to stay in office beyond 2016 by either revising the constitution or delaying the elections.

Cameron, Merkel call French leader after newspaper attack

he leaders of Britain and Germany jointly called French President Francois Hollande yesterday to offer their intelligence agencies’ support after the deadly gun attack on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor Angela Merkel met in London for talks overshadowed by what Cameron called “an appalling terrorist outrage.” He said he and Merkel were briefed on the attack

by Britain’s MI5 and MI6 intelligence services and offered Hollande “our full support and any assistance our intelligence agencies can give to the French at this vital time.” Merkel said speaking to the French leader “was a very moving moment.” “We assured him that we will do everything we can in order to help him,” she said. “In this very desperate hour, we stand by the French people.” Three masked gunmen shouting “Allahu akbar!” stormed the newspaper’s Par-

is offices Wednesday, killing 12 people, including its editor. The publication has long mocked religion and has run cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Cameron said the attack was “different from some of the plots we’ve seen here in the U.K. from so-called home-grown terrorists.” He said Britain’s emergency committee, COBRA, would meet Thursday to discuss the shootings. Britain’s terrorism level stands at the second-highest rung of “severe,” meaning an attack is highly likely.

he Arab League and AlAzhar, Sunni Islam’s most prestigious centre of learning, both condemned a deadly attack yesterday on a Paris satirical newspaper. “Arab League chief Nabil alArabi strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo newspaper in Paris,” the League said after gunmen stormed the weekly’s offices killing at least 12 people and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest). Al-Azhar condemned the “criminal attack,”

saying that “Islam denounces any violence”, in remarks carried by Egypt’s state news agency MENA. In a separate statement to AFP, Al-Azhar senior official Abbas Shoman said the institution “does not approve of using violence even if it was in response to an offence committed against sacred Muslim sentiments”. Charlie Hebdo has sparked anger in the past among Muslims for publishing cartoons of the prophet Mohamed.

... World expresses shock

orld leaders, journalists’ groups and others around the world have expressed horror at the deadly attack yesterday by gunmen on the Paris offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Here are some of their reactions: “I don’t understand how people can attack a newspaper with heavy weapons. A newspaper is not a weapon of war.” — Charlie Hebdo editor-in-chief Gerard Biard to France Inter radio. “This is an act of exceptional barbarism.” — French President Francois Hollande. “The fact that this was an attack on journalists, attack on our free press, also underscores the degree to which these terrorists fear freedom of speech and freedom of the press.” — President Barack Obama. “Regardless of the motive, homicidal violence is abominable and never justified. Life

and human dignity must be guaranteed with decisiveness, and every instigation of hatred refuted and respect cultivated.” — Pope Francis, according to the Vatican spokesman. “We condemn ... this hateful, criminal act. ... While the terrorists are intensifying their acts to exacerbate the confrontation inside our country, both Muslim and Christians have to intensify their actions to give more strength to this dialogue, to make a united front against extremism.” — Mohammed Moussaoui, president of the Union of French mosques. “We decisively condemn this cynical crime. We reaffirm our readiness to continue active cooperation in combating the threat of terrorism.” — Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a telegram of condolence to Hollande.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

International Sport

Sport News

2015 AFCON

Quadri emerges 2014 world best player

Mourinho meets Messi’s father

Song brings Cameroon career to a halt

Sport

Did you know? That both Sunderland(05-06) and Derby(07-08) only won one home game in a season

Emem Eduok saga:

My son is for Esperance, mother insists T Emmanuel Tobi

he mother of Dolphins player, Emem Eduok, who is at the centre of a transfer debacle between two clubs, Esperance of Tunisia and Sarpsborg 08 of Norway, Agnes Eduok, has clarified the situation, saying that her son is for the Tunisian side’s deal. New Telegraph, Nigeria’s Best Investigative Newspaper in 2014 can authoritatively report that the Super Eagles striker is a victim of player agents’ manipulations that in the past had led several players into slavery. Eduok, who signed a three-and-a-half-year deal worth €300,000 with the Tunisian giants last week, was reported to have earlier signed a four-year deal worth $150,000 with Sarpsborg 08.

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sports Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sports Correspondent

year deal with them. Eduok’s mother, who acts as his manager, informed New Telegraph on Tuesday that, “I sent two of my representatives to discuss with Esperance and negotiated

New Te l e g r a p h scooped that the football agents that brokered the deal with the Norwegian club connived with Eduok without the knowledge of his Nigerian club, Dolphins, to travel to the Scandinavian country. When unveiling the player’s passport and Curriculum Vitae, the football agent presented him as a player of A&B Academy, making the academy the sole owner of his economic rights. This move on the part of the football agents was enough to convince the Norwegian club of the legality of the deal which led to the alleged signing of a pre-contract deal between all the parties. But the Sporting Director of the Norwegian club, Thomas Berntsen, is claiming that Eduok, rather than signing a pre-contract agreement, actually signed a four-

through a conference call and the negotiations went well.” “It is wrong for a club to sign a pre-contract with a player who is under contract with a club. They deceived the young boy to go to Norway, and that was why they didn’t want him to inform anybody. “You can only sign a pre-contract with a player when he has less than six months left in his current contract. Let them go to FIFA. Attah Aneke will be in serious trouble for conniving with Bright Ogude in a case of forgery and they will end up in jail.” Reminded of the consequences of the situation, which might end up affecting the player’s career, Mrs. Eduok said: “The N o rwegian club took a player out without his club’s authorisation, and forged documents to clear him from the Nigeria Football Federation. They should go and clear him (Eduok) from A&B Academy, since they have paid the transfer fee to them, then the Academy should send the International Transfer Certificate to them. And if he (Eduok) fails to

return to Norway, then Sarpsborg 08 should report my son to FIFA and let’s see what will happen.” When asked why Eduok decided to opt out of the deal after initially accepting to join the Norwegian club, a close confidant of the player informed New Telegraph that, “one of the agents told Eduok he didn’t want to clear him through Dolphins because of the political situation in Rivers State,” adding that “when a new Commissioner of Sports is appointed after the general elections in February, he will be offered $50,000 as compensation for the club. It was at that point that he opted out of the deal, stating that he is a national team player and would not be involved in any shady deal.” But for the timely intervention of the Nigeria Football Federation, who informed the player’s parent club in Nigeria, the transfer controversy would have been messier. Speaking with New Telegraph,

They deceived the young boy to go to Norway, and that was why they didn’t want him to inform anybody. You can only sign a pre-contract with a player when he has less than six months left in his current contract. Let them go to FIFA

an insider in the NFF revealed that the agents Ogude and Aneke were at the NFF office in Abuja seeking for the ITC of Eduok only for the NFF official to inform Dolphins club secretary, Ahmed Abdulrahman, who maintained that the club is not aware of any offer from Norway but that from Esperance of Tunisia.” The source added: “Dolphins revealed that they officially sanctioned Eduok’s trip to Tunisia for his medicals and discussion of personal terms because they were certain about their chances of reaching an agreement regarding his transfer fee with the Tunisian club.” According to the General Manager of the Port Harcourt club, Joe Johnson, “Eduok is our player and as I am talking to you now I am on my way to Tunis to finalise the agreement with Esperance. “I don’t know where Sarpsborg 08 got their agreement from; all I know is that the player will be joining Esperance after we might have reached a conclusion.” Meanwhile President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has ordered Eduok out of the camp of Super Eagles, preparing for two international friendly matches in the United Arab Emirates. “We are not happy with the cloud of controversy over his transfer issue and it is a terrible distraction to the team and Nigeria football generally. “Telling him to leave the camp does not mean we are indicting him. We will carry out an investigation and whoever is found guilty, be he/she an agent or player manager or an official of his club, will be duly sanctioned,” Pinnick said at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja.

King Enyeama or King Toure ? lAll set for Glo-CAF Awards

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Quadri emerges 2014 world best player Ajibade Olusesan

igeria’s Aruna Quadri rounded off an amazing 2014 as he was named the ITTF Star Player of the Year yesterday (Wednesday). At the award ceremony held at the Armani Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Nigerian star also bagged the Star Point of the Year award to cap a wonderful evening. The GD Toledos of Portugal player beat world number one, China’s Xu Xin and his compatriot, Fan Zhendong, who is the 2014 Youth Olympic Games gold medallist as well as Portugal’s Marcos Freitas, who is the 2014 European Team Championships winner to become the best player in the world. His crucial winning point against Olympics and World Champion, Jan Zhike of China, at the 2014 ITTF World Cup was adjudged the best in the year. According to the ITTF guidelines for the awards,

the winner was determined by 50 percent fans’ voting and 50 percent experts’ voting. China’s Ding Ning was named the Women Player of the Year. An elated Quadri said his success was unbelievable although he noted that his opponents also deserved the gong. He thanked table tennis fans across the world that voted for him and promised to keep working hard. “We all deserve this, but I’m just lucky to have won,” he said after receiving the biggest prize in world table tennis. “I thank you all fans for your votes and support! This is the best day of my career and I want to thank the organisers for considering me for this and I promise to continue to work hard,” he said. Quadri stunned the world when he moved from 237th position last February to number 30th in November in the ITTF rankings to become the highest ranked African table tennis player ever. The Nigerian player did

irector of Federations of Elite Athletes Department of the National Sports Commission, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, on Wednesday, brought his career in the civil service to an end as he formally announced his retirement from office after 35 years. While delivering his retirement speech at a press conference in Abuja, the former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation and one-time Oyo State commissioner for Youth and Sports said he had no regrets bringing his career in the civil service to an end. “I have no regrets that I’m leaving the service,” said OjoOba. “When I was joining the

well in Belgium Open and Czech Open and he also led his club to two titles in the year under review. Quadri was outstanding

service I never said I wanted to be Secretary General of NFF. It was luck and total commitment to the job that made me a successful worker at the NSC. “I never knew my career would take a turn towards sports because I was a lecturer in the 80s and had the opportunity to act as an interpreter during international matches involving French teams, and at the end of the day I got employed.” Asked what he would be delving into following his retirement, Ojo-Oba said: “I’m not going into farming or politics. I will like to take a break from everything and rest for now. And the level of rest will be between me and my well-wishers.

Football proprietor urges NFF to retain Keshi

hairman of Teslim Thunder Balogun Football Club, Engineer Rasheed Balogun, has thrown his weight behind out-of-contract Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, calling on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to renew the contract of the former Mali coach. According to the administrator, Keshi should be allowed to continue his job with the Super Eagles despite his failure to qualify the tema for the Africa Nations Cup. He said “I think Keshi should be allowed to continue his job as the coach of the Super Eagles. As a matter of fact, he qualified Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup after a long while; he also guided the team to lift the Africa Cup of

Ifeanyi Ibeh

ottenham Hotspur youth team forward, Musa Yahaya, will not join up with the Flying Eagles before the January 15 deadline set by the U-20 national team’s coach, Manu Garba, for all invited overseas-based players to arrive the team’s Kaduna camp. According to the team’s secretary, Auwal Ibrahim, through a statement made available to New Telegraph by the team’s media officer, Samm Audu, Yahaya said he would join the team a day after the January 15 deadline after he would have finished playing in an invitational tournament in Malaysia involving Tottenham’s youth team. Tottenham are currently taking part in the Frenz Under-18 International Cup in Malaysia and on Tuesday won their second game of the tournament courtesy of a 3-1 win over Quadri AIFF of India. Yahaya, at the World Cup held in who was one of Nigeria’s Germany as he beat topranked players before exiting the tournament in the quarterfinals.

Ex-NFF scribe, Ojo-Oba, takes a bow Comfort Chukwu

Yahaya to miss F’Eagles’ deadline

Nations held in South Africa in 2013. So the issue of whether to retain him or not is something the federation should put into consideration because he has done creditably well,” He continued, “Stephen Keshi is a seasoned football tactician; he should continue for a definite period of two years in order to reposition our football for the next African Cup of Nation in 2017.“ Balogun unveiled the 2015 season for the club, claiming that the Teslim Balogun Football Club is poised to gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional football League in three years after booking their ticket for the nationwide division one league last season.

“This was the only job I grew up to know. I did my best as a sports administrator and I’m taking a bow because it is time for me to do so,” he added. Ojo-Oba also expressed confidence in the abilities of the NFF to turn around for the better the footballing fortunes of the country. “There is nothing wrong with our football. In life there are always high point and low points, so we need to exercise patience for our football to regain momentum while we continue to pray for those in charge,” he continued. “They need all our support to make wise decisions. We have to trust that they will take us to the Promised Land.”

stars at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, did not however feature in the game. The statement from the Flying Eagles’ camp however stated that another star of the 2013 U-17 World Cup, Chidera Eze, who features for the youth team of FC Porto of Portugal, will join the team’s training camp on January 15. The team’s secretary further disclosed he expects to get confirmation for the arrival of Manchester City’s pair of Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali, as well as Slovakia-based Moses Simon and Kingsley Madu later this week.

Yahaya

Lagos schools jostle for Ibile Games forms

Charles Ogundiya

head of the 2015 edition of the Lagos State Schools Sports Festival tagged Ibile Games 2015, schools within the state metropolis have started obtaining forms to be part of the competition. The entry forms according to the Local Organising Committee which is available in Junior Secondary School category, Senior Secondary School category and open category - combined JSS and SSS, came out at the beginning of the week with several schools already indicating their interest. The Sports Festival is for all public and private secondary schools in La-

gos State including Lagos State Government schools, Federal Government schools, military, missionary and other privately owned secondary schools. The schools will participate in Athletics (including Deaf Athletics), Chess, Gymnastics, Scrabble, Swimming, Weightlifting, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Badminton, Table Tennis (including Deaf Table Tennis), Tennis and Squash. It would be recalled that a one-day sports forum with the theme “School Sports: The Way Forward” was organised as part of preparations ahead of the championship at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos last December.

Oshoala : I want to crown 2014 season with Glo-CAF award Emmanuel Tobi

uper Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala, has expressed the desire to crown 2014 football season by winning the 2014 Glo-CAF award billed for today at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. Oshoala who will battle Nigeria’s Desire Oparanozie and Cameroon’s Annette Ngo Ndom in the Women Player of the Year category, is also shortlisted alongside Nigeria’s Uchechi Sunday and Fabrice Ondoa of Cameroon for the Youth Player of the Year award. Speaking to New Telegraph on Wednesday, the Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt striker praised her coaches and teammates for

Oshoala

helping her reach her peak in 2014. “It will be great to win the GLO-CAF award to end the 2014 football season which I describe as my year of supernatural blessings on a greater note. Insha Allah, all will be fine but

I want to wish the other contestants good luck because any of them can win it too.” “I want to thank my coaches and teammates at the club and national teams for their impact in my success,” she added. 2014 was Oshoala’s most successful year after winning the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) and the highest goal scorer (Golden Boot) awards at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women World Cup in Canada as well as Most Valuable Player award at the 2014 African Women Championship in Namibia. She also won 2014 Nigeria Sports Award’s Women Player of the year and Ben TV’s Female Personality of the Year award.

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NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Transfer news Sociedad begin talks for Arsenal’s Campbell

ormer Everton and Manchester UnitF ed boss David Moyes has made his move for out of favour Arsenal striker

Joel Campbell, with Real Sociedad in talks to bring the striker to Spain, according to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo. Campbell was hugely impressive at the World Cup last year that saw his Costa Rica side make a shock impact on the tournament – even advancing from the group which saw England finish bottom with just a single point.

Balotelli to replace Cavani at PSG

iverpool striker Mario Balotelli LFrance may be set for a new adventure in with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-

Germain. The former AC Milan forward has had a torrid time in England and agent Mino Raiola is endeavoring to move the player to a different county in order to give ‘SuperMario’ a fresh start. However, according to Sportmediaset, any deal involving the Paris based club hinges on the future of Edinson Cavani, who is reportedly no longer in the plans of coach Laurent Blanc.

Mourinho meets Messi’s father

he rumours linking Chelsea with a shock move for Lionel Messi continue to flood in, with the latest reports hinting Jose Mourinho has already made contact with the player’s father over a deal. A Spanish newspaper suggests the Blues boss has spoken to Jorge Messi over his son’s future. Messi and Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, have reportedly had a bustup and both manager and player have now reportedly gone to the Catalan club’s board to insist that they pick either one or the other to remain at the Camp Nou. And while Enrique could be sacked as early as

today, it may come too late to keep Messi in Spain in the long term. Indeed, Chelsea are said to be preparing a £200m bid for the Argentine ace. And reports in Spain now claim that the Blues have made contact with Jorge Messi to talk about a move. ImportantlyJorgeMessi was heavily implicated in a case against his son which alleged that he had avoided paying the right amount of tax in Spain. But it seems that the relationship between the pair remains strong enough that Chelsea believe that Jorge’s influence could sway his son’s decision in their faMessi(left) vour.

‘Ibrahimovic claimed he was Jesus’

LA Galaxy confirm Gerrard deal

A Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena has confirmed that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join the MLS club. “Steven Gerrard arrives in July and by then we will certainly have a plan available,” Arena is quoted as saying by The LA Times. “He’s a player of quality. I’m not concerned about how he’s going to fit in with our team. “We have a club now with a proven history of success. All those things go hand in hand in making LA Galaxy a very attractive team for players such as Steven Gerrard.” Gerrard has been a talismanic captain at Anfield, skippering Liverpool to UEFA Champions League success in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006. Ibrahimovic

Bony demands £200k a-week pay at Man City

ILFRIED Bony is demanding £200,000 a-week wages at Manchester City The Ivory Coast international is thought to be on around £50,000-a-week at Swansea City which he joined in a £13.75 million deal from Vitesse Arnhem in the summer of

2013. But Manchester City have offered him a reported £70,000 a week, substantially less than the £240,000 earned by a fellow player who will join Bony at the African Nations Cup this month - City midfielder Yaya Toure. Manchester City have targeted Bony after Sergio

arco Verratti claims Paris SaintGermain teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic once branded himself Jesus and lauded his teammate’s self-confidence for helping to mould him into the player he is today. Verratti vividly remembers a moment in 2012-13 where Ibrahimovic inspired then head coach Carlo Ancelotti with some encouraging words. “Before winning the 2012-13 league title, we were getting ready to play

against Lyon. Carlo Ancelotti was a bit tense, so Ibra approached him and asked him if he believed in Jesus. Ancelotti said yes, so Ibra told him: ‘Good, so you believe in me. You can relax!’” Verratti told FourFourTwo. “Zlatan is like this - he has a lot of self-confidence. This helps him to be a great player. “Some of the plays you see him do during a match - they don’t just happen. He works on everything in training. “He has a co-ordination and creativity that very few players have. We are starting to get used to the amazing goals he scores.” Ibrahimovic has netted 13 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions so far this term.

Muhammad Ali out of hospital

oxing great Muhummad Ali has won his bout with a severe urinary tract infection. The three-time world heavyweight champion was released from an undisclosed hospital on Tuesday night, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said on Wednesday. Ali is back home and looking forward to celebrating his 73rd birthday on January 17 with his family and friends, Gunnell said. “He’s in great spirits and

enjoying being back home,” Gunnell said. “He’s back in his daily routine.” Ali has been waging a battle with Parkinson’s disease for years. Ali was hospitalised on December 20 with what was initially believed to be a mild case of pneumonia. Doctors later determined Ali was suffering from a severe urinary tract infection and not pneumonia, Ali Gunnell said.

Danagogo, Oshonaike, Chukwumerijie hail Quadri’s heroic feat Emmanuel Tobi

Quadri... with his awards

he heroic feat of Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri who emerged on Wednesday as International Table Tennis Federation 2014 Star Player of the year has received commendations from several top shots in Nigerian sports. Sports Minster, Tammy Danagogo, while speaking with New Telegraph through his Special Assistant, Patrick Omorodion, praised Quadri’s gallant effort, stressing that part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda is to give attention to other sports apart from

football. “It’s big news for Nigeria and I am particularly happy that this is happening in another sport. His progress especially the movement on the ITTF rankings was a great delight to me. This achievement will spur other athletes to attain glory in their respective sport disciplines. “I specially congratulate the table tennis federation for this historic achievement. The President, Enitan Oshodi, has been working very hard to stage competitions for table tennis players at home and abroad. This is very great for our country,” he added. Also, African female table

tennis champion, Funke Oshonaike, said, “This is fantastic for Quadri, great for table tennis and Nigeria as a whole. I am particularly delighted that his emergence has crowned his long years of hard work. It has also shown that athletes in table tennis can go all the way in the sport. “It is important to support the player now and prepare him along with other table tennis players for the All Africa Games and the 2016 Olympics. He is a focused player and I am so happy for him.” Similarly, Team Nigeria captain to London 2012 Olym-

pics, Chika Chukwumerije, commended Quadri while tipping him for greater success at the Rio 2016 Olympics “From near and afar, everyone can see that he has, over the past few years, been patiently and studiously working extremely hard on a daily basis to become a better player and person. His accomplishment brings immense pride to Nigeria and serves as a source of inspiration to young and upcoming Nigerians in their respective fields of endeavours. I wish him the best as he continues his preparations towards the Rio 2016 Olympics,” the Taekwondo champion said.

SPORT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Glo-CAF Awards: Who rules Africa? lEnyeama, Toure in keen contest

Enyeama

Ifeanyi Ibeh

onight, at the Eko Convention Centre, in Lagos, the King of African football will be crowned from amongst the trio that include Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure, who has won the last three editions of the Glo-CAF African Player of the Year award. Since the award was instituted in 1992, only Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o has been crowned an unprecedented four times – 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2010 – and Toure will be hoping to join that exclusive list of four-time winners and in the process become the first person t o win it four times in a row. From its beginning in 1992 to date, only 14 players have laid claim to the award with legendary Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu being the first player to win the CAF African Footballer of the Year award on two occasions – in 1996 and 1999. In the last 23 years, winners of the prestigious honour have either been midfielders or forwards and Enyeama will be looking to break that tradition by becoming the first goalkeeper to be awarded the continent’s highest individual honour. The Lille of France star, who en-

joyed a remarkable 2014 in the colours of both his French club and the Super Eagles, will also be looking to revive Nigeria’s early dominance of the awards. Although no Nigerian has emerged African Footballer of the Year since Kanu’s 1999 feat, no other country has more individual winners than Nigeria with five awards in total from four different winners, namely Kanu (1996 and 1999), Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994) and Victor Ikpeba (1997). Although Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire also have five titles, these have come only from two players respectively; for the Ivoirians, they came courtesy of the duo of Toure and Didier Drogba, and for the Cameroonians, through the pair of Eto’o and Patrick Mboma. And Enyeama will on Thursday find out if he has done enough to secure the votes of the continent’s national football federations and beat Toure, who has been in fine form for his English Premier League side Manchester City, to the coveted award. Aside, the prestigious African Player of the Year award, which has been exclusively won by players based outside of Africa, 12 other categories will also be up for grabs. They are the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa), National Team of the Year, Club of the Year, and Coach of the Year. Others are Women’s National Team of the Year, Women’s Footballer of the Year, Most Promising Talent, Referee of the Year, Legend of the year, Fair Play Award, Platinum Award and Africa Finest XI.

COUNTDOWN TO 2015 AFCON Senegal players to get Song brings Cameroon career to a halt $55k each to win AFCON

Song

est Ham United’s on-loan midfielder Alex Song has announced he is retiring from international football with Cameroon with immediate effect. The 27-year-old Barcelona player, who is on loan at English side West Ham, has not played for his country since being sent off against Croatia at last year’s World Cup and was left out of the squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations. He recently held talks with Cameroon Football Federation officials about

his future with the national team, but has decided to withdraw from international duty. “Since the World Cup in the summer and my subsequent exclusion from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations, I have taken the decision to retire from international football,” he said in a statement. “It is true that there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for this tournament, but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous discussions with my family this is the right decision. “My love for my country will never change, but I want to take time to focus purely on domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United. I wish Cameroon all the best and the team will always be in my heart.” Song, the cousin of former Cameroon international Rigobert Song, made his international debut against Morocco in November 2005 and has won 49 caps.

enegal President Macky Sall has promised his country’s players a bonus of about $55,000 each if they win their first African Cup title. Sall also promised players other undisclosed bonuses for winning games at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea, which starts January 17. “We will do our best to get good results,” Senegal goalkeeper and captain Bouna Coundoul said after receiving a Senegalese flag

from Sall at a ceremony late Tuesday in Dakar. Senegal’s squad under French coach Alain Giresse will travel to Morocco for a final training camp and warm-up games against Gabon and Guinea. After failing to qualify in 2013, Senegal face a tough task at this year’s African Cup of Nations after being grouped with top-ranked African teams Algeria, Ghana and South Africa — all former champions.

Toure

Glo-CAF Awards Past winners 1992 Abedi AYEW PELE (Ghana) 1993 Rashidi YEKINI (Nigeria) 1994 Emmanuel AMUNEKE (Nigeria) 1995 George WEAH (Liberia) 1996 Nwankwo KANU (Nigeria) 1997 Victor IKPEBA (Nigeria) 1998 Mustapha HADJI (Morocco) 1999 Nwankwo KANU (Nigeria) 2000 Patrick MBOMA (Cameroon) 2001 El-Hadji DIOUF (Senegal) 2002 El Hadji DIOUF (Senegal) 2003 Samuel ETO’O (Cameroon) 2004 Samuel ETO’O (Cameroon) 2005 Samuel ETO’O (Cameroon) 2006 Didier DROGBA (Côte d’Ivoire) 2007 Frederic KANOUTE (Mali) 2008 Emmanuel ADEBAYOR (Togo) 2009 Didier DROGBA (Côte d’Ivoire) 2010 Samuel ETO’O (Cameroon) 2011 Yaya TOURE (Côte d’Ivoire) 2012 Yaya TOURE (Côte d’Ivoire) 2013 Yaya TOURE (Côte d’Ivoire)

Kalaba appointed Zambia captain

Kalaba

Your weekly column ‘Muyiwa Daniel on Thursday’ returns next week

ambia coach Honour Janza has given the captain’s armband to Rainford Kalaba after naming his 23man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. The softly-spoken TP Mazembe midfielder takes over from defender Stopilla Sunzu who led the team during the qualifiers. Sunzu told the coach that he wanted to give up the cap-

taincy in order to concentrate on his defensive duties. Janza named eight players who took part in Chipolopolo’s 2012 Nations Cup winning campaign in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. There are three players from South Africa’s Premier Soccer League - goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, Mukuka Mulenga and Davies Nkausu.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

2015 and Nigeria’s future

olitical pundits would have us think that the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria would be the nastiest and the most contentious in the recent annals of our nation. The emergent prognoses, based on the worrying divisive campaign along ethnic and religious fault-lines by some candidates, are quite scary. Even in the ill-fated Third Republic from 1992-93, when the two political parties, the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) existed and operated by military decree, the nation did not experience the tension and the kind of gritty contention for power that now envelope the polity. All gloves are off and those jostling for political power are daily upping the ante in their grudge fights. This is not completely out of character with our brand of politics. It boils down to the notorious fact, which is that electoral contests in Nigeria have always been a downand-dirty business. Despite his salutary verbal exhortation, the late Ibrahim Waziri, the great apostle of politics without bitterness, not much was achieved in terms of achievement of peace in the post-election era of the Second Republic. It is clear as it was then that Waziri was only reacting to the level of anger and bad blood prevalent at the time. When the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, through his outburst in 2007, assailed and assaulted our sensibilities with his “do-or-die” brand of electoral politics, he was just heralding the desperation for power at the time. Sadly, this brand of politics has become ensconced in our political psyche and in the vocabulary of politics in our dear nation. For me and other watchers, our elections have always featured unhealthy and vicious accusations as well as bizarre happenstances. The unfolding scenario reinforces this predilection. This is the reason political watchers, within and outside the country, are so concerned about this election. True, every election year in Nigeria always comes close to dismemberment of the nation but we always end up surviving it and moving forward. A diplomat, after witnessing two election periods in Nigeria, said during a send-forth party for him that he saw Nigeria’s political temperature rise to the tilt twice during the periods and thought the worst would happen afterwards but it never did. Read his summation: “it’s one of my greatest admirations for this country, which is always proving the naysayers wrong.” What must not be taken away from Nigerians is the trinity of their resilience, love and sanguinity about the continuous existence of this country. Even in the face of glaring vagaries of tension about the corporate existence of this country, not a few have remained highly optimistic. Gil Stern said that optimist invented airplane to fly and keep flying but the pessimist, thinking of when it would crash land, invented the parachute. The optimism of Nigerians about the continuous existence of their nation is such that they hardly think of a parachute like the pessimist. But ahead of

Political Musings IKE ABONYI igwebuike2001@yahoo.com 08024024029 (sms only)

Jonathan

Buhari

The late Yar’ Adua

Obasanjo

2015 general elections, the optimism of most Nigerians is giving way to pessimism. Why not, you would ask, given the level of violence in the country since the last election in 2011. The optimism of Nigerians had always been such that they would swear that they would never ever contemplate killing themselves for anything or anybody but the global community and some of us know that this is no longer true of Nigerians since Boko Haram made its ugly entry into our national life. Why should anybody still remain optimistic about Nigeria’s continued existence when all the ingredients of its nationhood are glaringly under threat? Why should the doomsday prediction of American group about the continued corporate existence of Nigeria beyond 2015 be waved aside when the drum-

beat in its support is approaching a crescendo? Nevertheless, I wish the media and public commentators would stop reaching for the low hanging fruit which is cynicism and pessimism and be more upbeat about the future notwithstanding Norman Cousin’s assertion that optimism does not wait on facts but deals with prospects. Why is 2015 looking so fragile? Haven’t we seen elections before? Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, this country has seen four general elections in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011. Why is this forthcoming election different? The answer is obvious: in 1999, the military supervised the election and anxious Nigerians were waiting for anything that could help them see off the military no matter how. In 2003, Nigerians were still waiting and anxious to see real democracy as

then President Olusegun Obasanjo, even though changed from General to Chief, continued to operate as maximum leader and this brought about his (first) clash with his Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who wanted to torpedo him and bring in real civilian democracy. Abubakar failed and, in the process, opened the gate for acrimonious political life in the land. Many democratic watchers believe that the nation’s turbulent political challenges have its origin in the disagreement between Obasanjo and Atiku. Not a few strongly believe that the nation’s democracy would have recorded a lot more mileage if a smooth transition had happened from Obasanjo to Atiku. In 2007, when Nigerians were in a haste to see the back of Obasanjo, after his botched third term bid and his imposition of a hitherto unpopular Governor of Katsina state, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, they had worked into that year’s election bruised. In 2011, the problem had multiplied as Yar’Adua had died as a sitting president and his hitherto ignored Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, had to take over as required by the constitution. The polity had been dangerously polluted by the acrimony that accompanied Jonathan’s take over as acting President. It took the intervention of the Senate through its doctrine of necessity for Jonathan to exercise full presidential powers. It is this carried-over acrimony that germinated the biggest postelection violence that has gradually grown into terror in the land. If the events that produced tensed environment in the previous four elections still exist and even more pronounced now than ever, why should anybody be confident and optimistic that this election would not be problematic? A careful study of the progression of the negative events that preceded the previous turbulent elections shows that there are grounds for worry. The insecurity in the land which is a product of obvious division among political elite has further fuelled an already raging flame. How strong are the democratic institutions to be able to bear the pains and the strains of the battle that has dangerously sucked in the military and religion? Honestly speaking, the situation calls for concern and deep prayers. If political observers are threatening that either way the result of the February 14, 2015 presidential election goes, the country would still be in trouble, it’s a realistic political permutation generated from the above precedents. If pundits continue to assert that the future of the country is tied to this election, it’s certainly not a product of idle talks but positions derived from empirical facts as adduced above. We must be determined to defend our nation and our collective destiny, even at the point of bayonet. I know that since the blood of martyrs is usually not wasted, the blood of thousands of innocent Nigerians killed in this mindless and senseless politics-related and post-election violence in the country since 2009 cannot be in vain. • Dear friends, this column returns after a long break; we hope to use this platform to deepen and re-engineer the political space for a more healthy discourse.

On Marble

Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together. – Anaïs Nin

Sanctity of Truth

Ike Abonyi 2015 and Nigeria’s future

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Re: Who will revive this economy? On January 1, 2015, this column concentrated on what could be done to improve on the economy. Expectedly, reactions came from readers, some harsh, others mild. I present to you some of these reactions.

he economy will be animated by public office holders with integrity, godfatherismless, sacrifices, selflessness and other personal and national virtues. Wait a minute, do they even read writings of these kinds? I am afraid they don’t. They are insulated from the pangs of austerity. Only the masses are suffering. Someday, a messiah will emerge to midwife our humaninduced sufferings. Happy new year to you and all the readers. Idorenyin Udo jnr, Lagos. Only God knows when we will start to do the right thing in this country. There was a time everybody was shouting that Taiwan product was not good. But look at where we are today. Taiwan product is one of the best in the world. Why? They made mistakes, corrected the mistakes and today, everybody is happy for the country. When are going to make mistakes, learn from them and move on? There is no Made-in-Nigeria product today anywhere in the world. How will the country develop if we don’t even think of the future? Adeyeri Ojo, Osogbo All countries in the international community are sending a clear signal that they are determined to manage their economies. What signals are we sending in this country? Poor leadership, corruption, violence, rigging. May God help us. Chukwu Daniel, Lagos. At independence, every country finds itself at a different point in the development journey. Since 1960 that we got our independence from Britain, what level have we been in the development journey? May be our leaders can answer that. Mohammed Sani, Kaduna I laughed when I read your analysis on the economy and how our leaders can revive it. Which leaders are you talking about? Is this not a lost case? Chukwuemeka Emeka, Lagos. If our leaders do not fix electricity, there is no way this country will move forward. Femi Akorede, Lagos. If this country must develop, all Nigerians must drive our institutions – financial, technical and human – to support our quest for a financially-strong country for future generations. Ranti Oluwole, Ibadan Without a strong economy, our politics will continue to be in shambles. Korede Ibrahim, Ilorin The economy is in crisis already. If PDP wins the presidential election, there will be crisis as Boko Haram elements will continue their mindless killings. If the APC wins, all our pipelines will go up in flames. So, as Frederick Forsyth said in

Talking Tough GABRIEL AKINADEWO gabyfola@hotmail.com

08023010222, 08052097814 (sms only)

Port Harcourt refinery

one of his books, whichever way it goes, men must die. May God continue to protect us after the presidential election. Grace Olora, Akure Nigeria’s rebased economy is only growing in the books of those showing us figures everyday. Ask the average man on the street. He will tell you that this economy, rather than grow, is dying. Femi Adewale, Ibadan Your analysis of Toyota Motor Corporation being forced to establish a factory in Nigeria to manufacture vehicles is not elementary at all. In fact, for this country to move forward, all these major international companies must be forced to establish their factories in Nigeria. All of them cannot ignore Nigeria because this is a big market. Even if it is pure water you are selling, you can not ignore a country with more than 160 million people. Let our leaders think very well and bring Nigeria out of this economic crisis. Gbalahan Sode, Abeokuta Rebased or not, without good governance, the economy will continue to be comatose. Chukwudi Abraham, Owerri Let Muhammadu Buhari come and sanitise our economy. Sani Ibrahim, Sokoto I don’t know why Nigerians are blaming President Goodluck Jonathan for the economic crisis in the country. We have had many presidents before him. What did they do to improve on the economy? Jude Owuarushi, Owerri In this country, we have insecurity,

joblessness, violence, mindless killings, corruption and leadership crisis everyday. The economy is reversing at an alarming rate and our leaders still have the courage to refer to our economy as the biggest in Africa. We have criminally neglected industrialisation and without this, the development planning process of any country is zero. There is no way any country can eradicate poverty if nothing tangible and meaningful is not done about the economy. If, in 2015, Nigerians are still longing for a return to the legacies of our colonial masters, then something must be wrong with us as a nation. Nureinu Alaba, Lagos. With an economy like ours, what is the meaning of a Coordinating Minister for the Economy? Or what is the work of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy? Because a major challenge we are facing is this madness to give ourselves big titles with nothing to show for it. Which economy are our leaders managing now? Is it an economy based on books which they refer to as rebased or an economy based on reality which all Nigerians are shouting that it is not working? Do we now have two economies in the country? Amos Shodipe, Abeokuta Talking of the economy, what type of a system will allow the Federal Government to be saving money for states without their consent? What do they mean with Sovereign Wealth Fund? What is the impact on the economy? Are our leaders confused economically? Joe Afuwa, Warri The Federal Government is always telling us that Nigeria’s economy is growing at a rate of 7%. Is this so-called growth

proportionate with the reality in the country? If we are deceiving ourselves, are we also deceiving outsiders? Because in God’s name, how can anybody be saying that our economy is better than that of South Africa? What type of analysis is that when all the companies in this country have relocated to Ghana? John Effiong, Calabar I doubt if our leaders read newspapers. If they do, the moment they read a piece like this, they will know what to do for our economy to improve. Kayode Obembe, Lagos. This idea of blaming President Goodluck Jonathan for the present economic crisis will not work. He met a rot in the system and he is trying his best to clean the Augean Stable. Nigeria is a difficult country to govern. Modestus Oluwa, Ado-Ekiti God bless you for this wonderful piece. I hope our leaders will read it. James Alowonle, Lagos. Let me quote you before my reaction: “Nigeria is blessed with crude oil, rich vegetation and soil good for agriculture yet, the people are poor. There are many countries blessed with just about 10 per cent of the resources available in Nigeria, yet, the people are comfortable. So, what really is the problem? Is it because our leaders can’t think? Nigeria has concentrated so much on oil production because of the so-called ‘fast money’, and neglected other sectors. But is that not a waste of energy and resources?” You see, at the individual level, if you do the right thing, you will get the right result. Same happens at the level of countries. What right thing have we done as a country to ensure that we have an economy that works? God has blessed us with scores of mineral resources but we have chosen to neglect others and hold on to oil alone. Is that not foolishness? Whether as an individual or as a country, if you continue to do the wrong thing endlessly, you will continue to get the wrong result. Please tell our leaders to change. Charles Okondu, Port Harcourt Why are we always fooling ourselves? The economy is not working and we are celebrating the president of OPEC. In whose interest? Tayo Ojo, Ore If our leaders do not diversify the economy, things will not work. John Obawole, Arigidi-Akoko Do you think these leaders or rulers have the time for the economy when the election is just around the corner? Now that thugs, sponsored by these same rulers, are shooting themselves, they can’t spare a thought for the economy at all. Duro Oliyide, Abuja You have said it all. These politicians are battle ready to spill blood to occupy public offices. The economy has been relegated to the background. Orji Chukwu, Enugu

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