Thursday, january 29, 2015 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

A media partner of Sanctity Of Truth

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

Vol. 1 No. 344

Thursday, January 29, 2015

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Court lifts ban on APC’s fund-raising platform }5}x

Okonjo-Iweala tackles Soludo

lAccuses ex-CBN governor of mismanaging banking sector Abdulwahab Isa

oordinating Minister for the Economy

and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday accused former Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, of distorting facts on the economy.

The minister, in a statement in Abuja by her Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu,

disagreed with Soludo that the economy has not fared well under PresiCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

16 days to go... Nigeria votes

2015

ria Nige

s vote

2015

}14 & 15

Five PDP govs under watch over Buhari }2

lI'm not aware, says party spokesman, Metuh

Quick Read

Editorial

The menace of baby factories

}19

BATTLE READY: A contigent of policemen demonstrating how to control crowd during the inauguration of Crowd Control Equipment in Abuja…yesterday.

Arrest Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo

Bird flu spreads to 11 states }8 lDanjuma seeks detention of Niger Delta ex-warlords for poll threats Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights }4

lWe've no apology for our stand, says ex-militant leader Donald Ojogor and Muhammad Kabir KANO

ormer Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, yesterday called for the arrest of

some former Niger Delta militants, such as Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo and Chief Government

Ekpemupolo, for threatening violence should President Goodluck Jonathan lose next month's presi-

dential election. Danjuma said in Kano, while inspecting the Kano CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Five PDP govs under watch over Buhari Donald Ojogo Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has put five of its governors under surveillance on the suspicion that they are romancing with All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, ahead of the February 14 contest. A top party official confided in New Telegraph that the governors were secretly mobilising sup-

port for Buhari to have at least 25 per cent of the total votes cast in their respective states to brighten his chances of winning the presidential election. The source listed the governors being watched as Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Mr. James Bala Ngilari (Adamawa) and Abubakar Danladi (Taraba). The source said the party leadership had doubts

about the commitment of the governors, along with some other bigwigs of the party who nurse grievances following the party's primaries, to ensure wholeheartedly work for the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan next month. It could, however, not be independently confirmed if more states are involved in the deal to ease Buhari's victory just as PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, dismissed the alleged deal. The source said the

party had in its possession ‘verifiable evidence’ that some of the PDP governors, especially those whose interests were bruised in the last primaries were "willing to give the opposition party soft landing in some states." “On paper, we say there is no problem, but in the real sense of it, there are bottled-up anger and animosity across the various chapters of the party in the country. As a party, we are not losing sight of this and we are doing everything humanly possible to stem

any slide in any state chapter of the PDP. “It is a thing that calls for worry because we have verifiable evidence and enough facts indeed that some of the PDP governors you press call aggrieved governors are already preparing ground to allow General Buhari have a leverage that can give him the required 25 per cent of total votes cast in the February 14 presidential election. “The irony is that we do know this fact but we do not in the same breath,

want to confront them and rock the boat. The only thing we can do is to put them under serious surveillance as we approach the elections”, the source said. However, Metuh who claimed ignorance of such a development said no PDP governor was hobnobbing with Buhari. According to him, the reports are fabricated by APC to create confusion in the ruling party. “This is a rumour and a lie fabricated by the opposition to create confusion in our midst. All our governors are intact and fully committed to the ideals of the PDP. They have all been working against the APC and its candidate and cannot turn around to support the opposition in any form. “They are fully committed to the aspiration of the president for a second term because he has put the nation on the right track in terms of the nation’s economy and the direction of the polity. I urge you to ignore the rumour and place the APC where it belongs,” Metuh said in response to New Telegraph inquiry.

APC: Boko Haram will take over if Jonathan wins Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) yesterday said that another four years of President Goodluck Jonathan in the saddle of governance will see the Boko Haram insurgents overrun Nigeria. APCPCO stated this in reaction to Jonathan's promise to deal with Boko Haram, if re-elected. The Presidential Campaign Organisation further stated that President Jonathan lacks the competence, capacity and training to deal with the Boko Haram menace ravaging many parts of the NorthEast and therefore cannot be taken seriously when he claims that he will deal with the terrorists. Director of Media and Publicity of the campaign organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu, posited that the claim by President Jonathan during his campaign visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, that he would deal with the menace of the terrorists looks more like a joke or mere talk designed for the occasion of the campaign event.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Travel Advisory

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

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

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

KQ 533 KQ 534

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

12:30hrs

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

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

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

Accra-Lagos

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

EMIRATES AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS DELTA AIRLINES

UNITED AIRLINES

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

IBERIA

air maroc

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

(SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30

MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00

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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Court lifts ban on APC’s fund-raising platform lParty sues NCC, telecom firms, seeks N25bn damages

Akeem Nafiu

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured an interim injunction, overruling the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) ban on its fundraising scheme pending the determination of the substantive suit. Ruling on an ex-parte application brought by APC, yesterday, Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos restrained Etisalat, MTN Nigeria Limited, Globacom Limited, Airtel Nigeria and Visafone Communications Limited from implementing the NCC’s ban. While granting the motion, Justice Buba ordered that the 2nd to 6th defendants should immediately re-activate the applicant's presidential campaign fund-raising SMS scheme. Justice Buba ordered the telecoms firms “to continue to run, operate and/or restore to its full operative use the SMS Code platform 35350 created for fund-raising for the applicant’s presidential campaign.” The judge also granted the applicant leave to serve the respondents the originating summons and other processes outside the court's jurisdiction. Hearing of the substantive suit has been adjourned till the 4th of February. The APC lawyer, Kola Awodein (SAN), had urged the court to declare the NCC's directive as "unconstitutional, illegal, null, void and of no effect," argued that the NCC acted ultra vires its power when it gave such directive against the provisions of sections 39 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution. The APC is consequently asking the court to award N25 billion as damages against the NCC in its favour for allegedly inhibiting its financial capacity to prosecute its presidential campaign towards the February 14 presidential election. In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/16/15, the APC sued NCC and the telecom firms. In an 18-paragragh affidavit deposed to by one, Ademola Sodiq, the APC accused the NCC of instructing the 2nd to 6th respondents to discontinue an SMS platform it created for the purpose of getting donations from willing members of the public for its presidential

campaign. According to the deponent, the participatory fund-raising strategy was for members of the public to contribute N100 to the APC's presidential campaign fund each time they sent APC as an SMS to 35350. Sodiq added that the party's strategy was borne out of its commitment to raising fund for its presidential campaign in a "transparent and accountable manner." He stated further that within few hours of launching the strategy the party was getting about four to five text messages per minute and had received a total of 5,400 SMS before the NCC directed the telecommunications service providers to discontinue the scheme. He said: "Shortly after the applicant announced its participatory fundraising strategy on Tuesday, January 20, the first respondent immediately addressed a letter to the 2nd respondent, which was received in Lagos, wherein a purported directive was given to all telecommunications service providers (2nd to 6th respondents inclusive), warning them 'to avoid running political advertisement/promotions that will portray them as being partisan." According to Sodiq, the NCC in the letter with reference number NCC/CAB/GEN/2015/ Vol.1/004 and back-dated January 19, also threatened to sanction the telecommunications service providers if they fail to discontinue the SMS forthwith. Sodiq said: "Since the purported directive of the 1st respondent which affects the applicant's SMS code 35350 platform, members, loyalists, supporters, sympathisers and other Nigerians, who intend to donate to the presidential campaign of the applicant have been incapacitated from using the platform, which has inhibited the plaintiff's financial capacity to effectively prosecute its presidential campaign." While accusing the NCC of discriminating against the APC, Sodiq said he remembered and had proof that President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, in 2010, raised fund for their campaign using short codes designated: 6661, 662, 6663 and 6664, registered with one Wagitel Communications Limited. According to Sodiq, by

banning the APC presidential campaign fundraising scheme, the NCC

contravened Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 9 (1) (2) and

19 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (Ratification and

Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

L-R: President, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Acting Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo and Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, during a courtesy call on Gwarzo, in Abuja…yesterday

Okonjo-Iweala accuses Soludo of mismanaging banking sector CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dent Goodluck Jonathan's watch. The minister was reacting to Soludo's analysis on the economy, published on Monday in some national newspapers, in which he scored Jonathan low. According to him, the Jonathan government is Nigeria’s worst in the management of the economy. He said while the president lacked achievements to point to, or clear future plans as he seeks re-election, his main challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, also lacks specific plans on how to salvage the economy, if he wins next month's presidential election. However, Okonjo-Iweala launched a tirade against Soludo, whom she accused of mismanaging the banking sector during his tenure. She said the financial crises that engulfed the banking sector between 2005 and 2009 was precipitated by the failure Soludo as CBN governor to properly regulate the sector. According to her, though consolidation of the banking sector was a good policy idea of the Obasanjo administration, conceived to create a mega banking institution, it

failed because Soludo mismanaged its implementation, leading to the worst financial crisis in Nigeria’s history. “In fact, the banking sector was brought to its knees and required a massive bailout by Nigerian taxpayers. This bailout was done by his successor (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now Emir of Kano) who cleaned up all the bad debts and transferred them to the newly-established Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), from where they are managed today. "So let it be noted for the record books that Soludo’s single-handed mismanagement of the banking sector led to an incredible accumulation of liabilities that will cost taxpayers about N5.67 trillion (being the total face value of AMCONissued bonds) to clean up,” she said. Okonjo-Iweala added that the amount, which is more than the entire Federal Government's 2015 budget, constitutes the bulk of Nigeria’s “contingent liabilities” mentioned in Soludo’s article. She disagreed with Soludo that the economy has not performed well under Jonathan; saying contrary to his position, the economy has performed better under the current

administration. She said: "It is true that the economy grew well during the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a result of the reforms supported by the president and implemented by the Economic Management Team. Please note that the finance minister under whose leadership that good performance took place, including massive unprecedented debt relief, is still the finance minister today. "But thorough examination of the facts on performance under the Jonathan administration will also reveal that at a time when global economic performance was mediocre, with GDP (gross domestic product) growth averaging about 3 per cent per annum, Nigeria’s GDP growth – averaging about 6 per cent per annum – is indeed remarkable. "Even more interesting is the fact that the oil sector did not drive this economic performance, but the nonoil sector (agriculture, manufacturing, telecommunications, the creative economy, and so on), which shows that the current administration’s diversification objective under the Transformation Agenda is working. Transformation equals diversification. “This current govern-

ment managed to control inflation, which he Soludo, was not able to do during his time at the helm of monetary policy in Nigeria. "When he left the Central Bank in 2009, inflation – which hurts the poor and vulnerable in the society the most – was above 13 per cent per annum. Now, inflation is at single-digit, at 8 per cent per annum." The minister accused Soludo of being driven by "bitterness and bile" in reaching his conclusions. "We need to look to the truth and to professionalism. This is where Professor Soludo totally fails. It is a sad day for Nigeria and the economics profession that someone like Soludo, a former CBN governor, should write such an article. If Soludo wants to regain respect, he should return to the path of professionalism. He certainly needs something to improve his image from that of someone whose sojourn into the National Economic Management ended in a disaster for the banking sector, his sojourn in politics, ended in overwhelming rejection by the electorate, and more recently, his sojourn abroad, has put him out of touch with the reality of the Nigerian economy," Okonjo-Iweala stated.

News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari’s certificate: Complainant alleges threat to life Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he lead complaint in the criminal suit filed against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Shield Jones Ufot yesterday said he had received two threat phone calls asking him to withdraw the suit. He, however, said that a petition will be written to that effect and sent to the Inspector General of Police. Ufot alongside two others had on Tuesday filed a criminal suit against Buhari before an Abuja Magistrate Court over alleged giving of false evidence. The complainants had on behalf of their counsel, Ugochukwu Ezekiel, brought a direct criminal complaint pursuant to Section 143(5) and 152 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The complainants cited Buhari as the only defendant in the suit. The complainants alleged that Buhari gave a false evidence to a public officer contrary to Section 157 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section

158 of the Penal Code Law. The case is yet to be assigned. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, counsel to the complaints, Ezekiel said: "Since we filed the suit, we have received threats from all angles saying we should withdraw but we can't. The threats cannot deter us because what we are pursuing is for the good of the country. "If Buhari produces his certificate today, we will withdraw the suit and apologise to him. We cannot sit and allow a man who told brazen lies on oath just to get clearance to run for the Office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ride on the back of all Nigeri-

ans simply by displaying a fake facade of anti-corruption credentials. “The basic question is – what moral justification will such a man have to tackle the menace of corruption in our society if he eventually wins, since his entire aspiration was built on a heap of corruption? He must clear himself first before he will have the moral standing to talk of tackling corruption. "We are seriously pained that some well-educated Nigerians and other well-placed individuals do not see or pretend not to see the danger posed by allowing a man who cannot produce a school certificate run the affairs of

our country. How will the world view our dear country with a president who is sitting on a heap of lies? "Our call is that if General Buhari has any honour or dignity left, he should produce his certificate or immediately submit his notice of withdrawal as candidate of the APC pursuant to Section 35 of the Electoral Act, then come and face his trial. "If we are serious about having any kind of change in this country, we must all rise above party lines and political leanings and support the prosecution of General Buhari for no citizen is above the law and none can have immunity against prosecution

because of any perceived track record. Lying under oath to deceive a public officer is corruption at its best. "Let me remind us all that if we keep quiet in the face of such brazen assault on our laws by those who crave for power, then we have no moral high ground to complain tomorrow if our nation continues to decay.” On his part, Ufot said that they are ready to pursue the case to the Supreme Court and even ECOWAS court if possible. "We shall see it to a logical conclusion. Buhari did not submit any certificate to INEC," he added. In the suit, the complainants averred that

Buhari on December 18, 2014, filled and submitted INEC form C.F 001 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (a public office) wherein Buhari gave his qualification to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as West African School Certificate (WASC), which he claimed to have obtained in 1961. They submitted that Buhari never sat for the West African Examination Council examination in 1961 as he claimed and that in the entire records of the school and West African Examination Council, there appeared no name of the said Muhammadu Buhari.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

32o C 25oC Thunder Storms

ABUJA

37oC

23oC

Partially Cloudy

PORT HARCOURT

26oC

18oC

Storms

KANO

30oC

11oC

Partially Cloudy

ENUGU

36oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

IBADAN

36o C 23oC Thunder Storms

CALABAR

32oC

22oC

Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

31oC 12oC Sunny

36oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

L-R: Sales Director, General Trade, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Adewale Arikawe; Marketing Director, Tarang Gupta; Managing Director, Rahul Colaco; Corporate Affairs Director, Ore Famurewa and Sales Director, Modern Trade, Wilco Djiken, at the launch of the new Three Crowns Milk in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Danjuma seeks detention of Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo for poll threats CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

State North West University, that the former militants were making reckless and irresponsible statements capable of plunging Nigeria into war. He spoke against the backdrop of a meeting last weekend in Yenagoa where Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo and other top former Niger Delta militants threatened war and the breakup of Nigeria should Jonathan lose the election. Besides the former warlords, others at the meeting included Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku. However, Danjuma described the statements as reckless and called on security agencies to arrest those threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria immediately.

According to him, Nigeria is passing through a critical moment in its electioneering year and therefore, politicians and their supporters should be cautious of their utterances to forestall a breakdown in law and order. He said Nigeria is greater and bigger than any other person no matter his position or how close to power he is. It is a sad moment to hear some people making serious comments that are aim at creating disaffection and tension, he added. He said: "You should arrest Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo, Boyloaf and other Niger Delta militants for making reckless statements, which in any way do not mean keeping Nigeria as one entity and creating a war situation." He said people who are irresponsible should not be allowed to always have

their ways by making inciting statements because they are having sympathy of the powers that be. "This kind of people, whoever they are, they should be arrested and prosecuted because their unguided statements are so irresponsible that might create serious tension among the Nigerian ethnic nationalities," he stated. Danjuma frowned on the way and manner politicians are going about their campaigns, attacking one another, warning that if such is allowed to continue, it could endanger the peace of the country. He said: "Politicians should guide against making inciting statements that are capable of putting this country into serious trouble all in the name of campaigning. Rather than campaigning on issues, they are busy making abusive and unguided

statements that are capable of creating tension in the country. Campaigns should be based on issues; not showering of abusive words that are rather creating tension in the polity. "There should be also continuity in governance; where somebody stops, the next person should continue because even as a minister, the next person in the same government wants to create his own programme and agendas." Tompolo, in a swift reaction to Danjuma's condemnation of their position on the forthcoming presidential election, said they owed nobody any apology for their position. His spokesman, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, told New Telegraph in an interview that Danjuma's position amounted to double standard. He said: "Where was this Nigerian statesman

when the former finance minister, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, threatened to make Nigeria ungovernable if the president defeated the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari? Where was this Nigerian when Dr. Junaid Muhammed made a similar statement that the North will go to war if power did not return to the Northern region? Where was this so-called Nigerian leader when former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, former head of state, Buhari, all said in separate interviews that the nation will boil if Jonathan won re-election in 2011? "We have no apologies for our stand. The nation called Nigeria belongs to us all and no one can intimidate and cow us out of this race. We are prepared to defend our lawful votes on February 14."

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

PDP, Presidency behind plot to shift polls, APC alleges Temitope Ogunbanke

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency of orchestrating the ongoing campaign for postponement of the February general elections. APC in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, declared that: “There is no clearer indication that the PDP and the Presidency are the puppeteers behind the election shift campaign than Wednesday's newspaper advertorial plainly campaigning for the polls to be shifted. ''This advert, which has the picture of President Goodluck Jonathan and the logo of the PDP – meaning they will be the sole beneficiaries of the postponement they are seeking – leaves no one in doubt that the ruling party and the Presidency are pathologically dishonest, deliberately deceptive and chronically terrified about the elections.” The APC said now that all pretences are off and the sponsors of the election postponement campaign have been unveiled, Nigerians must reject

them and their campaign. “The campaign, which is hinged on the fact that many Nigerians have not collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), is not sincere. If it is, the PDP and the Presidency would have instead been urging Nigerians to go all out and collect their PVCs so that the election can hold. Why is this so impossible for them to do? “Like we said earlier, what prevents the Federal Government from declaring a three-day public holidays to give Nigerians the opportunity to collect their PVCs? Why is it that only the PDP and its sponsored groups and individuals are the ones leading the campaign for election postponement, even as our party, the APC, has been campaigning for Nigerians to go and collect their PVCs? “Is it not instructive that at least 26 political parties have joined the nopostponement campaign, while the PDP/Presidency, as well as the lick-spittle individuals and groups who have been compromised one way or another, continue to beat the drums of election shift?” the party said. APC appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria

(CJN) to ensure that the courts are not used as a tool to sabotage the elections and indeed the nation's democracy. “We know that the next frontier in the ongoing battle by the PDP/Presidency to get our candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, disqualified and have the elections postpone, is in the court. We know they will seek to secure spurious injunctions to scuttle the elections, following the footsteps of the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) in 1993. This is why we are appealing to the CJN. “For the avoidance of doubt, we are ready for the elections and we will not, under any circumstance, support any shift in the dates for the elections, which were fixed more than a year ago. “If the PDP and the Presidency are not afraid of anything, we challenge them to come out today to denounce the campaign for election postponement, dissociate themselves from it and announce unequivocally that they are ready for the elections. Failure to do that, they stand accused of working hard to sabotage the elections and truncate the nation's democracy,” APC said.

IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA UNIVERSITY, LAPAI OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR Ref: R/EXT/37

INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATI ON AND TENDER FOR YEAR 2013 TETFUND SPECIAL INTERVENTION 1.

The Management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai invites interested, competent and reputable contractors/suppliers to make submissions for the Pre-qualifications and Tender for year 2013 Tetfund Special Intervention.

Description and Code Lot (i) Procurement and Installation of 1 No. Real Time Thermocycler, 6 Nos. Peltier PCR Machine, 10 Nos. Electrophoresis Machine and Accessories, and various other equipment for Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology Research. Lot (ii) Procurement and Installation of 25 No. M 100-LS82 Battery XD-SST33 (400KVA) Complete with all accessories. Lot (iii) Procurement and Installation of 4 No. Real Presence Group 500-72p: Group 500 HD Codec, Eagle EyeIV-12 x Cameral, mic array univ-recmote, NTSC/PAL Cables: 2 HDMI 1.8m, 1 Cat SE LAN 3.6m 1HDCI Digital 3m Power: UK-Type G, BS 1363 4No. Polycom Eagle Eye IV Cameral with 12 x Zoom 8No. 4No. LN5420 60-inch Video conferencing visual studio etc. Lot (iv) Procurement and Installation of 6No Smart Board X885 interactive white board with UX60 Projector Software license and all installation accessories. Lot (v) Procurement and Installation of 4No 1.5KVA 24V Inverter System, 8No 200Amp Deka Batteries, 4No Design and Installation Kits.

The pre-qualification requirements to be provided by interested contractors are as follows: (i) Evidence of Incorporation or Registration of Business with the Corporate Affairs Commission. (ii) Evidence of Company Audited Accounts for three (3) years (iii) Evidence of Financial capability and Banking support. (iv) Technical capabilities of the Firm or Company in terms of equipment, staff strength including the profile of the key officers. (v) Verifiable evidence of similar and other jobs successfully executed with their locations. (vi) Evidence of Equipment and Technical capacity. (vii) Annual Turnover (viii) Evidence of three (3) years Tax clearance. (ix) VAT Registration and evidence of past VAT Remittances. (x) Office Registration. (xi) Evidence of Compliance with Pensions Reform Act 2007. (xii) Evidence of Compliance with Industrial Training Fund (ITF) contributions requirement. (xiii) Original documents should be available for sighting on demand during or after opening of pre-qualification documents.

Collection of Bid Documents Interested Contractors/firms should collect Standard Bid Documents as from Friday 30th January, 2015 from the office of the Registrar Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Main Campus, Lapai upon the presentation of a Bank draft of a non-refundable processing fee of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000:00) only for each lot.

Submission of Tender Documents Prequalification documents (Technical bids) together with the financial Bids with all the required supporting documents should be neatly packaged in two (2) separate sealed envelopes and appropriately marked “Technical” and “Financial” respectively. Each envelope should be clearly marked on the right top corner stating the Project Lot number and title as well as Company’s name. Both envelopes should be placed in a third bigger envelop marked with the appropriate project title and Lot number as well as Company’s name and addressed to the Registrar, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, PMB 11 not later than the date indicated for the opening of bids in this publication.

Opening of Bids The Technical Bids (i.e the prequalification bids) shall be opened on Friday February 13th, 2015 at the Management Committee Room Administrative Block, Main Campus Lapai at 12noon. Bidders or their representatives are invited to witness the Public opening exercise accordingly. Opening of Financial Bids of Tenders adjudged technically competent shall be done at a later date that will be communicated to successful (prequalified) Contractors/firms.

Please note: (a) Due Diligence/verification of facts visits, which will be weighted for pre-qualification shall be undertaken to determine competent contractors to tender for the contract. (b) Only bidders that have been pre-qualified and found capable of executing the projects will be contacted for the opening of financial bids.

Salami slams judiciary for succumbing to politicians Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

ormer President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, yesterday lamented that the Nigerian judiciary has succumbed to pressure from politicians. Salami, at a public lecture on voters’ education in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, also queried the involvement of the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, and officials of other state apparatus, particularly security personnel, on the campaign team of President Goodluck Jonathan. Salami, who was special guest at the event which was organised by Mustapha Akanbi Foundation, argued that the judiciary has joined other agencies of government to dash the expectations of Nigerians. His words: "We have problem now in convincing the voters to come and vote. That is why they are not collecting their vot-

ers’ cards. There is apathy and the apathy must have been generated by various reasons, failure of their expectations and the failure of agencies of government established to make their expectations realised. “The military and other arms of security behave as if they are part of the candidate. They are not. They are agencies and institutions of Federal Government. An institution of Federal Government is different from the candidate who incidentally is the president. The other day the Chairman of NOA was in President Jonathan’s campaign. Is he playing his role as the agency of the Federal Government? “Again, the judiciary unfortunately has been intimidated. There is no doubt about it; judiciary has been intimidated. The judiciary has succumbed to pressure of the powers that be. So, why do I vote when my vote will not count? In fact, the judiciary in the past had corrected this error but now who is there?” But Grand Khadi of the

Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Justice Solihu Mohammed said the judiciary would still live up to expectations, saying most judicial officers have nothing to do with politicians except to handle cases concerning them whenever such matters arise. The Grand Khadi said: “Judiciary is a system and in our system, we do our things the way we have been thought to do our things. We have what we call code of conduct for our judges and it is like a Bible or Quran to all of us. So, nobody no matter how highly placed you are that you can scuttle anything before us. “We would attend to all cases coming before us the way we see them and the way they have been argued. All Nigerians will see the transparency when we begin to look at these election issues. We judicial officers don't know politicians; we just see them campaigning. If they bring any case to us, we attend to them. Certainly we have nothing to do with them other than to wish them well.”

SIGNED

Samaila Muhammad Registrar

News

NATIONAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Minister confirms bird flu outbreak in 11 states EPIDEMIC

Govt to compensate affected farmers with N145m

he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, yesterday confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in 11 states of the federation.

Adesina announced that the Federal Government had approved N145 million to compensate farmers affected by the outbreak of the disease. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the Minister made the disclosure at an emergency meeting on Avian Influenza with state commissioners for agricul-

ture in Abuja. The minister directed that the compensation should be paid to the farmers within 72 hours. Adesina named the states affected by the outbreak of the disease as Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Imo, Oyo and Jigawa states. He explained that the

compensation was for 39 farms across nine states where depopulation was carried out as a measure to control the outbreak. The minister said that the affected farmers would get N1.4 million each. “We want all those who are exposed to report. The Federal Government just like we dealt with Ebola

are on top of the situation. “We are not in a state of an epidemic and will collaborate with states and our development partners to ensure that there is no room for panic,’’ Adesina said. According to him, as at January 21, a total of 139, 505 birds had been exposed with 22, 173 mortal-

CBN: Emefiele’s achievements excite BALMORAL boss

anaging Director/ Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), of BALMORAL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, company, Mr. Niyi Adegbenro, has expressed excitement over the achievements of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in a very short period in office. Adegbenro, who is a Lagos based auto dealer and entrepreneur, who took a critical look at Emefiele’s successful reforms at the Apex bank less than one year in office, urged Nigerians to encourage him more to be able to build on the good foundation he has laid. The businessman, who commended President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing the Delta State born financial guru, said that “the apex bank governor on February 14, 2014 successfully launched a centralized biometric identification system for the banking industry tagged Bank Verification Number (BVN).” According to Adegbenro, BVN gives every individual a unique identity, which can be verified across the Banking industry, saying the laudable policy “will help the banking industry in various ways like reducing identity theft, fishing out blacklisted customers.” The auto dealer, who is the first maternal grandson of the late elder statesman and frontline nationalist, Pa Alfred Rewane was particularly happy with Emefiele’s achievements in the Outbound Money Transfer Service, which was launched, as part of the key initiative of the apex bank, in partnership with the Western Union Money Transfer (WUMT). Adegbenro was also thrilled by CBN governor’s release of the commemorative N100 banknote unveiled recently by President Goodluck Jonathan, which is in circulation now.

L-R: Founding Chairman, Nigeria Elections Debate Group, Chief Taiwo Alimi; Chairman, Mr. Shola Omole and member, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, at a news conference on the presidential and vice-presidential debates in Abuja …yesterday

ity recorded and as at Jan. 27, 232,385 were exposed and 51, 444 mortality recorded. He said the ministry was working closely with state governments, the Poultry Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association and the Animal Science Association of Nigeria to contain the spread of the flu. The minister said he had directed a nationwide comprehensive surveillance, quarantine, de-population and decontamination of affected poultry farms. He said that poultry product if cooked well was safe for consumption, adding that the main channel of infection was direct contact with infected surfaces or objects contaminated with faeces of infected birds. Adesina urged the citizenry to imbibe high level of hygiene, calling on stakeholders to cooperate with government to quickly control the outbreak. He urged the private sector to cash in on the opportunity to establish veterinary laboratories across the country for easy and faster diagnosis of animal diseases.

Taskforce orders removal of adverts, posters Poll: IGP inaugurates in Lagos election monitoring centre from federal roads tor of the establishment, time from now. Emmanuel Onani ABUJA

he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, has commissioned a Joint Operation Centre, for effective security coverage and monitoring of the February 14 and 28 general election. The centre will be operated by senior police officers as well as personnel of other security agencies involved in providing security during and after the elections. That was as he warned politicians against resorting to extra-judicial means in addressing electoral defeat. Abba stated that apart from the operation centre, which is situated at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, all police commands across the country and the Force Headquarters, have also been equipped with similar facilities. Specifically, he disclosed that the centre at the Force Headquarters, will be operated by representatives of service chiefs, the IGP, as well

as those of para-military services. His words: "We have sensitised officers that will be on the field, but it is still expected that they may require intervention, at least in form of advice by the senior officers. "I cannot be tired of assuring members of the public that we will not relent in our efforts to make sure that adequate security is provided for the conduct of the election," he said. He assured Nigerians that the centres were fully equipped with Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, for enhanced field monitoring operation. While demonstrating the crowd control readiness of the force, the IGP noted: "This is one of the ways of preparing the personnel to discharge duties, particularly when more and more people are becoming apprehensive of violence during the election." The police and other security agencies, will require prominence at the 155,000 polling units and 9,000 collation centres across the federation.

Wole Shadare

he federal task force of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) yesterday advised all agencies and public firms to remove their signposts, billboards and other posters from all federal roads in Lagos State. Failure to heed this advice which takes immediate effect according to the Federal Government establishment will attract serious consequences. The National Coordina-

Alhaji Abdulrazak Rafiu Otto, while making this declaration in an interview with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, attributed the latest development to the approval right granted the establishment by President Goodluck Jonathan to take charge of all revenue collection on all advertisements placed on all federal roads in the state on behalf of the Federal Government. Otto hinted that plans had been concluded to deploy task force officials on the affected roads any-

The National Coordinator, while speaking at a rally held in Lagos State to sensitize Lagosians on the activities of the SURE-P/FERMA task force, on behalf of the officers, praised President Jonathan for empowering the establishment which has generated employment for over 20, 000 young graduates. Otto had earlier joined men of the task force in a road trek throughout Lagos metropolis accompanied by men of the Nigeria Mobile police force from the Lagos command.

Nigeria can’t ignore the Igbo, says Ogbeh Ebere Ameh

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has declared that the presidency will soon go to the Igbo race because it is an important ethnic group in Nigeria that cannot be ignored. He made the declaration during the presentation of awards to the Igbo person of the year 2014 to Mr Festus Mbisiogu in Lagos at the weekend, in response to a question on the fate of the Igbo in 2019,

if APC wins the presidential election. According to Ogbeh, the issue of which zone produces the presidency in 2019 should not determine whom we vote for as we have a federation to maintain and preserve. “I don’t think anybody can ignore the Igbo in this country; you can’t. They are such an important ethnic group and there is no way that we can escape the presidency going to Igbo land someday and soon too. So, I don’t think there is anything to fear

there. We have a federation that must be kept; it must be preserved. There must be equity. But I will also advise that people should vote as freely as they are. It is not only the Igbo who will guarantee the election in 2019. If they contest, they need the rest of the country. So, let it be open. People who are convinced that he is the best candidate should vote for him. But when it comes to sharing, I don’t think anybody will say to the Igbo that you don’t have a stake.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

News

NATIONAL

Court grants Kalu, others leave to serve Orji's son process Akeem Nafiu

ustice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday granted leave to the former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and The Sun Publishing Ltd to serve court processes on the State Governor's son by substituted means. It would be recalled that Kalu and The Sun

Publishing Ltd had instituted a suit through their lawyer, Chief Charles Afam Enwelunta, against the Attorney General of Abia State, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police, Abia State and the state governor's son, Chinedu Orji, over alleged continuous harassment, intimidation and unwarranted continuous invasion of its office by the respondents.

Following the inability of the court's bailiff to serve the respondent’s copies of the court processes, lawyer to the applicants, Enwelunta, filed an application seeking the court’s leave to serve the respondents by substituted means. Justice Mohammed, while granting the leave directed that the processes be published in the Daily Sun Newspaper.

The matter has since been adjourned till the 6th of Feb. For mention. In the suit, the applicants are seeking for the following declarations among others; "A declaration that the first applicant, The Sun Publishing Ltd being a registered newspaper publishing company in law, has a constitutional right to publish news, news item, opinions,

commentaries and/ or editorials to the reading public and within the confines of the law and as such cannot be unlawful harassed, intimidated or persecuted by the respondents or their agents or the Government of Abia State presently led by Chief T. A Orji’’. "A declaration that the second applicant, Dr Kalu, being a publisher and a columnist with the first applicant has the constitutional right to freely express his opinion on diverse international, national and economic and socio-political issues as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution of Nigeria, once same is

within the confines of the law and should not be unlawfully harassed, intimidated or persecuted by the respondent or their agents or the Government of Abia State presently led by Chief T. A Orji’’. “A declaration that the show of naked power by the respondents and the agents of Abia State Government on April 28, 2014 at 8.55 AM, at the Aba office of the first applicant while allegedly beating staffers, vendors and newspaper distributors and carting away large sums of money belonging to The Sun Publishing Ltd was unconstitutional, illegal, barbaric and unlawful.’’

NERC hears case on alleged illegal power trading Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

T L-R: Business Development Manager, Shell and Vivo Lubricants, West Africa, Mr. Kodjo Nunkeoeku; General Manager,Nigeria Independent Petroleum Company Plc, Mr. Raju Kaul; Marketing Manager, Shell and Vivo Lubricant, Africa, Mr. Bernard Kituyi and a dealer, Mr. Aliyu Hamzat, during the unveiling of Shell and Vivo Lubricant to the Nigerian market in Abuja...yesterday

Huge effort needed to fight Boko PDP accuses INEC of partiality Haram, says US commander with Buhari’s certificate

eneral David Rodriguez, head of US Africa Command has said that turning the tide against Boko Haram would require a “huge” international effort. He also took a swipe at Nigeria’s response to the emboldened extremists. Rodriguez said the Islamists’ gains on the battlefield are cause for concern and “the number of people displaced is just staggering.” “I think it’s going to take a huge international and multinational effort there to change a trajectory that continues to go in the wrong direction,” Rodriguez said at an event organized by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. “The Nigerian leadership and Nigerian military are going to have

to really improve their capacities to be able to handle that.” Rodriguez said the Nigerian military’s response “was not working very effectively and actually in some places made it worse.” He added: “I hope that they let us help more and more.” Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States, Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, complained in November that his country is “not satisfied” with US support for the struggle against Boko Haram and that Washington has blocked the sale of some military hardware over human rights concerns. In a visit Sunday to Lagos, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington was “prepared to do more” to help Nigeria counter Boko Haram.

Johnchuks Onuanyim

DPR to demolish illegal filling station

ABUJA

he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday said it would soon start demolition of illegal petroleum retail outlets in Abuja and Niger State. The Zonal Controller of Operation of DPR, Mr

Mohammed Usman, stated this during a presentation at the DPR and oil Marketers' Annual General Meeting in Abuja. Usman, who said the agency discovered 67 illegal retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State as at December 2014,

Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to pass a vote of no confidence on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if it goes ahead to publish the particulars of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, 40 days outside the stipulation of the law. The Director, Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, said to do so would be in breach of Section 31 (3) of the Electoral Act, which says that INEC "shall within seven days of the receipt of the personal particulars of

said eight were located in FCT while 59 were in Niger. The controller, who, however, said 10 of the illegal outlets have been regularised, noted that nine of them were in Abuja while one was in Niger He, therefore, called

the candidate, publish same in the constituency...” He noted that Buhari did not attach any certificate on his INEC form part C as at December 18, 2014, the last day according to the INEC guidelines for the submission of form CF001. Fani-Kayode said: "Buhari was the only candidate whose documents were not published like other presidential candidates as stipulated by law, having not attached any certificate previously". He also added that "as at 12 midnight of 30th December, 2014, the expiration of time provided by law for the substitution of candidates, APC did not avail itself that opportunity of substituting the unqualified Buhari for a duly qualified presidential candidate".

on the owners to regularize them. "All illegal retail outlets that have town planning authority approval should come forward for immediate regularization. Meanwhile, demolition of all non-regulated retail outlets shall commence soon,” he said.

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday held a hearing of a petition filed before it by Samuel Aremu accusing Samuel Ukpong, 1004 Estate Limited and Eko Electricity Distribution Company of illegal trading in electricity. The petitioner, Aremu, alleged that the first respondent, Samuel Ukpong, deprived him of access to other amenities in the estate following their disagreement over allegation of illegal trading in electricity. In a statement from Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, Head, Public Affairs

Department Aremu accused the 3rd respondent, EKEDC of complicity for not following due process in disconnecting him from power supply in contravention of section 7 (4) of the business rule governing both parties. Aremu had in his petition explained that disagreement over electricity supply should not be used to abridge his right to use other facilities in the estate. He further prayed the panel for two weeks adjournment as he was just receiving response to his petition from the respondents in the Hearing Room of the Commission and that he will require time to read through and prepare his reply.

Fashola tasks Southwest HoS on service delivery Muritala Ayinla

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday charged the Heads of Service (HOS) in the South West geo-political zone to restore the glory of efficient service delivery for which the region was noted in the olden days. Fashola, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire told the participants from the six southwest states to chart a new course that would translate to development and effective service delivery to the people. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Summit of Heads of Service in the South-West geo-political zone, Fashola said it has become expedient for the states

to continue to relate, exchange ideas and design sustainable ways that would make citizens feel the true impact of leadership and governance. According to the governor, prior to Nigeria’s independence, the six states in the region formed the great Western region, which recorded a number of monumental firsts in visible infrastructural and manpower development in the country before the oil boom era. Harping on the theme for the Summit, entitled: ‘Deepening Capability: Innovations in Service Delivery’, he added that the theme would remind them of the need to ensure commitment, dedication and resourcefulness of public servants to deliver quality services to the people.

THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro Ogunsakin tasks policemen on professionalism

Taiwo Jimoh

he new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in charge of Zone 6, Calabar, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, has called on policemen in the zone to be professional and law-abiding in the discharge of their duties. Ogunsakin made the call on Monday a few hours after resuming as the AIG at the zone, comprising Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. His predecessor, Mr Mark Adamu Udakwo, commended officers in the zone for their selfless service and dedication to the force. Udakwo urged the officers and men of the zone to cooperate with the new AIG and continue to carry out their work diligently. Addressing the policemen, Ogunsakin emphasised the need for professionalism among police officers in the zone and charged them to carefully study the Electoral Act to ensure safety of lives and property within the zone. He noted that it was essential for all police officers to also study the new Code of Conduct guidelines prepared by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, for the elections. Ogunsakin promised that the police hierarchy would continue to protect and equip them. He urged them to be free to offer suggestions on how to improve security in the zone.

File picture of suspected vandals paraded by NSCDC officials

Vandals shoot two NSCDC officers, abduct others John Edu

resh facts emerged yesterday about the attack on Owutu Police Station, Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Monday, officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were shot and were now fighting to stay alive at an undisclosed hospital. The source added that two other NSCDC officers were still being held hostage by the

gunmen. On Monday, gunmen launched attack on Owutu Police Station. They killed two policemen and a commercial motorcyclist. They also injured several people, raided the station’s armoury and freed detainees. The suspected oil thieves also stole four AK47 rifles. Trouble started after members of NSCDC got information that oil thieves were operating at Abule-Tapa in Ikorodu.

The NSCDS arrested one of the vandals. When others went to intercept the officers to free their partner, they found the site empty. Apparently angry, they vented their anger on the police station, which was along their route. More facts suggested that the vandals also attacked some NSCDC officers the same night. Two were shot and another two are being held hostage. An NSCDC officer said:

Man kidnaps two-year-old baby in Kogi Ogunsakin

Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

T ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

he Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested a 21-year-old, Sunday Okafor, for kidnapping a two-year-old boy in Kogi State. Luck ran out on the suspect, according to the state Director of DSS, Mr M. Fubara, while attempting to smuggle the child from Lokoja to Togo. According to him, Okafor had planned to sell the baby for N200,000. Parading the suspect, Fubara said the department uncovered the plot by some people to be kidnapping children

for ritual in view of the general election. The father of the victim, Mr Henry Robert, said he had known the suspect for a long time. He said Okafor had been coming to his house to play with the boy whose name he gave as Prince Robert. Robert, however, said it never occurred to him that the suspect had an ulterior motive. Okafor, who claimed to be selling phones seller at Papa Rounda Square in Lokoja, confessed to the crime. He said he was conscripted by a friend, who he identified as Okoro, now at large.

The baby

“The fight between us and the vandals started midnight on Monday. Two of our men were shot. They are now in the hospital. Several of our men were injured. Two of our men are missing. “We believe that they are being held hostage. We pray that they are still alive. “We, however, killed more of the vandals. We did not get any alive. We are already tracking the vandals. We will get them.”

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015

Strike: Patients desert LASUTH Camillus Nnaji

he ongoing strike by the Joint Health Staff Union (JOHESU) has taken its toll on the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). A visit to the hospital yesterday showed that the wards have been deserted, while the ever crowded medical and surgical emergency units have only a pocket of patients. Only four patients were seen in the ward made for about 100 patients. A few of the patients and their relatives claimed that some people had died at LASUTH since the beginning of the strike. A relative of one of the patients, Mr Ezekiel Olusola, said the situation had put a lot of pressure on doctors. He said: “It has not been easy for the doctors to cope without the assistance of the nurses and medical attendants. After the consultation, they diagnose, administer treatment and drugs.” Olusola added that some patients had died while others had left for private hospitals. He said: “Many patients who might not have died have

Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

A patient being moved out of the Emergency Unit, of the LASUTH

died as a result of negligence. We know how critical emergency cases are. But because the nurses are not there, the patients can stay a whole day without getting attention.” A patient, who is hypertensive, described his experience at the hospital as very sad. He advised the government

to listen to the demands of the health workers. Mr Wale Bello, who brought his critically ill brother to hospital, said the strike had a negative impact on patients. He said: “The government should try and settle with the striking health workers. The government should respond to

their needs generally, otherwise when a particular heath workers’ union is treated in isolation, others will embark on strike.” JOHESU embarked on an indefinite strike on October 16 to protest non-implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the Federal Government.

Group want of killing during PDP, APC clash probed Shola Adefuwa

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Activists for Good Government, has called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate the killing of Mr Peter Eyitayo and the shooting of Mr Lanre Ogunjimi at Agege, Lagos State. The group said that while Ogunjimi was shot, Enitayo was killed last week during a clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Agege. The group demanded an

independent investigation, alleging that some policemen, who used to team up with politicians, were involved in the attack. The leader of the group, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, said: “Given the different reports of political assassinations and killings resulting from political rallies and clashes among party followers and thugs, it has become necessary to reemphasise the need to take necessary proactive measures if the February 2015 elections must not end in another violent experience. “It is never too late to take

such steps if the nation must be safe from gradual descent into political anarchy.” Ihekaire wanted the NHRC to probe and arrest those behind the killings of Eyitayo and shooting of Ogunjimi. According to him, if acts of impunities are handled with levity, they may lead to more clashes. He said: “We require independent investigation of Eyitayo and the gun wound victim on Ogunjimi. We also request that all those found connected to this dastard killing, irrespective of their status, must be made to face the

wrath of the law. We implore the NHRC to commence findings into the killing of Mr Peter Eyitayo in Agege on January 22, 2015.” Ihekaire also asked all party supporters to key into the peace pact signed by APC, PDP and other parties’ presidential candidates. He added: “We call on security agencies to refuse to be used as tools in the hands of politicians. We request that all those found to be connected to the killing and shooting of these men, should be made to face the law, irrespective of status.”

‘Customs officer’ held for drug trafficking Juliana Francis

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a man who claimed to be a customs officer. The suspect, Bob Chidubem Aguezeala, 45, was arrested while attempting to smuggle drugs to China. When he was arrested, Aguezeala claimed to be a serving customs officer at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. Preliminary investigation carried out by NDLEA agents showed that he was an impersonator. He was arrested along with Onyeka Emmanuel Obi, Stanley Obidiazor, Henry Chidi Ezeocha and Tochukwu Isaac Alor. The Head, Media and Publicity, NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoye-

One feared killed as robbers raid Ekiti bank

ju, said the Tin Can Command of the Nigerian Customs Service told the agency that there was no officer with that name and service number. He said: “Aguezeala was found to be a fake Customs officer. He claimed to be a 1993 graduate of Industrial Chemistry from the University of Port Harcourt. He hails from Imo State and conspired with Odidiazor to finance the trip of Obi to China with 1.175kg of heroin.” The agency also prevented the exportation of 34.605kg of cannabis and 1.175kg of heroin to China. The arrests and seizures took place at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos while other accomplices were apprehended during a follow-up operation. The drug recovered

Aguezeala

from Aguezeala and the four others weighed 35.78kg. The NDLEA commander at the MMIA, Hamza Umar, explained how the command arrested the five suspects with 35.78kg of illegal drugs.

He said: “We arrested one Onyeka Emmanuel Obi with 1.175kg of heroin while attempting to board Qatar Airline flight to China. Upon interrogation, Bob Chidubem Aguezeala a fake Customs

ne person was feared killed yesterday when suspected armed robbers attacked the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at a branch of an old generation bank at Ajilosun area of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The robbers also stole an undisclosed amount of money. A witness claimed one person was killed in the attack but the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, said no life was lost. Lakanu, however, confirmed the attack on the bank. But the witness said he saw a lifeless body in front of the bank which was evacuated to the morgue. The witness, who refused to give his name, said he could not say whether the victim was a member of staff of the bank or one of those who went to withdraw from the ATM. Lakanu said on the phone that the bank was attacked around 2am yesterday. The commissioner added that one of the suspects had been arrested and helping the police to track others who were on the run. The development led to the deployment of a large team of policemen around the bank. Also, customers, who were at the bank for transactions, could not be attended to as the financial institution locked its doors. The attack also created fear among the banks in the metropolis as many of them hurriedly shut their doors against customers. The residents bemoaned incessant attacks on banks in the state and called on the government to address the issue immediately. But Lakanu said his men were already investigating the attack, adding that those connected with the robbery would be arrested.

officer and Stanley Obidiazor were apprehended for allegedly sponsoring Obi. Henry Chidi Ezeocha and Tochukwu Isaac Alor were also caught with 11.430kg and 23.175kg of cannabis respectively on their way to China.” Obi, 39, a trader who sells Jeans at Mandilas, Lagos Island, said he was promised $4,000 to smuggle heroin to China. He said: “I was given 100 wraps of heroin by Stanley (Obidiazor) to swallow. I was able to swallow 68 wraps because it is my first time. They also promised to pay me $4,000 but unfortunately the drug was detected by the scanning machine. “I got involved in drug trafficking because I lost $10,000 dollars in my business. I was desperate to recover my lost money.” Ezeocha, 33, who resides in Onitsha, was caught with 11.160kg of cannabis.

News

THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

Baga attack: Military ignored warnings –Amnesty Emmanuel Onani Abuja

s the dust raised by the Boko Haram’s separate attacks on Baga and Monguno towns in Borno State, is yet to settle, Amnesty International (AI) has alleged that the military ignored repeated warnings of impending attacks on the towns. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in a swift reaction yesterday, described the allegation as “misleading” and “inciting”.

•Claims misleading, inciting - DHQ While Baga was overrun on January 3, with over 150 people killed and thousands displaced, Monguno came under attack on January 25. Amnesty International, through its African Director, Netsanet Belay, said its position was predicated on the privileged information it obtained from an unnamed top military officer, coupled with evidence from other sources. It maintained that field

commanders at the Baga military formation, had severally informed the military authorities in Abuja, about a planned attack. As a result, it said officers in Baga made a request for reinforcement, to ward-off any eventuality. It quoted the military source as saying that “This attack was expected because Boko Haram warned the inhabitants of Baga and surrounding villages almost two months ago that they

would be coming to attack the troops and the civilian JTF (Joint Task Force).” AI also claimed that Boko Haram had told Baga residents, after the deadly attack, that the “next target is Monguno.” It quoted a resident as saying: “There was a warning. Everyone was aware. Boko Haram came on Wednesday last week, January 21 and asked the villagers in nearby Ngurno to leave because they

are coming to attack the barracks. The villagers told the soldiers. “It is clear from this evidence that Nigeria’s military leadership woefully and repeatedly failed in their duty to protect civilians of Baga and Monguno despite repeated warnings about an impending threat posed by Boko Haram. “These attacks are an urgent wake-up call for the Nigerian leadership, the African Union and the international community. It is essential to protect hundreds of thousands of

civilians in north east Nigeria from Boko Haram’s continued onslaught. “Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to take all feasible measures to protect the civilian population, including by assisting with an evacuation of those who wished to flee and transporting them to safer areas. They also have a responsibility to inform civilians of risks and dangers. According to witnesses, the local military did not make an effort to do this,” AI said in a statement.

Strike: LUTH enforces no-work- no-pay policy Appolonia Adeyemi

Protest march by Lagos State University students, lecturers and non-academic staff, demanding that the state government should stop using the institution’s vice-chancellor to victimise them, at Alausa , Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

PVCs sell for N5, 000 each in Edo, says APC •It’s a ploy to cause crisis – PDP

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central senatorial, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, yesterday raised the alarm that leaders of the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) in the area are allegedly purchasing INEC Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from elderly people in APC dominated areas with the intent to destroy them. Inegbenekhi warned that the people of the area would not tolerate any attempt to rig the election in Edo Central by the PDP. The APC chieftain called on the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to thoroughly

investigate the matter with a view to arresting all those involved. The leadership of the APC also alleged that the PDP members are buying the PVCs at N5, 000 each and have bought many from those willing to sell them out. But a chieftain of the PDP in Edo Central, Okharedia Ihimekpen, described the allegation as untrue. Ihimekpen described the allegation as “a ploy by Inegbeneki to cause crisis where there is none.” According to the PDP chieftain, “Edo Central belongs to the PDP, so it is preposterous to accuse the PDP of planning to rig in an environment that already belongs to us.” Inegbeneki told newsmen in Benin that the ruling APC was aware of the PDP usual pranks and vowed that the party

would take measures to put an end to the anomaly. “We are aware that the PDP has started playing pranks again. We have discovered that they are buying PVCs from our aged parents, they will go and offer them N5, 000 and they have purchased many. They are doing this in areas they feel is APC dominated, but we will stop them now.” According to Inegbenekhi, “They resorted to that because they know we are going to beat them with a large margin. They are going about buying PVCs to destroy them. We have asked the police to help us arrest these people. “On our part, we have beamed our searchlight on them and whoever we catch we will take to the police for prosecution. The PDP knows that they have no place to hide anymore.”

he Supervising Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan and the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, have called on members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to call off their current national strike action or be denied their remunerations. Also, the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has threatened to implement the nowork no-pay rule as well as enforce other regulations governing strike including the ‘stay at home and travel ban’ on striking workers.

Acting Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idiaraba, Dr. Chris Bode, who expressed the position of the government, said negotiations between the Federal Government and JOHESU executives, would resume when the strike is called off. It could be recalled that members of JOHESU, commenced the ongoing strike on November 12 to press home their demands from the government, including welfare, representation on hospital boards, retirement age, promotion to director grade, emoluments, and specialist allowances, among others.

Fashola to Agbaje: You are a tax defaulter Muritala Ayinla

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday came hard on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in next month’s election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, saying that the pharmacist has not been paying taxes for some years. The governor, who spoke at the eighth Lagos State Taxation Annual Stakeholders’ Conference held in Ikeja, said it was unlawful for anyone to evade tax, alleging that the PDP governor-

ship candidate refused to pay tax for four years and that he only began to pay the land use charge just in 2013 and 2014, when the general election was approaching. He added that the JAYKAY Pharmaceutical Company belonging to Agbaje owes the state government N1, 629, 064.62. The amount, he said, could have been used to provide facilities for the residents in the state. He said: “You will remember that in 2007, he claimed that he was in DPA and later crossed to PDP. You know that

he manages a pharmacy called Jaykay Pharmacy, located at 9, Randle Close, Apapa. His pharmacy has not paid Land Use Charge for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. “They paid in 2013 and 2014 because they discovered that the election would be holding in 2015. His pharmacy owes this state N1, 629, 064.62.” Fashola, who explained that it was illegal for any citizen to evade tax, said any politician who promises tax free administration is a liar and should be ignored by the electorate.

‘PDP’ll not retrench Ogun workers’ Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, has promised not to retrench workers in the state if elected as governor. He also revealed his plan to establish the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, which ac-

cording to him, would be run by a labour issues technocrat, in addition to the appointment of two labour consultants of cabinet member status to handle workers’ welfare. Addressing leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at a meeting held at the union secretariat in Abeokuta, Isiaka said his administration would place premium on workers’

welfare. The meeting had in attendance the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Akeem Ambali, and former chairman of the union, Comrade Niyi Osoba. The PDP standard bearer took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state, saying it had failed to impact in the lives of residents.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Declaration

Defection

Diagnosis

Second term bid 17

Afenifere’s support for Jonathan worthless – Buhari

West-Idahosa, others dump PDP for APC

The problem with democracy in Nigeria

Ajimobi: In race to make history

Politics Chief Ralph Obioha heads the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee set up by the organisation’s Elders’ Council. In this interview, he speaks on the crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and why the group has not endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in the February 14 election. UWAKWE ABUGU reports

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo had during the 2011 general election endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential election, but this time around, instead of the endorsement coming, your organisation is enmeshed in crisis. What is happening? There are four clear objectives for setting up the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Under the last objective which states: “To liaise with all tiers of government in Nigeria in order to ensure rapid socio-economic development in Igboland,” Ohanaeze Ndigbo can after well-considered consultations and transparent exchanges consider the huge risk of getting into the business of endorsement considering how such an endorsement will satisfy Objective 4 of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Clearly, two schools of thought have emerged in the organisation. The one led by the past executive is pushing hard for, again, an open endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan and frankly speaking, they have a lot of sympathizers for this line of action. Yet, there are also a huge number of Igbos who are questioning what President Jonathan has done for Ndigbo in terms of infrastructural development in Igboland since their massive support for him in the 2011 presidential election. This ragging debate has been used by some to confuse the issue of the tenure of Ohanaeze Ndigbo past executive. Chief Gary Enwo-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Obioha: Ohanaeze has become a ghost

Obioha Igariwey in particular will tend to convince the presidency that those insisting on strict adherence to the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo are doing so to abort the endorsement of President Jonathan. This argument is as baseless as it is infantile. An endorsement delivered by a strong and legitimate Ohanaeze Ndigbo is more meaningful than an endorsement obtained on false pretences. Besides, the Igbo nation has never had it so bad as in the last four years. A body such as our apex body shall have as its cardinal priority, the welfare of the critical mass not the perks enjoyed by a select few. To reduce Ohanaeze Ndigbo to a beggarly body is a great disservice to the Igbo nation. What we need is to go back to the drawing board and put our citadel in order. You had earlier mentioned what you called a huge risk of being mired in the endorsement saga. What do you mean by that? Simple, that the whole clamour by some for this endorsement is confusing issues and interrupting the normal running of Ohahaeze. And they have taken it to such a level that there is a kind of blackmail targeted at anybody who is saying that we should stick to the

The Igbo nation has never had it so bad as in the last four years. A body such as our apex body shall have as its cardinal priority, the welfare of the critical mass, not the perks enjoyed by a select few

principles guiding the setting of the organisation and stop being clearly partisan. Those opposing this confusion are being sold off somewhere as people who are opposed to a particular candidate. The issue of endorsement should not be allowed to get into workings of a serious body like Ohanaeze Ndigbo. With the new executive, if there is sufficient consultations and our people genuinely think there would be an endorsement, then, it could be done but it is not a matter that must be handled by a particular executive. You also spoke on the danger in reducing the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to a beggarly level. Does this have anything to do with the insinuation making the round that some leaders may have been compromised materially? Unfortunately, in the last two years since the inception of that executive, Ohanaeze has become a ghost of itself. Indeed, a vast majority of Igbo leaders started boycotting the activities of the organisation. And the state governments which are supposed to be working in tandem with the leaders of Ohanaeze have also lost confidence in the body. That has created a huge crisis of confidence for the leadership of Ohanaeze. If you had

attended any recent gathering of the organisation, you would have felt really sorry for this noble body. Even if you are to visit our headquarters, you will also feel that it is a deserted establishment. What we are emphasizing now is, let us insulate Ohanaeze from outright partisan politics. And when you recall the objective of Ohanaeze, it is purely a socio-economic and not socio-political organisation. The danger in allowing all these extreme partisan politics to be played out in Ohanaeze is that it would create disunity among our people instead of building us into a united ethnic group. And I will give you an example. In today’s political climate in the country, you find our that our sons and daughters are playing their games in all the political parties. Even some of our compatriots are running for the same presidency for which you want to go and endorse somebody else without due consultations. We are not totally averse to endorsement but what should be done is a proper consultation and when there is a clear conviction that our people could benefit from a certain understanding or arrangement based upon which our support could be swayed, it is a different thing that would be seen by all when such a situation arises before the elections. You don’t go on endorsement that does not carry conditions that you could lay hands on effectively. Some persons are suggesting signing a memorandum of understanding with whoever would be supported for the presidency. Do you support that? Even if you go by that, our experience as Ndigbo in the past four years is what we don’t want to be repeated this time around. It would take the stance of a committed Igbo to sound the way some of us are sounding now. Otherwise, the easy way out is for you to gather a few people, provide a largesse and go for this endorsement, as it has happened. And that is why a probe panel has been set up to look into that. And we are talking about huge sums of money that were intended to help Ndigbo fund some of the things listed as ideal projects when the founding fathers of the organisation set it up. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Afenifere’s support for Jonathan worthless – Buhari lARG disowns president’s endorsement Felix Nwaneri and Wale Elegbede

he Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, yesterday dismissed Tuesday’s endorsement of the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan by the pan Yoruba organisation, Afenifere, describing it meaningless and a personal opinion of a group that has lost relevance. A statement by a member of the Directorate of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO), Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, said though the real reasons for the group’s endorsement may not be known, it is indisputable that they are not in the interest of the Yoruba people, who it pretends to be serving. “The real reasons for this Afenifere’s endorse-

ment may not be known, but these definitely are not in the interest of the Yoruba people that this group pretends to be serving. All across the SouthWest and, everywhere within the nation space where Yoruba people are found, there is a loud acclamation for change. This desire for change by the Yoruba has impugned the veracity of the Afenifere endorsement. “We hereby advise the Yoruba and, indeed the Nigerian people, to discountenance the endorsement of Afenifere as the personal opinion of a group that has no relevance in the politicoeconomic conditions of the South-West states. We shall continue to work assiduously for the peace and politico-economic well of the Nigerian people,” the organisation said. Insisting that the Afenifere leaders have lost political relevance in the South-West, the organ-

isation added: “For the records, the Yoruba people have been privileged to have leaders with unmistakable candour and courage in speaking eloquently and unambiguously at critical times in our nation’s history. Dr. Christopher Kolade, a respected Yoruba leader, was unsparing in his condemnation of President Jonathan’s show of discomforting insouciance to the insecurity in the land and the President’s apparent lack of leadership capacity in resolving this issue. It did not matter to this ebullient Yoruba son that the administration gave him opportunity to serve as the Chairman of its SURE-P programme. “Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as elder statesman and a notable Yoruba son, has consistently shot down the electability of President Jonathan on account of his disposition to alarming institutional corruption, exacerbation

of ethno-religious bigotry in the land and obvious incapacitation in tackling the menace of insecurity in the land.” Meanwhile, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) said yesterday that it is not a party to the endorsement of President Jonathan’s re-election bid as mentioned in media reports. ARG in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, described the use of its insignia to promote the said endorsement as fraudulent and an attempt to deceive Yoruba people.

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Agbaje cautions against violence, faults APC policies Wale Elegbede

he governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has accused the Lagos Government of policies inimical to the welfare of the people. Also, he urged supporters of the party not to engage in any violent conduct as the election approaches. Speaking yesterday at Agege and Ifako-Ijaiye local governments where the party kicked off its campaigns, Agbaje said the PDP has a track record of peaceful conduct and would not be involved in any act that would be inimical to the peaceful conduct of the elections. According to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in the state, had displayed much impunity in the running of state affairs, resulting

in untold hardship for the masses. He identified the policies to include a blanket ban on okada commercial motorcycles, imposition of various levies on market women, failure to erect low-cost houses and neglect of the educational sector. In Agege, Agbaje urged his supporters to eschew violence. “The police asked all of us candidates neither to sponsor violence nor allow our supporters to take to violence,” he said. “And I am telling you our supporters that this election belongs to us. Everything points to our victory. And therefore, why do we need to join issues with losers?” He said this neglect found expression in the failure of the government of the day to build lowrent houses for the commoners and the sweeping ban placed on commercial motorcycle operators.

Muslim community denies endorsing Ajimobi Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he Muslim Community in Oyo State has denied endorsing Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the February 28 governorship election. There were reports on Wednesday the group had endorsed Ajimobi for a second term in office. But the chairman of the association, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, yesterday said that the association had not endorsed any governorship candidate. Sanni spoke with newsmen at the Bodija

Central Mosque, Ibadan, while hosting the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala. “This association has not endorsed any governorship candidate as it is being speculated,” he said. He said that the forum was for the association to get acquainted with the programmes of the governorship candidates and to make requests, saying that the association would be able to support whichever candidate, that parades the programmes that benefit the public irrespective of religious and party affiliations.

L-R: Plateau PDP gubernatorial candidate, Senator Gyang Pwajok; former Governor of Plateau, Senator Joshua Dariye; running mate of the gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Yilji Gomwalk and Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr. Titus Alam, at the PDP governorship rally in Mangu LGA of Plateau…on Tuesday.

ACD adopts Jonathan for February polls

No shaking on presidential poll, says Jonathan

Abuja

Emmanuel Masha and Babatope Okeowo

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said “no shaking” as there is nothing to worry about on the February 14 presidential election, saying he was sure of victory. Jonathan, who described himself as “a transparent person,” said that his administration has carried every part of the country along even though the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused him of concentrating development in the South-South. “In development, every

part of Nigeria has been carried along,” he said, noting that he intends to continue along that path, stressing that in ensuring that states without federal universities had one, his administration never distinguished between the North and South, but having identified education as an area that deserves priority, decided to do the needful. He described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, as “the next governor of Rivers.” The 40, 000 Adokie Amasiemaka International Sta-

dium, venue of yesterday’s rally, was filled to capacity by PDP supporters. Earlier, Vice-President Namadi Sambo said that Jonathan has transformed Nigeria, adding that under his leadership Nigeria became the biggest economy in Africa. Also speaking, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, said that the leadership of the PDP did not come to Rivers to seek the people’s votes, but to say thank you for their two million votes in 2011. Wike said that the PDP will win Rivers convincingly. The president was earlier in Akure, the Ondo

State capital, where he warned gladiators in the crisis rocking the state chapter of the PDP to settle their differences or lose the general elections. The president, who was addressing a rally, said that the crisis rocking the party was having negative effect on the fortune of the party. He told the three gladiators including Governor Olusegun Mimiko, governorship candidate of the party in the last election, Chief Olusola Oke and billionaire businessman, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, to resolve their differences before the election.

Yekeen Nurudeen

he leadership of Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) has adopted the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan in the February 14 election. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the National Secretary of the party, Dr. Onwubuya Breakforth, said the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to adopt President Jonathan was in recognition of the fact that he has performed well. The party noted that for any meaningful and

sustainable change to take place, a lot of time and effort is needed to right the wrongs of past administrations considering the bad state of the nation that President Jonathan inherited in 2011. ACD said President Jonathan should be given another four years to enable him prove his transformation agenda beyond any reasonable doubt, adding that it has also looked at the humility, pedigree and sincerity of the president in tackling all issues confronting the nation such as insecurity, corruption, education, healthcare, infrastructural development and the diversification of the economy, before arriving at the decision.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

West-Idahosa, others dump PDP for APC Cajetan Mmuta Benin

he ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State was further depleted yesterday as key actors in the opposition party defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The defectors included the national president, Goodluck-for-Transformation and state women coordinator, Goodluck Campaign Organisation, Chief (Mrs) Evelyn Igbafe; a three-term member of the House of Representatives and South Senatorial District aspirant of the party, Hon. Ehiogie West-Idahosa.

Others are a former commissioner in the old Bendel State and a founding member of the PDP, Hon. Roland Ehigiamusoe and over 5,000 of their supporters. Speaking at the event held at the Government House in Benin, the state capital, yesterday, Igbafe said she was merely on sabbatical. She said: “I am back here to my home. I had gone on sabbatical, but I am now back home.” On his part, Ehigiamusoe said PDP is a sinking ship which is under the grip of a single man. He said: “I have been a member of the PDP right from inception when it was formed on August 30, 1998. I have been there since and I have

witnessed a lot of things. “I am not surprised today that the PDP is sinking and sinking very fast because for quite a long time, it has been working for self-destruction. There are a lot of injustices in that party. That is why over two years now, I have been working behind the scene for the APC because of the great things that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been doing and has done for us.” “Many of you think that the greatest thing that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has done for us is tarring roads, building schools and infrastructure. Yes, that has been a revolution, very unique but the greatest thing he did for us was to free

all of us from one man’s prison. We have all been in one man’s prison in Uromi since that 1998 and he came and in a wonderful way to free all of us. West-Idahosa said he joined the APC to propagate the message of change. According to him, “we went for a race, we lost not just the race, we lost a human being and we feel very pained that had we been here in APC, our safety would have been guaranteed. “Many said to me, ‘West, are you sure you can make it there? Are you sure that you are in the right place?’ Today, my position is clear. We are all supporters of change and for me, I believe in those

values you represent, you want water, light, good schools, good roads and the best standard of living for our people.” Governor Oshiomhole, who received the defectors, said: “When I see the number of people here, I wonder if there is anybody of note that is left under the umbrella that is now severely tattered. I want to join my chairman in expressing my joy at the opportunity of being able to receive you back to the house that I believe is traditionally yours. “Today is not just the fact of the huge number in this hall but it is also about the

Group calls for Sambo’s sack, rejects postponement of polls Temitope Ogunbanke

L-R: National President, Goodluck-for-Transformation, Chief (Mrs) Evelyn Igbafe; former member, House of Representatives, Hon. Ehiogie West-Idahosa; Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Roland Ehigiamusoe after their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ...yesterday.

quality of the brains that have now joined us, and in a world that is knowledgedriven, it is only the party that can parade the best brains that can drive the sustainable change that Nigeria is currently battling with, in order to bail our people from its present political quagmire.” “Nigeria has been reduced to a Banana Republic as if there is no government in the land. People have no one to complain to because these economic vultures that are feasting and sucking the blood of the poor have protection in Abuja,” he said.

group, Democracy Vanguard, has demanded for the immediate sack of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), for calling for the postponement of the February polls. The group kicked against the plot to postpone the general elections, saying that the social and security cost of such action may be too grave to bear. Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Adeola Soetan, said: “A security adviser of Sambo’s status is supposed to be seen and not heard commenting on sensitive

issues that can threaten security in the country, more so when such suggestion was not based on any validated inferences. “Since INEC has reiterated its commitment to the February polls, Dasuki and members of his postponement orchestra are just busy-bodies that should be watched and warned not to truncate the civil rule. “We demand for the immediate sack of Dasuki and we say no to postponement of the elections. The social and security cost of such action may be too grave to bear. “We insist that Temporary Voters’ Cards (TVCs) should be acceptable so as not to disenfranchise millions of Nigerians,” he said.

PDP chieftain opposses DG to NYSC members: You’re responsible for your conduct APC on interim govt recruiting corps membefore, during and after Onyekachi Eze Abuja

he Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-General Johnson Olawumi, has warned corps members participating in the general elections that they will be held responsible for any action they take during the conduct of the elections. Olawumi, who was on a visit to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday noted that the corps members opted to participate in the polls out of their own volition by registering online. He however, said the management still has a role to play in ensuring that the corps members were given adequate security. “The arrangement (of

bers) is different with the corps members registering online, and they did it voluntarily. The scheme will not be responsible for their conduct. This is also because none of them is less than 18 years. The corps members should be responsible for their conduct during the elections,” the DG explained. He disclosed that following the unfortunate post-election violence that led to the death of some corps members in 2011, the NYSC management set up Election Security Committee with representatives from the military and other security agencies to review NYSC participation in future elections. According to him, the committee came out with recommendations on the need to provide conducive environments for the Corps members on election duty, their welfare

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

and security, adding that the recommendations have been forwarded to the INEC. He, however, appealed to the INEC chairman to educate the commission’s officials at the state and local government levels to extend the kind of good working relationship being enjoyed between the NYSC and INEC at the national level to the corps members posted to the areas to enhance their assignments. Jega assured that the commission would provide adequate security for the corps members

the polls. He commended the participation of corps members on the conduct of elections, noting that since 2011, their participation has lifted the credibility and professionalism in the conduct of elections. Jega promised that the February 2015 elections will be better than previous elections with the collaborative effort of the NYSC. He said that INEC would pay attention to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NYSC especially in guaranteeing the security of corps members on election duty, and regretted the 2011 post-election violence. He expressed happiness with the Election Security Committee established by the NYSC and assured that INEC would do everything to meet the requirement.

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Adamson Adeboro, has dismissed reports by the All Progressives Congress (APC) about plans to force an Interim Government on Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to discountenance such reports and prepare to vote in the February general elections. Adeboro said in an interview in Abuja yesterday that the idea of interim government was being peddled by the opposition as part of its game plan to create confusion in Nigeria, knowing full well that it (APC) would meet with a crushing defeat at the forthcoming polls. According to him, “The government of President Goodluck Jonathan has been working assiduously and recording phenomenal and verifiable

achievements, which are enough to attract for him overwhelming votes in the February presidential election. “The responses of the electorate in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria towards President Jonathan’s campaign have proved sufficiently that the PDP is the party Nigerians will vote for during the elections. “For the avoidance of doubt, President Jonathan and the entire members of PDP are fully prepared to enter into the elections with unflagging hope of winning, having worked for victory. “If the idea of an Interim Government is being echoed, then we look towards the direction of the opposition because they are the people who concocted the idea in the first instance; and they know why they did so.”

16 Politics

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

The problem with democracy in Nigeria JOHN CAMPBELL, a former United States Ambassador to Nigeria from 2004 to 2007, writes on the February 14 presidential election

mericans tend to think of elections as the apex of democracy. But in some cases they are the opposite. In countries with weak democratic cultures and lax rule of law, elections can be destabilising. They can promote violence and undermine good governance. Nigeria is a case in point. The success of democracy in the country, which has a population of 177 million and is home to Africa’s largest economy, matters for the whole continent. Yet with national elections scheduled for February 14, anxiety is high. The recent global collapse of oil prices hit the country hard, since oil contributes more than 70 per cent of the government’s revenue and more than 90 per cent of its foreign exchange. The Lagos Stock Exchange is in the doldrums, and between October 2014 and the end of January, the Nigerian naira has fallen from 155 to the U.S. dollar to 191.30. The bad news keeps coming: the radical Islamist insurgency group Boko Haram appears to be gaining strength, the country’s political class is badly fragmented, and popular confidence in the government’s ability to provide security is eroding. It is no wonder that some in Nigeria are feeling a distinct nostalgia for 2011, when sitting President Goodluck Jonathan defeated Muhammadu Buhari – a retired general who took power in a 1983 coup and ruled until 1985 – at the polls. (Elected vice president in 2007, Jonathan initially became president in 2010 upon the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua.) At the time, international observers proclaimed the 2011 elections a dramatic improvement over Nigeria’s 2007 elections (a low bar) and were notably optimistic about the country’s future. If they had been paying close attention to the vote, though, they might not have been. In many ways, the 2011 elections set the stage for the current national crisis. Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, with each vote power has alternated between the predominately Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south, a strategy adopted to forestall the political polarisation among the religiously distinct (but not religiously uniform) regions. Yet power alternation was a matter of practice, not of law. No matter which candidate is declared victorious, there are plenty of reasons for the loser to reject the results. In 2011, it was the Muslim north’s turn to hold the presidency. But Jonathan, a Christian from the south, ran anyway, despite private assurances that he would wait until 2015 because it was still the north’s turn. On both sides, the subsequent electoral campaigns were marred by ethnic and reli-

Jonathan

Buhari

gious appeals. Jonathan received support from parts of the traditional Islamic establishment, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the then Emir of Kano, and the Emir of Zaria, but many people in the north suspected that these figures had been bribed. Despite Jonathan’s support from these and a few other traditional Islamic rulers, the Muslim Buhari won all of the predominantly Muslim states in the federation. Jonathan carried the rest of the vote (with one exception, which supported a third candidate), in some cases by margins of more than 90 percent. Many in the north called foul. Blatant rigging has long been a characteristic of Nigerian elections. But, in 2011, it was less obvious. Polling was better than it had ever been, with more polling stations open on time and supplied with ballots than ever before. However, ballot box stuffing remained. Rigging primarily happened at collating stations, which often operated after dark without international election observers present. The rigging was aimed at ensuring that Jonathan fulfilled the two constitutional requirements to claim electoral victory: win 50 per cent plus one of the total ballots cast, and win a quarter of the vote in two-thirds of the states. (The requirement for the former is more ambiguous than the latter in Nigeria’s very long and complex constitution.) There was no attempt to rig Jonathan into victory in majority-Muslim states in the north. In-

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Unlike 2011, the results of 2015 are not preordained. This time... the political class is more fractured across the nation, making election rigging more difficult

stead, the rigging there appears to have been designed to ensure that he received a quarter of the vote. In those areas where Jonathan was strongly supported, rigging was designed to pile up an enormous margin of victory in order to foreclose any possibility of a runoff. When Jonathan’s victory was announced after the count, rioting in the north followed, resulting in the greatest bloodshed since the 1967–70 civil war. The violence initially appeared to be directed against those in the Islamic establishment and the ruling party who supported the Jonathan candidacy, but later degenerated into widespread ethnic and religious killings. In the end, even after the violence subsided, Nigeria was split between a Muslim north and a Christian south, an outcome that Nigerians had long sought to avoid. The stage was set for a 2015 electoral contest along regional and religious lines. The upcoming presidential election in February is a rematch between the Christian Jonathan against the Muslim Buhari. There is anecdotal evidence that, once again, the campaigns are appealing to ethnic and religious identities. However, unlike 2011, the results of 2015 are not preordained. This time, pressured by the government’s inability to defeat Boko Haram, falling oil prices, and a perception that the Jonathan administration is weak, the political class is more fractured across the nation, making election rigging

more difficult. In that sense, the 2015 elections are “real” in a way that elections have not previously been. Wild cards include how elections will occur in the three states that are under a state of emergency and whether the estimated one million internally displaced persons and refugees will be able to vote, as Nigerian law requires that voters cast their ballots in their own specified local government area. In the past, these populations supported Buhari, but if they can’t vote, Jonathan will have an advantage. On the other hand, Buhari seems to have widespread support in areas outside his traditional political base in the north. An incumbent Nigerian president has significant advantages: he is at the centre of extensive patronage networks that are dependent on him; he has access to the government’s oil revenue; and he largely controls the election and ballot counting. No matter the depredations of Boko Haram, a declining economy, and little public confidence in his administration, in other words, Jonathan is likely, if not certain, to win. No matter which candidate is declared victorious, though, there are plenty of reasons for the loser to reject the results. Buhari ran for the presidency in 2003, 2007, and 2011. Each election was disputed, and Buhari turned to the courts for recourse. In every case, the courts found for the victorious candidate. Following the judiciary’s decision in 2011, Buhari vowed never again to go to the bench to resolve a disputed election. More recently, the Director General of the chief opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, said that if the Independent National Elections Commission (INEC) declares Jonathan victorious in elections that are not credible, his party will establish a “parallel government.” On the other hand, some of the militants in Nigeria’s oil patch who are close to Jonathan have threatened mayhem if their candidate loses. No matter who is declared the victor, then, Boko Haram will likely try to take advantage of the likely political uncertainty. Bearing all of this in mind, anxiety about Nigeria’s upcoming elections is not misplaced. Come February 14, it is likely that democracy in Africa will take a step backward. Culled from Council on Foreign Relations

Obioha: Ohanaeze has become a ghost C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

Tension is building up in the politics ahead of the general elections. What is Ohanaeze doing to protect Igbo before, during and after the elections? Really, there seems to be a gathering cloud. Nobody would pretend that he or she cannot read the signs of great uncertainties today in Nigeria. And you discover that any given time in Nigerian history, Igbo people have always been exposed to dangers arising from disruptions in

socio-political equilibrium. The Igbo are always exposed to these because they are the most travelled, if you like, the most visionary. They are always found across the country and other parts of the world in search of enterprise. And even setting up Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the founding fathers had in mind the protection of our people as they struggle across the country to eke out a living. Whether this safeguard is being provided now is the other question begging for an answer.

Now, a straight answer to your question is to say, yes, that there is grave danger in the air. But there is the need to handle the situation with much care in order not to further jeopardise the safety of our people in the North. And I believe that one way of ensuring the safety of our people is to be careful with this issue of endorsement. As Ndigbo, we feel that this a bug that has perched on the private part of a man and the we need to be very careful how to get rid of it. We feel that

the issue about democracy should not generate this kind of tension and polarisation as we are experiencing today in the country. At this stage of uncertainty, what our people should do is to make their choices individually without openly disclosing their preferences. They should make their choices without coming out to show off what they have done for this or the other person. At all levels, they should choose their preferred candidates individually.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Ajimobi

Ladoja

Alao-Akala

Ajimobi: In race to make history Since the creation of Oyo State, no governor has secured a second term in office. But will Governor Abiola Ajimobi break the jinx on February 28? SOLA ADEYEMO asks

he much-awaited February 28 governorship election in the country is at last around the corner. The political landscape of the Pacesetter State of Oyo is now awash with campaign activities of the different governorship candidates angling to occupy the Agodi Government House by May 29 this year. In the 39-year existence of the state, particularly since democracy was entrenched in the country in 1999, no governor has ever succeeded in winning a second term contest. In 1979, late Chief Bola Ige ruled the old Oyo State (now Oyo and Osun states) on the platform of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). But in 1983, Ige lost the second term bid to the then National Party of Nigeria (NPN) with Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo beating him to the game. ‘Omo wa ni e je o see’ (he is our son, let him do it), slogan then won the day for Olunloyo, then an academic at the University of Ibadan. Ige, who later became the Attorney General and Justice Minister, was from Esa-Oke in Osun State, while Olunloyo hails from Ibadan. Despite his brilliant performance and supposed acceptability throughout the state, the much-optimistic ‘Cicero of Esa Oke’ was stunned when he lost the election in 1983. He was forced to ask on the radio that ‘Eyin eniyan mi, se bi a se jo soo niyi?’ (My brethren, is this the agreement we had?). To the Ibadan people, no governor would rule over them twice. Their son, Olunloyo was sworn

in but after just three months, he was booted out when the military overthrew the government of the country, thus halting the Second Republic led by Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Between 1992 and 1993, another Ibadan man, Chief Kolapo Ishola was governor, but owing to another military incursion, he also lost out. His first term could not even be accomplished, let alone attempting second term. On return to democracy in 1999, late Alhaji Lamidi Adesina assumed the mantle of leadership on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). An Ibadanman that he was, struggled to secure his second term, but his administration fell victim to the political antics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) then. Then President Olusegun Obasanjo tricked AC in the South-West into voting for him with the promise to support the AD governors then. Upon winning, the PDP flushed out Lam Adesina and his counterparts. Senator Rasidi Ladoja took over in 2003. He was impeached in 2006 and his deputy, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, became governor. After the illegal 11 months of interregnum, Ladoja was reinstated by the Supreme Court having declared his impeachment illegal. He was, however, unable to secure the second term ticket because Alao-Akala and his party men had edged Ladoja’s structure out before his return. That was how Ladoja lost the second term and his deputy was elected substantive governor in 2007. In 2011, Alao-Akala also failed to secure a second term. As a nonIbadan man, he rode to the crest of leadership through the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu. Many Ibadan people did not want Alao-Akala who is from Ogbomoso, more so that he had a brush with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi. The two blocs – Ibadan and Oyo, therefore ensured his second term was frustrated. Because Alaafin had turned his back against Alao-Akala and the PDP, he threw his weight behind Senator Abiola Ajimobi of the

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

In the 39-year existence of the state... no governor has ever succeeded in winning a second term contest

then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now All Progressives Congress (APC). Ibadan people, who had wanted their son to come on board, worked for Ajimobi, and he defeated Alao-Akala. Governor Ajimobi is now in the saddle and he is fervently preparing to pull down all walls of opposition built around his administration so that he could break the dreaded second term jinx, which his predecessors had failed to accomplish. Many factors are however, against this realisation as the four major contenders against Ajimobi are not ready to brook any interference from the APC to deter them from sending the incumbent government into the oblivion through the February poll. While Ajimobi is enjoying the power, paraphernalia and accoutrements of office which have continued to embolden him to weather the storm, his co-contestants are not resting on their oars to make his dream unrealisable. Though some other governorship candidates in other not-too-popular parties have got the approval of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest, the four major contenders against Ajimobi are: Adebayo Alao-Akala of Labour Party (LP), Seyi Makinde of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party, and Senator Teslim Folarin of the PDP. The others who, however, do not give the ruling government any sleepless nights are: Olalere Samson of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Akeem Olayiwola of KOWA party, Rukayat Sade of New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Taiwo Otegbeye of Action Alliance (AA), Sosanya Adeolu of African Peoples Alliance (APA), Yinusa Ayandoye of Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), and Akinsipe Adegbola of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN). The major contenders who have their different favourable and sore points, will automatically share the votes of the people of Oyo State, leaving whoever among

them with the luck of leading by whatever margin to emerge winner. When in the last month’s primaries of the PDP at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, AlaoAkala and Seyi Makinde protested against their not being fairly treated in the choice of Teslim Folarin as the party’s candidate, leading to their defection to the LP and SDP respectively, the general feeling of the people in the state was that the party had been ruined. This is because, Alao-Akala, who is a former governor on the platform of the party, is believed to be a heavyweight, who must have left the party with a lot of his supporters. Also significant in the party is Seyi Makinde, a 47-year-old business mogul and crowd puller. His defection to SDP where he is going to realise his governorship ambition has also left a gaping yawn in the structure of the PDP. Added to this was the last two weeks declaration by some other seven former governorship aspirants, among them are Professors Taoheed Adedoja and Soji Adejumo, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, and Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, that they were not ready to support Folarin. They had protested against the method of congress the national secretariat of the party employed to decimate the number of delegates to executive level only, which was said to be a devious means of shutting them out of the race. In a letter of protest by the aggrieved contestants against the emergence of Folarin, dated January 5, they advised the leadership of the party of the dire consequences of fielding the candidate in the coming election. To them, the party was on a journey to lose the election. In a protest letter entitled: ‘Forum of Oyo State Governorship Aspirants’, the aggrieved aspirants said: “As at today, majority of PDP members in Oyo State believe that Senator David Mark is the grand architect of the emerC O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

On the information seat: Did Maku mark up?

Ojiaku Kalu

very Nigerian is a personality analyst – especially with the country currently embroiled in breathless politics. Less than a week ago, amidst official assignments, I ran into some hot argument bordering on Mr. Labaran Maku, Nigeria’s immediate past Information Minister: ‘’Maku was all talk, no substance!’’, ‘’No, he did a good job of his work!’’ ‘’And to think he would become governor!’’ The debate raged, and I listened, from a safe distance of course; lest I became a political casualty. I don’t know about you, I find it irksome the style of those arguments at newsstands and pubs – blind, directionless and desultory. On the case in point and every other like it, I sympathise with the subjects for not being there to wrest themselves from their thrashers. While several Nigerian public officers do show crass ineptitude on their assignments, many more clearly dole out global standards in comparison. My submission here is that Maku as minister acquitted himself above average. When Professor Dora Akunyili, then Nigeria’s Minister of Information, vacated her seat in October 2010 in quest for a senatorial seat in her Anambra State, not a few of her watchers viewed that move as anticlimactic, considering her palpable positive impact as NAFDAC DG, and Minister of Information. Given her exit from the scene, discerning citizens were harried over the relationship between Abuja and the rest Nigeria – relationship that had gone threadbare as a result of the mismanagement of then President Umaru Yar’adua’s health. The fact that her then deputy, Mr. Labaran Maku, who ultimately filled her position, was a residue of cognate media practice, did not douse public trepidation! Perhaps, the sneer and derision of his watchers at the time derived from Maku’s hitherto professional ‘silence’ – an epithet those in print journalism are credited: for being only read and never heard; in comparison to their colleagues in broadcasting. Akunyili, Nigerians knew,

through her unrelented sweep of drug tsars from their land; plus of course, that creative national rebirth mantra: NIGERIA, GOOD PEOPLE; GREAT NATION. But who was Maku? Though an acknowledged journalist, an erstwhile commissioner for information, and deputy governor in his native Nassarawa State; he must be chasing a chimera to think he could wear Akunyili’s shoes. Is it those shoes that had trod the globe in celebrated professional accomplishments while netting in avalanche offers for citizenship of several nations? Surely, that Maku man must be a downright jokester! Such was the small label on Labaran Maku, the man on whose ‘untested’ lap fate had dumped the mammoth task of marketing the Jonathan Presidency. By the way, a presidency grossly viewed as diffident as it was reticent. If handling the secretive Yar’adua presidency required the native wisdom and professional savvyness of an Akunyili, the ‘accidental’ Jonathan administration, given its initial taciturnity, was going to need a talented talker – infact, a parrot of an Information Minister! Or is it not only wise that a smooth-talking, gregarious town crier managed a shy king – especially a king whose ascension to the throne was attended by untold hurdles? And would the new Minister of Information foot the bill? Only time would tell. And indeed, it soon did - because Labaran Maku soon became such a natural verbal defender of his principal that almost everybody tagged him a ‘’propagandist’’. To his first-time observer, Maku is an epitome of wisecracks, in speech and demeanour – always seemingly in perpetual motion, with his gangly weight and fast speech. But those qualities in his new Information Minister did serve well President Jonathan whose administration would suffer Nigeria’s worst political shenanigan and security blitz. Born Labaran Maku on January 1, 1962 to a rural couple of Alushi, his formal education spanned from 1970 to 1987 [St. Michael’s Primary School Alushi to University of Jos] – earning him the FSLC, TC II, NCE, and B.ED[ History]. Maku’s work life started back in 1981 when he was

appointed Teacher and Headmaster in close succession between 1981 and 1983. After this stint in the school system, he veered into journalism, and had his first employment at the Nigerian Standard, Jos. He thereafter, joined the Champion as Political Editor, and finally cofounded the Lagos-based Meridian magazine in the early 1990’s. Between 1997 and 1999, he functioned as USAIDS’s Democracy and Governance expert; from where he was appointed Commissioner for Information [Nasarawa State] in mid 1999. With that taste of the pudding, Maku has since stuck to politics for a career and has worn the following caps – commissioner, deputy governor, minister and now a prime fisher for the seat of governor of Nasarawa State under the APGA. With the foregoing pedigree, Maku’s experience is loosely summarized thus: teacher, journalist, public officer and politician – all four vocations requiring astute oral communication proficiency! Any wonder then that Labaran happened on the Federal assignment potentially made, although unknown to many at the time? As Minister of Information, his critics accused him of often tilting to dishonesty over information dispensing; while his admirers applauded his dexterity on the job; with a hint of volubility, though. Right or wrong, one thing stands: Labaran Maku did not labour to make his mark on any issue in that government. Indeed, he was an informing information officer! With his expert coordination of the ‘’Good Governance Tour’’; the monthly ‘’Ministerial Briefing’’ etc, Nigerians were duly brought to speed on the Administration’s doings. But would Maku govern as good as he ministered? For some of his assessors, it is highly probable that he would deftly combat the phenomenal underdevelopment in his State of Nasarawa as he did the management of the GEJ information machinery. Given his long stay on establishment defence, they fear he may have contracted the ‘executive apathy’ – that common epidemic plaguing the Nigerian political class – with its symptomatic evidence in acute infrastructural rot across the Federation. So will Maku make a clean breast of this outing? Again, only time will tell!

Buhari: Smart lessons from Machiavelli Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

iccolo Machiavelli was born in 1469 in Florence, Italy. He was the first son and third child of Barrister Bernardo Machiavelli. Niccolo was not a full citizen of Florence in view of the difficulties involved in acquiring such citizenship. At the age of 29, he was elected to Head the second chancery and in July 1498, Niccolo became the secretary of the Dieci di Liberta e pace. In the years 1499 and 1512, Niccolo Machiavelli paid Diplomatic visits to Louis XII of France, Ferdinand II of Aragon in Spain; Germany, the Papacy in Rome and the Italian States. From 1503-1506, Machiavelli was in charge of Florentine militia and the City’s defense. In 1509, his command defeated Pisa and in August 1512, the Medici, assisted by Pope Julius II employed the services of the Spanish troops to conquer Niccolo’s command of Florentine-citizen soldiers. This humiliating defeat led to the resignation of Piero Soderini as Head of State. In the same year, Machiavelli was flushed out of office. In 1513, he was arrested for conspiracy and sentenced to prison. Machiavelli died in 1527 at the age of 58 years after he was freed from incarceration. The works of Machiavelli include: “The Prince,” “II Principe” and “Discourses on Livy” including others, especially on religion and “The Art

of War”. In “II Principe” Niccolo laid emphasis on the “New Prince” quiet different from the traditional and hereditary prince. According to him, the “New Prince” must maintain the social political institution which the people are conversant with. And whereas, he asserted that the “New Prince” must first stabilize his new found power so as to build a lasting political structure. Niccolo advocated that the new prince must be conscious of his reputation and to act immorally at the appropriate time. He emphasized that there should also be, in some occasions, where the New Prince will exercise brute force or deceit. Niccolo also suggested that in power play, “the end justifies the means”. He added that violence must be adopted as a weapon for the successful stabilization of power and the introduction of new legal institutions. It was also his strong view that maximum force may be adopted to eliminate political opponents, coerce resistant population and purge the state of other men strong enough to replace the ruler. Machiavelli viewed misery as one of the vices that will enable a prince to rule and that it would be best to be both loved and feared. He further asserted that the Prince should be feared rather than being loved. In much of Machiavelli’s work, the ruler must adopt all sorts of savagery means inorder to continue with governance and his regime. “The Prince”

made the word Machiavellian a byword for brutality, deceit, despotism, tyranny and political manipulations. However, Leo Strauss, an American political philosopher, declared that Machiavelli was a “teacher of evil” even if he was not evil himself. In 1925, Benedetto Croce, an anti-fascist philosopher concluded that Niccolo was simply a realist or pragmatic in his advocacy. History has however revealed that there where Rulers or Princes in the immediate past and now who adopted the Machiavellian tactics in governance. In this respect, I wish to relate the Machiavelli’s political philosophy to the Buhari’s ruthless regime during his dictatorship as Nigeria Military Head of State. Major General Buhari (December 31, 1983-August 27, 1985) is known and acknowledged as an Apostle of Niccolo Machiavelli’s power play. Infact, he sacked the Shehu Shagari’s democratically elected Government. He arrested and detained Southern Governors and only Barkin Zuwo from the North indefinitely without due process of the law. Buhari equally sentenced a Nigerian to 300 years imprisonment under his military dictatorship. He placed Shagari under house arrest while his vice, Alex Ekueme was sent straight to prison. Prof Ambrose Alli, civilian Governor of the defunct Bendel State was jailed for 60 years while Bola Ige (Oyo), Bisi Onabanjo (Ogun), Michael Ajasin (Ondo), Jim Nwobodo (Anambra), Mbakwe (Imo) were im-

prisoned for hundred of years. Within the same totalitarian period, he executed Bartholomew Owoh and two others for an alleged drug offence without any fair trial. The satanic regime promulgated some vindictive decrees with retroactive effects inorder to catch-up with his perceived enemies. Journalists and Newspaper operators were not left-out. Additionally, Buhari restricted Oba Okunade Sijuade, Oni of Ife and the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero to their palaces in view of the fact that they visited Israel in their private capacity. He equally sent his Gestapo security apparatus to search and seize the travelling passport and other documents of the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory without valid search warrant. During the exchange of the Nigerian currency in his regime, Buhari’s ADC supervised the clearance of 53 suitcases which contained hard foreign currencies which were taken to the Emir of Gwandu. Therefore, it will be impossible for a man like Buhari to fight and eradicate corruption in Nigeria. I hold a strong view that he is terminally corrupt. Throughout his fascist regime, he embraced the draconian Machiavellian philosophy without any regret which from all indications qualified him to be a brilliant student of the Western Political Philosopher. • Wilkie can be reached at pmikky1950@yahoo.com (08023097251)

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

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The menace of baby factories

coalition of Nigerian and International nongovernmental, children and human rights organizations has called on the government to take decisive steps to curb the growing menace of baby factories in some parts of the country. The coalition includes Africans Unite Against Child Abuse (AFRUCA)UK, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Media Concern Initiative for Women & Children (MediaCon), Healing Hearts Foundation, Spaces for Change, Project Alert on Violence Against Women, the Charles and Doosurh Abaagu Foundation, and the Women Environmental Programme (WEP). They have collectively condemned in very strong unequivocal terms, the rising commercialization of new-borns in the country. The good book says that children are blessings from the Lord, but in some parts of the country, children have become wares from the factory, and only those with good money can purchase them. Before the child trade boom, dumping of children was very commonplace and people with dubious business sense, realizing that the dumped children could be source of joy for childless couples, exploited the situation to make money. Consequently, organized baby racketeering drastically reduced child-dump-

ing cases. Initially, it was not seen as conspicuously illegal because some devious people just set up baby manufacturing homes where young girls with unwanted pregnancies came to give birth, gave up their babies and returned home to their parents as if nothing had happened. The new babies were later sold to those in need. Thus, many people set up illict child trade outlets and anyone with enough money walked in and smiled home with a baby of his or her choice, a menace which has been going on for some time, as teenage girls become victims of unwanted pregnancies and the children produced are sold out for adoption to needy couples who badly want them. At the baby making factories, young girls are encouraged or forced to become pregnant and after they have given birth, the new-born babies are sold out, usually from N500,000 and above, depending on the sex of the child. It is instructive to observe that, Article 3 of the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially women and children, and Section 50 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 of Nigeria define trafficking as including “all acts and attempted acts involved in the recruitment, transport within or across Nigerian borders, purchase, sale, transfer, receipt or harbouring of a person involving the use of

deception, coercion or debt bondage for the purpose of placing or holding the person whether for or not involving servitude in force or bonded labour, or in slavery-like conditions” while the Childs Rights Act (Cap 198) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria also criminalises exploitative child labour and other forms of child abuse hitherto left unpunished by the Criminal Codes. Hitherto, there were orphanages, where abandoned children or those whose parents died, were reared. The orphanages are not for young pregnant girls looking for a way out of their predicament. While baby factories do their business in clandestine manner, with the sole objective of exploiting their victims, the motherless babies’ homes enjoy official backing. It would be recalled that, in 2007, 19 girls were rescued from a cartel that operated between Aba and Port Harcourt in Rivers state and in 2008, 13 girls were rescued from 80-yearold Grace Erondu. Another batch of 14 girls was rescued from Divine Mercy and Childcare Home at 2, Nwankpa Street, Aba, managed by Felicia Ebe in 2008, and 42 others rescued from Nma Child Care/Charity Centre. In April 2013, 20 pregnant girls were found in a home in Anambra state. The list is endless. However, poverty is the major factor causing teenage pregnancy. Most families find it difficult to feed

three times daily and as a result, they lose control of their children. Peer pressure eventually lures them into social vices including unwanted pregnancy. Other problems are warped cultural values and ignorance, hence, poverty must be tackled on all fronts and there is the need for aggressive reproductive health education so that people will be well informed on the disturbing subject matter. Another factor that still encourages the booming trade is the huge cost required in seeking medical assistance to have children. Whereas there is great advancement in medical sciences for barren couples to be assisted through the In Vitro Fertilisation process, the process is usually out of reach of the ordinary. Similarly, another obstacle is that the adopting couples are usually inundated with rigorous demands by child-adoption agencies. There is also the need for effective monitoring of several organisations that engage in nefarious activities that are largely unknown to the government and government must liberalise the education of the girl-child. Government must enact enabling laws as well as thoroughly sanction erring members of the public. Again, all relevant government agencies in the three tiers of government, non-governmental organizations as well as stakeholders must work as a team to uproot this menace from the polity.

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20 Politics CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

gence of an unpopular aspirant as the PDP flag bearer in Oyo State. The consequence of the said primaries has been the mass defection of several aspirants and followers at all levels into opposing parties, culminating in disenfranchised party delegates challenging the process and outcome of the purported primaries in court. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As aspirants, we are confronting a followership with dwindling trust and confidence in the future and fortunes of the party. We are therefore calling the attention of the party leadership to

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ajimobi fights the odds this looming defeat of the PDP in Oyo State if urgent corrective action is not taken to restore confidence and trust in the party by immediately reverting the illegalities of the discredited primaries and ensure an acceptable solution to this mockery of democratic process and party discipline.â&#x20AC;? As part of efforts to woo voters, many of the roads which were in a state of disrepair are currently being graded across the 33 local governments in the state, while

many impassable ones in the rural areas are being bulldozed to make transportation easy for the inhabitants. This, however, to many people, is medicine after death because they had suffered for the past three years without the government giving attention to the deplorable roads, only to wake up less than two months to the election to do the needful. This assessment is unfavourable to the second term bid of Ajimobi. The evergreen love of civil servants for former

Adesina

Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who gave priority to

their welfare in terms of prompt salary payment

and 13th month salary during his administration, coupled with the aggressive manner he has been campaigning across the state, has also continued to pose a threat to the re-election of Ajimobi. Many Ibadan elites are not happy with Ajimobi for suspending the activities of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which is currently headed by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1. The chairmanship position having been relegislated by Alao-Akala to be rotational with the Olubadan kick-starting it, the Ibadan High Chiefs had thought that having been supported to become the governor, Ajimobi would ensure the Olubadan enjoys it. His romance with the Alaafin, erstwhile permanent chairman has however robbed the Ibadan people of the privilege. Similarly, the warm reception that many people of the state have been giving to Alao-Akala in his familiarisation tour of the state revealed that his sense of magnanimity, empowerment of the poor, which characterised his government, might also rob Ajimobi of expected votes. Despite such shortcomings, Ajimobi has continued to warm himself into the hearts of the people of the state, particularly the civil servants and artisans. To his advantage is the trouble of disintegration that has bedevilled the PDP. Aside this is the sustained peace that the people of the state had witnessed in the past three and half years. This is antithetical to the era of the former Governor Alao-Akala which was characterized by violence, thuggery and killing, through the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) members, which many believe might still be re-enacted by the LP. Many Oyo people want the peace being nurtured by Ajimobi sustained in the next dispensation. The PDP has been so weakened and just trying to pick itself up from the pieces it had been broken into. With Ajimobi cashing in on the fragmentation among the other political parties and their factional leaders, as well as his mending fences with the Ibadan monarchy and other power brokers in the state, his coasting home to victory and breaking the second term jinx is sure. Ajimobi told New Telegraph that he would win the February 28 governorship poll, assuring that he will break the second term myth in Oyo State.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Interview

File

Quakers: Corruption is deeper in Jonathan’s administration

2015 election: Secondary school certificate or its equivalent not a mandatory requirement

22&25

Law Lawyers tackle INEC’s push for ADR Miffed by tardiness in the nation’s justice system, especially in resolving electoral disputes, the electoral umpire- the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) at the weekend, pushed for an effective mechanism other than the judicial system to resolve electoral disputes. But its proposition may not hold any water if lawyers’ view is anything to go by. FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE, AKEEM NAFIU and APPOLOS CHRISTIAN report

lthough its frustration on the snail speed justice system in the country may propelled it to canvass an effective mechanism other than the judicial system to resolve electoral disputes, lawyers have described the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposition for an alternative dispute resolution as a tall dream. They said there can never be any alternative to judicial process to resolve disputes arising from a flawed election as it was a sacrosanct constitutional provision which no one could ignore or alternate for the purpose of settling any disputes whether civil, criminal or oth-

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY EDITOR

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

Ahamba

Jega

erwise. INEC had at a forum in Abuja, last week canvassed an effective dispute resolution mechanism other than judicial process to resolve electoral disputes. Its chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega who was represented by Dr. Ishmael Igbani at a two-day international conference on ‘Emerging Electoral Jurisprudence in Africa’, had cited slow justice system and huge resources as reasons for an alternative disputes resolution (ADR). He said: “Perhaps, a rethink and remodeling has become necessary to explore the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism as an alternative to litigation. “INEC believes that this is viable and the upgrading of ADR unit to a Directorate and the modest success it has achieved has vindicated this position”. But in a swift response, lawyers told INEC to bury such proposition, insisting that the electoral umpire’s push for ADR as alternative to litigation was ill-timed and premature es-

pecially as the nation eargerly awaits the conduct of the February polls. For instance, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ahamba wondered why INEC was pushing for ADR as alternative to litigation when elections were around the corner. What other alternative to litigation could INEC provide in the next few days to elections? He asked. Accordingly, Ahamba tasked INEC to always assist the court to unravel the truth in every electoral dispute rather than chasing shadows in the name of proffering an alternative to litigation. He said: “I really can’t think of another possible resolution mechanism INEC can use. What other alternative can they provide within the next few weeks? Even if INEC proffer another method, it is still a question of adjudication. So, what INEC should do in the circumstance is to assist the court to find the truth instead of helping the court to hide the truth. INEC prepare the papers and have the manuals. Why would they accept results that are

What INEC should do in the circumstance is to assist the court to find the truth instead of helping the court to hide the truth

inconsistent with their manuals and they blame the court? So, they should find out where they are making it difficult for the court, they are the people making it difficult for the court because they declare the wrong results, they alter or inflate figures. It’s INEC that do all those things and when they finish they blame the judiciary, so they should form the habit of telling the judiciary the truth of what happened as a neutral body not as a partisan body. “They are not in a position to say whether to continue using the judicial process or not because they must submit themselves to the laws of the land. If they have an alternative, let them bring it but until then, they must make use of what we have and make it work for now. So what everybody should do is to find out where he or she is contributing to the failure of the present system and counsel against it”. Ahamba was echoed by another Senior Advocate, Mr. Norrison Ibinabo Quakers who said there was the need for evCONTINUED ON PAGE 23

22 Law | Jurist

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Quakers: Corruption is deeper in Jonathan’s administration people can break laws. But, the people are now conscious that someone is watching. If I break the law, I will face the consequences. This is what is lacking in Nigeria. We are now using our laws and rules to subvert justice. Are you aware that people can embark on strike for the purpose of stalling the course of justice so that certain events will unfold? For all you know, all of what is happening at the moment in the judiciary might have been orchestrated by some unseen forces in order to ensure that their candidates who have emerged through illegal processes are kept away from legal logjam until elections were held and they were declared winners. So, you now create a ‘’fait accompli’’ by saying since election have been held invite those aggrieved for a family meeting, make promises to them to go and withdraw their matters in court. It’s just sickening. We can’t proceed as a country with all of these.

Mr. Norrison Ibinabo Quakers, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria bares his mind on the strike embarked upon by the judiciary workers and its suspension in federal courts, call to postpone next month’s general election, judiciary autonomy and sundry issues. AKEEM NAFIU met him Workers of the nation’s judiciary have called-off their strike in some federal courts, what would you say had been the effects of this three-week old strike on the judiciary and the nation especially as hundreds of cases which ought to have been determined one way or the other are stalled? Let me put it this way, the results of the elections does not to a large extent impact negatively on the cases in court because most of the cases in court are pre-election issues. The Electoral Act, the Constitution and the Nigerian judiciary to a large extent have provisions that seem to address post-election issues. If at the end of it all, the elections are conducted and a man whose candidature in quote is being challenged, the matter outlives the election. This is because it is indeed a post-election issue and there are cases to that effect. The JUSUN strike was not envisaged that it will impact negatively on the pre-election cases in court because it was filed prior to elections. If I take the Supreme Court positions, for instance, in relation to INEC in considering the Peter Obi’s case, INEC as an umpire being involved in all the suits is expected to stay action by not organizing any election until those issues are determined. But, can INEC do so constitutionally? INEC cannot because the time-table has been set, costs have been incurred and so the elections will go on as plan. The only difference now is that if at the end of the elections, winners emerges and there are cases to that effect. A particular case in point, I think is Agbakoba .v. INEC, there is also the Peter Obi’s case and INEC and others. The fact that elections were held does not affect preelection matters because these are matters that bother on qualifications and other issues. So, even if elections were held and at the end of the day, a candidate should not have stood for election and the court makes a pronouncement, he stands disqualified even if he wins. Since it is a pre-election issue, it is not one that can be taken to any tribunal. So, anytime the strike is called off, the court can address the issue, even when the elections have been concluded. It is a pre-election issue and according to the Supreme Court, you cannot create a ‘’fait accompli’’. This means you cannot say be-

cause elections have been held, so, the matters in court have been overtaking by events. It cannot happen. That is not what the law says. The law is very clear on this. On the feasibility of the autonomy for the judiciary as requested for by the judiciary workers, I found it interesting that this is coming up now. I recalled that some days back, the Attorney-General of the Federation was quoted as saying that the so-called money JUSUN members are requesting for is not with the Federal Government. This may give credence to the statement credited to the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), during the new legal year service that the money is being released in tranches. The question is: is there a budget for the judiciary? If the answer is yes, then who is responsible for the budget implementation? Is it the executive or the judiciary? If money has been approved for the judiciary, then, it must be allocated to the judiciary. There are a number of constitutional imbalances in our set up as a country and it’s quite unfortunate. Now, recently there was also this debate about autonomy for local governments. Some state governors are resisting it but when you look at the Constitution, you have separate and distinct functions for each tier of government. We have three tiers of government in Nigeria. We have the Federal, State and Local governments. In terms of the compartmentalization of the three tiers of government, it also brings about independence or financial autonomy. Financial autonomy means we have money allocated to us and we distribute it as we want. Do they have that? They don’t and that is where the problem is. If the government is saying that the money allocated to the judiciary is being allocated piecemeal, you don’t determine how it is disbursed. There should be no middle-man, so to speak. The money should not be released to state governments to be released to the judiciary. It must be a direct allocation to the judiciary and if there is a judicial pronouncement on the issue, why can’t the government implement it. Much more, there is also an agreement. If this is the case, then, release the money to the judiciary. Look at what

Quakers

Corruption is deep. One can however say it is deeper during the tenure of the current administration

is happening in Rivers State where the judiciary has been shut down for almost a year. So, these are some of the imbalances in the system that must be addressed. I don’t believe that the judiciary has some level of independence the way it is being currently deal with in Nigeria. So, resolving the impasses is not something that can be done administratively, the law must be implemented. The law as it stands must be enforced. Though, strike to me will do more damage to the system than address the issue but Nigeria is a country where we find it difficult to abide by the law. This is quite painful. We must be seen to obey laws and enforce them at this level of our independence. The challenge we have as a nation is not in our laws and rules but our attitudinal disposition towards implementing and enforcing those laws. The reason why you go abroad and conform to laws over there is because you see strong enforcement agencies. So, laws are obeyed from within. They have internalized it. The United Kingdom has the highest number of CCTVs. This is because there is a consciousness that

Sir, what do you think of INEC’s preparation for the coming elections? Is there a place for transition government in the Constitution? Are we sure of credible elections in February? INEC says that it has adequately prepared for the conduct of the elections this year. But, if one is to go by the complaints of people, what is read in the newspapers and in line with the statement of President Good luck Jonathan, a few days back, where he was practically directing INEC to ensure that everybody of voting age get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), I will want to say that INEC is not prepared for the elections. Now, the Chairman of INEC was heard complaining that there might not be elections in some states because they are hotbeds. You cannot disenfranchised people on account that there are crisis in their area. If that is the case, the constitution is very clear and that lends credence to suggestions that Nigeria is at war. This also lends credence to what Pastor Tunde Bakare was saying even though a lot of people have criticized him. If Nigeria is in a state of war because if the government concedes that the crisis is in such a nature that election cannot hold in such areas, you cannot organize elections in certain areas and left out other places because we are one Nigeria. It means you are not capable to conduct elections. You cannot disenfranchise anyone of voting age. Everybody who is a Nigerian must be made to participate. Assuming without conceding, that certain votes will come from certain areas for any of the presidential candidates CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Law | Article

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

‘INEC not fit to canvass alternative to litigation’

2015 election: Secondary school certificate or its equivalent not a mandatory requirement

Osipitan Ananaba

Keyamo

Taiwo Osipitan CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 21

eryone to encourage key into constitutional provision as the only process guaranteed for resolving electoral disputes, described INEC’s proposition as uncalled for. According to him, since there was no known alternative to judicial process of resolving disputes, proposing an alternative to judicial process for resolving electoral disputes would be an exercise in futility. Quakers said: “While, we encourage dispute resolutions other than litigations, the constitutional provisions are clear as to how electoral infractions are to be resolved. You can’t deploy alternative resolutions to such. In fact, it must go to court except where a party decides not to seek redress. “So, INEC’s proposition is not feasible in the face of the Electoral Act and the Constitution’’. Mr. Paul Ananaba, another Senior Advocate simply said “I do not agree with INEC on its loss of confidence in using judicial process to resolving electoral matters but notwithstanding, mediation and conciliation is a very good alternative.” To Mr. Festus Keyamo, “whatever it is, if we move it from the courts to an arbitration panel, it is still Nigerians that will man it. In fact, that is even worse, because, who appoints them? Who funds them? Where will they get their powers from? We will just be jumping from pillar to post. He went on: “That will be similar to election tribunal because for you to resolve those disputes, you must go through the process of tendering evidence and so on. It is tantamount to settling the country on fire. “So, INEC’s proposition cannot fly. It only has to be the third-arm of government, the judiciary, which has the power invested in it by the Constitution that can make pronouncements on electoral disputes’’. Although his view was not different from his colleagues, Mohammed Fawehinmi said “I think the only other reasonable way is to have electoral courts. It has been suggested before and I believe it is still the most viable option. So, any other alternatives may not be viable because we are not yet matured to that

level in the sense that we still see elections in this part of the world as a do or die thing. So, I think we still need the force of laws on these issues until we are matured for other alternatives’’. Alletor Christopher believes the issue of resolving disputes after elections is basically constitutional. He said: “The Constitution has provided the guidelines which any aggrieved party can follow in ventilating his grievances. So, for us to be talking about an alternative dispute resolution mechanism there must be an amendment to the Constitution. “We can see that the Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism is taking pre-eminence and is being embraced in many other jurisdictions because it is cost effective and devoid of all the court’s procedures. “It would have been a great thing if it is something we can do presently without having to go through the rigours of amending the Constitution. So, I think it is a thought for the future and not something that we can do presently. “The politicians should also be mindful of their conducts and be ready to accept the outcome of all elections. It should not be a do or die thing but a contest where there will be a winner and loser’’. Dr. Anthony Okorodas said “apart from mediation and reconciliation, litigation remains the only lawful means of ventilating political grievances. “The judiciary has done its best in resolving electoral disputes in Nigeria. The Judiciary is the only institution that has prevented politicians from resorting to street justice and self-help when they feel cheated in the electoral process. “INEC must know that the more transparent the electoral process, the less likely electoral losers would head for the courts. It is better to work hard to ensure that electoral disputes are brought to the barest minimum by conducting free and fair elections. “If INEC as an institution disparages the judicial system instead of supporting and building public in it, it would inadvertently be building a foundation for anarchy. “While INEC can legitimately explore alternative means of resolving electoral disputes, it does not have to undermine the integrity and capacity of the judiciary to deliver justice to aggrieved

s the nation prepares for the February 2015 election, the educational qualifications of candidates contesting the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has generated endless controversies. Two Schools of thought are locked in the controversy. The dominant School of thought has asserted loudly and clearly, that a person is not eligible to contest election to the office of the President unless he/she produces a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. It has been and it is still being contended that candidates must possess/produce educational qualification of at least Secondary School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent in order to be eligible to contest the coming elections. Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has been cited in support of the contention by proponents of that view to support their position. The said Section provides: “131. A person shall be qualified for election to the office of President if(d) He has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent.” Candidates contesting election to other elective positions must also possess a similar qualification. This is in view of the prescription in other provisions of the Constitution that candidates to elective post must have been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent. Section 177 (d) prescribes that candidates contesting election into the office of State Governor must have been educated up to at least School Certificate Level its equivalent. By virtue of Section 142(2) and 187(2) the provisions on educational qualification of President and State Governors apply to Vice President and Deputy Governors respectively.

Section 65(2) (a) and 106(c) of the Constitution prescribes that candidates contesting elections as National Assembly and State House of Assembly members respectively must also have been educated to at least School Certificate Level. It is against the backdrop of Section 131 (d) of the Constitution that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), has been and is still being invited, to disqualify General Muhammadu Buhari (APC’s Presidential candidate) from contesting the upcoming Presidential Election. It is likely that more requests will be made to INEC to disqualify other candidates, on the same ground of lack of educational qualification of “school certificate or its equivalent”. This article seeks to place adequate information at the disposal of all concerned. The article educates further all concerned on the requirements of educational qualifications of persons contesting election to the office of the President and other elective posts in the coming 2015 Election. This article demonstrates, that under the 1999 Constitution, production of Secondary School Certificate or it’s equivalent is not a mandatory requirement of being eligible to contest election into an elective post. Undoubtedly, Section 131(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) prescribes Secondary School Leaving Certificate as the minimum educational qualification of candidates contesting election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It stipulates that candidates must be “educated up to at least School Leaving Certificate Level or its equivalent.” When the above provision is construed in its ordinary grammatical meaning, persons who do not possess the Secondary School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent are not qualified to contest election to the office of President. TO BE CONTINUED

Law | Special Report

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Adamu: JUSUN’s strike legitimate Although the Judiciary workers have suspended their three-week old strike in the nnation’s Federal courts, their president, Mustapha Adamu in this interview with TUNDE OYESINA, justified the legality of their strike action. He said the strike was lawful contrary to the position of a former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, that it was criminal to embark on the strike. Why are you on strike? The union approached the Federal High Court because the union is dissatisfied with the way and manner the Federation Account/Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federal and states were being handled. The welfare of our members had suffered as a result of the practice. We, however, joined the National Judicial Council (NJC), the federal government and the 36 states as defendants in the suit. So what is the outcome of the suit? The court gave a judgement in our favour. The court had restrained the federal government and the 36 states of the federation from holding on to funds budgeted for the judiciary. In the judgement, the court also said that we have the standing right to ask both the federal government and the 36 states to comply with the provisions of the Constitution on the funding of the judiciary. It however ordered that funds meant for the judiciary should be released directly to the heads of courts and not the executive arm of government. The court described the disbursement of funds for the judiciary by the executive as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the judiciary. Relying on the provisions of Sections 83(1), 212(3) and 162(9) of the Constitution, the judge said the provisions were clear and straightforward and should, therefore, be complied with. The court also said the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and the states should act responsibly and promptly to avoid constitutional crisis in this country by ensuring financial autonomy for the judiciary. According to him, the court said the end has come for the judiciary to be begging the executive for funds. He held that the piecemeal allocation of funds to the judiciary at the pleasure of the Federal

anarchy on the nation. Would you then see this grievance as enough to put the nation’s judiciary under lock indefinitely, stalling election matters in perpetuity? Yes, we decided to go on an indefinite strike because the executive did not comply with the agreement reached with the union to comply with the judgment of the court on judiciary funding. We have no choice but to go on strike to compel implementation of a subsisting court order and the agreement reached with them.

Adamu

Government and states was unconstitutional, un-procedural, cumbersome, null, void, and should be abated forthwith. Specifically, the judge declared that the defendants’ failure to pay the funds standing to the credit of the states’ judiciary directly to the heads of courts in the various states’ judiciary was a constitutional breach and must stop. The judge also compelled the federal and state governments to comply with the provisions of Sections 81(3), 212(3) and 162(9) of the 1999 Constitution in the disbursement of funds to the heads of courts forthwith. He also issued an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants from committing any further breach of the aforesaid constitutional provisions. According to the judge, both the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) enjoy independence of funding and that the same should apply to the judiciary in accordance with the constitution. To ensure that the orders made are complied with, the court then made ancillary orders to the effect that the judgement should be served on the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Accountants-General of all the 36 states to enable them comply with the orders. Some of the states’ counsel promised to serve the judgment on their respective states’ Accountants-General and promised to comply. The court also ordered that the judgement be served on the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the speakers of the 36 states of the federation to enable them comply with the judgment. Furthermore, the Au-

ditor-General of the Federation and the Auditors-General of the 36 states should be served with the judgement for immediate compliance.

Various stakeholders had flouted the Memorandum of Understanding in which it was agreed that the financial autonomy of the judiciary, as ordered by the court, would be given effect from December 2014

What then has delayed the implementation of the court judgement? The Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation should be blamed for the failure of the Federal Government to implement the judgment of the Federal High Court which stopped the executive from holding on to fund meant for the judiciary. States’ Accountants-General had also frustrated the implementation of the judgment. However, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity should be commended for making strenuous efforts to resolve the impasse between the union and the federal government. Remember that this judgment was delivered in January 2014. Since then, government has engaged us in discussion for about 20 times. We entered MOU for seven times and government failed to, in particular let me be specific, the office of the Accountant-General, refused to obey the court judgment. There is an order directing him to deduct that money and pay to the National Judicial Council and he had failed to do this. Also, all the states governors through their Accountants-General and Commissioners for Finance, who are all members of FACC have equally contributed to bringing us to where we are today. We have accommodated them, tolerated them but since this is what they preferred, we have decided to give it to them as a new year gift. Refusing to comply with an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, the Federal Government would foist

What has been the role of stakeholders in the matter? Various stakeholders had flouted the Memorandum of Understanding in which it was agreed that the financial autonomy of the judiciary as ordered by the court would be given effect from December 2014. The MoU signed by various parties on November 27, 2014 meeting, stipulated that as from the next Federal Accounts Allocation Committee meeting, the judgment would be implemented. We had in July 2014 embarked on three weeks strike which was suspended after stakeholders promised to ensure that our demands were met. The discussions with the union culminated in the MoU which the stakeholders and the union reached in November 2014.The terms of the MoU were due for implementation in December 2014. But none of the stakeholders involved in the MoU had contacted the union since the strike threat was issued. But what can they do even if they contacted us? What we are asking for is the implementation of the MoU. Any intervention by the NBA? We have not heard from them. The other time when we went on strike they played a major role, but we have not heard from them this time even as there is really nothing they can do without the implementation of the judgement. Is there any end in sight? No going back on the strike. Nothing will stop the judiciary workers from embarking on their nationwide strike. It means, all levels of court up to the Supreme Court along with other judiciary institutions such as the National Judicial Council, Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Institute, will all continue to be shut down. The strike will be indefinite and will not be suspended until our demands for the implementation of the January 13, 2014 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja is met. In line with the court judgment, the Accountant-General of the Federation is to make deductions of the amount standing to the credit of states’ judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund and remit it to the National Judicial Council which will then disburse same to the various heads of court.

Law | Jurist

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

‘Strike not enough to vitiate election matters’ CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 22

who have supporters there, are you now saying they will be disenfranchised for voting for a candidate of their choice on the account that there are crisis in their area? If this is the situation where soldiers are also on trial for mutiny, it means the way things are in this country, we are almost like saying we are in a state of war. Can you organize election in this kind of environment? It’s not uniform but limited to a particular region but they are part of the Nigerian state. A few days back, the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, said that if for any reason Jonathan loses, the south-south will foment trouble, create crisis and make the nation ungovernable. Perhaps, he knew something that we did not know. But, it is also not too far from the observations of Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, who also forwarded a report and enjoined the two presidential gladiators of the two parties to extract a commitment from them to ensure that their supporters do not throw the country into turmoil and ashes. That if ‘A’ wins supporters of ’ B ‘ will strike and vice versa. What does this tells us? That we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. These are issues that we cannot sweep under the carpet. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, is not a politician but a technocrat and does not belong to any political party. So, if he is saying this in line with what Jimi Agbaje has said and in line with what Asari Dokubo has also said, then, we have every cause to be alarmed and worried. We have every cause not to close our eyes to all of these and say we should go ahead and organize an election. People feel that they need a change in governance; others believe that the status quo must remain. The only way this can be determined right or wrong is for us to go to the polls. But, if we want to go to the polls and a particular segment of the country is disenfranchised, it creates an imbalance. To answer a question on whether or not the law allows INEC to stop elections in troubled areas, I will say yes and no. Yes, if INEC discovered that it cannot organize elections in what you called problem areas. But, guess what, it boils down to one fact that the government that is responsible for security has abandoned its responsibility. The Constitution says security is paramount. It is the duty and responsibility of the Federal Government to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens. So, if INEC comes out to say we can’t go to this neighborhood to conduct elections because of insurgents, what INEC is saying is that the government has failed to provide security. That is also an indictment on the government itself. So, INEC as a body will be justified in saying that. What is the government doing about security? If you can deploy soldiers to the troubled areas for people there to exercise their franchise, fine. We should do that but not to disenfranchise people on account of crisis

in that region. To the best of my knowledge, there is no provision for transition government in the Constitution. What I know we have in the Constitution is that in a state of war, the President will request or apply for enablement as it were to declare war and that he has not done so. In other words, it is the executive and legislature that will work together at ensuring that once the President declares war with the approval and support of the National Assembly, then, you cannot organize elections during that period. The President will continue in office until when the situation of the country normalizes. The Constitution does not allow any vacuum in governance. So, if you have an incumbent who occupies the position during war time, he continues in office until situation normalizes. But, I don’t think we are ripe for that now. Let me be honest with you, if the President decides to do that now, a number of people will read meanings to it. As you can see, the judiciary has been locked down, so, if anyone wants to challenge the President, where will he or she go to? On whether or not we will have a free and fair election in February in the light of the current happenings in the country, I say yes. This Quakers is to the extent of the numbers of registered voters. There might be anomalies, challenges and difficulties. There is also voter’s apathy in this country. You will be shocked to discover that majority of the educated elite don’t either put themselves up for elections or register so as to vote to determine who govern them. For them, it is a burden. Majority of the people you see on queues are grassroots people. Only few people are in the elite cadre. So, if I go by what the President has said, I want to believe we may likely have a free and fair election. I think we have You cannot had some fair share of elections organized by INEC in past. The create a ‘’fait President has said he will orgaaccompli’’. nize free and fair elections. So, let’s This means take him by his words. He did it in Edo State where a candidate of his you cannot party that he even campaigned for say because lost. He did it in Osun State where a candidate of his party lost. The elections have only worry and constraint that I been held, so, have is using the army to monithe matters tor elections which is unconstitutional and that I don’t think should in court stand. I believe the army should be have been confined to playing their constitutional role and allow the police to overtaken also play their constitutional role. by events. But, I feel that the military can be It cannot deploying to the troubled northeast because of the crisis there. If happen we want everyone in those areas to vote in the coming elections, the military should be deployed to those volatile areas. The military are to maintain the sovereign integrity of Nigeria and to ensure that no component units of the federal structure are threatened. Sir, what is your take on the General Muhammadu Buhari’s certificate saga? Why do you think the issue is just being raised now after he has contested presidential election three times?

I think it’s not a matter of why the issue is just being raised now. The questions are: is it something that is worth looking into? Is it something that is so fundamental that in line with the requirements of the law and before a person can seek for a political office, there is minimum requirement that he must put on the table for the electoral body to give you the platform to contest? But, I think this whole issue has become a political issue. But, here is a constitutional provisions which says minimum requirement is a school certificate, it cannot be waive away. So, the law says Buhari must present his certificate. I want to believe that in all the previous elections, he has presented his certificate. But, where is the certificate? Did he present it along with the form he submitted? I think there is a provision in Section 31 or thereabout of the Electoral Act about deposing to an affidavit and forwarding your document in line with Forms CA001. The only person who can complain about the nonavailability of these documents is INEC. You see, the Supreme Court has said INEC does not have the capacity to disqualify any candidate. But, there is a filtering stage, where candidate’s credentials are screened. There is also a screening by the State Security Services (SSS). So, there are a number of things that a candidate must do or fulfill before he can be put up for election. If he has been registered or accommodated by INEC, it means he has fulfilled the requirement. So, if any political party wants to make it an issue, the appropriate place to raise it is not on the pages of newspaper but at the court. Corruption is one of the challenges of this government, how would you

look at corruption generally? My brother, corruption is deep. One can however say it is deeper during the tenure of the current administration. Corruption has always been a part of this country but it has assumed a frightening and monumental dimension in the last couple of years. I am worried because a lot of people who have been alleged to have corruptly enriched themselves in the system have not been prosecuted. A situation where people go into government and they come out richer and nobody says anything is frightening. A situation where judges are being accused of being corrupt even up to the apex court is frightening. Corruption cuts across and I feel that this current administration has not done much in terms of fighting the issue. Yes, the current President inherited a corrupt system. Obasanjo, in fairness to him, tried his best. We owe the emergence of ICPC and EFCC to him. Now, how far have these agencies gone? You and I know that the agencies were more vibrant under Obasanjo than this present administration. Even private individuals who took cases to EFCC when Nuhu Ribadu was there attested to the fact that the anti-graft agency was effective. Arrests and prosecutions were made in both public and private sectors. Are we seen that now? Again, it is also an indictment on all of us as a whole. You have people who are standing trial for abuse of public office, who put themselves up for elections and were voted for. They were today in government. We even have some of them as Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Are we serious about fighting corruption? Have we gone so low that we can’t identify people of character and high integrity? The eras of values have gone in this country and we need to revisit it. In the United Kingdom, there is a Financial Proceeds of Crime Act. It says anybody who has assets far beyond his income must explain how he came about it. Do we have that here? Are we making a conscious effort to get people to live within their means? Our standard is so high and that is why people go into government to help themselves. Access to power is what brings about all these. If you have water-tight checks and balances, water-tight agencies expected to play their roles, we will not be in this mess. The laws are there. Look at the Code of Conducts. Are you aware that even the contribution that was made to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his library project offends the provisions of the Code of Conduct? The donations made to the incumbent President for his political campaign also offends the provisions of the Code of Conduct. But, how many people care? Who is there to prosecute them and make it an issue? Buhari is not yet in government and so there is no issue over donations made to him for his campaigns. But as an incumbent, provisions of the code of conducts forbids you from taking gifts or donations from certain quarters, particularly those doing business with government or even from state governors. Part of Item 6, Sub 1, 2 and 3 of the Code of Conducts says ‘’a public officer shall not ask for or accept properties or benefits of any kind for himself or any other person on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties’’.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015

27 Health Living

Nature Power

Healthy News

Five percent of people with cirrhosis get liver cancer

Expert blames rising cancer on dearth of treatment facilities

Ginger: The aromatic herb (2)

Health

A young man craves for food at night

PHOTO: thecaliforniainitiative.blogspot.com

Dangers of eating late at night Appolonia Adeyemi

ost Nigerians are very familiar with eating late in the evening. For many urbanbased civil servants whose returning home after office hours is usually delayed by metropolitan city traffic, the usual story is that coming home late makes eating dinner late inevitable. If this is the reason workers give for indulging in eating dinner late or snacking at night, most peas-

Appolonia Adeyemi appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

ants that consume their meal late at night also have their reasons. Some have blamed it on dinners that are ready very late. Hence, it is common to find dinner tables set anytime between 9 p.m and 10 p.m. It is also not unusual to find men who eat late in the night lay the blame on their wives. “Even if I return home at 11.30 p.m or 12 midnight, I must eat in my house,” a Lagos-based taxi driver said. He added that if he fails to take the meal, his wife may suspect that he had eaten outside his matrimonial home. Consequently, he said no matter how late he returns home, he eats the dinner to assure madam of his loyalty and love. For many people, late-night eating has become a way of life. Some people actually argue that they have done it over the years and do not see any problem. Medical experts have however debunked this claim. They said this habit has got to go if indi-

Eating late at night actually becomes a bad habit in calorie maintenance, resulting in weight gain

vidual are going to lose weight permanently. If you eat more calories at night, the time of day when you are not expending much energy, you are likely to gain weight. Hence, advocates have called on those who indulge in it to break free from late-night eating so as live healthily. According to a family physician, Dr. Adeyeye Arigbabuwo, Chairman, Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), eating late at night is discouraged for many reasons. Some of the reasons medical professionals reject it are that it makes sleep difficult and uncomfortable as it generates high level energy when one is sleeping. “One can aspirate after eating late in the night. This is what is called regurgitation, when some food comes back to the throat suddenly. “In another process, one can get chocked and in fact, there have been recorded cases of sud-

den deaths following.” Furthermore, the family physician said, besides the danger associated with this practice, eating late at night actually becomes a bad habit in calorie maintenance, resulting in weight gain and more importantly is that it keeps one on edge because even the heart and other vital organs can actually be compromised because they are busy excessively working when there is no need for it. Hence, it is common to find affected person lie down, rolling right round on bed without good sleep to match because there will be liberation of excessive and unnecessary sugar late at night when actually no work is being done. Invariably, an affected person can become vigilant in the night unduly. Apart from these, Arigbabuwo added that regurgitated food could come up to the throat again and in the process, go through the CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Health News

THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

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

Five per cent of people with cirrhosis have liver cancer Late night clock is a reminder to keep-off food

Obesity, hypertension, diabetes, products of late night eating CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

esophagus; it may go through the larynx into the lungs. “It may cause breathing difficulty. Similarly, sudden heart failure may happen in the process because one may be chocked.” Furthermore, the family physician said an affected person may develop purging, sudden, diarrhea including constipation. Obinna Ogbonna, a dietician at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State said, “naturally when people eat, the food is supposed to digest within three or four hours. However, if they eat very late in the night, the possibility is that the three hours will not elapse before they retire to bed to sleep. He noted, “If that happens, there could be indigestion because digestion slows down in the night.” Also, he said the person is not active when he sleeps. Hence the body will not utilise that energy generated from the food. “The energy will now be converted to fat and the accumulation of it over a period of time will cause obesity, which is a very high precursor of cardiovascular problems. Diseases like hypertension, stroke, and diabetes mellitus are all related diseases that obesity could cause.” According to Ogbonna, these complications that arise from obesity are common health problems that are seen in hospitals daily. Describing hypertension as the symptom of an underlining disease condition, the dietician noted that if people accumulate excessive fat, through eating late at night, which could raise their blood pressure because of the fat that is deposited along their blood vessels. It could cause atherosclerosis. This is a

Oprah Winfrey’s diet guru, Bob Greene, an American certified exercise physiologist and trainer in fitness, metabolism and weight loss, advises his clients not to eat at all after 8 p.m.

medical condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to excessive buildup of plaque around the artery wall. The disease disrupts the flow of blood around the body, posing serious cardiovascular complications. The dietician said, “If the weight reduction is done through dietary counseling and prescribed exercises by a physiotherapist, it is likely that such a patient will reduce his body weight. The hypertension also will go down. We have used dietary approach in curtailing and managing such people and they come back to normalcy. For Arigbabuwo, the appropriate time to eat dinner is between 6pm and 7 p.m. “Dinner may also be taken even earlier between 5pm and 7 p.m. On his part, Oprah Winfrey’s diet guru, Bob Greene, an American certified exercise physiologist and trainer in fitness, metabolism and weight loss, advises his clients not to eat at all after 8 p.m., as a technique to limit total calories. Ogbonna noted that the time lag between dinner and bed time paves way for digestion of food and use of energy from the food. However, if one must eat late, the family physician said, “eat very little quantity and make sure you wait for about one and half hours to two hours before you retire to bed. If one must eat late, Ogbonna said, “it is advisable that people should not eat foods of high carbohydrate content such as ‘eba’ and pounded yam. These are local delicacies prepared from cassava and yam respectively. He recommended foods that are lighter including pap ‘agidi’, fruits and vegetables. If you are plagued by midnight munchies, keep it simple, and remember that

he Liver helps in the maintenance of body metabolic processes. It receives and processes some of the food, medications and sometimes the toxins we take in and break them into minute forms. Similarly, the liver helps absorb for the body to use and gets rid of unwanted substances that are not needed. The liver processes dietary protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and stores excess sugar. Consequently, injury to the liver structure can be very harmful and might in most cases, though slowly lead to death. When the result is damaged permanently from multiple insults, it leads to a disease called cirrhosis which is a progressive diffuse, condition that turns the liver into a dry hard structure, disrupting its entire structural form and can be irreversible. Cirrhosis is a silent disease with most patients showing no signs of the disease. It is the scarring of the liver. Scar tissues form because of long term injury and scarred liver cannot do what the healthy liver does like make protein, help fight infections, clean the blood, digest food and store energy. About five percent of people with cirrhosis get liver cancer. Causes Single and multifactorial insults to the liver ultimately lead to cirrhosis. The most common cause of cirrhosis is alcoholic abuse. Sixty to 70 percent of cirrhosis is caused by alcoholic abuse. Others are long term hepatitis B and C which can be acquired from blood transfusion, intravenous (IV) drug use, promiscuous sexual behavior, body piercing and tattoo, obesity and fatty liver, diabetes, and severe weight loss after a gastric bypass. In addition other causes of cirrhosis some medications, infections

Photographs of damaged liver

and family history. Symptoms Early signs can manifest as lack of appetite and weight loss, severe weakness and bone pain/ fracture due to lack of vitamin D absorption from the liver. Others are yellowish colouring of the white area of the eyes (sclera) and skin, itching, nail changes, lower legs swelling, tremours (hand shaking) and shrinking of the testicles (testicular atrophy). Diagnosis Although, no laboratory test can diagnose cirrhosis, the liver function test, blood count test, can reveal abnormalities in liver activity. The first line preferred imaging is abominal ultrasound which is a non invasive imaging that provides information regarding the appearance of the liver and blood flow in the veins and arteries surrounding it. Management Avoid medications

PHOTO: AAFP.org

that will worsen the liver structure. Give complete vaccination for hepatitis A and B. Similarly, avoid alcohol intake and maintain adequate nutrition by limiting salt intake, taking frequent high calorie meals and avoid bedtime snack. Also, avoid fat soluble vitamins and eat adequate protienous food. In very severe cases interferon medications under the guidance of a doctor will help. Some of the complications can be ascites (fluid accumulation in the stomach, swelling of the stomach) bacterial infection of the accumulated fluid in the stomach, severe high blood pressure that is sometimes difficult to control lead to fluid in the lungs. Stone formation of the gall bladder because of close proximity to liver may also result as well as liver cancer. Liver biopsy can be done to assess the effect of treatment and how bad the liver is damaged.

Health Features 29

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015

Nigerians shun HIV testing – Report HIGH RISK BEHAVIOUR Simple medical checkup can keep deadly virus at bay Obinna Odoh Abuja

eport has shown that despite the fight to check HIV pandemic in Nigeria, a lot of lives are still as a result of HIV infection. Consequent upon this high level of deaths emanating from HIV/AIDS, response to HIV testing and counselling is still low because of fear of the unknown. Nigeria as the giant of Africa with over 170 million people has the second largest HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world with the estimation of about 3.5 million people living with the HIV according to World Health Organisation (WHO) report. Despite this alarming figure there are still millions of Nigerians who are yet to know their HIV status. Sadly, amongst this figure, over 20,000 Nigeria die every month as a result of HIV/AIDS pandemic despite the efforts of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), state governments, local government council areas (LGCAs) and some non-government organisations (NGOs). During the last quarter of 2014, the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) protested over none implementation of the President’s Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan to cushion the effect of HIV/AIDS pandemic which they blamed as the cause of the upsurge in HIV/ AIDS deaths in Nigeria. However the NEPWAN report stated that few out of people living with HIV and AIDS have access to anti-retroviral drugs in Nigeria and highlighted that emergency response is required to save the lives of Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS especially people diagnosed to be positive but cannot access drugs.

According to the group, consequent to this every serious and well meaning Nigerian should be concerned especially government at all levels, NGOs and indeed the public over the plight of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and as result provide action-oriented help. According to the report, “only 649,000 HIV positive persons out of 1.8 million people that are eligible for treatment are currently accessing antiretroviral drugs. This represents only 30 percent of the national need. Despite the huge investment made till date to stem the tide of the epidemic, about 20,000 people die of AIDS related complications monthly in Nigeria”. Despite the negative effect of this virus which can be managed/controlled if identified early many Nigerians are still cold and afraid to go through HIV testing and counseling (HCT) which is seen as panacea for managing and controlling the virus. Some people attribute this fear to stigmatisation associated with HIV/AIDS or faced by people living with HIV/AIDS. A report from NACA and the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) shows that the Global AIDS Response Progress Report (GARPR) for 2012 recorded that the number of people accessing HCT services falls below the universal access targets, there are indications of unmet HCT needs with evidence that the proportion of people needing HCT increased from 43 percent to 73 percent in 2010. With a high prevalence of HIV in Nigeria and low coverage the President’s Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) developed strategies to raise public awareness, as well as strengthen system for prevention, treatment, care and support through expansion of community outreach/ mobile HCT targeting grassroots and interior places to address the epidemic. It is therefore pertinent and helpful that the general public should indeed embrace the opportunity the national HCT provided by NACA SURE-P as

Unidentified officials conducting HIV counseling and testing

Only 649,000 HIV positive persons out of 1.8 million people that are eligible for treatment are currently accessing antiretroviral drugs

was encapsulated in the PCRP because it is the first step for result oriented service delivery which will help in controlling the disease. The most important aspects of preventing HIV/AIDS is the knowledge of ones status because it will avail one the opportunity of meeting and discussing with experts for medical guide. It will also pave the way to initiate early treatment if diagnosed to be positive. Amongst challenges observed as strong impediment to HIV/AIDS fight is low availability of funds, limited number of HCT service delivery points, predominant facility based services, limited access to hard-to-reach communities and most at risk populations (MARPs), poor linkage and referral systems. Furthermore, it has been identified that the increased HCT uptake to the tune of reaching universal target is key to appropriate planning, bud-

Photo: www.stjohnuganda.org

geting and implementation and this should not be undermined. NACA and SURE-P recently, precisely in December 2014, commenced the first batch of HCT activities in FCT, Niger, Bayelsa, Delta, Anambra and Enugu. In the programme they offered HIV testing and counselling, Referrals of those who tested positive to HIV, distribution of male/female condoms, distribution of IEC materials, distribution of insecticide treatment mosquitos nets and distribution of anthelmintic. The Agency assured that this programme will continue in this 2015. The second batch is slated to commence very soon and will be focusing on Ebonyi, Edo, Nasarawa and Sokoto in line with the goal of the PCRP to provide access and opportunities for many Nigerians to know their HIV status and access HIV prevention treatment, care and support as required.

NAFDAC seizes fake aphrodisiac

Orhii

Appolonia Adeyemi

etectives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have stopped activities of counterfeiters who planned to flood the market with dangerous, Heragra and Ziagra. Both

erectile dysfunction drugs are counterfeits of the popular Viagra which is used to boost penile erection. Based on tips from the Intelligence Unit of NAFDC’s Enforcement Department, the detectives intercepted five containers of counterfeit drugs worth N270 million. The Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii who alerted the public about this development, said using these drugs would have resulted in chest pain, uncomfortable penile dysfunction, heart attack and even death. According to Orhii, unregistered Heragra and Ziagra

brands of sildenafil citrate tablets is usually registered in 25 mg, 50mg and 100mg, the intercepted unregistered Heragra and Ziagra came in a strength of 120mg. “These products are known drugs of misuse and abuse which can result in very serious health problems such as increased blood pressure (BP), stroke, ulceration of the gastro-intestinal tract, tolerance and dependence. He said, “May I also point out here that the implications of overdose of these drugs are stroke, liver diseases, kidney disease swelling of the face, swelling of the tongue and skin disease.”

The director general of NAFDAC said, “These products have not been tested and certified by NAFDAC. Therefore, their quality and safety are not guaranteed, but for the timely intervention of NAFDAC, they would have found their way into circulation.” Similarly, NAFDAC operatives arrested one Mr. Akintunde in his residence at Akanni Street Teddy Village in Lagos where he was producing counterfeit Kasapreko Alomo Bitters, among other alcoholic beverages. “Our operatives recovered 314 cartons of fake Kasapreko Bitters along empty bottles and

packaging materials of popular alcoholic beverage like Mcdowell Whiskey. Jonnie Walker (Red Label) from his unapproved and illegal production. “Akintunde Smith has been operating without due regard to the principles of good manufacturing practice (GMP) and standards of hygiene in the production of the violative products,” said Orhii. Also, the operatives arrested one Mr. Kelechi of Akason Investment Limited in Apapa for the forgery of NAFDAC payment advice to clear 14 by 40ft containers of Paraquat drug.

Health News

THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Expert blames rising cancer on dearth of treatment facilities

Lakeshore Cancer Centre begins operations Oluwatosin Omoniyi

L-R: Chairman, Association of General Private General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (APGMPN), Dr. Adeyeye Arigbabuwo; Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Boniface Oye-Adeniran; President, Old Boys Association, St. Charles Grammar School, Oshogbo, Majek Okunola Owoo; and Prof. Ajekigbe at the inaugural lecture on Cancer: The unwanted guest that may visit, held at the University of Lagos recently

Appolonia Adeyemi

foremost oncologist has blamed the increasing incidence of cancer in the country to the federal government’s failure to appropriately equip tertiary hospitals with modern radiation machines and other facilities for the treatment of cancer. Also, the oncologist blamed churches and herbal doctors who falsely claim to have solution to treat cancer resulting to treatment delay, rising mortality and morbidity. Aderemi Ajekigbe, a professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos who made the assertion also urged the federal government to allocate an oil block for early detection and management of

cancers. He disclosed these at the 21st Inaugural lecture of the University of Lagos last week, titled: ‘Cancer; The Unwanted Guest That May Visit. The lecture was also the second from the Department of Radiation Biology; Radiotherapy; Radio-diagnosis; and Radiography (RBRRR) of the College of Medicine University of Lagos. There are about two million cancer cases recorded in Nigeria at present, with over 100,000 new cases recorded annually. However, he called on Nigerians to take measures to detect cancers early through routine medical checkup. He added that the adoption of healthy diet and lifestyles can prevent cancers. According to him, early detection of cancers will increase the lifespan of

survivors. Ajekigbe said Nigeria is not prepared to address cancer in the country. “At a point in Nigeria, only four radiotherapy machines were available for the treatment of cancer in the whole country.” He added that while the machines broke down, they are not repaired for long so as to ensure uninterrupted treatment for patients most of whom suffered while waiting for the continuation of treatment. On the way out, Ajekigbe said funding from the allocated oil block will be channeled to early detection of cancers and management. Speaking further, he said, “Everything health care professionals are going to use including equipment and tools for early detection of cancer should be available in hospitals.”

he Lakeshore Cancer Center, LCC, has formally launched operations in its facility centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, January 24th. The Center which is solely meant for high quality prevention and treatment of cancer is designed by a team of global experts on surgical and radiation oncology. Affiliated with Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, USA –the oldest cancer center in the world, LCC has been offering skeletal services since July 2014. The RPCI provides training, education and clinical care oversight and research programs to the Center. The LCC provides diagnostic imaging services, mammography, pap smear, laboratory services, public education awareness, tissue biopsis, outpatient operative procedures chemotherapy services, and palliative care. The facility also provides minor surgery, oncology consultation, cancer treatment planning as well as outpatient pharmacy. The Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director at LCC, Dr. Chumy Nwogu revealed that, cancer kills more people globally than malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) combined, and disproportionately impacts low to middle income countries like Nigeria. He explained that the 2012 data of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, stipulates 102,079

Ginger: The aromatic herb (2) Nature Power

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

t is not possible to list all the medicinal effects of ginger on the body because ginger affects most of the body’s organs. Ginger acts on the musculo-skeletal system by reducing inflammations. This is why it is useful for treating rheumatism, arthritis, gout and appendicitis. In the digestive system, ginger inhibits the growth of toxic micro-organism while allowing the useful bacteria to grow. This is a quality which is never present in synthetic drugs. Ginger acts on the circulatory system preventing the formation of thromboxanes, a substance that causes blood platelets to aggregate, which eventually forms blood clots that leads to hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. It is scientifically proven that ginger is as effective as aspirin in preventing formation of blood clots in the arteries, with the added advantage of having no side effect.

Fr. Anselm Adodo, OSB

naturepower@paxherbals.net; twitter: @anselmadodo 1. FEVER: Ginger has been an ancient African remedy for fever. It stimulates the body to perspire, lowering the body’s temperature. Simply soak one teaspoon

Ginger

of ginger powder into a glass of hot water, then drink. 2. JAUNDICE/HEPATITIS: Ginger is an excellent remedy for jaundice and hepatitis, espe-

cially when combined with bitter kola. Mix five or ten tablespoons of powdered ginger with an equal quantity of powdered bitter kola. Pour one teaspoonful into a glass of hot water and allow it to infuse for five minutes before adding two tablespoonfuls of honey. Take a glass every day. Please do not exceed the dosage, because it may lead to over stimulation of the liver, which is dangerous in hepatitis. Some herbal scientists have even suggested that those who suffer from hepatitis should not take ginger at all. But there is no need for such extreme caution. Follow the dosage above and you will be safe. 3. COUGH/ SORE THROAT Ginger is one of the most active herbs against cough and sore throat. In this case the fresh, raw ginger is more effective. Simply tear off a finger of ginger and chew, and then swallow the juice. Do this twice daily. You may not like the taste at the beginning, but you will soon get used to it. Taste is simply a matter of choice. To those who are not used to it, beer and stout or beer taste awful. But to those who are addicted to it, it

new cancer cases every year and 71,571 cancer deaths annually in Nigeria. “This is probably a marked underestimation as cancer registration is really poor in Nigeria. More than 70 per cent of patients die despite the fact that we do not capture all of them; more than 20 percent of people with cancer are still not captured. This is because many patients usually seek alternative treatments, traditional healers or prayer houses. These numbers are predicted to rise dramatically over the next few years,” he disclosed. The Medical Director, who is a Cancer Epidemiologist and Thoracic Surgical Oncologist, further stated that, “the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one third of cancers can be prevented, one third cured and one third effectively palliated; hence the great need for education, screening and early detection.” He said that, LCC is committed to providing cancer patients with tools for early detection, diagnosis and consultation with excellent oncologists without having to travel away from loved ones at home. The Center also launched the Foundation for Cancer Care in West Africa (FCCWA) to provide cancer care for the less privileged in Nigeria and across West Africa. “The treatment for cancer is capital intensive and long term, so most individuals cannot sustain the cost.

is either beer or nothing at. 4. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND STROKE As mentioned above, ginger is good for hypertension and stroke. This is due to the presence of gingerol, an antiplatelet chemical that has inhibits the formation of thromboxane. Add a teaspoon of dried, ginger powder to a cup of hot water and allow it to infuse for ten minutes. Take a glass twice daily. You need to take this preparation for as long as three months to be able to experience its full benefit. 5. CANCER For the treatment of cancer, follow the same recipe as for stroke above and take a glass three times daily. Ginger has an important role to play in the fight against cancer. 6. GENERAL HEALTH The most important quality of ginger is the fact that it is beneficial for the whole body systems. It is therefore recommended that everybody makes a habit of taking ginger regularly.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Industry

ICT

Auto policy: Stakeholder seeks 10-year incubation period

Boosting Internet connectivity

Business Telecoms: FG gazettes What's news

World Bank to audit $200m Lagos projects

The World Bank has concluded plan for final audit of some of the projects undertaken by the Lagos State Government under the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Projects (LMDGP), New Telegraph has learnt.

SANCTIONS

Non-compliance to regulations shall attract sanctions and penalties

Kunle Azeez

he Federal Government has finally given the telecoms Annual Operating Levy (AOL) Regulations 2014, a force of law following its incorpora-

AOL rules for licensees

tion into the country’s official gazette. The gazette with Number 93, Volume 101, was dated July 29, 2014 and was designed by the telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to provide

reviewed regulations on AOLs payable by telecoms licensees. The newly gazette AOL regulations, obtained by New Telegraph, is in exercise of the powers conferred on the regulator by Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications

p.32

Nigeria, others to import 11m tons of rice in 2015 Nigeria, Benin, Togo and some countries in sub-Sahara Africa would import 11 million tons of rice from Thailand and Far East Asia this year, New Telegraph has learnt.

p.32 L-R: Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi; Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Sarah Alade; Chairman, AMCON, Alhaji Aliyu Kola Belgore and Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, during Divestment Closure ceremony for Mainstreet Bank and Enterprise Bank in Lagos.

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

Cash crunch: Ebok oil field, three others in jeopardy Adeola Yusuf

he cash crunch that stemmed from oil price rout has hit oil companies in Nigeria harder with 300 million barrels Ebok and Okoro fields and two other major fields in Nigeria being thrown into jeopardy of delay or outright cancellation. This came as the shares of

Afren, promoter of both Ebok and Okoro, two undeveloped oil fields located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 67, 50 kilometer offshore Nigeria’s prolific south eastern producing area, on Tuesday, crashed over 70 per cent to a record low. New Telegraph gathered that while major companies have put embargoes on employment of casual staff, the

indigenous companies have put up plans to cut “excesses on take home” of staff. “This Plan B is gradually becoming necessary based on the serious deep cut, which the falling oil price has put on our revenues,” a management staff of one of the indigenous companies told New CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Act (NCA) 2003 and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf. Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said that the objectives include the need to create and provide a regulatory framework for the effective and efficient administration by the Commission of the AOL regime and all matters related thereto. He said that the AOL Regulation is also to stipulate the mode and methods of assessment of AOL and the payment modes thereof; and specify guiding standards and principles for the administration by the Commission of the AOL regime. AOL is the levy payable by eligible licensees pursuant to existing regulations and licensing conditions, usually one per cent of the annual gross revenues of the licensees. According to the regulation, “The Annual Operating Levy shall, except as stipulated in the regulations, be payable by all holders of Individual Licences issued by the Commission from time to time. “The Commission may at any time, upon due and prior publication, expand the scope of application to include holders of Class Licences upon such terms and conditions as the Commission shall specify.” Also, “where the provisions of these Regulations are inconsistent with the conditions of any licence, with respect to the payment of the AOL and other applicable levies, the provisions of these regulations shall prevail and subsist to the extent of the inconsistency.” On payments for AOL, the regulation said: “Every liCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE December 2014.........................8% November 2014........................7.9% October 2014............................8.1%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (Parallel as at Jan. 22)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N206 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N297 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N228

l Foreign Reserves – $34.49bn as at 22/01/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official as at Jan. 22)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N254.96 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N195.10

Business | News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

World Bank to audit $200m Lagos projects APPRAISAL

The inventory is to ascertain that the project achieve its aims Dayo Ayeyemi

he World Bank has concluded plan for final audit of some of the projects undertaken by the Lagos State Government under the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Projects (LMDGP), New Telegraph has learnt. Already, the bank has consulted a group of consultants to help in this regards. This newspaper learnt that a professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ibadan will

lead other firms and the World Bank team in carrying out the audit. The World Bank, on July 6, 2006, had approved an International Development Association (IDA) credit of $200 million for the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance project in Nigeria for the upgrade of nine slum settlements within the metropolis. Nine slums in Lagos State, which benefited in the projects are Amukoko, Ajegunle, Agege, Badia, Ijeshatedo, Iwaya, Ilaje, Bariga and Makoko. The consulting professor, according to an impeccable source who did not want his name in print, is already finetuning the process with other firms to ensure an holistic approach towards the audit of the $200 million World Bank

financed projects. The consultants are expected to turn in their report within three months. The source said: “The World Bank team will be available for the auditing and in about three months, the team is expected to come out with its findings. Major reason for the audit is just to ascertain that the $200 million approved by the World Bank for the projects is “commensurate with the projects executed so that it will give more states the opportunity to access such

grant for development in the future.” The $200 million credit facility from the World Bank is for increasing sustainable access to basic urban services through investments in critical infrastructure. Some of the projects undertaken by LMDGP with the grant in some of the slum communities included the construction of multi-storey school blocks, drainage channels, primary health care centres, roads and bore holes, among other projects.

The project, which began in July 2006, terminated in September 2013. While some residents had expressed joy over the construction of roads, drainage, schools, boreholes and other empowerment projects in the communities, others described the projects as “unsatisfactory.” The projects has three components. The first, which is infrastructure, is for reducing flooding in eastern Lagos through support for the cleaning of all six drainage systems and the reconstruc-

tion of two of the six systems, and the development of a long term technical solution to flooding; enhance the efficiency of the solid waste sector by segregating collection, transfer and disposal of solid waste and initiate private sector participation in solid waste transfer and disposal. It also seeks to rehabilitate neighborhood roads, drains, schools, and clinics and support improved access to water for over one million slum dwellers in nine selected slums.

Four oil fields at risk CO NTINUED FRO M PAG E 3 1

Telegraph, adding: “We consider this to be far better than the mass sack of workers.” The Group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Joseph Dahwa, confirmed that four major oil fields in Nigeria are at risk of cancellation. While Dahwa, who said this in a statement on the website of the NNPC, did not mention names of the fields, Upstream newspaper hinted that Afren’s Ebok and Okoro fields are two of the unfortunate fields. The Afren, the newspaper said, has revealed

that it is facing a serious liquidity shortfall to fund on-going operations as an imminent debt repayment deadline looms for the beleaguered United Kingdom (UK) independent. Meanwhile, investors in Afren, one of the major casualties of the oil price plunge, were dealt a further blow on Tuesday after the Africa-focused explorer warned it faced an escalating funding crisis. Shares in the FTSE 250 company plunged 71.4pc to a record low of 5.06p after Afren said it would have to issue more equity if it failed to restructure its borrowings.

FG gazettes AOL rules for licensees CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

censee that is a network operator shall pay to the Commission an AOL assessed at two and a half per cent of the Licensee’s net revenue for the relevant period being its gross revenue, less its roaming, interconnect and bandwidth costs for the period.” Similarly, “every Licensee that is a non-network operator shall pay annually to the Commission an AOL assessed at one per cent of the licensee’s net revenue for the relevant period being its gross revenue less its roaming, interconnect and bandwidth costs for the period.” The AOL Regulations also notes that “the portion of revenue generated from the value-added

services (VAS) payable to VAS providers shall be considered as an allowable deduction from the gross revenue of the network operators.” NCC further states in the regulations that: “The portion of revenue referred to in sub regulation (3) of this Regulation shall be fully disclosed in the network operator’s audited accounts.” Meanwhile, where a licensee defaults in the commencement of its commercial services as specified in its licence, the Commission said that “it shall, without prejudice to any sanctions as may be provided in the Act, licence, the Enforcement Regulations or these Regulations, demand the payment of an AOL from the licensee.”

L-R: President, Institute of Capital Market Registrar (ICMR) Mr. Bayo Olugbemi; Ag. Director General, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo; Executive Commissioner, Legal & Enforcement SEC, Mrs. Saadatu Ballo and CEO/ Registrar ICMR, Dr. David Ogogoo when the Institute paid a courtesy call on SEC Ag. DG on Monday at SEC Headquarters in Abuja.

SHORTFALL

The world would experience 400,000 tons shortfall in rice production Bayo Akomolafe

igeria, Benin, Togo and some countries in subSahara Africa would import 11 million tons of rice from Thailand and Far East Asia this year, New Telegraph has learnt. Also, Nigeria is to remain the largest importer of rice in the sub-Saharan Africa and the second largest global buyer, the International Grain Council (IGC) has said. It noted that India would export 11 million tons or eight per cent during the year to Nigeria, China and other countries. Besides, the council said that shipment to Ivory Cost, Nigeria and Ghana would increase, adding that China would import 3.8 million tons from India. Thailand and India had already fixed their prices at $405 and $400 per ton respectively. Similarly, Vietnam and Pakistan had slashed their

Nigeria, others to import 11m tons of rice in 2015 Global production to reach 482.2 m tons prices to $370 and $365 per ton respectively. The council forecast that global rice export would hit 41.6 million tons as against 42 million tons in 2014. The global production is expected to hit 482.2 million tons. It stressed that the world would experience 400,000 tons short fail in rice production. Meanwhile, plans by the Federal Government to end rice importation may hit the rocks. Last year, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said that plans were on to replace imported rice with locally-produced rice. He said that there would be an absolute ban on rice importation by 2015. Miffed by the volume of rice coming into the country, Adesina lamented that current rising statistics on rice importation did not seem to help government’s plans. Two weeks ago, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and

Rural Development, in a statement, listed some companies that imported tons of rice fraudulently into the country to include a subsidiary of Stallion Group, Popular Farms and Mills and Olam. They allegedly imported 390,145.53 metric tons and 244,126.63 metric tons of rice respectively. It noted that Central and Trading and Export also shipped 47,138.70 metric tons and 41,120.69 metric tons, while Conti-Agro African Farms imported 10,026 metric tons as at December 3, 2014, at a preferential duty of 10 per cent and 20 per cent levy without waiting for the determination of supply gap by the inter-ministerial committees or issuance of quotas. The ministry noted that the importers shipped rice without waiting for their quotas, saying they agreed to pay any duty and levy differential if their eventual quota allocations turned out to be lower than what they had imported.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Industry

xx p.34

xxx p.34

Research identifies clog to SMEs growth FINDINGS 84.6 per cent of respondents predict increase in operational costs Stories by Dele Alao

research conducted by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) has identified high business costs and dearth of manpower as some of the obstacles to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The report, among others, showed that 86.6 per cent of respondents in a survey said manpower was the top-contributing factor for higher business costs, while 57.1 per cent cited rental costs and 48.2 per cent mentioned the foreign worker charges. Also, 84.6 per cent of respondents predicted that their operational costs would increase in the next six months. The association therefore urged government to develop a structured framework or curriculum that allowed SMEs to work with higher education learning institutes in providing certification for students

who have been employed by these companies for certain duration. “Schools and Institutions should recognise these certificates, giving credits to students should they choose to further their studies. Students from universities and polytechnics should be encouraged to join the workforce for work experience and to advance their career path,” the report stated. It would be recalled that recently, the Bank of Industry (BoI) said it would establish Venture Capital Fund to boost the fortune of SMEs in the country. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BoI, Mr.

Rasheed Olaoluwa, during a courtesy call at the headquarters of the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abuja, said discussions had reached an advanced stage with interested stakeholders that worked with local SMEs to insert them in the value chain of multinational companies so that they could become suppliers to the companies. The BoI boss, while explaining that the Fund would provide support to small growing business, added that it would be working closely with NITDA to ensure its take off. Also, the Director-General,

NITDA, Peter Jack, said that plans were in advanced stages to set up information software development centres in all the regions across the country. He said that a ‘Digital Coast’ was also being established nationwide that would enable states engage in sectors of comparative advantage using Information Communications Technology (ICT). The NITDA boss added that the Agency has come up with a ‘Multi Stakeholders Partnership Strategy’ that will enable it set up Community Digital Centres that would serve as a hub for ICT development across communities nationwide.

Agency lauds FG on fuel price cut

he recent reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government has been described as a welcome development by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). The chamber said it would ease part of the burden being faced by the private sector operators on the cost of doing business. Speaking at its 1st quarterly Council Meeting held in Abuja, the Acting National President of the Association, Chief Bassey Edem (MFR), expressed optimism that the slash in fuel pump price would have a positive impact on businesses and the general price level as cost of doing business will relatively drop. NACCIMA said that the reduction in the pump price of PMS was seen as a step in the right direction taken by the Federal Government towards its decision to fully deregulate the oil sector and allow market forces to determine the prices. It added that the full deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry would allow that monies that has been earmarked for oil subsidy payments be directed towards other pressing economic developmental programmes.

The body, however, called on the Federal Government to aggressively complete the total overhauling of all the country’s refineries in preparation for their privatisation/full commercialisation, so as to save foreign exchange that was currently being lost to imported refined petroleum product. Meanwhile, NACCIMA has called on the Federal Government to reconsider the ECOWAS CET document and revise the tariff on palm oil products in line with others whose tariff are clearly stated. NACCIMA made the call during the presentation of its communiqué on ‘Agricultural Value Chain’ to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwunmi Adesina, for his consideration and implementation. The Minister of State, Hajia Asabe Ahmed and Director, Agro Processing and Marketing Department, Mr. O. B. Jatto, received the delegation. NACCIMA said that it was pertinent to draw attention to the urgent need for the clarification of tariff on palm oil products so as not to jeopardise the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government on palm revitalisation in the agricultural sector.

Stakeholders task FG on revitalising lubricants industry

takeholders in the country’s lubricants industry under the aegis of Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN) have called on the Federal Government, among others, to re-stream and approve the existing baseoil unit at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Plant. This is to enable new refineries to use the heavy crude oil sand reserves for 100 per cent sourcing of base oil. The stakeholders expressed

the view recently at the 1st Nigerian Lubricants Summit organised by the association in Lagos, entitled: “Nigerian Lubricants Industry: Opportunities and Challenges. Members of the association contended that the backward integration policy, which has worked so well in other critical sectors of the economy where the nation depends on heavy importation to boost local CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

L-R: Aba Brewery Manager, Mr. Ukeje Udah, Chairman Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan; Abia State Governor Chief Theodore Orji and the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, at the commissioning of Aba Brewery expansion in Abia State.

FG issues 4,027 mineral titles in 2014 NEW Government to issue between 250 to 300 quarry leases this year

he Federal Government has said that it issued 4,027 mineral titles, which covered exploration, mining, quarry and small-scale mining licences in 2014. Director General, Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Mr. Mohammed Amate, said that his office also revoked 1,200 quarry licences and 44 coal mineral titles last year. The DG noted that Nigeria has 1,800 valid registered quarry licences on its data base and that the Office intend to issue between 250 to 300 quarry leases this year. He said that quarry was one of the major mining operations in the country. According to him, op-

erators are expected to commence work within 18 months of issuance of a quarry licence. “If we discover that after 18 months, the operator has not commenced operation, the law requires that we withdraw the lease and re-issue it to more serious investors,” he said. The director-general said this was to ensure that committed investors had access to the mineral resources. He noted that most of the quarry licences were used in the construction industry. Amate said quarry was important for the nation’s economic development, adding that it accounted for the granite used for construction of roads, bridges and houses, among others. “A single quarry employs between 200 and 300 people annually. Each year, we issue nothing less than 200 to 250 quarry leases. If

you multiple this, you will see that it is a major employer,” he said. He added statistics available had shown that quarry employed from 60,000 to 70,000 people annually. Amate said the Federal Government made it mandatory for any foreign mining company in the country to employ 75 per cent of its workforce from Nigeria. “A lot of nationals such as Chinese and others are establishing more quarries, but we insist that a certain population on their payroll must be Nigerians. We liaise very closely with the Federal Ministry of Interior so that it does not give them unnecessary waivers to bring personalities from either China or any other country,” Amate said. He added that the quarry minerals being mined included granite, marble, laterite, kaolin, limestone, gypsum, feldspars, pyrite, bentonite,” the DG said.

Business | Industry

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Stories by Dele Alao

Auto policy: Stakeholder seeks 10-year incubation period

concerned stakeholder in the automobile industry in the country has advocated a 10 year-incubation period before the Nigerian auto policy can be fully implemented by the Federal Government. In a statement, the stakeholder, Chairman of Oris Velvet Autos, Chief Alfred Omoghiade, said: “Based on certain fundamentals in the nation’s economy, the auto policy ought to have been given at least 10 years of incubation before its full implementation. This is to ensure that the right enabling environment is in place and consequently guarantee its success.” He noted that with the hurried implementation has given some people undue advantage and they are cashing in on the policy to milk the nation dry

through unscrupulous practices to make huge money at the expense of the national economy. The policy, he said, had failed to yield the expected dividends because the local production of cars and vehicles as key elements of the policy is not being met just as the nation is losing much revenue at the ports. He therefore called on the Federal Government and its agency, the National Automotive Council, to take urgent steps to review the current policy in the interest of the nation’s economy. Omoghiade recalled that the policy came into effect early July last year with the aim of localising the manufacturing of vehicles with the assembly plants projected to roll out an aggregate of 300, 000 vehicle units within the next two years and specific 23, 000 vehicle units of

CONCERN Policy fails to yield expected dividends

various brands of automobiles produced by the plants between June and December 2014. “The policy, in the thinking of government, would not only help to reduce the pressure on foreign reserves by discouraging importation, but also lead to massive job creation and enhance the wellbeing of the economy. Accordingly, with the full implementation of the auto policy, tariffs jumped from 20 per cent duty on passenger cars (PC) and 10 per cent on commercial vehicles (CV) to 70 per cent and 35 per cent respectively,” he said. He added: “The Federal Government should, as a necessity, wade in and review the policy especially in view of the prevailing economic situation in terms of job losses at the ports and retarded business activities

L-R: Payporte brand ambassador, Tayo Faniran, Managing Director/CEO, Payporte Global System, Eyo Bassey and another Payporte brand ambassador, Toke Makinwa, at the media unveiling of the ambassadors in Lagos. PHOTO: Suleiman Husaini

Group protests high electricity tariff

usiness owners under the aegis of Cooperative Business Society of Abuja (CBSA), have protested the astronomical hike in electricity tariff in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The group, which described the actions of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) as inimical to economic and business growth in Nigeria, said the hike was a flagrant disregard to the Multi-Year Tariffs Order (MYTO) as contained in the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), guideline, and a set back to business growth, especially with world economy facing turbulent time and coming a few days to the general election. Recently, the AEDC jacked up tariffs for businesses from N22.08 to N35.03

per kilowatts for commercial consumers in the FCT, an increment of about 58 per cent. The group in their objection letter and petition signed by 25 heads and managers of business entities that formed the cooperative group, stated: “We the undersigned business society group in Abuja hereby objects to the sudden increase by 58.55 per cent in electricity kilowatt from N22.08 to N35.03 for commercial power consumers in the FCT. According to the multi-year tariff order for the NERC, the maximum electricity increase for 2015 is five per cent. “We are shaken by this blatant disregard to the commission’s guideline and total lack of interest in the business operating in the capital city. Many businesses have collapsed under the

ever-increasing weight of cost of operation and harsh economic environment. We are already struggling to keep our head above water as our businesses groan under the austere economic situation in the country,” the group said. It added: “The increase will definitely run down our business and have a negative impact on our stakeholders and, by extension, the AEDC. We strongly object to this increment and request the AEDC to revoke it.” The group, therefore, appealed to the NERC and all concerned citizen to intervene in the interest of the general public and call the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company to order in reversing the new tariff to reflect normal tariff increment as contained in the NERC guidelines.

of other stakeholders.” Omoghiade noted that while the policy was a noble vision, the implementation had been hasty, leading to contradictions and no concrete benefits yet to the nation as planned. He noted: “Having implemented the auto policy this far, it is becoming increasingly clear that the anticipated objectives are not being realised and it is a well thought out suggestion that the Federal Government and the National Au-

tomotive Council should take a second look at and review it accordingly. “While we commend the efforts of Innoson in local production, same can’t be said of Stallion and others, who have imported cars and vehicles of various brands in large quantities prior to the commencement of the policy and benefiting from the same policy with little to show for such substantial incentives in local production.”

Firm introduces ceramic tiles A n anti-slip ceramic tiles called Trusty-Step No. 1001, has launched into the market by Precious Water Care Ltd. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Precious Water Care Ltd, Abiodun Odumosu, said the new product was launched to stem the rise in deaths and disability caused by slippery tiles. He said that the product was an amazing world- class chemical that prevents deadly slip, trip and fall accidents, both at home and in public places. Odumose, recalled that he went into the business as a result of a research that revealed how slips and falls were the second leading causes of accidental death and disabilities worldwide. He said: “According to research, the yearly direct cost of disabling occupational injuries due to slips, trips and falls is estimated to exceed $11 billion and Trusty Step product does not alter the appearance, texture or colour of the surface being treated. There is

no change from your normal cleaning products or routine. “We provide installation/application training to new and existing entrepreneurs in the business of building maintenance, contract cleaning, general contracting plumbing, renovating tile distribution, tile installations or anyone providing sales and services to the commercial and private sectors are potential installers and resellers. “Trusty Step No 1001 microscopically etches an invisible tread designed into the top layer of quarry/ceramic tiles, marble, granite, porcelain terrazzo, concrete or bottom of bathtub or shower flower, among others, thereby increasing the co-efficient of friction on the surface being treated. No chemical remains on the surface; only foot traffic wears down the tread design that has been etched in the tile. The anti-slip features will be effective for a minimum of four years depending on traffic patterns and proper cleaning practices,” he added.

Revitalising lubricants industry CO N TI N U E D FROM PAGE 33

production and create more jobs like the sector should be replicated in the lubricant subsector. A stakeholder, Mr. Kayode Sote, an engineer and principal partner, Lube Services Associates, said: “The cumulative asset base of the blending plants is about N20 billion, generating about N45 billion profit margin in 2013, employing over 5,000 Nigerian workers, but with a potential to generate over 50,000 additional workforce if they are working at full installed capacities.” He therefore called on government to review the aspects of the country’s laws that deal with the purchase, storage and sales of lubricants. Also, chairman of Lubcon Group, Jani Ibrahim, who stressed the need to eliminate multiple taxes, said that sustainable growth of the sector could only be achieved if government reduced import tar-

iffs, implement sound fiscal and stable monetary policies and maintain stable and lower interest rate regimes. But stakeholders said with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by a local firm, Ammasco Oil and the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), manufacturers of lubricants in the country have achieved one of their objectives. NATA is a national professional body of micro, small and medium scale autorepairers in the informal economy. The MoU, which was signed by both parties recently in Abuja, gives Ammasco Oil the sole right to produce customised lubricating oil for use by members of NATA nationwide. For LUPAN, it was a major feat as Ammasco Oil belongs to their fold and under the MoU, members of the association would now aim to mutually collaborate in the advancement of their respec-

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

ICT

Operators seek proper regulation of $200m VAS market p.36 Nigeria’s telecoms regulator is embarking on various initiatives to deepen Internet connectivity, writes KUNLE AZEEZ

35 Nigerian girls compete for $20,000 in apps devt contest p.36

Boosting Internet connectivity size standing at $35 million. These figures further increased to 15,000 orders per day, with market size valued at $550 million,” she explained.

he soon-to-be licensed fibre Infrastructure Companies (Infracos) by the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will add value to current and potential Internet users in the country while leading to faster growth of economic development. InfraCos Already, Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, who stated that though, Nigerians and, especially, industry stakeholders, had waited painstakingly for the arrival of the InfraCos, however, assured the country that the wait would be surely worth its while. Ojobo said arrangements were being fine-tuned to bring InfraCos onboard to deploy broadband Internet infrastructure in the geo-political zones in the country. “Very soon, the first set of InfraCo licences for Lagos and the North Central zones, including Abuja, will be announced by the NCC.” According to Ojobo, this will be followed by other licences for the North West, North East, South East, South West and South South. “The beauty of this is that the Commission has adopted the Open Access Model that will enable the operator to work within the framework of regulated pricing. That is why government has put in place such incentives as tax holidays for about five to seven years, as well as subsidies for operators that may go to areas considered to be less commercially-attractive,” he said. Ojobo added, “Some may also get grants to cushion their investments. Indeed, it’s going to be a win-win situation because all things being equal, the projected broadband penetration of 30 per cent by 2018 will be surpassed. Also, both the operators and the teeming population of Internethungry people will be happy,” added Ojobo. Over the past decade, Nigeria has actively taken measures to leverage deregulated telecoms sector to unlock Internet opportunities for individuals, businesses and governments, resulting in steady growth in Internet penetration in the country. Steady growth Consequently, from a miserable and often cumbersome dial-up Internet that was available to a little close to 100,000 people, including multinational institutions, government, embassies, among others, by 2001 official government data have shown that Nigeria currently has over 75 million people with access to the Internet as at December, 2014. Internet connectivity is accessed today through a multiplic-

Juwah

President, Nigeria Internet Group, Bayo Banjo

ity of devices including smartphones, ipads, modems, laptops in offices and homes unlike 14 years ago, when it was exclusive to a few high net-worth individuals and corporate organisations. e-Payments One of the areas, where the advent of Internet has impacted, analysts say, is that of electronic payments with regards to banking transactions, payments for various bills online as well as the increasing growth of e-commerce ecosystem in the country, which allow people to sit in the comfort of their homes and offices and make online purchases with flexible payment mechanisms, and Ojobo links this to a robust and transparent regulatory environment created by the NCC. “Just anybody has access to the Internet now. Banking and online purchases have been demystified by the advent of smooth Internet. Banking with ease such as online banking, mobile banking, e-Payment, E-purchase, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and banking activities can also be carried out on mobile devices that run on the telecom networks with ease,” Vice President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Mr. Destiny Amana, said. The over 11,000 ATMs currently being used by the banks run on telecoms networks, which supply the needed Internet connectivity for ensuring real-time online transactions. Similar connectivity is extended to close to 200, 000 Point of Sales (PoS) terminals being used for making payments by cardholders in Nigeria. e-Commerce Today, there are hundreds of thousands of websites focusing on Business to Person (B2P), Business to Business (B2B), Businesses to Government (B2G) and Government to Person (G2P) transactions, all conducted online with greater efficiency. Available data also showed that over 80 million devices are

Very soon, infrastructure companies (Infracos) will be issued licences on the 2.6 GHz spectrum. These and many other licensing rounds will add to growth indices for broadband connectivity

connected to the Internet with 26.7 million of them being mobile devices with heavy Internet data consumption. “It’s an exciting time we are seeing in Nigeria today where we are seeing innovative migration from offline to online platform both for businesses, individuals and governments, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs),” says Country Manager, Google Nigeria, Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor. She noted that Internet is particularly essential for businesses as it serves as a gateway to global customers, which a business otherwise would not have been able to get exposed to with physical business presence. Already, there exist in the country currently IT companies such as Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc, among others, which provide cost-effective webbased solutions to, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), for managing their businesses in line with global best practices, thereby making them credible organisations with better access to bank loans. Specifically, one of the fallouts of the advent of the Internet in Nigeria is the evolvement of ecommerce sub-sector, which has been attracting increasing foreign investment. With the advent of on-line retailing platforms such as Jumia, Konga, DealDey, QuikTellers, WakaNow, RyteDeals, Checki, among others, Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape has grown significantly with greater growth prospect ahead. At a recent function in Lagos, Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, said that Nigeria’s e-commerce sector was poised to be worth about $10 billion in the next few years, stressing that between 2012 and third quarter of 2014, the sector reportedly attracted $200 million in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). “In 2012, the sector recorded 1,000 orders per day, with market

Broadband Realising the potential economic contribution of high-speed Internet access to a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Federal Government, working through the Ministry of Communication Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has flagged off a revolution that will bring a major breakthrough in broadband connectivity by 2018. By 2018, government intends to have increased high-speed Internet or broadband penetration, which is currently available to six per cent of the population, to 30 per cent at a minimum speed of 1.5 mbps. The NCC has, consequently, set in motion the process of this anticipated growth target with various regulatory initiatives all directed at attaining pervasive broadband Internet penetration. In February 2014, a major licence was issued to Bitflux Consortium, which will deploy its services in the 2.3 gigahertz frequency band. “Very soon, infrastructure companies (Infracos) will be issued licences on the 2.6 GHz spectrum. These and many other licensing rounds will add to growth indices for broadband connectivity,” Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, has said. Frequency re-farming Juwah said another thing the Commission is doing is to introduce frequency re-farming regime. “Under this regime, since 2010, the NCC had embarked on whole-scale re-farming otherwise called noncost effective frequencies, while clearing slots that could be better deployed in other range of modern services that would promote efficient usage.” Beyond creating and driving Internet penetration through the licensing of spectrum bands to players, the NCC boss said telecoms sector has contributed “over N300 billion to the federation account between 2010 and 2013 and thus serves as one of the highest contributors to the national rebased GDP.” The NCC boss also noted that so far, “the regulator has encouraged and created a robust investment environment for undersea cable rollout and fibre optic transmission backbone, so much that investments here now stand at several hundreds of millions of dollars.” Cyber crimes However, online cyber fraud appears to be a major issue discouraging many people from actively using the Internet, even as global IT firms such as Cisco and Ericsson have predicted increased in this trend in 2015 and some years to come.

Business | ICT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Operators seek proper regulation of $200m VAS market COLLABORATION Alliance among regulators, telecoms and telecoms Value Added Service operators is being advocated Stories by Kunle Azeez

ffective regulation of the mobile Value Added Service (mVAS) segment of the nation’s telecoms industry has been advocated between the mobile network operators (MNOs), the mobile networks and the industry regulator the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Business activities in mobile VAS segment of Nigeria’s highly competitive telecommunication industry is currently valued at $200 million year-on-year and this is expected to reach $500 million in the next few years. Wireless Applications Service Providers Gte (WASPAN), which canvassed this, said such a collaboration has become necessary so as to chart the way forward towards creating the enabling environment for the VAS operators to run

the industry more effectively. “Huge benefits are assured for all stakeholders in the telecoms industry if VAS or mVAS are run and overseen properly,” said Coordinating Consultant for WASPAN, Mr. Simon Aderinlola. He said, “In order for 2015 not to mirror the drawbacks of 2014, the three key industry players - telecom operators, WASPs and NCC - need to start sharing thoughts among themselves as each party seems to yet have a different world view about how to make things work better.” Aderinola stated that what the Nigerian mVAS realm needs at present is to have, at least, the three parties engage in actionable conversation for a start. He said: “While we understand that Over the Top (OTT) content is changing the global mVAS landscape and Nigeria may be ready for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in another year or two, but for Nigeria now, the main constituents such as telco, WASP and NCC, are responsibly joined at the hip in ensuring that the Nigerian mVAS customer is both protected and remains profitably enthused for digital services. “Capitalist intents, either of a telcos or a WASP, who are service providers, are valid in this playing field, but as long as

the value chain construct defines these players as partners, such they shall remain, independent but mutually respectful and responsible in fulfilling their obligations. That deeper conversation on who is responsible for what, when, why, if not done then what - needs to be had ASAP.” OTT describes delivery of audio, video and other media over the Internet without the involve-

ing St. Valentine’s Day, Viswanath said the contest tagged: ‘Say it Loud, Say it with Love’, will give subscribers a chance to win N5 million as grand prize. This, he said, is in addition to other consolation prizes running into several millions of Naira and an opportunity for the winners to sing with their favourite Glo ambassadors in a recording contract. He explained that the contest will run on an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform of Globacom, offering subscribers an opportunity to dial in and sing a song, recite a poem or tell a joke in 45 seconds. Explaining how to participate in the compe-

tition, Viswanath said: “Subscribers interested in participating in the promotion is provided with a short code to record and upload their 45-second song, poem or a joke for N50 on the portal. “The subscriber will then receive a Short Messaging Service (SMS) with his individual identity number. This number could be dialed to vote for the participant while N20 is charged per vote. Voters will also be rewarded with prizes worth millions of naira,” he said. However, to vote in the contest, Viswanath urged subscribers to dial a dedicated number, listen to the song, poem or joke and vote for the content.

MTN, Mansard launch insurance service TN Business, the and small business owners necessary insurance protecbusiness-to-business in general with an affordable tion they need, at an affordM division of MTN Nigeria, and easily accessible insur- able cost, to run their busiin collaboration with Mansard Insurance, is rolling out a series of awareness campaigns in major open markets across Nigeria on MTN Y’ello Biz. MTN Y’ello Biz is the recently launched insurance service, offered in collaboration with Mansard Insurance plc, to protect small businesses against flood, fire and other risks. According to a statement by MTN, the campaigns seek to empower traders

ance cover in a society where business insurance is largely seen as the preserve of big businesses and the rich. “At MTN Business, we believe that SMEs are the anchor of local economies,” said Acting Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Tsola Barrow. Barrow added that as a critical agent for economic development, “we believe in enabling not only big businesses but also small businesses, providing them the

have actionable recommendations on the regulator’s table and are happy to co-explore how best to adapt this to our market’s best fit,” he said. WASPAN, through its Steering Board, has also called on the industry regulator to prioritise the proper development, supervision and growth of the VAS sub-sector in its 2015 plans. It lauded the thinking behind the year-old industry working

L-R: Executive Secretary General, African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Mr. Soumaila Abdoulkarim; Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson and Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, at the 3rd African Preparatory Meeting (APM) for the World Radiocommunications Conference in Abuja.

Glo promises improved services he over 27 million subscribers on the country’s indigenous telecoms network, Globacom, have been promised improved service experience. It’s Head, Value Added Services (VAS), Mr. Nagasai Viswanath, said this in a statement announcing a new value proposition for the telco’s subscribers. According to him, Globacom will continue to look for ways to delight its growing subscribers in addition to consistently improving service delivery on the network. Speaking on the new proposition, a love song competition, designed to reward customers in celebration of the forthcom-

ment of a telecoms operator in the control or distribution of the content. According to Simon, while there are benefits of speed, service ideas understanding and tech know-how in direct dealings with the telcos, the service providers feel a nimble, handson and fleet-footed regulator’s eye on the pre and post-service launch process is good for all. “We did extensive research,

ness with peace of mind. This also bespeaks the vision we have of delivering a bold new digital world to our customers.” Director of Retail Business, Mansard Insurance, Mr. Yomi Onifade, noted that, “Mansard is pleased to extend its customer-focused insurance services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), covering some of the most frequently occurring business hazards.”

Nigerian girls vie for $20,000 in apps devt contest oung Nigerian girls are qualify to travel to San FranY joining their counterparts cisco for World Pitch. from across the world to com“Technovation makes travel pete in a mobile app development contest tagged, Technovation 2015, with $20,000 (about N3.8 million) prize at stake for winners. The President, Women-InTechnology In Nigeria (WITIN), Mrs Martha Alade, disclosed this at a forum to herald the 2015 edition of the event. Alade, who called on the young Nigerian girls to develop mobile applications that would help solve real-world problems, said the mission of Technovation was to empower young women to use technology to make the world a better place. According to her, in 2014, 1,500 girls from around the globe developed 362 mobile apps, making Technovation the largest global technology entrepreneurship program for girls. This Challenge, she said, was open to secondary school girls between the ages of 10 and 18 who would work in teams of five to develop mobile apps, conduct market research, write business plans and create a ‘pitch’ for funding. Each team is expected to work with a classroom teacher in their school and a female mentor/role model from a technology industry and subsequently compete in one of two divisions - middle school or high school. The age of the oldest girl on the team will determine the team’s division while top-ranked teams from each division will

scholarships available to the finalist teams who cannot cover the travel costs on their own. At World Pitch, one winner from the middle school category will be selected to win $10,000, and one winner from the high school category will win $10,000. All teams must register on technovationchallenge.org. Technovation Regional Ambassadors organise and notify participants about Girls Make Apps Day at different locations,” she said. Speaking from California through Skye, Technovation Ambassador, Ms. Anar Simpson, said that Nigeria had been successful in Technovation in the past two years. According to her, the mission is to motivate and educate girls and women to solve real-world problems through technology, Technovation works to inspire girls to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as inventors, designers, builders, and entrepreneurs in the industry. Students work in teams to develop mobile app ‘startups’ to solve real problems in their communities. “The girls are taught life skills, such as, how to identify a problem, design and test a solution, collaborate with a team, and communicate to different audiences. It reinforces the following academic concepts - digital representation of information, algorithmic thinking and programming,” she said.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015

Mom&Parenting

At the receiving end of violence Domestic violence worldwide is a major concern, especially for women. In Nigeria, it has become a daily phenomenon and an integral part of daily existence. Recently, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) held her annual general meeting at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos in which women were focus of the conference. Esther Albert, who was at the meeting, reports

ccording to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, cases of domestic violence against women is becoming alarming. “About 1.3 million women are assaulted by an intimate partner every year and 25 percent of women will experience violence in their life time.” The agency further explained that domestic violence as a pattern of physical, sexual and or emotionally abusive behavior used by one individual to assert power or maintain control over another. Women suffer more from various forms of violence that happen which results in pains, injury, humiliation and or degradation. These acts include marital rape (forced sex); beating; verbal abuse; incest; FGM (female genital mutilation); forced marriage and child marriage; femicide; not being allowed your rights (e.g. to choose a husband, or to choose the number of children you wish to have. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said that there is a correlation between development and the treatment of women in a society. “It is therefore imperative that in addition to the substantial financing plans being made to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), our leaders must reform the law to protect women who are subjected to domestic violence,” she said. Adding that the creation of prosperous and peaceful societies is not possible if then wellbeing of women is not taken into serious consideration. Orelope-Adefulire who was represented by Doctor Femi Olugbile, a former permanent secretary in the

Mom&Parenting Team

Oluwatosin Omoniyi Coordinator

Lagos State Ministry of Health, emphasised that domestic violence is a pattern of physically, sexually and emotionally abusive behaviour used by one individual to asset power or maintain control over another. “In most cases women suffer more from various forms of violence that happen and it results into pains, injury, humiliation and or degradation,” he said. She advised women to always make a report at the Mirabel Centre which is located at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), whenever they are violated. The Centre is established to provide comprehensive and quality services to survivors of sexual violence in a compassionate and caring manner free of charge. The Deputy Governor believed that if domestic violence is not urgently tackled, “generations coming will not forgive us if adequate protection is not offered to safeguard their lives. This is what we primarily want to achieve through law,” she said. Doctor Grace ijarogbe, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital called on the three tiers of government to provide adequate security for women as a strategy to reduce cases of violence against them. She explained that domestic violence include denial of food during pregnancy ,denial of time for relaxation and refusal to permit women to work, to control their own income, to go school. “It may also include all forms of abuses such as emotional and psychological abuse, sexual harassment, rape, trafficking, forced prostitution and some widowhood rites,” she said. The Consultant psychiatrist also urged governments to empower women by allowing them get jobs. These will ultimately help women make decisions on their own and make them independent of the men. Similarly, she advocated better remuneration for women in paid employment. While highlighting numerous cases of violence and abuse perpetrated against womenfolk, Ijarogbe said most women have their first sexual intercourse through rape which

A man beating his wife

is not supposed to be. Different cultures have various ways of violating the female gender. She cited an example of a country where women are burnt by their husbands when they are no longer wanted. “Some men are so heartless that they beat-up their wives at home, turning them to equipment that can be used to practice kungfu skills under the auspice that after all ‘ I paid her bride price’ hence she is my property, she said. Furthermore, Ijarogbe stated that some rapist also claim that they rape females because of those cloths they put on. “Can we say that a three-month old baby girl that was raped is also a victim due to the clothing she puts on or the man is just a heartless person who only wants to destroy the life of that little girl?” she asked. The case of the over 200 Chibok girls whom the Boko Haram terrorists allegedly kidnapped from Borno State is also another important case, she highlighted and reasoned that the terrorists behind their kidnap did not go to male school. Instead, they decided to take the females, who are helpless, she stressed. Ijarogbe also noted that some women are also forcefully given out in marriage thereby denying them the right to choose their partner.

PHOTO: www.biyokulule.com

Dr. Ijarogbe

PHOTO: mkenyaujerumani.de

38 Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

Women demand violence-free election

Good parenting team PHOTO:www.ynaija.com

How to be a better parenting team Nothing tests a relationship, no matter how secure and happy it might be quite like parenthood. From the day you learn that kids are entering the picture, there are decisions to be made and while the themes of the issues at hand may evolve, they never get any easier. Lisa Horten, an international based parenting associate editor, maps out ways of being a good parenting

dd to your new docket of responsibilities the fact that one or both of you is likely going through life on less sleep than you’d ever imagined you could function on, and it’s a recipe for conflict. As one year comes to a close and a new one begins, we’re resolving to recommit to approaching parenting as a team. Here’s the plan. You Need to Present a United Front Whatever else is going on in the world within your relationship, in your kids’ lives, at work, it’s imperative that you take steps to ensure that your children look at their parents (whether you’re a couple or not) as a team. It doesn’t mean that you can’t each have your own styles and weaknesses (one of you is always going to cave and stop for ice cream more easily than the other, and that’s a fact), but when it comes to the big stuff, stick to the same script. It may take a while to work out an agreement that you can both get behind, but in the end, everyone benefits. Create traditions and routines that you’ll really stick to Kids crave stability (and so do most adults, right?), so establish realistic routines that you can all commit to. Whether it’s a standing Friday night pizza party, or a Sunday afternoon walk to the park, consistently finding time during the week that everyone can be together makes kids feel secure, and gives you all an opportunity to talk as a family.

Ignore the Old-School Rules of Date Night We’ve all done it, booked a babysitter, made a reservation somewhere fun, and swore that we wouldn’t talk about the kids. It’s time to shake things up a bit. Your kids are a major part of your lives. Your time alone together is limited. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking advantage of a grown-up night on the town to figure out a strategy for your middle schooler’s suffering math grades or issues with your nanny. Loop Everyone In It’s likely that one parent deals with the brunt of the family issues then just fills their partner in on what they missed when they get home from work at the end of the day. Make a concerted effort to ensure that your kids understand that both parents care about and are deeply invested in whatever it is that they’re dealing with. Even if Mom’s the one to meet with the teacher in person, Dad can still offer his opinion and suggestions, and be an involved part of the conversation (or vice versa, of course). Don’t Vent About Your Spouse in Front of Your Kids Whether he spent too much on flights for a guys’ weekend or she’s stuck at work ,again disagreements arise in relationships, it’s just a part of life. But you should each make an effort to avoid complaining about the other in front of your kids (divorced or separated parents, this goes for you, too!). It creates a divide, and can be confusing and/or stressful for little ones.

Girl molested for indecent dressing in Edo Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

t was confusion and pandemonium at the popular Oba market in the ancient Benin City Tuesday morning as street urchin stripped a young girl for improper dressing. The girl was said to have worn a skimpy gown that barely covered her buttocks and in the process attracted the attention of ‘area boys’ who lurked around the market. The area boys had swooped on the unsuspecting girl in her teens and rained insults on her as they dragged her and tore her pant and gown to shreds. However, the name of the young girl

could not be ascertained as at the time of filing in this report. As the obscene drama raged on, some women who were moved by the area boys’ action had begged them to have pity on the girl but this fell on deaf ears as they grabbed her for endless jokes. It was later gathered that the girl was reputed for red light business and was going home from her late night deal before she ran into the hands of the boys in the early hours of the yesterday. It however took the intervention of policemen attached to the Oba Market police station who fired canisters of tear gas to disperse the large crowd before the girl was rescued to a safe corner.

went to a local market recently and there on one of the pathways was a little boy of about 2 years crying right in front of the stall I was about to enter to purchase some items. “Why is the boy crying?” I asked two women sitting and ‘gisting,’ obviously ignoring the boy, suspecting that one of them might be the mother. “Don’t mind him, he needs a younger one so he can stop seeking for unnecessary attention,” Was the response from one of the women which the other echoed. “Then give him a younger one now,” I said jokingly. “Ah! With the elections coming?! No, not until after the elections O! We have to know where we are, who wants to run with pregnancy or with a small baby in her arms? When all the politicians have sent their wives and children abroad!” Hilarious. But that is the pulse of the market woman, the typical woman on the street. It all seems some people are somewhat preparing to take off than preparing to go out and vote. That, I think is a serious threat to the success of the coming election. But can we blame them? With hundreds of thousands of IDPs scattered in various camps within and outside Nigeria, and many unaccounted for; and with the news of innocent souls, mostly women and children being slaughtered or abducted in Baga, Gwoza, Chibok, Mubi, Burnin Yadi, Madalla, Damaturu, Gombe, Kano, Jos and the rest on TV everyday, when there is no “tension”, what then will happen when there is supposedly a cause for tension electing a new president at a time when violence seems to be the order of the day, in a country where as far as elections are concerned, “It is either my candidate or the highway?” To make matters worse, attacks and counter attacks from candidates and their supporters in the media have negative effects on women and young people. If only our politicians know to what extent, they will be a bit more mindful of their utterances. So, the only thing left for poor and defenceless women and children whose husbands and fathers cannot afford to “send abroad” for safety, is to run home - to their hometowns. Ironically ‘home’ is still within Nigeria; I guess that means there is really no where to run! A workshop held recently, where all presidential candidates were made to sign an accord to shun violence before, during and after the general elections which they must abide by. Excellent! The question now is, how far

can this peace accord take us? Is it enough to bring some calm to our already anxious minds? Is it enough to give us some assurances of a violence-free election? President Goodluck Jonathan took his campaign to the North and on two occasions he was allegedly attacked. So, where does that leave us? Back to square one? I think that as a nation, we usually solve problems facing us by putting together workshops, or setting up committees, bringing under one roof distinguished personalities, some whose views are respected all over the world, to discuss the issues, not a bad idea. But we often fail to take the message or solution beyond the walls of the conference halls of the five star hotels to the streets, to the nooks and crannies of our towns and villages, to the very people who need to hear the messages. Who takes to the street to carry out acts of violence? Not you and I who read newspapers and listen to news everyday, neither is it the candidates themselves nor their immediate supporters, it is the restless and of course jobless youths who don’t even have the slightest idea a peace accord exists. How about setting up more campaigns to sensitive the general public on the consequences of violence before, during and after elections? Can our Pastors and Imams alike preach it to their followers? The candidates can also do us a ‘favour’ and lace the potpourri of their campaign messages with some doses of “If I do not get the position, we will accept defeat” or “We will head to court and NOT take to the streets.” It’s not pessimism; it’s having the interest of the country at heart. In demanding for a violencefree election, we women have some vital roles to play. We have to encourage our husbands to honourably accept defeat if they loose in the election. We must see to it that our children (who are usually instruments for carrying out violence) are not available for use. Instead they will do well to go out and vote, and then stand and make sure their votes count. Do you remember Frank Olize’s call those days at the beginning of Newsline on NTA on Sunday evenings: “Good evening viewers, its nine o’clock…DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE?” If we all can look out for our children before, during and after election, and also tell our fellow mothers to do same, there won’t be anyone on the street for use for any manner of violence.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; leader, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, during Jonathan’s visit to the Afenifere leader in Akure.

L-R: Niger State deputy gubernatorial candidate, Isa Liman Kantigi; gubernatorial candidate, Umar Mohammed Nasko and Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, at a campaign in Kagara.

Chief Executive Officer, New Wave Productions, Mr. Charles Oputa (Charly Boy) and Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, at an advocacy visit to the foundation in Abuja.

L-R: Chairman, Local Organising Committee, 13th biennial conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Austen Ukachi; member, National Executive Council, Pastor Ike Nwaokoro and National Administration Secretary, Pastor Akinola Akinwale, at a press conference on the forthcoming 13th National Biennial Conference of the church in Lagos.

Photo | News

L-R: Secretary to Anambra State Government, Chief Oseloka Obaze; Speaker, State House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwebili; Governor Willie Obiano; Nasarawa State’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Labaran Maku and National Chairman, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, during Maku’s visit to Awka.

L-R: General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Mechanized Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major-General Sanusi Nasir Muazu; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and out-going GOC, Major-General Funsho Abejirin, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Ibadan.

District Head of Malumfashi and former Court of Appeal President, Justice Mamman Nasir (right), receiving the Holy Qur’an from the Chairman, Malumfashi Local Government Area Council, Alhaji Muktar Ammani, on behalf of Tijjaniyya Youths Association over his commitment to educational development and propagation of religious tolerance in the area

L-R: Sales Executive, Africa World Airlines (AWA), Olubukunola Olugbemi; Creative Director/CEO, FAME Productions, Bukola Smart; first runner up (Fashion Category), 2014 FAME Concert and Talent Hunt awards, Jumoke Ademilua; Sales and Ticketing Supervisor, AWA, Genevieve Fiewor; chairperson, FAME Productions, Dr. Tonia Smart, at the presentation of a free return ticket to Accra, Ghana to the winner, in Lagos.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Leisure Arcade NUTS

NTPuzzle

By Kaycee

Welcome Baby Word Search Y C G D U E D A T E W C M T P R L A R N I S U 0 C 0 o H E A E E E R A L R I G N M G D K R V B E N S N I W T M I 0 R N E I 0 L Y G E D R Y E U E C A N L Y T U R T A M W L L 0 I L T

MAMA LASISI

By Aliu Eroje

E E T G E C H T A L 0 V E B S D G 0 I T R E W 0 H S Y B A B L R B I N L S R R E A A W B L H A 0 Y C R T R I E U V R P A T N B N D S E T E N T 0 K E M S D U 0 O D O T T P T S N E A Z P T G R 0 A I A H A 0 I L Z M A B A B Y E D E M X I P S E W E L C 0 M E R E F I W D I M

MOYIN & FRIENDS

By Ayo Oyerinde

AUNTIE

DIAPERS

SLEEP

CONTRACTIONS

CRY

PARENTS

BOY

LAMAZE

MATERNITY

BLUE

GRANDMA

WEIGHT

BABY

DOULA

STROLLER

COO

DADDY

PINK

BROTHER

LENGTH

MIDWIFE

BOOTIES

GRANDPA

WELCOME

BABY SHOWER

DUEDATE

TWINS

COUSIN

DELIVERY

SISTER

CAR SEAT

LOVE

MOMMY

BOTTLE

LABOR

BLANKET

GIRL

UNCLE

NTJokes

SUDOKU - Answer to No 42 6

THE LESSON

SUDOKU - No 43

1 8

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.

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly the husband burst into the kitchen, crying “Careful. CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my GOD! You’re cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my GOD! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They’re going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you’re cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don’t forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!” The wife was staring at him in surprise, “What the heck is wrong with you? You think I don’t know how to fry a couple of eggs?” The husband calmly replied, “I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I’m driving.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Business | Money Line

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rewane forecasts 5% naira devaluation

TRANSPARENCY

Lenders’ watchdog urged to adopt a more transparent and scientific approach

Advises CBN to adjust currency to curb arbitrage

Godson Ikoro and Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

anaging Director/Chief Executive of Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has forecast further devaluation of naira by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a bid to adjust to the fair value of the naira. He also said that the timely adjustment of the currency would curb the present arbitrage opportunities and speculative attacks on the currency, The fair value of a currency is the price or rate that equates its supply and demand. Writing on ensuring the naira trades close to its fair value, in FDC’s bi-weekly bulletin, Rewane argued that delays in currency adjustment presents profit making opportunities for market watchers. Worse still, he further contended that, the mere

anticipation of adjustment, whether real or not is often accompanied by speculative demand and capital outflows, which in turn makes the impact of such adjustments more severe. Noting that economic agents are averse to being taken by surprise, as they are likely to over react and display some intended behavour, he insisted that it is the duty of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to control this, by making adjustments in the currency less adhoc. Consequently, he urged the lenders’ watchdog to adopt a more transparent and scientific approach. While admitting that it is not easy to determine the fair value of a currency, he said that it would be desirable to tie the exchange rate to some economic fundamentals. Rewane believed that these fundamentals will then inform the proportional charges that are required to bring the currency closer to its new fair value. He said that the fix-

ing of fair value would calm the nerves of market players, since they can also objectively anticipate the direction of currency at the official window. According to him, the fundamental factor often considered in other economics is the traditional PPP (price, place and promotion) variable, the relative inflation between Nigeria and the major trading partners. He stressed that this will represent the long run value of the naira against these currencies.

In order to drive home his points, Rewane ventilated the impact of exchange rate devaluation on different economic agents. He averred that while it harms importers of commodities because they have to pay more naira to purchase the same number of dollars, it favours exporters as they obtain more naira for their exports. Similarly, while existing foreign investors in the domestic economy are adversely affected because the dollar value

FG to sell N192bn in treasury bill Godson Ikoro

with agency report

oised to curb money supply, the Federal Government plans to sell about N192.39 billion ($1.0 billion) in treasury bills with maturities of 3-month and one year at an auction next week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said yesterday. The bank said in a notice that it would sell N45.17 billion worth of 3-month treasury bills, N30 billion in 6-month

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

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

Offer 163.38

paper and N117.22 billion in one year paper, using the Dutch Auction System. According to Reuters, results of the auction are expected the following day, the apex bank said. Meanwhile, the naira firmed sharply yesterday after the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) sold around $350 million to lenders, helping the currency recover from a record low against the dollar. The unit closed at N186 to the dollar, gaining 3.55 percent in volatile trade from Tuesday’s record low close of N192.10. The NNPC, which accounts for the bulk of hard currency

Kunle Azeez

With Agency Report

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

Naira gains 3.55%

traded on the interbank market, sells dollars every month to buy naira for its local operations. It would be recalled that the nation’s currency was the third worst performer in Africa in 2014 against a basket of fairly liquid currencies. It followed Ghana’s cedi and Zambia’s kwacha. The CBN decreed last month that banks were no longer allowed to hold their own funds in dollars and that all dollars bought from the interbank market can be held only for up to 48 hours, as it sought to get tough on speculators. The result has been a sharp drop in currency trading.

MTN may sack 578 workers

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

of their investments has fallen; but the devaluation presents an opportunity for the new foreign investors to acquire assets, which prices have become relatively cheaper in dollar terms. Accordingly, he said since devaluation raised the price of goods and services, consumers purchasing power is eroded, hence a decline in their welfare. Noting that the exchange rate is at N168/$ at the official market and much less at the interbank and parallel market N210/$,

Rewane said that many analysts and financial market operators are not comfortable with this drastic change in the fortune of the naira. Others he said are of the opinion that with the changing economic environment, further devaluation may still be necessary for the naira to trade at its fair value. Nigeria, he said, is an import dependent economy, as companies import raw materials and intermediate goods for their production, while traders and consumers import several finished goods for final consumption.

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

he restructuring mission being embarked upon by Africa’s biggest telecommunications provider, MTN, may lead to dismissal of up to 578 people by May 1. This, however, will affect only its South African enterprise business unit, the Solidarity union, cited by Reuters, said. The Johannesburg-listed operator said last week it planned to restructure the business to strengthen is competitive advantage but did not say how many people would be affected. Spokesman for the Solidarity union, Marius Croucamp, was quoted as saying that consultations begun on January 21 and that MTN was offering two weeks severance pay for each year of service. Another 476 employees lost their jobs at the company in the last 12 months, Croucamp said. Its shares were up 1.7 percent at 1132 GMT, outpacing

a 1 percent rise by Johannesburg’s blue-chip index. Meanwhile, New Telegraph learnt that part of the restructuring started last year when MTN sold off telecoms sites as part of measures being put in place to reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX) as Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) declines. In 2014, IHS Holding Limited (IHS) acquired 9,151 of MTN’s mobile network towers in Nigeria. Commenting on the deal, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr Michael Ikpoki, said: “The separation of MTN Nigeria’s mobile network towers and operation of the underlying towers business by IHS reflects a major part of our strategy to optimise network quality and technological assets towards creating value and driving innovation to meet our customers’ needs now and in the long term.” The MTN Group has its operations spread across 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East and currently has over 210 million subscribers with Nigeria being it’s largest operation.

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

28-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 Issuer

Rating/Agency

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

535.00 581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 434.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 206.00

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

0.23 1.55 2.24 2.49 2.59 3.33 4.42 4.73 7.00 9.12 13.83 14.31 14.81 15.48 19.47

14.10 15.05 15.28 15.28 15.28 15.28 15.28 15.28 15.26 15.21 16.17 16.30 16.45 15.74 15.57

Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) 13.43 14.94 15.20 15.20 15.20 15.16 15.19 15.17 15.19 15.15 16.11 16.24 16.36 15.67 15.51

Bid Price

Offer Price

97.68 97.30 99.60 89.06 87.68 88.31 102.20 72.76 104.75 95.05 93.55 79.04 56.30 67.00 79.20

97.83 97.45 99.75 89.21 87.83 88.61 102.50 73.06 105.05 95.35 93.85 79.34 56.60 67.30 79.50

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

4,855.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Price

4,377.30 Issuer

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

# Risk Premium (%)

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

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

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

0.32 1.18 1.86 2.23 2.44

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

17.17 17.69 17.15 16.23 16.27

94.78 99.65 98.29 96.98 93.71

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

0.59 0.43 0.95 0.95 2.22 1.49 2.92 2.10 3.68 2.30 2.30 2.48 2.73 4.82 2.79 3.34 5.83 5.92 3.58 3.61

4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

19.82 18.24 20.05 19.07 16.23 16.08 17.07 17.00 16.29 16.24 20.02 16.28 16.28 16.28 18.02 16.28 16.27 17.21 16.73 17.24

96.09 98.46 95.28 97.35 88.70 97.21 93.11 95.02 93.79 97.01 89.76 96.63 98.53 94.14 93.23 96.30 89.76 91.96 94.51 94.50

17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20 30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24

0.31 0.62 0.70 1.67 1.74 2.67 1.69 1.70 1.86 1.86 3.65 1.97 2.05 2.92 5.79 9.67 9.67

4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.35 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76 1.00 1.00

19.37 16.39 18.07 16.11 16.47 16.28 16.99 18.59 20.35 20.21 16.64 17.47 21.31 17.44 18.03 16.26 16.26

96.12 98.05 97.79 95.55 96.69 93.05 102.55 96.62 96.65 101.72 92.95 97.52 94.70 96.92 90.18 79.17 85.51

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.67

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

311.75

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

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

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

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

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

8.50 4.18 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 34.14 9.00 13.73 10.20 27.00 16.23 80.00 26.62 11.10 87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

460.61 429.32

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

*UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r} NAHCO STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13 30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14

10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 18.00 16.00 15.25 11.93 13.25

3.61 9.34 0.42 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.64 6.30 2.90 0.80 35.00 2.40 0.41 4.50 2.05 0.10 15.44

124.44

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

116.44

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.04

1.00

16.28

85.84

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.26

1.00

16.29

85.20

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 21.33 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

7.28

7.02

97.48

98.71

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

6.12

5.72

96.93

98.16

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.49

7.29

93.11

94.28

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,437.56

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

95.99

52.25

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.98

100.63

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

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

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

11.26

91.50

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

13.61

11.29

82.66

88.19

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

10.25 APR 08, 2019

10.69

9.79

85.72

88.26

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

6.25 APR 22, 2019

41.14

40.50

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

8.75 May 21, 2019

10.75

85.00

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

14.73

13.60

81.38

84.54

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

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

9.98

92.00

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

35.34 12.79 12.41

35.34 12.40 12.41

30.79 84.75 80.00

30.79 86.25 80.00

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.73

10.31

90.00

91.82

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,760.00 3,669.46

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

FIXINGS Maturity 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15

Bid Discount (%) 11.25 11.16 12.10 12.25 11.60 12.50 11.96 12.20

Offer Discount (%) 11.00 10.91 11.85 12.00 11.35 12.25 11.71 11.95

Bid Yield (%) 11.28 11.21 12.19 12.37 11.73 12.69 12.16 12.44

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 15.9167 15.3649 16.0953 16.9973

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

12.79

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

13.05

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

187.20 189.34 189.64 190.34 191.62 192.90

187.30 189.45 189.78 190.80 192.63 194.41

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 14.67 16.09

0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

06-Jul-12

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

0.00/16.50

66.49

06-Jul-17

2.44

1.00

16.27

93.71

322.67

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

311.75

31-Aug-10 KADUNA 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 30-Sep-10 *EBONYI 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 30-Jun-11 *BENUE 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 30-Jun-09 *IMO 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 19-Apr-10 LAGOS 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 30-Jun-10 *BAYELSA 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 30-Dec-10 EDO 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 30-Sep-11 *DELTA 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 04-Oct-11 NIGER 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 09-Dec-11 *EKITI 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 12-Dec-13 *NIGER 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 14-Feb-12 *ONDO 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 02-Oct-12 *GOMBE 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 22-Nov-12 LAGOS 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 12-Dec-12 *OSUN 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 formance measures, the while market capitalisa10-Oct-13 *OSUN 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 NSE All Share Index and tion of equities appre27-Nov-13 LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 market capitalisation, ciated by N16 billion or 31-Dec-13 KOGI 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 rose by 0. 1614.50 per cent as 0.16 per cent as market 31-Dec-13 *EKITI EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 06-Jan-14 *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 market sentiments exsentiment remained on

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

*DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER#

12.50 8.50 13.00 4.18 14.00 4.86 15.50 5.73 10.00 57.00 13.75 25.73 14.00 25.00 14.00 34.14 14.00 9.00 14.50 13.73 14.00 10.20 15.50 27.00 15.50 16.23 14.50 80.00 14.75 26.62 by active (measured 14.75 11.10 turnover volume); with 13.50 87.50 119.4 15.00 million shares 5.00 worth14.50 N941.1 million 4.55 ex15.00 by investors 4.56 in changed

Business | Financial Market News

CONFIDENCE Nigerian stock market gains N16 billion

Chris Ugwu

Stocks advance on investors’ optimism 460.61 1,313 deals. 429.32 Volume in the sub-sector was largely driven by activities 10.00 in the shares 3.61 12.00 of Diamond Bank9.34Plc 14.00 0.42 and Zenith Bank Plc. 13.00 15.00 Also, other financial 14.25 5.53 services sub-sector, 13.00 20.00 boosted by activity 18.00 0.64 in

TOTAL eprieve OUTSTANDING forVALUE invesTOTAL tors MARKET CAPITALISATION continued yes-

tended gaining streak the green territory. following investors’ high Meanwhile, a turnover terday optimism. of 242.7 billion shares Corporate Bondsas the bulls in strengthened their grip Consequently, the All- worth N3.8 billion 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 ‡ /Agusto *UPDC FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 BBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 on market activities, Share Index12.00 gained 48.6 3,892 deals was recorded *FLOURMILLS BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS causing bargain huntin the day’s trading.06-Jan-11 basis points14.00 orCHELLARAMS 0.16 per06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 NAHCO ers to jostle for shares cent to close14.25 atFSDH 29,907.66 Banking sub-sector 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 FSDH of the financial servicofA/GCR blue chip companies. as against 29,859.06 re13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 30-Sep-10 UBA The key market percorded the previous day es sector was the most 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C & I LEASING MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 continues to fuel negative sen182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 timents on the capital market 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

Market downturn to extend till next month, say Rewane Chris Ugwu

UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r} NAHCO STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC

he Chief Executive OfTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE ficer, Financial DerivaTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION tives Companies (FDC) Supranational Bond Limited, Mr. Bismark Rewane, AAA/S&P has predicted that the IFC current Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB capital downturn in the nation’s TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE market will be sustained in the TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION coming month. Rewane, who stated this at Rating/Agency Issuer the FDC Bi-monthly Economic and Business Update, said this FGN Eurobonds became necessary following chalBB-/Fitch; B+/S&P lenging economic outlook, which has continued to fuel negative BB-/Fitch; FGN BB-/S&P sentiments at the capital market BB-/Fitch; given the huge drop in oil prices. BB-/S&P He OUTSTANDING noted that VALUE investors reTOTAL mained cautious as the elecTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION tions draw closer and oil prices continue to dwindle. The expert Corporate Eurobonds added that the buildup to the B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I February 14 electionGTBANK had PLC been B+/Fitch; B+/S&P I fierce, high levels B+/S&P thus spurring ACCESS BANK PLC B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC ofB/Fitch; uncertainties about its evenB+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC tual outcome. B/Fitch II “The outcome willAFREN be a PLC major B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC determinant of the direction for B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC the country‘s economy and the B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC stock as thisAFREN may B-/Fitch;market, B/S&P PLClead III to keyB/S&P policy adjustments. The B-/Fitch; ACCESS BANK PLC II B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRSToutlook BANK LTD challenging economic B-/S&P

31-Aug-15 0.59 4.44 19.82 96.09 30-Sep-15 0.43 3.23 18.24 98.46 30-Jun-16 0.95 4.46 20.05 95.28 30-Jun-16 0.95 3.48 19.07 97.35 19-Apr-17 2.22 1.00 29, 201516.23 88.70 THURSDAY, JANUARY NEW TELEGRAPH 30-Jun-17 1.49 1.00 16.08 97.21 31-Dec-17 2.92 1.79 17.07 93.11 30-Sep-18 2.10 1.80 17.00 95.02 04-Oct-18 3.68 1.00 16.29 93.79 09-Dec-18 2.30 1.00 16.24 97.01 12-Dec-18 2.30 4.78 20.02 89.76 14-Feb-19 2.48 1.00 16.28 96.63 02-Oct-19 2.73 1.00 16.28 98.53 22-Nov-19 4.82 1.00 16.28 94.14 12-Dec-19 2.79 2.74 18.02 the shares of FBNH Plc, kobo per share.93.23 NPF 10-Oct-20 3.34 1.00 16.28 96.30 followed with a turnover MFB Plc added 4.82 per 27-Nov-20 5.83 1.00 16.27 89.76 of 31-Dec-20 49.09 million5.92shares 1.94cent to close at 87 kobo 17.21 91.96 valued at N276.83.58 million 1.44per share. 31-Dec-20 16.73 94.51 3.61 1.95 On the 17.24flip side, 94.50 in 06-Jan-21 886 deals. Red

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

given the huge drop in oil prices. Oil prices recorded over 50 per cent drop and for a country like Nigeria, which earns up to 80 per 10.20 11-FEB-2018from the comcent of itsIFCrevenue 11.25 AFDBtrend 1-FEB-2021 modity , this has translated to a weaker currency, increased inflationary pressures and debt burden,” Rewane said. Description He noted that most investors had opted for fixed income assets, cash or forex over equities, highlighting JAN 28, 2021 of inthe extent of risk6.75 averseness vestors as a result5.13 ofJUL this trend. 12, 2018 “The market continues to 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 maintain a downward trend in the first weeks of 2015. The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index so far has plunged by 16.87 per cent to 28,811.39 between the 11.50 FEB ,01, 2016 5th – 15th of January its lowest 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 level since December 2012,” the FDC boss said. 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 6.88 MAY downward 09, 2018 He attributed the 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 trend to a combination of a susAPR 08, 2019 tained drop in 10.25 global oil prices, 6.25 APR 22, 2019 profit taking, and uncertainty 8.75 May 21, 2019 ahead of the election, the 8.25 AUG 07, 2020weakening naira and 6.63 increase DEC 09, 2020 vioUSD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 lence in 9.25/6M the north-east driven 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 by Boko Haram. 8.75 AUG 14, 2021

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13 30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14

11-Feb-13 10-Jul-14

Issue Date

07-Oct-11 12-Jul-13 12-Jul-13

01-Feb-11 19-May-11 25-Jul-12 09-May-13 08-Nov-13 08-Apr-12 22-Apr-14 21-May-14 07-Aug-13 09-Dec-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14 14-Aug-14

16.00 6.30 18.00 2.90 16.00 0.80 14.00 35.00 15.75 2.40 18.00 0.41 he and 16.00Securities4.50 15.25 2.05 Exchange Com11.93 mission (SEC)0.10has 13.25 15.44

Chris Ugwu and Abdulwahab Isa

expressed readiness to 124.44 inaugurate a new Com116.44 plaints Management System that will allow issues 10.20 12.00 to be resolved from the 11.25 12.95 bottom. Acting Director-Gener24.95 21.33 al of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, stated this yesterday when Outstanding Value Coupon (%) members of he received ($mm) the Council of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) in 6.75 in Abuja. 500.00 his office Gwarzo noted that in 5.13 500.00 the light of its readiness to 6.38 collaborate with the500.00 NSE and other market1,500.00 operators, the management was 1,437.56 working to empower SROs and trade organisations to enable11.50 them handle450.00 some 7.50 complaints and deal500.00 with 7.25 dispatch350.00 them with 6.88 He added that the300.00 strat400.00 egy of 6.00 the management 10.25 300.00 was not to create commit6.25 500.00 tees but to focus on pre8.75 200.00 scriptions and ensuring 8.25 300.00 that they 6.63 were executed 360.00 within9.25 reasonable400.00 time 450.00 frames.8.00 8.75

250.00

Further analysis of the day’s trading showed that Ikeja Hotels Plc topped 17-Aug-15the day’s 0.31 gain09-Dec-15 ers’ table with 0.62 9.89 per 06-Jan-16 0.70N3.00, cent to close at 29-Sep-16 1.67 while AIICO Insurance 25-Oct-16 1.74 Plc30-Sep-17 followed with five 2.67 per30-Nov-17 cent to close 1.69 at 84 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20 30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24

1.70 1.86 1.86 3.65 1.97 2.05 2.92 5.79 9.67 9.67

Star Express Plc led the losers with a drop of 4.97 per cent to close at N3.44 4.88while May 19.37 and Baker 96.12 1.00Plc shed16.39 98.05 to 4.43 per cent 2.63close at N1.51. 18.07 97.79 Continen1.00 16.11 95.55 tal Reinsurance Plc fell 1.34 16.47 96.69 by 4.21 per cent to close 1.00 16.28 93.05 1.88at 91 kobo 16.99per share. 102.55 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.35 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76 1.00 1.00

18.59 20.35 20.21 16.64 17.47 21.31 17.44 18.03 16.26 16.26

96.62 96.65 101.72 92.95 97.52 94.70 96.92 90.18 79.17 85.51

SEC to unveil new complaints system

To revisit recapitalisation issue

“We have finished holders. the rules on complaints “Some of us have been management framework in this market for some 85.84 and11-Feb-18 very soon, it3.04will be 1.00time and16.28 we have seen a 01-Feb-21 One of the 4.26 high- 1.00 exposed. lot that 16.29 transpired85.20 over lights is to allow com- the period. We are keen on plaints to be managed at having close collaboration the lower level” he said. with people.” Maturity Date expressed Bid Yield (%) the Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Price On the issue ofOffer recapiGwarzo Commission’s readiness talisation, Gwarzo exPrices & Yields to collaborate with other pressed delight that the 28-Jan-21 97.48 had 98.71 had a stakeholders in 7.28 the mar- 7.02Commission ket12-Jul-18 as a means to taking good collaboration with 6.12 5.72 96.93 98.16 the market to greater all stakeholders, adding 12-Jul-23 7.49 93.11 that it would return heights. 7.29 94.28 to He said the current the exercise in the next management of the Com- five months. mission was willing and Speaking earlier, open to discussions on is- Chairman of Council of sues that would 95.99 move the 95.99the NSE, Aig, 01-Feb-16 52.25Aigboje 52.25 19-May-16forward market 6.98in the 6.98Imokhuede, 100.63 said markets 100.63 25-Jul-17of Nigerians interest and 11.26in other 91.50 jurisdictions 11.26 91.50had 02-May-18 development. 13.61 11.29 82.66 significantly 88.19 economic benefited 08-Nov-18 10.69 85.72 88.26 beHe said: “We realise 9.79from collaborations 41.14 40.50 40.50 that08-Apr-19 the Exchange is very 41.14tween the regulators and 22-Apr-19 10.75 10.75 85.00 85.00 important in our quest to the regulated, adding that 21-May-19 14.73 13.60 81.38 84.54 move the market9.98 to a new 9.98he was optimistic that the 07-Aug-20 92.00 92.00 level and SEC is35.34 keen on 35.34market in Nigeria would 09-Dec-20 30.79 30.79 24-Jun-21 exploring areas12.79of col- 12.40also benefit part84.75 from the 86.25 23-Jul-21 12.41stake- 12.41 80.00 laboration with nership.80.00 14-Aug-21

10.73

10.31

90.00

91.82

4,760.00 28-Jan-15 3,669.46 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 Market Foreign Exchange & Forwards) professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do(Spot not guarantee the DTM Maturity BidaDiscount (%)purpose Offer (%) Bid Yield do (%) we accept liability for NIBOR (%) accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for particular of anyDiscount of the Information, neither the results of any action takenTenor on the basis ofRate the Information. 8 15 22 Bonds29 36 43 Rating/Agency 50 57 64 71 78 85 92 99 106 NA 113

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 Issuer 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 NA 21-May-15

11.25 11.16 12.10 FGN 12.25 11.60 12.50 Description 11.96 12.20 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 13.05 16-AUG-2016 12.95 15.10 27-APR-2017 13.45 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.35 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.55 10.70 30-MAY-2018 12.35 16.00 29-JUN-2019 12.63 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.75 16.39 27-JAN-2022 127 4-Jun-15 13.90 134 11-Jun-15 14.15 14.20 14-MAR-2024 148 25-Jun-15 14.35 15.00 28-NOV-2028 155 2-Jul-15 14.50 12.49 22-MAY-2029 169 16-Jul-15 13.33 8.50 20-NOV-2029 176 23-Jul-15 14.05 10.00 23-JUL-2030 183 30-Jul-15 14.25 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 190 6-Aug-15 13.75 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 218 3-Sep-15 13.60 309 13.80 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 3-Dec-15 323 17-Dec-15 13.75 344 7-Jan-16 13.80 358 21-Jan-16 14.00 Description Rating/Agency Issuer *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

11.00 10.91 11.85 12.00 11.35 12.25Date Issue 11.71 11.95 23-Apr-10 12.80 16-Aug-13 12.70 27-Apr-12 13.20 27-Jul-07 13.10 31-Aug-07 13.30 30-May-08 12.10 29-Jun-12 12.38 23-Oct-09 13.50 27-Jan-12 13.65 13.90 14-Mar-14 14.10 28-Nov-08 14.25 22-May-09 13.08 20-Nov-09 13.80 23-Jul-10 14.00 18-Jul-14 13.50 13.35 13.55 13.50 13.55 13.75

11.28 11.21 12.19 12.37 11.73 12.69 (%) Coupon 12.16 12.44 4.00 13.36 13.05 13.28 15.10 13.85 9.85 13.78 9.35 14.03 10.70 12.78 16.00 13.11 7.00 14.36 16.39 14.61 14.93 14.20 15.24 15.00 15.45 12.49 14.21 8.50 15.07 10.00 15.35 12.1493 14.81 14.80 15.63 15.65 15.86 16.23

Bonds

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

(N'bn)

Rate (%) 15.9167 15.3649 16.0953 16.9973Date Maturity

535.00 23-Apr-15 581.39 NITTY 16-Aug-16 476.80 27-Apr-17 Tenor Rate (%) 20.00 27-Jul-17 1M 11.7037 100.00 31-Aug-17 2M 12.8418 300.00 30-May-18 3M 13.8353 351.30 29-Jun-19 6M 14.8470 233.90 23-Oct-19 9M 15.2455 600.00 27-Jan-22 12M 16.3866 434.68 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) 191.8000 206.00 18-Jul-34 OFFER ($/N) 191.9000

4,855.63

OBB

12.79

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 FGN BOND 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.70 112.22 116.70 INDEX66.49

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

0.32 1.18 1.86 2.23 2.44

# Risk Premium (%)

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

17.17 17.69 17.15 16.23 16.27

94.78 99.65 98.29 96.98 93.71

322.67

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Modified Duration Buckets Sub-National Bonds

Offer ($/N)

4,377.30

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Bid ($/N)

Spot 187.20 187.30 O/N 13.05 Price 7D 189.34 189.45 REPO 14D 189.64 189.78 Tenor Rate (%) (%) Offer 1M 190.34 190.80 Offer Price TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield Yield (%) Bid Price Call 14.67 2M 191.62 192.63 1M 16.09 3M 192.90 194.41 0.23 14.10 13.43 97.68 97.83 3M 16.65 6M 197.30 200.29 1.55 15.05 14.94 97.30 97.45 6M 17.76 1Y 206.68 212.29 2.24 15.28 15.20 99.60 99.75 2.49 15.28 15.20 89.06 89.21 NOTE: 2.59 15.28 15.20 87.68 87.83 3.33 15.28 15.16 88.61 :Benchmarks NA :Not88.31 Applicable 4.42 Bond 15.28 15.19 102.20Rate Bond 102.50 * :Amortising # :Floating 4.73 Bond 15.28 15.17 72.76 coupon bonds 73.06 µ :Convertible ***: Deferred 7.00 Management15.26 15.19 104.75 105.05 AMCON: Asset Corporation of Nigeria FGN: Federal Nigeria ‡ : Bond rating under review 9.12Government of15.21 15.15 95.05 95.35 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria †: Bond93.55 rating expired 93.85 13.83 Mortgage Bank 16.17 16.11 IFC: International Finance Corporation N/A :Not Available 14.31 16.30 16.24 79.04 79.34 LCRM: Local Management {r} :Issuer in receivership 14.81Contractors Receivables 16.45 16.36 56.30 56.60 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling 15.48 15.74 Company 15.67 67.00 67.30 NGC: Nigeria-German Company O/N: Overnight 19.47 15.57 15.51 79.20 79.50 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company UBA: United Bank for Africa WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums Agency Bonds **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 FMBN 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 ***LCRM 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Tenor

<3 KADUNA 3<5 *EBONYI >5 *BENUE Market *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

Total Outstanding Volume(Bn)

1,016.67 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 1,381.68 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 537.33 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 2,935.68 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

1,034.18 1,365.98 769.57 3,169.73

Weighting by Outstanding Vol

32.63

31-Aug-10 43.09 30-Sep-10 24.28 30-Jun-11 100.00 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12

Weighting by Mkt Value

34.63

12.5047.07 13.00 18.30 14.00 100.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50

Bucket311.75 Weighting

0.33

8.50 0.43 4.18 0.24 4.86 1.00 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 34.14 9.00 13.73 10.20 27.00

% Exposure_ Mod_Duration

13.14

31-Aug-15 46.47 30-Sep-15 40.39 30-Jun-16 100.00 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19

Implied Yield

15.17

0.59 15.25 0.43 15.70 0.95 15.42 0.95 2.22 1.49 2.92 2.10 3.68 2.30 2.30 2.48

Implied Portfolio Price

118.0346 4.44 120.9089 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00

83.4910 110.8866

YTD Return (%)

INDEX

1,121.09

19.82 1,023.81 18.24 976.16 20.05 1,058.87 19.07 16.23 16.08 17.07 17.00 16.29 16.24 20.02 16.28

1.1951

96.09 1.1100 98.46 3.0644 95.28 0.3493 97.35 88.70 97.21 93.11 95.02 93.79 97.01 89.76 96.63

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Features

The need for Abuja-Keffi Expressway expansion Respite seems to be on the way for commuters and residents over gridlock as the Federal Government seeks foreign loan to expand the AbujaKeffi Expressway, writes ANULE EMMANUEL

major feature of urban cities across the world is their dual carriageways with multiple lanes for traffic in each direction, separated by road median. In countries of Europe such as Austria and Switzerland, expressways or highways are called the Autobahn, a German word, meaning a trunk for fast moving vehicles, with separate carriageways for vehicles travelling in opposite directions, with limited access and exit points. In Nigeria, such highways that can easily be likened to an Autobahn are the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna and the Zaria-Kano expressways. Majority of other federal highways remain in poor state despite huge funds often committed into their rehabilitation. Experts believe that majority of roads linking communities to one another in the country are yet to receive the desired attention from the government despite their social economic importance. Most inter-state roads are single lane carriageways, a situation which often propels competition between drivers of heavy-duty vehicles and smaller ones on the highways. The resultant effect is high death toll. In Abuja, which is seen as one of Africa’s most developing cities, there is near absence of good road networks. Aside the metropolis, access to the satellite towns remains a hurdle for the residents. On the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, for instance, commuters spend hours in gridlock moving into the city centre. Before 2009, the condition was worse across all the routes leading in and out of the city centre. The residents and visitors alike had to drive several hours on single lanes, especially at peak periods, to and back from work. Most notorious were the Outer Southern Expressway and Outer Northern Expressway also called the Abuja Airport Expressway and Kubwa Road. Worried by the plight of the residents, the Federal Capital Territory

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

The late Yar’Adua

Gridlock on Nyanya-Keffi Expressway

Okonjo-Iweala

Onolememen

Aliero

Administration (FCTA), in line with the Abuja master plan and with the approval of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, in 2009, began the expansion of the Abuja Airport Expressway and the Kubwa Road. According to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Adamu Aliero, both the airport and Kubwa expansion road projects cost N257 billion. Apart from servicing many residential estates, communities and offices, the two roads are the major arteries into the Abuja city centre from the southern and some parts of the northern sections of the country. The Abuja Airport Expressway connects the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport to the city centre. With the near completion of work on the Airport Road and the Outer Northern Expressway projects which were both launched in 2009 by the late President Yar’Adua, the Abuja-Keffi route remains one segment that needs urgent attention. The road is vital to Abuja economy. It is the only major road that leads to massive human habitations in the FCT such as Nyanya, Karu, Orozo, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Pyegi, Karshi, and other settlements where most civil servants reside, due to ‘affordable’ rents. It also leads to other important suburbs in neighbouring Nassarawa

State such as New Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi and Masaka. Kugbo. The Minister of Works, Mike Onolemenen, has confirmed that the Federal Government is in the process of redesigning the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to ease gridlocks in the axis which has continued to raise concern among the residents. According to him, the road is handling far in excess of the maximum designed traffic for it. He said: “We believe that the Abacha Barracks end should not and cannot be the only entry point into the city. So, we are going to do a kind of an arc diversion through which we will have a number of entry points into the city. We believe that is the design solution for that particular problem.” What is interesting about the recent show of concern by the Federal Government to the pains of the residents of communities on the Nyanya-Keffi Expressway is the disclosure that the government would be negotiating for a foreign loan to finance the expansion of the road. It is, however, not clear whether the expansion of the road would come along with additional access routes. Observers are of the view that there is need to expand the NyanyaKeffi Expressway to 10 lanes similar to the southern and northern outer expressways.

“It will interest you to know that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, within the next 10 days, will be leading a delegation to China to finalise the EXIM loan for that particular project among others,” Onolememen told State House correspondents recently at the Presidential Villa. To guarantee further implementation of the project, the Ministry of Works has already procured ‘Certificate of No Objection’ from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). Many Nigerians cannot wait to see the execution of the project especially now that traffic on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway has become more hectic because of the security checkpoints mounted by the military on several sections of the road. The checkpoints came in the wake of the bomb blast at the popular Nyanya Motor Park on April 14, 2014. These two options of creating alternative access roads to the city centre or expanding the existing four lanes to 10 from this axis have become seemingly necessary. Time, it is often said, is money. With the dwindling price of crude oil at the international market and its effect on the country’s economy evident in the decline of expected revenue, the country cannot afford to waste man-hour in gridlock.

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STITCH IN TIME It is better to ensure smooth conduct of election than containing the aftermath of rigging, says police chief

Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

he Ekiti State Police Command and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have identified manipulation and rigging during elections as major threats to national security of the country. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday during a workshop organized by the State Police Command in conjunction with the state chapter of the NBA, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, said Nigeria could not afford to conduct another elections that could ignite crisis in February, noting that Nigeria must not allow the repeat of the violence witnessed in past elections. Lakanu, who commended the NBA leadership for its commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria, added that politicians must put the security of the country above their interests by not engaging in acts that could further push the country beyond the present insecurity level. “Election has been a veritable tool for installing democratic system of government all over

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Election rigging threat to national security — Ekiti CP, NBA

Jonathan: Afenifere’s endorsement South-West PDP acceptance — Ogundipe

the world. Conduct of elections, however, has remained a challenge to many countries, including Nigeria, due to its attendant consequences on national security. “The conduct of election could either mar or strengthen the political stability of a nation. Perceived injustice, corruption and unfairness in the conduct of elections have led to people’s agitation, violence and wanton de-

Adesina Wahab

struction of property. “This explains why nothing could be too much to ensure smooth conduct of election to ensure stability in the system," Lakanu stated. He pleaded with lawyers to always counsel their clients, who are seeking political offices, to resort to judicial means in settling any perceived injustice, rather than resorting to self-help. Delivering the lecture

titled: ‘Public Order and Control of Processions Ahead of 2015 Elections’, Mr Ademola Adeyemi urged the police to be impartial in maintaining public order for the aggrieved to have confidence in them and refrain from taking laws into their hands. Adeyemi, the NBA Chairman, Ikole Branch, said in spite of the fact that every Nigerian enjoys right to peaceful

assembly as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, the police must make it a point of duty to deploy their men in campaign rallies to avert public disorder. He added that criminal and politically-motivated activities are often accompanied by widespread violation of human rights, including torture, rape, cruelty, inhuman treatment and arbitrary arrest and detention.

Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; PDP Chairman, Adamu Muazu and Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, at the PDP presidential campaign rally in Akure …yesterday

Aregbesola sets up panel to probe communal crisis Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday set up a six-man judicial commission of inquiry to look into the communal clash between Ipetumodu and Ashipa communities in Ife North Local Government of the state with a plea to the commission to unravel the cause of the mayhem, as well as

identify the identities of the perpetrators and sponsors of the communal clash between the two communities. The Governor, who inaugurated the penel, which has Honourable Justice Olajide Falola as its Chairman, also gave the names of other members as Adelowo Adewumi, Mufutau Oluwadare and Arch. Elijah Ojo, while Mr. Charles Chioma, will represent the Osun Command of the Nigeria Police and Mr.

Taofeek Komolafe would serves as the panel’s Secretary. Speaking at the inauguration, Aregbesola said, "the commission of inquiry is expected to make appropriate recommendations and suggestions to the state government towards the prevention of future occurrence." He said the mandate of the panel would be to recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation for any dam-

Diaspora APC loyalists warn against postponement of elections Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in diaspora, Canada chapter yesterday warned against the postponement of the February 14, presidential election as being agitated for by some politicians, stating that such move would have dare consequences for the country’s democracy.

Dr. Kay Alabi, Rahman Ilupeju and Jerry Solomon, leaders of the party in Canada, described the move as a set-back to electoral process towards having a free, fair and transparent election, described the agitation as a conspiracy being hatched by the President Jonathan led Peoples Democratic Party, which has become jiltery over its certain loss at the polls. They charged the elec-

toral body to disregard the call for the postponement, which they claimed would put cogs in the wheels of the smooth running of the democratic process of the country. They said: "Nigerians at home and in diaspora are already fed up with the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and are ready for change by exercising their franchise in the next month general elections."

age or injuries that might have been suffered as a result of the communal clash or disturbance. He added, "the commission shall have powers to take memoranda, papers and submissions from members of the public. They can also visit the scene and receive contributions, submissions or papers from traditional rulers and institutions in the area. "They can take oral evidence and exercise other powers within the

ambit of the law to attain success in the present assignment". He charged the commission "to, as a matter of urgency, look into the market days of the two communities and separate the days of markets after wide consultations. The panel should also inquire into all the circumstances that occasioned the disturbance of public peace which occurred on 13th January, 2015 and in subsequent days."

ADO-EKITI

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Vice-Chairman, SouthWest, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, has said the recent endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term by the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, is a pointer to the wide acceptability of the President in the region. Speaking in an interview in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, the PDP chieftain said with the endorsement, Afenifere, has also spoken the mind of the Yoruba race. Ogundipe, also gave the assurance that the President would fully implement the recommendations of the National Conference. "Our leaders in Afenifere spoke in Akure, Ondo State and they spoke the mind of the Yoruba people. I have no doubt that the PDP will win convincingly in the South-West. Yoruba people know who their friends are. How will they vote for somebody who clamped their leaders in jail without any reason. "Our revered leaders such as Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Bisi Onabanjo and others were jailed for committing no crime. The metro line project in Lagos was stopped out of vendetta. "The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was not even spared by the dictator, who harassed him. Our monarchs were also not left out as the Ooni of Ile-Ife and the Emir of Kano were also punished for nothing. "Our party is waxing stronger on daily basis in the region. We have resolved the crisis in Ondo State, Ekiti is firmly under our control. Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Lagos states are identifying with the PDP."

Oyo APC predicts landslide victory for Buhari Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has predicted that it's presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari , would win the February 14, Presidential election by a landslide margin against the incumbent the President Goodluck Jonathan, to assume office as the next

president of the country . This position was contained in a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, who condemned calls by some politicians to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to postpone the February polls, describing it as a ploy by the rulling party to remain in perpetuate itself in power beyond May 29, 2015.

"The 2015 presidential election is a national project inspired by the collective urge to reclaim Nigeria from hawks within and it has a divine backing. Apart from a few who are obviously driven by undue sentiments, Nigerians from all walks of life are passionate about choosing a new president in Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) leveraging on the opportunity provided by the February 2015 general election."

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PLEA

Medical Director suggests dialogue and end to strike to avoid further loss of lives Igbeaku Orji and Steve Uzoechi

he Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Dr. Chuku Abali, has called on members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to end their threemonth-old strike to avoid further loss of lives in the sector. His call came even as he said that the Federal Government team, led by Yayale Ahmed, was taking a holistic look at the problems in the sec-

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FMC MD seeks end to JOHESU strike tor with a view to finding a lasting solution. Abali, who made the appeal in his office yesterday, said the strike was painful and sad. He said health care is a team work and therefore could not be successfully undertaken by one unit. “The strike needs not last a day longer; no other life needs be lost again. Now is the time to stop the strike. Ongoing negotiations can continue without further loss of lives. “This strike is painful and really very sad. The poor suffers most. The strike has visited misery, anguish and loss of life on many homes that are unable to afford the financial burden imposed

by private medical consultation,” he lamented. The medical director is of the opinion that though the strike borders on legitimate demands for better welfare package by the union, no conflict, should involve loss of life. According to him, “No matter the issues involved, dialogue will eventually have to prevail before any meaningful resolution is arrived at.” He said President Goodluck Jonathan has shown commitment to resolving the disharmony in the health sector through the Presidential Committee of Experts on Inter-Personal Relationship in the Health Sector, headed by Yayale Ahmed. He further revealed

that a white paper committee has been set up to come up with a document that would provide permanent solution to the disharmony in the sector, calling on JOHESU to show deeper understanding of the efforts of government. Abali assured the striking workers that the union’s demands that are within the purview of the Federal Ministry of Health, were already receiving attention even as others that needed the attention of other bodies. He called on JOHESU to resume work while negotiations continued. In another development and in response to public outcry over the lingering strike in the sector,

the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, has engaged competent temporary support staff to assist in the provision of health care services to patients. This was gathered by our correspondent, who visited the FMC, Owerri, to ascertain the impact of the strike on the facility. Though the usual massive influx of patients into the FMC was not noticeable, it was evident, however, that medical doctors were available at every unit of the medical centre, attending to patients. Responding to the situation, the Chief Medical Director of the facility, Dr. Angela Uwakwem, told our correspondent that doctors were obligated to

work as they were not on strike. She, however, noted that JOHESU comprises virtually all non-doctors in the health facility, including nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, administrative staff, accounts personnel and several others. According to her, “Health service delivery involves team work and with all these professionals on strike, the situation places enormous pressure on doctors and the ability of the facility to effectively attend to patients. This is the third month of the strike and the public have been subjected to untold difficulties,” Uwakwem said.

INEC tasks women groups on violence Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

Head, EFCC, South-East Zone, Nwanjinma Okeanu (left) and EFCC spokesperson, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, at a news conference in Enugu … yesterday. PHOT-NAN

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on women groups in the country to use their influence to preach against violence of all forms before, during and after next month's general election. The Ebonyi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Lawrence Azubuike, made the call during a one-day workshop for women groups in Abakaliki. The commissioner, who was represented by the Administrative Secretary of INEC, Ebonyi State, Mr. Royson Obijuru, said women consti-

tuted a critical segment in the electoral process, hence, the need for them to be updated on the rules and guidelines for the polls. According to Azubuike, the workshop was designed to update women on preparations for the election and to remind them that they can only make the difference, if they stepped forward as active participants in the electoral process. “The commission is also working in conjunction with the security agencies to provide a secure environment for the elections. Electoral violence is known to be a major disincentive to women participation in politics and election.”

Why Uba should be in Senate, Guber race: Chukwu declares Ufomba: I’ll place Abia on for Labour Party solid foundation, development by stakeholders Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

ormer Managing Director of the defunct Spring Bank Plc; Mr. Mike Chukwu, who is also the younger brother to former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has declared support for the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State. He spoke at Amuro Mgbom Primary School playground during a rally by Labour Party, where he urged Ebonyi people to discountenance the insinuation in some quarters that the former Health Minister was supporting the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dave Umahi. “I’m the younger brother of Prof. Onye-

buchi Chukwu; I’m telling you that if you see me, you’ve seen Prof. Chukwu. It is not true that Governor Martin Elechi brought out my brother and abandoned him, that’s not true. It’s over a year since Governor Elechi took Prof. Chukwu to President Jonathan, we knew how Elechi suffered to deliver my brother, but enemies sabotaged his efforts. “Even when they told Elechi to forget Chukwu so that they will give him Ebonyi Central senatorial ticket, he said no! He sacrificed his own interest because of Prof. Chukwu. “We are angry, whoever doesn’t want us, we also don’t want; we will not allow criminals to govern Ebonyi State, we will not support those who stole my brother’s mandate,” he said.

Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

he self-proclaimed governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Chief Reagan Ufomba, has said that, if elected, he would put the state on a solid foundation of development. He said he would ensure that Abia is on a tripod of development in agriculture, commerce and technology, powered by a robust education policy. Ufomba, who spoke at his campaign rally at Alayi, Bende Local Government, lamented that the economy of the state has been destroyed to the point that imposition of all kinds of levies coupled with

poor infrastructure has driven away prospective investors from the state. The former special adviser to former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, said Aba is an economy waiting to be organised and promised to develop it in such a way that people would willingly pay the legitimate levies even as he promised to run a government of accountability and transparency devoid of corruption, if elected governor. He lamented that there was no good road in Aba nor in any of the markets and wondered why the economy would grow. “I will not have the heart to take N1 billion of Abia money as security vote; I will use it to provide free education from secondary school level to the highest level.”

Tony Okafor AWKA

takeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Awka North and South Local Government area of Anambra State, yesterday described Chief Chris Uba as a consistent and loyal party man, saying as a pioneer member of the party, he had remained in the party working for its progress, despite obvious regular provocations. The stakeholders stated this at a rally organised to sensitise them about next month's general election. They said since 2003, Uba had continually sponsored the party in the state. They said: “Having sacrificed this much to sustain the party, the time has come for all party

members to work in concert with others to ensure success in his senatorial bid. “He has the courage, the sagacity and wherewithal to be in the red chamber after the February polls,” they stated. Meanwhile, Chief Uba has urged his supporters to cooperate with Governor Willie Obiano, to move the state to an enviable height. He said though Obiano is of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), he would need the cooperation of all and sundry to deliver good governance to the state. Uba, who is the PDP Anambra South senatorial candidate in next month's polls, however, said his party, the PDP, would sweep the polls next month despite their avowed support for Obiano.

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Anenih, PDP will fail in Edo again, says Oshiomhole Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

ollowing the defeats of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State the past, governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole , declared yesterday that the opposition party would suffer another defeat in the February 14, Presidential election. Speaking at the APC’s

rally at Ekpoma, Edo Central Senatorial district, Oshiomhole, said the people of Esan Land should ask the opposition party’s chieftain, Chief Tony Anenih, the role he played in the humiliation, rigging and eventual incarceration of the late Governor of the defunct Bendel State, Professor Ambrose Alli. He stated that the time has come for the people of the town, to know who played what role in the development of Esan Land.

The governor, also urged the people to be wary of the antics and lies of some self-acclaimed god fathers who arrogate importance to themselves and whose stock in trade was only to mislead and deceive the people. According to him, “The people must know the truth. Once upon a time, Bendel people from Delta to Edo elected one of your sons, Prof Ambrose Alli of blessed memory. He was elected not only by Esan people but by the

entire Bendel State. He established the Ambrose Alli University. You cannot forget the roads he built in Esan land and beyond Esan land. Who removed Ambrose Alli from power? The NPN and their chieftains in Esanland.” Continuing, he said, “Chief Anenih came here to say it was General Buhari who jailed Ambrose Alli. You voted for Alli but we all know who removed him. They declared somebody else a winner and declared Alli the loser in

an election that he won, exactly what they did to me. Anenih must be told part of his sins against Esan people for which he will never be forgiven. “He can never rewrite history. He cannot run away from his own shadow. The sins he committed against Ambrose Alli will never be forgiven. He must be punished with your votes. I was shocked they have gone to recruit one of Alli’s daughters to join them to campaign,” he said. “The lady needs to

A’ Ibom APC vows to defeat PDP without G22 support Tony Anichebe UYO

he Akwa Ibom State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Emmanuel Udo, has said that his party was prepared to dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led administration in the state with or without the support of the 22 aggrieved aspirants of the ruling party, known as the G22, who failed at its primary election. Udo stated this in Uyo, while interacting with newsmen on the preparations of his party for the February polls. According to him, “APC as of today is the major party in Akwa Ibom State and we are prepared to take our rightful place in the Government House come 29 May, 2015”. Speaking further, Mandu explained that the defection of the G22 into the APC or otherwise may not make much impact to the existing structure of APC in the state adding that a lot of them G22 PDP Aspirants lack followers. The APC chieftain maintained that the people of Akwa Ibom State are tired of the PDP led government and had since embraced the wind of change. “As we speak, the APC is ready to match the numerical strength of the PDP in the state , this is beside the secret romance of most PDP members with the APC ahead of the polls”, he noted.

L-R: Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah; Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Duate Iyabi; Special Adviser to the governor on Treasury and Accounts, Mr. Timipre Seipulo and Principal Executive Secretary to the governor, Deacon Markson Fefegha, during the monthly Transparency Initiative Press Briefing in Yenagoa…yesterday.

We’re ready for LG polls — AKISIEC boss Emerhor: Buhari’s certificate ALL SET

Akwa Ibom SIEC says it is ready to conduct LG election in the state

Tony Anichebe UYO

he Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Mrs. Gloria Ukpong, has declared the readiness of the commission to conduct the local government election in the state, at the end of the present administration’s tenure . Speaking with journalists yesterday in Uyo,

Ukpong, said that what was required is for the commission to conduct a hitch-free local government polls in the state, is the disbursement of funds to the commission on time. She noted, that once funds are released to the commission, which had put every other logistics in place, it would carry statutory responsibility without hitches. Urging members of the public not to be apprehensive over recent media reports that there will be no election into the local councils this year, the AKISIEC boss said that the present electoral officers have not completed

their term and as such there should be no cause for alarm over the conduct of another election. Ukpong, noted that elections does not begin and end on the day of election but rather a process that requires long term planning, stressing that consideration should be given to making the State Independent Electoral Commission truly independent in the way it gets its funds. She however pleaded with the House Committee on electoral matters to give approval to the commission’s 2015 budget estimate to enable it plan ahead for the local government polls.

Teachers strike: A’Ibom Assembly summons accountant general Tony Anichebe UYO

he Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, has summoned the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Okon, along with the state Accountant

think again. You cannot dine with the people who removed the crown from the head of your father. So when they say Buhari was the Head of State when Alli was jailed, do you know what they jailed Alli for? It was that Alli gave a contract to a leader who is a top notcher in PDP today. The man did not do the job. That was what led to the military investigation of Alli. Oshiomhole maintained that, “Never again should they (PDP leaders) come to lie to you. I have given you several reasons why PDP-led must go and APC must come. I urge you to go home and spread the good news. We want General Buhari to come. They say he has no certificate but he became a General”, he said. The governor also accused the PDP Federal Government of further impoverishing the people through its kerosene scam. Speaking at separate rallies at Ikpoba Okha and Oredo Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial district, Oshiomhole said, “From Otuoke to Benin City to Lagos to Ekpoma to Iyahmo to Sokoto, kerosene is now N150-N160 per litre. For every N150 you spend in buying kerosene, PDP steals N100 because in the books of NNPC, they have it on records that kerosene is N50 per litre”.

General, to appear before the Committee, in order to uncover the circumstances surrounding the non-payment of teachers salaries and other entitlements owed teachers in the state, for four months. Chairman of the committee, Mr. Eyakeno Etukudo, handed down the directive yesterday while

making enquiries from the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Atim Antai on the prolonged strike by primary and secondary school teachers in the state. It would be recalled, that primary school teachers in the state had embarked on an indefinite strike, since January

12, in protest against the non-payment of their four months salaries, leave grants and promotion arrears by their respective local education authorities. The three week old strike action, has crippled academic activities in various primary schools in the state.

saga diversionary Gabriel Choba UGHELLI

he All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate of Delta State in next month’s general election, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has said that the certificate saga involving the APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, was a ploy by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to divert the attention of Nigerians from the ruling party’s dwindling fortunes as the presidential election approaches. Emerhor, while addressing party faithful at Patani, in the Patani Local Government Area of the state, described the PDP as a party that has failed in its administration of the country in the last 16years, noting that if elected, would use funds accrueing to the state to support the growth of small businesses in the state. He also, assured the people that his administration would explore the resources of the area by

establishing a fish and agricultural processing company as an avenue for job creation for youths within and around the area. Also speaking, the APC Delta South senatorial candidate, Prince Yemi Emiko, lamented the nonavailability of constituency projects in Patani, from the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) to other state government projects, stressing that the APC would bring a better alternative when elected. Earlier, the Delta State Chairman of APC, Prophet Jones Erhue, also told the electorate that if the PDP is voted for in the coming election, they have eventually pitched their lives with poverty and starvation, adding that PDP in Delta State cannot provide the desired meaningful development to the state. While noting that only Olorogun O’tega Emorhor, is the answer to the question of total transformation in Delta State, the APC Chairman urged the people Patani to vote massively for the APC in all the elective positions.

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Aliyu: Niger allocation drops by 73% Dan Atori

he Niger State governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday lamented that the revenue accruable to the state from the federation account has dropped by over 73 per cent in the last one month. He made this disclosure in Minna, when he performed the ground-

breaking ceremony of the commercial and office complex of the Niger State Supply Company. According to him, “The continuous drop in the price of crude in the international market has strengthened the call for states of the federation to look inwards for other means of funding their projects.” The governor, however, assured the people that no

matter what happens he would keep to his promise of paying staff salaries and allowances before the end of every month, noting that some states in the country have not been able to pay salaries of workers for upwards of seven months. Accordingly, Governor Aliyu said: “We will never allow a situation, no matter the difficulty, where we will not be able

to pay salaries.” He said his administration has cleared all arrears of pension and gratuities inherited from the last administration, adding that the government has enough money in reserve to pay pension to retirees of the state government for the next five years. The governor also challenged the private sector to partner with

The percentage of the population of men The number of English Premier League clubs that fea- The number of pending asylum seekers above 60 years in Colombia in 2012. tured in the top 20 of the world’s richest club in 2014. of Macedonia at the beginning of 2010. Source: Un.org Source: Goal.com Source: Blatantworld.com

the government in the development of the state, saying that the transformation of the state should not be left for government alone. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, Alhaji Abdulkhadir Lapai, in an address, said the complex will cost over N32 million and will be completed within six months.

The number of matches played by Honduras in Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi (left), with the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Dutse, Prof. Jibrila Amin, during the monarch’s visit to the institution to inspect projects …yesterday. PHOTo: NAN

Gunman kills seven in Kaduna village Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

gunman on Tuesday opened fire on a small crowd at Yangal village in Zangon Kataf Local Government area of Kaduna State as the villagers were mourning the death of 87-year-old Hauwa Bello, our correspondent learnt yesterday. The acting Council chairman of Zangon

Kataf, Hon. Jonathan Asake, who confirmed the incident, said seven people were killed while 14 others sustained injuries. Speaking in his office in Zonkwa, the headquarters of the local government, Asake said he received a distressed call around 11.00pm on Tuesday that a gunman and another unarmed accomplice attacked Yangal. According to Asake, the villagers told him that two Fulani men

were sighted around 9.00pm on Tuesday night around the venue of the burial celebration. They further told him that one of them had a gun. “Not suspecting anything, the group went on with their celebration. Then the gunman opened fire on the crowd with his AK-47 riffle. He killed five people on the spot while two later died in the hospital. By the time soldiers arrived in the village, the two men had fled, and the

village was thrown into confusion,” the acting chairman said. Meanwhile, the National President, Kamanton Development Association (KDA), Mr. Markus Fangan, also told newsmen that the attack defied logic, because Yangal village had never had any brush with the Fulanis. He wondered why the Fulanis that were living in Yangal left the village before and after the attack.

Niger gov calls for six-month ban on defectors Dan Atori MINNA

overnor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State yesterday called for a six-month ban on politicians who are defecting to other parties after losing a primary election, saying such people should not be allowed to join

another party until after the period of the ban. The governor, who spoke against the backdrop of the defection of his Deputy, Ahmed Musa Ibeto and others to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) during the ground breaking of the office complex of the Niger State Supply Company, said the imposition of such ban will instill

discipline in the parties. According to him, “necessary legislation should be put in place to stop cross carpeting after the shadow elections. “I wish there is a legislation that will establish a six-month ban on politicians before they can leave their parties for another one after losing a primary election. “We have discovered

that people join political parties only because of what they want. Once they don’t get what they want, they jump ship, we must instill discipline in our political parties,” he said. He, however, decried the increasing wave of attacks on politicians during campaigns, warning that the trend, if not checked, could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

More PDP members defect to APC in Kwara Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

foremost critic of the Saraki political dynasty in Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Saad Omoiya, topped the list of about 5, 000 former opposition members who defected on Tuesday to the All Progressives Congress (APC) within two days of a campaign tour by the party in Asa and Ilorin West Local Government. The sudden appearance of Omoiya, who served as Director General of the 2011 Campaign Organisation for the then gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Dele Belgore, threw the campaign crowd at Alanamu ward into frenzy and jubilation, given his wellknown opposition to the Sarakis. He had followed Belgore into the PDP when the Saraki group joined the APC. But Omoiya told the crowd that he needed to run from the PDP, which he described as a burning fire and seek shelter in the APC, which he said has enough water to quench the fire of the ruling party. He said: “Don’t be surprised to see me here, I have been working with the late Olooye in the 70s.”

‘Nasarawa PDP is afraid of Maku’ Comfort Chukwu

enate President, David Mark’s Tuesday comments on the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nasarawa State, Mr. Labaran Maku, in which he lambasted him for pursuing his ambition on APGA platform, has angered the Labaran Maku Campaign Organisation. Its Director of Publicity, Zakari Edego, yesterday said the deluge of comments and accusations by some PDP leaders on the issue shows that there is panic in the PDP in Nasarawa State, following Maku’s emergence as the flag bearer of the APGA. He dismissed the comments and accusations saying; “it amounts to blackmailing President Goodluck Jonathan, who have been alleged of sponsoring Maku’s

candidature. “Last week at the PDP rally in Keffi, the Senate President, David Mark, berated Maku for leaving the PDP to emerge as the governorship candidate of APGA in Nasarawa State. On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, various speakers at the presidential campaign in Lafia, repeated the same accusations,” Edego said. Edego said: “While Maku has respect for the senate president and Dr. Ahmadu Ali and wishes not to join issues with them, he finds it especially curious that Mark has remained mute over the defection in his own native Benue State of former Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Sam Ortom and the former PDP National Chairman, Senator Barnabas Gemade, who have gone all the way to the opposition to contest for governorship and senatorial positions respectively.

50 WORLD | News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jordan offers to free jihadist in exchange for IS hostages

ordan offered yesterday to free a female jihadist in exchange for a Jordanian pilot held by the Islamic State group, which is threatening to execute the airman and a Japanese journalist. It came after the parents of the hostages made last-ditch pleas for their lives ahead of a deadline set by IS for the release of the wouldbe suicide bomber. “Jordan is ready to release the prisoner Sajida al-Rishawi if the Jordanian pilot is freed unharmed,” state television quoted a government spokesman as saying. “From the start, the position of Jordan was to ensure the safety of our son, the pilot Maaz al-

Kassasbeh,” it added. It made no mention of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto. IS, in a video released Tuesday, threatened to kill Kassasbeh and Goto unless Rishawi is freed within 24 hours. The Japanese government said earlier it believed the IS deadline would expire at around 1400 GMT yesterday. Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh wrote on Twitter shortly before 1500 GMT that his country was still awaiting confirmation that the pilot was safe. About an hour earlier he denied that Rishawi had already been freed. Tokyo has been urgently seeking Jordan’s help since an IS video released at the weekend said another Japanese hostage,

Japanese hostage Kenji Goto holds a photograph allegedly showing Jordanian pilot Maaz al-Kassasbeh

Haruna Yukawa, had been beheaded. Japan has sent Deputy Foreign Minister Yasuhide Na-

kayama to Amman to head an emergency response team. Rishawi has been on death row since 2006 for her part in triple hotel bombings in Amman that killed 60 people. Kassasbeh was captured on December 24 after his F-16 jet crashed while on a mission against the jihadists over northern Syria. Jordanian officials have noted that while the IS video threatened Kassasbeh’s life, it only mentioned freeing Goto in exchange for Rishawi. Jordan is among a number of Arab and

Dozen killed in suicide attack on Mali rebels

African leaders at the AU summit.

AU summit holds in Addis-Ababa

he 24th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Head of State and Government has been scheduled to hold in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia from tomorrow to 31 January. The AU Summit with the theme, “Year of Women Empowerment and Development towards Agenda 2063,” would be graced by the Foreign Minister, Aminu

Bashir Wali with his delegation. Issues to be discussed at the Summit include peace, security and health challenges on the continent, including the Boko Haram insurgency and extremism in the North-East of Nigeria. Also, the recent political situation in Ouagadougou and the containment of the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which has

killed more than 7,000 persons in the worst affected areas of West Africa. Other meetings scheduled at the margins of the Summit include, the African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS; Summit of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) and meeting of the 67th Session of the African

Two Israeli soldiers, UN peacekeeper killed

wo Israeli soldiers and a Spanish peacekeeper were killed yesterday in an exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel that has raised the threat of a full-blown conflict between the militant Islamist group and Israel. In the biggest escalation since a 2006 war, the soldiers were killed when Hezbollah fired a missile at a convoy of Israeli military vehicles on the frontier with Lebanon. The peacekeeper, serving with a UN monitoring force in southern Lebanon, was killed as Israel responded with air strikes and artillery fire, a UN spokesman and Spanish officials said. Hezbollah said one of its brigades in the area had carried out the attack, which appeared to be in retaliation for a Jan. 18 Israeli air strike in southern Syria that killed several Hezbollah members and an Iranian general. Tensions

in the region, where the frontiers of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet and militant groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are active, have been bubbling for months but have boiled over in the past 10 days. The Israeli military confirmed the death of the soldiers, who were driving along a road next to the fence that marks the hilly frontier. Hospital officials said a further seven had been wounded, although none had life-threatening injuries. Andrea Tenenti, spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which employs more than 10,000 troops, said the peacekeeper’s death was under investigation. The UN special coordinator for Lebanon urged all parties to refrain from any further destabilization of the situation, while Lebanon’s prime minister said his country was committed to the UN resolution that ended the

2006 war. The 80 km (50 mile) frontier has largely been quiet since 2006, when Hezbollah and Israel fought a 34-day war in which 120 people in Israel and more than 500 in Lebanon were killed. Since the end of the war with Hamas militants in Gaza last year, Israel has warned of frictions on the northern border, including the possibility that Hezbollah might dig tunnels to infiltrate Israel. In recent days it has moved more troops and military equipment into the area. A retired Israeli army officer, Major-General Israel Ziv, said he believed Wednesday’s assault was an attempt by Hezbollah to draw Israel more deeply into the war in Syria, where Hezbollah is fighting alongside forces loyal to President Assad. “Israel needs to protect its interests but not take any unnecessary steps that may pull us into the conflict in Syria,” he said.

Western countries that have joined US-led air raids against IS, which has seized large areas in Syria and neighbouring Iraq. The pilot’s father Safi Kassasbeh begged the Jordanian government to save his son “at any price”, while Goto’s mother urged Tokyo to “please save Kenji’s life”. An angry Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had earlier blasted the militants’ 24hour deadline. “This was an utterly despicable act, and I am appalled,” Abe told reporters.

n attack overnight in northern Mali by a pro-government armed group including suicide bombers killed a dozen people, security sources said yesterday. “GATIA fighters, accompanied by suicide bombers, attacked a rebel Tuareg and anti-government Arab position in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday near the town of Tabankort. There were a dozen deaths in total,” a Western military source told AFP. “The situation is very volatile, and it is essential to calm the situation,” added the source. A security source in MINUSMA -- the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali -- confirmed the deaths, adding that two fighters blew themselves up while a third was killed before he was able to detonate his explosives. GATIA is the commonly-used name for the progovernment Imghad and Allies Tuareg Self-Defence Group. Tabankort is part of a large swathe of desert which is the cradle of a Tuareg separatist movement that wants independence for the homeland it calls “Azawad”, and from which several rebellions have been launched since the 1960s. The town, northwest of the rebel stronghold of Kidal, is controlled by pro-government militias however which have clashed over the last month with armed rebels, leading to the deaths of fighters and civilians. The UN

was forced to withdraw a plan to create a “temporary security zone” in Tabankort after a huge protest in the northern city of Gao by pro-government youths who said it would undermine loyalist armed groups fighting the rebels. Three people were killed Tuesday on a second day of demonstrations against the UN military mission. Witnesses described a huge crowd of angry youths throwing stones and attempting to storm the MINUSMA headquarters in Gao to protest the UN taking control of a troubled area north of the city. MINUSMA initially denied it was behind the deaths but later said it would investigate to establish its role in the violence. The agreement between minusma and three rebel groups -- the High Council for the Unity of Azawad, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad and an anti-government wing of the Arab Movement of Azawad -would have placed Tabankort under exclusive control of UN troops. Minusma helicopters destroyed a rebel vehicle near Tabankort in “self-defence” on January 20 following what it described as “direct fire with heavy weapons” on its peacekeepers. Rebel groups said the action violated UN neutrality, adding that seven militants had been killed and 20 wounded. The strikes sparked demonstrations hostile to minusma in Kidal.

Top officials resign at German anti-Islam organisation

here’s more trouble at the top for a German organization protesting the perceived “Islamization” of Europe. The PEGIDA organization said on its Facebook page yesterday that spokeswoman Kathrin Oertel has resigned after receiving threats, while board member Thomas Tallacker has stepped down for work reasons. Organizer Bernd-Volker Lincke told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung he and two others have also resigned. Last week, PEGIDA co-founder Lutz Bachmann quit after online posts surfaced in which he used derogatory language to refer to

refugees and posed looking like Adolf Hitler. “Under these circumstances, I couldn’t take part any longer,” Lincke was quoted as saying. PEGIDA has held weekly anti-Islam rallies in the city of Dresden. After peaking with about 25,000 in attendance, recent rallies have been attracting smaller numbers. Two weeks ago, the organization cancelled a planned rally after police said a terror threat had been directed against the organizer. Yesterday, the organization said it would also cancel the rally planned for next Monday due to the lack of leadership. It said a new board would be elected in coming days.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

International Sport

Sport News

AFCON 2015

Ambrose not leaving Celtic, says agent

FA slams Mourinho

South Africa shift target to World Cup after exit

Sport

Did you know? That Eric Cantona scored the First English Premier League first hattrick playing for Leeds vs. Spurs

Mutiu Adepoju cries out:

Don’t neglect past heroes

Charles Ogundiya

ormer international, Mutiu Adepoju, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation and National Sports Commission to create a system that will take care of past national heroes. He described as shocking news of the death of ex-Nigeria and Rayo Vallecano of Spain goalkeeper, Wilfred Agbonavbare. The former goalie died on Tuesday in Spain at the age of 48. Adepoju however believed the sad occurrence could have been averted if Agbonavbare had urgent attention from the authorities. He frowned at the neglect of sport heroes who brought honours to the country. He said: “Nobody prays for another to die; I just believe that it has been destined for someone to die. The authorities should work out an arrangement to help past heroes. “Government can deliberately do something to help our past heroes. As

Adepoju

former players too, we should take care of our health and not wait until it degenerates badly before looking into it.” Agbonavbare’s death came only days after former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles coach, Musa Abdullahi, died of stroke related complications. And Adepoju, who is currently the director of the Kwara Football Academy, Ilorin, called on active and retired athletes to take their well-being more seriously, even as he called on government to come to the aid of ex-internationals in dire need of help. The former goalkeeper died after a long battle with cancer, and Adepoju who played alongside the late goalkeeper in the Super Eagles between 1993 and 1994, is saddened by the development. The former Real Sociedad star, who only got to know about the late goalkeeper’s deteriorating health a few days before his death also came up against Agbonavbare a number of times in the Spanish top flight where Agbonavbare played for Rayo Vallecano. And he told New Telegraph: “It was not pleasant news when I heard it. I have not seen him in recent time because we both left Spain actually at the same period and since then I have not heard from him. “I heard he was battling with cancer just over the weekend and on Tuesday, I was told he was dead,” the former Shooting Stars of Ibadan General Rashidi Yekini Manager said.

Government can deliberately do something to help our past heroes. As former players, we should take care of our health and not wait until it degenerates badly before looking into it

Australian Open: Djukovic wins, sets up semis with Wawrinka lKeys stops Williams sisters’ show The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sports Correspondent

our-time champion Novak Djokovic dismantled the big serving of Milos Raonic to reach the Australian Open semifinals. The world number one needed just one hour and 55 minutes to beat eighth seed Raonic 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 6-2. Djokovic, 27, is through to his 25th Grand Slam semifinal as he chases an eighth major title. He will next face defending champion Stan Wawrinka for the third year running in Melbourne. Wawrinka beat Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-4 7-6 (8-6). Raonic, 24, went into the match with 99 aces to his name and having dropped serve just twice in four matches.

Djokovic’s return proved too much to handle, however, and while lacking the Canadian’s service speed, the Serb moved in to the last four having been broken just once in the tournament. Meanwhile, Madison Keys beat Venus Williams to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal and end the possibility of an all-Williams contest at the Australian Open in Melbourne. The unseeded 19-year-old came through 6-3 4-6 6-4 in one hour and 54 minutes. The American goes on to face top seed Serena Williams, who swept past 11th seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 6-2. Keys overcame a recurrence of the upper leg injury that hampered her at Wimbledon last year, requiring a

medical timeout off court during the second set. “It was definitely kind of a flashback to Wimbledon for me,” she said. “I have had some problems with that part of my leg, so it was kind of an overwhelming moment. “It was kind of scary but luckily I was able to catch it before I did any real damage to it.” Serena reached her fifth Australian Open semifinal in 14 attempts Serena fired down 15 aces in a comprehensive 65-minute win over last year’s finalist Cibulkova. The 33-year-old American has won the title on all five occasions she has made it past the quarterfinals. Keys drew on the experience of her coach, former world number one Lindsay Davenport, as she battled past seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus.

SPORT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

This Pharaoh knows Joseph not! “Forgiveness Produces Peace and Joy…An Eye for an Eye only ends up making the whole world go blind” – MAHATMA GHANDI

have been ruminating seriously on the failure of the country to achieve success in sports despite the annual budgetary approvals and presence of the private sector. I have read more than five times – cover to cover – the book –“ History of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria” as put together by the Nigeria Olympic Committee under the leadership of Habu Gumel – a member of the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee who has returned to the Presidency of the NOC edging out former Sports Minister – Sani Ndanusa – by a single vote. However, Gumel’s former Secretary-General at the Olympic movement, Banji Oladapo, was not so lucky as incumbent and Nigeria’s captain to the Cairo ’91All Africa Games, Tunde Popoola retained the post. The book paid tribute to Nigeria’s legends of Olympism – former President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, former Chief Justice, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Pa S.O.Jolaoso, Pa Abraham Aleto Ordia, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola and recalls the Presidents from 1951. It began with Briton,

Muyiwa Daniel on Thursday

md_muyiwa@yahoo.com 08023525087 (sms only) C.E.Newman who was succeeded by another Briton, P.H.Cook before Ademola took over as the first Nigerian and later Colonel Mike Okwechime, General Henry Adefope, General Olufemi Olutoye, Dr Lateef Adegbite, General D.K. Sho-Silva, General David Jemibewon, Alhaji Raheem Adejumo, General Adamu Dyeri before Gumel and Ndanusa. Perhaps, the most instructive, is the tribute paid to Harding J. Ekperigin who is referred to as the Father of Sports and Physical Education in the country having started the Department in 1953 with the then Western Regional Government – a year after the Country, as a British Colony, made its debut at the 15th Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Of the former NOC Presidents, Adefope and Olutoye combined office as Commissioners (now Ministers) of Labour,Information, Sports during the military era of General Yakubu Gowon. They were succeeded by Pa Anthony Enahoro – under whose administration Decree 34 of 1971 instituted the National Sports Commission with Adefope as its first Chairman with Ordia as Secre-

WarriWolveswill bounceback-Okpodu Charles Ogundiya

arri Wolves assistant Coach, Sam Okpodu, has revealed that the team’ performance has been improving despite losing 1-0 to the Flying Eagles on Wednesday to make it three defeats from three games in the Glo Premier League Super-4. Okpodu who stood in for Paul Aigbogu at the post match conference after a Musa Mohammed first half goal ensured that the Flying Eagles kept their hundred percent tournament record at the National Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday. Okpodu described the encounter with the National U-20 side as their best in the tournament and dismissed any suggestion that they are bothered by the defeats. “In terms of ball possession, the team has improved and we intend to keep improving. We have not been outplayed in all three games and the goals that we conceded are not the type that gives cause for worry”, declared Okpodu. The coach admitted that the players had been poor in front of goal and said it was an area that they would be emphasising going forward. “We will work to make our ball possession count and that is one of the positives we have extracted from the tournament. We dominated play against the Flying Eagles which is a marked improvement on the earlier two games but yes, the final outcome in all the games have not made us happy but we will work on our finishing”, Okpodu added. Ambrose (left)

tary. There seemed to be stability in the system all through the Gowon era and that of the Murtala Mohammed/Olusegun Obasanjo regime which mid-wifed the civilian administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1979. In 1980,Shagari made Paulinus Amadike Sports Minister and the high point of success after the hosting of the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and running Second to Egypt whose swimmer – Fanten Afifi-ruled the Lagos National Stadium pool- was Shagari and Lagos State Governor, Lateef Kayode Jakande sharing rattlers in the State box as the Green Eagles won the Africa cup of Nations. Amadike gave way to Kenneth Birabi with Dr Sinmi Johnson as junior Minister after leading the Flying Eagles to the junior World Cup in Mexico 1983 which marked my first global soccer coverage as a reporter.

With Muhamadu Buhari’s sacking of the civilian regime through a coup later that year as I returned from a reportorial world tour with Daily Times, Joe Audu that took trips to Holland to watch Ajax, Stuttgart to interview Nigeria’s top sportswear company owner, Ruff Dommer at ERIMA and then West Germany’s Sports Minister, Horph Schultze. We took the long flight to Houston, Texas to arrive in time for Hakeem Olajuwon’s draft from College (University) team – Cougars – to the Professional side –Rockets. And my God! They made me dwarf! The return trip was to Mexico but the London trip was aborted as we headed home from Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport arriving Lagos just hours before Buhari struck. Buhari’s first Minister was Colonel Tanko Ayuba who later shifted for Group Captain Samson Emeka Omeruah (the man with a record of being Minister thrice) whose WarAgainst-Indiscipline campaign claimed the Eagles future five of New Nigerian Bank players on the orders of NFA Chairman and another Air forceofficer, Group captain, Tony Ikhazoboh for returning “late” to the Eagles Ibadan Bembo Games Village camp after a WAFU

cup tie. Then came another officer, Sho-Silva as NSC Chairman with Maharajah Mamudu as Secretary. The status quo changed as Air Force fighter Pilot, Bayo Lawal took over. He was later replaced during the Ibrahim Babangida regime by Yohanna Yerima Kure who supervised the Cairo Games where leader of delegation- Abiola threatened to pull the Nigerian delegation from the North African country as Babangida was not only “ruffled” at the Stadium gate but was NOT recognised on the protocol list as Chairman of the Organisation of African Unity. It took a tea session by President Hosni Mubarak with Abiola at the Presidential Palace before the threat was reversed. With General Sani Abacha, Tamuno GrahamDouglas became Minister but the NSC, soon returned with Executive Chairmanship as Chief Alex Akinyele “learnt” from reporters, and saw the other side of power as he lost out against Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, who was a buddy of Admiral Augustus Aikhomu. Akinyele was replaced by former Eagles team Manager, Chief Sola Rhodes.

Ambrose not leaving Celtic, says agent EmmanuelTobi

uper Eagles defender Efe Ambrose’s agent, Dudu Dahan, has confirmed that the Celtic player will not be leaving the Scottish giant after the club rejected an offer for him from Greek side Olympiacos. Dahan who brokered Ambrose move to Glasgow Celtic maintained that the 26 year old defender would not be leaving the team despite the three million

pounds offer from the Greek champions which was turned down by Celtic. According to Dahan Olympiacos tabled a bid for the AFCON 2013 winner this month but it was rejected by Celtic and no further offer is expected. “Efe is staying at Celtic”. He told STV Sports while ruling out the prospect of any other transfer taking place before Monday’s deadline. Despite dropping out of the starting XI since Belgian Jason Denayer’s return from injury, Ambrose insists

he is happy in Glasgow, saying earlier ‘I am still a Celtic player and I will respect my contract. If an offer comes and Celtic accept, fine. But otherwise, I will keep do my best for Celtic and hopefully we will win the league again.’ Despite signing a new four year deal in October 2014 keeping him to the club until the summer of 2017, several clubs have been linked with a move for the World Cup defender, including English Premiership sides, but his future remains at Celtic Park at least until summer.

Baseball Association inaugurates technical commission Saturday

he Nigerian Baseball and Softball Association will on Saturday inaugurate its technical commission comprising technical officials of the body from four zones across the country. The 31-member technical commission will be inaugurated in the boardroom of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, National Stadium, Lagos, after a two-day workshop, which starts on Friday, January 30. NBSA Secretary General, Kehinde Laniyan, said in a notice that all members of the technical commission were expected to attend. “It is mandatory for all technical officers and members of the national executive committee of NBSA to attend this important event. It is a landmark

step in the development of the association and the sport,” Laniyan said. “The seminar is designed to improve the standard of the game as well as bring awareness to the sport across Nigeria at the grassroots using the technical commission. The seminar will examine extant technical structures with a view to improving capacity through training and having informed baseball and softball technical personnel in local schools at state, zonal and national levels. “The seminar is designed having in mind that the technical department is the heartbeat of sports organisations and so should be adequately equipped.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

FA slams Mourinho

helsea manager Jose Mourinho has been fined £25,000 by the FA after claiming there was a “campaign” to influence referees’ decisions against his team. Mourinho, 52, was in trouble for his comments after his side was denied a penalty in a 1-1 draw at Southampton in the Premier League on December 28. The Portuguese contested the charge but the FA’s Independent Regulatory Commission ruled the comments were “improper and brought

the game into disrepute” although it said they did not “imply bias on the part of a referee or referees”. Mourinho denied his comments constituted improper conduct but the commission thought otherwise and found him guilty of breaching FA Rule E3. Mourinho has insisted Diego Costa’s apparent stamps on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel were “absolutely accidental” before turning his anger towards an unnamed Sky Sports pundit he claims is waging a campaign against Chelsea.

“I don’t know what you mean by stamp,” he insisted. “I think maybe you are already influenced by the campaign on television with certain pundits who say Diego Costa ‘crimes’. This guy must be nuts. “I saw the incidents. About the penalty [when Costa appeared to be felled by Skrtel] I won’t speak, if I comment on that I will be in trouble [with the FA]. “What you call stamps and Sky call ‘crimes’, I have to say it’s absolutely accidental. He chases the ball, he has contact when he’s looking to the ball.”

Diego Costa (right)

Ronaldo gets two-match ban Djokovic ready for Wawrinka clash Pato still hopeful of Premier reign at Melbourne Park was ended by the Swiss last League move ristiano Ronaldo the following weekend.

has been handed a two-match ban for his outburst during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cordoba. Much to the dissatisfaction of Real Madrid’s title rivals the player will now miss only Real’s home game with David Moyes’ Real Sociedad on Saturday and the home match with Sevilla three days later. He will be available for one of the season’s title deciders away to Atletico Madrid

Pressure had been put on the Spanish FA to make an example of Ronaldo after he slapped Cordoba defender Jose Angel Crespo at a corner, then kicked Edimar, and landed another blow on Crespo. But match referee Alejandro Hernandez never saw the first incident and only reported the kick on Edimar in his match report and not the subsequent striking of Crespo.

ormer Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu has reacted to the death of his former Nigeria teammate, Wilfried Agbonavbare, who succumbed to cancer on Tuesday in a Spanish

fter booking a muchanticipated semi-final with his Australian Open title conqueror Stan Wawrinka on Wednesday, Novak Djokovic wasted little time reminding the Swiss of the heavy burden of being defending champion. Djokovic’s three-year

lexandre Pato is still hoping to seal a move to the Premier League before the January transfer window closes. Sources have confirmed to Goal that the striker is able to move to England from Corinthians for a loan fee of €2 million, while his €100,000-a-week wages would also need to be covered by any club hoping to sign the Brazilian. The former AC Milan forward was close to joining Hull City, but Goal understands the move col-

U-23 Eagles restore pride, beat Tunisia 3-0

Agbonavbare’s death painful –Shorunmu

Agbonavbare

Djokovic

January in an epic five-set quarter-final. Wawrinka dismantled fifth seed Kei Nishikori in the earlier quarter-final on Wednesday and Djokovic praised his impressive win over the Japanese. “He played a great match. Kei has been playing his best tennis in the last 12 months. To be able to win straight sets against him is pretty impressive. “Being the defending champion, obviously he’s got some of the pressure here. He is facing this kind of role for the first time in his life.”

hospital. And Shorunmu, who was a teammate to the ‘Flying Cat’, as Agbonavbare was fondly called, says it is still a shock to him and described it as a sad development. “It is still a shock to me that Willy is gone. I didn’t believe it when I first heard and I still find it hard to believe. “I just can’t believe he is dead, because this is such a sad thing to imagine. It is a sad situation that I don’t even want to talk about now.” “I know death is inevi-

he Coach Samson Siasia led U-23 Eagles on Wednesday restored their pride with a 3-0 thrashing of their Tunisian counterparts to avenge the 5-3 loss in the first international friendly match four days ago. Siasia who made four changes in his starting line up with the introduction of Stanley Amuzie, Freedom Omofonma, Tonbara Tiongoli and Peter Onyekachi, charged his players to go for the kill from the blast of the whistle while a minute silence was observed in honor of the late Wilfred Agbonavbare who died on Tuesday.

Amuzie’s presence in the defence helped curtail the rampaging Tunisians who tried in the early stages to force their way into Nigeria’s territory but Nigeria scored in the 31st minute through Oghenekaro Etebo after Peter Onyekachi was fouled in the 18 yard box as the first half ended 1-0. Marshall of the midfield, Azubuike Okechukwu combined well with Oghenekaro Etebo to put the Tunisians under much pressure which resulted in the second goal in the 56th minute by Peter Onyekachi. Etebo however lost a penalty kick in the 70th

minute after one of their defenders had handled the ball but Godwin Savior sealed victory with a thunderous strike in the 87th minutes. While praising the team, Siasia said, “The boys needed this game to boost their morale and confidence and they went all out for it, this victory will make them play harder and hopefully they will play more like a team.” The Tunisian coach, Nizar Khanfir said: “My boys got carried away with the 5-3 victory of the first match thinking they could beat them any time, but the Nigerian team was better on the field.”

3SC appoint Omokaro, Oloyede as coaches NOC plans for 2015 AAG, 2016 Olympics Charles Ogundiya

ewly promoted Shooting Stars of Ibadan have named the duo of Bright Omokaro and Oloyede Akinde as assistant coach to replace Edith Agoye and Charles Ayodele. The one-year contract of the duo of Agoye and Ayodele, who both assisted Franklin Howard to lead the Oluyole Warriors back to the Premier League, was not renewed pav-

Omokaro

ing the way for Omokaro and Akinde to be drafted into the team for the coming season. Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, former international, Omokaro,

says he is very grateful to the management of the Oluyole Warriors for deeming it fit to appoint him as a coach of the club. “This is a club that I played for in the past, and it is a great honour to be contacted to be part of the team as a coach. “3SC is a big club in Nigeria and we need to take the club back to where it rightly belongs. Work start immediately as the league will soon resume,” he said.

he Nigeria Olympic Committee said on Tuesday, that plans were in the pipeline to ensure the country excels at the 2015 All Africa Games and the 2016 Olympics. Habu Gumel, President of the NOC made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria after the executive committee’s meeting on Tuesday. He said that the various federations have been instructed on what to do. NAN reports that the 2015 All Africa Games is

scheduled for Congo Brazzaville between September 4 and September 19. Meanwhile the 2016 Olympics will take place in Rio de Janeiro Brazil from August 5 to August. 21. Gumel said efforts were been made to ensure funds were released on time for the preparation of athletes for the various competitions. ``We have the All African Games coming up this year as well as the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro Brazil.

lapsed on Tuesday night. Hull were locked in talks over a deal but decided against completing the move in a board meeting, though there is an outside chance the KC Stadium outfit could yet return for the striker. Pato is optimistic a move to England can be secured however, with QPR, West Brom and Everton also having held talks to sign the Brazilian. A source close to negotiations told Goal: “The player really wants to make the move.”

ITTF Africa: Nigeria team heads home as Quadri crashes out Ajibade Olusesan

igeria’s team will head home before the end of the on-going International Table Tennis Federation Africa Championships after all players crashed out of the remaining events. More shocking is the exit of world’s best player, Aruna Quadri, who was thrown out of the competition on Wednesday. Quadri who was a huge favourite was stunned by Mohamed El-beiali of Egypt who beat him 8-11,6-11,11-8,118,11-8,7-11,5-11 (4-3) in the quarterfinal of the men’s singles Wednesday evening in Cairo. Similarly, Nigeria’s sole representative in the women’s singles’ quarterfinal, Edem Effiong, could not progress beyond that round as she lost 4-2 to El-dawlatly Nadeen 11-6,6-11,11-6,8-11,911,10-12. Also on Wednesday, Funke Oshonaike crashed out in the round of 16 while Atinuke Olaide could not make it beyond the round of 32. Nigeria will leave the tournament with one gold and one silver medal.

SPORT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Equatorial Guinea 2015 AFCON

South Africa shift target to World Cup after exit

outh Africa will shift their focus on qualifying for both the 2017 AFCON and the 2018 World Cup after they were dumped out of the 2015 AFCON on Tuesday night. The qualifying stage for the 2017 AFCON will begin in June, while the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will commence in October. “We hope to keep the core of this squad. We have a team for

the qualifiers for the next AFCON and the World Cup,” said South Africa assistant coach Thabo Senong. Belgium-based goalkeeper Darren Keet also said they must now look ahead. “We are obviously disappointed. We played some good football, but at the end of the day we needed the result,” said Keet, who lost his place in the first team after his blunders in

an opening group game loss to Algeria. “We didn’t do as well as we wanted to. Our next target will be the 2018 World Cup and 2017 AFCON.”

Results Wednesday January 28 Cameroun 0 - 1 Cote d’Ivoire Guinea

1 - 1 Mali Stephane Badji of Senegal gets away from Riyad Mahrez of Algeria

Cote d’ Ivoire qualify. Mali, Guinea face CAF draw today.

Ayew saves Kuffour from humiliation Giresse to relinquish Teranga reins

egendary Ghana defender, Samuel Kuffour, was saved the humiliation of having his head shaved live on television across Africa with two second half goals in 10 minutes by John Boye and Andre Ayew, to turn around the fortune of Ghana’s Black Stars against South Africa at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. Kuffuor had vowed to shave off his hair live on TV should South Africa beat Ghana in their Group C decider at the 2015 AFCON, and the South Africa-based continental broadcaster brought in a Nigerian barber to carry out the demolition exercise. With Bafana Bafana leading the Black Stars 1-0 by the 73rd minute, hopes were high among South Africans working at SuperSport that Kuffuor will

suffer the humiliation which gave the Nigerian barber hope that he will carry out the shaving. In response to the winner by Ayew, Kuffuor lifted his chair and chased the Nigerian barber, who ran for his dear life, creating more humour in the SuperSport studio in Johan-

nesburg while the defeated South Africans looked on following the defeat. It will be recalled that Kuffour, who is known to cherish his beard and hair, had on Monday posted on Twitter: “If Bafana [Bafana] defeat Ghana, I will shave my hair off LIVE on Television!!”

lain Giresse has hinted he will not be signing a new deal as coach of Senegal after the Lions of Teranga crashed out of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night. S e n egal, who have never won the continental title, needed only a point against Algeria in Malabo to progress to the last eight from

Group C, but a 2-0 defeat coupled with a 2-1 win for Ghana against South Africa in Mongomo saw Giresse’s side eliminated at the group stage. When asked if he was now going to step down, Frenchman Giresse replied: “I am out of contract. My contract has finished.

Senegal to learn from exit – M’Bodji

enegal defender Kara M’Bodji says his team needs to learn from their experiences at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after exiting from the competition on Tuesday. The Teranga Lions exited the tournament after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Algeria. The West Africans came into the game as group leaders, but the result against the Fennec Foxes, combined with Ghana’s win over South Africa, saw them drop to third on the standings. “We are really disappointed because there was room to achieve something,” said M’Bodji after the match. “To concede a goal in the first 15 minutes against a good team hit us. We wanted to come back and we pushed, but we couldn’t make the difference. “They scored a second goal and it was all over then. That is football.” M’Bodji emphasised that Senegal lacked experience of the Nations Cup and need to learn from this adventure in Equatorial Guinea. “Most of the players experienced their first AFCON. We need to draw the lessons from it. There was some positive too. We need to get back to work and try to come back soon.”

M’Bodji

Anele Ngcongca of South Africa battles with Andre Ayew of Ghana

Zambia in right direction - Janza Z ambian coach, Honour Janza, has said that they have put the right foot forward in building a strong team. Speaking to AfricanFootball.com, Janza said failing to qualify out of the group stage at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations is just one thing, but building a stronger team for the future is much better. “We would have loved to be very competitive and get to the later stages of the tournament, but we failed. I am happy that many of the players who are young have benefited and got the exposure,” explained the coach. Zambia finished bot-

tom of Group B and without a win on two points from three games while Cape Verde exited the tournament in third position on three points. The coach explained that in 2012 the team won the AFCON and there were lots of celebrations. “But the same team failed to qualify out of the Group stage in 2013 and now in 2015 we have rebranded and brought in young players who are getting the exposure. “Exposing these players is a big investment to the country and this will help us in the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers that start in June. Our best is yet to come in this investment,” added Janza.

Algeria drained by ‘excessively difficult game’ - Gourcuff lgeria coach Chris- Mahrez and Nabil BentaA tian Gourcuff admit- leb. ted that Tuesday’s 2-0 win “We are two completely against Senegal that took his side through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals had taken its toll on his players. “It was an excessively difficult game physically. The ball was almost always in the air, which is not an advantage for us,” said the Frenchman. “We needed lots of discipline tactically and our technique and speed on the break helped us win,” added Gourcuff, whose side won in Malabo thanks to a goal in each half from England-based duo Riyad

different teams in terms of our approach. We have lots of small technical players and Senegal are more direct and physical. But our technical quality shone through on the counter-attack in particular.” Algeria advance with six points from three games, with wins against South Africa and Senegal sandwiching a last-gasp 1-0 loss to Ghana on a poor surface in Mongomo. Algeria advance as runners-up in Group C behind Ghana.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

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Jonathan or Buhari, South East remains the loser

hen in one of the many constitutional conferences in the country a decision was taken to divide the country into geopolitical zones, the driving motive was to reduce the marginalization and injustice in the sharing of political booties. Former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme who was the brain behind this geometrix being from the South East was properly thinking of a way to end the injustice against the region many years after a no victor no vanguished was declared of the 30 months civil war. But soon after the regional configuration was agreed, the short changing of the south east continued. Every region got six states with north West having seven but south East got only five states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. This development finally laid the foundation for the sustenance of Igbo marginalization. When governors assemble, while other regions are six or seven as the case may be, the South East would be only five. If Ministers and other top political positions are created on regional basis, South East will remain short changed. Since contracts and other political patronages like jobs come through these top positions, the short changing continues down the line, no wonder the unemployment situation in the South East is critical. This deliberate action gradually eroded the tripodal foundation upon which the politics of this country was laid along three major ethnic groups, the ibo, Yoruba and the Hausa-Fulani. The sound of South East marginalization has become like a broken record and hardly is anybody interested in listening to it any longer even as its effects rather than diminish continue to grow. For instance, members of the House of Representatives from Kano and Jigawa ( old Kano) states out number members from the five states of the South East. When otherregions produce 18 and 21 Senators, South East produce only 15. Any major institution that is established in every state, including Universities, the region would be short changed by one or two. In the last constitutional conference in 2014, delegates made up of prominent Nigerians assembled in Abuja the nation’s capital for six months. The main motive was to address the numerous challenges of the country and proffer a lasting and workable solution. Among the many matters they considered and agreed on was to correct the geopolitical imbalance in the South East by creating one more state in the zone to bring it to a level with the rest of the regions and if more States needed to be created, it should be an addition for the region. That decision was the first courageous attempt at addressing the geopolitical injustice in the country but it needed further push from the executive and the legislature for it to

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

Jonathan

Buhari

go through. Indicators so far shows that some persons still feel that the status quo should remain so long as their interest is not touched. Yours sincerely carefully followed the two main Presidential candidates, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and General Muhammedu Buhari of All Progressive Congress APC both canvass for votes in the South East and not one of them in any of the campaign rallies made mention of the imbalance and the need to implement the decision of the Constitutional conference . These presidential visitors did not and the home boys neither reminded them. Worse,the Ohanaeze leadership that should ordinarily exist beyond the cut-throat selfishness of politicians and which rightly did not endorse any of the frontline Presidential candidates fell flat in articulating the position and demand of the people of the zone. The report of that conference seems dead on arrival because the two main ethnic groups, the Yorubas and the Hausa-Fulani appear not to have gained much from it and status quo should therefore remain. It is safe to assume that other ethnic minorities who should take the advantage of their being in power to correct this imbalance, have all been successfully intimidated out of the radar. Charles Bukowski perhaps noted rightly that

“the only time most people think about injustice is when it happens to them.” The truth which is bitter is that head or tail, Jonathan or Buhari, PDP or APC, the South East remains the loser. What they need now is to settle for the lesser evil and who is the lesser evil between APC and PDP or Buhari and Jonathan? To answer that question satisfactorily a look must be taken at a number of variables in the two political parties. What do the two parties mean to the zone? The ruling PDP can rightly claim to have had solid foundation in the region especially given the role played by some Ibo leaders likeAlex Ekwueme , Orji Uzor Kalu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Jim Nwobodo among others. Beyond that however, what have Ndigbo got to show for continued faith in PDP? What really has PDP done in its 16 years of existence and in 15 years of being in government at federal and in most parts of the states and local Government areas in the geo-political zone? Though the Federal government may not have much to show, the states controlled by the party at one time or the other in the zone have made significant progress. Really, except for the appointment of Ogbonnaya Onovo as the first South Easterner in a post war Nigeria to occupy the position of Inspector Gener-

al of Police and Lt General Azubuike Ihejerika the first in similar circumstance to occupy the office of Chief of Army staff, PDP government has not done much to address the geo-political imbalance and infrastructural development. As for the opposition APC it may look too virgin to judge it but since a closer look at mother in law can give insight into how wives may look at old age, one can begin to envisage. In all the time Gen Buhari held sway in the country, how did the region fare? As a military Head of state did he care to look beyond his region? While other leaders from the north who are Muslims gave consideration to balancing by picking either a Christian or Southerner, Gen Buhari settled not only for a Muslim but also a northerner, General Tunde Idagbon. During his Petroleum Trust Fund PTF era, he almost did not remember that other regions existed outside the north. In all his previous Presidential campaigns he never bordered to visit the region to seek for vote, a clear indication of his disdain for the people. As a public officer who had spent over 53 years of his 72 years on earth serving the nation at various levels, the much link you can remember of Buhari and Ndigbo is the unverified claim that he has an igbo as one of his domestic servants. At the other hand, when you think of northern leaders like Atiku Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulslami Abubakar, General Yakubu Gowon and Alhaji Shehu Shagari, you can easily associate them with numerous Igbo leaders. Forget the case of Chief Mike Ahamba SAN who was offering Buhari near free legal services in his previous elections. But for the vehement resistance from prominent Nigerians, Gen Buhari was bent on picking his breadwinner Ashwaju Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, as running mate though he knew too well that such will injure the sensibilities of the people of the South East. First class Igbo politicians in the APC like Senator Chris Ngige, Dr Ogbonna Onu were not in calculation at all. In Buhari’s campaign in the South East no mention was made of any attempt to address the imbalance and injustice against the people. There couldn’t have been because he believes in the status quo so long as his northern interest is not jeopardized. So dear readers, here we are, a region faced with two evils to chose from and must have to settle with a better of the two. From the foregoing therefore, the people of the South East are like orphans and slaves in APC even though their free born status in PDP is still very shaky. If you have not collected your PVC better go for it and on February 14, put off your African magic, suspend your valentine day bash and go and cast your vote not necessarily for Jonathan or Buhari, or PDP or APC but for Ndigbo. Godbless.

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