Thursday, march 12, 2015 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

A media partner of Sanctity Of Truth

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

Vol. 2 No. 386

Thursday, March 12, 2015

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Obanikoro cleared amidst walkout by apc senators

National Assembly adopts $53 oil benchmark lSet to pass budget today

Philip Nyam Abuja

he two chambers of the National Assem-

bly may have concluded plans to pass the 2015 Appropriation Bill today as they settled yesterday for $53 per barrel as oil bench-

mark for the 2015 budget. Also, in deference to public outcry and drop in the nation's revenue, the lawmakers, for the first

time, cut down the National Assembly’s initial budget of N150 billion by N30 billion. With this, the federal

legislature's budget for the year is now N120 billion. The National Assembly’s budget has, since 1999, CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

16 days to go... Nigeria Nigeria votes votes

2015

5 201}14-15

I won't probe former leaders, says Buhari

L-R: Governors Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Mu'azu Aliyu Babangida (Niger), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors' Forum interactive session with the media and civil society organisations in Lagos…on Tuesday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE.

Babangida dismisses interim govt plot

lMarch 28: Jonathan woos Danjuma Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights }4

Felix Nwaneri and Anule Emmanuel

ormer military President, General Ibrahim

Babangida, yesterday disclaimed a plot to foist interim government on Nigeria. He asked not to be

linked to such a plot as he quit partisan politics in 2011 and would not, in any way, seek public office in whatever guise.

Babangida's disclaimer, contained in a statement by his media office in Minna yesterday, came against CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Quick Read Editorial

Hard drugs and Indo-Nigerian relations }19

ISIS training Boko Haram in Middle East, }8 says Jonathan

Thursday, March 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH Thursday, March 12, 2015

Travel Advisory

Thursday, March 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

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

12:30hrs

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

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

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

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

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

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR

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

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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

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

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS

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

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

AEROCONTRACTORS

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

MEDVIEW AIRLINES

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

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

NEW TELEGRAPH Thursday, March 12, 2015

I won't probe former leaders, says Buhari Johnchuks Onuanyim and Ibrahim Musa Kaduna

he All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday gave an undertaking not to probe his predecessors for corruption, if he wins the March 28presidential election. But he told a crowd of party supporters at the North-West zonal rally of APC in Kaduna that he would allow the judicial process to run its full course in all graft cases. According to him, his government will draw a line in its anti-corruption war as soon as he assumes office and anyone who embezzles even a kobo afterwards will not only be made to refund it, but will face prosecution as from May 29, 2015. Buhari, who has made the fight against corruption a core plank of his manifesto, lamented the high level of corruption under the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Buhari told the mammoth crowd that public treasury belongs to the entire citizenry and it should be used to improve the wellbeing of the people by providing good health care delivery, improving the education sector and power. He urged APC members to vote for all the party’s candidates in the coming elections and warned them not to be deceived by the admonitions of PDP chieftains preaching selective voting in the different strata of the election. He said: "They have been in power for 16 years and yet they want us to hand them another four years. At the end of the four years that they are seeking for, they would have spent 20 years in power and we would have been so dehumanized that that we can't even recognize each other." Buhari’s running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who spoke in Hausa, urged APC supporters to vote the party’s candidates all the way. Besides the rally, the APC also held a town hall meeting with religious leaders in Kaduna, with a promise that the Buhari administration will not treat anyone as a sacred cow or drop charges against anybody already on trial for graft. Osinbajo, who addressed the gathering, said the administration would block loopholes for corruption.

At the meeting, tagged: "A religious interactive session," he fielded questions from Christian and Muslim leaders in Kaduna State on religion and how APC will restructure and develop the country. Among questions asked were how Buhari would treat corrupt APC members and the alleged oath taking between Osinbajo and former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, that the party's running mate would resign for Tinubu after six months in office. He was also asked why Buhari did not help the Jonathan administration to tackle insurgency, but continued to promise to solve the problem within a short time if elected and the cordial relationship between APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. But Osinbajo debunked the allegation that Buhari will serve only one term in office as president. He also dismissed the allegation of the oath taking between him and Tinubu. According to him, Nigerians should stop believing tales from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the ruling party indulges in "dishonest principles". He said: "On the various issue of corruption, what General Buhari has said categorically is that as far as he is concern, the day he is sworn in as president, he would have drawn a line on corruption trial. Anybody who runs afoul of the law, anything that is being investigated before his election will continue as it is. "If you are found to be corrupt, you will receive the consequences, no matter who you are - whether you are his brother, sister, his friends, there will be consequences. That is what he has said and I think that is in line with the position of the party." On allegation of Buhari agreeing with some party leaders to serve one term, Osinbajo said: "He is just too straight forward to do that; you know he can never do that. There is no way he is going to sign any agreement. So let us be very clear; I don't even need to ask him that, I know him well enough that he will never sign anything of such. The man is healthy and strong and by the grace of God, he will run two terms in office by God's grace." Also addressing the concerns of APC conniving with INEC to rig the elections, Osinbajo said the only position taken by

the APC was that INEC must use the card reader for the elections. Welcoming participants at the interactive session, the governorship candidate of APC in Ka-

duna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, said the reason for the meeting was for the party leaders to interact with the religious leaders in the North-West. According to him, there

is no doubt that with the level of support the party has received across the 36 state of the federation, if election were held in a free and fair manner with the use of card reader, APC

will win. Some of the religious leaders who spoke at the event urged politicians to embrace peace, saying they need a country first before they could govern.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and Chairman, Victims Support Fund, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma, during Danjuma’s visit to the president in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Imo guber debate ends in free-for-all

lAs Okorocha, Ihedioha's supporters clash Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he Odenigbo arena of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, venue of the long awaited Imo State governorship debate, was yesterday turned into a battleground as violent confrontations from armed thugs forced organisers to call off the event. From the point of arrival to the occasion, tension was high and kept rising. Signs of violent confrontation began to emerge when some women dressed in black and suspected to be same widows who had alleged that thugs sponsored by the state government had brutalised them during a peaceful protest were engaged by some supporters of Governor Rochas Okorocha for attending the occasion in black and making uncomplimentary remarks and gestures against the governor. While the exchange was getting heated, another batch of youths supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), all bearing replicas of a referee’s red card and whistle all brandished their red cards at the sound of the whistle signifying the sack of Okorocha from the government house. The gesture was immediately viewed as offen-

sive by supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who unleashed the first wave of attack on the youth that triggered the crisis that ensued. Top functionaries of the governor including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Anwuka; Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu; Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Kenneth Emelu were witnesses to the violent attack. While the moderator of the event was still outlining the code of conduct for the debate, an APC House of Assembly member, Hon. Anthony Amuka followed by some thugs pounced on the podium, seized the microphone and smashed the eyeglasses of the moderating priest, Rev. Father Gerald Onyekwere, forcing other clerics at the event to flee the arena and scamper to safety Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and PDP governorship candidate, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, accused Okorocha of causing the mayhem, saying that the governor deliberately set out to disrupt the event knowing the humiliation that awaited him at the debate. However, Okorocha who spoke through his Campaign Director General, Chief Iheukwumere Alaribe, pushed the blame

to Ihedioha, saying he initiated the violence by bringing over 500 thugs to the arena and instigating offence chants against the person of the governor. Alaribe, however, denied the alleged attack on a priest by Chief Chidi Ibeh, the Commissioner for Information, saying it was the PDP state chairman, Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, that upturned the tables at the podium. He said the APC had no reason to disrupt the event as the party had a lot of achievement to showcase while the PDP had nothing but empty claims. Ihedioha dismissed Okorocha’s reactions. He said: “There is nothing new in the actions of Okorocha. He is ungodly and violent. He avoided the last debate organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and because this is the main event he sent his thugs to disrupt it rather than coming to showcase the achievements he so fraudulently claims.” Ihedioha accused Okorocha of running away from every opportunity to account for the N168 billion local government funds squandered by his administration in the last three and half years. The PDP candidate also accused Okorocha of avoiding a debate with him

because he had no plans to change his rudderless style of administration in a manner that will improve the lives and fortunes of Imo people. The Deputy Speaker said Okorocha avoided a CAN debate recently because of fear of his (Ihedioha’s) well thought-out plans and vision for Imo State to which the governor has no answer. He said: “Because he knows the people of Imo State are overwhelmingly rejecting him, he does not want to face the wrath of the people and he doesn’t want Nigerians to appreciate what the facts are.” Ihedioha regretted that Okorocha’s men took advantage of the loose security in the church arena to visit innocent Imo citizens with unwarranted violence. The PDP also averred that schools in the metropolis were shut by the governor and school children forced into the streets of Owerri vandalising and tearing posters of opposition party candidate. Meanwhile, the leader of a group Mass Movement Initiative (MMI), Mrs. Oby Anyaehie, who also sympathized with the catholic community in the state, however, urged Imo electorate to pay Okorocha back by voting him out on April 11.

Thursday, March 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

MDAs oppose FG's directive to close accounts Philip Nyam Abuja

ajor revenue g e n e r at i n g agencies and parastatals have petitioned the House of Representatives over the Federal Government’s directive on the closure of accounts of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, said yesterday in Abuja at a parley with revenue generating MDAs that the House had received over 100 petitions from the agencies. The committee, however, directed the agencies to comply with the directive. At the meeting were representatives of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The agencies, in their

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

31oC

27oC

Partially Cloudy

ABUJA

39oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

PORT HARCOURT

27oC

19oC

Storm

KANO

38oC

19oC

Partially Cloudy

ENUGU

38o C 26oC Thunder Storms

IBADAN

36oC

25oC

Partially Cloudy

CALABAR

31o C 24oC Thunder Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

39oC 21oC Mostly Sunny

37o C 25oC Thunder Storms

petition, said the new policy would affect their operations. But Jibrin also expressed concern over the failure of NIMASA to remit revenues generated to government’s coffer, saying “we had a running battle with you before you were compelled to pay about N3 billion. You said the president gave you permission and you

ended up spending about N5 billion to N6 billion. "Go and comply in your own interest. You are already provoking them by going to court. You cannot fight the government that employs you.” Also responding to the petitions, Director, Banking and Payments System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Dipo Fatokun, said

the bank was “in support of the policy that MDAs should swap their accounts to CBN as it will assist the apex bank’s monetary policy.” He added that all the MDAs remittances deposited into the single account opened at all the deposit money banks, will be transferred immediately to the Consolidated Revenue Account domi-

ciled with the CBN while “the deposit bank will not be sitting on the fund” as was in the past. According to him, a structure is being put in place by the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure that remittances by various MDAs are verify and details of remittances credited into the Treasury Single Account (TSA). “The arrangement we

have worked out is that each bank will have one account, automated that at the point of payment, the domiciling organisation will be identified. They don’t even need to go to the bank, anywhere they are, they can log on to a bank and pay. Any payment made is swept into the Consolidated Revenue account,” Fatokun stated.

L-R: United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Dauda Toure; Head of Humanitarian team visiting Nigeria, Mr. John Ging and Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, during the UN officials' visit to NEMA in Abuja…yesterday

Babangida dismisses interim government plot CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the backdrop of reports in some sections of the media (not New Telegraph) alleging a plot by the Federal Government to derail the forthcoming general elections to make way for an interim government to be headed by the former military president. The statement came on a day President Goodluck Jonathan met with former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, ostensibly to seek support for his re-election on March 28. Babangida, in the statement titled; “Count me out of interim government” and signed by his media aide, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the issue of an interim government did not arise as the circumstances Nigeria found itself in 1993, when his administration came up with the idea, were different from the situation facing the country now. He, therefore, rallied support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as “sheer courage and determination they have shown thus far in their prepara-

tions for the March 28 and April 11 elections,” which includes the introduction of card readers. Babangida said: “To state the obvious, let it be on the record that I am not, in any way, connected with alleged “plans” to encourage, promote, orchestrate or moot the idea of an interim government or whatever “contraption” so called. "I did state categorically in 2011 that I was quitting partisan politics and wouldn’t want to be ordered around in any way or form as seeking public office in whatever guise. I took that decision when I attained the age of 70 and I stand by that decision till date. “Having been privileged to preside over the affairs of this great country for eight unbroken years as a military president, I can declare with all sense of modesty that I have seen it all. And I give all praises and thanks to the Almighty Allah for giving me the rare opportunity to contribute my quota to the development of my fatherland. That opportunity remains my highest, most enduring moment in my

entire trajectory through life’s bramble forest. “When we introduced the idea of an “interim government” during our time as a military government, we had in mind to enthrone a democratic government in the shortest possible time in sync with the agitations of the people, after the inconclusive elections of 1993. That was a stopgap measure because we were determined to quit office at the set date of August 27, 1993. “Having left office since 1993 and with the benefit of hindsight, I think what we did was auspicious enough to reassure our people that we were ready to leave office and keep the country going. The end result of our patriotic action is another topic for another day. Suffice it to say that the circumstances we found ourselves in 1993 are totally different from what obtains today in our democratic journey as a nation with flourishing opportunities.” Babangida lauded the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega and his colleagues for the courage and determination they have shown in their prep-

arations for the general elections. According to him, they have demonstrated a sense of patriotism in their preparations to ensure free, fair and credible polls. He said part of his discussion with former President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, who was at his Minna, Niger State home recently was the need for credible polls as Nigeria cannot afford not to get its elections right this time. Babangida also expressed support for INEC's decision to use card readers for the elections. He urged political parties to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law and to educate their members and the electorate on how to make the elections more credible than previous ones. He also commended security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram. Also yesterday, Jonathan and Danjuma met behind closed doors for about 20 minutes, at the official residence of the president. The former Defence Minister, who is the chairman of the Victims Sup-

port Fund, told State House correspondents, after the meeting, that he had been abroad and only returned a few days ago and he came to discuss with Jonathan on the state of the nation. He said the reason for his visit remained confidential and warned against speculating on his mission. “Don't speculate. I came to visit the president and find out how things are going. I have been abroad. I just came back,” he added. When the former minister was asked further if he would support Jonathan's re-election bid since he did not belong to any political party, he said he would not canvass votes for anybody. "I don't canvass for votes. I am not in any of the political parties. The President is Nigeria's president,” he stated. The former Defence Minister had, in January, raised concerns over comments from some Niger Delta militants, including Alhaji Muhajid AsariDokubo and Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a Tompolo), who threatened violence should Jonathan lose the March presidential election.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH Thursday, March 12, 2015

Senate confirms Obanikoro as minister amidst protests lAPC Senators stage a walk-out, accuse Mark of constitutional breach Onwuka Nzeshi and Chukwu David Abuja

ancour, acrimony, protests and heated arguments characterised the Senate yesterday as the Chamber defied stiff opposition from the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to screen and confirm Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Senate had screened four out of the eight ministerial nomi-

National Assembly set to pass budget CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

been pegged at N150 billion. The Senate had approved $52 per barrel of oil when it passed the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). On its part, the House approved $54 per barrel, making the two chambers to raise conference committees to harmonise their positions. New Telegraph learnt that both chambers, at the meeting of the conference committee, agreed on a mid-point of $53 per barrel as the official oil benchmark. A source said the conference committee meeting, which was co-chaired by the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and his House counterpart, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, also adopted N190 to $1 exchange rate for the 2015 budget. The two chambers have agreed to scrap the Service Wide Votes (SWV) that have been a source of controversy and which the House has, since 2013, been investigating its implementation. The two chambers equally agreed to cut the cost of oil production by N200 billion, all in an attempt to cut costs. With this, the source said both chambers would pass the budget today before proceeding on break for the forthcoming elections. Attempts to contact chairmen of the House Committees on Finance and Appropriation who are members of the Conference Committee were, however, not successful as calls placed to their telephone lines did not go through.

nees last week Wednesday and deferred the screening of four others, seemingly because of the intense opposition that trailed Obanikoro's nomination at a closed-door session held by the senators, where they attempted to resolve the controversy but without success. Those screened last week included: Senator Patricia Akwashiki (Nasarawa), Prof. Nicholas Akise Ada (Benue), Col. Augustine Akobundu (Abia), and Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo from Ebonyi State Since the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark read the names of the eight nominees on the floor of the Chamber on February 17, APC senators had embarked on a campaign to frustrate the appointment of Obanikoro, who served as a Minister of State for Defence, before he resigned last year to run for the governorship of Lagos State; an ambition he did not actualise. Obanikoro's opponents had accused him of having a case to answer over alleged rigging of Ekigi governorship election. Also, the opposition noted that there was a case in court against Obanikoro over an allegation that he has dual citizenship.

At yesterday plenary, the Senate leadership tactically arranged the list of the four remaining nominees, placing Obanikoro the last to be screened so that the anticipated commotion would not disrupt the screening of other nominees. Trouble actually started when the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Abdul Ningi, who played the role of the Senate Leader, in the absence of Victor Ndoma-Egba, moved a motion for Senate to screen and confirm the remaining four nominees. Immediately Ningi called the name of Obanikoro, the APC senators started raising points of order, trying to convince the President of the Senate on the reason the Senate should not confirm him. But Mark ruled all of them out of order, and faulted all the constitutional, legal and extra legal arguments raised by the opposition legislators, saying that the issues they were referring to had nothing to do with the screening and confirmation of Obanikoro. As soon as the Senate adopted the motion to screen the four remaining nominees, Senator Bukola Saraki (APC, Kwara) raised Order 15 of the Sen-

ate Standing Order on matter of personal privilege. He reminded the President of the Senate that the senators resolved last week that before screening the nominees yesterday, the senators would first go into executive session to resolve some contentious issues. He lamented that Mark reneged on that agreement and went ahead to call for the screening of the nominees. Mark, however, ruled him out of order, saying that calling for an executive session was the discretion of the President of the Senate, pointing out that it has nothing to do with personal privileges of members. Similarly, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (APC, Lagos East) also raised Order 53(5), which states that Senate should not discuss any matter which judicial decision is pending. Responding, Mark said that he was not served the notice of the alleged suit in court, which the APC senators claimed that he was joined in the suit and served notice on Monday. The Minority Whip, Senator Ganiyu Solomon (APC-Lagos), argued that Obanikoroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s screening should be postponed based on some pending cases

against him in court until the matter was trashed out in court. Mark also ruled him out of order on the basis that there was nothing before the Senate that should stop the Senate from screening Obanikoro. After the prolonged arguments with the opposition members, the Senate finally screened the four nominees, which all of them granted the privilege to bow and go, in spite that two of them, Mrs Hauwa'u Lawan (Jigawa) and Kenneth Kobani (Rivers) never served as senators. However, when Obanikoro walked in to be screened, the APC senators started their protests again, compelling Mark to subject his screening to voice vote. The voice of those in support that he should take a bow and go overwhelmingly drowned that of the minority. As soon as Obanikoro was confirmed and he took a bow as has been the tradition, the opposition senators walked out of the chambers in anger. They soon converged at a meeting room, where they addressed the press on their grievances. Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, said given Obanikoro's alleged involvement in

the Ekiti election rigging scandal, the national cause would have been better served if the Senate had acted in a united manner and suspended his confirmation. Just as the opposition lawmakers were rounding off their briefing, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe admitted that the Senate was aware of the allegations, but that under the law, an accused person is presumed innocent, until proven guilty. Obanikoro has said he bears no grudge against the APC senators. He said the stance of the APC senators from Lagos to oppose his nomination is a sign that the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy is growing. Speaking moments after his clearance by the Senate via his Twitter handle, @Mobanikoro, the former lawmaker said there is no winner or loser from the issue. Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has however commended the Senate for approving the nomination. "The senators have shown the whole world that for our nation to progress, we must not allow ourselves to be misled by sentiments,â&#x20AC;? he said.

L-R: Senior Adviser Europe/Africa for Shell International, Mr. Rob Donnelly; Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida; Okunbor's predecessor, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu; and Senior Business Advisor to the MD, SPDC, Mr. Ed Ubong; during a business visit to Tafida in London... recently.

Judicial strike: Obey court order, CJN tells governors Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday urged state governors who are yet to comply with the judgement of the Federal High Court which granted autonomy to the judiciary to do so in the interest of

justice. This was as the CJN also appealed to judiciary workers under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to consider the interest of "average Nigerians" in the pursuit of its legitimate claims. The CJN made the calls in Abuja during the swearing-in of the newly appointed Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Ap-

peal of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ibrahim Abba. Justice Mohammed noted that the average Nigerian, who is the most important stakeholder in the justice sector, is the loser. He, however, called on the union to explore means of championing its cause with consideration for all court users and the public so as to quickly bring the

strike to an end. The CJN noted that most of the courts in many states were still under lock and key with serious implications for justice delivery in the country. In a similar vein, the CJN reminded state governors to be mindful of the fact that the judiciary was an integral part of the state government. "Therefore, state gover-

nors must be particularly mindful of their constitutional responsibilities to uphold the constitution and the rule of law of which a crucial component is obedience to court orders," he stated. The CJN charged the newly sworn in Kadi to uphold the rule of law and enshrine justice in his court, according to the principles of Sharia.

News

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

ISIS training Boko Haram in Middle East, says Jonathan

...US reviews embassy security in Nigeria Chukwu David Abuja

resident Goodluck Jonathan had said that fighters from the Boko Haram insurgent group travelled to the Middle East for training with Islamic State militants. Jonathan, who spoke with the Voice of America, VOA, however declined to name the countries where the fighters were allegedly trained.

Jonathan also said that he had long suspected Boko Haram of having alliances with international extremist groups. “So we know the links are there. But even now, we may not know the degree of linkages as to how much funds are coming in from them, the kind of weapons coming in from them, the nationalities coming from them,” Jonathan said, adding, “But the training, because some of the Boko Haram

members go to have their training in the ISIS camp and come back.” Jonathan credited both the intervention of Nigeria’s neighbours as well as the acquisition of new weapons for turning the tide against the militants. He also hit back at criticisms that foreign troops aren’t being allowed to push into Boko Haram strongholds deep in Nigerian territory. He said Cameroon previous-

ly denied Nigeria permission to pursue Boko Haram into its territory, and added that restrictions on foreign troops were matters of coordination. “I think the idea is that -- look, for any major aggression, we should know. Where possible, let some Nigerian soldiers also be with you,” the president said. He also said that foreign technicians are present in the northeast to teach Nigerian troops

on how to use their new weapons, since there wasn’t time to train the troops before they deployed. “So we now have this technical people who are trainers and technicians, who are to train our people on how to use them, and technicians that help the maintenance, at the same time training our people how to maintain this equipment,” Jonathan said. Meanwhile, American Congressman, Stephen Lynch, yesterday disclosed that officials of

the United States (U.S.) of America are currently in Nigeria to review its Embassy security, following the recent bombings in Maiduguri and the pledge by Boko Haram to join forces with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Lynch disclosed this in Abuja, when he led a delegation of US counterterrorism personnel on separate visits to the Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba and Chairman Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment, Senator Bukola Saraki.

UTME: JAMB releases results of 97,400 candidates Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

L-R: Senator Femi Ojudu; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Senate Minority Leader, George Akume and Chris Ngige, during a press briefing by the All Progressives Congress (APC) senators to distance themselves from the clearance and confirmation of the controversial ministerial nominee, Musiliu Obanikoro, at the National Assembly Abuja… yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Telephone call: Morocco recalls ambassador to Nigeria

orocco has recalled its ambassador from Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian authorities of using King Mohammed VI in an election campaign. According to Reuters, the Moroccan foreign ministry, in a statement yesterday, denied that the king had spoken on the telephone to President Goodluck Jonathan, as had been stated by government officials in Nigeria. The North Africa kingdom denounced such “unethical practices”, the statement said.

Nigeria has denied that the king was being used to win over Muslim voters. Jonathan, a Christian from southern Nigeria, is facing a strong challenge in the March 28 elections from opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari, who is popular in Nigeria’s mainly Muslim north. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Sunday, denying reports that President Jonathan had been snubbed by King Mohammed because he was trying to

curry favour with Muslim voters. “This information is absolutely not correct as the president did, in fact, speak to the Moroccan monarch... both leaders spoke extensively over the phone on matters of mutual interest and concern,” it said. However, Morocco’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying it wanted to state in the “clearest and strongest terms” that “there has never been a phone conversation” between the two men. “The king has actually

declined the request of the Nigerian government because it is part of the internal electioneering,” Morocco’s official news agency Map quoted the statement as saying. “The kingdom of Morocco expresses its astonishment and denunciation to these unethical practices that are contrary to the spirit of responsibility that must prevail in relations between states.” As a consequence, Morocco’s Abuja ambassador was being recalled immediately for consultations,” it said.

EU, CPC collaborate to tackle consumer abuse, exploitation

he Consumer Protection Council and the European Union have commenced plans to jointly address issues of consumer abuse and exploitation in Nigeria. The need for collaboration according to a statement, is in line with CPC’s ongoing efforts to develop globally acceptable standard guidelines for businesses in Nigeria and protect consumers’ rights

across all sectors. While receiving the Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Michel Arrion, in her office on Wednesday, the DirectorGeneral, CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said there must be adequate focus on protecting the demand side of trade (consumers), without which there would be serious trade imbalance.

Atoki said, “I am aware that the Nigerian EU partnership is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in promoting trade, competition and consumer protection. “The National Quality Infrastructure Project for Nigeria, which is entirely funded by the EU attests to this commitment. While the EU promotes trade and competition as one of the most effective ways to boost de-

velopment, CPC is equally focused on protecting the demand side of trade (consumers), without which there will be a serious trade imbalance. “Nigerian consumers had over the years had no significant protection from the overwhelming consumer abuses and exploitation by business operators, who largely did not comply with international best practices.

ess than 24 hours after the commencement of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) using the computer-based system, the Registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, yesterday revealed that 97,400 candidates, who sat for the examination on the first day, already have their results delivered to them through the Short Message Service (SMS). While monitoring the conduct of the examination at the Board’s Computer-Based Centre in Bwari Area Council of

Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Ojerinde cited issues of insecurity and high cost of producing writing materials hitherto used for Paper Pencil Test (PPT), as well as transporting the materials across the country as some of the reasons the board settled for CBT. The JAMB Registrar, who noted that the Computer-Based Test (CBT) process being deployed by the board for the conduct of the examination was capital intensive, however, said Nigerians stand to benefit more from the system in few years’ time. “Normally for candidates to receive their results, it should not take more than two hours, but as at yesterday about 97,400 candidates got their results before the end of the day.”

Airports terminal remodelling gulps $870m in five years –Chidoka Wole Shadare

he Federal Government said the remodelling of Nigerian airports terminal gulped $870 million (N174 billion). Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka made the disclosure in a paper he made available to New Telegraph after an aviation summit held on Tuesday in Lagos. The Minister stated that the staggering amount was invested over the last five years in upgrading/remodelling airport infrastructure across the country. Before now, the actual amount for the repairs could not be provided, but the newly released amount spent has led to the raising of eyebrow as experts who spoke to New Telegraph said the amount was not commensurate with what is on ground at many of the

nation’s aerodromes. Secretary General, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Abdulkareem Motajo, said the figure strengthened the position of aviation workers that the remodelling project was too costly when, in actual fact, the country should have built airports with less than half of the amount. Motajo called on Chidoka to investigate why enormous amounts were spent when many of the airports are still not in good condition. Managing Director, IRS Airlines, Yemi Dada, said: “It is more cosmetic that effective. Yes, they have expanded some areas like what we have at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) which now houses some airlines”. “There are no cooling systems in most of the terminals; the terminals look old.”

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, march 12, 2015

no way

Govt debunks fears of ISIS fighters in Nigeria Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Federal Government has allayed fears of possible presence of Islamic State (IS) fighters in Nigeria, against the backdrop of recent pledge of allegiance to the group by Boko Haram Leader,

Ibadan

abour Party (LP) yesterday in Ibadan rejected the use of card readers for the forthcoming general election, but welcomed deployment of soldiers to monitor it as against the claim by the All Progressives Congress (APC). While endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan for second term, the party at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, described the APC presidential candidate, General Muhamma-

Abubakar Shekau. That is even as there were reports that the son of a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), may have joined the militant group. IS, is a militant group operating in Iraq and Syria, seeks to establish an Islamic Caliphate in the two Middle East countries. The Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC) and Director General of National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri, stated the Federal

du Buhari, as a pensioner, too old to administer a complex country as Nigeria. The party's National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Salam, said this in the presence of the governorship candidates of the party across the country, who attended the meeting. Speaking on the card reader, Salam said: "The nation is not ready for this technology now. During the Osun and Ekiti elections, Prof. Jega categorically stated that the card reader cannot be used for very sensitive elections like those of Osun and Ekiti.

INL honours Mark, Globacom, Contec Global March 18

enate President, Senator David Mark, GCON, will be formally honoured by the management of Independent Newspapers Limited (INL), as its Man of The Year, 2014. According to a statement signed by the Editor of Daily Independent newspaper, Mr. Rotimi Durojaiye, the investiture ceremony will take place at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja,. Vice Chancellor of Crawford University, Ogun State, Professor Samson Ayanlaja, will be the guest speaker at the ceremony. Other co-awardees are Gobacom Limited (Tele-

com Network of The Year 2014) and Contec Global Group (Public Sector Service Provider of The Year 2014). The award is in recognition of Mark’s mastery of the rules and procedures of the National Assembly and the excellence with which he has managed the leadership at the Senate. Since becoming the president of the Senate 0n June 6, 2007, amidst the volatility that has become the hallmark of the National Assembly, Mark has managed the affairs of the Upper Chambers with exemplary maturity and historic success.

Government's position yesterday in Abuja, at the regular security briefing. At an earlier briefing held over a week ago, Omeri had said: "The Centre wishes to alert the nation of intelligence reports indicating the radicalisation of our youths through social media and a variety of other sources. "The reports show that these youths, who are mostly children of the rich and affluent, are being recruited into ISIS..." However, addressing journalists yesterday Omeri said: "The Centre

s part of efforts to increase its already rising African market share, one of the continent’s leading food industry, with a basket of top brands including Chicken Republic, Butterfield Bakery and Free Range Farm, Food Concepts Plc. has announced its partnership

in its Baked Good Division with a leading South African FMCG company, Pioneer Foods. Food Concepts, which was founded about 14 years ago by a dynamic entrepreneur, Mr. Deji Akinyanju, is a company with shareholders including International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank member, and Development Partners

has noted the latest audio recording posted online by the insurgent group, Boko Haram, where they pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). "We wish to state that there is no evidence that the IS operates in Nigeria and the latest attempt by Boko Haram to identify with the group is an act of desperation aimed at seeking attention and possible assistance from outside in the face of the crushing defeat they are suffering in the hands of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other regional collaborators."

On the ongoing counter-insurgency war in the North East, the NIC coordinator noted that "field reports indicate the determination of our troops to clear the entire zone of the presence of Boko Haram and its menace in a short while." Meanwhile, men of the Civilian JTF have arrested eight persons at the Customs Area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. According to Omeri, the arrest yesterday, followed confessions made by two suspected teenage bombers, of a planned

attack on Maiduguri metropolis. "Latest reports from Borno State indicate that about eight people were arrested today around Custom Area in Maiduguri, Borno State by men of the Civilian JTF following the interrogation of two teenage suspected bombers, who confessed that they were given the bomb by one Hassan Mai Doya of Custom Area to plant somewhere in Maiduguri metropolis. "The suspects are now being interrogated by the security agents," he stated.

L-R: Director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), Mr. Jon Wood; Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri; Executive Director, GCERF, Dr. Khalid Koser and Director, Planning, Research and Strategy, NOA, Mr. Bonat Tagwai, during an advocacy visit to NOA corporate headquarters in Abuja …yesterday

Don't intimidate judiciary, group tells presidency Tunde Oyesina

Abuja

group, Society for Global Justice and Equity Promotion, yesterday called on the Presidency to stop using extraneous forces to intimidate or harass the judiciary as such would negatively affect the nation's justice delivery system. The group made the call against the background of an alleged attack on the judiciary last week by an alleged sponsored Non Governmental Organization, 'The Citizens Action for Equity and Justice' at a

South African firm partners Food Concepts Mojeed Alabi

No evidence ISIS operating in Nigeria — FG

LP backs Jonathan, kick against card reader Sola Adeyemo

News

national

International (DPI), a UK based private equity firm focused on African investments. Speaking on the partnership, the Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Foods, Phil Roux said; “Butterfield provides an ideal opportunity to leverage our expertise to grow the bread category. Pioneer aims to be a leading FMCG company in

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for reasons bordering on the inability of the court to deliver judgement in the civil matter filed by a former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki. Speaking through its general co-ordinator, Elder Oluwole Akinboyewa, the group noted that the alleged sponsored NGO in its misleading publications, spoke of an imaginary money laundering charges against Saraki and further queried the inability of the Federal High Court to give judgement on a fixed date. Africa and Nigeria is a key market for any food company in search of growth.” In a similar development, the founder and chairman of Food Concepts, Akinyanju said the partnership would benefit from the combination of the respective strengths which will be used to tap into the vast opportunities in the Nigerian FMCG sector to deliver extraordinary value to customers.

APC alleges killer squads against members, supporters Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday alleged that killer squads were targeting opposition members and the supporters in Rivers State, as this month's general elections draw nearer. The party wondered whether those who were bent on suppressing the opposition at all costs have finally unleashed their killer snipers. The party, in a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the killing of nine APC members in two separate incidents in Rivers on Saturday night, raises a very serious concern about the motive of the killings. According to the party, the fact that all those killed, including five at the D-Line of Port Harcourt and four along the Eastern By-Pass in the Marine Base near the state capital, were members of the APC was a clear indication that the killings may have been politically-motivated.

Also worrisome, APC said, was the freaky attack on Chidi Adi Amaechi, the younger brother of Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and a student of Igbinedion University in Benin, by machetewielding young men, who stormed his room in the early hours of Wednesday (March 11th, 2015) and inflicted injuries on his head and arms. Chidi is currently being treated at an undisclosed hospital. ''It is difficult to see these attacks as a mere happenstance, against the backdrop of the ceaseless attacks on APC members and supporters in the Okrika council area of the state, where the opposition has been the victim of at least three bomb attacks, and the hate messages being purveyed by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who hails from Okrika. ''We know that because they have no answer to the runaway popularity of our party in the state, they are ready to do anything possible to prevent free, fair and peaceful elections there on March 28th and April 11th."

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Girl, 10, dies in Ogun rainstorm MOTHER’S AGONY

lLagos opens relief camp for rain disaster victims

A woman, whose daughter died in rainstorm, says her hope of a better future has been killed Taiwo Jimoh and Murital Ayinla

“W

hen my daughter was going to school on Monday morning, I never knew that would be the last time I would see her.” That was the lamentation of Mrs Olushola Lawal, whose 10-year-old daughter, Fabian, was killed by rainstorm at Aregun Ilara village, Ogijo, in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State. This is as the Lagos State Government yesterday opened the Igando Relief Camp for thousands of residents whose houses were destroyed by windstorm in parts of the state on Monday. Fabian was a primary five pupil of Local Government Nursery and Primary School, Aregun Ilara village. The windstorm, which accompanied Monday’s rain, blew off the roof and injured some teachers. The deceased was said to have sustained serious injuries but died before she was rushed to the hospital in a neighbouring community.

The school

It was gathered that about three of the teachers who sustained serious injuries were still in coma at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu. “Before the rain started, the teachers took the pupils out of the classroom to a safe place at the back of the school building. “The pupils and their teachers were all outside the classroom, believing that was a safe place for them. But unfortunately the wind blew off the roof which landed where they

Gunmen kill six in Plateau communities Musa Pam Jos

rmed men suspected to be herdsmen killed at least six persons when they ravaged Takwok and Rahol Gasa villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

It was gathered that two men, including a member of Plateau State Security outfit, Operation Rainbow, were killed at a farm in Takwok village while four persons were killed at Rahol Gasa on Tuesday night. Mr Titus Samuel, a member of the community, gave the names of victims of Takowok attack as Habila Fom and Joseph Bayi Dung. Pastor Badung Davou, whose daughter-in-law, Felicia Badung, and her eightyear-old son, Amos Badung, were killed at Rahol Gasa, said the gunmen attacked the community at 9:04pm. Mai Anguwa Boyi Deme said a woman named Evelyn and her two-year-old son, Chuwang, were also killed in the attack.

were hiding,” a source in the village said. The source added that some of the pupils, who did not go with their teachers, ran into the community to inform elders that their colleagues had been trapped under the fallen roof. He said: “We want the Ogun State Government to come to our rescue in this community, because we are not benefiting anything from the state government. How do you expect our children to be going to school built since 1955?”

However, a new block of classrooms built by the government has not been inaugurated for use. When our correspondent visited the school, bags and shoes belonging to the pupils littered the premises. The villagers were trooping in to see the extent of the damage wrought by the windstorm. But the distraught Mrs Lawal told our correspondent yesterday she was inside the room sleeping when the younger sister of the deceased rushed in to

tell her that Fabian was dead. She said: “That was how I dashed out. When I got to my daughter’s school, I met people who gathered. I went straight to her class only to be told that she had been rushed to the hospital. I left immediately to the hospital; it was there I was told she had died before she was brought to the hospital. “Before she left home that fateful day with her younger sister, she promised to take care of me. She also promised to buy me a car and build a house for me and their father. Where is my daughter to give me all she promised me? Meanwhile, about 5,000 residents of Lagos were rendered homeless as the windstorm blew off their roofs and damaged property worth millions of naira. Some houses partially collapsed while electric poles fell on others. The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said Governor Babatunde Fashola had ordered the immediate relocation of the displaced residents to the camp. Oke-Osanyintolu added that the government was addressing the problem holistically in order to give succour to the displaced. He said: “We have declared the Igando Relief Camp open immediately. We have invited the Eko Electricity Board to make sure that they reactivate the electricity and replace the damaged poles for the communities.

NDLEA: Akwa Ibom tops female drug traffickers’ list Juliana Francis

adies from Akwa Ibom State are the largest among females arrested for drug trafficking in 2014. The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, disclosed this while reacting to the involvement of women in drug trafficking as the world marked International Women’s Day. Giade said the agency would soon launch a nationwide campaign tagged: “Save the Girl Child from Drug Trafficking and Abuse.” He said: “The highest numbers of females were arrested in Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Anambra and Rivers state commands. The NDLEA is paying special attention to females because of the important role they play in the family and the society at

large. “The reduction in the number of females arrested in 2014 is encouraging and we hope to improve on this with a good number of drug abuse preventive programmes in the year.” The NDLEA chairman added that the impressive and laudable achievements of the agency were made despite numerous challenges. He said: “Narcotic investigations are cumbersome, protracted and capital intensive. If drug syndicates have global networks, we must be steps ahead of them. The agency must embark on a nationwide anti-drug enlightenment campaign to highlight the consequences of illicit drugs especially the plight of some of our citizens who are awaiting execution abroad for drug trafficking.” The NDLEA arrested 8,826 suspected drug traffickers com-

prising 8,332 males and 494 females in 2014. Illicit drugs seized stood at 166,697.18kg. A breakdown of the drugs shows that cannabis sativa is highest with 158,852.2kg, cocaine (226.041kg), heroin (56.449kg), methamphetamine (119.2kg), amphetamine (0.05 grams), ephedrine (35.8kg) and psychotropic substances (7,407.44kg). The Head, Media and Publicity, NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said in 2013, the agency arrested 8,843 drug suspects comprising 8,324 males and 519 females. He said: “Edo State had the highest female arrest with 56, Akwa Ibom (48), Delta (47), Anambra (41) and Rivers (32). “In 2014, the agency recorded unprecedented cannabis farm destruction with a total of 4,529.15 hectares of farmland representing 53,719,342.32 kilogrammes of cannabis plants.”

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

We’ve offices in Lagos, others, says Omotoso’s abductor

The suspected kidnappers

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

female member of a gang responsible for the kidnap of an industrialist in Awe, Oyo State, has told the police she is a professional kidnapper.

The suspect, Bisi Babatunde aka Vivian, and six others were arrested on Tuesday for kidnapping the Chairman of Bond Chemicals Industry, Chief Festus Adebowale Omotoso, about last week in his hometown in Afijio Local Government Area.

Apart from Babatunde (32), others arrested are Oladipupo Abayomi (23), Alabi Olufemi who is the gang’s driver, Isiaka Kazeem, Ayobami Musa (23), Ajayi Olaniyi (40) and Shittu Olaide (28). Two other suspects escaped with bullet wounds, the police said, adding that “one of them is a key member simply identified as Lucky”. In her confessional statement, Babatunde said she was known as Vivian in Port Harcourt where she claimed to be a herb seller. The suspect, who claimed to hail from Awe, disclosed she was in charge of supplying information that led to Omotoso’s abduction. According to her, she has an ally, Abayomi, who she referred to as Laide, who also played a major role in the abduction. She said: “I have been involved in fraudulent activities by posing to be herbalist in Port Harcourt. I bought a car with the proceeds. I was involved in kidnapping in Port Harcourt but I was not fully

One killed in C’River communities’ fight over land Clement James Calabar

ne person, Asuquo Duke, has been killed in Calabar, Cross River State, when two communities took arms against each other over a piece of land. It was learnt that Duke, an indigene of Kasuk, was killed at Ikot Uduak in Calabar Municipality as the dispute over the piece of land between two Qua clans, Kasuk Qua and Ikpai Qua, degenerated to a fight. During the fight on Tuesday, members of both communities freely used guns, machetes and other dangerous weapons.

The fight, which erupted at the Ikot Uduak sand pit (otherwise known as Boro pit), according to counsel to Kasuk Qua, Mr Orok Ironbar, followed the contravention of a subsisting order of a High Court ruling barring the two communities from entering or doing any business on the land. In a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Orok alleged that the police were assisting Ikpai clan to access the land. He said: “Under threat to our clients and in a bid to cover their partisanship and lack of investigations, the (police) got our clients to sign an undertaking restraining our clients and Ikpai from the land, pending when the matter is decided by the Court of

Appeal. This is clear evidence that on their own your officers have decided the ownership of the land.” However, in a swift reaction to Orok’s claim, the Ikpai community, led by its clan head, Ntoe Emmanuel Orok, and the Secretary of Council, Mr Godwin Asuquo, debunked the claim of Kasuk. They said they had refused to enter the land since they signed the undertaking with the police. According to Ikpai clan, Kasuk should find out who killed their son. They added: “We were not even aware that there was any clash on the land because our people have been keeping away from the area in obedience to the police order and the undertaking we signed.

Five injured as fire guts Fine Coat Paint factory Muritala Ayinla

dollars. He said: “I was having a chat with my friends at home in Awe around 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 4, when we saw some people coming into the house. They demanded for all the dollars in the house and threatened to kill us all if we did not cooperate. “I just returned from the United States where I had gone for treatment. They took all they wanted and just when we thought it was all over, they asked me to come with them. I was blindfolded and bundled into a waiting car outside. I was taken to an abandoned village house and I stayed there for four days before I was transferred to this place. “I was told that they were taking me to somewhere in Edo State and because I was blindfolded on the way, I sincerely believed we were in Edo until this morning (Tuesday) when I was rescued by the police and they told me we were in Ibadan.”

Amaechi’s brother attacked octors are battling University, Okada, Edo D to save the life of the State, was viciously atyounger brother of Gov- tacked by assailants in ernor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State after he was attacked by armed men. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, David Iyofor, said in a statement yesterday that the victim, Chidi Adi Amaechi, was violently attacked in the early hours of Wednesday. He ssaid: “The younger Amaechi, who is a student of Igbinedion

his accommodation in the school allegedly with machetes and inflicted him with life-threatening cuts and injuries. At present, doctors say his condition is critical. “We must note that the assailants did not remove or steal anything from Chidi Adi’s room.” The Rivers State governor is the director-general of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign.

Lady dies as fire razes 68 rooms

ive persons were critically injured while property worth millions of naira went up in flames yesterday as fire gutted Chemster Company, makers of Fine Coat Paints, at Caso bus stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. Emergency responders rushed those who were injured to the Emergency Ward of Orile-Agege General Hospital. But at press time, it was not clear if any of the victims eventually die following severe burns they sustained in the inferno that lasted for several hours. Although no reason was given as the cause of the fire, it was gathered that the fire followed explosion from chemicals used in the production of paint. The fire later spread to other inflammable substances in the factory before the emergency agencies and the officials of the Lagos State Fire Service arrived the scene. Firefighters, officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Rapid Respond Squad (RSS), staff of the company and sympathisers, as well as com-

involved in this one. “We have offices in Port Harcourt, Lagos and so on. After returning home to Awe, I went to a brother called Laide and asked him to do ‘juju’ for me. He told me that he knew Baba (Omotoso) and that I should call Lucky to come and kidnap him because he had refused to settle his family for the death of his brother in his (Omotoso’s) swimming pool. “I was given N750,000 from the proceeds. Lucky said N5.5 million was collected from the victim’s family. Everything was at Awo (a secret) level.” Recalling his ordeal while speaking with journalists at Ajia village in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State where he was held, the 78-year-old National Life Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said immediately the kidnappers stormed his house they demanded for

Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

Sympathisers at the scene

mercial bus drivers and conductors plying the routes assisted in putting out the fire. The General Manager, LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said he could not confirm the cause of the fire, adding that efforts were on to save the lives of the victims. He said: “We cannot tell you precisely the cause of the fire, our investigation is still ongoing. But from the primary survey, we were

PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

informed that the fire was due to chemical explosion. “So far, all the emergency responders are on the ground. So far, we have taken five victims to OrileGeneral Hospital. All the stakeholders that are relevant in managing emergency are still combating it.” He reiterated that the timely intervention of the emergency workers in the state prevented loss of lives and reduced the extent of damage.

20-year-old girl, Mercy Elom, lost her life yesterday when fire gutted a house located at 40, Igwe Liga Street, Mile 50, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The deceased, who hailed from Onuenyim Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area of the state, was among the candidates who sat for this year’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)conducted examination in Abakaliki. The fire, which started about 1:30am, razed 68 rooms in the compound. Elom was also a computer apprentice at Pastoral Centre, Abakaliki, and was squatting with her friend who had travelled and left the house

for her. Items destroyed by the inferno included motorcycles, tricycles, staff and students’ documents, refrigerators of different kinds, electronics, household utensils, among others. One of the victims, whose father is the owner of the structure, Elias Igwe, said he was sleeping when noise from the residents about the inferno woke him up. He said: “People were shouting fire! fire! This woke me up. I came downstairs and saw everywhere engulfed by fire. We tried to put off the fire but we were helpless. “So, I rushed to the State Fire Service and contacted them with the help of the Divisional Police Officer, Kpirikpiri.”

12 News

national

thursday, march 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Group applauds N200bn loan for physically challenged

Jonathan not responsible for insecurity in N-East, says FCT Minister

Juliana Francis

Yekeen Nurudeen

he Global Campaign Group, a non-governmental organisation, has thrown its weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan's re -election bid. That was even as the group applauded the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) move to assist physically challenged people, market women and others with a loan scheme. According to the National Coordinator of the group, Prince Dele Akinola, N200 billion had been earmarked by the party to assist people in a sort of a poverty alleviation programme. He noted that people had already started picking forms to apply for the loan. Akinola, who disclosed this at a recent seminar held at Ojodu Berger, Lagos State, assured Jonathan, the party's gubernatorial candidate in Lagos, Jimi Agbaje and all the PDP candidates of total support from the group. He added: “No amount of intimidation or harassment will deter our organisation from supporting the president." No government had been modest and humble enough to take issues of agriculture, aviation, railway, women, youth empowerment and rule of law seriously than the present administration.” Akinola, who said that he was sure that Jonathan would get 75 per cent votes in the south west, added that the number of people at the event was testimony of the support Jonathan has. The South-West coordinator of the group, Honourable Ahmeed Eshinlokun, reminded grassroots stakeholders, that Agbaje and all the PDP candidates will empower the physically challenged.

he Lagos chapter of the Newspaper Distributors/Vendors Association of Nigeria (NDAN), said it is backing the candidature of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer for the April 11 governorship election, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, due to its impeccable character. According to the coordinator of the initiative, Deacon Banji Kujenya, the emergence of Ambode as governor next month will usher new things for the association and Lagos residents, stating that the former Accountant General of Lagos would consolidate on the achievements

Abuja

inister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Bala Mohammed, yesterday rose in defence of President Goodluck Jonathan over the problem of insecurity in the North East region of the country. He noted that the problem was inherited by the

President and not created by his administration. The President has been largely blamed by the opposition party for the raging insecurity in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. But the FCT Minister, who defended the President in Abuja, yesterday, during a meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, including the leadership of the six geo-political zones

resident in the nation’s capital, urged Nigerians to support the current administration to stamp out insecurity in the country. He reiterated that President Jonathan inherited the menace of insurgency and his administration has been working assiduously to tackle it headlong. While assuring that the administration has the willpower to defeat and stamp out insur-

gency from the country and make it history, the Minister reiterated that the problem was not restricted to Nigeria as it has global dimension. He said that the Transformation Agenda of the President has been able to put smiles on the faces of the residents of FCT, citing the achievement of the expansion and rehabilitation of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (Airport Road) as well as the Mur-

tala Muhammad (Kubwa Road) expressways. The Minister added that the Federal Government, under President Jonathan has been able to complete the Gurara Water transfer scheme, as well as the 3rd and 4th Phases of the Lower Usuma Dam. Mohammed also assured that the FCT Administration is to deploy a substantial part of its projected N300billion to N400billion earnings from internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the funding of rural and neighbourhood infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges.

Lagos doctors threaten strike over withheld salaries Appolonia Adeyemi

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Toucan Aviation; Achuzie Ezenagu; Vice-President, Government Affairs and Corporate Development, AAR Corp, Cheryle Jackson; Managing Director/CEO, The Infrastructure Bank Plc, Mr. Adekunle AbdulRazaq Oyinloye and Executive Director, Credit Directorate, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Abbas Mohammed Jega, at the 2015 Aviation Executive Business Forum, in Lagos

World Kidney Day: FG tasked on reducing acute kidney injury to zero Appolonia Adeyemi

s Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2015 World Kidney Day, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) has called on the Federal Government to key into the global vision of reducing deaths from acute kidney injury (AKI) to

zero by 2025. Also, the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) has urged three tiers of government to encourage local health facilities in the delivery of kidney transplantation services by funding hospitals, institutions and pharmaceutical companies to produce medications locally.

That, according to them, will enhance capacity development in order to reduce capital flight as a result of medical tourism. These are contained in a communiqué issued by the Nigerian Association of Nephorology (NAN) and signed by the association’s president, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye and sec-

Newspaper vendors back Ambode of Governor Babatunde Fashola. He said: “The reason 80 per cent of our members, numbering 25,000 would vote Ambode, Buhari and other APC aspirants overwhelmingly is because the party is the only one that has a clear and unambigious manifesto and policy thrust that can bring the dividend of democracy to the populace.” Kujenya reiterated that the executive and the majority of the members across the state have spoken with one

voice and the statement is change at the federal level and continuity in the state. While stating that the decision of the association can only change the course of the nation for good, he stated that the executive is always churning out right and balanced information that would lead its members in the right direction. “The APC governorship aspirant [Ambode Akinwunmi] we know is a man of good health, sound mind and of high

intellectual capacity, who can think in and out of the box at any given moment to taking the state to a higher level on the basis of his promises. “ “We have therefore intensified our campaign for him through the house-to-house and one man to 25 neighbours campaign/awareness target strategy. This is a process where an individual must convince and win a minimum of 25 people in his or her neighbourhood for Ambode and other candidates of APC,” Kujenya said.

retary, Dr. Samuel Ajayi. Acute kidney injury is still a major cause for concern, especially in developing countries. Hence, the call on Nigeria to key into it. The theme for the 2015 World Kidney Day is “Kidney for all”. It is marked on Second Thursday in March. Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously called acute renal failure (ARF) is an abrupt loss of kidney function that develops within seven days. Its causes are numerous. Generally it occurs because of damage to the kidney tissue caused by decreased renal blood flow (renal ischemia) from any cause (e.g. low blood pressure), exposure to substances harmful to the kidney, an inflammatory process in the kidney, or an obstruction of the urinary tract which impedes the flow of urine. NAN said there is need for nephrology care givers including doctors, nurses, dieticians and technicians to adhere with international and national evidence based guidelines in the management of kidney disease patients.

igerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Branch has threatened to embark on strike on March 23 if the Lagos State Government fails to pay the outstanding salaries it is owing doctors under its employment. In a statement issued by the NMA in Lagos yesterday, signed by its Chairman, Dr. Tope Ojo and Secretary, Dr. Babajide Saheed, the association also sought the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan, Lagos State Assembly, the Federal Ministries of Health and Labour, among other stakeholders, to advise the Lagos State Government to do the needful and avert the strike. The withheld salaries include three days salary in April, 2012 and May 2012, as well as two months salaries, which are that of August and September 2014, totalling three months and three days. To this end, the NMA urged the Lagos State Government to “pay all outstanding emoluments withheld, reverse all casually employed doctors to permanent employment, and commence immediate recruitment of resident doctors in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. It will be recalled that doctors under the umbrella of the Medical Guild had given the state government ultimatum to pay the outstanding salaries, failing which they would proceed on strike on Monday, March 16. The Medical Guild, which is an affiliate of the NMA, is an association of doctors employed by the Lagos State Government.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, march 12, 2015

Controversy

Presidency

General elections

Interview 17

Buhari’ll legalise gay marriage, PDP alleges

Single-term pact: Aliyu is an incurable liar – APC

Jega challenges RECs on credible polls

Nwajiuba: North, South-South interests fuelling election crisis

Politics

My problem with Akume, by Waku We want our supporters to remain calm. Akume is the biggest saboteur of our party in the state. He saw what happened in Lagos where a transparent primaries of electing a presidential candidate of our party was conducted. We expected him as a leader of the party to come back home and replicate that, but rather he returned home with anger because his candidate lost. His candidate whom he received huge money from and deceived that he was going to deliver Benue delegates to lost out. So, he came back with anger and vengeance because he instructed the delegates to vote for his candidate, but they instead voted for Muhammadu Buhari. So, he wants to sabotage the party after collecting a lot of money from Atiku Abubakar to deliver Benue to him. We will not allow him to destabilise the party.

Senator Joseph Waku is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who came to national prominence with his controversial statement calling for military coup against the Olusegun Obasanjo administration even while in the Senate. In this interview with CEPHAS IORHEMEN, he speaks on his grouse with former governor of Benue State and Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume. Excerpts:

You took the leader of the APC in Benue State and Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, to court. What was the bone of contention between you and the former governor? Yes, we are tired of his antiparty activities and arbitrariness which he perpetuates with impunity. He stalled a proper process of conducting the primaries of our party to arrive at a candidate who would in turn contest the forthcoming governorship election. After we are set for the congress, he kept strategising and delaying until one of us, Prof. Steven Ugbah who was denied participation in the primaries went to court. At first, we thought it was the court injunction that was responsible for the delay of the congress until on the later date we all agreed on the venue and date for the APC governorship primaries. Unknown to us, Senator Akume had already sent the name of someone else, who is not even a member of our party to the national secretariat as a consensus candidate. This has been his trademark, which has led to the defection of many of our founding members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We have been managing Akume but it has gone out of hands and this time around, we want to make sure we take a firm monitoring of his activities so that we and our supporters will come out and vote for candidates

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

of our choice. Does Akume’s action warrant his removal as the leader of the party in Benue State? We will soon remove Akume as the leader of the party in the state. He didn’t build the party. We only respect him as a leader of the party. This party doesn’t belong to him alone; it belongs to all of us the Benue people and we trusted him with the leadership of the party. But that doesn’t make him a sole administrator of the party. He is not. It is not a one-man show or a family business that he can sit alone in his house and determine who is the managing director or chairman and directors. That is supposed to be a collective responsibility of the people of Benue State. He is only being a leader among us. It’s time we pointed out to him that he doesn’t control us. We appointed him as our leader but he has gone beyond his luck and this time we must ensure that the right thing is done and if he doesn’t like it he will resign. Now we are not sure if he is actually a card-carrying member of our party from the action he is displaying. From all indication, he shows that he is a saboteur of the party. We are talking about Benue and not Akume and his wife, Regina. We are talking about how Benue will be in the future. For several years, hospitals have been mere consultant clinics, no drugs are being distributed to hospitals. Civil servants have not been paid. Pensioners have been living in a pitiable situation. So we need somebody with a vision to take Benue to its rightful position in the society. We need the Benue that was well recognised and respected by Nigerians but has gone down the drain because somebody sit there and says I want this man to be a chairman and I want this man to be a councillor. Democracy

Waku

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Akume is the biggest saboteur of our party in the state... he wants to sabotage the party after collecting a lot of money from Atiku

is about the people and the people have to choose who they want. Democracy is not about an individual with dictatorial tendencies. We are not in a military regime. Even the military come together to stage a coup. We have gone beyond that stage and we cannot tolerate that anymore. But a candidate has finally emerged for the APC in the state. Of course. I am a senior member of this party and a major stakeholder. Some people ran away when they were denied nomination in their political parties to come and join us. We started from Action Congress (AC), then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now APC. Nobody can be a senior member of this party than myself and Chief Audu Ogbeh. It was when they have problems in their parties that they came to our party and want to take over and make it look like they are in charge. And when we talk, they say they are using their money to build the party. Which business have they done to accumulate such money and resources to sponsor the party? Where were they before? With the crisis rocking the party, what is the position of your supporters now?

But the national secretariat of APC has accepted Samuel Ortom as the candidate of the party... (Cuts in) It’s the handiwork of Akume and he stands the risk of losing his election too. His losing re-election is now more eminent in the state. Everyone is now disenchanted with him. Senator Barnabas Gemade also failed to win in PDP but was nominated and is now flying the Benue North East Senatorial ticket of the APC. Gemade has attended the party’s congress. Gemade did not participate in the PDP primaries. There are two issues here. Akume too did not participate in the PDP primaries then. He withdrew. But this man actively participated in the PDP primaries and was defeated. Gemade’s name was on the ballot paper as one of the aspirants vying for that seat. But in this case the process had already started. If there was no court order, the process would have been over by the time this man arrived. Even after the court order it was already a continuation of the primaries. So which angle was he coming from to participate? You can’t go to government with fraudulent people. APC wants a stabilised government with decency to give Benue people good governance and not starting with corrupt people. APC is a decent party and anybody who wants to sabotage our efforts, we will deal with such a person through the democratic norms of our party. The question of whether the leader is there doesn’t arise for now. A leader is expected to galvanise the people to do the right thing and not to turn it into a private property.

Politics

THURSDAY, march 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari’ll legalise gay marriage, PDP alleges Abuja

lThey’re just desperate, says APC

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alerted Nigerians of the plan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari to legalise same sex marriages in the country if he wins the March 28 presidential election. The party also alleged a plan by the opposition to scandalise, undermine and bring into disrepute President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Patience, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and other key government functionaries and members of his administration. Director, Media and

Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, at a press conference yesterday said General Buhari had, during his prolonged stay in the United Kingdom appealed for support and endorsement of some four western countries for his presidential ambition. “The leaders of those countries made an offer to General Muhammadu Buhari and we are reliably informed that he has put the offer under consideration,” Fani-Kayode stated. According to him, the offer was that Buhari should support legislation in Nigeria to allow same sex marriage as well as repeal the anti-gay law in

Onyekachi Eze

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Nigeria in exchange for their endorsement, support and funding, initially covertly and eventually publicly, at the right time. “Instead of outrightly rejecting these offers and spurning this proposition, to our utter shock and consternation, General Buhari apparently refused to rule it out and has put the matter under consideration. Instead of

him to say no, he assured them that he would consider these two things. “We believe that this is a matter that ought to be brought to the attention of the Nigerian people as a matter of urgency. The APC are so desperate to ensuring that General Buhari becomes the president of this country that they are actually prepared to consider the scrapping of all anti-gay or anti-homosexual legislations and at the same time, endorsing and supporting fresh legislation that would allow same sex marriage in our country. “They are considering this despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of the Nigerian people find same sex marriage

Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun (right), receiving souvenirs from Solidarity Youth Movement for Change towards Buhari/ Osinbajo’s victory in Abeokuta...yesterday.

Aba North/South: Our votes for Mascot Kalu – Traders Norman Obinna

raders under the auspices of Aba Traders for Good Governance have said that the victory of the Aba North/South House of Representatives candidate on the platform of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu, on March 28 is non-negotiable Speaking on behalf of the traders at the Ariaria International market, Aba, yesterday, the chairman of the traders union, Comrade Chinenye, said the traders have made their stand very clear from the onset regarding which candidate they have chosen to represent them in the House of Representatives. According to him, their early endorsement and adoption of Kalu were

not political grandstanding aimed at seeking the attention of other candidates, rather an expression of trust and acceptance of his candidacy. The traders union, who enjoined other candidates seeking to represent the Aba North/South Federal constituency in the House to step down for Kalu or be ready to face humiliation at the poll, said their resolution and that of the entire constituency to vote en masse for the candidate is predicated on the gross misrepresentation the constituency has suffered. “All we are interested in at the moment are accelerated development and immediate cleaning of Aba to save us and our children from epidemic. We are tired of their bags of rice politics and failed promises.

“It is so confusing why our representative in the federal House, knowing the level of infrastructural decay in Aba never deem it fit to call the attention of the government to it or even move a motion in the House to declare Aba a disaster area,” he said. On their choice of Kalu, the trader’s union chairman said their only sentiment in throwing their weight behind his candidacy is his youthfulness, adding that what the Aba North/South federal constituency required at the moment is a young vibrant man like Kalu with innovative mind. He also noted that the unambiguity in Kalu’s political manifesto titled, “My covenant with Aba North/South people” as well as his profundity and good analytical precision in his manifesto presenta-

tion at the Aba Chamber of Commerce showed that the constituency will be well represented this time around. “We saw the performance of the candidates aspiring to represent us at the debate organised by Modern Communication Ltd (MTL), a cable satellite television based in Aba. Those who attended know who the better candidate is. “When it becomes very clear that they could not match him, one of the candidates deviated from issue-based presentation and began to attack Kalu’s personality, but to the amazement of the crowd, the level of his calmness and maturity in handling the situation were incomparable to that of the other candidates though he is the youngest,” he said.

and, indeed, homosexuality repugnant and unacceptable,” he added. Fani-Kayode challenged the APC presidential candidate to come clean and to tell Nigerians whether this is true and whether, in the unlikely event of his being elected president, he was seriously considering scrapping the anti-homosexual laws in the country and pushing through, new legislation which would allow same sex marriage. He stated that the special operations and intelligence wing of the Media Directorate of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation has been reliably informed that the opposition was planning to air a documentary about the private lives of President Jonathan, the First Lady and the Minister of Petroleum Resources. “This initiative is being spearheaded by the entire leadership of the APC and is being funded and organised by two serving governors and one former governor who controls his state through his hand-picked stooge”, Fani-Kayode disclosed. He regretted that the opposition has degenerated to such a point that in response to legitimate questions that were raised about the record in public office of its residential candidate, General Bu-

hari and its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, “in two major and widely viewed documentaries, the only recourse they have, rather than answering the questions put in those documentaries, is to try to humiliate, shame and disgrace our presidential candidate by making the most baseless and scandalous accusations about his private life.” But contacted on the allegations of the PDP on the same sex marriage, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the desperation of the PDP was showing in the intemperate language they are using and the series of strange allegations being made against Buhari by the ruling party. Mohammed, who initially said he would not join issues with the PDP and its allegations, said that it was unreasonable to waste “precious time in replying to their outlandish allegations.” He said: “When you are in a stream, having your bath and a madman comes, pick up your clothes and you start chasing him naked, it is you that the people will see as mad. So, we have moved from allegations of age, to qualification, bad health, one-term pact to now same sex marriage. It shows their level of desperation. But we are focused on winning the election.”

Youths applaud Ladoja’s approach to politics T

he Youth Initiative against Political Violence in Oyo State has commended Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the Accord Party gubernatorial candidate, for his peaceful approach to the electioneering. The group noted the leadership qualities of Ladoja which lay emphasis on peace and stability as a foundation for progress and development. The group led by its president, Elder Wole Olaleye, was at Ladoja’s residence on Sunday to condole with him on the death of two members of AP, who were killed last week in Ibadan by political thugs. Olaleye praised the matured manner Ladoja handled the situation which could have degenerated into a major political crisis. The group, according to a statement by the Director of Communications,

Ladoja 2015 Organization, Akannmu Adeyanju, said AP remains the most peaceful party in Oyo State as it abhors violence and its campaigns are issued-based. Meanwhile, thousands of AP supporters have demanded for justice on the attack against the party. The group led by Alhaji Dele Oriowo urged the Commissioner of Police in the state not to sweep the case under the carpet. The protesters insisted that the godfathers of the political thugs should be exposed and prosecuted as violence has become a tool to intimidate AP members in the state. Ladoja appealed to the protesters to remain calm and should not resort to violence as a means of self- help, assuring that the Police and other security agencies will ensure that justice is done on the matter.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, march 12, 2015

Single-term pact: Aliyu is an incurable liar – APC Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has described Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, as an incurable liar afflicted with the diarrhoea of the mouth. The APCPCO said in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, that claims by

Governor Aliyu that the presidential candidate of APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari signed a single tenure pact is a figment of his imagination, jaundiced, ill-motivated and irresponsible. The governor had once alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan signed one term pact with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors. Shehu, in his statement, said: “Aliyu has made a bad career of misguided claims of this nature in which he presents

himself as a clairvoyant fly perching on the walls of political meetings across the country.” The APCPCO spokesman dismissed Aliyu’s recent “vituperation and insinuation as the outbursts of a perpetual rabble-rouser, amateurish ethno-religious propagandist and unrepentant mischief-maker bent on stocking division and disaffection in the APC.” Shehu said that the APC is, however, not surprised at Aliyu’s blatant lies considering that he

has also been at the centre of controversy of being in possession of a letter in which his party’s presidential candidate signed onto a one-term pact with governors of the ruling party. “When has this governor of a grossly underdeveloped state suddenly become a clairvoyant who knows what obtains in places where he was never present or represented? Is he an APC member? If not, how and where did he get his information from? And what Northern Ni-

L-R: Chairman, National Conscience Party, Dr. Yunusa Tanko; member, Nigerian Elections Debate Group (NEDG), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; Chairman, Mr. Sola Omole and founding Chairman, Aremo Taiwo Allimi, at an interactive session with leaders and presidential candidates of the 14 political parties in Abuja …yesterday

I’ll restructure health, education sectors in Abia – Udensi Norman Obinna

bia State Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) governorship candidate, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has given hope to the mentally challenged persons and their families in the state. He said his administration will restore the sanity of all mentally deranged. He gave this assurance when the Aba Shoemakers and Allied Leather Products paid him a solidarity visit on Tuesday, at the Okigwe Road head office of the PPA. The governorship hopeful stated that over 75 per cent of the mentally challenged persons are youths whose insani-

tywere as a result of over indulgence in hard drugs due to idleness and frustration. Udensi blamed the situation on the inability of the Abia State government to provide the youth with befitting jobs. “It is heart-breaking that mad people litter the streets of Abia State walking naked with nobody caring for them. Under my watch as the governor of Abia State, there will be no such thing as adequate care will be given to them to ensure that they are readmitted into the society,” Udensi said. He said to achieve this, he has designed two health schemes; primary health care and catastrophic health plans, adding that the primary

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

health care designed for prevention will ensure a healthy society, while the catastrophic health plan which will be funded through charter commission will cater for curable illnesses of persons who cannot afford the fund required for the treatment. On how he plan to restructure the education sector to tackle the menace of unemployment in Abia State, Udensi said

his administration will ensure that qualitative education is free as well as ensure the implementation of the original 6-3-3-4 system to the best rewarding proportion to encourage artisanship. He said: “After the first six years of foundational teaching and the first three years in junior secondary school, my administration will ensure the implementation of the last three years which provides for vocational study. “Under my watch as the governor of Abia State, students will learn a trade that will enable them become self-employed at the end of their studies rather than wait for white collar jobs that might take a little bit of time.”

INEC launches 24-hrs help lines for PVC collection Wale Elegbede

n its quest to ensure that eligible voters collect their the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) before the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided Nigerians alternative means

of easy access to locate direction to PVC collection centres through the engagement of the services of the newly introduced 7411 National Directory Service. Addressing a media briefing in Lagos, INEC’s Director of Voters Education and Publicity,

Barrister Oluwole Uzzi, explained that with the introduction of a dedicated 24-hrs mobile service device, the issue of PVC collection and voting centres directory has been laid to rest with 7411 national directory 24-hour help line. He stated that all information disseminated to

the public via 7411 national directory service shall be accurately sourced from official sources only. Uzzi maintained that the cost of calling would be N12 per minute as approved by the NCC, stating that the rate is not more than the normal call rate in the country.

geria is he representing? Nigerians are wiser now and they know what to do come March 28 and April 11. For the time being, our suggestion to Governor Babangida is that he

should use the balance of his time in office to right a few wrongs in his state, currently adjudged as the most lacking in the North when it comes to development,” Shehu said.

APC destroying Jonathan, PDP billboards – Isiaka

lHe’s jobless, says Amosun’s aide Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, yesterday accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in the state of destroying billboards and campaign posters of his party candidates. He also berated Governor Ibikunle Amosunled administration in the state for allegedly witchhunting and intimidating civil servants ahead of the general elections. Isiaka, who made the allegations at a press conference in Abeokuta, disclosed that over 40 standing boards of the party candidates, including President Goodluck Jonathan, had been destroyed. The governorship candidate said his campaign organisation had already petitioned the state police command and Department of State Security

(DSS) over the incessant vandalism and destruction of the billboards. Isiaka claimed that the state government was subjecting workers to mental torture and blackmail by issuing them politically motivated queries. “We have been inundated with several queries being issued to workers for not being around their offices and concluding that they must have been at PDP events; whereas, we know that it is Amosun that has co-opted top civil servants into his rallies and even forcing them to speak at such campaign grounds,” he added. But in a swift reaction, the Director of Media and Publicity of Senator Ibikunle Amosun Campaign Organisation (SIACO), Mr. Femi Sowoolu, denied the allegations levelled against the governor. Sowoolu said the allegation was “coming from packs of jobless people,” stressing that the governor was too busy to engage in such petty exercise.

N6bn bribery: Amaechi should apologise to CAN, says cleric Wale Elegbede

he presiding Bishop, Resurrection Praise Ministry, Benjamin Mustapha, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave out the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from its campaigns. He stated that Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, lied on the issue of the N6 billion bribe the Presidency allegedly given to CAN leadership. Speaking at a media briefing yesterday in Lagos, the cleric said neither the presidency nor any arm of government did at any time offered bribe to the Christian body, urging the party to leave out the church and its leaders from their propaganda. Governor Amaechi, who is also the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation recently alleged that the Presidency gave N6 billion bribe to

CAN to mobilise support for President Jonathan. While challenging Amaechi to show evidence of where and when the money was given, the Lagos-based pastor said politicians should not in their quest for political power promote religious disharmony amongst the adherents of the various religious groups in the country. He said: “Ameachi said pastors were given N6 billion to support President Jonathan, I challenge the governor to come out and say where and when the money was collected. Dragging the names of our fathers in the Lord to the mud, we will never allow that. A man must come out and stand for his father. That is exactly why I have come out to stand for our fathers in the faith that they are men of integrity. Mr. Amaechi lied on the issue of the alleged N6 billion bribe and should apologise to CAN and the Presidency.”

16 Politics | Interview

THURSDAY, march 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jega challenges RECs on credible polls Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday met with 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and National Commissioners to put finishing touches to the Commission’s preparations for the general elections. Also yesterday, some youths, under the aegis of Middle Belt Concerned Youths staged a protest at the commission’s headquarters, against the planned use of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and the Card Readers for the elections. Jega, who addressed the commissioners shortly before the meeting went into closed session, said the purpose was to review preparations for the forthcoming elections as well examine the gaps “in the final things that we need to do within the next two weeks to keep on adding value to the elections.” He added that the meeting would review outstanding matters relating to the distribution of PVCs, the relocation of polling units and the field testing or mock demonstration of card readers. Addressing the RECs, he said: “This is a very challenging time for all of you as we put final finishing touches to preparations for the conduct of the 2015 general elections. “This meeting is very important because it is an opportunity for us to before the elections, have a final review and update of the extent of the preparations for the conduct of the elections,” Jega told them. He challenged them to remain focused in terms of delivering the best election for our country, reminding them that they need to do everything possible to make sure that “the elections scheduled March 28th and April 11th are indeed substantially much much better than those we conducted in 2011 and the subsequent by-elections in some states.” The INEC Chairman reassured Nigerians that the commission was doing its best in meeting the aspirations of Nigerians in terms of free, fair and credible elections. “There are a lot of things to distract us but we need to remain focused and resilient. We need to continue to engage all stakeholders, to inform them, provide information, enlighten them and carry them along, because the contribution and support of everybody is necessary for having the best elections that Nigerians want. “But as we have said constantly, everybody has a role to play in ensuring free, fair, and credible and peaceful elections. In particular, we want to urge candidates and political parties to contribute and engage in the process, within the legal framework and in the context and code of conduct which they have all signed.

lAs youths protest against use of SCRs INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

S/N

(a) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

DISTRIBUTION OF PERMANENT VOTERS CARDS AS AT MARCH 9, 2015 Number of Number of Remarks States Registered Cards Collected Voters % by Voters (b) (c) (d) (e) ABIA 1,396,162 1,154,006 82.66 ADAMAWA 1,559,012 1,377,304 88.34 AKWA-IBOM 1,680,759 1,587,566 94.46 ANAMBRA 1,963,173 1,658,967 84.50 BAUCHI 2,054,125 1,778,380 86.58 BAYELSA 610,373 481,662 78.91 BENUE 2,015,452 1,566,186 77.71 BORNO 1,934,079 1,320,667 68.28 CROSS RIVER 1,175,623 949,563 80.77 DELTA 2,275,264 1,901,090 83.55 EBONYI 1,074,273 848,392 78.97 EDO 1,779,738 1,215,489 68.30 EKITI 732,021 509,343 69.58 ENUGU 1,429,221 1,214,701 84.99 FCT 881,472 565,678 64.17 GOMBE 1,120,023 1,069,635 95.50 IMO 1,803,030 1,707,449 94.70 JIGAWA 1,831,276 1,756,320 95.91 KADUNA 3,407,222 3,174,519 93.17 KANO 4,975,701 4,112,039 82.64 KATSINA 2,827,943 2,620,096 92.65 KEBBI 1,470,648 1,369,155 93.10 KOGI 1,350,883 926,013 68.55 KWARA 1,142,267 879,237 76.97 LAGOS 5,822,207 3,763,191 64.64 NASARAWA 1,242,667 1,048,053 84.34 NIGER 2,014,317 1,642,144 81.52 OGUN 1,829,534 869,528 47.53 ONDO 1,524,655 1,105,709 72.52 OSUN 1,407,107 1,029,324 73.15 OYO 2,415,566 1,637,735 67.80 PLATEAU 2,001,825 1,508,585 75.36 RIVERS 2,537,590 1,091,132 82.41 SOKOTO 1,611,929 1,527,004 94.73 TARABA 1,340,652 1,264,316 94.31 YOBE 1,099,970 824,401 74.95 ZAMFARA 1,495,717 1,435,452 95.97 Total 68,833,476 55,490,031 80.61

“In particular, they also need to respect the peace accord

which the leading candidates in the presidential race have

Jega

signed, as well as many gubernatorial candidates in the states have signed. “We all need to ensure that the elections are peaceful, because peaceful elections are what will promote stability of our country and what will lay a solid foundation that is required for development,” he added. The Middle Belt youths, who came to the INEC premises at about 10.14a.m. were prevented by armed policemen and other security agents from gaining access. They said they were at INEC to register their grievances against the use of the PVCs and Card Readers because of what they said were the failures recorded during the recent mock exercise the conducted last Saturday by INEC. Leader of the group, Mr. Yunusa Yusuf, noted that “judging from what transpired during the exercise, it has been proven that batteries of these Card Readers do not function for more than three hours. The question therefore is, what happens if the battery fails during the election proper, especially in the rural areas?” He alleged that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC were planning to rig the forthcoming elections, adding that the claims of APC supporters in Kano

and Lagos states that the machines are working were mere cover-up. “For the simple fact that APC and INEC are on the same page on the use of PVCs and Card Readers speak volumes about their plans to rig the forthcoming polls, which all right-thinking and well-meaning Nigerians must resist with vigour. “If the APC supporters in Kano and Lagos states claimed that the electronic machines did not fail during the mock exercise in their states, they are simply playing to the gallery; it is a cover-up and a far cry from the ugly reality starring everybody in the face. “In as much as we appreciate the steadfastness and enormous innovations institutionalised by INEC to bequeath free and fair elections to the nation, it is still the contention of majority of Nigerians that such efforts must not be sacrificed on the altar of a fool-hardy insistence of proceeding with the use of PVCs, despite the glaring imperfections inherent in them. Insisting on using them for the elections will only end up disenfranchising a huge segment of Nigeria’s voting population.” INEC Assistant Director, Victor Egbo, who was later handed over the protest letter was prevented by the protesters from addressing them.

Assembly candidate cautions Christian leaders against financial inducement Wale Elegbede

he All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate in Obokun State Constituency, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has cautioned religious leaders against financial inducement by those he described as rejected politicians. The APC candidate said the desperation to either retain power at the centre or occupy political position at the state level, is making some politicians to induce religious leaders with

money, with a view to dragging their names in the mud. Oyintiloye spoke at the 40th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ilesa, Otan-Ile Circuit in Obokun Local Government. While citing the alleged bribery of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership with N7 billion by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he noted that the allegation has made the Christian body to be an object of international ridicule.

Oyintiloye specifically urged Christian leaders to rise above earthly encumbrances and pursue their divine mandate in the spirit of Calvary, urging them to avoid the pollution in the world, which, he described as gain of Balaam and pathway of Gehazi. “Several names of Christian leaders have been dragged in the mud and we should find ways of correcting these anomalies rather than dragging more names to the mud. “By turning the altar to campaign ground after inducement

by the PDP, some church leaders are now battling with credibility crisis,” he said. Earlier in his address, the Archbishop of Ilesa Diocese, Most Reverend Charles Oderinde appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to be sincere with the sanctity of May 29 as the terminal date of his term in office, adding that politicians should allow the electoral body to make its own decision without interference, with a view to ensuring free, fair, credible and non-violent elections.

Politics | Interview 17

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, march 12, 2015

Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba is the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Imo State University, Owerri and a delegate to the 2014 National Conference. He speaks on the hate campaigns that have dominated the build-up to the general elections and other salient issues, in this interview with Felix Nwaneri. Excerpts: What do you make of the hate campaigns that have characterised the build-up to the general elections? The concern with the issue has become prevalent in the last weeks, especially since the new dates for the general elections were announced. We also observe heightened public commentary and adverts in the media. Clearly, the elections this year, especially at the presidential level is more competitive and therefore more emotive. Not surprisingly, the major competitors and their supporters are agitated and therefore may be saying things that may be perceived as hate campaign. But whether those comments can truly qualify as depicting hate is debatable. When and by whom that commenced is also debatable. Some would say that since the last election in 2011 those who did not win never relented, and by commentary, may have incited parts of the country against those who emerged. In this political school are those who even attribute the escalation of terrorists’ activities in parts of the country to such campaigns. Some others see it as a very recent development, and see one side in the election worried at the prospect of not winning and desperately trying to smear those they think are getting better public acceptance than hitherto the case. What could have informed why the candidates for the various elective positions are not focusing on issues ahead of the polls? On the contrary, I have seen a lot of attempt by the major presidential candidates and the governorship candidates in some states present issues they believe should be priorities in governance. However, I do not see the public listening. Perhaps that has encouraged the politicians to move on to issues which might interest and influence the electorate as majority of Nigerians are not tuned to the issues we could attribute to historical and sociocultural reasons. In an election such as this where an incumbent is contesting, it ought to be a referendum on his performance. Has he done well to deserve our votes? If he has done well, then he gets re-elected. Where will you be looking for the evidences of his good performance? You find that in the security of lives and properties that is the first duty of the state. The second should be in terms of citizens wellbeing and that you

Nwajiuba: North, South-South interests fuelling election crisis seek in food security and poverty, education and health, and others impacting on day to day living. You then move on to basically other issues under the MDGs including women empowerment. After this, you look at other issues like ability to carry and serve the entire country without discrimination and not being a divisive personality in the polity. On the other hand, if it is perceived that he has not done as well as we desire, what factors account for that? Is his major opponent a credible alternative who should be supported? If that opponent has held public positions in the past, you look at what he did. Do you like what you see? You do not necessarily focus on what a politician says but what he does. In this case, the simple question you answer is going by his antecedents and character exhibited as an adult, which is not easy to change, is this opponent an ‘angel’ that we can say will be better than this ‘devil’? What do you think are the issues that should shape the discourse, especially as it concerns the presidency? The key weakness of the democratic and electoral process in Nigeria is with the Nigerian people. Hence the politicians try to meet the electorate at the point of their availability and interest, which seems not to have risen significantly above the mundane levels of pre-independence era. A key issue that is currently in discussion is what to make of the report of the National Conference. A section of the leadership in the South-West has made that a central issue and basis for choice of support, and one of the presidential candidates is engaged with that zone of the country on that basis. The other perhaps does not see that as sufficiently worthy of attention or may be is assured that the zone will vote for him nevertheless. The South-West is of course Nigeria’s most sophisticated and vibrant zone. In the South-East, a section of the leadership sees the key issue perhaps as the period which each zone of the country has occupied the presidential seat and therefore prefers a candidate whose zone has spent less time at the apex of political power in Nigeria. For the South-South, it appears the issue is seen more in terms of our son. For the NorthEast and North-Central, the issue seems to be who can provide security, while in the North-West, it seems the key issue of interest to the political class is an understanding of power rotation and the belief that the North-West should get what it wants politically and when it wants it. What would have informed that position of the South-East, when other zones seem to be looking beyond primordial factors before expressing their support for any of the presidential candidate? Surprisingly when you look at the zones where the current

of Savannah State from Borno, and Amana from Adamawa, and if from southern Kaduna in the North-West, a Gurara State, and if an Idoma in Benue State in the North-Central, an Apa State.

Nwajiuba

Federal Government has spent most of the capital expenditures since the last six years, they are also zones the government seems to be having great difficulties in electoral chances. You would expect the North-Central (35 per cent) which is clearly the most favoured in terms of Federal Government capital projects followed by the North-West (21 per cent) and South-West (15 per cent) to be very enthusiastic about the incumbent, but that seems not to be the case. On the contrary, the SouthEast (five per cent) which the government has made abysmal capital expenditures since the last six years is perceived as the zone with the most solid support for the incumbent. We can only assume that those other reasons are more important to most voters in the South-East than such capital projects. Even for the North-East, if I was from there, I would take the National Conference report even more serious than the South-West. My understanding of the circumstance of some sections of the North-East is that freedom should precede economics, and that is with respect to the recommendations of new states. If, for instance, I am from southern Borno, that would be my priority and in that case I would be guided by the same core question in the South-West, which is, who is likely to implement the National Conference report. I would be desirous of the creation

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

The presidential election has become a North-West versus SouthSouth contest with the rest of us finding a basis to support one of them

Do you see the hate campaigns inciting the people after the elections, whichever way the results go? I would say yes. We saw that in Northern Nigeria in 2011. Further back in history, we saw that in the North in 1945, and in 1966. Many persons say that if the incumbent is announced as the winner of the March 28 presidential election, there will be riots in the North of the country. There are also persons who say that may also be seen as what has been engineered by a section of the political elite in parts of the North and has been so since 2011, basically as a result of the emergence of a president who is considered to be an outsider to the political leadership of the country. In fact some persons believe that the only basis for the emergence of the major opposition party is a common disdain for change to that historical order as in terms of content and character, there is no difference between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), but that this disdain is so strong that even on such issues as ratings on the corruption index which the APC has made a key issue is not considered internally within the party, hence persons advertised as snow white are at the same table with those advertised as brackish waters. The other side to the violence expected is coming from a section of the South-South. What I see driving this is the “its our turn to eat our thing” mentality which is colliding with the “we are born to rule” mentality, mostly embedded in the psyche of mostly persons in a section of the North-West. Hence, the presidential election has become a North-West versus South-South contest with the rest of us finding a basis to support one of them. To persons in the two zones, it’s therefore neither performance nor better alternative but at such mundane level of “we eat our thing which they have been eating, and this is our birthright.” Sometime while at the airport lounge I enjoy the swagger of our brothers and the excitement of our sisters from the South-South. Something good is happening to their psyche. I truly enjoy it when I see them. Incidentally, also some persons in the South-South feel it is unfair of the North-West not to allow them enjoy a little longer, considering the historical role they believe they played in helping the North dominate the political and economic space in Nigeria especially since 1966. What also has disappointed some sections of the North and I believe must be a wonder to the SouthSouth is the South-East support for the incumbent. It is against expectation.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion North East elections conundrum Butrous Pembi

he iconic William Shakespeare in the Hamlet, one of his political plays, vividly confronted one of life’s greatest dilemmas, which is “to be or not to be, that is the question”. This is also the puzzling question to answer with reference to the uncertainty of conducting the March 28 scheduled elections, against the background of the prolonged Boko Haram brigandage in the North East frontier of Nigeria. Evidently, the absence of peace and the obligation of conducting the general elections in the entire North East landscape have lately become the bone of contention among the political class in the count down to the forth coming general elections. Increasingly, political actors and gladiators are now polarized over the realism, competence and readiness of INEC, Nigeria’s electoral empire, to superintend violent free and credible polls that are staggered between March 28 and April 11, 2015. Penultimate week Bala James Ngilari, who by an act of providence and constitutional leverage is the Adamawa State Governor, fired the first salvo when he publicly expressed pessimism over the conduct of the national elections in the North East, where the Boko Haram insurgency has continued to inflict terror and mayhem among the hopeless populace in the five states of Adamawa, Brono, Yobe, Gombe and Bauchi to some extent. Matter of fact, the increasing human tragedy that has characterized the entire North East corridor cannot even inspire patriotism and the right of universal suffrage among the already traumatized populace, presently displaced from their villages and who are now IDPs in Yola, Kano, Jos, Abuja and Lagos refugee camps. Expressing his “personal views”, Ngilari had expressed deep concerns over the atmosphere of insecurity prevalent in seven of the 21 local government areas of his state and therefore doubted the possibility of conducting violence free elections in the entire region, particularly where the Boko Haram pseudo-jihadists have since de-

clared their Caliphate in some parts of Borno and Yobe states. Wrongly or rightly, he was shouted down at the stakeholders’ forum organized by INEC in respect of the conduct of violence free general elections in the North East. Notwithstanding that the Adamawa state helmsman was roundly jeered and lampooned, the recent escalation of Boko Haram orgy of massacres of residents of Baga, Monguno, Biu and Potiskum, Damaturu and lately in Gombe have increasingly lent credence to Ngilari’s pessimism, unfortunately. Furthermore, the uncertainty over the conduct of the elections, which begins next week, is further compounded by the European Union Observer Team, who had already declared the North East zone a-no- go- area of sort. One can understand their apprehensions, but that should not dissuade INEC from going on with the polls in these flashpoints. After all, credible elections were successfully conducted in more troubled areas of Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia over the years. Apparently, one should wonder why the federal government has failed woefully to protect its citizens for about four years now since the Boko Haram notoriety held sway in the entire North. The futile efforts of government all the while to effectively arrest the spate of terrorism in the five states of the North East really make the elections doubtful in the sub-region. It equally undermines the seriousness and sensitivity of the federal government to the sanctity of lives and property of its hapless citizenry. Having expected the federal government to free the entire North East from the brutal grips of the Boko Haram terror group but to no avail, the victims are wont to believe that either the government is incompetent to protect them or it is remotely behind the insurgency that have disoriented their ways of lives forever. The victims has repeatedly asked why the Nigerian military whose exemplary exploits and heroic antecedents, since World War II through the Nigerian Civil War and at UN Peace Keeping Missions around the world, cannot now defend the territorial integrity of the Nigerian state? The people

seek answers to why the weaponry of the Nigerian military is inadequate and less superior to the fire power of a ragtag militia? Why is the morale of the Nigerian military at its lowest ebb ever, against the rising confidence level of these rampaging insurgents? Justifiably, the people really feel insulted why it has taken the Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria more than a year to visit these flash points, at least to empathize with them or even to inspire and assuage the fears and despair of victims of these ceaseless terror attacks? Why for heaven’s sake should the over 200 Chibok girls be still missing for close to one full year now, while their whereabouts are not even known to the same government who is desperately desirous of been re-elected by the grieve stricken parents, their kith and kin as well as the concerned citizens of Nigeria, whose votes are critical to the victory at the polls? There are indeed more questions than answers to this conundrum confronting the vanquished and alienated victims of a typical failed state. And fundamentally, what is the essence of government when the security and defecse of its citizenry and the territorial integrity of the state become both compromised and breached? Political sociologist have historically underscored the principle of Social Contract to underpin the essence of government as espoused by renown philosophers like Pluto, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. The social contract concept posits that “individuals either explicitly or tacitly consent to surrender some freedom and summit to the authority of the state in exchange for protection of their natural and legal rights”. By all means of governance, therefore sovereignty belongs to the people because by moral or political obligations, the subjects have voluntarily chosen to entrust their freedom and authority to the state in the great expectation that their security of lives and property are sacrosanct. • Pembi, a media consultant, wrote from the recaptured town of Michika in Adamawa State.

Alleged N7 billion presidential bribe Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

he postponed general election in Nigeria has eventually thrown-up some issues bothering on allegations and counterallegations amongst the political class who are campaigning and jostling for both elective and selective positions. In this vein therefore, decency, maturity, acceptable words are being thrown to the winds inorder to undo each other. Hate languages are also invoked so as to do some inevitable damages. Perhaps, all these gutter and unethical behavioural pattern will stop after the conduct of the general elections slated for March 28 and April 11, 2015. It is expected that the various political parties should concentrate on their manifestoes or action of programmes and how they are implementable when voted into elective offices. Rather, the politicians are busy black-mailing, attacking personalities and integrity of opponents and individuals. These are not justifiable in an electoral contest such as this. Not too long ago, Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State who is also the Director General of the Buhari’s Presidential campaign council alleged that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan gave a N7 billion bribe to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The purpose, according to

Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, is to enable the Christian body rubbish the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammed Buhari (rtd). Almost immediately, a Bornu-based pastor, Kallamu Musa-Dikwa, Executive Director, Voice of the Northern Christian Movement also gave credence and aligned with Governor Amaechi. According to him, Amaechi’s figure was totally wrong. The Pastor insisted that the presidential bribe was N6 billion and not N7 billion which the Governor quoted. Some accusing fingers were directed at Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of CAN, that he was given the alleged sum of money to distribute to the other pastors in Christian churches all over the country. Haba, this man of God has suffered tremendously in the hands of political horse-traders. It is no longer his private jet which was hired by contractors to carry some money to South Africa for the purchase of arms and ammunitions! There is indeed a deliberate attempt by those who do not like his face to undo him at any cost. Nobody has come out with the required evidence to substantiate this retrogressive allegation. However, Mr. President’s spokesman vehemently denied this allegation and added that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan did not give any bribe to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Also, Mr. Sunday Oite, the Pub-

lic Relations Officer of CAN denied the alleged bribe. He added that the allegation was a complete lie and just one of the many evil plots to dent the image of CAN’s leadership. Further, he said that it was an attempt to rubbish CAN’s integrity and maket morally incapable of leading Christians in these trying times. The National Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Simeon Okah, while in Calabar to inaugurate the Cross River State Chapter of the PFN Executive, challenged those who made the bribery allegation to substantiate it or remain quiet. He said that the story of bribery was a lie and not credible. Let it be known that the figures as alleged by Rotimi Amaechi and Pastor Kallamu Musa-Dikwa did not correspond with each other and are therefore contradictory. A total sum of N6 billion and N7 billion can never be an equivalent. This is my fear about the two allegations and it is my honest and sincere view that such weighty allegation ought to be substantiated with an iota of proof. The call by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Head of Media and Publicity of the Jonathan’s Presidential campaign council is not a solution to the issue. For instance, he had called on the police to investigate the allegation. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode should deeply appreciate the fact that if the Inspector General of Police should mandate his officers and men to in-

vestigate the allegation, Lai Mohammed and Shehu Garba, APC’s National Publicity Secretary and Head, Media and Publicity of Buhari’s presidential campaign council respectively would easily drag the police into politics, politicking and accuse the security institution as being biased. Such police investigation would have made the presidency and his political party to play straight into the hands of the opposition. It is my candid opinion that allegations and counter-allegations during political campaigns are essential ingredients which makes democracy thick. It will be an eye-opener to the eligible voters who will be able to separate the truth of the allegations from outright falsehood. There are allegations, too, which the public domain would regard as laughable and clearly untrue. If there are no allegations made against politicians by politicians, the beauty of political campaigns would have been relegated to the background. Curiously, some weightless and unsubstantiated allegations may not be able to sway the votes of an enlightened electorate to any side of the political divide. Many voters who can differentiate with their brains still intact, will not contemplate to accept blatant and fabricated lies and hold it as the truth. Politicians can only beware of how many unsubstantiated allegations they will make during this period. • Wilkie can be reached at pmikky1950@yahoo.com (08023097251)

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

EDITORIAL

Our VISION To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

A media partner of

Sanctity of Truth

Our MISSION To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

Hard drugs and Indo-Nigerian relations

f Nigeria, as a country, were to be an individual that is defined by moods and other idiosyncrasies of individuals, perhaps she might have since been restricted or confined to bed on account of revulsion from the activities of some of its citizens in foreign countries. About two months after some Nigerians were allegedly executed in a Far Eastern country, three Nigerians are also currently languishing on death row in Indonesia, sparking the needless controversy regarding the propriety or otherwise of the Federal Government appealing directly to the government of that country for leniency for the sheer criminality of some citizens. As a matter of fact, the Federal Government yesterday pleaded frantically with the Indonesian government to spare the lives of three Nigerians who are on death row in that country over drugrelated offences which carry the maximum penalty in the Asian kingdom. They include Silvester Obiekwe Nwolise (39); Okwudili Oyatanze (40) and Spanish-born Nigerian, Raheem Agbaje Salami(45) all of who have reportedly exhausted their legal appeals and have had their clemency requests rejected by the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo.

Although capital punishment is the traditional consequence of drug-related convictions in Indonesia, the Federal Government was reportedly encouraged to explore the slim possibility of commuting the death to life sentence by the robust bilateral relationship that this country currently enjoys with that Asian country. Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with the High Commissioner of Indonesia, Mr Harry Parvantto, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni, also called for an urgent finalization of a Prisoners Transfer Agreement (PTA), which is currently under consideration between the two countries. ‘We understand that Salami has been moved to an island where he would be executed. We understand that all of them have gone through the judicial processes, but we want to appeal, through you, to your government, please commute their sentences to life imprisonment’, the permanent secretary said. In January this year, the Indonesia government executed two Nigerian citizens, Daniel Ebemuo and Solomon Chibuike Okafor for a similar offence which does not seem to have succeeded in serving as deterrent to others who want to get rich by all means.

In his response to the plea, the Indonesian High Commissioner promised to relay the desperate message to his home government in Jakarta, promising that his home government attaches great premium to its relations with Nigeria. Although the Indonesian High Commissioner did not say so outrightly, observers say the promise to relay the message to Jakarta amounted to polite refusal of Nigeria’s plea, even before it was delivered, because that country has made categorically clear that it would not bend or change her laws to suit the criminal preferences of some unscrupulous foreign nationals. Obviously, the Federal Government may have been encouraged by the example of Austrialia that has also joined the begging party because Andrew Chan, a 31-yearold Aussie Chinese extraction, is also in a similar predicament as the gallows-bound Nigerians. But critical evaluation should have exposed the fact this was a wasted effort because apart from a frightening precedent that has been laid, most emphatically, Jarkata is not going to change or vary its laws, as a sovereign nation, to satisfy to accommodate the repulsive preferences of some foreigners, even from friendly nations, including Nigeria. In fact, the celebrated row

between Indonesia and Brazil, over the arrest of a Brazilian on similar charges, is pertinent in this regard as the Indonesian president has already suspended a four-year moratorium on executions and restored its famous hard-line posture against drug traffickers in that country. According to him, Indonesia is very categorical that the twin issues of drug trafficking and terrorism in that country carry the maximum penalty but added that a small and transparent window exists in the form of proceedings up to the Supreme Court where appeals for clemency were rejected by President Widodo. Besides Chan, another Australian awaiting execution is 33-year old Yuran Sakumaran and a Filipino, Jane Fiesto Veloso, among others, who have since been moved to a high-security prison island to await execution which is becoming as increasingly certain as tomorrow. As commendable as this effort by the Federal Government is to rise to the defence of even errant citizens trapped in avoidable predicaments in foreign countries, one can not over-emphasise the need to remind every Nigerian travelling abroad to respect the laws of his host nation since these can never be changed or modified to accommodate the nauseating intentions of visitors.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Eric Osagie

Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor n Emeka Obasi

Deputy Editor n Ayodele Ojo Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi News Editor n Geoffrey Ekenna Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

20 Politics

THURSDAY, march 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Election campaign devoid of real issues Okpara Enyinna

have followed the current electioneering of the two major political belligerents: the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) and I can say that the campaign trains of the two most vociferous parties have been wallowing in emptiness. The two parties have been raising dust and no real issues. They are taking advantage of the widespread ignorance

of the average Nigerian coupled with unmitigated hunger in the land. They dance, razzmatazz, abuse and end up saying nothing concrete on why they are seeking for continuity or change. Election campaigns, as we know it in other parts of the world are centred on issues. You want to fix the epileptic power supply; you go specific on how your party intends to tackle a project that previous government has used to drain the economic live blood of the nation. If it is the PDP that is

promising to fix electricity, they should tell us why the situation has not improved after privatising the sector. The people should be told what the ruling party intend to do differently from what it is doing now and have not been able to get the problem solved. The APC on the other hand should be able to tell us what their magic wand would be for getting Nigerians out of darkness in a 21st Century World. I think that this election should have been about four major issues namely: security,

economy, corruption and unemployment. The security threat to the country’ s existence can no longer be taken with kid gloves. The real issue here should be what the APC intend to do differently in routing the insurgents if it eventually gets our mandate. How does the party intend to restore the sagging morale of Nigerian soldiers? Experts tell us that morale is one of the major principles of war and that without it; the most formidable force with the most sophisticated weapon cannot win

any battle even against a rat tag army as the Boko Haram. That the morale of Nigerian soldiers is at the lowest ebb is to say the least. I had often wondered what the ruling PDP would be telling the electorate in the northeastern part of the country during its campaigns there. I feel a sense of nostalgia each time I hear that the PDP is campaigning in Maiduguri, Yola, Damaturu. I have tried to listen to some of the campaign speeches of the party to

hear what it would be telling a traumatised people who have lost every hope of living a normal life. I have also wondered what message and explanation the PDP would be passing across to the parents of the abducted Chibok girls (who might be on the campaign rally) on why 10 months after their children were forcibly taken, the government in power is looking as helpless as the citizens themselves. One would expect to hear the latest strategy of the ruling party in rescuing the abducted girls. If I were one of the President’s advisers I would have counselled against him campaigning in the North-East as a mark of respect for their plight. After all, there is nothing new to tell the people on how the government intend to ameliorate their condition and assuage their anguish. The opposition on the other hand should be able to tell the people of the North-East how it intends to tackle the problem of insurgency and restore normalcy to a people who have become refugees in their own country. The APC should not just mouth change, it should go a step further in telling the people how it intends to reclaim Nigeria from the nadir of transient existence. APC should tell the electorate how it intends to raise money to execute the numerous programmes it proposes to pursue, especially after the ruling party had emptied the treasury. Is the APC going to review the Nigeria’s tax regime or borrow money? These are the real issues that ought to define the campaign. Rather than tell us what its real achievements are as well as its future programmes; the PDP engages in shadow boxing. The PDP derives pleasure in insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians by telling us how Buhari does not possess a secondary school certificate and other inanities. The APC on its own should not follow the vain pattern of campaign of the ruling party but should appear more convincing. The party should tell us in concrete terms whether if voted into power it would ameliorate our sufferings or compound our woes. Nigerians need to know in advance whether the desired change the people are clamouring for would amount to exchanging monkey for baboon. •Okpara Enyinna writes from Wellspring University, Benin City.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, march 12, 2015

Interview

Jurist

Emukpoeruo: Court can’t determine military roles in elections

Ali: Further poll shift’ ll cripple Nigeria’s economy

22&24

25&26

Law

Izinyon

Jega

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE and TUNDE OYESINA write that although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that there was no going back on card reader, lawyers have argued that Section 19 of the Electoral Act prohibits the use of card reader. Besides, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) has joined the battle to stop INEC from using the Card Reader machine for the general elections

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY Editor

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

INEC in the dock

here appears that the scheduled March 28 general elections may suffer another hitch if the latest controversy being generated by the Card Reader machine and the Permanent Voter’s Card were not resolved in earnest. INEC at the weekend, resolved that the Card Reader will be used for the March 28 and April 11 elections. It did a test run of the machine last Saturday. However, a legal issue is being raised on the use of Card Reader for the conduct of the general elections. Leading the ‘battle’ is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Izinyon, who has taken the case before the court, asking it to stop INEC from the use of the contentious Card Reader machine for the March 28 and April 11 elections. His reason is predicated on the ‘fitness’ of the machine to deliver expected results. Others are George Turner, Ebis Orubebe, Dan Etai, Agorodi Awudumapu and Nelson Abali. Already INEC had confirmed that the last Saturday test run of the machine was largely successful. This, according to the electoral umpire had nullified the

Electoral Act makes no distinction between TVC or PVC. Frankly such terms are unknown to the Electoral Act

insinuations by its opponents that the card reader machine would ignite electoral flaws. Instead INEC said its use would definitely curb rigging as its test run had recorded massive success although only one case of a weak Card Reader was recorded at INEC’s Situation Room. But Izinyon disagreed. He said INEC must be stopped otherwise thousands of voters risk disenfranchisement. Already, three separate suits are pending before the courts. While two are before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the third one is before the Yenagoa division of the High court. However, the two major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress had been joined as parties in the suit. For instance, Izinyon is leading the United Democratic Party (UDP) and four others through a suit initiated by the party, urging the court to stop INEC from using the card reader machine for the elections. In the suit, the party had hinged its application on the grounds that the Card Reader machine had not been properly

tested by INEC, hence it should not be used during the forthcoming elections as such may disenfranchise some voters. In another suit, a group, the Society for Advancement and Protection of Public Rights (SAPP) also queried the use of Permanent Voter’s Card in the forthcoming polls, saying such would disenfranchise voters who were yet to collect their PVC. Sued are INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation. It asked the court for an order restraining the electoral body from preventing every willing Nigerian without the Permanent Voters Card from voting. Besides, SAPP is queening behind Izinyon on why INEC must be stopped from using the card reader or other programmable machine which may or have the effect of interfering with the constitutional rights of any registered voters during the general elections. According to the group, INEC which had no power to deprive or deny any eligible Nigerians from voting by virtue of Sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the 1999 Constitution, must be restrained. Specifically, it said the laws which prescribed the use of Card Reader machine for screening voters cards was ulCONTINUED ON PAGE 23

22 Law | Interview Robert Emukpoeruo is the principal partner, Summit Law Firm. Emukpoeruo bares his mind on the INEC’s insistence to involve the military in the scheduled general elections with a verdict that court cannot determine the roles of the military in elections. AKEEM NAFIU met him The role of the military has been settled by the Court of Appeal yet INEC insists that it would involve the military in the March 28 and April 11 elections. What specific role would you say the military should play in the country’s elections? First and foremost I should observe that the judgment of the Court of Appeal stemmed from the election petition of the All Progressives Congress against the return of Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose as the duly elected Governor of Ekiti State. In the petition, which the Governorship Election Tribunal dismissed as being bereft of merit, no relief whatsoever was claimed against the Armed Forces or the Military. Some vague allegations were made against unnamed, unknown soldiers, SSS, policemen etc. It is important to emphasize that the Court of Appeal in its judgment made no order against the Armed Forces or the Military. The order of substance that it made is an order dismissing APC’s appeal and affirming the dismissal of APC’s petition. Strictly speaking there is no enforceable order of the court of appeal in the judgment. No doubt their Lordships of the Court of Appeal made findings and pronouncements that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have no role to play in the conduct of elections and that the President [who was not a party to the petition] has no power under any law to deploy the Armed Forces or the Military to maintain security during the conduct of elections! They relied on the provisions of Section 217 of the Constitution, which in their Lordships contained the functions of the armed forces. But their Lordships of the Court of Appeal would appear not to have taken into consideration all of the provisions of the Constitution and the Armed Forces Act which were relevant to the issue before making the pronouncement that the armed forces have no business with civil activities. By Section 130(2) of the 1999 Constitution the President of the Federation of Nigeria is its Chief Executive, its Head of State and relevant to us here the “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.” Now Section 218 in unambiguous terms confers on the President the power to “determine the use of the armed forces of the Federation.” Section 8 of the Armed Forces Act in elaborating on the pow-

THURSDAY, march 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Emukpoeruo: Court can’t determine military roles in elections

Emukpoeruo

ers of the President to determine the operational use of the armed forces of the Federation expressly stated in subsection 3 that “in this section, “operational use of the Armed Forces” includes the operational use of the Armed Forces in Nigeria for the purpose of maintaining and securing public safety and public order.” Since the Constitution has vested in the President the power to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces I believe that it is really not within the remit of the judiciary to interfere with how the President exercises this power as the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces. Their Lordships of the Court of Appeal did not consider the import of the power vested by the Constitution in the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the Federation to determine the operational use to which the armed forces of the federation may be put anywhere within Nigeria. They also did not revert to Section 8 of the Armed Forces Act, which included the deployment of the Armed Forces within Nigeria “for the purpose of maintaining and securing public safety and public order.” I think we can all agree that public safety and public order are preconditions for the conduct of a free and fair election. So, there is nothing illegal or unconstitutional in the deploy-

There is nothing illegal or unconstitutional in the deployment of the armed forces by Mr. President to secure the country during the period of the election

ment of the armed forces by Mr. President to secure the country during the period of the election. The truth of the matter is that this issue is being unduly politicized and that’s wrong. Soldiers were fully deployed in all the recent elections conducted under the current President. Gubernatorial elections were successfully conducted with the Armed Forces providing security in Edo State, Ondo State, Anambra State, Ekiti State and Osun State. The armed forces have always participated in securing the peace during elections. They don’t participate in conducting the elections. Theirs is to provide security. They did it in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 and in other elections that were conducted in between this period. The armed forces have always been actively involved in providing security and this is not contrary to the provisions of the Constitution or the Armed Forces Act. There is nothing in the Electoral Act or the Police Act which specifically and exclusively vests in the Police the responsibility of maintaining law and order during the election. But the Police are to maintain law and order generally and that function is also conferred on the armed forces in the operational use to which the President is explicitly empowered to put the army. But under the Electoral Act which

of them is empowered to provide security during elections? The Electoral Act made no provision for which security service is to provide security during the election. This is under the general [but not exclusive] remit of the Police pursuant to the provisions of Sections 4 and 10 of the Police Act. Interestingly it is still in the President that power is vested to give directions to the Police. Section 10 states that “The President may give to the Inspector-General such directions with respect to the maintaining and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary, and the Inspector-General shall comply with those directions or cause them to be complied with.” So, the presence of Policemen during the election is based on directions given by the President. But this should be distinguished from the presence of policemen at each polling unit for the purpose of receiving polling unit results from the Presiding officers. The Electoral Act allows for the presence of policemen at each polling unit. And the Police Officer shall be given the result if available. His presence is not mandatory under the provisions of Section 63(3) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. And the reason for this is to vouchsafe the authenticity of the result that emanates from the polling units in the event that there are CO NTINUED O N PAGE24

Law

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, march 12, 2015

NGO, group join battle to stop INEC’s card reader C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

tra vires and inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution and therefore null and void. Also, SAPP is asking the court to give an order directing INEC to permit every willing Nigerian with a voter’s card issued by INEC to vote at the 2015 general elections. It also wants an order directing INEC to comply with Sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the 1999 Constitution as well as Section 10(4) and 12 of the Electoral Act by ensuring that every registered Nigerian voter willing to vote must not be prevented by the use of any card reader from voting at the general elections. It further wants the court to give an order directing that the current voter’s register to be used for the 2015 general elections is the register existing, at least 60 days to the commencement of the 2015 general elections as notified by INEC pursuant to Section 30(1) of the Electoral Act. Asides the suit pending before the Abuja court, a separate suit was also filed before the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state over the use of PVC and Card reader for the forthcoming general elections. Would these suits not hamper the March 28 and April 11 elections even as a fresh one is already before the Yenagoa High Court where a former national vice-President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade George Turnah and five others had asked the court to stop the conduct of the elections on the grounds of the use of the PVC and the card reader machine as a condition for the elections? But a lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo had argued that it was not the intendment of the Electoral Act for the INEC to use any Card Reader for the conduct of the scheduled elections. Emukpoeruo said the use of any electronic card reader as a condition for any elections was never anticipated by the Electoral Act. He said: “The use of the electronic card reader as a condition for voting is not anticipated by the Electronic Act. The electronic card readers are meant to be used for the accreditation of voters. The truth of the matter is that the foundation of any election is accreditation. Without accreditation, you cannot have any valid vote. And without a valid vote there can be no valid election. If you look at it from the narrow perspective that voting is limited to casting of votes alone then it is not a violation of the Electoral Act. But once we have regards to numerous judicial authorities unanimously saying that voting is not limited to merely casting of votes but the entire process of the election starting with accreditation then there is a problem that INEC itself is on a collision course with the provi-

Jonathan

Buhari

sions of the Electoral Act which prohibits electronic voting. I know there is a case pending in court challenging the use of PVC for the election. The requirement for voting under the provisions of the Act is that you are a duly registered voter and your name is on the voter’s register. INEC issued the temporary voter cards [TVC] pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended].

The use of electronic card reader is illegal or, at least, not founded on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]

The TVCs were used for the 2011 general elections. The Electoral Act 2010 [as amended] was not amended or repealed. It is still the extant law for the electoral process in Nigeria today. The voters register used for the 2011 election was not discarded. At best it was only updated. My PVC was issued pursuant to my registration as a voter sometime in January 2011 before the 2011 general elections.

“So, we have an unfolding scenario where a person who was an eligible registered voter [and who perhaps voted] in 2011 under the Electoral Act 2010 suddenly becomes illegible to vote under the selfsame un-amended and un-repealed Electoral Act 2010. And this is because INEC has decided to use electronic card readers and what it terms Permanent Voters Card. The Electoral Act makes no distinction between TVC or PVC. Frankly such terms are unknown to the Electoral Act. A voter’s card is a voter’s card. All that a registered voter is required to present to a presiding officer to be entitled to vote is a voter’s card issued by INEC. Whether it is PVC or TVC is irrelevant under the scheme expressly enacted by the National Assembly in the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]. Section 49 of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended] in very eloquent and explicit terms provides that “a person intending to vote with his voter’s card, shall present himself to a Presiding Officer at the polling unit in the constituency in which his name is registered with his voter’s card.” Subsection 2 of Section 49 now provides the clincher “the Presiding Officer shall, on being satisfied that the name of the person is on the register of voters, issue him a ballot paper and indicate on the Register that the person has voted.” Electronic Card Reader cannot be read into these provisions as a condition for voting. The only legal conditions for voting are stated explicitly in Section 49 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. The person intending to vote, presents himself to the Presiding Officer with his voter’s card, by whatever description, and once his name is on the voters’ register he must be given a ballot paper and be allowed to vote. The use of electronic card readers as a condition for voting is not founded on the provisions of Section 49 [or any section] of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]. There is nothing in the Electoral Act 2010 that requires the capturing and verification of a person’s thumbprint as a condition for voting. All that is required is that the Presiding Officer is satisfied that the person’s name is on the register of voters. The card reader is certainly not a means of ascertaining that a person’s name is on the registers of voters. So it does appear that the use of electronic card reader is illegal or at least not founded on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]. INEC has no powers to issue regulations or adopt procedures that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act, which is the enabling law for the conduct of the elections. The best thing is to further amend the Electoral Act 2010 to change the voting procedure to make the use of card readers a precondition for voting.

Law | News

face-off

Navy describes as false report that it evicted its officer without recourse to due process Flora Onwudiwe

otwithstanding the intervention of the court, the Nigerian Navy has evicted one of its officers, Captain Felix Obiorah from its Ojo barracks in Lagos, citing retirement as reason for its action. Although the navy denied evicting Obiorah from his apartment, it said its action was in compliance with the force’s enabling laws especially when the officer had been retired, he ceased to be entitled to the accommodation. In a response, the navy

THURSDAY, march 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Navy denies officer’s eviction from barracks through its Director of Information, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu said Obiorah was not ejected but had his apartment sealed up in accordance with the policy of ‘runout’ date. It reads: “It may interest you to know that retired Captain Obiora has not been ejected by the Nigerian Navy, but his house has been sealed up. “The officer in question was retired from the Service with effect from 26 September 2012. This was after he had missed promotion once and age had caught up with him. The policy of run-out date was therefore applied on the officer. The Navy Board statutorily oversees retirements and promotions in the NN. Therefore, he was duly retired by the Navy Board after reviewing his

case just like other officers who missed promotion.” But Obiorah insisted that he was unlawfully kicked out of the apartment notwithstanding the pendency of a suit challenging the Force at a Federal High Court, Lagos. Besides, he said his life was under threat as the Navy had allegedly laid a siege for him should he appear with an instruction that he should be tortured following an already despached armed naval personnel to the contentious apartment. According to Obiorah not even the suit instituted to challenge the Navy could stop it from threat to his life as the NNS Wey which carried out the act despite a court order from the Nigerian Indus-

trial Court of Nigeria that directed Navy not to embark on any act capable of jeopardising or tamper with his property pending the determination of the case before it was respected. He said: “We have a motion on notice pursuant to Order 11, Rule1 (1) and order 14, Rule 1(1) of the NIC Rule 2007 and under the inherent jurisdiction of this court. The motion is dated 6/3/2014 and filed on the same date. The applicant prays for ; an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendant/ respondents either by themselves, privies, agents, representatives and or any persons by whatsoever named called or known, from ejecting the claimant/applicant from his quarters that

is to say House E13, New Captains Quarters, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos pending the final determination of this suit.” “Justice J.T Agbadu Fishim in granting the order said that he has listened to the submission of the applicant’s counsel and ‘I have also gone through the processes filed by the applicant in his application. It is also not in doubt that the defendants in this case were served with this application but have neither appeared in court nor filed any processes to challenge and or oppose this application. “It is therefore my view that the defendants are not opposed to this application. I therefore order an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants/ respondents either by them-

selves, privies, agent, representatives and or any person by whatsoever name called or known from ejecting the claimant/applicant from his Quarters that is to say House E 13, New Captains Quarters, Navy Town Ojo, Lagos in Lagos State, pending the hearing and final determination of this suit.” Also, before now, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had in 2012 handed down and interim injunction restraining the Nigerian Navy from ejecting the officers from his accommodation. Obiorah had travelled out of Lagos for the festive period when the ejection order was brought to him. But upon enquiry, he discovered that his accommodation was forcefully broken into through the back door.

‘Use of soldiers for polls is President’s prerogative’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

multiple results from one polling unit. The INEC has improved upon the voting system with the introduction of PVC, do you think this is in line with the Electoral Act which prohibits e-voting? Section 52(2) of the Electoral Act prohibits the use of electronic voting machine for the election. The answer to that questions must depend on how voting is defined. If voting is limited to the act of casting votes, the introduction of electronic card readers will not conflict with Section 52(2) of the Electoral Act. But if we take voting in its definition by judicial authorities, that voting is not limited to the actual act of casting the ballot but involves the entire electoral process from accreditation to the final collation and declaration of the results, then the introduction of the electronic card readers by the INEC may well be in direct conflict with the Electoral Act, which expressly prohibits electronic voting in very clear terms. The electronic card readers are meant to be used for the accreditation of voters. The truth of the matter is that the foundation of any election is accreditation. Without accreditation, you cannot have any valid vote. And without a valid vote there can be no valid election. If you look at it from the narrow perspective that voting is limited casting of votes alone then it is not a violation of the Electoral Act. But once we have regard to numerous judicial authorities unanimously saying that voting is not limited to merely casting of votes but is the entire process of the election starting with accreditation then there is a problem that INEC itself is on a collision course with the provisions of the Electoral Act which prohibits electronic

Emukpoeruo

voting. I know there is a case pending in court challenging the use of PVC for the election. The requirement for voting under the provisions of the Act is that you are a duly registered voter and your name is on the voter register. INEC issued the temporary voter cards [TVC] pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]. The TVCs were used for the 2011 general elections. The Electoral Act 2010 [as amended] was not amended or repealed. It is still the extant law for the electoral process in Nigeria today. The voters register used for the 2011 election was not discarded. At best it was only updated. My PVC was issued pursuant to my registration as a voter sometime in January 2011 before the 2011 general elections. So, we have an unfolding scenario where a person who was an eligible registered voter [and

It is really not within the remit of the judiciary to interfere with how the President exercises this power as the Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces

who perhaps voted] in 2011 under the Electoral Act 2010 suddenly becomes illegible to vote under the selfsame un-amended and un-repealed Electoral Act 2010! And this is because INEC has decided to use electronic card readers and what it terms Permanent Voters Card! The Electoral Act makes no distinction between TVC or PVC. Frankly such terms are unknown to the Electoral Act. A voter’s card is a voter’s card. All that a registered voter is required to present to a presiding officer to be entitled to vote is a voter’s card issued by INEC. Whether it is PVC or TVC is irrelevant under the scheme expressly enacted by the National Assembly in the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]. Section 49 of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended] in very eloquent and explicit terms provides that “A person intending to vote with his voter’s card, shall

present himself to a Presiding Officer at the polling unit in the constituency in which his name is registered with his voter’s card.” Subsection 2 of Section 49 now provides the clincher “the Presiding Officer shall, on being satisfied that the name of the person is on the register of voters, issue him a ballot paper and indicate on the Register that the person has voted.” Electronic Card Reader cannot be read into these provisions as a condition for voting. The only legal conditions for voting are stated explicitly in section 49 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. The person intending to vote, presents himself to the Presiding Officer with his voter’s card, by whatever description, and once his name is on the voters’ register he must be given a ballot paper and be allowed to vote. The use of electronic card readers as a condition for voting is not founded on the provisions of Section 49 [or any section] of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]. There is nothing in the Electoral Act 2010 that requires the capturing and verification of a person’s thumbprint as a condition for voting. All that is required is that the Presiding Officer is satisfied that the person’s name is on the register of voters. The card reader is certainly not a means of ascertaining that a person’s name is on the registers of voters. So it does appear that the use of electronic card readers is illegal or at least not founded on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended]. INEC has no powers to issue regulations or adopt procedures that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act, which is the enabling law for the conduct of the elections. The best thing is to further amend the Electoral Act 2010 to change the voting procedure to make the use of card readers a precondition for voting.

Law | Jurist

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, march 12, 2015

Ali: Further poll shift’ ll cripple Nigeria’s economy Foremost legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali has warned of a dire consequence should there be a further extension of the 2015 polls as being rumoured. To the Senior Advocate, a further shift in the polls would take the nation back to the days of General Sanni Abacha when Nigeria was treated as a pariah among the comity of nations. BIODUN OYELEYE reports

e is passionate about good governance and the rule of law. Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria is not happy especially at the turns of things in the nation’s political environment. Reason: He is angry that politicians are unnecessarily heating up the polity through ‘hate speech’ rather than issues. However, Ali urged politicians to be wary of any acts capable of truncating the nation’s fledgling democracy with a view to making Nigeria a pariah among comity of nations. He said: “It’s quite unfortunate that Nigeria’s political class is still in the business of selffirst, self-last. People still see political office in this country as a get-away route from poverty and not for service. And that’s why struggle for political offices is life and death because truly if you want to serve people, if they say you should not serve them, ordinarily you just go back to your house”. He went on: “But because people principally want to serve themselves which leads to this internecine struggle for offices. One is not surprised about the way the campaigns are going; about the name calling, mudslinging and so forth. Of course, the parties don’t have clear cut ideological bent. The parties are just for nouve riche people. And that’s why our politics is so monetised. So, once you don’t have issues to discuss, you’ll be discussing personalities. It follows like days follow the nights. Nigeria is probably one of the few places where a sitting president who was elected to discharge certain mandates, towards the end of his tenure, would be saying all the faults were those of his predecessors. What were you doing in the last number of years you were there? People get elected to correct errors and make progress. So, if you are still involved in blame trading, then it’s something else. And there are too many issues in this country, unlike other countries that you may not have major issues. There are too many issues begging for attention. Is it unemployment, under-employment, security challenges, virtual lack of public utilities, virtually no roads, all national institutions are decaying if they are not out rightly dead. So, we have more than enough issues to contend with. I was talking to one colleague in Abuja two days ago in the court. He happens to come from Benue state and he told me he has been doing electrification for different communities in his area for the last five years. And he told me he had spent about N200 million on the project for small, small communities in Benue. And that can be replicated virtually in many places in this

Ali

country. These are issues that should come to the front burner in elections and electioneering campaigns but unfortunately for us, we have not got there. When I say things like this sometimes, I also come and challenge journalists in the country. Sometimes you read interviews done for some of these people, the kind of questions that are thrown at them, encourage them to just wallow in inanities. If as a government, anyone comes out to say, we’ve tarred one road for several billions of naira, then let them do the break down. We should grow outside of the normal taking things on the face value. Or somebody tells you there’ll be electricity in Nigeria a year after we’re elected. How are you going to attain that? Ask them. Are you going to use hydro, thermal, coal, wind? And what’s the cost per kilohertz. How do you generate the money? So, anyone who says I want to turn Nigeria into Eldorado, where are the resources, and what’s the master plan? So just saying so is not enough. What I am saying is that we challenge you to be a bit more critical about the way you appraise and approach these people because all these things concern our lives and that of our children and children’s children. I believe that we are not likely to get anything better than what we are getting on the political

Buhari doesn’t have certificate, and so? Why should that become front page issue when we are all suffering?

scene because issues are not being thrown up. Some people challenged Obama’s nationality but it didn’t become the major thing in the U.S poll campaign. Their main concern was the economy. It was a side show. Unfortunately anything anyone says here becomes a national discourse almost immediately. Buhari doesn’t have certificate, and so? Why should that become front page issue when we are all suffering? There are more issues we should focus our attention on. If he doesn’t have certificate, those who want to know would know. We shouldn’t promote that. These are stories that should be tucked in, inside a corner of a newspaper that you need hand lens to read it. We have more serious things. The serious problem of insurgency, problem of water, electricity, lack of good roads and so on, challenges of insecurity generally. Insurgency is one thing, insecurity is another thing. I think if we downplay some of these things, it will send signals to those who are promoting them that Nigerians don’t have space for some of these negative tendencies. Besides, the Senior Advocate frowned at the rumor making the rounds that the scheduled general elections may be shifted again, saying that any attempt to further shift the general elections may provoke anarchy. Ali, who disagreed with the

reason by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) that there was need to rid the north-east of insurgency before the elections was not enough to postpone the election especially as the insurgency which had been difficult for the Federal Government to crush could not have been a reason for the sudden shift in the election. Ali said: “Even the postponement of the election has turned Nigeria into a laughing stock in the face of serious minded people in the world. What’s the reason for the advertised reasons? Oh! We need six weeks to crush insurgency. Of course, there’s argument on one side that this thing had been with us for six years. Why is it at the tail end when we are to have election you now put six weeks? Why not take six weeks since last year or year before to fight insurgency? Why did it not take the six weeks in the middle of the 2014? That’s one side to it. Now, but critically, there is virtual war in Afghanistan, they had elections; national elections. Iraq that had been at war since Sadam Hussein was overthrown had elections. Syria which is virtually divided into two, because of insurgency, had elections. And as we’re talking, since India became independent, virtually many years ago, Kashmir had always been at war with the rest of India but they’ve been having elections. “Granted we have insurgency in three states of the 36 states and you say because of that there won’t be national election? That’s why a lot of public commentators had come up with various theories that it appears there’s a deliberate ploy to ensure that the election would not hold. But I think it’s in the best interest of all us that we have this election because the consequences for Nigeria will be quite profound if the elections are not held. One of which is that we’ll be a laughing stock in the eyes of the rest of the world. Two, Nigeria is likely to be treated like a pariah state like it happened during the time of Abacha. And already, our economy is at comatose. So, it would just die totally if we do not have elections. Any type of international economic crack down on Nigeria, the economy will go under. Not even with the voodoo economy we are practising; oh, the economy has been rebased, but our own normal life has not been rebased. You can’t be talking of figures of economy, only that it’s meant for experts to understand. “For us to know that the economy is improving, there must be abundance of things for all of us. That’s my own understanding of good economy. Not economy of newspaper where you talk of micro and macro economy. That’s only meant for classrooms. All these rebase is for classrooms and seminar centres. What you understand in economy in every country is that there is enough supply of goods and there are CONTINUED ON PAGE26

26 Law | Jurist

THURSDAY, march 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Stop hate speech’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Ali

demands. There are jobs and there are people who could do the job. With the army of unemployed graduates, you say economy has been rebased? Some can’t get job, some in employment are being retrenched. So, it’s a vicious circle. I believe that our leaders should appreciate that not only are we becoming a laughing stock, Nigeria may be treated as a pariah state if the elections

are not held. Of course, apart from the internal dynamics that could throw up a lot of things here. It’s going to introduce a lot of uncertainties. And when there are uncertainties, you can’t have foreign direct investment. If you don’t have foreign direct investment, it impacts negatively on your ability to sustain your economy and generate employment for your citizens. So, it has a spiral negative effect, if the

election does not hold. On why he refused to be a politician, Ali said “you see, I think one of the greatest things God can do for you is to know your limitations. I know that I don’t have the kind of gift to be a politician. Either good politician or what you call them, that’s adjective. You see, you must have the ability to say yes, when you mean no and you must have ability to deceive people; to tell them things they want

to hear and not what is in reality situation. You see, politics and the governed are like the story of a man and a beautiful damsel. To succeed with women generally you have to be less than upright in a way. You must have some little ability at deception, because women like to be put in borrowed robes. And that’s the way with politicians. We don’t have strong civil society that assists in educating the people to be politically aware. Being politically aware is different from ‘oh I know who to vote for’; rather people must be able to read between the lines to know this one is deceiving us, this one is telling us the truth. We don’t have that kind of critical mass of people. And the politics in Nigeria is highly monetised. I cannot fathom why if I earn my money as a lawyer and I have to bribe people to vote for me. I can’t think about it. Since I want to serve, why should I use my own little resources again to bribe people I want to serve? People sell their franchise and I don’t have that kind of money to bribe or buy franchise from anybody. If I say I want to serve you, I expect that you respect me by saying ‘ok, you are likely to do it for us, but I cannot take my little resources to persuade people I want to serve because I know that if I get there I am not going to steal a dime. I won’t steal money. So, the problem with our system is that those who invest their resources in politics see it as an investment. I give examples to people that it follows like very naturally if a man has four houses and he sells three because he is contesting for one office. If he wins, as a normal human nature is for him to recoup. It’s normal. Politics in Nigeria is seen as economic investment. Not investment of goodwill because they are expecting returns. So, for me, I believe you really need not to be in government to impact on people. The area of your impartation may be small, but you do your own little ones and move on. So, I believe honestly, I don’t possess the kind of qualities to play Nigeria politics at any level even professional politics, no ooo, because if I want to serve, I can’t take my money and try to use to induce people. And that’s why most Nigerians do not have the moral rights to ask the leaders to account.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015

27 Health Living

Risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTI)

Health

Health News

Another strike looms in Lagos hospitals

Nature Power

Healing with carrot

More Nigerians die of kidney failure than malaria, HIV

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark the World Kidney Day today, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, president of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAS) and Clinical Director at the St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos in this interview with APPOLONIA ADEYEMI, discusses the ordeal of patients who manage kidney failure in the country and recommends measures to alleviate their plight News making the rounds has it that most of the people afflicted with kidney failure in the country are youths in their thirties. Is this true? If yes, what is responsible for this? Relative to the western world, we find that the age group of people that have kidney failure, in Africa generally not just in Nigeria, is younger than the age group in the western world. This has a lot to do with the causes of kidney failure in our own environment. Abroad, the commonest causes of chronic kidney disease is diabetes followed by hypertension but here in Africa, we find that in more of our people there are other causes particularly chronic glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidney very often following up on chronic infections. Such infections generally tend to occur in younger people. So, that is possibly why and you also find that although, the average age of kidney failure patients in our environment ranges from 30 to 42 years, in the average dialysis unit in the western world, we are looking at people in their sixties and seventies because many of them are diabetics. What are the new issues regarding kidney health arising from recent research studies that Nigerians should know? The main thing is for Nigerians to realise that kidney failure is a very expensive ailment to treat and worldwide even in the western world they are finding that it is beyond the capability of their health systems to cope with.

Appolonia Adeyemi appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

Bangboye

In America, they spend well over $30 billion U.S dollars yearly just looking after individuals with chronic kidney failure. In the United Kingdom (UK), they are finding that a sizeable part of their health budget is also going into managing individuals with kidney failure either way, in preventive programmes, in dialysis, which may be either peritoneal or haemodialysis and then in kidney transplantation. So, most of them are now realising that the best thing to do is to prevent the condition. Could you give an estimate of how much is spent on the management of chronic kidney failure in Nigeria? We have a100 new cases per one million of population every

The main thing is for Nigerians to realise that kidney failure is a very expensive ailment to treat

year. Our population is about 150 million. Multiply 150 million by 100 and you get 15,000. So, we have 15,000 new kidney cases every year. What we call prevalence, which is new cases plus surviving old cases from last year, will probably be about 300 per million populations. That will come to about 45,000 to 50,000. Take this figure – 50,000 individuals who require dialysis three times a week for one every year. The average cost of dialysis is between N20,000 to N25,000 per session. That is N75,000 per week. That is N300, 000 per month. If you multiply that by 12 months, you get about N3.6 million in a year. By the time you add medications and investigations, hardly

will you find that you require less than about N5 million for each patient yearly. Multiply that N5 million by 50,000, that will give you an estimate of how much you ideally will spend on people with kidney failure. In addition, they will also need renal support care. You will find that this will seriously erode on the total health budget of the country. So, what Nigeria needs to do and very quickly so, is to ensure that people recognise the common causes of kidney failure in the country – hypertension which affects about 25 percent of the population; diabetes and chronic glomerulonephritis as well as manage them. These conditions, if detected early and properly managed will not progress to chronic kidney failure. So, if you catch hepatitis B, you treat it; you catch hepatitis C and you treat it; you catch HIV, you treat; you find someone with uncomplicated hypertension, you control it; you find someone with diabetes and you control it; you will then be able to prevent progression to chronic kidney failure. However, once an individual has developed chronic kidney disease, they must recognise that regardless of what is the cause of the kidney disease, regardless of what is the age of the patient, kidney transplantation remains the best modality for managing the person provided there is no contraindication. There are a few things that will contraindicate going ahead with kidney transplant. As long as those contraindications are not there, transplantation is the best way to go. For instance, if the person has a cancer, medical personnel will not want to transplant a kidney in such a person. What is the estimated death rate arising from kidney failure in the country? There are about 75 dialysis centres operational in the country. If we estimate the total number of patients dialysing in all CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Health News

THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Man seeks N10 million for reconstructive surgery

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

Risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTI)

Seyi ...before the electrocution

Seyi with his father after the accident

Camillus Nnaji

r. Seyi Oguntade, 29 who hails from Oyo state but resident in Lagos, requires N10 million for reconstructive surgery. Seyi’s father, Mr. Oguntade, a driver said his family has been impoverished paying his son’s hospital bills at the Lagos University Hospital Idiaraba (LUTH), Idiaraba, Lagos. According to Dr. Andrew Ugburo, Unit Consultant in the Department of \Plastic Surgery, LUTH, the artisan, a former truck loader with haulage company Billy James Nigeria Limited in Apapa requires N10 million for facial reconstructive surgery in India. On March 27, 2014 a high tension electric wire fell atop the truck in which Seyi passed the night, inflicting severe injury to his face. His father said: “I haven’t solicited for help for a while now but my son needs help urgently.” Those who are moved to assist should donate to: Seyi Oguntade,

2026864396, First Bank. In addition, donors may also call the following numbers for more information: Mr. Seyi Oguntade 0809-766-9326. The victim had gone to offload goods at a Globacom office Oregun in Ikeja, with the driver of the company’s truck on that faithful day but when they got to, Lagos, the company security told them it was too late to offload anything and advised them to come back the next morning. However, considering that it was a long journey to return to where they were coming from, Seyi and the truck driver decided to spend the night there. They parked their truck under an electric pole and slept inside the vehicle. During the night, a high tension wire fell on the truck, electrocuting the truck driver who died instantly. On his part, Seyi suffered extensive injury to his face. According to the father of the victim, the company has since then refused to offer financial assistance for Oguntade’s treatment. “The company has not helped us since then and our family has instituted legal suit against the organisation at the Ilupeju Industrial Court in Lagos.

‘Make election inclusive for disabled persons’ Esther Albert

ow to facilitate voting process for persons living with disability (PLWD) is the focus of the local government orientation/citizen’s mobilisation meeting which held in Lagos recently. To this end, a non-government organisation, Strengthening Citizens Engagement In Electoral Process (SCEEP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to help

youths, women and PLWD to discharge their civic responsibility by facilitating their participation in the coming elections. SCEEP made the call during the local government orientation/citizen’s mobilisation meeting organised by ActionAID in partnership with the International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos recently. SCEEP is available also at several states including Bauchi, Platue, Oyo, Rivers, Kano, Lagos, Akwa-ibom and CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

he urinary system consists of two kidneys located on each side of the spine, , specifically in the mid back, the bladder and the urethra, the structures that participate in the secretion and elimination of urine. Up to one to two liters of waste and extra water passes through the root of the kidneys as waste, moves down the two urethras into a balloon like sac called the bladder, and when the bladder squeezes, the urine flows out through an opening called urethra to the outside environment. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial process affecting any part of the urinary tract, most commonly the bladder and urethra and it is the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have UTI if you notice pain or burning sensation when you use the bathroom, fever, tiredness or shakiness, an urge to use the bathroom often, pressure in your lower belly, urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish or less commonly nausea or back pain. RISK FACTORS: UTI is most common in sexually active young women, in men with inflamed prostrate, pregnant women and in persons with anatomical obstruction or spinal cord injury. UTI is the most common bacterial infection in women, with more than half of all women suffering it. There is, at least one UTI in their lifetime. Bacteria called E.COLI. (Escherichia coli) is the most common cause of UTI. Other causes can be staphalococcus baceria or saprophyticus bacteria, among others. There are two types of UTI—simple uncomplicated and complicated. Simple uncomplicated UTI: Symptoms are confined to the lower urinary tract (and can be painful urination, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, and pain around the pubic area. Similarly, the upper urinary tract infection can manifest as back pain, fever and some nausea, etc. COMPLICATED UTI are caused by: 1) Extremes in age (pre-adolescent and post menopausal women).2) Long history of kidney infection. 3) Diabeties mellitus–uncontrolled. 4) HIV 5) Pregnancy 6) Recent use of instruments (including sexual toys, in-dwelling catheters, etc., and 7) History of childhood UTI RECURRENT UTI are relapses that occur after the successful treatment of an earlier episode (infection) commonly caused by re-infection that is most common in sexually active women after initial treatment. One of the most common causes is increased frequency of sexual activity, new sex partner, spermicidal use, and it represents a risk for the

bacteria to climb up into the upper urinary tract (into the kidney) causing more complications and more difficult to treat. Nocturia (urinating at night) and persistence of symptoms between UTI episodes are some of the signs. It is also seen in women after reaching menopause. For the post menopausal women, those with urinary tract structure abnormalities and those that have developed resistance to antibiotics, treatment with tropical estrogen cream may reduce the incidence of recurrent UTI). There is no proven association between recurrent UTIs and pre or post sex urination, wiping patterns, douching, use of tight undergarments or delayed voiding habits. MEN: The occurrence of UTI is very low in men between the ages 15 to 50 years but it is more common in homosexuals. Similarly, UTI is common in men who have sex with infected women, and uncircumcised men. It can also be seen in those with chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus, alcoholics and those that live in nursing homes on a long time basis (mostly due to inadequate care) . PREGNANCY: All pregnant women are required by law to have urine dipstick done at every prenatal visit and should be treated of any positive urinalysis showing bacterial infections with or without symptoms because of the complicating effects to the unborn child. Partners of such pregnant women should also be treated. Management: Non pharmacological therapies include increasing fluid intake and drinking cranberry juice. Women should empty their bladder before and after sex, avoid contraceptive diaphragm, and cleaning the perineum wiping from front to back. There are first line simple antibiotics that can be taken in three to five days. It should also be noted that resistance of antibiotic grows when the treatment is not completed as prescribed. In some recurrent UTI cases, prophylactic uses of antibiotic daily at night and after sex have shown effectiveness in reducing the risk of recurrent UTI. Most non penicillin antibiotic has been known to be very effective in treating simple, complicated and recurrent UTIs.

Health Interview 29

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015

‘Government must subsidise medicare for kidney failure patients’ CONTINUED FROM PAG E 27

then happens is that they lose the transplant graft, which is very unfortunate. So, the number one reason why patients in our environment lose their grafts unlike in other environments where losing graft is either due to heart attack or stroke, is because of poor compliance due to the high cost of the medications. In Sudan, the GDP of which is not up to half of that of Nigeria, government provides those who have successful kidney transplant medications free. Even if the Nigerian Government cannot completely cover the cost of drugs, they can at least subsidise. There is no reason why the duty of 20 percent should be paid by people who import these medications because these are life-giving drugs that are already expensive. Government now imposes duties which now double their cost. You find that the cost of buying these drugs in Nigeria is double the cost of going to purchase the same drugs from India. These are things that government needs to look at. Also, government needs to include dialysis as one of the treatment that can be provided under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This is done in economies that are not as endowed as Nigeria. To be fair to government, they have agreed to do about six sessions of dialysis for kidney failure patients but the whole idea of that is to sort out whether the patient has a reversible kidney failure and by definition, we decide whether a patient has an irreversible kidney failure until he has not recovered for three months. So, at the very least, government should provide the cost of dialysis for patients to cover at least those three months under the NHIS.

the unit centres, they cannot be more than 2,000. Meanwhile we should have 50,000 people who need dialysis, going by the estimate. We recognise that if you have kidney failure and you require dialysis or a transplant and you do not do it, within a few days or a few weeks you will succumb to the ailment. So, you can imagine that if 50,000 are afflicted and only 2,000 are dialysing, probably about 48,000 are dying of kidney failure. That is a frightening death. I have said once, though I do not have objective statistics to back that, possibly more people are dying from kidney failure than dying of so many other common illnesses like malaria and HIV. Considering that most patients are actually left to their fate, do you think the government is doing enough to assist? Clearly, the government is not doing enough. Like I said even in developed economies, they are finding it difficult to cope with individuals who have chronic kidney disease because of the cost of care. First, the government should start focusing on prevention and screening. They should identify high risk people. The older you get the greater the chance that you will develop the condition. So, people, after a certain age should be screened. Not only should diabetics go to hospitals to get their blood sugar checked, periodically, at least once a year, have your kidney checked if you are diabetic. Similarly, individuals who have hypertension and pregnant women should have their kidneys checked because pregnancy in some instances have some effect on kidney. We have found that pregnancy is one of the reasons why women of child-bearing age develop kidney failure and need a transplant. Out of the 30 women who have had kidney transplant at the St. Nicholas Hospital, about two-thirds of them had it because of pregnancy related hypertension. Altogether, since March 6, 2000 at the St. Nicholas Hospital, we have done about 146 kidney transplants, which is about 80 percent of the kidney transplants done in the country. So, the government should focus on prevention, focus on screening to detect cases early as well as put measures in place, that will help to check progression of diseased kidneys to kidney failure. Also, we need to discourage Nigerians from taking things that we know are toxic to the kidney. What are the things that are toxic to the kidney? Things like native herbs and all these supplements that people take, that we do not know what they contain. We find that many of these things act as aggravating factors in people who are at risk. For instance people who have hypertension and diabetics are equally at risk of kidney failure. Also we should be careful about some drugs that people who have tendency to develop kidney failure take. The use of nonsteroidal drugs and analgesics have been known to lead on to kidney failure especially in people who are already at risk. So, all your non steroidals such as diclofenacs, ibuprofen, among others can lead on lead on to progression of kidney failure. As for individuals who already suffer kid-

Bangboye

ney failure, there has to be ways of making cost of care accessible to them. In the western world either in the UK where the NHS will pay for care or in the United States (U.S) where medicare or MedicAid will pay, there are measures that are put in place to ensure that the needy are not deprived of the opportunities to stay alive because if kidney failure patients do not dialyse, they will die in a few days. So, government should find a way of subsidising the cost either by subsidising the cost of care, reducing the amount of import duty placed on imported materials used to treat the ailment or even look at the possibility of producing these materials locally. There is no reason why we cannot develop a plant and start manufacturing peritoneal dialysis fluid. Right now peritoneal dialysis that should be cheaper than haemodialysis is more expensive because we are importing water, which that can be easily constituted and manufactured locally. The software that are the major part of the cost of haemodialysis are all imported and naturally because of this, the cost of haemodialysis is also very high. Even in transplantation, the number one reason why individuals who had kidney transplant lose the transplant is because of the cost of medication. Even after the transplant, such individuals will be spending between N100,000 and N300,000 monthly on medications that he/she needs to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted kidney. So, you find people who have gone around to source for funds, had a successful transplant, now no longer have money to sustain their use of immune-suppressive drugs. What

The use of nonsteroidal drugs and analgesics have been known to lead on to kidney failure especially in people who are already at risk

What are the challenges of addressing kidney failure in Nigeria? Majority of our patients are not able to afford cost of care because they cannot afford the dialysis, regular reviews and the medications for their continued treatment. The fact that the total number of patients to look after is more than the total number of dialysis machines available is also a challenge. The machines are limited even in public hospitals, warranting patients waiting in line for very few machines that are available. What they do is try and limit the amount of time that each patient spends on those machines which is inappropriate. In addition, there is need to train many more personnel – doctors, nephrologists, dialysis nurses, technicians, among others to ensure that they have the right amount of knowledge and skill to properly manage dialysis units. Furthermore, there should be regulations. Many of them do not have the right personnel, the right equipment and most personnel working at the units is suspect. Unfortunately patients who visit such units are ending up with negative outcomes. State governments need to find a way of regulating these dialysis units. In registering them, the governments should ensure that they have the right of staff and equipment to be certain that they can provide the appropriate level of care.

‘Make election inclusive for disabled persons’ CONTINUED F RO M PAG E 28

Imo said Mr sanmi, a programme associate at the IPC in Lagos. Four months ago, the organisation went to communities to enlighten people on how to go about the electoral processes.” According to Biodun Elugbaju who is a PLWD, when there is crowd of people in the midst of which disable people are trying to find their way out

of a place, “the disabled are not cared for regardless of their conditions. “Government should try to provide adequate security for these people during election so that they would be able to participate in the electoral processes without fear, Elugbaju added. A member of the Action Lead Group, Azeez Oduola said the three tiers of government should help the physically challenged to enable them

cast their vote during the elections. This can be achieved by providing an INEC representative that would direct and assist the disabled at the polling stations. These people should be attended to without delay so that they can return to their homes. In his remark, a member of the Youth Vanguard, Abule Ojo, Yaba Lagos, Olawale Ayobami stressed that the youths should not allow politi-

cal leaders to use them to perpatrate violence before, during and after elections. “Youths must not allow politicians or their agents to bribe us which may result in being partisanship”. The Iyaloja at Shomolu Market, Alhaja Dele Badru said,“We are not expected to accept money from any political party leader in order to convince others to support a particular political party.”

Health News

THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Obiano’s government is health friendly’ Another strike looms in Lagos hospitals

he Chief Medical Officer of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi Professor Anthony Igwegbe, has described the government of Chief Willie Obiano as a health friendly government. The Chief Medical Director stated this on Monday while receiving the wife of Anambra State Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano who was in the hospital to assess the progress of the children undergoing surgery for cleft palate deformities. The governor’s wife is sponsoring free surgeries through her, non-government organisation the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) for some children born with the congenital abnormality of cleft lips and cleft palate. The free surgeries are being carried out at NAUTH, Nnewi to correct the abnormality and bring life time joy and smile to

Bella Hospital holds diabetic patients’ meeting The Association of Diabetic Patients will hold a meeting on Wednesday of the month, March 25, at the Bella Memorial Hospital, Akobo, General Gas Area, Ibadan, Oyo State. A statement by the Chief Executive of the hospital, Dr Andew Femi Bella said the meeting would discuss how to improve the health condition of members. He explained that the association was formed to enable members cope with the challenges of their diabetic condition as they continue to receive medical attention and care. This will enable them to overcome the debilitating condition and live in good health with the disease.

Shola Adefuwa

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (R) is received by the Chief Medical Officer of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Prof. Anthony Igwegbe at his office when she came to assess progress in the free cleft lip surgeries sponsored by CAFÉ, her non government organisation (NGO) on Monday

the children. The CMD said that his assessment of the Obiano administration is on the strength of “the interventions of the governor and his team in the health sector over the past one-year especially at critical periods in the State. He stated that apart from intervention in NAUTH, the governor and his wife have shown commitment towards immediate eradication of Ebola and Cholera outbreak. According Prof Igwegbe, “I recall that governor Obiano and his wife came to visit accident victims and gave us 300KVA Generator to boost our power supply. You can see that his wife also supports us in cleft lip surgeries and other maternal, and Anti Natal interventions in health centres.” The CMD said that he has no

doubt that the governor will carry the momentum of support for health institutions like NAUTH and health workers at various levels in the years ahead to ensure the provision and sustenance of quality health care to the citizens. Earlier, Her Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano assured the CMD that CAFÉ will continue to support them to continue with the wonderful work they are doing. The governor’s wife appreciated the effort of NAUTH and Smile Train for their roles in ensuring successful surgery for the children. She noted that “you are performing acts of love because it is only love that can enable you to transform the look of these beautiful children and bring smile to their faces.

agos doctors under the aegis of Medical Guild have resolved to proceed on an indefinite strike from Monday March 16 if the government fails to pay outstanding salaries being owed the doctors. Also, members of the association have cried out over the state government’s continuous neglect of their plight. Medical Guild, which is an association of doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, however resolved at a meeting held last that emergency services would be provided during the planned strike action. According to a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Biyi Kofo is soliciting the involvement of the public to resolve the problems with the Lagos State Government. The doctors are aggrieved over the non-payment of some outstanding salaries which include three days salary in April, 2012 and May 2012, as well as two months salaries August and September 2014, totaling three months and three days. On its part, the Lagos State Government has explained that those salaries are withheld because of its implementation of ‘no work no pay’ policy. The salaries were withheld when the doctors were on strike. Other issues in contention are the continued employment of doctors as casual (contract) workers; the non-employment of resident doctors in the Lagos State

University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH); and the discriminatory application of the state’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy to members of the Medical Guild in the period between April/May 2012 and September 2014.” The statement pointed out the 3-day warning strike from February 18 to 20, followed an exhaustive and protracted six-month period during which the medical Guild, along with the Nigeria Medical Association(NMA), appealed to the administration for peaceful resolution , to no avail. Kufo said, “The appeals had been made directly at meetings, as well as in various letters to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris and the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola written by the Medical Guild, the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the national body of the Nigerian Medical Association.” The doctors lamented that while their colleagues in other professions were paid their full salaries when they embarked on strikes, that of the medical doctors in Lagos took a different tune. “Even more interesting is that a group of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) had the ‘no work, no pay’ policy applied to them in December 2014 had the salaries returned in January 2015. The Guild was left with little choice other than to embark on the warning strike.

Healing with carrot CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

ou want a youthful and healthy skin? You want your skin to take on a youthful glow and radiate beauty and health? Then make friend with carrot. It is not an accident that carrot is so easily available everywhere in our society. It is true, and I agree, that one’s state of mind matters a lot when it comes to physical appearance. Nevertheless, it is also true, as scientific evidence testifies, that carrot makes the skin healthy and youthful. Do you suffer from skin dryness, wrinkles, atrophy or acne? Then make friend with carrot and you will see the difference. Carrot not only helps the skin but also strengthens the nails and hair and gives them a natural look. Such is the beauty enhancing qualities of carrot. Carrot helps to prevent kidney stones and gall bladder stones. This it does by helping to balance mucosas, that is, the membranes that cover the interior of ducts and organ cavities. By strengthening the immune

Nature Power Fr. Anselm Adodo, OSB

naturepower@paxherbals.net; twitter: @anselmadodo system, carrot helps to prevent sinusitis, cough and catarrh. Carrot also gives a quick relieve in cases of gastritis, ulcers and excess acidity. Mothers should train their children to love carrot rather than coke or chocolate. As from six months onward, let your baby take carrot and watch to see the effect. It prevents diarrhea and anaemia, stimulates growth, helps tooth growth and beautiful skin. Sickle cell anemia is still common in our society. But carrot is there to offer hope and solace. A sickle cell sufferer who takes carrot regularly can live a crisis-free life and grow up to ripe old-age. Carrot takes care of the complications associated with sickle-cell anaemia. Children who suffer from growth retardation and are so

deficient that they can’t walk, or talk or play, will benefit from carrot. Carrot helps to expel worms or parasites due to its essential oil. For this, it is recommended that you eat fresh, raw carrot or grated. Two carrots on empty stomach for a week is effective. Note, however, that carrot is very sensitive to light. Carotene, which is the main active component of carrot, loses a lot of its potency when exposed to light for long. It is therefore recommended that you eat your grated carrot as soon as possible or better still, immediately. For diarrhea and colitis, boiled or grated carrot will be beneficial due to the presence

Carrots

of pectin. Boiling does not harm carotene, its major ingredient, but exposure to light does. So feel free to boil carrot with your yam or rice and enjoy yourself naturally. Carrot is invaluable in treating infertility. Drinking carrot juice is excellent for treating dysmenorhea [painful menstruation], ammernohea [premature menopause], annovulation [inability to ovulate] and hormonal imbalance. Research has confirmed that carrot is one of the natural vegetables with anti-cancer properties. Carotene is said to react against cancer tumours and modulate the spread as well as strengthen the immune system

to battle and overpower the cancer cells. I want you, dear reader, to spread this good news to your fellow brothers and sisters. Isn’t it great that God gave us an overabundance of carrot to strengthen our immunity? Yet, how many of us avail of these wonderful blessings? For those who suffer from cancer, I want to suggest that you blend some carrot and tomato together, as described in method one above last week. The only difference is that you add five tomatoes and blend all together. Take half a glass thrice daily for at least five months. Remember that cancer is not malaria, so don’t expect a cure overnight. Allow nature to take its course.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Industry

ICT

Quest for more product-testing laboratories

Nigeria needs N376.5bn for rural connectivity

Business What's news

Nigeria, others risk loss of investments, IOCs warn Nigeria and other African countries with oil reserves in less attractive locations should revise terms now or forfeit their investments, International Oil Companies (IOCs) and have warned.

Contaminated Thailand rice may flood Nigeria, others DANGER Thailand discounts contaminated rice

Bayo Akomolafe

p.32

hailand is set to commence the auctioning some 14.4 million metric tons of its poor qual-

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

ity rice to Nigeria and other foreign buyers from August this year, New Telegraph has learnt. Finding by this newspaper revealed that the contaminated rice, which is set to flood Nigeria and other African markets, is not suitable for human consumption. Nigeria is one of the major importers of the commodity from Thailand. It was learnt that the contam-

inated rice has been discounted at a market price of $415 per metric ton. In the latest tender, broken rice from old stocks is sold for $236 per ton. Of the 17 million tons stockpiled, some 14.4 million metric tons were substandard while about 694,000 tons were rotten. The Thailand government, according to information from Oryza.com, a global rice research firm, had made it clear

L-R: Head, Advantage Personal Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Dammy Oruwari; Head, Regulations and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Jude Ughwujabo; Head, Classic and Direct Banking, Ecobank, Mr. Chinedu Ibe and Assistant Manager, Legal, Lagos State Lottery Board, Gbemisola Ajibose, during the bank’s Giant Prize Gateway 2014 Grand prize draw in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Dayo Ayeyemi

Nigerian banks look increasingly fragile – Report

Adeola Yusuf

Ayodele Aminu

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor Property Editor Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

n the face of it, Nigeria’s banking system appears to be in good health following a

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst. Production Editor

round of recapitalisation in 2011, but its exposure to the oil sector and to naira depreciation mean that additional capital injections may be required in the near future.

This was the summary of a report on Nigerian banks released last Tuesday by Capital Economics, one of the leadCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

that only 2.35 million tons were of good quality. The country’s Foreign Department of Trade had urged the government to prosecute those who were responsible for poor maintenance of the stock. Given this development, there is a need for Nigerian authorities to move in now by scrutinising products, especially rice imported from Thailand, to ensure that the contaminated rice does not find its way into the country. Meanwhile, this week, some 188,705 metric tons of rice worth N17.23 billion ($78,312,575) have been shipped to the Lagos Port complex by various importers. The commodities were ferried to the ENL Consortium terminal by seven ships. Jostling for berthing space to discharge rice are: MV Pisti, laden with 25,000 metric tons; MV Selecta, 20, 800 metric tons; MV Ocean Master, 30,000 metric tons; MV Ken Giant, 23,905 metric tons; MV Vigorous, 36,000 metric tons; MV Atlantic Pride, 25,000 and MV Agios Nicolas 26,000 metric tons. Already, the Federal Government has received 45 bids for one million tons of rice it planned to auction at the weekend. Also, a research by Bloomberg revealed that Thailand Government currently holds around 17.8 milliom tons in stock piles and was keen on selling 10 million tons of stockpiled rice in 2015 and around seven million in 2016 through tenders. “The government’s rice is old and has been stored for a long time, so its value depreciates accordingly, there is always a price gap between new rice and old rice,” said an official at the Thai Rice Exporters AsCONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE January 2015...........................8.2% December 2014.........................8% November 2014........................7.9%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Mar.6)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N226 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N343 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N250

l Foreign Reserves – $30.873bn as at 4/03/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Mar. 6)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N320 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N231

Business | News

OIL TUMBLES

Oil slips to $57 per barrel

Adeola Yusuf

igeria and other African countries with oil reserves in less attractive locations should revise terms now or forfeit their investments, International Oil Companies (IOCs) and have warned. Making reference to the Nigeria’s controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of one of Africa’s biggest explorers, Tullow Oil, Mr. Aidan Heavey, said some terms had added to the oil price rout as major deterrent to investments in projects that might otherwise be attractive. “Other factors such as the Ebola epidemic in Liberia and Guinea and uncertainty over an oil

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria, others risk loss of investments, IOCs warn bill in Nigeria are deterring investment in projects that might otherwise be attractive, even in the current environment,” Reuters quoted oil firms’ executives and analysts as saying. African oil explorers will, however, keep drilling in select locations such as onshore East Africa and less complex projects off the West African coast even with oil at $60 a barrel, the executives and analysts told Reuters. “But they warned that African governments with reserves in less attractive locations should revise terms now or forfeit the investment, leaving the oil and gas underground. “There are still some exciting areas in Africa like East Africa and in particular the onshore

areas,” Heavey said, referring to drilling projects in Kenya and Uganda. “This is certainly not the end of African oil – far from it.” PIB is a bill that, when passed as an Act, becomes the master reference law that governs the Nigerian petroleum industry – from the upstream division (exploratory, development and production

activities) through the midstream (gas processing) to downstream (servicing, refining, distribution, transportation, marketing/retailing). The PIB vests ownership and management of all petroleum resources, offshore or onshore, in the Federal Government, which manages them on behalf of Nigerians. This means irrespective

of where the oil is found, it belongs to the government. Of course, equity calls for special consideration for localities where the resources are mined. The Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), which is a conglomerate of 18 international and indigenous oil companies, said though the PIB possessed a unique opportunity to resolve

the numerous challenges confronting the oil sector, it only set out to aggravate it and simultaneously reduce investment potential in the oil sector. Meanwhile, crude oil price tumbled to around $57 a barrel yesterday as the dollar hit multi-year highs and the oil market remained hobbled by oversupply and weak demand. The US dollar touched a near 12-year peak against the euro and an eight-year high against the yen, hurting commodities priced in dollars by making them more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Contaminated Thailand rice may flood Nigeria CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

sociation, who declined to be identified. Meanwhile, there is panic among the India exporters that their exports won’t be able to compete with cheaper rice from Thailand as Bangkok had resolved CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

ing global independent macroeconomic research companies. Specifically, the report in part noted that potential problems with bad loans, coupled with tightening monetary policy, make it look likely that banks’ credit growth will slow sharply. Just recently, International credit rating agency, Standard & Poors, said that banking sector profitability and asset quality in oil exporting countries, including Nigeria, would be vulnerable to low oil prices, especially in those that have relatively low fiscal buffers. Following the significant drop in oil prices over the past few months, reaching around $57 per barrel for Brent last Tuesday, compared to over $100/bbl a year ago, the rating agency has revised its price assumptions. S&P now expects Brent’s price to stabilise around $55/bbl in 2015 and increase slightly to around $65/bbl in 2016. An analyst with S&P, Mohamed Damak, noted:

to offload grains from its huge state stockpiles. The Managing Director of leading Indian rice shipper Pattabhi Agro Foods Pvt Ltd, Mr. B.V. Krishna Rao, said that the country’s exports could plunge by a fifth this year to 8 million tons.

L-R: Executive Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju; Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Mary Akpobome; Managing Director, Knight Bishop, Mrs Mope Abudu and Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Mrs Nneka Okekearu, after a roundtable discussion on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMES) success stories in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Nigerian banks increasingly fragile “In Nigeria, the banking system is directly impacted through its significant overall exposure to the oil sector. Among the banking systems of oil exporters, Nigerian banks display the highest direct exposure to the oil sector, with loans accounting for about 25 per cent of the total at year-end 2014. “This is due to the structure of Nigeria’s oil sector where, unlike the majority of other oilexporting countries, local private sector companies conduct some of the upstream or production activities. “While we think these companies have accumulated some cash during the past three years, we cannot rule out negative effects on Nigerian banks’ asset quality indicators as the decline in oil price depletes these buffers,” Damak pointed out. Oil sector contributes about 14 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), approxi-

mately 70 per cent of government revenues, and around 90 per cent of exports. Therefore low oil price is expected to have negative knock-on effects on Nigeria’s overall economic performance in 2015. “Our economists forecast a drop in real GDP growth from 6.3 per cent in 2014 to five per cent in 2015,” the S&P official had said. Afrinvest analysts, Ebo Ayodeji and Oluseye Feyisitan, had also said the relatively high level of loan exposure of banks to the oil and gas sector, coupled with the declining oil prices, highlights a recurring pattern similar to that which presaged the Nigerian banking crisis of 2009. “Some banks may have begun to thread the same path with huge exposure to the oil and gas sector relative to shareholders’ funds, (hence) any crisis in the oil and gas space could easily wipe out their profits for the year

and their shareholders’ funds,” the analysts said in a research note. The oil and gas sector remains the single largest sector by exposure to Nigerian banks, with loans to the sector estimated at N2.45 trillion, according to UBA Capital. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in one of its recent country reports, had also noted that the tendency for Nigerian banks to concentrate lending to the oil and gas sector exposes the banking sector to significant risks in the event of major oil shocks. For the Afrinvest analysts, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) needs to step up regulations to forestall any catastrophic losses, which may arise from such concentration of exposure to any single sector. “We suggest that the CBN should base the maximum sector exposure of each bank to its shareholders’ funds rather than total loan portfo-

lio as this will effectively shield banks’ capital in the event of any crisis in any of the sectors within the economy.” In a bid to preserve the nation’s foreign reserves, which stood at $30.61billion as at last Monday, the banking watchdog had devalued the naira on November 25 last year, citing amongst others, the need to curb speculative attacks on the local currency. On February 18, the banking watchdog also subtly devalued the naira. It announced the closure of Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) window and directing that all demands for foreign exchange should be channeled to the IFEM. In a statement, the CBN explained: “In recent times, with the sharp decline in global oil prices and the resultant fall in the country’s foreign exchange earnings, CBN has observed widening margin between the rates in interbank and

the rDAS window. This has engendered undesirable practices, including round-tripping, speculative demand, rent-seeking, spurious demand, and inefficient use of scarce foreign exchange resources by economic agents.” This, according to the CBN, has continued to put pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves with no visible economic benefits to the productive sector of the economy and the general public. “In view of the foregoing, it has become imperative that appropriate actions be taken to avert the emergence of a multiple exchange rate regime and preserve the country’s foreign exchange reserves,’’ the statement added. Other fresh measures introduced by the CBN to tackle speculators include barring lenders from reselling oil company dollars to other lenders unless the sale was backed by a customer order and fixing the rate at which banks can buy dollars from oil companies at not more than N2 spread to its clearing rate.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

BoI boss urges patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods p.34

Industry

‘Nigeria’s mining contributes only 0.37% GDP’ p.34

Quest for more product-testing laboratories Nigeria’s efforts at boosting its non-oil export and consequently expanding its industrial base may still be farfetched. DELE ALAO writes

is also not good for local consumption. We do not have to deal with discounted fees for our cocoa, cashew and other cash products by the international community anymore. Nigeria has never had a National Quality Policy (NQP), in the history of the country and this is seen as an enabler that will make our products competitive on the global market.”

fforts of the Federal Government to boost its nonoil revenue are not in doubt, at least, going by the latest records. This is understandable in view of the dwindling global oil price and the devaluation of the naira. For instance, in its continued drive to boots non-oil exports to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Federal Government has set a target of N116.5 billion revenue this year. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said: “Some objectives of our trade agenda include: to achieve non-oil exports to ECOWAS from the present nine per cent to 20 per cent by 2015, with the ultimate goal of increasing the value of Nigeria’s recorded export to ECOWAS from $276.5 million in 2011 to $706.1 million in 2015; increase recorded non-oil export to other African countries from current three per cent of global export to 10 per cent by 2015 and to increase Nigeria’s non-oil as a proportion of total export from current five per cent in 2011 to 20 per cent by 2015 and 40 per cent in 2020. Also, we are putting structures in place to enable us penetrate the non-traditional markets with high valued-added export products.” Challenge The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, who lamented that Nigeria’s export was dominated by oil, noted that the non-oil export potentials have not been fully exploited despite endowed natural resources. Also, some analysts expressed worry that for many years after the oil boom in which agriculture was relegated to the background, Nigeria’s agriculture exports suffer ridicule on the global market. One prominent reason for the low patronage of agriculture exports, was the seemingly apathy towards adopting quality and standards. For many years, there were no standard laboratories to test non-oil products meant for exports to international market. Therefore, the country could not fully exploit the potentials

Aganga

in the sector. Studies in 2011 showed that Nigeria had the worst cases of substandard goods globally. South Africa with a GDP of $370.3 billion has 340 accredited labs. China, the world’s second largest economy, boasts of 337, 033 labs, according to the ‘2013 International Standards Organisation (ISO) report on the distribution of management system certification’. The United States has 13,000 accredited labs. South Korea has over 7,000 labs. Germany, India, Brazil and Egypt had thousands of accredited laboratories each, while Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya and Algeria have hundreds of laboratories each. Other prosperous countries have vibrant, fully accredited and certified laboratories to give their locally manufactured products and service the required competitive edge in international trade. But this is not so in Nigeria where manufacturers, especially, those in the export business, continue to agonise over recurring issues of product rejection due to lack of global quality certification caused by inadequate test and metrology labs. Hope rises However, the appointment of Dr. Joseph Odumodu in 2011 as the Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), gave a fillip to the sector. Odumodu, who was re-appointed, started and set mandates and modalities to reverse the ugly

Odumodu

We are putting structures in place to enable us penetrate the nontraditional markets

trend and bring Nigeria at par with the global community. To this end, the country’s first food laboratories at the Lekki, Lagos office of SON, was accredited by the International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC) of the United States in the last quarter of 2014. Odumodu said: “The laboratories are primarily to help Nigerian businesses enter and compete effectively on the world market. “The international market is where businessmen and women must go to assure they are really doing business. So, SON is a partner in progress and if anyone is a true partner, he or she must not take unfair advantages of the partner. SON will not be fair to ourselves if we charge no fee and we would be unfair if we charge highly.” Until Odumodu who was recently re-appointed Director General of the SON came on board in 2011, matters of standards and quality in Nigeria were rhetorical as there was nothing on ground to test or confirm products and produce originating or entering Nigeria. Receiving the certificate from the Director-General in Abuja, Aganga said that the accreditation marked a historic moment in Nigeria. The minister said: “We are all making history here. This is the first time two laboratories will be accredited in Nigeria simultaneously. The advantages are dual in the sense that whatever is not good for export

Benefits According to the DirectorGeneral, the laboratories were accredited in accordance with the recognised international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005 general requirement for competence of testing and calibration. Some of the products which will now undergo local testing in the laboratories before export, according to him, include maize, beans, soya beans, rice, cassava and yam. The certification also accommodates fresh fish, frozen fish and canned foods. “With the certification, any product that is certified in the two laboratories would be acceptable and will not be subjected to any further testing anywhere across the world,” Odumodu said. With local produce being tested locally and sent all over the world without any hindrance, Nigeria’s exports, experts argued, would receive significant boost. Shortfall Meanwhile, it is not yet uhuru as far as meeting the target revenue from the sector is concerned. This is because the two certified laboratories are grossly inadequate. Odumodu, therefore, called on investors in the private sector to build more laboratories. The Director-General noted that this has become necessary to bridge the gap for more accredited laboratories in the country. He said: “It is not only SON that ought to accredit; you (private sector) can set up your own laboratories, get it accredited by international body and do what SON also does. By so doing, you are opening up the market; after all, how many labs do SON has across the country? We have our limitations and we want you to be part of this process.” Some experts have argued that the existence of a few laboratories, which have been accredited in line with the requirements of ILAC is one of the major challenges to Nigeria’s quest to participate in international trade. The President, Champions of Development Nigeria (CDN), Mr. Jonas Yomi, in a statement, lamented the non-existence or insignificant number of accredited labs in Nigeria.

Business | Industry

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Stories by Dele Alao

BoI boss urges patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods

he Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, has emphasised the need to patronise made-in-Nigeria products. Olaoluwa said this when officials of the bank visited Memmcol Nigeria Limited and Wempco Steel Rolling Mill in

Lagos. The BoI boss, who explained that such a patronage would reduce unemployment, said that local patronage would make the evolution of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) a reality and turn the country into an industrialised society.

SUPPORT Buying local goods will encourage production

“BoI is working on a presentation to the Federal Government to identify a few key companies in the economy who have capacity output that should be encouraged by both Nigerians. This is the most practical way of creating jobs in the country, by patronising their products to increase

their work force,” he said. Olaoluwa said that no nation could develop a strong industrial base by importing and patronising imported goods. “Memcol is a company owned by Nigerians with the capacity to supply almost all the electricity meters the country may need and there

would be no need for the country to import electricity meters. Memcol produces all kinds of meters with a very robust billing system that allows monitoring of charges on the meter. Wempco also produces all types of wire works that are cheaper than the imported ones,” the BoI boss said.

Ondo empowers entrepreneurs

L-R: Mrs. Faith Okoh with her son; Olympic Brand Ambassador, Peter Okoye; Manager, Integrated Marketing Communications, Nutricima Limited, Funsho Jacob and Mr. Precious Okoh, during the special dinner held at Marcopolo Oriental Cuisine, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently, for couples who emerged winners in Nutricima’s ‘My Olympic Valentine Facebook Contest.’

NACCIMA takes over chairmanship of OPS

he Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has taken over the chairmanship of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for the next one year. This, according to a statement, is coming on the strength of the hand-

over meeting held at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, Ikeja. NACCIMA’s National President, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, took over from the President of MAN, Chief Frank Jacob. Consequently, the OPS

‘Nigeria’s mining contributes only 0.37% GDP’

n adviser to the United Nations on artisanal mining practices in Nigeria, Mr. Henry Mitchell, has lamented that the mining sector contributed a paltry 0.37 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Mitchell stated this during a presentation to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada, in Abuja. “The sector is ripe for development. It currently contributes only 0.37 percent of GDP, but experienced 11 per cent growth in 2012. Now, is the time to commit to the development of the industry,” he said. Mitchell, who is also the Executive Director (Operation) of Nasaman Limited,

a gold mining company, said that Nigeria’s largely underdeveloped mining sector has the potential to create wealth and employment for over five million people if the sector was given the needed attention. He added that at the moment, the sector employs only approximately 500,000 workers directly and two million indirectly. Mitchell lamented that the majority of gold mining in Nigeria was performed on an informal basis by a marginalised workforce who endure appalling con-

Secretariat has moved from MAN to NACCIMA. Members of the OPS are MAN, NACCIMA, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

ditions and have access only to dangerous, rudimentary and inefficient processing methods. He said that most of artisanal mining activities are concentrated in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger and Kogi states, leading to dangerous health implications, including the lead poisoning in Zamfara in the past. Meanwhile, the minister has pledged the commitment of the Federal Government to support Nasaman in the empowerment of artisanal miners to reduce the inherent risks.

he Ondo State government has offered a loan of N335.4 million to 5,000 persons under its Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Fund Initiative. This is coming barely a month after the government disbursed N195 million to 1,430 beneficiaries under the N2 billion development fund scheme. Till date, trade groups in the state have received a total of N1.3 billion under various loan schemes since 2009 when the current Olusegun Mimiko-led administration assumed office. While disbursing the loans, the gover nor described the event as another giant stride towards delivering dividends of democracy to the greatest number of the people. He noted that the scheme was part of his administration’s agenda at alleviating poverty and granting access to legitimate loans towards boosting micro, medium and small scale businesses. Mimiko said that N485.2 million has been disbursed to about 10,000 beneficiaries un-

der the Special Market-Women Improvement Loan and Empowerment Scheme. “Under the Special Transformative Artisans Repositioning Scheme, N424.6 million was disbursed to 7,850 beneficiaries while 335 widows of the fallen heroes had benefited from about N22.7 million under Widows Resettlement and Empowerment Scheme,” he said. The governor urged the beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholders to use the loans judiciously for the creation of viable micro businesses in their various localities and ensure prompt repayment of the loans. “It is pleasing to place on record that Ondo State is the only state as of today in Nigeria to design loan schemes of low interest rates targeted at different productive groups with distinct features for each group,” he said. Chairman of the state Micro Credit Agency, Mrs. Banke Sutton, commended the various artisan groups and market associations for supporting the agency in achieving its objectives in the best interest of the state.

Chinese firm’s oversea merger & acquisition rises C hina’s merger and acquisition market, which picked up last month, has accelerated the country’s global expansion. The report by Zero2IPO Research noted that there were 99 merger and acquisition transactions in February, including 87 domestic deals, 11 outbound investments by Chinese companies and one deal involving a foreign purchase of Chinese assets. “The total transaction value surged 93.8 per cent month on month to $7.78 billion in February, overturning a 60 per cent drop in January,” the research firm said. It added that the number of deals fell 14.7 per cent in January. While the value of domestic deals rose 11 per cent from January to $4 billion, taking up 51.5 per cent of the total. “Chinese companies made

$3.7 billion in overseas acquisitions to take up 47.7 per cent of the total and growing more than tenfold from January’s $310 million,” the report said. Also, researcher with Zero2IPO, Li Qun, said: “The data indicated Chinese companies are accelerating their pace of expanding their global footprint.” The biggest outbound deal last month was Jin Jiang International Holdings Co’s purchase of France-based Groupe du Louvre from Starwood Capital Group for $1.48 billion, followed by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s acquisition of 60 per cent in the Londonbased business of the Standard Bank Plc for $770 million. The energy and mineral sector had the most deals at 16, followed by 12 transactions in the property sector.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

ICT

NCDMB to promote $6bn software sector p.36

NIRA advocates public education on .ng domain p.36

Nigeria needs N376.5bn for rural connectivity GAP The investment aims to provide telecoms services to under-served people Stories by Kunle Azeez

n spite of the progress recorded in the growth of the telecoms sector, Nigeria still requires $3.7 billion (N376.5 billion) to reach the various under-served people in different parts of the country with telecoms connectivity. Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, disclosed this in a presentation at the Ericsson and Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) programme during the recently-concluded 2015 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The minister made this disclosure on the day Nigeria was ranked number two in the Broadband Affordability index by A4AI. She also stressed the government’s efforts in creating digital citizens through the pervasive

spread of broadband in both urban and rural centres, saying that government was working to tackle various challenges to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure deployments in the country. “We are working on right of way, multiple taxation, encouraging the demand side by ensuring that people adopt the technology, cost of access to infrastructure and the challenge of local content among others,” she said. The minister said at the forum that what will grow the Internet is local content and not over-reliance on YouTube and other such channels, though against the popular taste of panel members gathered from across the world who were very enamoured of the social network channels. “What will drive the Internet is relevant, local content. The most visited sites, not social media,” the minister told a hushed gathering that was trying to chew the force of that delivery. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s showing in the broadband affordability research, according to A4AI Executive Director, Mr Sonia

Edo uses tech portal to solve agric problems

do State Government has brought participants together to deploy available datasets on the state’s online portal to analyse challenges and proffer solutions to agricultural sector in the state. To achieve this, the Edo ICT Agency, has collaborated with the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, SabiHub, the only technology hub in the state and Open Knowledge Foundation to organise the first technology competition on government Opendata scheme in West African region. This progarmme was held to also commemorate the World Opendata Day to which every February 21 of every year is dedicated. Tagged, ‘Agric Data Hackaton 2015’, the participants, who were drawn from various universities and tech hubs across the country, were asked to focus on the Ministry of Agriculture, Edo State, analyse the challenges in the sector and the proffer technology solutions, using the available agriculture datasets on Edo State opendata portal, www.data.edostate.gov. ng, for the competition. The Managing Director of the ICT Agency, Mrs. Yemi Keri, explained that Edo Opendata provides a platform for citizen engagement and participation in governance, noting that “Our achievements are not just for the government but for all to

tap into freely, hence, our data is licensed under the creative common licence that enables the free use and reuse of datasets on the portal, providing innovative flexibility of the use of data.” In his remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Abdul Oroh, challenged the participants to leverage the available dataset on agriculture to find simple solutions to some of the challenges facing agricultural sector in the state. According to him, some of the challenges he expected the participants to provide solutions to include, obsolete skills and out-dated technology; inadequate and inaccurate baseline data, coupled with poor record-keeping as well as lack of qualified personnel to collect data from the field. Others, according to him, included inadequate agro-services to meet the needs of farmers; poor accessibility to credits by farmers; inadequate land; low income and exploitation of farmers by middlemen; non availability of structured market for agricultural products and inadequate storage infrastructure. Other challenges listed by Oroh included low range of enlightenment campaign, inability to prioritise areas of comparative advantage, absence of access roads and lack of processing plants for most of the farm produce.

Jorge, was buoyed by a strong leadership and regulation of the industry, robust broadband strategy, effective competition in the telecoms sector, efficient spectrum allocation, universal access to rural and under-served population and infrastructure sharing, among others. Giving details of the research, Jorge said: “Nigeria comes second in the Affordability Index’s ranking of develop-

ing economies, scoring higher than other African developing economies such as Kenya, Morocco and Uganda and higher even than some emerging economies including Mexico, South Africa, Thailand and Tunisia. “The backbone infrastructure in Nigeria has improved significantly over the last decade, with multiple players, including Phase 3, Glo 1, Suburban Telecom, Multi-Links, and

MTN, building fibre networks that crisscross the country. “Nigeria’s regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, plans to award seven licences to regional infrastsrcuture company to extend broadband infrastructure nationally. The first two of these were awarded in early 2015 to MainOne and IHS Communications to provide services in Lagos and North Central states, respectively.”

Operations Manager, Uber, Mr. Olusola Lawal (left) and General Manger, Ms. Ebi Atawodi, during Uber’s media briefing in Lagos.

Elections: NCS tasks INEC on efficient IT use

s the 2015 general elections draw closer, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure efficient use of all Information technology devices to be used for the election. The NCS made the call in a statement issued by its President, Prof. David Adewumi, a copy of which was made available to New Telegraph. According to him, as the umbrella association of all IT professionals and stakeholders in the country, NCS

would expected the electoral body to ensure efficient use of the card readers and other IT gadgets to be used for the elections. He also said the call was in line with the mandate of NCS to facilitate the development of Nigeria’s digital economy through commitment to its advocacy role to ensure that the nation receives the best in processes, technologies and people. Thus, Adewumi urged INEC to ensure that the use of the technologies would improve the voting system in the country. He said: “NCS advocates

Oracle predicts ‘big data’ growth

ountry Managing Director, Oracle Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Sanni, has predicted a growth in Big data this year. In a document ‘Enterprise Big data Predictions, 2015’ Sanni said that 2015 will be a big year for Big data in the enterprise. Big data can be described as high-volume, high-velocity, and highvariety information assets that require new forms of processing to enable enhanced decision making, insight discovery and process optimisation. According to him,

“Corporate boardrooms will talk about data capital, not big data. Data is now a kind of capital. It’s as necessary for creating new products, services and ways of working as financial capital.” He said for CEOs, “this means securing access to, and increasing use of, data capital by digitising and datafying key activities with customers, suppliers and partners before rivals do. For Chief Information Officer (CIOs), this means providing data liquidity,

for improved and innovative utilisation of IT in the organisation of free, fair and credible elections in 2015 and in future elections in Nigeria. “While our professional association recognises and acknowledges the IT’s contributions and initiatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the most recent being the introduction of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in the electoral process, there is a need for improved project management in the deployment of IT as well as security management."

the ability to get data the firm wants into the shape it needs with minimal time, cost and risk.” Sanni said big data management will grow up. “Hadoop and NoSQL will graduate from experimental pilots to standard components of enterprise data management, taking their place alongside relational databases. “Over the course of the year, early majority firms will settle on the best roles for each of these foundational components.”

Business | ICT

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NCDMB to promote $6bn software sector BOOST The partnership will boost the growth of local software industry Stories by Kunle Azeez

he Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has promised to

work in collaboration with software practitioners, who will develop locally-relevant software supplications for oil and gas companies in order to develop the country’s software sector with potential value worth $6 billion annually. Speaking at the 2015 President’s Dinner of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), the board said the growth profile of local content in Nigeria’s software

sub-sector can be expanded if the industry can take a cue from the successes recorded in the oil and gas sector. While calling for strategic partnership with the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Dr. Ernest Nwapa, who delivered the keynote address on the theme: ‘Software and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Ecosystem’, said

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr. Phillip Obioha; Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahman Bello and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Prof. Duro Oni, during the presentation of award to best graduating students of the Department of Computer Science of the school in Lagos.

NIRA advocates public education on .ng domain

he Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), has urged media practitioners to support the association in increasing public education and awareness so as to boost .ng domains adoption in the country. NiRA is the registry for .ng Internet Domain Names and maintains the database of names registered country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) names in the country. The association is a selfregulating body and manages the .ng national resource, the ccTLD name space in line with country’s interest and global Internet standards. Speaking at a one-day Media College organised for media practitioners on .ng in Lagos, NiRA President, Mrs. Mary Uduma, said that, as a national resource, .ng is a unique identifier for every Nigerian on the World Wide Web. Uduma said, since the country could realise ccTLD, which was hosted in the United States by Randy Bush, an American, about 12 years ago, it had become imperative that Nigerians were informed to take the advantage of the system. She noted that, although about 60,000 domain names had been realised on .ng registration, there was a large space for individuals, Small

and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies to leverage. “The essence of the .ng Media College is to enable us interface with the practitioners, who are critical stakeholders in disseminating information as regards .ng domain name registration. Also, the Media College accords NiRA opportunities to explain some policies and operational guidelines in the registration processes. “In all, we know the media are able to lead the cause on public awareness on .ng domain name adoption and switchover” Uduma said. She explained that after the association was founded on March 23, 2005, as a stakeholders-led organisation, it had gone ahead to adopt a multilayered registry module for its operations. “With NiRA at the apex as the registry, we have certified registrars to work with us. The registrars may choose to employ the services of re-sellers. Currently, we are giving Nigerians 10 per cent discount on registration with the aim of getting our local businesses online. Content is the currency for the future and Nigeria cannot be left behind”, she added.

the political will was needed to drive local content growth. Nwapa said with a sustained political will, software development can be explored in all the sectors of the economy, including the oil and gas industry. “Local content is about things done in Nigeria and the board is today focusing on incountry value addition, which includes promotion of capacity and use of local resources among others,” adding that “In doing these, we have been able to create robust local supply chain.” According to him, implementing local content policy in any sector of the economy requires a strong political will to enforce, adding that such political will has contributed to the success recorded by the Board in the oil and gas sector. He cited a policy, where Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in oil and gas were not allowed to supply anything to any oil company without evidence of manufacturing something in the country. “This is innovative way of improving processes. In communications technology sector, you can insist that certain percentage of software in use must be local,” he said. Nwapa expressed the readiness of the Board to collaborate with ISPON the way it had done in the power sector

igeria’s Information and Communication Technology conglomerate, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc, has rewarded the best graduating students of the Computer Science Department of the University of Lagos, Nigeria and the University of Douala, Cameroon. The initiative was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which was displayed at two distinct ceremonies, where CWG representatives presented gifts to the students. While Master Agho Adrian Osemwonyemwen received the award as beneficiary at the University of Lagos, Mr. Alexis Mbele Ngono received the CWG

to plug into its capacity building in training engineers for structural and other electrical and mechanical designs in that sector. “A software engineer, who wants to develop an application in the oil and gas sector, has to work with many Nigerians working in the oil and gas sector who can explain to him what their operations in the oil and gas are all about, which will guide such a software engineer to be able to develop software solutions relevant to the oil companies,” he said. In her address, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said poor local content growth had increased capital flight in the ICT sector, stressing that trillions of Naira was being taken out of the country annually through licensed software use in Nigeria. Johnson, who agreed that action must be taken fast to stem the tide, said knowledge and skills development were critical to software sector development. She expressed the readiness of the ministry and ISPON to work with NCDMB on local content growth in the technology sector, stressing that ICT had contributed about 9.5 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and could do more if all avenues were adequately explored.

CSR: CWG rewards students in Nigeria, Cameroon excellence award for the best graduating student of the Computer Science Department, Institute of Technology, University of Douala, Cameroon. At the presentation ceremony in Lagos, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rahman Bello, said if the focus of CWG’s social investment initiative was sustained, it was capable of aiding universities in Nigeria to attain desired greatness. Bello said: “This award presentation has been an annual event. Since inception, CWG has lived up to its promise of rewarding

the best graduating student in Computer Science Department every year, for five years now. “On behalf of the management of the University, I thank your organisation for your commitment to this partnership. Your commitment to promoting academic excellence will help us in going forward.” In his remarks, CWG’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Phillip Obioha, pointed out that the annual award presentation event underscores the company’s emphasis on hard work and qualitative education.

Glo gives subscribers N28bn free airtime

igeria’s indigenous telecommunications carrier, Globacom, said it had given out N27.5 billion worth of bonus airtime to its customers in the last two months in its ongoing Glo Overload Reloaded promo. The Glo Overload promo was introduced late last year among a number of other mega promotions aimed at exciting and delighting the operator’s customers. The promo was, in Jan-

uary, re-launched as Glo Overload Reloaded with expanded bonus of 400 per cent bonus airtime for every recharge of N200 and above, up from the 200 percent bonus airtime initially given to customers for every recharge of N200 and above. Over seven million subscribers had signed up to the promotion by February and had taken advantage of the promo’s multi-faceted benefits, including free airtime.

The company’s Regional Chief Marketing Officer, Ashok Israni, said: “Under the Glo Overload Reloaded promo, a subscriber who recharges with N200 receives a total value of N1,000 automatically, which is five times the value of recharge. Any airtime recharge of N500 gives the subscriber N2,500 airtime value; N1,000 gives N5,000; N2,000 gives N10,000; while N5,000 gives a whopping N25,000 value.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Photo | News

L-R: Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi of Beat FM, Lagos; President Jonathan Goodlook and Oscar Oyinsan of City FM, Lagos, during the youth meeting with Jonathan in Lagos.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R: Secretary, Committee for Automation of Revenue Report Generation, Dr. Ibrahim Idris; chairperson, Janet Adepegba and Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, at the presentation of a book: ‘Automation of Revenue Report Generation’ at the NCAA Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information, Hon. Umar Jibril; member of the Committee, Hon. Dauda Kako Are and member, Hon. Tajudeen, during an interactive section with the media owners and regulatory body in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun (right), presenting a plaque to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Real Admiral Jonathan Ango, during Ango’s visit to the governor in Abeokuta.

L-R: Area Business Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ekpa Daro Olowu; Zonal Business Manager, Adebisi Akinloye; Head, Regional Retail, Ms. Edero Daro-Idollo; retail shop owner, Alhaja Rafeeat Oginni and Regional Operation Manager, Mr. Femi Oshinlaja, during the opening of Airtel express shop at Igando, Lagos.

Pupils of Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos, Master Bamgboye Pelumi (left); Master Spencer Akinadewo; Master Erhigoma David and Master Hogan Onyinyechi, during the school’s 137th annual interhouse sports competition in Lagos.

L-R: Managing Counsel, Rose O. Ojiako-Nwosu and Company, Rose Nwosu; Programme Coordinator, International Women Protection and Empowerment, Sibinty Conteh; Director, Speakers Corner Trust Nigeria, Ramatu Bako; National Programme Officer, UN Women, Adenike Ndieli and Gender and Conflict Adviser, Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme, Chitra Nagarajan, at Oxfam/SCTN partnership to celebrate Women’s Day in Abuja.

L-R: Director, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Dele Layiwola; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Gbemisola Oke; Professor of History, Prof. Bolanle Awe and Guest Speaker, Prof. Olufunke Adeboye, at the International Women’s Day Conference on emerging issues in Gender Studies in Ibadan.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015

Mom&Parenting Rape: When the victim is man

It is a man’s world, they say. So what seems the norm and normal to the ear is that a ‘man raped a woman.’ But the absurd to Africans, particularly Nigerians, is the reverse, ‘that a woman raped a man!’ Well, that seems to be the norm these days! Women, mostly students of higher institutions are now the dare devils; men fear and respect them. Oluwatosin omoniyi explore stories of raped men

oseph Ukachukwu was an innocent young boy of about 15. He had no knowledge what sex was about. A JSS 2 student in his rustic village in Imo State, he was innocent. But his elder sister Kate, who was in JSS 3 had a friend Emilia, 18, who often teased the young Joseph, about how good he looked. While Joseph laughed sheepishly in innocence, Emilia was really dreaming of having the poor boy in her arms, unknown to both Joseph and Kate. When Emilia one day invited Joseph to visit her home, it was with glee that the guy rushed off after school. Incidentally, that was a day, not even another soul was at home in Emilia’s house. After the initial welcome and light refreshment, Emilia took the boy to her room, where they sat on the bed. Joseph tells the story. “As we sat on the bed, she started touching me, telling me how handsome I was. From mere touching, she kissed me and told me to touch her breasts. Then, she pulled off her wrapper and pushed me down on the bed. I started shouting, telling her to leave me, even though my penis was erect. At that level, I considered it a great sin. When I shouted strongly, pushing her away, that was when she left me and said that I was a bush boy.” Joseph was lucky to escape the attack. Many other men were not. “We are now constantly living in fear of them. If it is to come, rob and harass, it would be fine but they brutally rape almost to the point of death,” Dotun Aiyekotun, a bank official, told New Telegraph. He described his experience as terrible. It is a horrid feeling when your body betrays you, whether it’s impotence or the opposite. I did not want her, did not want that intimacy, it was a violation of my space, my person, my mind. It was a theft of my sperm; much like man-on-female rape is a theft of the woman’s precious sexuality. I strongly and repeatedly said ‘NO but she wouldn’t listen to me”

Mom&Parenting Team

Oluwatosin Omoniyi Coordinator

Rape survivor in distress

She had chased for two years but I didn’t give in to her because she didn’t qualify for the type of girl I could date. I also choose my friend and not the other way round. One evening, she barged into my room with three of her female friends and tied me to my bed. After ordering me at gun point to pull off my dress, then, she gave me a blowjob. Cool! But then she got on top of me even though I strongly, emphatically and repeatedly said ‘NO! STOP! No Please! But she didn’t care and she did a good job with the restraints. She got on top of me and rode me until I climaxed against my will. I felt powerless and ashamed. After that, the ladies rubbed pepper on my penis, untied me and asked me to start dancing around the room. It was a real traumatic experience for me. Whenever I narrate the experience to some close people, they find it hard to believe and laugh it off. I think if gender roles were reversed, it would’ve been taken more seriously. Olajuwon Kayode, student, is indeed a handsome guy. He is tall and lanky said he was deflowered at 22 by some group of girls. The first week he gained admission into the Kwara Polytechnic, Ilorin, a lady approached him and asked him out but he refused because he had heard stories about the ladies in that school. But one night, I just woke to find a lady nibbling on my hairy chest. As I made to speak out, she covered my mouth with

PHOTO: huffingtonpost.com

her palms and told me to sit back and quietly enjoy it. I got angry and thought I could use the man in me to push her off but as I made to push her, she slapped me hard on the face and said none of the men she slept with ever resisted her. I got angrier and slapped her thrice and even kicked her. That was my doom! She got up picked her phone and made some calls. Before I could reason out what she was doing, about eight ladies majestically walked in and asked me to lie down. I knew I couldn’t resist these number of girls. I knelt down and started begging them, gave them the whole N60,000 with me. After much pleading, they agreed that only three of them would sleep with me instead of the whole nine ladies. The first lady removed my boxer pant, sucked my penis and nipples, there, the foolish thing rose up and she sat on my hard man. She then asked me to be jerking up and down. That was how the three ladies took their turn on me. The following day, I went to the police station to make report, the police officers asked me to go to the hospital to have my mental state examined. They laughed at me and asked me to leave the station. For Olutayo Matemi, his aunt was the culprit. For three weeks consecutively, she slept with him and threatened him not to tell anyone, else he would die. After my second term holiday, my mother told me to go spend the vacation

with her younger sister whom she believed was stricter and would not indulge me. I noticed that every morning when her husband had left for work, she would come to the bathroom or the room to look at how I was dressing. If I asked her why, she would simply say she wants to be sure that I know how to take care of myself until one morning, while taking my bath, she opened the bathroom door and put my penis into her mouth. I begged and cried but she shut me up. After that, she dragged me to the bed room and completed the job. I couldn’t look at her in the face throughout that day. The following day,she continued but this time, with a lot of struggle and slaps from her. After three days of fighting, I gave up the struggle and enjoyed it for three weeks but it was against my wish. Till my aunt died, I refused to set my eyes on her. Seven years after she passed away, I made bold to tell my mother. My mother was shocked and cried bitterly, after that, she took me to her my aunt grave side and cursed her. She asked me to also curse her which I did. For Ayo Adeobamide, it happened during the act. Though, difficult to believe, it actually happened. She started by trying to suffocate me during the sex exercise. She had me in a situation where I couldn’t just overpower her, more because, I didn’t suspect she could do such a thing. When I tried to resist, she brought out a knife and promised to stab me. She just kept pounding me away at the other end while I started to suffocate properly. The physical pleasure remained intense while the mental trauCONTINUED ON PAGE 40

40 Mom&Parenting

THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Discipline mistakes parents make

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

Beyond raising awareness for gender inequality

“A Giving her daughter stern warning

The most common child discipline blunders parents make, and how to fix them

Katherine Lee School-Age Children Expert o err is human, and to make discipline mistakes is sometimes a part of being a parent. The next time your child misbehaves and you find yourself losing your cool or wondering if you are handling your child’s bad behavior the right way, think about these solutions to fixing common discipline mistakes that parents often make.

Not being respectful You read that right. We parents ask our children to respect us, but we sometimes forget that respect should be a two-way street. One of the most common mistakes parents make when disciplining children is yelling, speaking in a harsh and angry tone, or even insulting their children. Giving and asking for respect in return is one of the cardinal tips to remember about disciplining children. The Fix: Think about how you would like to be spoken to if you were working out a conflict with, say, a family member or a friend or co-worker. Get down to your child’s eye level, and discuss the problem at hand in a gentle (but still firm) and respectful manner. And no matter how angry you are, try to remain calm; do not yell, and never belittle your child.

PHOTO: mybrownbaby.com

Disciplining while angry There are some things that just should not go together, like drinking and driving or writing a heated email to someone who’s made you angry before you’ve had a chance to cool down. Disciplining a child while angry is definitely in that category of don’ts. When you reprimand your child while you mad about something they did, you are more likely to shout or say something you don’t mean. And you’re also less likely to take out whatever other frustrations you may be having on a bad day (and, hey, we all have those) and focus your anger at something unrelated to your child on his behavior. The Fix: Take a few minutes (or more if you need it) to calm down and collect your thoughts before talking to your child about his bad behavior. Remove yourself or your child from the immediate situation by, say, taking a walk. In fact, giving you and yourself some time to reflect on the conflict may help you both deal with the situation in a calmer manner. Being inconsistent If you reprimand your child for not cleaning his room one day and then not bother to talk to him about it when his room is messy for days on end, only to scold him again for not keeping his room clean, your child is getting a very inconsistent message. One of the best ways to help children correct their behavior is by giving them clear instructions about what is expected of them. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

...man as rape victim CO NTINUED FRO M PAG E 3 9

ma (which I didn’t understand the depth of for many days) was done. I was totally caught off guard and that changed me in that respect. I no longer feel comfortable when I’m alone with women. The above stories sound unbelievable and incredible probably because it has always be a world of men as the popular adage has it. But the scenarios above simply buttress the age-long saying: “what a man can do, a woman can do better.” However, experts differ on it and stressed that it is not possible, rather it is man that rapes woman! KENNETH NWOSU, the Police public relation officer, PRO, Lagos Command said there is no way a woman can rape a man. He stated the Section 357 of the Nigerian criminal code as, “any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm, or by means

of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act, or, in the case of a married woman, by personating her husband, is guilty of an offence which is called rape.” The PRO emphasised that it must be a man against a woman and not the other way round. “It could come under a different definition but definitely not woman rapes man,” he said. Gbemisola Omoniyi, a Psychologist with the Federal neuropsychiatric hospital, Yaba, Lagos, said it’s not a straight forward issue. She said it is not really possible except there are pyschological factors underneath. According to her, there must be process of stimulation, erection and penetration which is achievable with the man’s state of mind and consent to realise that.” It is actually man rapes woman and not the other way round. Barrister Samuel Kargbo said the law does not contemplate the reversal role; hence no provision for such in law except on sexual perversion and that depends on the category. “She can sexually harass or intimidate but definitely not rape,” he said.

father and his son are in a car accident. The father is killed and the son is seriously injured. The son is taken to the hospital where the surgeon says, “I cannot operate, because this boy is my son. This popular brain teaser dates back many years, but it remains relevant today; 40 to 75 percent of people still can’t figure it out. Those who do solve it usually take a few minutes to fathom that the boy’s mother could be a surgeon. Even when we have the best of intentions, when we hear “surgeon” or “boss,” the image that pops into our minds is often male. Our culture’s strong gender stereotypes extend beyond image to performance, leading us to believe that men are more competent than women. Managers — both male and female — continue to favour men over equally qualified women in hiring, compensation, performance evaluation and promotion decisions. This limits opportunities for women and deprives organizations of valuable talent.” This is a part of the first of four essays in a series on women at work by Adam Grant and Sheryl Sandberg. I think it echoes the focus of the International Women’s Day which held last week with the theme: ‘make it happen’, aimed at encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women. The IWD had its focus on women in different professional sectors; the arts, female-owned businesses, in senior leadership roles, and all aspects of working environments where gender parity is yet to be achieved. In the UK for instance, the gender pay gap still stands at a significant 17.5 per cent, while the Equalities and Human Rights Commission estimates it will take 70 years to see an equal number of female and male directors of FTSE 100 companies. And you ask where does that leave the so called ‘developing countries’? Almost a year ago, about 270 young women stayed back in school to write their secondary school certificate exam and better their lot in life when they were forcefully taken away by Boko Haram. #BringBackOurGirls campaign got the support of the likes of Michelle Obama, Malala Yousafzai, celebrities, groups and individuals from around the world. Despite all that awareness and support about 230 girls are yet to be found, and it is sickening that we don’t even know the exact number of the missing girls! Recently India’s Daughter, a documentary about the brutal gang-rape of a young woman on a Delhi bus in 2012 released by the BBC was uploaded on YouTube and shared on social media. Hours later it got banned by the Indian government on the grounds

of ‘objectionable content’ and a ‘conspiracy to defame India’. The attempt to censor India’s Daughter is believed to have done more damage than the film itself, giving it more notoriety (and viewers) than it would have had otherwise. But beyond watching, sharing and talking about it, what happens next? To solve this problem, business leaders, scholars, journalists, independent bodies etc. are working tirelessly to raise awareness with the assumption that we will more likely overcome the challenge with increased awareness. But new research suggests that if we are not careful it can backfire, leading to more discrimination rather than less. Here is still part of the essay on Women At Work, and how ‘one sentence’ made all the difference: “One of us, Adam, presented data in his classes at Wharton on the underrepresentation of women in major leadership roles and discussed the factors that held women back. He thought a public dialogue would prompt action. But during the next five months, there was no change in the percentage of female M.B.A. students who applied for a leadership position on campus. The following year, he shared the same data about the shortage of female leaders, with one sentence added at the end: “I don’t ever want to see this happen again.” During the next five months, there was a 65 percent increase in the number of female M.B.A. students who sought out leadership roles compared with those who had in the previous year. And the female students who heard this statement were 53 percent more likely to apply for leadership positions than those who did not hear it that year. To motivate women at work, we need to be explicit about our disapproval of the leadership imbalance as well as our support for female leaders. When more women lead, performance improves. Startups led by women are more likely to succeed; innovative firms with more women in top management are more profitable; and companies with more gender diversity have more revenue, customers, market share and profits. A comprehensive analysis of 95 studies on gender differences showed that when it comes to leadership skills, although men are more confident, women are more competent. To break down the barriers that hold women back, it’s not enough to spread awareness. If we don’t reinforce that people need and want to overcome their biases, we end up silently condoning the status quo.” Grace Essen is the author of ‘Successful Working Mom’, president & founder of Mum To Mum Support Initiative.

Business | Money Line 41

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Nigeria’s merchandise trade rises by 14.9% to N24.43trn – NBS

OIL POWER

Crude oil contribution to the value of total domestic export trade was N12.79trn

• 1.2m jobs created in 2014

Stories by Tony Chukwunyem

igeria’s merc h a n d i s e trade rose by N3.17trillion or 14.9 per cent, from N21.26trillion in 2013 to N24.43trillion at the end of last year. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) made this known yesterday in a report on Nigeria’s foreign trade statistics for 2014. It said the increase in trade arose from a sharp rise of 20.8 per cent in the value of exports from N14.24trillion in 2013 to N17.20trillion in 2014. The report explained that a slight increase of N215.6billon, which amounted to only a three per cent rise in imports, also contributed to the favourable trade balance of N9.97trillion recorded in 2014. It said, “The total value of Nigeria’s external merchandise trade at the end of Q4, 2014 was N5.74trillion. This was 11.9 per cent lower than the value (N6.51trillion),

recorded in the preceding quarter. “At the end of 2014, Nigeria’s external trade stood at N24.435trillion. This was N3.174trillion or 14.9 per cent greater than the value recorded in 2013.” The NBS report said that trade according to economic region, indicated that the Nigeria consumed goods largely from Asia with import value of N3.14trillion or 43.5 per cent. The report added that Nigeria also imported goods valued at N2.43 trillion or 33.7 per cent from Europe, and N1,04trillion or 14.4 per cent from America. It said the import trade within the continent of Africa was N522billion or 7.2 per cent while imports from the region of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) amounted to N46.1billion. In terms of export, the report said on annual basis, the total exports of Nigeria stood at N17.20trillion at the end of 2014, representing a

rise of N2.95trillion or 20.8 per cent over the level in 2013. It said, “The structure of Nigeria’s export is still dominated by crude oil exports. The contribution of crude oil to the value of total domestic

export trade amounted to N12.79trillion or 74.4 per cent in 2014. “Exports by section revealed that the highest export product for Nigeria in 2014 was mineral products,” which accounted for N15.71trn or 91.4 per cent. “Other products that contributed immensely

Rising inflation to impact naira, says Rewane

inancial Derivatives Company Ltd (FDC) has predicted that rising inflation will trigger further devaluation of the naira at both the Interbank and parallel markets this month. The firm said in its latest economic bulletin that it was forecasting a slight hike in headline inflation of 0.2 per cent to 8.4 per cent. It noted that there was a strong correlation between oil price decline, currency devaluation and imported inflation. As the FDC, which Bismarck Rewane manages put it, “Higher inflation implies

As at N16,833,244.57 N16,509,472.5m 8.2 0.0000 13 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$61.39 US$32,758,862,269

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2014 Dec, 2013 Feb, 2015 2/5/2014 24/2/2015 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 24/2/2015 6/3/2015 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

U Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

increased pressure on the currency. We anticipate that the naira will average N205/$ and N225/$ at the interbank and parallel markets respectively in March.” It, however, predicted, “The projected headline inflation rate of 8.4 per cent is unlikely to cause any significant change in the monetary policy stance. This is because, the markets have priced in likely impact of the mix macroeconomic environment and will be in a wait and see mode until after the general election and the March Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.”

According to the FDC, the impact of the temporary fuel shortage on the cost of transportation will reflect in consumer prices this month, adding that the impact of higher costs of air fares, diesel, as well as increased cable TV subscription rate and the gradual increase in the price of flour., will also be reflected in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It noted that, while the rate of increase in the headline CPI is unlikely to influence the decision of MPC members, “ there is a slight possibility of a reduction in the monetary policy rate (MPR).”

Proposed VAT hike: Expert tasks FIRS on firms’ registration

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

to Nigeria’s exports include vehicles, aircraft and parts; vessels and products of chemical and allied industries whose values stood at N357.7bn or 2.1 per cent, and N315.6bn or 1.8 per cent respectively, of the total exports of Nigeria for the year.” Meanwhile, the NBS

in its employment report, which was also released yesterday, stated that the economy created a total of 1.2 million jobs in 2014. The jobs were created in the formal, informal and public institutions in Nigeria. A breakdown of the jobs created showed that 240,871 jobs were created in the first quarter while 259,353; 349,343 and 369,485 jobs were created in the second, third and fourth quarters respectively.

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

ntil the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is able to increase its capacity to get more companies to pay tax, the Federal Government should shelve its proposed plan to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 10 per cent. This was the contention of the former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. Samuel Nzekwe in a chat with New Telegraph. He noted that currently the FIRS does not have the capacity to register all the companies that ought to be paying tax, leading to situation where a significant number of firms don’t pay. He said, “It is an issue I have talked about a lot in the past. Before the government thinks about hiking VAT to 10 per cent, the question should be asked how many companies are paying tax today. If you go to Alaba International Market in Lagos and other such big markets, you will find that only a few of the traders pay tax. If the FIRS has more personnel they would get more of the traders registered. Now, it is only if people have problems that they go to the FIRS.” The ex-ANAN boss, how-

ever, said the rate hike should not be implemented now as businesses are already paying too many taxes. Following the sharp drop in the price of oil, a commodity which accounts for over 70 per cent of government revenue and over 90 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had late last year met with State Commissioners for Finance to discuss appropriate strategies to boost non-oil revenue at the state level. She said one of the fiscal options considered was the possible increase in the VAT rate in line with the position of State Governments. She, however, stated that raising the VAT would not be immediate since the National Assembly must amend the enabling law before the rate could be changed. She said, “You know naturally with the states, we will be looking at, again just like we did at the federal level short-term and long term. In the short-term those who have the capacity, in fact all of them, should look towards raising more internally generated revenue.

Business | Financial Market News

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

11-Mar-15

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

535.00 581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 34.00 600.00 459.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 223.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,932.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,406.75

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.12 1.43 2.13 2.38 2.47 3.22 4.30 4.62 4.93 6.88 9.01 13.72 14.20 14.70 15.37 19.35

14.64 16.08 16.26 16.22 16.22 16.17 16.11 16.06 16.05 16.02 16.39 14.93 14.75 14.56 15.45 16.41

13.36 15.95 16.18 16.14 16.14 16.03 16.02 15.94 15.95 15.94 16.32 14.88 14.69 14.49 15.38 16.35

98.74 96.22 97.92 87.78 86.44 86.63 99.58 71.20 98.28 101.47 89.88 100.32 86.66 63.63 68.25 75.21

98.89 96.37 98.07 87.93 86.59 86.93 99.88 71.50 98.58 101.77 90.18 100.62 86.96 63.93 68.55 75.51

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.70 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.20 1.06 1.75 2.11 2.32

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

17.68 19.20 18.13 17.21 19.07

96.47 98.26 96.85 97.10 90.40

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.68

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

308.46

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.47

4.44

20.34

96.60

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.31

3.23

18.68

98.37

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.83

4.46

21.15

94.82

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.83

3.48

20.18

96.55

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.11

1.00

17.21

87.65

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.37

1.00

17.30

95.86

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.81

1.79

17.99

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

1.98

1.80

18.00

93.85

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.99

1.00

17.21

95.00

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.18

1.00

17.22

95.35

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.18

4.78

21.00

88.71

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.38

1.00

17.22

96.84

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

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.62 4.70 2.68

1.00 1.00 1.00

17.22 17.06 17.21

96.67 91.89 95.08

BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR

91.42

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.10

10-Oct-20

3.23

1.00

17.17

94.41

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.72

1.00

17.01

87.43

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.81

1.00

17.00

92.72

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.47

1.44

17.59

92.57

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.50

1.00

17.14

94.74

97.21

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

460.61 423.46

Corporate Bonds ‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.44

1.00

16.81

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.50

1.00

16.97

97.68

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.58

2.63

18.78

97.50

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.55

1.00

17.06

94.64

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.63

1.34

17.43

95.61

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.56

1.00

17.22

91.53

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.58

1.88

17.95

100.76

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.58

1.00

17.07

98.62

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

2.00

1.00

17.21

101.25

98.09

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

2.00

1.00

17.21

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.53

1.00

17.14

91.91

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

1.85

2.29

18.45

96.09

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

2.19

6.11

22.33

93.20

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.81

2.16

18.36

95.05

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.68

2.76

18.77

87.95

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.56

1.00

17.47

74.66

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.56

1.00

17.47

80.70

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

132.23

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

122.49

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.92

1.00

17.19

84.42

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

17.05

81.35

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 20.66

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

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

6.88

6.64

99.37

100.51

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

6.15

5.80

96.93

97.98

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.10

6.93

95.50

96.54

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,459.03

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

130.10

44.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

7.59

5.93

99.88

101.75

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

13.32

88.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

14.09

13.03

82.12

84.50

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

8.84

8.27

91.29

92.97

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

38.96

43.63

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

9.23

90.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

15.36

14.82

80.08

81.51

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

14.09

77.95

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

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

28.41 14.50 14.14

28.41 14.00 14.14

40.00 79.00 74.25

40.00 80.75 74.25

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.41

10.87

87.50

89.75

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,604.72

**Treasury Bills DTM 8 15 22 29 36 43 50 57 64

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 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

Bid Discount (%) 10.68 13.11 13.91 13.88 14.51 14.94 14.81 14.99 14.70

Offer Discount (%) 10.43 12.86 13.66 13.63 14.26 14.69 14.56 14.74 14.45

Bid Yield (%) 10.70 13.18 14.03 14.04 14.72 15.20 15.11 15.35 15.09

Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 14.7750 16.0805 17.1946 18.1202

Rate (%)

OBB

14.96

O/N

15.33

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 15.00 16.00 17.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

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

199.10 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60 206.28

199.20 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21 213.47

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

308.46

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.47

4.44

20.34

96.60

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.31

3.23

18.68

98.37

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.83

4.46

21.15

94.82

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.83

3.48

20.18

96.55

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.11

1.00

17.21

87.65

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.37

1.00

17.30

95.86

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.81

1.79

17.99

91.42

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

1.98

1.80

18.00

93.85

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.99

1.00

17.21

95.00

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.18

1.00

17.22

95.35

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.18

4.78

21.00

88.71

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.38

1.00

17.22

96.84

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

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.62 4.70 2.68

1.00 1.00 1.00

17.22 17.06 17.21

96.67 91.89 95.08

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, ‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTAMARCH 12, 2015 ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

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

*GOMBE LAGOS

BEARISH

The bears resurface *OSUN

BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR

Stock market falls on profit taking 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

10-Oct-13 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 taking by bargain hunt- close lower as market sen27-Nov-13 Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 ers in the wake of cautiment turned to the red 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 tious optimism that have territory. 31-Dec-13 ‡ /Agusto by Chris Ugwu *EKITI 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 Stories 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR *NASARAWApervaded the 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 Meanwhile, a turnover market due TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE to the upset in the finan- of 518.8 million shares fter recordTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION cial sector. ing significant worth N3.8 billion in 5,469 g rowth for Consequently, the All- deals was recorded in the Corporate Bonds some days, *UPDC the Share Index10.00 shed 486.11 day’s trading. UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 ‡ /Agusto orFLOURMILLS 1.57 per stock market lowered*FLOURMILLS its basis points12.00 9-DEC-2015 The banking sub-secBBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 14.00 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS atCHELLARAMS 30,869.1706-JAN-2016 momentum yesterday as cent to close tor of the financial ser13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 vices sector was the29-Sep-11 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO index points as against the bears regained domimost 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto FSDH 31,355.28 recorded the active (measured by25-Oct-13 nance in the local bourse turn13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 UBA following losses incured previous day , while marover volume) with30-Nov-12 182.4 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING by equiMPR+7.00of DANA 9-APR-2018million shares worth 09-Apr-11 Nil most blue chip com*DANA#{r} ket capitalisation N2.2 billion exchanged panies. by N163 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER# ties depreciated MPR+5.25 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER# billion or 1.57 This was due to profit per TOWER cent 9-SEP-2018 to by investors in 1,888 09-Sep-11 deals. BBB-/Agusto

Business | Financial Market News

*OSUN

14.75 11.10 Volume in the sub-sec13.50 87.50 tor was largely driven 15.00 5.00 by activities 14.50 in the shares 4.55 of 15.00and GTB Plc. 4.56 UBA Plc 460.61 Also, other financial 423.46 services, boosted by activities in the shares of UBA Capital Plc followed2.50with 10.00 a turnover 12.00 of 167.7 million 18.75 0.42 shares14.00 valued at N591.3 13.00 15.00 million in 1,448 deals. 14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.63

1.34

17.43

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.56

1.00

17.22

91.53

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.58

1.88

17.95

100.76

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.58

1.00

17.07

98.62

2.54

09-Sep-18

2.00

1.00

17.21

101.25

14-Aug-21

11.41

10.87

87.50

89.75

16.00

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

35.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL financial MARKET CAPITALISATION analyst

B-/S&P

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.20 11.25

Coupon (%)

6.75 5.13 6.38

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

14-Aug-14

09-Sep-18 on Pay2.00 1.00and other 17.21relevant 98.09 he Committee pants stake3.53 1.00 91.91 ments and22-Sep-18 Market Infraholders will be17.14 consulted in the 2.40 18-Oct-18 1.85 2.29 18.45 96.09 structures (CPMI) and the course of the review,” they said. 0.36 17-Feb-19 2.19 6.11 22.33 93.20 International Organisation of The had re4.50 01-Apr-19 2.81 2.16 board of 18.36IOSCO 95.05 cently to push Securities Commissions (IOS14-Nov-20 5.68 2.76 met in Seoul 18.77 87.95 for2.05 0.10 30-Sep-24 9.56 17.47 74.66 CO) announced yesterday that ward1.00 the Commissions’ work on 30-Sep-24 a review 9.56 1.00 17.47 safe and 80.70 effithey 15.44 are undertaking securing strong, 132.23 testing by central counof stress cient securities markets, which 122.49 (CCPs). terparties are drivers of global economic Stress testing is an essential growth, a statement from the component of risk management Commission affirmed. 12.00 11-Feb-18 2.92 1.00 17.19 84.42 by CCPs. The Principles for FiThis was coming on the heels 12.95 01-Feb-21 4.75 1.00 17.05 81.35 nancial Market Infrastructures of a round table discussion on 24.95 (PFMI), published by the CPMI the impact of technical innova20.66 and IOSCO in 2012, require tion – or digital disruption— on Outstanding CCPs toValue carryMaturity outDaterigorous financial markets and Offer services. Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Price ($mm) stress testing to determine the IOSCO said its board disfinancial resources they need to cussed with industry experts Prices & Yields how the fast pace of the digimanage both credit and liquid500.00 28-Jan-21 6.88 6.64 99.37 100.51 ity risk, including a wide range tal revolution is changing the 500.00 scenarios 12-Jul-18 97.98 of stress covering6.15 a way 5.80 financial 96.93 markets operate, variety of extreme but plausible and how securities regulators 500.00 12-Jul-23 7.10 6.93 95.50 96.54 market conditions. should address the new chal1,500.00 In a statement obtained from lenges and opportunities that IOSCO website, the duo noted emerge. 1,459.03 “The round table discussion that the systemic importance of CCPs was growing substantial- was a good example of IOSCO’s 450.00 130.10 44.00 44.00 ly, not least due 01-Feb-16 to the drive 130.10 for resolve to anticipate significant 500.00 19-May-16 7.59 5.93 99.88 101.75 standardised OTC derivatives change and understand the dif25-Jul-17 13.32 13.32 88.00 ferent types of88.00 emerging risks to be350.00 centrally cleared. 300.00 02-May-18 14.09 13.03 82.12 84.50 “The CPMI and IOSCO therethat could weaken global mar400.00 08-Nov-18 8.84 8.27 91.29 92.97 fore 300.00 believe that a review 38.96 of kets38.96 and undermine investor 08-Apr-19 43.63 43.63 CCP500.00 stress testing is timely 9.23 in trust. to work with 22-Apr-19 9.23We need 90.00 90.00 all stakeholders to harvest81.51 the oporder to identify how the rele200.00 21-May-19 15.36 14.82 80.08 vant300.00 PFMI standards portunities that77.95 new technologies 07-Aug-20 are being 14.09 14.09 77.95 360.00 09-Dec-20 28.41 40.00 mitigating 40.00 the implemented and whether adcan 28.41 deliver, while 400.00 guidance 24-Jun-21 14.00 79.00Greg Medcraft 80.75 ditional in this area14.50 is potential risks,” 450.00 23-Jul-21 14.14 14.14 74.25 74.25 needed. CCPs, clearing partici- IOSCO’s chairman said. 0.70

14.00

derstand the rudiments vious that activities will and Managing of stock market are in- stabilise in the market afSupranational Bond Director, Crane vesting heavily in the lo- ter the general elections, 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC 11-Feb-13 Securities Limited, AfDB Mr. cal bourse. 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 adding that this was the Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P 10-Jul-14 Mike Eze, has linked the Eze noted that there is perfect opportunity for TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE sharp decline in domes- urgent need for marketers investors to stake their TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION tic investors’ partici- that can explain to the local funds in the market. time pationRating/Agency at the Nigerian investors’ reasons why theyDescription“This is the rightIssue Issuer Date Stock Exchange (NSE) to should invest in the market. for investors to take part lack adequate knowlHe explained that in the equities market, FGN of Eurobonds edge of the stock market. this challenge can be adwith the prices of shares 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 Eze, in a chat with New dressed by developing at their lowest levels. BB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL Brokers 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 that are actually are confident Telegraph, stressed the people BB-/S&P need for human capital de- understand the financial that after the elections, BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 BB-/S&P velopment in finance that market, saying that for the market would begin TOTALdrive OUTSTANDING VALUE would the needed lo- the economy grow, there to stabilise and investors cal investors’ would begin to record sigTOTAL MARKETparticipation CAPITALISATION is need for human capital in the market and deepen it. development. nificant appreciation on Corporate Eurobonds Eze called on domestic their investments. “We have serious gap 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B-/S&P I 01-Feb-11 ofB/Fitch; knowledge and forAFREN the PLCinvestors in the nation’s “Because, with the lit7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 19-May-11 market to pick, we need to capital market to leverage tle amount of funds you 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P 25-Jul-12 develop the skill and ACCESS hu- BANK onPLC the current low prices will buy large quantity of 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC 09-May-13 man capital to drive the of stocks of companies penny stocks or low price 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 08-Nov-13 market. Innovations AFREN are PLCquoted on the floor of the stocks, and that enhances 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch II 08-Apr-12 coming up in the market Exchange for future gains. 6.25 APR your 22, 2019 position as a shareB+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 but theB/S&P skill to transform He PLC added that the market If dividends are 8.75 May holder. 21, 2019 B/Fitch; DIAMOND BANK 21-May-14 itB-/Fitch; is notB/S&P there,” he said. by such compa8.25 AUG declared 07, 2020 FIRST BANKwas PLC ripe for investment 07-Aug-13 6.63 DEC nies, 09, 2020 the shareholder B-/Fitch; III 09-Dec-13 TheB/S&P expert pointedAFREN out PLCgoing by the current low will JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II of stocks.9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 that foreign and instituprices earn sumptuous 24-Jun-14 divi8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD 23-Jul-14 tional investors who unHe noted that it was ob- dend,” Eze noted.

8.75

250.00

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

95.61

CPMI, IOSCO review stress testing

16.00 18.00

Why there is drop in domestic investors, by expert

10-Oct-20 3.23 17.17 94.41 Further analysis of the 1.00 per share. 27-Nov-20 5.72 1.00 17.01 87.43 day’s trading showed that On the flip side, 31-Dec-20 5.81 1.00 17.00 92.72HonUBA Capital Plc topped eywell Nigeria Plc 31-Dec-20 3.47 1.44 17.59 92.57 and 17.14Plc led 94.74 the06-Jan-21 gainers’ table3.50 with 9.49 1.00 Forte Oil the losper cent to close at N1.73 ers’ chart with a drop of per share, while Caverton five per cent each to close Nigeria Plc followed with at N2.66 and N192.86 per 4.98 per cent to0.44close at 1.00 share respectively , while 17-Aug-15 16.81 97.21 N2.95 per share.0.50Ashaka 1.00 NCR Plc 09-Dec-15 16.97fell by 4.99 97.68 per 06-Jan-16 Plc gained 0.58 18.78 97.50 per Cement 4.97 2.63 cent to close at N12.19 94.64 per29-Sep-16 cent to close1.55 at N18.79 1.00 share. 17.06

13.00 18.00

22-Sep-11

11-Mar-15

3,604.72

The DQL contains and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute Money Market **Treasury Bills data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities FIXINGS Exchange (Spot & Forwards) professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurateForeign or up to date. We do not guarantee DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR the accuracy,8timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, 19-Mar-15 10.68 10.43 10.70neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information.

15 26-Mar-15 13.11 22 2-Apr-15 13.91 9-Apr-15 13.88 FGN Bonds 29 36 16-Apr-15 14.51 43 23-Apr-15 14.94 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 50 30-Apr-15 14.81 57 7-May-15 14.99 4.00 23-APR-2015 64 14-May-15 14.70 71 21-May-15 14.75 13.05 16-AUG-2016 85 4-Jun-15 14.98 15.10 27-APR-2017 92 11-Jun-15 14.45 9.85 27-JUL-2017 106 25-Jun-15 14.94 9.35 31-AUG-2017 113 2-Jul-15 14.74 10.70 30-MAY-2018 127 16-Jul-15 14.76 16.00 29-JUN-2019 134 23-Jul-15 14.83 7.00 23-OCT-2019 NA NA 141 30-Jul-15 14.43 15.54 13-FEB-2020 148 6-Aug-15 14.70 16.39 27-JAN-2022 155 13-Aug-15 13.58 14.20 14-MAR-2024 169 27-Aug-15 14.91 15.00 28-NOV-2028 176 3-Sep-15 14.88 12.49 22-MAY-2029 183 10-Sep-15 14.79 8.50 20-NOV-2029 267 3-Dec-15 13.33 281 17-Dec-15 13.22 10.00 23-JUL-2030 302 7-Jan-16 14.19 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 316 21-Jan-16 13.75 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 330 4-Feb-16 13.97 344 18-Feb-16 14.17 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 358 3-Mar-16 15.16 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration #

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

12.86 13.66 13.63 14.26 14.69 Issue 14.56Date 14.74 23-Apr-10 14.45 14.50 16-Aug-13 14.73 27-Apr-12 14.20 27-Jul-07 14.69 31-Aug-07 14.49 30-May-08 14.51 29-Jun-12 14.58 23-Oct-09 14.18 13-Feb-15 14.45 27-Jan-12 13.33 14-Mar-14 14.66 28-Nov-08 14.63 22-May-09 14.54 20-Nov-09 13.08 12.97 23-Jul-10 13.94 18-Jul-14 13.50 13.72 13.92 14.91

Description

13.18 14.03 14.04 14.72 15.20 Coupon 15.11 (%) 15.35 4.00 15.09 15.18 13.05 15.52 15.10 15.00 9.85 15.62 9.35 15.45 10.70 15.55 16.00 15.68 7.00 15.28 15.54 15.63 16.39 14.41 14.20 16.01 15.00 16.03 12.49 15.97 8.50 14.76 14.72 10.00 16.08 12.1493 15.61 15.98 16.35 17.81

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

Bonds

Issue Date

(N'bn)

OBB

Rate (%) 14.7750 16.0805 17.1946 18.1202

14.96

O/N Tenor

Maturity Date

535.00 23-Apr-15 NITTY 581.39 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 476.80 27-Apr-17 1M 14.1901 20.00 27-Jul-17 2M 14.5006 100.00 31-Aug-17 3M 14.8698 300.00 30-May-18 6M 15.4954 351.30 29-Jun-19 9M 15.6678 233.90 23-Oct-19 12M 16.0289 34.00 13-Feb-20 600.00 27-Jan-22 459.68 14-Mar-24 NIFEX 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 Current Price ($/N) 20-Nov-29 BID($/N) 200.00 199.0000 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 591.57 23-Jul-30 223.50 18-Jul-34

15.33

REPO

TTM Call(Yrs) 1M 0.12 3M 6M 1.43

Rate (%)

Bid15.00 Yield (%) 16.00 14.64 17.00 18.00 16.08

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D 1M Offer Yield 2M (%) 3M 13.36 6M 1Y 15.95

2.13 16.26 16.18 2.38 16.22 16.14 2.47 16.22 16.14 :Benchmarks 3.22 16.17 16.03 * :Amortising Bond 4.30 16.11 16.02 µ :Convertible Bond 4.62 16.06 15.94 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 4.93 16.05 15.95 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 6.88 16.02 15.94 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 9.01 Finance Corporation 16.39 16.32 IFC: International 13.72 14.93 14.88 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 14.20 Aviation Handling 14.75 Company 14.69 NAHCO: Nigerian 14.70 14.56 14.49 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 15.37 15.45 Company 15.38 WAPCO:West Cement Company 19.35Africa Portland 16.41 16.35 NOTE:

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

199.10 199.20 201.81 Price 201.93 202.13 202.28 202.87 203.37 Bid Price Offer Price 204.24 205.31 205.60 207.21 98.74 98.89 206.28 213.47 220.29 226.27 96.22 96.37

97.92 98.07 87.78 87.93 86.44 86.59 NA :Not86.63 Applicable 86.93 # :Floating Rate Bond 99.58 99.88 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 71.20 71.50 98.28 98.58 ‡ : Bond rating under review †: Bond101.47 rating expired 101.77 90.18 N/A :Not89.88 Available 100.32 {r} :Issuer in receivership100.62 86.66 86.96 63.63 63.93 NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United 68.25Bank for Africa 68.55 75.21 75.51

4,932.13 4,406.75 Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds

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

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

Volume(Bn)

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

Outstanding Vol

Value

24.56 2.70

INDEX112.22

116.70 66.49

Bucket Weighting

322.68

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

Mod_Duration

0.20 1.06 1.75 2.11 2.32

Implied Yield

Portfolio Price

17.68 19.20 18.13 17.21 19.07

INDEX

96.47 98.26 96.85 97.10 90.40 YTD Return (%)

1,376.10

1,409.48

42.92

46.33

308.460.43

21.48

16.15

100.5790

1,126.88

1.7180

3<5

1,022.01

1,059.68

32.27

34.41

0.32

37.02

16.17

100.6253

1,004.05 -

0.8417

571.83

815.07

24.82

19.25

0.25

41.49

15.73

70.2190

986.93 -

30-Sep-10

12.50100.00

13.00

8.50 1.00 4.18

31-Aug-15 100.00

0.47 15.98

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.83

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

A/Agusto

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85 Implied

A-/Agusto

KADUNA Market *EBONYI

12.50 KADUNA2,969.94 31-AUG-2015

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

3,284.23

31-Aug-10 100.00

1.9942

20.34 1,051.56 -

96.60 0.3432

4.46

21.15

94.82

0.83

3.48

20.18

96.55

19-Apr-17

2.11

1.00

17.21

87.65

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.37

1.00

17.30

95.86

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.81

1.79

17.99

91.42

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

1.98

1.80

18.00

93.85

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.99

1.00

17.21

95.00

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.18

1.00

17.22

95.35

30-Sep-15

0.31

4.44 93.0593 3.23

18.68

98.37

Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015

Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014

Business | Capital Market

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014

Daily Summary (Bonds)

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at March 11, 2015

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 23 17 40

Current Price 30.60 29.24

Quantity Traded 190,942 108,880 299,822

Value Traded 5,620,852.53 3,105,266.00 8,726,118.53

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 2.10

Quantity Traded 132,778 132,778

Value Traded 278,703.26 278,703.26

432,600

9,004,821.79

Quantity Traded 16,500 500 49,372,309 238,168 49,627,477

Value Traded 19,620.00 2,110.00 147,951,092.91 8,631,417.49 156,604,240.40

49,627,477

156,604,240.40

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. C of O A11/03/2015 NIG. PLC. Daily SummarySas TRANSNATIONAL Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014 CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals

48 Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 5 1 373 38 417

Current Price 1.24 4.44 3.00 36.73

417

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.67

Quantity Traded 75,615 75,615

Value Traded 50,662.05 50,662.05

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 31 31

Current Price 44.00

Quantity Traded 242,775 242,775

Value Traded 10,397,067.25 10,397,067.25

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 9.35

Quantity Traded 59,437 59,437

Value Traded 566,376.54 566,376.54

377,827

11,014,105.84

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014 GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

40 Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,452 2,452

Value Traded 1,226.00 1,226.00

Symbol CHAMPION GOLDBREW GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

No. of Deals 30 1 66 16 1 131

Current Price 4.78 0.89 128.58 18.01 2.02 140.06

Quantity Traded 505,176 15,000 306,075 500,500 1,500 2,279,869

Value Traded 2,419,686.76 13,950.00 39,419,526.75 9,298,478.00 2,880.00 327,542,686.32

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

No. of Deals 288 13 641 199 1 25 281 1,448

Current Price 3.35 3.98 8.51 2.65 0.50 26.65 1.73

Quantity Traded 32,150,619 454,774 27,697,594 42,431,501 4,666 641,672 64,336,302 167,717,128

Value Traded 110,529,380.83 1,769,665.85 242,115,127.77 109,333,681.05 2,333.00 17,172,929.69 110,381,265.13 591,304,383.32

440,250,284

2,877,064,274.91

Quantity Traded 139,300 10,405 233,420 105,200 2,500 490,825

Value Traded 413,965.50 409,648.20 387,477.20 70,484.00 15,025.00 1,296,599.90

No. of Deals 8 8 12 11 1 40

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals Current Price 12 153.14 12

Quantity Traded 19,014 19,014

Value Traded 2,892,358.05 2,892,358.05

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

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UTC

No. of Deals Current Price 24 3.46 61 6.80 86 34.01 25 2.66 53 6.60 1 18.05 1 0.50 251

Quantity Traded 301,037 2,732,415 500,905 258,739 1,764,080 1,560 50 5,558,786

Value Traded 1,052,485.32 18,313,815.54 17,095,847.01 706,928.92 11,826,277.80 26,769.60 25.00 49,022,149.19

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals Current Price 23 41.28 40 820.00 63

Quantity Traded 25,783 35,959 61,742

Value Traded 1,029,576.12 29,217,490.80 30,247,066.92

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals Current Price 17 3.60 17

Quantity Traded 527,850 527,850

Value Traded 1,899,443.00 1,899,443.00

Page Symbol PZ UNILEVER

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

No. of Deals 25 44 69

Current Price 27.43 34.86

658 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 124 DIAMONDBNK 74 ETI 43 FIDELITYBK 126 GUARANTY 332 SKYEBANK 142 STERLNBANK 49 UBA 418 UBN 40 UNITYBNK 4 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 6.50 4.26 18.30 1.58 24.23 2.37 2.35 4.23 10.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,147,177 255,517 1,402,694

Value Traded 31,540,703.60 8,951,991.48 40,492,695.08

11,180,658

503,252,146.07

Quantity Traded 13,452,555 6,730,619 530,833 16,060,411 42,504,243 5,604,031 4,746,192 46,380,256 10,972,625 4,081,260

Value Traded 88,360,081.35 29,385,047.15 9,246,105.87 25,175,928.76 1,078,293,163.28 13,722,127.38 11,091,721.42 198,092,883.56 116,197,109.01 2,040,630.00

No. of Deals 9 527 1,888

Current Price 0.93 20.67

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST EQUITYASUR GNI HMARKINS INTENEGINS LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS REGALINS SOVRENINS UNIVINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 26 19 1 2 1 2 20 1 1 30 1 45 1 1 1 1 75 228

Current Price 0.91 0.86 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.87 0.50 0.67 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51

Quantity Traded 306,858 31,098,417 182,468,300 Page Quantity Traded 5,249,990 2,940,900 8,906 2,180,246 2,000 411,715 51,843,882 2,100,000 900 679,019 600 4,301,781 1,050 100 10,000 3,200,000 17,133,757 90,064,846

Page

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 613,888 613,888

Value Traded 306,944.00 306,944.00

Symbol NCR TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 7 1 8

Current Price 12.19 1.77

Quantity Traded 100,852 14,825 115,677

Value Traded 1,229,385.88 25,054.25 1,254,440.13

729,565

1,561,384.13

Quantity Traded 1,013,574 78,666 22,410 434,722 226,223

Value Traded 18,807,949.20 657,287.15 813,500.90 5,017,339.00 34,739,726.48

15 Symbol No. of Deals ASHAKACEM 24 BERGER 6 CAP 7 CCNN 34 Daily Summary (Equities) DANGCEM 57

Current Price 18.79 8.48 38.20 11.80 153.55

Symbol PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 14 38 180

Current Price 3.63 89.00

Quantity Traded 445,000 398,003 2,618,598

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 25.73

Quantity Traded Page 42,733

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC

Integrated Oil andon Gas Services Totals Activity Summary Board EQTY

OIL AND GAS Published by Petroleum The Nigerian Stock Exchange © and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 4 4

Employment Solutions

ActivityCSummary onPLC. Board EQTY & I LEASING SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Employment Solutions Employment Solutions Totals

Current Price 0.50

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price OANDO

196 196

14.80

Value Traded of 11 1,045,973.50 1,045,973.50

2,661,331

98,229,843.57

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

50.00

Quantity Traded 102,740 102,740

Value Traded 51,370.00 51,370.00

Quantity Traded 7,716,262 7,716,262

Value Traded 115,647,380.31 115,647,380.31

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 23 32 71 33 14 173

Current Price 34.00 2.70 192.86 150.20 144.50

Page Quantity Traded 171,429 919,070 190,940 107,238 52,180 1,440,857

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 430.00

Quantity Traded 67 67

Value Traded 29,732.25 29,732.25

9,259,926

184,755,906.59

OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015

Current Price 5.21

Value Traded 1,628,045.80 35,520,021.54 97,183,870.07

42,733

184

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 OIL AND GAS Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014 Energy Equipment and Services

Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Value Traded 285,881.94 663,091,268.50 2,234,981,948.22 4 of 11 Value Traded 4,781,400.90 2,575,848.00 4,453.00 1,090,123.00 1,000.00 205,857.50 25,923,321.00 1,050,000.00 450.00 1,967,052.98 300.00 2,841,648.84 525.00 50.00 5,000.00 1,600,000.00 8,730,898.15 50,777,928.37

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

1,296,599.90 6

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol 7UP

490,825

Daily Summary (Equities)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 3.00 40.00 1.66 0.67 6.32

Page

ICT Totals

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 Building Materials Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014 ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

Value Traded 378,697,207.83

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Value Traded 15.00 15.00

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN

IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Quantity Traded 3,608,120

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 SKYE 14:52:14.014 BANK PLC Printed 11/03/2015 STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC

Quantity Traded 10 10

3,565

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 Pharmaceuticals Totals Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014

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

No. of Deals Current Price 245

CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Current Price 1.45

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 Food Products--Diversified Totals Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014 Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol INFINITY

HEALTHCARE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

376

8 ValueofTraded11 5,872,941.96 2,386,607.87 36,847,374.03 16,387,069.16 7,533,431.01 69,027,424.03

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.75

Quantity Traded 157,930 157,930

Value Traded 118,415.26 118,415.26

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 7 3 10

Current Price 3.76 0.97

Quantity Traded 71,780 90,300 162,080

Value Traded 281,600.40 90,693.00 372,293.40

No. of Deals 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 24,512

Value Traded 12,256.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CILEASING Symbol

No. of Deals 3

Current Price

Quantity TradedPage 24,512

9 of 11 Value Traded 12,256.00

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

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 14 1 15

Current Price 4.35 10.00

Quantity Traded 294,903 100 295,003

Value Traded 1,266,217.39 1,045.00 1,267,262.39

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

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 2 15 18

Current Price 1.06 1.20 4.40

Quantity Traded 26,800 3,500 471,370 501,670

Value Traded 27,068.00 4,375.00 1,948,677.94 1,980,120.94

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.53

Quantity Traded 41,600 41,600

Value Traded 21,766.00 21,766.00

Symbol NAHCO

No. of Deals 28 28

Current Price 5.19

Quantity Traded 156,465 156,465

Value Traded 778,321.10 778,321.10

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 41 41

Current Price 2.95

Quantity Traded 2,533,598 2,533,598

Value Traded 7,359,884.20 7,359,884.20

Daily Summary as of 11/03/2015 Transport-Related Services Printed 11/03/2015 14:52:14.014 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page 3,872,858

125

10 of 11 11,910,319.29

EQTY Board Totals

5,469

518,883,361

3,854,693,692.49

Equity Activity Totals

5,469

518,883,361

3,854,693,692.49

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 2 1 2 5

Current Price 9.81 2,236.00 14.11

Quantity Traded 6 20 140,557 140,583

Value Traded 59.11 44,720.00 1,991,692.63 2,036,471.74

ETF Board Totals

140,583

2,036,471.74

ETP Activity Totals

140,583

2,036,471.74

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Features

Boko Haram: Preying on truck drivers Many truck drivers are killed by the insurgents daily ferrying petroleum products from Lagos to the North, reports LUCY FLEMING

igerian truck drivers who have survived a journey through Boko Haram territory relax out of the sun under the porch of a building. Most of those in the group drive tankers of petrol, diesel or kerosene to and from Maiduguri - the city at the heart of the Islamist insurgency in the North-East and the capital of Borno State. Gathered at the Ogere Trailer Park, about 50km (30 miles) north of Lagos, they say they have all been affected by the six-year conflict. “We are all concerned about the situation, we have all lost relatives, wives and children are kidnapped and houses have been burnt,” says Atiku Abubakar. Speaking in Hausa, he and his colleagues describe the perils of the route to and from Lagos. It takes two and a half days when a tanker is empty and four and a half days when full. They say it is dangerous enough without the militants to contend with as there are so many potholes. “Ten of my colleagues who ply this route have been killed in the last three weeks,” says Abubakar. “The militants stopped them and cut off their heads with an electric chainsaw and burned the trucks. “Boko Haram is usually only interested in commandeering smaller vehicles, sometimes the fighters will take the lorries, but most of the time they burn them,” he says. Another truck driver chips in to say that if a driver looks “powerful” he may be kidnapped and conscripted as a fighter, but anyone looking “weak” will definitely “lose his head”. “If you reach Damaturu by five in the afternoon, you dare not continue on the final leg to Maiduguri,” he says, explaining that a driver may not manage the last 130km before the sun sets, when they would be most vulnerable to attack.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Trucks at Ogere Trailer Park

Ali

Too traumatised The drivers tend to work for an owner who has about 20 tankers each vehicle also has about two assistants to help with loading and guarding the cargo, known as motor boys. As the drivers and motor boys ease into the conversation they begin to open up about how the insurgency has directly affected them. Driver Trap Bukar says he was in the town of Bama when it was captured by Boko Haram last September. “It started early in the morning. Suddenly they came. There was shooting, in my presence I saw four people go down; the soldiers fled,” he says. He lifts up his shirt to show what look like bullet scars on his upper torso. “I could tell you many unhappy tales,” he says, with tears in his eyes. But he suddenly gets up and leaves the group and his colleagues say he is too traumatised by his memories to continue. Kullima Ali, 18, who has been a motor boy for four years, says he is now his family’s only bread winner. He says it is very difficult to tell the militants from soldiers, as they dress in camouflage - with only their eyes visible.

Abdullahi

“They stole some food, killed my two brothers and burned our house in Maiduguri in January 2013,” he says. “There is only my mother and my sister now.” He says he had wanted to go and study Science, but he is unable to afford to continue his education. Scared “Many of the drivers have good qualifications,” says Umar Hussaini, 18, a motor boy who helps his driver brother. Ibrahim Abdullahi studied Civil Engineering but can only find work as a trucker He introduces me to Ibrahim Abdullahi, 25, a former university student who had been studying Civil Engineering at the start of insurgency. He has been working as a trucker for the last five years as there are few other employment opportunities for young men, especially in the areas affected by the conflict. “Yes I am scared, if there was other work I would find another job,” says Mr Abdullahi. All the truckers express anger about the six-week postponement of the February 14 presidential election

and are vocal in their criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan’s handling of the conflict. Some even refer to him as “the chairman of Boko Haram” - seeing him as complicit in the group’s growth over the years. Others say his complicity lies in his neglect of North-East. “President Jonathan is just as guilty as those Boko Haram killers because he has chopped off all the money to repair the roads,” Mr Abubakar says. Life is now a constant financial struggle for them, he adds. For each trip, a driver gets a N10,000 (about $50, £33) living allowance but this might have to last for several weeks as he waits at Ogere Trailer Park for clearance to go into Lagos port to collect cargo. It costs N500 (about $2.50) for the trucks to stay at Ogere Trailer Park for two weeks. To stay in Lagos it could cost N1,000 a night - and vehicles would be at risk from thieves. The truckers sleep outdoors in areas organised by the state - and there are mosques in some sections. Most of the truckers get a monthly salary of between $100 and $200 and the motor boys receive $2.50 a day. Saleh Mohamed, a driver who has just arrived back from Lagos port with his shipment of petrol, sits down with the group under the porch looking exhausted. “I spent four days in the queue in the traffic to the port - I haven’t slept for four nights because I had to watch out for thieves as they remove parts from the vehicle or steal the gas,” he says. But he is only taking a short break of a couple of hours as he is anxious to put the coming dangers behind him. “The killings are too much and have been going on for too long,” says his colleague, Mr Abubakar. “President Jonathan is not doing anything. We hope he will leave - we want change,” he adds. •Culled from BBC News

News

Osun schools shut over Hausa, Yoruba clash Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

cores of people were injured yesterday at Sabo area of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, following a bloody clash that broke out between Yoruba and people of Hausa extraction over the claim by the Yoruba Indigent people that a purported Hausa group of indian hemp smokers were causing harm to their health through the the pollution of the environment by their smoking. The ensuing fracas left scores of people severely injured as dangerous weapons like cutlasses and clubs were freely used. Problem started when

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

one of the group leaders of Yoruba extraction said to be irked by the smoking of hemp by people of Hausa extraction over the claim that their action constituted environmental pollution due to the offensive odour from the smoking of indian hemp. The development was said to have infuriated the Hausa, who angrily resisted the move to checkmate the perpetrators among them, leading to the clash. New Telegraph investigations revealed that, the two groups drew a battle, leading to the mobilisation their supporters in preparation for ensuing battle which subsequently led to the use of dangerous weapons like cutlasses, clubs, knives and other dangerous items.

Those wounded were said to have been taken to undisclosed hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, the State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Folasade Odoro, said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. It was also gathered that the battle degenerated into a clash between people of Yoruba extraction and Hausa, who predominantly occupied the Sabo area, where the incident took place. The incident, which generated palpable tension in the area before the intervention of security agents in the state, led to the State Government ordering the closure of some schools

in the area to forestall the escalation of the situation as well as ensure safety of lives and property. Some of the closed down schools were AUD Elementary School, SaboEleran,St-James Middle and High Schools, Ayetoro, Sabo while the state Deputy governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori, appealed to the warring groups to eschew violence. Speaking with newsmen on the incident, the Seriki Hausa at Sabo, Alhaji Lawal Gomina, dismissed the claim that that the fracas was a communal clash between Hausa and Yoruba. He noted, “the clash was among the hooligans in the area but expressed displeasure that properties belonging to Hausa people were destroyed during the fight.

NLC election: Group endorses Kiri Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

head of today’s election of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) in Ogun State has endorsed the nomination of its national president, Comrade Kiri Muhammed, as the NLC Deputy National President. As a result, the NCSU has embarked on mobilisation of its members towards ensuring Muhammed’s emergence at the rescheduled 11th National Delegates Conference of NLC holding in Abuja. The election for the next President of the union was disrupted about two weeks ago over disagreement involving

alleged irregularities discovered in the ballot booklets produced for the exercise. But in a statement signed by its acting chairman, Comrade Mathew Shodiya, and assistant secretary, Comrade Ismail Sanyaolu, the Ogun NCSU said it supported Muhammed towards moving the NLC to greater height. The union expressed optimism that the national election would usher in accountable leadership in the struggle for workers’ welfare. The union also vowed to sustain the support with fasting and prayer. The statement partly read, “The Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has reiterated its commitment towards moving the union to greater height at all levels.”

Hate speech: Caution your wife, others, Fashola tells Jonathan Muritala Ayinla

L-R: Chief M.K.O Adebayo, the Balogun of Omi Adio; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Oloye Ifasola Ifamapowa, the Aboke of Ibadanland and Aare Alaasa of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, during the visit of the committee on Oke’badan Festival to the governor in Ibadan…yesterday

Ekiti farmers to get free 7,200 bags of fertiliser Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

n continuation of his policy of ‘Stomach Infrastructure’, Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose has concluded arrangements to distribute a total of 7,200 bags of fertiliser for free to farmers in the state.

Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, yesterday, said only genuine farmers in the state would have access to the fertiliser. The 7,200 bags of fertiliser donated to the state by the Federal Government were aimed at increasing food production in the state.

He said; “The state was able to benefit from the product because of the cordial relationship between the Governor Fayose-led government and the Federal Government. “The lime fertiliser will improve the intake of major plant nutrients, thereby leading to increased productivity. Distribution

of the lime fertiliser will be flagged off by Governor Fayose very soon to allow farmers have access to the product. “Farmers in the state should, therefore, take advantage of the fertiliser so as to enable massive food production and sustenance of the Stomach Infrastructure initiative of the governor.”

Fayose flays APC, Fayemi’s opposition to Jega’s removal Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, do not have any justification to oppose any move to remove the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega. Speaking through his

Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the governor noted, “asking Jega to go on a mandatory terminal leave doesn’t mean he is being sacked; more so that his tenure would lapse in June and he was entitled to three months terminal leave.” He said the APC must tell Nigerians what had changed in Jega’s handling of elections since the party was led by General Mohammadu

Buhari, Senator Bola Tinubu and others on a street protest in Abuja on November 28, 2013, to call for the sack of the INEC chairman and the entire management of the electoral commission after the Anambra State governorship election. The governor said; “Nigerians must ask Buhari, Tinubu and other APC leaders, who led street protest against Jega, carrying placards with inscriptions such as; ‘INEC not fit to con-

duct 2015 election,’ ‘2015, no hope with Jega,’ what has changed about Jega’s credibility? ‘’Has the same Jega that they said cannot conduct the 2015 elections ceased from being a bad person? “APC lost the Anambra election and took to the streets in Abuja, calling for Jega’s head, is the INEC boss now doing their bidding because the APC will only stand against any individual or organisation that refused to be corrupted?

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to dissociate himself from the inciting comments attributed to his wife, Patience Jonathan and all his political associates, if he was committed to non-violence peace pact signed with the presidential candidates of other parties. This was even as the Chairman of the National Human Right Commission, NHRC, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, raised the alarm over imminent political violence arising from hate speeches from political parties, urging Nigerians to learn from the wife of former Ivory Coast President, Laurent Gbagbo, who was convicted for political violence related crime. Speaking during a visit of the NHRC to the Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday, Fashola, said it

was unfortunate that the president kept mum, even when some individuals who, according to him, claimed to be his supporters, were threatening war if the president loses the election. He said: “When certain people say that if the president doesn’t win the election, as if it was a coronation, and the president keeps quiet. The message the president was sending to Nigerians was that we are not safe. Everyone is entitled to contest. Fashola, also reminded the President that the outcome of the forthcoming elections would determine what he would be remembered for, urging him to ensure peace regardless of which party wins the presidential election. On his part, Odinkalu,expressed concern over the rate of political violence in the country, saying every Nigerians irrespective of their party or religious affiliations.

PUBLIC NOTICE

OPEN GATE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission, abuja for registration under part ‘c ‘ of the companies and allied matters acts 1990. The trustees are: 1) Ugboma Stephen Echezona 5) 2) Emeka Omeoga 6) 3) Ugboma Esther 7) 4) Amb. Baba Gana Ajimi 8)

James Kalu Ebele Chimezie Ozogha Chidi virus -Secretary Martin Ikenna Chimezie

Aims objectives 1) To promote unity, love, development and mutual Understanding among members. 2) To carry out humanitarian activities that will enhance Individual and collective well being of members of the association. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate affairs commission, p.M.B 198, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama abuja within (28) days of this publication. Signed: secretary

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, march 12, 2015

News 47

south - east

Elechi succumbs to Labour, approves withheld salaries solidarity

Embattled governor accedes to workers demand, releases suspendable salaries Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

he Ebonyi State gover nment yesterday succumbed to the demand of the organ-

ised labour in the state as Governor Martin Elechi, has approved the payment of their September 2011 salaries, withheld by the state government for embarking on strike over the non-implementation of the minimum wage then. The workers had on Tuesday, embarked on an indefinite strike over the September 2011 salaries and the non-implementation of the minimum wage by the state government. Briefing journalists at

the Government House, Abakaliki, yesterday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Martin Elechi, Dr. Onyekachi Eni, alleged that the industrial action embarked upon by the workers, was politically motivated. He said: “The state government has come in possession of credible and incontrovertible information that some leaders of the labour unions have been variously compromised while some have been promised appointive po-

sitions by desperate politicians, who believe that their ambition to govern Ebonyi State will only be attained by crippling the government of Chief Martin Elechi. “It is, therefore, regrettable that such labour leaders have abandoned their mandate of representing the interest of the workers on the altar of partisan politics.” “Following well intended representations by leaders in the state and meetings with them, the state government has

acceded to the demands of labour as follows; that government will pay all civil and public servants in Ebonyi State the September 2011 salaries, which was earlier suspended due to the policy of “No work, No pay. “Workers, who were not paid at that time, will be paid while those who were paid because they heeded government’s appeal to return to work will also be paid as a gesture of reward and goodwill for heeding government's appeal then.

“Government accepts to pay the newly computed incremental salary rates for workers as recommended by the joint panel it recently set up to review the salary tables as demanded by labour. “To this end, the new incremental salary chart has been dispatched to the state Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, to correct observed discrepancies with a view to implementing the new salary chart without delay,” Eni said.

24, 000 JAMB candidates for exams at Oko Poly Tony Okafor Awka

he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) yesterday said no fewer than 24, 000 candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates would make use of the facilities of the Federal Polytechinic, Oko, Anambra State for this year’s examinations. JAMB’s representative, Nasiru Ibrahim Yaro, disclosed this at Oko, Orumba South Local Government area of the state. He said the examinations would last for 10 days. He said JAMB was overwhelmed with the facilities on ground at the polytechnic, adding that they underestimated the polytechnic in terms of information communication technology. According to him; “As a matter of fact, we are seriously overwhelmed by the arrangement so far at the polytechnic, because JAMB requires back up in

every CBE centre. “For example, if we are assigning 120 candidates to a centre, we need about 140 computers to make sure that there was no hitch. But what we have here is by far more than what we need. And the management has assured us of a conducive atmosphere. “The school is in session and there is no interference from the students. We appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of the polytechnic towards a successful 2015 UTME.” He said the computerbased exam has recorded a huge success across the nation, adding that candidates by far now prefer it to the old method of pen and pencil, especially because of prompt release of results. Commenting, the Rector of the polytechnic, Prof. Godwin Onu, said a multi-million naira contract for the construction of a 2, 000 capacity examination centre had been awarded to improve computer-based examination in the institution.

Nwazunku: Ebonyi PDP lawmakers intact Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

he Ebonyi State House of Assembly has reassured the people of the state that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the House are intact and should disregard rumours making the rounds that seven of its members have withdrawn from the on-going constitutional exercise of the house. The lawmakers also said they are much committed to their constitutional responsibility for good governance, rule of law, the wellbeing of the people, respect for the dignity of man and separation of powers

among the three arms of government in the state. In a statement yesterday in Abakaliki signed by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku, said the assignment embarked upon was not self-serving, but was meant to protect the commonwealth of the state. The statement added that many children are out of school even as civil servants are on strike and the rate of unemployment was very high in the state, yet local government funds are diverted at will to private accounts, which have worsened the situation of the state in the last six months.

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri (fourth right), flanked by members of the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, led by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya (middle), during a meeting in Owerri, Imo State…recently.

Contempt proceedings against Ohanaeze chieftains begin Both Enwo-Igariwey and the Secretary-general of Ohanaeze, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, had told New Telegraph last week in separate interviews that their executive was moving fast to get the court to bar the leaders of the caretaker committee from parading themselves as leaders of the body and on Tuesday, it was learnt that the proceedings have started in earnest. But Obioha, denying any knowledge of the looming court action against him, yesterday said that; “I haven't got the service on me. Not one document has been

received by me. When I am served, I will react to it.” In Suit No: E/513/2014 Pursuant To Section 71 of Sheriffs Aand Civil Process Law Cap 143 Laws of Enugu State 2004 and Order 10, Rule 13, Judgment (Enforcement) Rules Cap 144 Laws of Enugu State, 2004 filed by the Igariweyled executive, they are praying the court to hold their rivals as contemnors. Following that suit instituted by Igariwey and Nwaorgu, the court issued a notice seeking that the respondents should show cause why order of committal should not be made against them.

Don’t betray us, Anglican bishop tells Oduah

and vision for our people, who are mostly riverine people; I must say I am deeply impressed with such a wonderful thought coming from you. “Our major headache here is that our representatives have failed to identify with their roots and the bulk of the money released as constituency projects do not get to the targeted people and no form of welfare and empowerment is given to our people."

Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

or claiming to be the chairman and secretary, respectively, of the caretaker committee of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, allegedly contrary to an order of an Enugu State high court, the court has commenced a contempt proceeding against Chief Ralph Obioha and Dr. Zed Chukwujama. However, Obioha, who is the chairman of the rival caretaker committee of the organisation, told our reporter yesterday that he has not been served any

Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

he Anglican Bishop of Mbamili Diocese in Anambra State, Rev. Henry Okeke, has urged one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in Anambra North senatorial district, Princess Stella Oduah, to ensure the implementation of her vision for the dis-

notice to that effect. Obioha and Chukwujama had emerged chairman and secretary of the caretaker committee of the apex Igbo organisation from an exercise conducted by some chieftains of the body opposed to the current four-year tenure being enjoyed by the Chief Gary EnwoIgariwey-led executive of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. But the on-going court process in Enugu, is seeking to nail the two men for allegedly disobeying the orders of the court, restraining them from parading themselves as officers of the organisation.

trict, if elected. “With your laudable programmes and vision, our people would be better off and I pray you would not disappoint us like others have done in the past,” Okeke stated. The bishop said this while praying for Oduah in Umueze Anam in Anambra West Local Government area of the state. He said the laudable

achievements of Oduah speak volume of her willpower and her desire to make and enforce a change. “I have heard all you have done so far, both when you were a minister and even those things you have done after you left government, they are wonderful. “I have also listened to you on your programmes

News

Clement James Calabar

our people, incl u d i n g the Director of Finance in the office of the Cross River State Accountant General, have been arrested by the State Police Command over allegation of misappropriating pension funds running into several hundreds of millions of naira.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

Four arrested over pension scam in C’River Although the names of those being interrogated by the Police were still being concealed, but New Telegraph gathered that all the four suspects were from the Accountant General’s office. The lead on the suspects was blown open, when an interest group claimed it had unrav-

eled the scam and petitioned the State Police Command. The command swiftly moved into action and arrested the four suspects, one of whom was said to have transferred over one hundred million naira into his wife’s account. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),

Hogan Bassey, who confirmed the arrest of the officials of the AG office, said, “we cannot reveal anything on the issue. All I can tell you now is that we are investigating the matter.” A source at the AG’s office said the suspects, using their sensitive positions, have engaged in the act of short-chang-

ing the pensioners over the years, sometimes delaying the funds due to them. It was also alleged that but for the boldness of the interest group which petitioned the police, the act would have continued unabated, stating that the state had lost so much to the cartel in the AG’s office.

The source, which refused to disclose his name because of the sensitive nature, insisted that beyond arresting the four people, the AG’s office should undergo serious probe in view of the complaints about salaries of state workers which have not been paid for the last three months.

Police, SEMA to collaborate on disasters in C’River Clement James Calabar

L-R: Regional Operations Director (South) Airtel Nigeria, Veronica Onoja; winner of Airtel One Mic Competition and Undergraduate of University of Port Harcourt, Olumuyiwa Jeffery Wenegha aka ACE TUNES and Vice Chancellor, Joseph Atubokiki Ajienka, during the presentation of keys of a brand new Kia Picanto in Port Harcourt

N16bn EPZ gas project: Itsekiri community tasks govt on peace Joe Obende Warri

he Delta State Government has been urged to reconvene peace meeting and stakeholders of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) gas project in the state to thrash out all lingering issues to avoid a multiplicity of legal huddles capable of scuttling the ernest take-off of the project. This call came as more and more riverside communities in

Warri South-West Local Government Area in Delta State are pushing for inclusion as host communities to the largest gas project in Africa. Lately, Aja-Edede, an Itsekiri community threatened to drag the Federal Government to court, if it continues to side track the community in discussions and negotiations of the juicy project, as it maintains the project was situated largely on its land. Head of the community, Pa John Edede Yonwuren, in an open letter

to President Goodluck Jonathan dated March 9, 2015, said, “any further attempt to side track Aja–Edede in discussions would be stoutly resisted as justice, fairness and equity must be seen to prevail. “The Delta State Government and the Federal Government, including the NNPC, must respect the property rights of AjaEdede community over the EPZ land acquired by the government”. The statement added that it was consulted and had held several meetings with the govern-

ment in connection with the matter, but lamented why the same government suddenly abandoned the community and other stakeholders in the project, prefering instead to deal with only Ugborodo Itsekiri and the Gbaramatu Ijaw. The community also lamented the action of the Delta State Government to abandon the peace committee set up on the EPZ issue, headed by the Deputy Governor which sat severally with each community that submitted memoranda.

Three killed as PDP, LP clash in C’River Clement James Calabar

o fewer than three lives were lost in a political violence that erupted in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Tuesday, as suspected thugs of the Peoples Democrtic Party (PDP) clashed with those of the Labour Party in Cross River State. New Telegraph gathered that supporters of the

immediate past Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Chief Alex Egbunna, now a contestant for the House of Representatives on the platform of the Labour Party, and those of the current member of the House on the platform of the PDP, who is seeking re-election, Hon. Bassey Ewa, clashed during the former’s campaign train movement to Asiga, close to Ekori, the home town of Ewa. It was gathered that Egbunna’s presence in Ekori

allegedly angered Ewa’s supporters who barricaded the road leading to the community, which infuriated supporters of Egbunna, who unleashed terror on the PDP supporters. The fracas, which began on Monday, was said to have spilled to Tuesday, as three people were confirmed dead and many others injured. It could not be ascertained which of the party supporters lost their lives,

but the incident was said to have led to many people fleeing the town while those remaining were said to be those stranded because they don’t have anywhere to take refuge as the mayhem lasted. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Hogan Bassey, confirmed the death of some people, but said the Police were in control of the situation and that the fight had abated by yesterday.

he Nigeria Police have pledged its commitment to ensuring that emergency situations in Cross River State are attended to promptly in order to reassure the public of its safety in times of disasters. The new Area Commander (Calabar Urban), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ademiron Akinwale, made this pledge in Calabar, when he paid a courtesy call on the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Vincent Akwa yesterday. Akinwale, who took over from the deceased Area Commander, said he would build on the successes of his prede-

cessor. “I want to assure you that we will endeavour to ensure collaboration between the Police and SEMA to enhance security during emergency situations. My successor did a good job and I promise to build on his successes, hoping that after my service here, I will still be able to come back and feel free here,” the Police Area Commander said. He appealed to the SEMA DG to cooperate with the Police in the course of discharging its task, assuring that security agencies would assist in emergency situations that may occur. Replying, the SEMA DG said that in every emergency situation, there is the possibility of crime and promised to work with the new Area Commander.

PDP govs have accepted defeat, says Oshiomhole Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said yesterday that the Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have conceded defeat to the All Progressives Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, in the 2015 presidential election. Oshiomhole said if the worry of the PDP Governors was simply that General Buhari would do only one term as President, it means they have already conceded victory to the APC and have agreed that the 2015 election was already won by the APC. According to him, “When you are playing a match and it was clear that you are winning and your opponent is going for your legs instead of the ball, while you hope and trust that the referee will enforce the rule, you must remain focused on the ball.”

Oshiomhole, who stated this during an interview with newsmen in Benin, noted that the PDP Governors have been concerned with so many things that were not related with the elections. “I read one of their statements that General Buhari has signed an agreement that he is going to do only one term, and that the North would be short-charged, that is what they claim. That is fine. That means they accept that Buhari will win the election, but they are only worried about how long he will be there for and if that should be the burden of the PDP, it tells you that they have exhausted everything. The governor noted, “For me, they have accepted defeat by just saying that it is now their burden whether somebody rules for one term or not, but remember that there are many great men, assuming without conceding that that is an issue.

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, march 12, 2015

Ahmed: Vote injustice Ex-governor protests only people Chief Judge's delay with pedigree tactics' Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

Ibrahim Abdul

wara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed, yesterday told transporters in the state to ensure that they vote in a candidate with pedigree and experience, who can handle the affairs of state creditably. He told them that governance is a serious business that should not be left for just anyone. Ahmed, who gave the admonition at the launch of the second phase of a multi-million naira empowerment scheme for transporters by his administration, described yesterday’s event as an addition to the list of life-transforming programmes by his administration in the nearly four years he has been in the saddle. “On the basis of how much ground we have covered and the fact that we are capable and prepared to do more, I solicit your continued support, so that we can continue the good work of elevating our state for another four years,” he said at the event, which was held in the open field of Government House, Ilorin.

Yola

ormer Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako, yesterday accused the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, of conspiracy to deny him justice in a suit he filed at a Federal High Court, Yola, challenging his removal from office by state House of Assembly.

Nyako accuses CJ of conspiracy to deny him justice In a protest letter signed by the Director, Press and Publicity, to the former governor, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Nyako said the action of Justice Auta amounted to a travesty of justice and a calculated attempt to deny him justice. Nyako added that the transfer was aimed at achieving two condemnable judicial breaches, which prompted him to request the intervention of the NJC and wellmeaning Nigerians to

prevent him from being a victim of judicial subterfuge. He said those who were opposed to justice being served on him have indulged in delay tactics in active connivance with Auta in order to frustrate his case. While protesting the transfer of his case from Yola to Bauchi by Auta, Nyako noted that the judge has allowed himself to be used in a case in which by the nature of his profession, he ought

Yola

oldiers manning checkpoints in Adamawa State yesterday intercepted a middle-aged man with 83 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) that were meant to be distributed in Michika, one of the recaptured local government areas in

the state. Handing over the suspect to the police, the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Ja’afar Nuhu, said the suspect was arrested along the Yola-Song road, on his way to Michika. He said: “He was arrested at a checkpoint after a stop-and-search exercise, he was found with 83 Permanent Voters’ Cards

Aliyu: My deputy lacks moral Dan Atori MINNA

he Niger State governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday lambasted his Deputy, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, over his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he lacks morals. Aliyu spoke while he received a team of the Council of the Wise of Savannah Centre for Conflict Resolution, Democracy and Development, led by Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais that Ibeto has no moral justification to defect.

to be neutral and hence obstructing the service of justice. He said the earlier involvement of the Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Justice Ishaya Banu, in the case as a defendant through his counsel, Festus Keyemo, was one of the delay tactics deployed in order to frustrate his case. Nyako said in order to cause further delay, Justice Banu appealed the case after he lost it at the lower court, noting that

L-R: Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Usman; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar I11; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai, at the Northern Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Kaduna …yesterday.

Soldiers arrest man with 83 PVCs in Adamawa Ibrahim Abdul

News 49

NORTH

According to him, “If you remove morality from politics, believe me, it will become a selfish thing. And the individuals will begin to think that politics is for their benefit and theirs only. “My deputy, who was not in PDP by 1999, but in the APP, lost an election and his father-in-law helped him to come to the PDP and he was appointed Director of Protocol in 1999. “In 2003, he was elected as a member of the House of Assembly on the platform of the PDP, then in 2007, the people who elected him, maybe they were not satisfied with him, did not give him a second term."

(PVC) which he claimed was given to him by a Development Area Administrator, hence we handed him over to the police for further investigation.” However, while fielding questions from reporters, the suspect, Bobby Kwateri, confirmed that the cards were given to him by the Administrator of Garta Development Area to take to their owners in

Garta area of Michika Local Government. Kwateri claimed that he knew all the people whose pictures appeared on the cards and was on his way to Futa Ward of Garta for onward transmission of the cards. Efforts to get the Administrator of Garta Development Area, whose name was given as Mr. Jimmy Zira, to comment,

Shettima not part of ANPP primaries in 2011 — Aide Temitope Ogunbanke

Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Isa Gusau, yesterday debunked the claim by the Director of Media of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode that Governor Shettima was part of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship primaries that produced the late Modu Fannami Gubio, as the party’s candidate in 2011.

Gusau, in a statement issued yesterday, said: “The media attack by Femi Fani-Kayode on Tuesday, March 10, has once again exposed him as the dubious liar that he was, he is and will forever be, because he claimed that Governor Kashim Shettima became candidate of the ANPP in 2011 after the party's flag bearer Fannami Gubio was killed because Shettima came second in the ANPP governorship primary election that was won by Gubio."

did not yield any result as he could not be reached as at the time of filing this report. But reacting to the development, the Head of Public Affairs at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yola office, Mrs. Rifkatu Duku, said INEC has no knowledge of the incident. “No collection by proxy and INEC did not give any administrator or local government officials PVCs for distribution,” she said.

Banu has no material or legal interest to protect in the matter. According to Nyako, Auta initially said his reason for the arrest of the case was due to the appeal filed by the chief judge, adding that unfortunately for him and all those responsible for the delay, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja yesterday, March 10, 2015 dismissed the appeal, upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, Yola and vacated the order stopping proceedings in Yola. He said, yet Auta has not ordered the return of the files to Yola for the reserved judgement to be delivered, instead the Federal High Court in Bauchi has issued a hearing notice for March 17, 2015. “It was done to arrest the reserved judgement of Hon. Justice Bilkisu Bello Aliyu, of the Federal High Court, Yola, which was to have been delivered on February 12, 2015. This is because the case was concluded and hearing ended on February 3, 2015 and ruling fixed for February 12,” Nyako said. This, he said, is contrary to the Supreme Court prohibition of arrest of court judgements. It should be noted that Justice Auta ordered for the evacuation of the files to Abuja on February 4, 2015, a day after the conclusion of hearing through a text message sent to the judge. The files were, however, sent on February 6. Nyako continued: “The second reason the case was transferred to Bauchi is to achieve a “No Jurisdiction” verdict after wasting a lot of time on unnecessary and unwarranted hearings probably with long adjournments.”

EFCC to arraign Saraki’s aide, cousin for alleged N371m scam Camillus Nnaji

former Senior Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the former governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki and the incumbent Commissioner for Information in Governor Abdulfathah Ahmed’s administration, Prince Olatunji Oyeyemi Moronfoye, will on March 19, 2015 be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The two will be arraigned for offences bordering on abuse of office, awarding contracts to his cronies, embezzlement, diversion of public funds and money laundering. One of those to be arraigned by the anti-graft agency is Ope Saraki, cousin and Senior Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goals to Governor Ahmed. According to a press statement issued by the EFCC yesterday, Moronfoye used his position in government to illegally enrich himself.

WORLD | News

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Indonesia threatens Australia with ‘tsunami’ of asylum-seekers

n Indonesian minister has warned a “human tsunami” of asylum-seekers could be unleashed on Australia in retaliation if Canberra keeps pressing for clemency for two Australian drug smugglers on death row, as ties between the neighbours fray. Several foreigners are due to be executed for drugrelated crimes with Australia among countries pleading with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to show mercy to their citizens. They include Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, as well as a Frenchman, a Brazilian, three Nigerians and convicts from the Philippines and Ghana. Australia’s repeated calls for clemency have included comments by

Prime Minister Tony Abbott that appeared to tie his country’s aid donations to the pair’s fate -- a notion that caused great offence in Indonesia. Indonesian Security Minister Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said this week that his country could release a “human tsunami” of asylum-seekers in retaliation. “Indonesia has done a lot in preventing illegal migrants from other countries from going to Australia,” he was quoted as saying by Indonesian media. “If Canberra keeps acting this way, Jakarta will certainly release migrants wanting to go to Australia. “There are over 10,000 currently in Indonesia. If they are released and we let them go to Australia, it will be like a human tsunami.” Australia has struggled for years

to stem a rising tide of asylum-seekers trying to reach its shores, often from transit hubs in Indonesia. Many have died making the hazardous journey in crammed, rickety boats, normally after paying huge fees to people-smugglers. Abbott last month said Jakarta should remember the $1 billion of assistance sent from Australia in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed around 220,000 people. But the bid backfired in Indonesia, where groups of protesters this week deliv-

ered bags of coins to the Australian embassy, saying they were handing back tsunami aid money. Shouting “Shut Abbott’s mouth” and “Abbott, say sorry”, they trampled on a poster bearing a picture of the Australian prime minister with tape plastered over his mouth, as they handed over the coins. Australia’s most senior Islamic cleric, the Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, on Wednesday added his voice to those urging Chan and Sukumaran to be spared, travelling to Jakarta to plead with authorities in the

world’s most populous Muslimmajority country. “We note that mercy and forgiveness lies at the heart of Islam for those who repent and have reformed their ways,” he said in a statement after meeting Indonesia’s religion minister. “On behalf of the Islamic community of Australia, we plead, with respect and humility, for mercy for the lives of two young Australian men, who have not only shown repentance for their serious crimes, but have rehabilitated themselves and indeed others.”

South Africa television reporter mugged on camera

wo men, one armed with a gun, were caught on camera early hours yesterday, mugging a South African journalist in Johannesburg as he prepared for a live television report on Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s hospital treatment. The incident is just one of scores of often violent crimes, including rape, robberies and murder recorded every day in Africa’s most advanced economy, earning it a place among the most violent countries in the world outside a war zone. The video, which went viral on the Internet, shows the men pacing around reporter Vuyo Mvoko while he speaks to the camera outside the hospital, before a scuffle ensues, and then Mvoko is heard shouting: “Hey, we’re being mugged.” Mvoko was reporting on the arrival of Zambia’s Lungu, 58, at a Johannesburg hospital for medical tests after he fell ill at the weekend with a suspected narrowing of the food pipe. “He was looking for the phone and when I wasn’t giving him

the phone, he calls the other one who has a gun, to say: ‘shoot this dog’ or something like that,” Mvoko, who works for the national broadcaster, told radio station 702 yesterday. “So I gave him the phone.” Police spokeswoman Colonel Noxolo Kweza was not available for comment, but the government condemned the attack. “Government has intensified the fight against crime to protect the rights of citizens and will continue in its efforts to reduce crime to ensure that all people who live in South Africa are, and feel safe.” The mugging came a day after a popular South African hip hop artist Nkululeko Habedi was killed when his girlfriend allegedly stabbed him on Monday, according to police. Last year, South Africa’s football association launched a gun control campaign in the wake of the high profile shootings of the national team captain Senzo Meyiwa, and model Reeva Steenkamp who was killed in 2013 by her Paralympic boyfriend Oscar Pistorius.

EU lawmakers condemn Nemtsov killing

uropean Union lawmakers have condemned the killing of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov and expressed increasing concern at worsening pressure from Moscow on opposition groups. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told the lawmakers yesterday that “freedom of expression is under increased pressure. Opposition parties struggle to exist and have access to mainstream media.” She called for a “full and

transparent investigation into the murder” of Nemtsov. The opposition politician opposed the war in Ukraine pitting Russian-backed separatists against government troops. Nemtsov was gunned down in Moscow on February 27. The EU lawmakers are expected to adopt during their plenary session in Strasbourg today a resolution criticizing the killing and the deteriorating state of democracy in Russia.

Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran wait in a temporary cell for their appeal hearing in Denpasar District Court in Indonesia’s resort Island of Bali.

Nigerian bags six years imprisonment for sexual attack

35 year old Nigerian, Emmanuel Ndegwe, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for breaking into the homes of some women with the intent of sexually attacking them. At a court proceedings which took place at the Inner London Crown Court yesterday March 10th, Detective Inspector Tracey Miller, of Lambeth borough, told the court that Emmanuel attacked the women in their homes in 2013

and 2014. “Ndegwe attacked these women in what should have been the safety of their own homes. I would like to praise them for the bravery they have shown throughout the course of this investigation. There is the possibility that Ndegwe may have attacked other women, so I would urge anyone who suffered at his hands to contact officers,” he said Emmanuel was arrested

in 2014 and was sentenced by a UK Jury yesterday March 10th. He was sentenced for the following reasons; Count One: trespass with intent to commit a sexual act – sentenced to four years; Count Two: trespass with intent to commit a sexual act – sentenced to two years, to run consecutively; Count Three: stalking, causing fear of violence – sentenced to one year, to run concurrently.

US slams sanctions on Ukrainian rebels, Russian

he United States yesterday placed sanctions on eight Ukrainian separatists and a Russian bank, warning that recent attacks by rebels armed by Russia violated a European-brokered ceasefire in the war-torn country. The sanctions signal Washington is ratcheting up pressure on Moscow a day after accusing Russia of sending tanks and heavy military equipment into Ukraine, which a top US official also said breached the Minsk accord agreed Feburary 12. “If Russia continues to

support destabilizing activity in Ukraine and violate the Minsk agreements and implementation plan, the already substantial costs it faces will continue to rise,” Adam Szubin, the Treasury Department’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement announcing the sanctions. The sanctions ban any US financial firm from doing business with sanctioned individuals or institutions. Among the more prominent individuals sanctioned was

Roman Lyagin, who chairs an election commission in separatist territory. The US Treasury accused him of preventing voting in Ukraine’s May presidential election. Lyagin said he was not a fighter and was playing a peaceful role in the separatists’ activities. “It’s the opposite, I do my best to stop the bloodshed,” he said. Washington also sanctioned the Russian National Commercial Bank, which the Treasury said moved into Ukraine’s Crimea region after it was annexed by Russia in 2014.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015

News

International Sport

Football

T’Tennis

Egwuekwe wary of Ethiopia’s Dedebit

Pacquiao confident of win over Mayweather

Quadri, Onaolapo through to round of 16

Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup

Sport

Did you know? Did you know that the current Congo U-20 coach, Paolo Berrettini, won the European title in 2003 with the Italian U-19 side parading players like Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Gianpaolo Pazzini (AC Milan) and Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina).

Eagles job

Keshi too desperate –Uwua Adekunle Salami

former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Godwin Uwua, has said that out of contract Head Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi, is too desperate to hold onto the job. Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation have been singing diverse tunes in the past months over the renewal of his contract which expired nine months ago in Brazil during the World Cup. Uwua however noted that a professional coach with integrity would not wait this long on one job as the body language of the NFF showed that the federation was not comfortable with Keshi. He said, “In this job it is impor-

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

tant to know when to say goodbye or when to say no. Keshi is a good coach but the events of these past months have shown reluctance on the part of the federation. He is too desperate for the job and it should not be so for a professional. “If I am in his shoes, I will simply walk away because the signs are there that I am not wanted. This is so because after signing the contract both parties will still work together.” Uwua who spoke during a Brila FM morning programme on Wednesday used his personal experience in South Africa to buttress his point. “I was invited for a job and when I got there I was expecting us to discuss terms and all but to my surprise I was asked to start

Emmanuel Emenike attempts to drive Nigeria on during their goalless draw with Greece in a pre-World Cup friendly

immediately. I told them I needed to know the terms and so I refused to take the offer,” he said. The coach advised the NFF to resolve the impasse early enough in the interest of the soccer-loving people of Nigeria. “It is important to start the re-

building process now and the starting point is to get a coach that will impart his ideas on how to go about the process,” Uwua added. It will be recalled that the Upper and the Lower chamber of the National Assembly have rejected the employment of Keshi.

Michael Jordan is world’s richest retired athlete

thletes’ salaries have soared to unprecedented heights in recent years thanks to media companies that have been spending billions of dollars on the rights to broadcast DVR-proof sports programming. The money filters down to the athletes, with most leagues splitting revenue equally with the players under their collective bargaining agreements. The average salary in the NBA was nearly $5 million last season; in baseball it was $3.8 million. Athletes typically have short windows to bank their millions, but for a select group

of superstars who cultivated their brands while they were playing and after, the big paychecks have not stopped coming. The leader of the pack is a global icon who redefined the marketing of athletes in the 1980s and ‘90s with the help of Nike. Michael Jordan made $100 million in 2014 — more than any other current or retired athlete on the planet. The end of their playing careers does not mean the gravy train is over for some athletes, who continue to bank big bucks in “retirement.” The top 12 earners hail from six different countries and

played five different sports. They range in age from 33 to 85. The earnings estimates include salaries, endorsements, licensing, speaking and appearances, golf course design, book deals and production contracts in 2014. They do not include investment income.The Nike-owned Jordan Brand continues to soar for the Beaverton, Ore.-based sports giant and its namesake. Jordan U.S. retail shoe sales rose 17% last year to $2.6 billion, according to data compiled by SportScanInfo. Nike royalties provide the bulk of Jordan’s annual earnings, but

he also retains sponsorship deals with Gatorade , Hanes, Upper Deck, 2K Sports and Five Star Fragrances. Global soccer icon David Beckham ranks second with earnings of $75 million. After a 20-year career, Beckham had his biggest year ever from an income standpoint during his first full year of retirement in 2014. Credit two new partnerships with Diageo and Global Brands Group, which netted Beckham more than $20 million combined in upfront money. The deals also have significant potential thanks to Beckham’s ownership stake in the ventures.

Sport

THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Scooping the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games list (2) Co ntinued from last we e k

o prove he was leader of the Nigerian delegation, Sports Minister, Jim Nwobodo, whose accreditation restricted him to the State Box seat at the Emoury University, downtown Atlanta where the Dream Team claimed the Gold medal, shocked the entire International Olympic Committee and Federation Internationale de Football Association, when he broke through the security cordon and celebrated with Bonfrere Jo, Secretary-General, Sanni Toro, whose babanriga pocket dripped of “tons” of kolanuts, and the players. If that security breach could be ignored, how about the ignoble act of shoving aside, Nigeria Football Association Chairman, Emeka Omeruah, when it was time to decorate the players with their gold medals and flower bouquets. IOC Executive Committee member, General Henry Adefope, had been invited by FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, to be in the “party” but Nwobodo not to be outdone in the media glare promptly “replaced” Omeruah, who gave way as the minister presented the flowers from the “ushers”. Omeruah later returned to the neighbourhood road studio accommodation of the team complaining to the media who had information that Nigeria Olympic Committee President had been “summoned” by the IOC to

Muyiwa Daniel on Thursday

md_muyiwa@yahoo.com 08023525087 (sms only) explain the security breach. Adejumo rose in stout defence of the Nigerian delegation explaining that claiming the Olympic gold in football was about the icing on the cake for any nation just like the Americans reacted to their Dream Team’s basketball gold with Nigerian, Akeem Olajuwon, on the roaster. The IOC -with President Juan Anthonio Samaranch- accepted the defence but still dispatched a note of warning against a reoccurrence while congratulating the Nigerian team. However, Nwobodo who felt enough embarrassment had been caused his person and by extension the Nigerian government decided it was time for “a pound-of-flesh” on the irritant reporter. A chattered aircraft had been secured for the Nigerian delegation to return to Abuja in a flurry of celebrations to culminate in State banquet by Head-ofState, General Sani Abacha, at the Aso Rock Villa. In tow was the spread of the news of arrests at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Abuja, of my person and that of then Raypower sportscaster –

Nnamdi Anazia (may God continue to rest his soul). All had to check in luggage supervised by Director of Research and Statistics-Patrick Ekeji-who with ministry officials prepared the flight manifest. I had prior knowledge of the impending arrest, dispatched the story to Concord headquarters and after consultations with respected officials, packed my unwanted Olympic games printed materials from virtually all sports and checked it in as my “luggages” and was duly issued a boarding pass with” isle seat 44”. With the burden of excess luggage off my back, I simply moved with my real luggage to the Belgian Airlines counter where together with Sunday Oliseh flew en-route Brussels. Oliseh got off the plane at Brussels to be received by his club officials while I took the connecting flight to Lagos. With my accreditation well displayed, I passed through all the check points but one, the States

Egwuekwe wary of Ethiopia’s Dedebit

arri Wolves captain Azubuike Egwuekwe has warned his teammates to expect a tough battle against Dedebit SC of Ethiopia in Saturday’s Confederation Cup match at the Warri Stadium in Delta state. The big central defender urged the fans to storm the stadium to cheer the player and inspire them to victory to make the return leg an easier task. Dedebit, which play their matches in Bahir Dar Stadium, about

700km, North of Addis Ababa, had about 42,000 fans for their last match, a feat Egwuekwe is wary of. “We are aware of the herculean task ahead because Dedebit are not a small team. About 42,000 fans were present in their last match so we want our fans to come out in large numbers to cheer us to victory,” he said. “They parade national team players, about seven, so we just have to work hard to see that we do well in the first leg because the second leg will

Security Service . After about five minutes of waiting while the officials “discussed” I was let off since “his arrest was to be effected in Abuja”. I got into the cosy and waiting arms of colleagues right from the gate of the Concord premises. It was a Wednesday. On Friday while I had began the review of the games, the SSS officials arrived the office of Managing Director/Editor-inchief, Dr. Doyin Abiola, with the “arrest warrant”. First, I had embarrassed the Nigerian delegation who frantically searched for a “lost” Nigerian journalist who had delayed the chattered flight for over an hour. Two, I had been unpatriotic in the stories that embarrassed the Minister, his family and the government. I got to the gate with colleagues simply advising that I take a dive. The arrest paper, stated that I was wanted in Abuja. As lawyers zoomed on the premises of Concord, I was driven to the Awolowo Road offices of the SSS where I met a furious Anazia. He was so angry with management of his organisation for just letting him into the waiting arms of the SSS officials without resistance. We could not face the Director that day and what that meant was spending the weekend at the “Chalets”

be difficult.” ‘Azu’, as he is fondly called by friends, has however assured all

stakeholders that they were ready to shed their blood to win the first leg by scoring many goals.

he Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, has expressed satisfaction with the level of work on facilities earmarked for the forthcoming National Sports Festival, tagged “Paradise Games”. The Commissioner who made this assessment during an inspection of projects said that as soon as contractors returned to site work on

Mobil Athletics: Akpabio lauds MPN’s investment in youths T he decision by the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture to invest in the development of the youths has attracted the commendation of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Godswill Akpabio. At the closing ceremony of the 14th AKS/ NNPC/MPN event, the governor said the state was grateful to the Joint Venture for investing in the youths who are the future of this country.

“I appreciate you for partnering with the state in the development of our youths. That you have stayed faithful to this championship for the past 14 years is a testimony to your support. “I am hereby calling on other corporate organisations and individuals who God has blessed to emulate this wonderful and selfless contribution by MPN in giving back to the community where

they do business.” He added that, “When I commissioned this magnificent edifice last year, I remember telling you that gone are the days when the Akwa Ibom child will hear the sound of the starting gun in a race and be scared. With what we have here we are ready to produce the Okons, Emems, Ekaettes, Akpabios as world beaters.” In an earlier speech, the Chairman Managing

Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Lead Country Manager, Exxonmobil Subsidiaries, Mr Nolan A. O’Neal, said,“This competition has remained a signature athletics event for secondary schools in the country. It is also heartwarming to note that the championship has contributed to the discovery of star athletes who have gone on to represent the state and country at various competitions.”

Conclu de d

Ugbe rates Cross River sports facilities high T

Egwuekwe (left) in action for Warri Wolves

that was besides that of the top bosses of the then “Failed Banks”. Then came Monday, we learnt that the Director was in Abuja for “briefing” and will return later. The celebrations of the Olympic team was huge. Chioma Ajunwa and the Dream Team got national honours and tons of naira from an elated Abacha. Then came reports that I was “lucky” not to have flown to Abuja on the chattered flight for I would have gotten a dose of the dreaded, sergeant Barnabas Rodgers. Another had it that I could have been a guest of Chief Security Officer, Major Hamza Mustapha. Things moved fast from the office, Chambers of Gani Fawehinmi and the Human Rights group. The SSS director returned to Lagos and brought a file which contained the “total amount”. I had been “bribed” with by Nwobodo’s aides. It was scandalous. Three million (N3m) in 1996 and $10,000 US dollars in Atlanta. It was that terrible. Anyway, it was discovered to be false. Nwobodo apologised at late Babatunde “ESBEE “ Oshuntolu’s Evans Street house which seats between Bode George’s and Demola Seriki’s family homes. In the spirit of Lent, it is forgiven.!

Emem in jersey 314 Coasting home in the 200 metres final race.

all the facilities would be completed within Six weeks except for the indoor sports hall. He said release of necessary funds would enable contractors to wrap up what is left of the various facilities and handover accordingly. Ugbe called on contractors to address some of the identified lapses in some projects so as to deliver quality job that meet the best international standards.

Intertional Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015

Messi: I have a gambler’s instincts on the pitch

ionel Messi believes that it is his “gambler’s instincts” which make him such a brilliant player for Barcelona. The Argentina international has been photographed leaving casinos with former Camp Nou colleague Cesc Fabregas twice in the past month, attracting scrutiny in some quarters. And Messi, whose top form in the past two months has helped Barca to do a clean sweep of rivals in all competitions, has ironically compared his talents with a ball at his feet to that of a high-

stakes poker player. “There are people who suggest that my way of playing football is innate,” the four-time Ballon d’Or winner told Four Four Two . “I do not know if this is the case, but it is true that I have a gambler’s instinct. “On the pitch I’m always looking to make the best move or the best decision, while trying not to do what the opponent expects me to do. “When I feel the grass under my feet, I feel safe. I use the huge pressure to be better because pressure helps me to develop my skills.”

Pacquiao confident of win over Mayweather

anny Pacquiao may be the underdog going into his fight with Floyd Mayweather, but that hasn’t shaken his confidence. The Filipino fighter told the L.A. Times he’s “100 percent” confident that he’ll win on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “It’ll be as good a fight as it would’ve been five years ago,” Pacquiao said. “Both of us are still at the top.” Regardless of how Pacquiao has dodged the hands of time, people still question whether the 36-year-old stands a chance against undefeated Mayweather. “It’s a good thing to be an

underdog,” Pacquiao said. “It helps me a lot. You’re more focused on training. I feel like I’m at the start again. I’ve always been an underdog.”

Ronaldo is Madrid’s saviour, says Butragueno

R Pacquiao

TRACK & FIELD WITH CHARLES OGUNDIYA

Ethiopia Air salutes Team Nigeria ne of the leading airlines graph correspondent, who O in Africa, Ethiopia Air, has was sponsored by the airline sent a congratulatory message to to cover the competition, Team Nigeria after the country’s successful outing at the recently concluded 12th edition of African Junior Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Team Nigeria on Sunday, March 8, inside the Addis Ababa Stadium, Ethiopia, won the championship with 12 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals ahead of South Africa who came second with nine gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals, while the host nation Ethiopia finished third with six gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze medals. Speaking with New Tele-

Ronaldo

Ethiopia Air General Manager, Nigeria, Solomon Yadeta, said he was happy with the performance of Team Nigeria at the championship. “I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the Nigeria contingent to Ethiopia. The athletes showed that they are the best on the continent and I wish them more successes in the future,” Yadeta said. “I would have loved my country to win the championship, but coming third behind Nigeria and South Africa has shown that we are progressing in athletics.”

Team Nigeria athletes

eal Madrid chief Emilio Butragueno has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the club’s saviour after his goals prevented a shock Champions League exit on Tuesday. The Ballon d’Or holder twice equalised for the Blancos as they fell behind Schalke at the Santiago Bernabeu

in the second leg of their last-16 clash, though he was unable to prevent his team losing 4-3 on the night. Without his strikes, Roberto Di Matteo’s men would have progressed at the expense of Real. “We suffered a lot, it was closer than any of us expected it to be,” the club director

told TVE. “We played poorly, they were the better team and it cost us. “If it wasn’t for Ronaldo’s goals in the first half we’d be out. It was him who saved us. It is abnormal for Madrid to concede four goals in a Champions League match, but these are problems we have to overcome.”

Umelo hails record-breaking Brume

eputy Superintendent of Police, Grace Umelo, has congratulated reigning Commonwealth and African (senior and junior) long jump queen, Ese Brume, on her record-smashing feat at the just concluded 12th African Junior Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Brume leapt a distance of 6.33m to beat Umelo’s 18 year-old 6.25m championship record which she had earlier equalled with her first jump in the competition. “I am really happy that it is another Nigerian that has broken the record,” said Umelo, winner of the title at the third African Junior Championship in Ibadan in 1997. Interestingly, like Umelo, Brume also came to the championship a year after she was crowned African champions at the senior level.

Umelo believes the record had stood for too long and lamented that track and field in Nigeria and Africa in general has not developed the way it should. “One would have thought that with the way we were going especially in the jumps at that time we should have produced three to four athletes that would be jumping between 6.8, 6.9 and 7m by now. “But I am happy both Blessing (Okagbare) and this young girl (Brume) are returning Nigeria to those golden days that culminated in Nigeria winning the Olympic long jump gold in Atlanta through my sister, Chioma Ajunwa,” said Umelo who holds a 6.60m personal best in the event and won gold medals in the event at the African senior athletics championships in 1996 in Yaounde, Cameroun and the All Africa Games in 1999 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Brume

Nigeria need to improve on field events – Egbers E gbers Hidde, personal coach to one of Nigeria’s athletes at the last African Junior Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ituah Enahoro, has called on the Athletic Federation of Nigeria to invest more in field events. Speaking exclusively to New Telegraph, the Dutchman said Nigeria had the talents to compete favourably in field events

if the federation could put proper structure in place. “I saw some of your athletes and I believe with proper education, they can perform well in field events,” he said. “I noticed that the strength of Team Nigeria is in sprints, but some field events like throwing, pole vault, decathlon, heptathlon, can win you major championships if the athletes

were properly groomed.” He however advised Nigerian athletes to work on performance rather than medals, citing the example of Jamaican star, Usain Bolt. Egbers said: “If you concentrate more on performance, then success will surely come, but if all what you think about are medals, then you cannot reach your potential.”

54 Sport

THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

senegal 2015 AYC

Awoniyi shines again! •As Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup

Ifeanyi Ibeh

igeria’s Flying Eagles on Wednesday secured a spot in the semifinals of the ongoing CAF African Youth Championship in Senegal, as well as a place at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, following a comfortable 4-1 win over Congo in Dakar. Taiwo Awoniyi churned out another man of the match display, scoring one and creating two penalties for Manu Garba’s side. The Flying Eagles finished the game with 10 men though

Grant boosts Ghana’s Satellites’ moral H

ead Coach of Ghana’s senior national team, Avram Grant, on Wednesday left for Senegal to assist the technical crew of the Black Satellites at the ongoing African Youth Championship. Grant is fresh from his holidays in London after leading

Ghana to a second place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. The Israeli as part of his duties as head coach of the Black Stars also acts as the technical director to all of Ghana’s junior national teams. Meanwhile, team doctor of the Black

Satellites, Dr Prince Pambo, has declared skipper Owusu Bempah fit for Ghana’s second game against Zambia on Thursday.

“The injury is not as bad as feared and we will work hard on him to ensure that he is fit for the game on Thursday,” Pambo said.

Thursday’s matches South Africa v Mali 5:30pm Zambia v Ghana 8:30pm

after goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo was sent off in the 27th minute after bringing down a goal-bound Congolese forward on the edge of the penalty area. But not before Ifeanyi Matthew had shot the Flying Eagles into the lead five minutes into the game, poking in from close range after some fine work down the left from Bernard Bulbwa for his second goal of the tournament. Two minutes later, Musa Muhammed almost made it 2-0 for Nigeria after being put through on goal by Awoniyi, but the Flying Eagles captain was unable to get the better of the Congolese goalkeeper, Pavelh Ndzila, who saved for a corner kick. Ndzila, on 26 minutes, was also on hand to deny Chidera Ezeh, but he had no answer to Muhammed’s well-taken penalty kick nine minutes later which arose after Awoniyi was pulled down in the Congolese area by Miguel Mamic. The Congolese came into the second half determined to reduce the deficit, and came close to getting the better of a visibly jittery Ojo Olorunleke in the Nigerian goal on a num-

ber of occasions. But it was the Nigerians who extended their lead in the 53rd minute after Awoniyi was brought down again in the area by Cosme Antoni. And as was the case in the first half, Muhammed once again sent Ndzila the wrong way for his second goal of the game. The Congolese finally pulled a goal back on 63 minutes courtesy of Silvere Ganvoula M’boussy, who volleyed home from close range for his second goal of the tournament. But Awoniyi was not to be outdone as he saved the best for last, scoring a magnificent goal that will obviously be a contender for goal of the tournament. After running onto a long ball from the Nigerian half, the Sweden-based forward first lobbed the ball over Antoni, and then controlled the ball with his chest, before releasing an unstoppable volley from the edge of the area past Ndzila. It was Awoniyi’s third goal of the tournament having scored twice in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Senegal. Nigeria’s next match comes up on Saturday against Cote d’Ivoire.

lagos ITTF world tour

Quadri, Onaolapo through to round of 16 Ajibade Olusesan

T Onaolapo

op seed, Aruna Quadri, had no problem in dismissing his round of 32 opponent, Olabiyi Monday, to book a place in the round of 16 at the on-going International Table Tennis Federation World Tour in Lagos. The ITTF Star Player of the Year defeated the Benin Republic player 4-0 (11-6, 11-2, 11-1, 11-7) to progress to the next

round of the tournament. In a similar vein, Ojo Onaolapo beat Egyptian player, Mabrouk Ahmad 4-1 (11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 14-16, 11-7, 12-10). Onaolapo raced into a 2-0 lead but had it cut by his opponent in the third set before he came back to complete an emphatic victory. Another Nigerian, Kazeem Makanjuola, survived a scare before triumphing over Benin Republic’s Guiganfode

Musibau. The diminutive player defeated his opponent 4-2 (10-12, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-5). In other matches, Babatunde Musbau beat Abdulahhi Abdularahman 4-2 ( 7-11, 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10, 13-11). Musbau will face Onaolapo in the next round while Quadri will confront Adeyinka Hammed who defeated Ajulo Gbenga 4-3 in that round. Odunlade Kazeem and Makanjuola will slug it out.

Doubles: Race for honours begins

ompetition in both men’s and women’s doubles will commence today (Thursday) with some tantalising fixtures on the card. Youngster Ojo Onaolapo has teamed up with Oyeniyan Boboye and they will square up with compatriots, Adeyinka Hammed and Omotara Ayo in the round of 16 of the men’s category. Also, Ogunlade Azeez and Omotayo Olajide will face Ndikum asaah Prosper and Ngwe Nikeng Emmanuel of Cameroun in another

match while Nigeria’s Fayele David chose Ramadan Sayed of Egypt as his partner and they will face Guiganfode Olouwachehoun and Olabiyi Monday from Benin Republic in another match. El-beiali Mohamed and Magdy are expected to progress into the quarterfinal at the expense of Fagbamila Akinwale and Ogini Olasunkanmi of Nigeria while Nigerian duo of Oladele Kehinde and Olaniyi Olawale will be hoping to upset Silva Andre and

Silva Diogo of Portugal in another match. Aruna Quadri and Kazeem Makanjuola are in the same team and were drawn bye in the round of 16 just like the Assar brothers, Omar and Khalid. In the women’s doubles, Funke Oshonaike and Effiom Janet will face less experienced Ogundele Rashidat and Oribamise Esther while Akpan Cecilia and Edem Offiong will confront Ayinla Alimot and Ojomu Ajoke.

Quadri

Makanjuola targets semis frica champion in be a bonus. A the men’s is doubles “It is going to be a Kazeem Makanjuola has tough competition be-

Makanjuola

set at least a semifinal target for himself in the on-going Lagos Open. The player reached the semifinal of the tournament at the maiden edition in 2013 but was eliminated in the round of 16 last year. The player said that his target was to at least reach the last four at this year’s edition, saying that anything that comes after will

cause of the calibre of players here but my main target is to at least get to the semifinal and take it further from there. I got to that level in 2013 but the Egyptian player El-Sayed Lashin beat me in the round of 16 last year. I have been working so hard in the last one month for this competition and I will give it my best to reach my target,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Our season of absurdities Thursday with Yemi YEMI AJAYI 0807 991 0957 (sms only) yemiajayi3010@yahoo.com

his is an unusual time. It is an unusual season. It is season of politics. A season of gullibility. Of treachery and chicanery. It is a season of propaganda. Of sophistry. It is a season of revisionism. Of documentaries and scaremongering. It is a season of recriminations and intolerance. Of exposures. It is a season of disrobing and deification. It is a season when heroes are turned to villains and the transmogrification of ‘saints’ to devils. It is a season when inanities are clothed in a robe of importance. Where in a period when important matters are relegated to the background. In this season, there is a blurred line; so it seems. What is important or less important in a country of no ethos or national values depends on the side of the political divide you are. It is a season of newly-minted millionaires and billionaires and when some of the rich could suffer irreversible vicissitudes of finance. It is a season surfeit with hate and short of love. The hate merchants are on the prowl. You can find them in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). It is a trade that cuts across various socio-economic strata. They vend their products with gusto on the campaign rostrums, on the streets, in the media, both traditional and social, as well as in their neighbourhoods. The vendors include the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who at a rally in Calabar, asked PDP supporters to stone those chanting change, the APC’s slogan. To her, they deserve no mercy for wanting to sack her husband from the only job he has known since he resigned from the now defunct Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) in 1998 to pair Chief Diepriye Alamieyeseigha, to vie for the governorship of Bayelsa State under the PDP. The hate vendors include those inciting religious and tribal discontent in the promotion of their candidates. By their activities, they have brought upon us a season where friends have turned foes and filial relationships are being sacrificed for political expediency. They have created for us new heroes and new villains. We daily build altars to worship our heroes and to immolate the villains. We gain converts every day for each side. We genuflect before the altars to worship the heroes and boo the villains as we watch their hard-built reputation go up in smoke on the pyre of demonisation. It doesn’t matter even if our newfound gods don’t know of our existence. We are in a kind of emotional bind with them and some are ready to live or die for them; of course, at a price. Yes, it is a season of politics; Nigeria’s most profitable enterprise, no thanks to our skewed values. Or is it lack of it? Never before in its political annals has the na-

tion entered into an election season with as much hope as trepidation. So, we are in a season of choice. It is either change or continuity. Death or life. Development or retrogression. It is a sad irony of our political development that a nation whose younger generation constitutes a greater proportion of its population will invest so much hope for redemption in a septuagenarian. But a nation bereft of hope after years under a party that loves power but not responsibility will cling to any straw. So, we search for the man for the season. Is it President Goodluck Jonathan who has been in the saddle for the past four years and seems to have been overwhelmed by the demands of his office? Should we entrust our future to him again for another four years? Or do we hope for a brighter future under Muhammadu Buhari, a retired general of the Nigerian Army with a questionable past who has become a symbol of the new movement for change? Whichever choice we make, we should not at the end of the day blame our stars but our lack of rigour to interrogate politicians and their claims and to make them walk the talk. Politicians and their allies are on the hustings. Some are trying to sell us expired products as brand new while others are hawking fake products. We are being sold dummies by political jobbers, who come in various forms. The kings have become traders; the house of God has been turned into a citadel of commerce. Even the shrines of the lesser gods have witnessed upswing in patronage. Many are ready to dine with the devil; even with the shortest spoon. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they want to serve you and me. Are we not so blessed? Endorsement has become a commodity for the highest bidders. That is why even people who can’t win

Mrs. Jonathan

In this season of sham, we have been seduced by politicians not to do any due diligence on their claims. That is why the propaganda factory has been busy churning out various rumours that are cloaked with verity an election in their family houses are falling over one another to endorse one candidate or the other. All strata of the society are being cajoled to hop on the bumpy ride. It is a ride that could take us to a brighter future or to perdition. But the cloud is foggy; level of ability to discern the destination has been weakened by primordial sentiments. The atmosphere has been fouled. Promoters of hate have taken over. They hawk their products with consumed passion. There are buyers everywhere. In the North, the South, the West and the East. They are all reaching into their pockets of emotions to make a purchase. It doesn’t matter that they know that the products have no guarantee and could not deliver on their claims. In this season of sham, we have been seduced by politicians not to do any due diligence on their claims. That is why the propaganda factory has been busy churning out various rumours that are cloaked with verity. And we are all ready to buy; even if there is a caveat emptor emblazoned across the package. All that matters is that we are making an emotional investment. It doesn’t matter if the investment will give us as much heartache as the stock market did to many investors between 2008 and 2010. We are now on a roller coaster and we are enjoying the ride. That is why some of us could afford to sit down before the television for hours to watch documentaries that spew nothing but hate and falsehood. Even if there is no light, we won’t mind spending hours at the filling station to queue for fuel to power our generating sets so we can

have light to watch the next episode in the documentaries that have done little to elevate the level of political discourse in the country. We are being treated to expose of various types on men of power even though some of the claims are more in the realms of conjectures and hare-brained allegations. But we soaked it on. Nothing is as riveting as watching the demystification of the demi-gods from the comfort of your cosy living room. Not even watching the octane-charged performance of Kiefer Suther who starred as Jack Bauer, the hero of the season film, 24 Hours and his co-actors, could raise up as much hormones in the body as watching these documentaries in this season of guile. It doesn’t matter the type of emotions the documentaries excite in you; whether revulsion or joy, they have opened another vista in our political odyssey. The candidates and their promoters don’t give a damn about us. We are just a cannon fodder. Our interests are of their least concern. We are tools. And they have perfected the art of using us. In fact, it won’t even be wrong to say they got us where they want us. To them, it is a game; a game that if they win, it opens the doors to wealth and fame. To us, it is our future; our life. We make a wrong choice; we live with the regrets forever. We make the right one; we have a chance to a rosy future. So, the risk is lesser on their part than on ours. That is why they are throwing everything into the contest and throwing everything at one another; even the kitchen sink. But they know they can’t get there without us. They used to when our votes did not count; but not anymore. In this era where the world has made a fetish of free and fair elections, rigging won’t come easy. But they have never given up trying to rig, anyway. Or what do you think the hoopla about the desirability or otherwise of deploying technology and troops for the elections is all about? Forget the war of attrition between the APC and PDP that have taken diametrically opposed stance on these issues. You think they are fighting for you and me? No. They are just not telling us all they know. No full disclosure. What do we lose if we hold elections with soldiers? Maybe nothing; maybe a lot. Does our electoral salvation lie in technology? There is no foolproof evidence of that either. But gradually and sure-footedly, the politicians are pushing us to the precipice because of their ambitions and we are too glad to tag along. We are ready for the journey because we prefer the gains of the moment to the promise of a better future. We have mortgaged our dream of a better tomorrow for a tantalising dish of porridge we can just consume now. That is why many are not bothered by the dark clouds of violence that hang around us following campaigns that have been marked by bellicosity and hate speeches. If over a period of 50 days, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), there have been documented cases of over 60 incidents of election-related violence from 22 states of the federation, which have led to the death of 58 persons with hundreds of others suffering varying degrees of injuries, no prize for guessing how many victims the post-election violence, birthed by the season of hate mongering that we are in, we would have. But fear or no fear, we have a choice to make. It is a season of decision. May God guide us right to take the right one for the sake of our nation.

On Marble

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Yemi Ajayi

Sanctity of Truth

Our season of absurdities

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

– Confucius

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

N150

}55

Confab reports: The fears, the issues

ow did we get here? How could Nigeria at just 54 years of independence have witnessed virtually every negative thing you could think of including years of military dictatorship, a civil war, terrorism, armed robbery, drug pushing, kidnapping, brazing corruption etcetera? What could have been responsible- poor foundation, poor leadership or what? What is not in doubt is that Nigeria is a blessed country endowed with natural and material resources but lacked what it takes to process these Godgiven gifts to impact on the populace. This anomie has continued not for want of intellect or human resource but largely due to obvious structural defect in our polity. Shortly after the country gained independence from Britain, trouble started because of the wrong take off. It was the same scenario that preceded the 1914 amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates to become the entity called Nigeria. Acrimony, mistrust and even cold hostility became bed-fellows with the different ethnic groups that together formed the new nation. The colonial masters laid the foundation of error when they were driven more by their economic and political interests of using the resource from the South to run the North so that resource should not come from Europe to Africa. When independence came in 1960, the country was hinged on a political tripod of the three main ethnic groups, Ibo, Yoruba and the Hausa-Fulani which dominated the socio-political and economic space of the country. Not long after take- off, the engine of Nigeria developed fault, leading to 30 months of civil war and this unfortunate development significantly disfigured the tripod. The Yourubas and Hausa Fulani aligned and confronted the third leg of the tripod in a brutal war that was ignited by the unhealthy rivalries of the members of the triumvirate. After over 30 years military rule that trailed the civil war, the nation’s political structure was further distorted which laid the foundation for the imbalance and injustice that was to follow. Since then the more they tried to address the imbalance the more they widen its gap. Countless number of constitutional conferences and political gathering had been held, all with the main goal of addressing the poor structure but none was able to sincerely tackle it. The return of democracy 16 years ago opened a dimension to the challenge resulting in a unique political violence from the Niger Delta region to the Boko Haram in the north. Nigerians could now arm themselves and commit suicide just to ensure that another person is hurt. That was how terrorism sneaked into the land and took a bewildered nation unawares. A possibly shocked President Goodluck Jonathan, unclear of how to tackle the virgin problem, in 2014 decided to take the bull by the horn by assembling Nigerians from all works of life to jaw-jaw

Political Musings IKE ABONYI

igwebuike2001@yahoo.com 08024024029 (sms only)

Idris Kutigi

Bolaji Akinyemi

Valerie Azinge

Edwin Clark

on the way forward. Not a few gave the assemblage any chance of making impact because of the timing on the eve of a general election but they carried on addressing virtually all issues at stake. At the end of the six months talk show, a report was drawn up by the august body with varying recommendations on how to tackle virtually every issue in our polity. Nigerians are now awaiting the National Assembly to give legal backing to the issues agreed on but that has to come after general election. It is therefore not surprising that the Confab report has come to be the campaign issue in the election. President Jonathan whose baby the Confab was, is now drumming support from the populace that voting in anybody outside him means a final nail on the report. The zones of the south

and the north central that favour the report are now keying into the message. Even the main opposition party, the All Progressive Congress APC whose leaders in the South West boycotted the conference earlier and swore not to have anything to do with it are beginning to think otherwise because of the discovery that it was offering undue political advantage to the ruling PDP. According to a statement aimed at halting the advantage the implementation of the report was offering the PDP, APC last Monday faulted a notion being created by President Goodluck Jonathan that the implementation of 2014 National Conference report is dependent only on his re-election. While dismissing the impression, it described Jonathan’s statement as illogical and unreasonable, noting that it was directed to earn cheap popularity from

the South-west that has been trampled upon by his administration. The opposition however said that once elected, the Buhari/Osinbajo government would initiate action “to amend the Nigerian Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties, and responsibilities to states in order to entrench true federalism and the federal spirit.” Since indicators are strong that this year’s Presidential election and that of the National Assembly are turning out to be indirect referendum for the implementation of the 2014 confab report, I have decided to use this space to bring forward the high points of the decisions of the confab so as to refresh your memory as we prepare to cast our votes come March 28, 2015. I strongly believe that the implantation of this report would go a long way to address the critical areas of the nation’s socio political and economic challenges. Here are the highlights of decisions reached at the conference and now waiting for implemtation. • Two tiers of government - federal and states (as the federating units). • 774 LGAs no longer listed in the constitution. • No more state sponsorship of religious pilgrimages • All elections will be handled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) • State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) scraped • Three years guaranteed tenure for LG officials • State police for states that desire it • Regional government for regions that desire it • Abuja assumes the status of a state with an elected Mayor • Each state to have its own constitution • Immunity clause to be removed from the constitution • Politicians found guilty of electoral fraud risk 10 years ban. • Introduction of electronic voting system after 2015 elections • Conclusion of all electoral litigations before swearing-in • Loss of seats as a result of indiscriminate defection by governors and legislators. • Diaspora voting • Establishment of a Diaspora Commission. • Creation of 18 additional states • Government sponsorship of religious pilgrimages abolished • Thirteen Percent derivation principle retained • Onshore/Offshore dichotomy remains abolished • Mines and Minerals remains on the Exclusive Legislative List but the states where minerals are found would be involved in the exploitation of such minerals. • Five percent of Consolidated Revenue Fund to be deployed to the development of solid minerals and other minerals across the country. • Land Use Act remains in the protective custody of the Constitution but land owners are to enjoy compensation whenever such lands are to be taken over by the government.

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.