Tuesday, april 14, 2015 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

A media partner of Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

/newtelegraph

Vol. 2 No. 418

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Anxiety as Supreme Court rules on Ekiti guber poll }6

‘Chibok girls sighted with Boko Haram in Gwoza'

lBuhari: I'll launch war against insurgents from May 29 Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

ope that some of the over 200 schoolgirls

kidnapped by Boko Haram a year ago in Chibok, Borno State, may still be alive was raised yesterday. A report by BBC on the

anniversary on their abduction quoted a source as saying that she saw over 50 of the Chibok girls alive three weeks ago.

The source, a woman, was quoted as saying she saw the girls in Gwoza before the Boko Haram militants were driven out of

the city by regional forces. Boko Haram sparked global outrage when it seized more than 219 girls from Chibok town a year

ago. The US, China and other foreign powers promised to help find the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

New senators battle for top positions lSeek scrapping of Senate ranking rule

Quick Read

Editorial

Remembering Abubakar Rimi

}19

Tinubu: I’m proud to be part of team that unseat }16 Jonathan

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio (right) with the Governor-elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel during a victory celebration in Uyo...yesterday.

PDP cries foul over APC's clean sweep

lAccuses INEC, security agents of rigging for opponent lWike, Okowa, Al-Makura, Lalong, others win gov poll }2

News

TUESday, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

New senators battle for top leadership Chukwu David Abuja

ewly elected senators are warming up to join in the battle for the leadership of the incoming Senate, notwithstanding the rules of the game that shut them out. It was learnt that the new senators, ahead of the inauguration of the Eighth Senate on June 4, had begun lobbying for the abolishment of the Senate Standing Orders (2011, as amended), known as the ranking rule that precludes them from running for legislative leadership positions. Under the ranking rule, only re-elected lawmakers can vie for the positions such as Senate President, Deputy President, Majority Leader, Deputy Majority, Chief Whip, Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Leader, among others. However, New Telegraph learnt that some new senators have intensified lobbying of party stakeholders to support the abrogation of the rule so that they could be elected as principal offi-

cers when the new Senate is inaugurated. Chapter 2 of the Senate rules specifically clarified the status of senators in the chamber. Rule 2 states that in electing presiding officers and other officers, the following order shall apply: (i) senators returning based on number of times re-elected; (ii) senators who had been members of the House of Representatives; (iii) senators elected as or the first time. Consequently, in the previous as well as the current Senate, only senators who have been returned, based on the number of times re-elected, were usually elected into the leadership positions. The All Progressives Congress (APC), which is going to enjoy a simple majority in the Senate, is therefore expected to fill the positions of Senate President; Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader; Chief Whip, Deputy Majority Leader and Deputy Chief Whip. Already, the North-Central and the North-East are jostling for the Senate presidency while the Deputy Senate President slot is expected to be filled

by the South-West. The South-South and the South-East slots in the leadership of the Senate are vacant because there is no ranking senator from either of the zones at the moment to take any of these major slots. The North-West, which

has many ranking senators, is expected to fill the slot of majority leader. The leadership of the APC had zoned the Senate presidency to the SouthEast, but the zone did not produce anybody from the party to occupy the position, thereby costing

the region this ample opportunity to play a major role in the next political dispensation. Also, the South-South did not re-elect any incumbent member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, who would have been elected

as the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC. Edo North, which elected a new person to the Senate, cannot fill any of these principal offices, if the ranking rule is upheld in the Eighth Senate.

L-R: Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu; Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Governor-elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the party's National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, at the celebration of Ambode's victory in Lagos…on Sunday.

PDP cries foul over APC's clean sweep Our Correspondents

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged irregularities in last Saturday's governorship and House of Assembly elections, especially in states won by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party, in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, accused officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of conniving with the APC to rig the elections in Lagos, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Imo states. The PDP levelled the allegations as INEC declared more results of the governorship election with winners emerging in Cross River, Bauchi, Plateau, Rivers and Delta states, among others. However, the electoral umpire has declared as inconclusive the governor-

ship election in Taraba State where it has ordered supplementary poll in a local government. But as more winners emerged, the PDP said the elections were characterised by widespread irregularities just as APC called for the cancellation of elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. The PDP said: “Evidences abound of widespread irregularities across the country with INEC rejecting results from the strongholds of PDP candidates for no just cause while accepting the figures those of the APC. "In Lagos, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Imo states, there are proofs of electoral manipulations ranging from underage voting, ballot box stuffing and intimidation of PDP supporters to alteration of some aspects of the process in favour of APC." It added that but for the outcry of the people and the timely intervention

of the INEC headquarters which rejected the illegal cancellation of results from three local government areas that are strongholds of the PDP in Abia State, even after they have been announced by the returning officers, the PDP would have been robbed of victory in the state. According to PDP, while its candidates have been conceding victory in the interest of peace, their APC counterparts have not done so in states where they have lost. “While we urge INEC to take disciplinary actions against its erring officials, we strongly call to question the sincerity of some of the observers, especially regarding their failure to raise issues on the irregularities that characterised the voting pattern in most of the states where APC candidates have been declared winner. "Finally, we invite Nigerians and the international community to note the emerging dangerous trend in our country. There are rising concerns CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESday, APRIL 14, 2015

Travel Advisory

TUESday, APRIL 14, 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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESday, APRIL 14, 2015

PDP accuses INEC, security agents of rigging for APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

that the APC may have commenced a systematic destruction of democratic institutions and culture, which the PDP successfully nurtured in the last 16 years. Indeed, we wonder if there is a deliberate attempt to also erode the discipline and professionalism of our security forces and entrench the culture of impunity in society,” the PDP stated. The party, at another forum yesterday, called on INEC to cancel the governorship poll in Imo State that has already been declared inconclusive. Metuh told reporters in Abuja that this was imperative because of the massive irregularities that marred the elections in the state. ‎He alleged that in Oru East Local Government Area, the electoral officers said they were forced at gunpoint to rewrite the result of the elections. He also said fake policemen were arrested in Ezinifite, while in Ideato North and South, there was violence, swapping of ballot papers and snatching of ballot boxes. He expressed the fear that if the outcome of the elections in Imo State were allowed to stand, the quest for sustainable democracy would be eroded. The APC also took its case against the PDP to the court of public opinion with a call for the can-

cellation of governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. It accused the PDP of engaging in massive electoral malpractices. The party said while Saturday elections went on smoothly in most parts of the country, the situation was different in Rivers and Akwa Ibom as the elections in the two states were not conducted in accordance with INEC guidelines. Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said since the elections were marred by irregularities, APC is “left with no choice than to demand the immediate cancellation of the purported elections in the two states.” He said: “It is clear that the script for the distortion of the Rivers elections was written by the Presidency and executed by the PDP, the police and militants. “As soon as electoral materials were distributed, the Divisional Police Officer for Akukutoru Local Government Area simply handed over the election materials for this local government to the militants. Upon learning of this development, AIG Tunde Ogunshakin ordered that the materials should be recovered and handed over to the electoral officer for the local government within the

Boko Haram: 800,000 children now refugees, says UNICEF

nited Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said yesterday that no fewer than 800,000 children have fled their homes in North-East because of the activities of Boko Haram insurgents. UNICEF's regional director for West and Central Africa, Manuel Fontaine, told newsmen in Berlin that the number of child refugees has over doubled in 2014. Fontaine said the children fled to Chad, Niger and Cameroon and within Nigeria. “Scores of girls and boys have gone missing in Nigeria – abducted, recruited by armed groups, attacked, used as weapons or forced to flee violence,” the UN children's agency said. The agency's report was released a year after the Boko Haram's kidnapping of 276 girls from their school in Chibok, Borno State, inciting worldwide condemnation.

According to Fontaine, over 200 of the girls remain missing, adding that the abductions were only one of numerous tragedies being replicated on an epic scale across Nigeria and the region. Boko Haram, which seeks to impose the strictest application of Islamist law, has killed about 14,000 people in northern Nigeria since 2009. According to UNICEF, the group uses children as fighters, cooks, porters and scouts, rapes girls and women, forces them into marriage and sexually enslaves them. “The children fleeing the violence are often traumatised, lose contact with their families and are cut off from education and health care. Boko Haram also targets schoolchildren and teachers, damaging or destroying over 300 schools and killing no fewer than 196 teachers and 314 schoolchildren through the end of 2014,” UNICEF said.

next hour. “Irked by AIG Ogunsakin's directive, the Presidency ordered him to leave Rivers State within six hours and a pliant replacement was asked to take over from him. From then on, unimaginative terror was unleashed on the electorate, in particular on APC members and supporters. It was a straight fight between the police, the militants and the PDP on the one hand and the APC on the other hand. “Contrary to the directive from INEC that card readers be used for the elections, the machines were discarded in Rivers. This is why the voter turnout for Rivers, as announced by INEC for Rivers, stood at more than 75 per cent, compared with the national average of between 25 and 35 per cent." Mohammed also said the party’s leadership supported the demand by its chapter in Akwa Ibom State for the immediate cancellation of the governorship and House of Assembly elections based on irregularities that marred the polls. Meanwhile, INEC yesterday declared the governorship election in Taraba inconclusive. The gubernatorial election in Imo State was also declared inconclusive on Sunday. INEC’s Returning Officer for Taraba State, Prof. Mohammed Kyari, said in Jalingo that PDP's Mr. Darius Ishaku polled 317,198 votes while Senator Aisha Al-Hassan of the APC scored 262,386

votes. He said that the total number of cancelled votes stood at 127,125, which exceed the marginal difference of 54,812 votes between the scores of the PDP and APC candidates. Kyari said the re-run election between the two leading candidates would be held within 30 days in the areas where votes were cancelled. INEC also declared as inconclusive the governorship election in Abia State. The Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Professor Benjamin Ozumba, said after the collation of results, it was apparent that no clear winner emerged. Ozumba gave the margin of lead as 83, 053 while the total of number of voters where the election did not hold was 179, 224. In Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP was declared winner of the governorship election. The Returning Officer, Prof. Bio Nyananyo, said in Asaba that Okowa polled 724,680 votes to beat his closest rival, Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party (LP), who got 130,028 votes. APC's Chief O'tega Emerhor finished in the third position with 67,825 votes. INEC has also declared Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, winner of the governorship election. In the result declared at about 4:30a.m. on Monday in Gusau, the Returning

Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, declared Yari reelected with a total vote of 716,964. His closest rival, who is also his father-in-law, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi of the PDP scored 201,938 votes. Like his Zamfara State counterpart, Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State was also reelected. He polled 309,746 votes to defeat former Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) who scored 178,983 while Yusuf Agabi of the PDP polled 119,782. The APC, however, pulled a surprise in Plateau State as its candidate and a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Simon Lalong, emerged the governorelect. Lalong defeated the PDP candidate, Senator Gyang Pwajok, according to results declared by the Returning Officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha. Kucha, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, said Lalong polled a total of 564, 913 votes to defeat Pwajok, who scored 520, 627 votes. The APC also recorded success in Jigawa as it defeated the PDP-led government. The APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, emerged the governorelect. Announcing the result yesterday in Dutse, the Returning Officer, Prof. James Ayatse, said the APC candidate polled 648, 045, to defeat Malam

Aminu Ringim of the PDP who scored 479,447 votes. In Niger State, the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has emerged winner of the governorship election. The Returning Officer, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, said Bello scored 593,702 votes to defeat Alhaji Umar Nasko of the PDP who got 239,772 votes. Also, the APC snatched Adamawa State from the PDP as Senator Mohammed Bindo Jibrilla was declared winner of the governorship election held in the state. He scored 362,329 votes to defeat the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr. Markus Gundiri, who polled 181,806 votes. The PDP candidate and former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, scored 98,917 votes to come third. In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, thousands of supporters of the PDP’s Nyesom Wike trooped to the streets to celebrate his victory. Wike scored 1, 029, 102 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr. Dakuku Peterside of APC, who polled 124, 896 votes. Senator Ben Ayade has also emerged the Cross River governor-elect. The Returning Officer, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, said Ayade polled a total of 342,016 votes to beat other contestants, including the APC candidate, Odey Ochicha.

News

TUESday, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Anxiety as Supreme Court rules on Ekiti guber poll

lFactional speaker: We’ll stand by Fayose Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

here was anxiety in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital on Monday as the news made the round that the Supreme Court will deliver judgement today in the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state. This is as the state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, in a statewide broadcast, asked residents to maintain the peace and go about their lawful duties without any fear. Fayose, who thanked the people for voting overwhelmingly for all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in the April 11 House of Assembly election, saying their action had further proven that what he was enjoying was a genuine mandate and not a stolen one as being peddled. He said he was of the belief that God would vindicate him at the end of the day, and that he would triumph over whatever plans mounted to truncate his tenure by individuals or group of people. As at the time of filling

these reports, men of the Nigeria Police were still keeping vigil at their duty posts while a couple of patrol vans were sighted moving around the state capital. It would be recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had challenged Fayose's victory in the 2014 governorship election at the Election Petition Tribunal, alleging that he was not eligible to contest the election in the first instance. The opposition party cited two grounds to support its claim. The first being that Fayose did not attend The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State as claimed. The other being his con-

troversial removal from office in October 2006. However, the three-man tribunal held that the issue of certificate had earlier been treated by the Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State while handling the petition filed by the Alliance for Democracy (AD) against Fayose's victory in the 2003 election. On the impeachment, it held it was not properly done, as the report of the National Judicial Council, headed by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, faulted the composition of the panel set up by the acting Chief Judge of the state appointed by the members of the House of Assembly. The five-man Court of

Appeal also toed the same line with the tribunal on the two issues and dismissed the APC suit. Meanwhile, the factional Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Olugbemi, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the Assembly and the people of the state will defend Fayose with the last drop of their blood if anybody attempts to remove the governor from office. He has also alleged that some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders invited him to a meeting in Lagos where they tried to induce him financially to support moves to impeach Fayose. Briefing newsmen in

Ado-Ekiti on Monday, Olugbemi said the move by the factional Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, to discontinue the case he filed challenging his impeachment as speaker, was still on. Asked to disclose who were at the said Lagos meeting and how much was offered him, Olugbemi said it was not yet time to make such information public. "Governor Fayose was elected to govern Ekiti State for four years and those throwing stones to Ekiti State from Lagos and Osun states are warned to desist, lest they incur the wrath of Ekiti people. "Having been defeated in the entire 16 local gov-

ernment areas of Ekiti State in five elections (governorship, presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly) within 10 months, it should behove on the APC lawmakers and their sponsors that they are not wanted in Ekiti State," he added. In another development, the APC has raised the alarm over alleged plans by members of the PDP to attack its members and supporters today if the Supreme Court judgement threatens Fayose's position. State Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, alleged that the party had uncovered plans to burn houses of APC leaders.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

32o C 27oC Isolated Storms

ABUJA

23oC

18oC

Sunny

PORT HARCOURT

36oC

17oC

Partially Cloudy

KANO

39oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

ENUGU

34o C 24oC Thunder Storms

IBADAN

36oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

CALABAR

33o C 24oC Thunder Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

37oC 18oC Mostly Sunny

36oC

24oC

Partially Cloudy

L-R: Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Head of the Federal Civil Service, Mr. Danladi Kefasi, during the inaugural meeting of the Transition Committee in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Buhari: I'll launch war against insurgents from May 29 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

girls. However, the girls have never been traced, and little has been heard of them since they were taken from their boarding school. The whereabouts of the remaining girls are not clear. Campaign group Bring Back Our Girls organised a silent march in Abuja to raise public awareness about the abductions. A year-long campaign for the release of the girls has not yet been successful In an open letter, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai called on Nigeria and the international community to do more to secure the release of the girls. Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has said the girls had been converted to Islam and married off, fuelling concern that the militants had treated them as war booty

and sex-slaves. Shekau has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS), which is also notorious for carrying out abductions in Iraq and Syria. The Nigerian woman, who lived under Boko Haram's rule in Gwoza, told the BBC she saw the girls in Islamic attire, being escorted by the militants. "They said they were Chibok girls kept in a big house," said the woman, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals. "We just happened to be on the same road with them," she added. Three other women also told the BBC they had seen the girls in Gwoza. Boko Haram was believed to have turned Gwoza into its headquarters after it captured the town in August 2014. The military, backed by troops from neighbouring countries, recaptured the

town last month. The militants were suspected to have fled to the nearby Mandara Mountains, near the border with Cameroon. It is unclear whether the girls are with them there. Another woman told the BBC she last saw some of the girls in November at a Boko Haram camp in Bita village, also in the north-east. "About a week after they were brought to the camp, one of us peeked through a window and asked: 'Are you really the Chibok girls?' and they said: 'Yes'. We believed them and didn't ask them again," the woman said. "They took Koranic lessons, cleaned their compound, cooked for themselves and they braided each others' hair. They were treated differently their food (was) better and water clean," the woman said. However, President-

elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday stated that he would launch fight against Boko Haram from May 29, which marks his first day in office. Buhari, in a statement in Abuja in commemoration of the first anniversary of the kidnap of the schoolgirls, said he shared the pains of the kidnapped girls and their parents. He said: “Today, we remember the kidnapping of 276 girls from a school in Chibok one year ago. This crime has rightly caused outrage both in Nigeria and across the world. “Today is a time to reflect on the pain and suffering of the victims, their friends and families. Our thoughts and prayers and that of the whole Nigerian Nation, are with you today. “I want to assure all of them, and particularly the parents, that when my new administration takes

office at the end of May, we will do everything we can to defeat Boko Haram. We will act differently from the government we replace: we hear the anguish of our citizens and intend to respond accordingly. “This new approach must also begin with honesty. We do not know if the Chibok girls can be rescued. Their whereabouts remain unknown. As much as I wish to, I cannot promise that we can find them. But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my government will do everything in its power to bring them home. “What I can pledge, with absolute certainty, is that starting on the first day of my administration, Boko Haram will know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas."

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, april 14, 2015

Fuel scarcity resurfaces in Abuja Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he fuel scarcity in the metropolis of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory is hitting harder on motorists and residence as movement was highly hindered yesterday. Motorists queued for the whole day at different fuel stations causing traffic at major roads. According to a source from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency who preferred anonymity, the fuel scarcity in the city was due to the ongoing election processes. He alleged that because of the elections, tanker drivers did not lift fuel between Friday and Sunday which means that the available fuel in the stock was what is been sold. He said, "Apart from this, most truck owners did not release their vehicles to carry fuel from the west to the northern part because of apprehension that the trucks become targets in case of crisis". He stated that the problem with Abuja is that it is being served from the abridged depot in Suleja, unlike other areas in the west or south because of their proximity to the main depots.

Rivers accuses police of releasing detained INEC staff

he Rivers State Government has alleged that a Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, DCP Amadi has released an Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) adhoc staff caught thumbprinting ballot papers for PDP candidates. In a statement yesterday by David Iyofor, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, the government said that the adhoc staff of INEC were arrested yesterday, one day after the gubernatorial/House of Assembly elections in a private residence in Rumueprikom, Port Harcourt thumb-printing ballot papers for Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) candidates. “The INEC personnel were arrested by policemen from MOPOL 19. However, as the arrested INEC staff were been moved, the MOPOL team were intercepted by the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) of Rumueprikom Police Station, who informed DCP Amadi. DCP Amadi came and released the arrested INEC staff. He took them to INEC office.

News

national

18 months after, NMRC records zero transaction Dayo Ayeyemi

resh criticism is trailing the establishment of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), a secondary mortgage market, for failing to record single transaction 18 months after it came into being. This new disapproval is coming from the Professor of Estate Management at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Timothy Nubi, who alleged that the refinance company has not

carried out a single transaction in the last one and half years. The Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc [NMRC] is a Public Private Partnership arrangement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and private sector. NMRC was incorporated on June 24, 2013 as Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc. The company is also supported by the World Bank, which approved $300 million (about N48 billion) for its take off. The company is expected to be run

by the private sector using the private sector modules. Other stakeholders in the project include financial institutions (OFIs) like International Finance Corporation (IFC), Shelter Afrique, Nigerian banks, primary mortgage banks and private equity investors. Efforts to reach the spokesperson of NMRC proved abortive as his mobile phone was switched off. Speaking exclusively with New Telegraph on Monday, Nubi faulted the

idea of setting up NMRC as a secondary mortgage company, saying that the Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) would have been developed before the creation of the former. He said: “if there is no mortgage, there will not be need for refinance.” He warned that the mortgage refinance company would not survive unless the PMIs survive, adding that Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) would have been recapitalised to fill the gap. He said: “ I told them

not to start the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company in 2014. The company has not recorded a single transaction 18 months after. We don’t need NMRC. We must build our PMI first. “It is whatever the mortgage we create in the primary market that we will be sold to refinance company. When the primary mortgage banks create 100 loans, they will sell it to the refinance company for them to move on. But as it is now, no single transaction has been made in 18 months.” He blamed absence of mortgage in the country for the increasing housing deficit, which according to the United Nations (UN) is in the tune of 17 million.

INEC came into the election with a winner in mind, says Okorocha Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (left), with Senator Bukola Saraki, during the celebration of his victory with the leader of the APC in Ilorin…at the weekend

N25.7bn fraud: EFCC seeks indefinite adjournment on Atuche’s trial Akeem Nafiu

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday asked an Ikeja High Court presided over by Justice Lawal Lateef-Akapo to adjourn indefinitely, the trial of a former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, over alleged theft of N25.7 billion. The anti-graft agency's application stalled the court's ruling on an application filed by Atuche seeking to quash the charges against him which was earlier fixed for Monday. The court, had at the last hearing of the matter slated the ruling on the former bank chief's application for yesterday. However, on resumption of Monday's proceedings, EFCC through its lawyer, Dele Adesina

(SAN), urged the court to adjourn the ruling indefinitely, saying the EFCC had filed an appeal against the appellate court judgment at the Supreme Court. According to him, the commission is currently before the Supreme Court to challenge a certain judgment of Appeal Court given on November 21, 2013, with respect to the case of a former Managing Director of Finbank Plc, Mr. Okey Nwosu, who was absolved of theft charges on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction. He added that the matter was being granted expeditious hearing due to its importance. Responding, Atuche’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), asked the court to reject the application, arguing that it was aimed at truncating the ruling. However, the judge in his submissions, noted

that going by the judicial practice directive, a highprofile matter like that of Atuche was meant to be given priority. He noted further that nobody could predict the time the Supreme Court would arrive at its verdict in the said appeal. He further observed that lower court judges had waited for more than a year for clarification by the Supreme Court on the ruling given by the Court of Appeal in Nwosu’s case. Lawal-Akapo subsequently adjourned the matter till April 22 for arguments on the application. Relying on the appellate court judgment, Atuche, through his lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), had asked Lawal-Akapo to dismiss the theft charges against him. Oyetibo had maintained that Nwosu and

Atuche’s cases were similar because they emanated from capital market transactions. “The appellate court held that such capital market-based matter was an exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court,” Oyetibo argued. He also referred the judge to the judgment of the Lagos Division of the Appeal Court in the case of the former MD of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola. According to him, the appellate court on December 31, 2014 struck out the case against Akingbola on similar grounds. Atuche, alongside his wife, Elizabeth and a former Chief Financial Officer of Bank PHB, Ugo Anyanwu, are being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly stealing N25.7 billion belonging to the bank.

over nor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of partisanship, saying the commission had a premeditated winner in mind before the election. Speaking through the Director General of his Campaign Organization, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, the governor stated that the supplementary election was avoidable if INEC had done the right thing. According to Alaribe, INEC had underestimated the popularity of Governor Rochas Okorocha and was overwhelmed by the firm will of the people expressed through massive votes for the governor. “This is why they worked out the supplementary election as a soft landing for the PDP.” He added, “Our major opponent is not Ihedioha but INEC which has become a major player and a partisan contender in the election.” He, however, urged INEC to protect its integrity and conduct a credible run-off election devoid of bias. Meanwhile, PDP youths took to the streets of Owerri yesterday protesting what they described as the manipulation of results by the APC, saying that the real results of the elections were not announced. According to one of the youths, who gave his name as Jonas Asodike: “Most of the results announced were prepared and written ahead of the election."

News

tuesday, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

World Bank predicts 5% Sub-Saharan Africa economic growth drop

Time for consolidation has come to S’West, says APC

he World Bank on yesterday projected a drop in the economic growth rate for the SubSaharan Africa from 4.5 per cent in 2014 to 4.0 per cent in 2015. The bank’s Chief Economist for Africa, Mr. Francisco Ferreira, said this during a conference to inaugurate `Africa Pulse', a World Bank Group analysis on issues shaping Africa’s economic prospects. According to him, the downturn largely reflects the fall in the prices of oil and other commodities. “The 2015 forecast is below the 4.4 per cent average annual growth rate of the past two decades and well short of Africa’s peak growth rates of 6.4 per cent in 2002 to 2008. “Excluding South Africa, the average growth forecast for the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa is around 4.7 per cent”, Ferreira said. Ferreira said an average decline, in terms of trade for Africa is about 18 per cent, a development he said, would lead to losses in purchasing power for the region.

Sambo congratulates El Rufai Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

ice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, yesterday sent a congratulatory message to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the Governor-elect of Kaduna state, over his victory in last Saturday’s election, just as Governor Muktar Yero has also written a formal congratulatory letter to the incoming governor. El Rufai’s spokesman, Mr. Samuel Aruwa, who disclosed this yesterday in a press statement, said that Yero, had earlier called the Governor-elect last Sunday at 3pm to congratulate him on phone . It can be recalled that El-Rufai polled 1,117,635 to defeat the PDP's Yero who scored 485, 833 in the gubernatorial polls. According to the statement, Sambo wished ElRufai a successful tenure in office and urged him to use his wealth of experience for the peace and development of Kaduna state and Nigeria at large.

change of name

Iklaki

I formerly known as Miss Awhobiwom Fiona Amaga now wish to be known as Mrs. Awhobiwom Fiona Iklaki All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Temitope Ogunbanke

Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam (right), exchanging pleasantries with the Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom, during a courtesy call on the governor at the Government House, Makurdi...yesterday PHOTO: CEPHAS IORHEMEN

EU Observers want Rivers, A’Ibom elections investigated

l US commends INEC, condemns violence Yekeen Nurudeen, Tunde Oyesina and Mojeed Alabi

he European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) which monitored the March 28 and April 11 general elections has called for further investigation into presidential election results from Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states. The EU EOM observers said though there were no evidences of systematic manipulation in the March 28 election, they argued that presidential election results from Rivers State included highly implausible data, adding that citizen observers have also expressed doubt about other states in the SouthSouth geo-political zone. According to the EU EOM Chief Observer, Santiago Fisas Ayxela, collation was assessed by members of his mission as the weakest part of the election process. He lamented that till date, no breakdown of results has been provided by the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) even as he added that the Commission has not centrally published National Assembly results. "Credible reports show that problems were very severe in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. These warrant further investigation," he said Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja yesterday, the Chief Observer, who presented the preliminary statement of the Mission on the justconcluded elections commended Nigerians, political parties, candidates and INEC for their continued commitment to the electoral process. His words: “EU EOM observers did not find any evidence of systematic manipulation of results. However, the available presidential results from Rivers State include highly implausible data such as zero rejected (invalid) ballots out of 25,174 ballots cast in Omuma local government area, no difference between the number of accredited registrants and the number who actually voted in Emohua and Ogu/Bolo local government areas and a 98 per

cent turnout in Emohua local government area. “Such questionable data warrants further investigation." Similarly, The United States of America has applauded Nigerians and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in particular, for the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial and houses of assembly elections last Saturday. The country, in a statement issued yesterday through the Public Affairs Section of the Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, said INEC learnt from the lapses recorded in the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections and improved upon them. The statement, however, condemned the reported violence in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States and other parts of the country, while calling on those dissatisfied with the outcome of the polls to pursue their grievances peacefully within the provisions of the law. “We have seen the reports of violence and alleged irregularities, particularly in Rivers

and Akwa Ibom states, and call on those dissatisfied to pursue their grievances peacefully in the judicial arena”, the statement said in part. However, following INEC's dispatch of three National Commissioners to Rivers for some hours, the results were accepted by INEC and announced. “Other indicators of attempt at manipulating are apparent from findings of the citizen observer Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) which undertook a parallel vote tabulation. While this confirmed the overall accuracy of the official presidential election results, the data strongly suggests that the turnout was inflated by at least 10 per cent with results adjusted in favour of PDP during the collation in the South South states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers." While explaining the impact of non-publication of breakdown of results by INEC, Fisas said with no breakdown of results given, there were high risks of diminished confidence by the public in the Commission and the entire process.

he South-West All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the people of the geo-political zone for electing its governorship candidates in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo, noting that with this success, the time for the consolidation of the region’s democracy has come. APC in a statement by its National Vice Chairman (South-West), Chief Pius Akinyelure, said the party’s victory would not have been possible without the support of South-West, which stood against poor governance and earnestly pushed for change in Nigeria, adding that with the advent of the party, a new dawn has begun in Nigeria. He said, ‘’APC victory was a dawn of political stability and economic progress. Indeed, it is a dawn of new Nigeria, where people’s aspiration and yearning would be realised. It will mark a total break from diverse socioeconomic indicators that threaten our indivisibility as a state and as a people in spite of our diversity. “It will herald an order of confidence building and put an end to a culture of impunity that has become entrenched in our country. With your support, we have emerged victorious at the poll. Successfully, we have returned the APC to power in three South-west states, where governorship elections were conducted.” Akinyelure also assured the people of South-West that APC would make good all its promises. “We have been implementing life-transforming policies programmes in all states under the control of our party. Now that our parties have been given another opportunity to rule, the APC will continue to pursue pro-people policies and programmes not just in South-west, but also in Nigeria,” he said.

Sambo committee to collate handover notes from MDAs Anule Emmanuel

he Federal Government committee handling all arrangements for smooth transition of power to the incoming government of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari has begun sitting in Abuja. The committee yesterday met at the presidential villa where Vice

President Namadi Sambo presided on guidelines for the handover process. The committee is expected to ensure preparation of handover briefs for the incoming government. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, who briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meet-

ing said the committee met to discuss the terms of reference and develop guidelines that would assist in preparing the handover briefs. He told reporters that the committee had adjourned to April 20 for a second meeting. Asked if any time was set for the harmonisation of the Federal Government committee and that

of the incoming government, the SGF explained that "after we have collected our own briefs from the MDAs and then we put them together, we will then interface with the other committee so that whatever clarification they want, the questions they have, then we will be able to address them." There are reports that

the All Progressives Congress, APC, has also set up a committee for the take over by, Buhari. Anyim said "The terms of reference of our own committee is to collate relevant information for the hand over briefs from all the MDAs, prepare them and interface with the incoming administration's transition committee" the SGF stressed.

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, april 14, 2015

News

national

Saraki recalls Jonathan’s ‘intimidation’ in Kwara Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

he Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday relived the challenges he faced when he led his followers in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Saraki, the leader of the APC in the state, during a media chat on the landslide victory of the party, also expressed optimism that with the coming of the APC into office at the centre, there would be more funding to states and local government areas.

He also called for an investigation into the gubernatorial election in Rivers State, saying from all indications, the process fell short of the acceptable standard that have been demonstrated in other parts of the country. Saraki tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to do proper review of the state’s election and ensure that anyone found guilty of malpractices, is punished. Obviously excited, the APC chieftain recalled that the period he stood against the Federal Government and the PDP was “fraught with intimidation, blackmail and all sorts,” for himself and

other members of his political family and expressed satisfaction that he had been able to deliver all the political offices in the state despite the threats. He said: “Everybody knew how President Goodluck Jonathan told the world that they would take Kwara State back to the PDP. Normally, under that kind of situation, when people see almighty power, people tend to desert you. But the people of Kwara did not desert us and that is why I am entirely grateful to them. They stood by us despite the threat coming from the centre. “The period was fraught with intimidation, blackmail and all sorts.

There was nothing they did not use to threaten people, but Kwara people say no and they gave us a result that is even better than 2011. In 2011, we did not have the whole 24 members of the state House of Assembly. “This victory is not only for APC, it is for Nigerians. I say this with all sincerity, because it was the determination of Nigerians and their commitment to stand for what they believed in that got us this far. “In the past, Nigerians and voters in general would not come out to vote and even when they come, it was not with conviction; they were frustrated with the process. But this time around, it was clear that

Nigerians were convinced that APC represents change and it was time and it was time for a new Nigeria. “I always believe that we are opening a new chapter in this country. Nigeria can never be the same again. I am very convinced about that; that to me is the greatest achievement. The victory of the APC in the elections is small to me compared to that of Nigeria. “The Nigeria we are starting now is the one all of us have been wishing for. That is fantastic for all of us and for our democracy, because we will begin to see good governance. Now all our elected officers must be accountable and deliver

dividends of democracy to all. Also, it will help build our political parties. It is good for our democracy,” Saraki said. He continued; “It is our honest view that we have now put in place a more credible person, who will be accountable. There will be better funding at the both the state and local government levels and we will begin to see improvement at the state and local government levels. We have seen what has happened to the exchange rate. Just this period, the rate has appreciated by about 30 percent; that is for the fact that President Buhari is coming and APC is forming the government,” said APC chieftain.

Sokoto: Senator kicks against Tambuwal's election lCourt fixes April 27 for hearing Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

hairman, Senate Committee on Justice, Senator Umaru Dahiru yesterday renewed his request before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to annul the governorship ticket given to the Governor-elect of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Tambuwal, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the winner of the gubernatorial election held on Saturday in Sokoto State. Before the Saturday election, Dahiru had approached the court to challenge the primary election that produced Tambuwal. Dahiru is contending that Tambuwal's emergence as the APC's gubernatorial candidate in a primary poll which held on December 14, 2014 was irregular. Responding to the plaintiff's suit, Tambuwal told the court that Dahiru was only wasting his time. He argued that Dahiru's prayers in the pre-election suit he filed to stop him from participating in the election had been overtaken by events, having not only participated in the election but also emerged victorious. Counsel to Tambuwal, Jubrin Okutepa (SAN) consequently made a formal application to the court yesterday that parties in the case be made to address the court on

whether or not issues raised in Dahiru's case had not become dead with the emergence of Tambuwal as governor-elect. He said the need to address the issue became necessary in view of the fact that proceeding with a case with no life would amount to mere academic exercise. Counsel to APC, Sunday Ameh (SAN) also aligned with Okutepa's argument. Counsel to Dahiru, Awa Kalu (SAN) told the court that the issues raised in the suit were still alive and that Tambuwal was only expressing his wishful thinking. "Let them file their papers and advance their arguments to demonstrate that the issues therein are no longer alive. We will respond to them appropriately. But I must say I disagree with that position," Kalu submitted. The trial judge, Justice Evoh Chukwu, consequently gave Tambuwal five days to file his paper and another five days to Dahiru to respond while he gave Tambuwal additional three days to respond on points of law. Justice Chukwu also fixed April 27 for parties to adopt their briefs. It is recalled that Dahiru had sued Tambuwal after the December 14 primaries in Sokoto where the Speaker emerged as the flag bearer of the APC at the just-concluded general elections in the country. He had contended that the primary election which produced Tambuwal breached not only the provisions of 2010 Electoral Act but also the APC's electoral guidelines.

L-R: Chairman, Dantata Group of Companies, Alhaji Abdulkadir S. A. Dantata, with President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, during a courtesy visit to Buhari in Daura, Katsina State …yesterday

Isiaka: My defeat, a rape of democracy Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Gboyega Isiaka, yesterday described his defeat at the gubernatorial election as “a rape on democracy and a threat to good governance.” Isiaka said though his

campaign organisation had already reacted to the loss, he awaits the party to state a position on the result. This was contained in a statement he personally signed, which was made available to reporters in Abeokuta, yesterday. The PDP candidate noted that he did not see his electoral defeat as a personal loss, stressing that the threat would not

stand the test of time. Isiaka said he remained committed to a good cause, adding that he still sees the state as a bundle of potential and opportunities if better managed. He said: “I participated in the gubernatorial election few days ago and INEC has declared Ibikunle Amosun of the APC the winner of that contest. “The events before and

during this election are clear to the good people of Ogun State that demonstrated great resolve for a better life with their massive votes for the PDP; but their wishes were truncated. The circumstance of this result will be a talking point for a long time to come. The result is still being studied and I believe at the appropriate time, my party will make its position known,” Isiaka said.

My victory for nation’s democracy, says Tambuwal Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

he Sokoto State Governor-elect, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday described his victory at the poll as a monumental success for the state and the nation’s democracy. He spoke in Sokoto as the PDP governorship candidate, Abdallah Wali, congratulated him for emerg-

ing victorious at the polls and urged his supporters to accept the verdict as the will of Allah. Tambuwal, who made a remark immediately he was declared winner, assured the people that he would not fail in his mandate and in the confidence reposed in him by the electorate. He said his government will be a continuation of Wamakko’s works and

commended the people of the state for their trust in him for the next four years. Tambuwal also assured the people that he would provide people-oriented leadership, based on good governance for the overall benefit of the state and the growth of democracy. He said: “In fact, this victory is a culmination of a process began by the incumbent governor, whose foresight and politi-

cal acumen have garnered the APC in the state,” Tambuwal said. Also, Governor Aliyu Wamakko, who also expressed gratitude to the people for their resilience, described the APC victory as epoch making. He urged them to extend similar support to Tambuwal, adding that the APC will secure Nigeria and people will not regret electing Tambuwal as governor.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro DISPUTE

Church, Ogun community claim ownership of land Dele Alao

man in his late 30s, identified as, Sadiq Olopade, is now fighting to stay alive at a private hospital. Olopade is a victim of land dispute between Deeper Life Christian Ministry otherwise called Deeper Life Bible Church and the Sofidiya family of Agbodi village near Mowe in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Olopade is critically injured and gasping for breath to survive after he received multiple gunshots from hoodlums purportedly acting on the orders of the church. At a hospital (name withheld), where Olopade is currently receiving treatment, he spoke with our correspondent. He said: “I was going to fend for myself in the farm on the dispute land when I was hit by many bullets from the hoodlums stationed by church to scare the villagers away. “The villagers have not known peace since the hoodlums came and many villagers have even ran away from the village.” The spokesman for Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Segun Babatope, neither picked his calls nor responded to text messages. But the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the attack on Olopade. He said: “The matter has been brought to the notice of the commissioner of police via petition and he will act on it accordingly.” Trouble started five years ago when the church approached Agbodi village for land. The community asked

Man battles for life after row over land

Olopade on his hospital bed

that the land in question be surveyed first before actual negotiation and purchase would occur. A surveyor was brought in by the church which also paid advance payment of N10 million out of the N50 million requested by the land owners as ‘owo ilagbe’

(money for mapping). After the surveying was completed, the church, according to the villagers, did not get back to the family. Almost three years after with no response from the ministry on actual negotiation of the purchase price with the community, the

villagers said they had repossessed their land. Thereafter, the Deeper Life petitioned the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). After investigation by FSARS, it was discovered that it was purely a land matter and Deeper Life requested for

Robbery suspect has drug case in court –NDLEA Juliana Francis

The seized contraband

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has described a 24-year-old man, Ibik Emmanuel, now arrested for robbery, simply as unrepentant. The Head, Media and Publicity on the NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said the man had a drug case pending in court. Ofoyeju described Emmanuel’s re-arrest as a clear manifes-

tation of the link between drugs and crime. He said: “Ibik Emmanuel is on bail on a pending drug case at the Federal High Court at Awka, Anambra State before he was arrested by detectives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos State Police Command.” Emmanuel was arrested by SARS in February for attempting to snatch a Honda car from two women at the Ajah area of Lagos State.

Emmanuel

He said that he committed the crime because he desperately needed money to settle his drug-related case at a high court.

time to settle with landowners. Despite that, the land dispute is said to be currently pending before Ogun State High Court in suit No. AB/246/14. (Oluhunmi Esuruoso and 5 ords v. the incorporated trustees of Deeper Christian Life Ministry). Emmanuel was arrested at the Lekki/Ajah area of the metropolis after he and his accomplice, Chima Tony Agomoh, bought a toy gun and attempted to snatch the Honda car from two ladies. The ladies surrendered the car and the key, but started to scream at the sight of the gun. The screaming alerted people in the area who rushed to rescue the women. Emmanuel’s friend, Agomoh, jumped into the car kick and drove off, leaving Emmanuel at the mercy of the crowd. Ofoyeju added: “He was apprehended by officials of the NDLEA in 2013 during raid operation at Enugu Ukwu, Anambra State.”

METRO 11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

15 held in Oyo for electoral offences Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

olice in Oyo State yesterday paraded 15 suspects arrested in connection with ballot snatching and other electoral offences concerning Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly polls. Briefing journalists at the State Police Command’s headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, who stood in for the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Kastina, said the suspects were arrested at different locations before and during the elections. According to him, six armed men using vehicles that moved round some of the polling stations and collation centres about 2:30a.m. got themselves entangled in the impenetrable cobweb of Ambush Squad. After their arrest, the police recovered one English-made gun, 27 live cartridges and assorted charms from them. The suspects are Akinola Oladele (33), Lawani Akindele (48), Tajudeen Afolabi (38), Lawani Abass (35),

Some of the suspects and the snatched ballot boxes during the parade by Ajisebutu.

Olayode Majiyagbe (28), and Jekede Bayo (38). In another development, two men who stormed a polling unit at Kinni-Kinni Primary School, Saki on the election day and violently assaulted a security officer were arrested. They are Nureni Muraina and Hassan Muraina. Ajisebutu added that one Ayo Ajiboye was arrested on

IGP, Sulaiman Abba

ver 400 policemen and officers in Lagos State are now grumbling over the non-payment of their election allowances. According to some of them, the allowances range from N15,000, N20,000 to N25,000 per head, depending on the officer’s rank. Senior officers were supposed to be given N25,000, inspectors N20,000 and rank and file N15,000. The affected policemen and officers said they heard that the money was paid before the commencement of both the presidential and governorship elections.

LASAA to remove 1.5m posters, 358 billboards Muritala Ayinla

April 10 with some Accord Party posters with pictures of Governor Abiola Ajimobi superimposed on it with a view to misleading the public while four persons were arrested on April 11 at Kishi area of Oorelope Local Government. Similarly, four persons were said to have been arrested at Kishi in the Oorelope Local Government Area of

the state with some election materials unlawfully concealed in a Volkswagen Golf car marked Abuja RBC 836 KL during the April 11 elections. They are Abdulfatal AbdulSalam (55), Tajudeen Akanbi (46), Balogun AbdulJelili (23), and Aderibigbe Abdultuaib (22). The PPRO said that all the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Policemen angry over non-payment of election allowances

Juliana Francis

City Briefs

Most of the policemen affected are those attached to the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Milverton, Ikoyi, Lagos, Force Annex Headquarters, Kam Salem House, Obalende, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon Close, Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad (FSARS), Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, among others. According to the policemen, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Solomon Erase, in charge of the Department of Criminal Investigation, is in charge of most of these affected officers. They insisted he should be able to explain to them what happened, but he had not

done so. They wanted him to take up the matter for them. A policeman said that like most DIGs, Erase was posted out for the election, thus they knew he was not the person who tampered with their money. One of them said: “Other policemen and women had been paid their allowances. We don’t know why they have refused to pay ours. “Policemen attached to local governments, police divisions, Lagos and Ogun commands have all being paid. In fact, policemen in Zone II, Onikan have also being paid. Who is with our money?” The policemen are not just angry, they are also alleging fraud. They insisted that a higher top ranking officer might have diverted their money. “We were posted out for election duties just like other policemen. We took risks and worked like our colleagues. When our colleagues were paid, we expected that we should be paid also. What is going on? Nobody is talking or explaining to us why our money has not been paid,” one of them said. Another angry officer said that at Alagbon, he gathered that only a section had been paid; that is the Central Criminal Registry (CCR). He added: “If someone takes our money home to spend, it would be too bad. They did not pay us for the first and second election, yet

other policemen have been paid the money. When they did not pay us for the first election, we kept faith, thinking they would pay us both allowances together, after the second election. But they did not. What did we do wrong?” Meanwhile, policemen in Lagos State Police Command insisted that it was only N15,000 that was paid to them, adding they did not receive any money from the second election. They also said that they were paid only allowances for the first election, but had not been paid for the second one. One of them said: “They said we should drop our names and account numbers. We had already done that. They said they would credit our accounts.” A senior policeman explained every policeman in Lagos was paid once and that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aderanti Kayode, had already told them that the allowance covered both first and second election. He added: “The Commissioner of Police said that no policeman should expect another allowance. In fact, the money should have been broken in two; to be paid for the first and second election differently, but the CP said everything should be paid at once. Anybody expecting any other payment is wasting his or her time. The money was paid even before the first election.”

he Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) yesterday began the removal of political posters and banners across the state. It was learnt that it would take about two months for the agency to remove thousands of posters and banners which dot strategic locations across the state. Hence, some officials of the agency and equipment have been mobilised to carry out the exercise. The LASAA Managing Director, Mr George Noah, who made the disclosure yesterday, said that the removal of the posters would be easier for the agency with the conclusion of the general election. He said: “Now that the elections are over, we have commenced immediate removal of all posters, banners, flags as well as other campaign materials across the state. “We have expanded our plan to ensure the clean-up exercise is completed in the next two months. We are also ready to scale up our effort wherever the need arises. “From our findings, over one million, five hundred posters will be cleaned in Lagos. We are also removing 358 illegal billboards of various types deployed in the state with Alimosho and Eti-Osa accounting for the highest.” Also, the Head of Enforcement, Mrs Olamide Oyegoke, said the agency had mapped out areas requiring attention. She said: “We are already mobilising our men and equipment to those areas.” In its effort to minimise the abuse of the environment before the just concluded elections, LASAA organised a town hall meeting with all political parties where it issued guidelines for the display of election campaign materials in the state.

NAPTIP tightens laws against traffickers

resident Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assented to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. The President gave the assent on March 26, 2015. The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs Beatrice JedyAgba, disclosed this in Abuja during a media briefing. She said the President’s action followed the completion of the re-enactment of the nation’s anti-human trafficking legislation by the National Assembly. According to her, with the re-enactment and the assent by the President, the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003 (as amended in 2005) has been repealed while the new Act is referred to as Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. She disclosed that the repealed Act was found to be inadequate to effectively combat the evolving crime of Trafficking in Persons (TIP), with several new trends which were not taken into consideration at the time of enactment in 2003. The criminal justice system, she said, was confronted with several offences, which were not criminalised even though they were stipulated in the Palermo Protocol. She said: “These included exploitation for the purpose of organ harvesting and others.”

News

SOUTH-WEST

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

I’ve been vindicated by Ambode’s victory, says Fashola Muritala Ayinla and Temitope Ogunbanke

agos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola has described the victory of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress in last Saturday’s governorship election as a vindication of his hard work and commitment to good governance in the state in the last eight years. Fashola, while reacting to the victory of the All Progressives Congress gov-

ernorship candidate as the next elected governor of the state, lauded the voting residents for keeping faith with the model of common widespread development that gives people the dignity to compete and be the best that they can be. He added that with the emergence of Ambode as his successor, Lagosians have connected with the choice and model of governance and have chosen the accelerated development where one doesn’t need to know anybody before he gets an opportunity.

He, however, commended the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje for the keen contest, saying every Lagosian has won the election. Governor Fashola, in a tweet on the declaration of the results, had declared: ”Lagos wins. Congrats Ambode. Well done Jimi. Eko Oni Baje ooo.” On what advise he has for the newly elected Governor, Mr Fashola said he would not advise the Governor-elect in the open and that whatever advise

he has for him will largely be privately given and that the important thing is that he should stay connected to the people. Also, the Governor-elect in Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday dedicated his victory to all residents in the state, saying that he would be governor to all residents without discrimination and favouritism. He assured the residents of an improved performance in governance in the state, pledging that he would consolidate on the

achievements of Governor Babatunde Fashola. Ambode, in his acceptance speech made shortly after he was declared the winner of the keenly contested election, pledged to work with other contestants from other parties. “I may have won your vote but it is you, the people, who won the election. The true winners are the people of Lagos state. I accept this victory on your behalf. Let me congratulate INEC for a job well done and keeping alive Nigeria’s hope for a

brighter democracy. To my main opponent, Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the PDP, I thank you for a keen contest and invite you, alongside other gubernatorial candidates, to join hands with me in moving Lagos forward.” “The people of Lagos have spoken. With one voice they have chosen continuity over an uncertain future. You came out peacefully to cast your vote. Not even the threats of our opponents to unleash mayhem could have kept you from having a date with destiny.”

‘No Ebola death in LUTH’ Appolonia Adeyemi

he Management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has refuted claims that two Chinese nationals infected with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) died in LUTH. According to a report making the round on the social media, the two foreign nationals, infected with Ebola, were brought to LUTH on Sunday, April 12 and subsequently died in the hospital. In a swift reaction, the Acting Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode urged Nigerians to disregard this ‘mischievous rumour’, adding that no such incident happened in the hospital. The Ebola virus was introduced into Nigeria on July 20, 2014 when an infected Liberian man, Mr.

Patrick Sawyer, arrived by aeroplane into Lagos. He became terribly ill on his flight and was rushed to the First Consultant Hospital Obalende, Lagos, where he died on July 24, 2014. The man, who died in hospital five days later, set off a chain of transmission that infected a total of 19 people, of whom seven died. On October 20, 2014, Nigeria reached that 42-day mark when no new Ebola cases were detected, hence the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Nigeria free of Ebola transmission. Bode, while addressing the press yesterday, assured that the management of LUTH would maintain the required vigilance and “shall continue to observe all precautions to quickly identify any likely cases of Ebola in line with international best practices”.

Mimiko: INEC has no right to declare election inconclusive Babatope Okeowo Akure

overnor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the result of the election held in the two constituencies of the riverine Ilaje local government area of the state. Mimiko war ned against the move by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Segun Agbaje, to tamper with the victory of the two candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at last Saturday’s House of Assembly Election in the local government. The REC, at a Media briefing on Sunday, announced that results of the two Ilaje Local government constituencies seats declared for the PDP out of the 21 won by the party were subject to ratification by the INEC Headquarters

in Abuja. But the governor said the REC has no power to tamper with the victory of the PDP candidates in the election, adding that whoever that is not comfortable with the outcome of the election has the option of going to the Tribunal. His words: “As far as we are concerned, strictly in compliance with the electoral act, results have been collated for Ilaje Constituencies 1 and 2. The results have been declared and result sheets signed by the appropriate returning officers. As far as we know, there is nothing inconclusive about the election. “The results have been collated, declared, signed and delivered for the candidates that were returned in Ilaje 1 and 2 Constituencies, so we don’t know anything about inconclusiveness, elections have been concluded. What we know is that once elections have been concluded and results relayed, anybody that has any complaint should go to the tribunal.”

L-R: Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona; Olori Kemi; Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ogun East, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the governor’s ‘Thank You visit’ to the Awujale in Ijebu-Ode after his re-election.....yesterday

Pandemonium as Ondo deputy governor drives into Govt House Babatope Okeowo Akure

here was pandemonium in Alagbaka government area of Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday when the deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi wanted to enter into his official residence located within the Government House. Olanusi, who had defected from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressive Congress (APC), was coming from his hometown in SupareAkoko in Akoko SouthWest Local Government

when he ran into some protesters along the road to the government house. The youths who were carrying several placards with different inscriptions like ‘Ali Must go’, ‘No way for Olanusi in government house’, ‘Olanusi is a traitor’, and ‘Jasper Ali Must resign’ wanted to prevent the convoy of the Deputy Government from getting to the government house. The security personnel attached to the convoy had to shoot sporadically into the air to scare away the protesters before they could pass through the road leading to the government house. As people in the area heard the

gun shots, they ran away for cover thinking it was armed robbery attack. As the convoy was an moving on high speed, the security personnel, comprising both antiriot police and some of Directorate of State Security Service (DSS), were shooting into the air forcing the people to scamper for safety. As the security men were shooting, some of the protesters were throwing stones, water sachets and eggs to the convoy. In the process, one of the vehicles in the convoy was hit by the stones thrown by the protesters. The convoy of the Deputy Governor had to drive

against the traffic and shot into the air before he could gain entrance into the government house. Some people who thought it was an armed robbery attack had to call military men who cordoned off the banking area. Olanusi, who spoke with reporters at the government house, accused the governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko of using suspected political thugs to harass him on his way to his official residence. He said: “It is very surprising and rude shock that a sitting governor, after conducting election, is still going around with thugs to attack me in the state house.”

Join hands with me to build Ogun –Amosun O gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has extended his hand of fellowship to his co-contestants in the Saturday’s gubernatorial election, describing them as stakeholders in the Ogun project. In his acceptance speech during a special broadcast following his re-election, the governor asked them to join hands

with him to build the state. “We are all winners. There are no losers. Our unity is our strength. We, therefore, have to continue to march forward together,” he said. Amosun reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue with its policy of non-discrimination against any person based on ethnicity, gender, reli-

gion or party affiliation. “The policies, programmes and projects of our administration in the next four years shall continue to be for the benefit of all. Indeed, we shall pursue with more vigour, determination, honesty of purpose and courage, our five cardinal programmes as contained in our administration’s Mission to Rebuild Ogun state.

“We shall build on the foundation we had earlier laid to make our state one of the most modern and one with the highest standard of living in our country. The focus of our administration will continue to ensure better service delivery to our people. This, I believe, is why you emphatically voted for continuity during the elections.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 14, 2015

Governance

A’Ibom governor-elect promises selfless service

innaguration

Presidency denies budgeting N3bn for transition committee

Presidency

Sokoto

Tinubu: I’m proud to be part of team that unseat Jonathan

Tambuwal: We’ll make government responsive

Politics Imo: A repeat of history As in 2011, the 2015 governorship election in Imo State has, again, been declared inconclusive with Governor Rochas Okorocha as the main actor on the two occasions. STEVE UZOECHI reports

eminiscent of the April 26, 2011 governorship election in Imo State which was adjudged inconclusive, with a supplementary election conducted thereafter; the April 11 governorship election in Imo has also towed a similar path with the election declared inconclusive. While the May 6, 2011 supplementary election held in four local government areas namely Ngor-Okpala, Mbaitoli, Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema as well as in Orji Ward in Owerri North Local Government Area, the 2015 supplementary election is expected to hold in some polling units and in a few wards in 23 out of the 27 council areas in the state with Ideato North, Ideato South, Owerri Municipal and Ahiazu Mbaise exempted. In 2011, Rochas Okorocha, then of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), participated in the supplementary election against the then incumbent Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Okorocha was also leading the governorship poll with a slim margin before it was declared inconclusive. Okorocha eventually won. This time around, Okorocha, the All Progressive Congress (APC) flag bearer, is the incumbent governor and is in a lead with over 79,000 vote margin havRochas Okorocha APC Emeka Ihedioha PDP

381,904 305,020

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Okorocha

Ihedioha

AHIAZU MBAISE APC PDP APC PDP

PDP

25,063

APC

7,306

PDP

3,347

4,961 32,708 2,317

PDP

4,293 4,883 55,516 NKWERRE

APC PDP APC

15,716

PDP

4,151

APC

13,357

PDP

19,871

5,332

APC

12,920

PDP

4,951

PDP

13,925

APC PDP

7,980

APC

APC PDP APC PDP

7,600 EHIME MBANO

APC

Ihedioha walks a tight rope and would take nearly a miracle to topple Okorocha’s lead

17,094 22,410 14,756 15,106 ORLU

APC PDP

27,244 4,936 IKEDURU

APC PDP

17,451 13,785 EZINIHITTE

11,152

PDP

10,154

NGOR OKPALA

13,321 7,587

21,504 OGUTA

11,828

PDP

12,931 MBAITOLI

13,071

APC

3,737

ing won in 20 council areas, while his closest rival and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the PDP candidate trails with seven council areas only, to his credit. Evidently, Okorocha is going into the proposed supplementary election from a position of strength and advantage. Beside the fact that he has garnered some level of experience in contesting in supplementary polls, Okorocha has more areas considered as his stronghold in the 23 council areas than Ihedioha who struggled to win in those areas outside his community, hitherto perceived as his stronghold. In the course of the presidential and governorship elections in Imo, an ugly trend of voter apathy

7,498

IHITTE UBOMA

OKIGWE

ORU WEST

APC

PDP

NWANGELE 11,723

8,746

OBOWO

OWERRI MUNICIPAL

11,597

PDP

APC

15,630

6,700

13,493

OWERRI WEST

PDP

10,138

APC

PDP

APC

PDP

4,465

ISIALA MBANO

NJABA

APC

15,212

PDP

APGA

OHAJI-EGBEMA

13,374 ABOH MBAISE

APC

OWERRI NORTH

ORSU

21,997

ISU APC

5,780 ONUIMO

IDEATO NORTH

IDEATO SOUTH APC

PDP

10,080

APC

5,483

PDP

48844

15,594

became conspicuously clear with an average 50 per cent of registered voters not participating in the voting process. Hence, of the outstanding 144,715 votes from the 23 council areas to be contested for in the supplementary poll, the trend indicates that nothing more than a 60 per cent voter turnout will be experienced at the supplementary poll and as such, even a 100 per cent win would not give Ihedioha victory. From all indications, Ihedioha walks a tight rope and would take nearly a miracle to topple Okorocha’s lead in the run-off election. Moreso, Okorocha won more votes than Ihedioha in all the three Senatorial districts of the state and particularly won five out of the nine local government

areas in Imo East where Ihedioha comes from which would have been expected to be Ihedioha’s major stronghold. Ihedioha posted his best results in the three Mbaise council areas considered his home ground while Okorocha’s votes were garnered from across the state. Ihedioha’s strength in the Mbaise council areas and Ngor Okpala may have been misinterpreted to mean influence across the space. But then, four council areas of influence is by far a smaller political space compared to influence across the state. Okorocha’s last minute political manoeuvre, 24 hours to the election, successfully secured the support of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and his Destiny Campaign Organisation which turned the tide against the PDP and Ihedioha in Imo North winning five of the six council areas in the zone which before now was a major PDP stronghold. Ihedioha, on his part, lost formidable support structures; most of which crumbled in the heat of the electioneering process. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a member, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) lost his Ikeduru council area; Nnamdi Anyaehie, the state PDP chairman, lost his Nkwerre council area; Chief Chris Okewulonu, the Director General of the Ihedioha Campaign Organisation lost his Obowo council area and Chief Chuma Nnaji, running mate to Ihedioha, lost his Njaba council area, thus leaving Ihedioha in the lurch. Also, Senator Hope Uzodinma could not secure a win for his party and Ihedioha in his Oru East council area where he polled over 55,000 votes during the presidential/National Assembly elections. Not even former Governor Achike Udenwa could save Ihedioha from defeat in his Orlu council area. Ihedioha seemed to have fought all alone without knowing and it is most unlikely that his fortunes would change before the supplementary poll as some of the remaining support structures are surreptitiously negotiating space in the APC. For whatever reason, while Okorocha’s men accuse the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias and partisanship, Ihedioha’s men accuse Okorocha of embarking on schemes of cajoling, intimidating and threatening of assigned officials of INEC which had browCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

TUESDAY, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Untold story of Suswam’s crash CEPHAS IORHEMEN unravels factors responsible for the defeat of Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam by Senator Barnabas Gemade in the general elections

hese are indeed trying times for Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State as his defeat by a familiar foe, Senator Barnabas Gemade, in the National Assembly election is giving him and his supporters’ sleepless nights. While many reasons have been adduced for the governor’s failure, perhaps the biggest of all the factors was his inability to pay accumulated five months salaries owed civil servants in the state. For many homes in Benue, the monthly wages is the only means of sustenance to feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. From reports, many have died from the inability of the state government to pay salaries and some are lying ill on hospital beds. For analysts, the primary reason for Suswam and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loss in the elections was the insensitive posture of Governor Suswam to the plight of workers, hence, the decision to look the other side. Even the Government House polling unit was not spared of the revolt as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari won there. From all sides, the governor’s cronies betrayed him, especially at the tail end of the campaigns as most of them allegedly romanced the opposition in the run-up to the elections. Not reading between the lines, Suswam still had trust in them and even committed his election strategy to them. But to his chagrin, the people of Kwande and Ushongo local government areas, who he met last year to “loan” the seat to him also betrayed him and supported Gemade’s second term bid. Again, critics of Suswam’s administration believe he is responsible for the collapse of public primary schools in the state. While it is possible to believe that whatever someone becomes in the society rests on his foundation at the primary school level, the reverse is the case under the present administration. Teachers in the state went on strike close to a year to press home non-payment of salaries. Many of the affected schools lost their pupils to privately-run schools, making the public primary schools a shadow of themselves. During the last May Day celebration at the McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi, workers protested and booed the governor for planning to deduct their salaries to enable him settle outstanding pay of primary school teachers. Tertiary institutions in the state including the College of Education Katsina -Ala and Oju, the Akperan Orshi College of Agricul-

Gemade

ture Yandev, College of Advanced and Professional Studies (CAPS), Makurdi and Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo were also not left out in the issues of salaries. Presently, lecturers at the Benue State University who also voted in the last elections are currently on a three week strike over claims of non-payment of remunerations. Interestingly, Suswam had invoked a “no work, no pay” policy on workers in the state and this has not gone down well with the striking workforce, hence their decision to exercise their rights of voting against him and the PDP. The last straw that broke the camel’s back for Suswam was the face-off with his predecessor and leader of the APC in the state, Senator George Akume. For nearly eight years, the two friendsturned-foes have maintained a cat and dog relationship. In fact, Akume was believed to be instrumental to the litigation instituted against Suswam by his rival in the 2011 elections, Prof. Steve Ugba of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) now APC. On assumption of office, Suswam beamed searchlight on Akume’s loyalists left in government, reliving many of them of their appointments. Another factor that worked against Suswam at the polls was the disenchantment of elites in his senatorial zone, who complained of neglect in the political scheme of things. Suswam had said severally that he will not share money the way Akume did to elites in the state but that he will only use funds accrued to the state to embark on projects that have direct bearing to the lives of the masses. The governor, during a recent interaction with journalists said he would want to be remembered after leaving office on May 29 for changing workers’ attitude and

Suswam

When the going was good, I reasoned with workers, so Benue people should commend me

making a difference in their lives. “I need to source for over N200 million to pay salaries of local government workers which gulp more than N4.1billion. When the going was good, I reasoned with workers, so Benue people should commend me, I have done a lot for workers and I want to be praised for that,” said Suswam. It is on record that it was Senator Gemade who brought Suswam on board and was instrumental to his emergence as governor of the state. For this singular reason, Gemade always feels he is a father to the governor and that he (Suswam) should accord him respect for that. But the governor told Gemade that he is too old to think of going to the Senate and that he should give way for him who is younger to occupy the position. Gemade was said to have vowed to do just one term at the Senate and give way for another person, a development that informed Suswam to join the race thinking that it would be shameful for him to handover on May 29 and go back to his village. But as it stands, the declaration of Gemade as winner of the National Assembly election has shattered the dreams of the gov-

ernor to continue in public office by way of representing the people of Benue North East. Again, Suswam has failed to produce a successor. His anointed candidate, Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, fell to former Minister of State for Trade and Industries, Dr. Samuel Ortom of the APC in Saturday’s governorship election. Ortom polled 422,932 votes to beat Tarzoor of the PDP who scored 313,878 votes. The governor has promised that the PDP would avoid acts that would undermine the incoming administration of Ortom. Suswam made this known when he received Ortom in his office in Makurdi. He said as a party, the PDP has resolved not to challenge the outcome of the elections. “PDP will not go to the tribunal to challenge the outcome of this election because we do not want your government to be distracted by election petitions,” he said. For Suswam, who was in the green chamber of the National Assembly for eight years before becoming the governor of the state for another eight years, it is straight back to his village, Anyiin after May 29.

Imo: A repeat of history C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

beaten the officials to pander to the whims of the governor in making some critical decisions. The blame trade is expected to continue but what it is designed to achieve may not be immediately obvious. As the Imo electorate expectantly awaits the date for the supplementary election to determine the winner of the 2015 governorship election, it is expected like in 2011, when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) boycotted

the supplementary poll, that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) may also pull out of the race having sustained its call for a total cancellation of the April 11 election. With the odds stacked high against Ihedioha of the PDP, Governor Okorocha may yet make the history as the only governor in Nigeria whose first and second tenure in office were earned via supplementary election. Simply put, except the unexpected happens, Okorocha would have a jolly ride to a second term in office.

Politics 15

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 14, 2015

A’Ibom governor-elect promises selfless service

he Akwa Ibom Governor-elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has promised to render selfless service to the people of the state and take it to an enviable height. Emmanuel made the promise during an interaction with newsmen in his home town, Awa in Onna Local Government Area of the state. He said that his administration would run an all-inclusive government where all the people of Akwa Ibom would benefit irrespective of their tribe. The Governor-elect said the people deserved better service, adding that they would feel the impact of his administration and have their lives

lUyo agog for Udom’s victory transformed for the better. “We will operate an open door administration where all interests would be considered. “We are coming in for what will benefit the people and not to benefit us, we are coming in with selfless service that is what we want to render to the people. “So that at the end of the day, we will compare when we came in with when we leave the place and find out if we are leaving it better than we met it,” he said. Udom said that on assumption of office, his administration would apply appropriate pricing that

would help to strengthen the purchasing power of the people and create wealth for them. The governor-elect said that he would consolidate on the development of his successor, Governor Godswill Akpabio. “It’s a whole lot that we have in mind to do, so, we will not ignore any of the projects that are pending,” he said. He denied the allegation that there was internal problem in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, saying the PDP settled its differences before going to the polls. “It’s a different ball

game. The reality is always different from the sentiment. “You don’t actually project the sentiment beyond the reality and the reality goes beyond the sentiment. “I am the governorelect and the party is just the platform, the destination is what people will look up to, people are eager to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said. He thanked the Akwa Ibom people for their support toward his emergence and promised to carry everybody along. “People don’t care about the platform you use in giving them gov-

ernance, in Nigeria we have gone beyond that in our democracy, nobody is talking about platform any longer,” he said. He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to join hands with him to move the state forward. Meanwhile, jubilant youths, women and PDP supporters thronged the streets of Uyo, to celebrate the emergence of Emmanuel governorelect. The mammoth crowd which matched from Uyo township stadium, Ibom Plaza to the millennium globe at Wellington Bassey Way end was received by Governor Godswill Akpabio and the Governor-elect with other PDP state executives, who joined the teaming crowd to celebrate the victory. Addressing the gathering, Governor Akpabio said it was not a day of speeches but rather a day of celebration because he

would be handing over to a competent man who would drive progress to the door steps of the people. He described the road walk as the people’s way of showing greater support for the PDP and the emergence of Emmanuel as Governor-elect unlike the kind of protest rally carried out by few youths believed to be sponsored by the opposition. Akpabio lauded the people for supporting continuity and transformation. He assured that Akwa Ibom State can never be the same again with the emergence of Emmanuel, a seasoned banker. The governor said he has laid the foundation for the transformation of the state in the last eight years and expressed the hope that the incoming administration of Emmanuel will consolidate on the gains.

PDP secures eight seats in Lagos Assembly Muritala Ayinla

L-R: Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo; Executive Director, WANGONET, Tunji Lardner and Chairman, Partners for Electoral Reform, Ezenwa Nwagwu, at a press conference on the conduct of the April 11 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Presidency denies budgeting N3bn for transition committee Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he Presidency yesterday refuted claims that it has budgeted N3 billion for the transition committee. There has been report on the social media that the amount was budgeted for the committed for the smooth handover of power to the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari. Presidency sources said report about the budget was a pure fiction and

blackmail. The report had alleged that the Goodluck Jonathans administration had budgeted N3 billion for members of the transitional committee working on the handover notes to the President-elect, Buhari. The Presidency insisted that no meeting was held between its transition committee and that of incoming government. The social media report read: “Now I am convinced we didn’t make a mistake. “Buhari was at the Villa in connection with

the setting up of a transition committee for handing over. At the meeting, Goodluck asked for the list of representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the required remuneration. “Buhari was surprised that Goodluck’s list and corresponding cost was put at N3 billion for a job estimated to last only two months. Goodluck then asked why Buhari’s list didn’t show corresponding cost? “Buhari answered that his team was made up of volunteers and their feeding would be by individu-

als/self even if they have to bring in leftover food from their homes. No word has been heard from presidency since then. “This is the beginning of purposeful leadership....” Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, who reacted to the report, said: “This is pure fiction and blackmail. No such meeting or conversation ever took place. Whoever wrote the copy obviously has never heard of being magnanimous in victory. A charlatan certainly.”

Idimogu assures constituency of adequate representation Felix Nwaneri

inner of last Saturday’s state Assembly election for Oshodi/ Isolo Constituency 11 of Lagos State, Mr. Emeka Idimogu, has assured the people of the area of adequate laws that will benefit the generality of the people. Idimogu, who won the election on the platform

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however advised against referring to some people as non-indigenes. According to him, such notion is obsolete and should be discarded for the polity to properly develop. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for the constituency, Dr. Adeyemi Osinowo, had in

announcing Idimogu winner of the poll, declared that he scored 27,423 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr. Olayinka Ajomale of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 25,727 votes. Expressing gratitude to the people of the area for choosing him to represent them, the Imo Stateborn politician assured that he would do his best

to justify the trust reposed in him by the people of Oshodi/Isolo. He stated that everyone is a stakeholder in the project to develop the constituency, adding that he would use everything at his disposal to attract development to the area. He further pledged to make his presence felt in his first 100 days in the House.

t least no fewer than eight members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have secured seats out of the 40 members in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Among those badly hit by the PDP’s growing influence in the state is the Deputy Speaker, Taiwo Musibau Kolawole, who is also the longest serving lawmaker. Kolawole, fondly referred to as Methuselah among his colleagues, is believed to be gunning for the speakership post, but his ambition suffered a setback following his loss to Olatunji Fatai of the PDP from Ajeromi Ifelodun II. Fatai of the PDP was on Sunday returned as the winner of the House of Assembly election for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency II. Also in Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency I, Dayo Famakinwa of the PDP defeated his counterpart of APC, AbdoulBaq Ladi Balogun who is the current occupier of the seat in the House. For Surulere Constituency II, Mosunmola Sangodara-Rotimi of the PDP won with 33, 583 votes and closely trailed by Abiodun Awobotu of APC with 32, 767 votes. The PDP’s candidates, Dipo Olorunrinu and Hakeem Bello, were on Sunday declared winners of Amuwo Odofin State Assembly Constituency I and II seats.

Sultan Adeniji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 12,010 votes and Dipo Olorunrinu of the PDP scored 13,580 votes. For Amuwo Odofin II, Ramota Akinlola-Hassan of the APC scored 14,216 votes and Hakeem Bello of the PDP scored 19,272 votes. In Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I, the PDP candidate, Shokunle Hakeem, was declared the winner with 17,479 votes while the APC candidate, Olukayode Ogundipe, came second with 17,125 votes. In Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II, the Returning Officer, Dr. Adeyemi Osinowo, announced the PDP candidate, Emeka Idimogu, as the winner of the seat with 27,423 votes. PDP candidate in Badagry constituency II, Engr Setonji also defeated the APC candidate to secure seat in the Assembly for the opposition party in the state. Meanwhile, the House would have fresh members also from APC. Nollywood star, Desmond Elliot, of the APC polled 23,141 votes at the Surulere state Constituency I to emerge winner. Folajimi Lai-Mohammed, the APC candidate, who is the son of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC’s spokesman, was also declared winner of Ikeja Constituency I. Lai-Mohammed scored 13, 603 votes and James Ndubuisi O. APGA scored a total vote of 35.

16 Politics

TUESDAY, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Tinubu

Tinubu: I’m proud to be part of team that unseat Jonathan National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, expresses delight in unseating the Peoples Democratic Partyled government. In this interview with MURITALA AYINLA on Saturday, he gives insight to the focus of the Muhammadu Buhari’s government, his choice of Akinwunmi Ambode as Lagos Governor, and corrupt allegations against him What should Nigerians expect from the incoming All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government? The abuse of power, the impunity must stop. It takes a common

lExplains his choice of Ambode as Lagos gov sense revolution to do that. Our opponents have no programme to offer the public except criticism and allegation. We are living in this country; personality and performance should influence the choice of role modes. Look at the states controlled by us, Lagos for example. Ogun, Oyo, Edo and Osun states. Osun State, for instance, has employed thousands of people and created a domestic economy. Here in Lagos, no school is collapsing and killing the children of the poor in public schools. We have raised the standard of education of the children of the poor. We pay West African Senior School Examination Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) fees. This is to ensure that the son and daughter of the corn sellers or the bread sellers you find on the street, who have as low as N2,000 capital to run their business can get good education. This is because everything they are selling is not up to the exams fees. Their children must also enjoy better education in order for them to get out of poverty. We have a free education programme; is that elitist? We paid school fees,

State management is not about chemical mix... it is about financial governance, focus and mission

is that elitist? We paid WAEC fees for their children, is that elitist? We developed the hospitals. For me, I can afford to go overseas for medical treatment but all these poor women and men can’t do so. We are upgrading the hospitals for them. We are bringing the health care centres closer to them in various local governments. Is that elitist? Where is the programme of the PDP? They took the excess price of crude illegally, promising to use it for the welfare of the people. Where is it reflecting? Corruption, ineptitude! They cannot even effect an effective security system. No! We are not compatible. They will have allegations of focusing on rich areas and rich people. The Itire-Lawanson Road is not for the rich; Oregun Road is not for the rich and many other roads are not for the rich. The Millennium Schools are not for the rich. There are about 40,000 students in the one in Ajegunle named Bola Ige Memorial and so many of them like that. They are not for the children of the rich.

What about the slum areas in Lagos? I don’t know whether some of you were here in 1999, 2000 and 2001. There were heaps of refuse. Go to Abia and other states controlled by the PDP. Go on internet and see Abia and compare it to Lagos and see which one is filthier. That is a PDP state. Look at Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, it was full of filth before but is now a more clean and organised city state capital. Now that your party will form the Federal Government, you are expected to have a lot of influence over who gets what in ministerial appointment. What is the situation? No way! We won’t discuss that now. There is a transition committee to look at what we are taking over. There is a blueprint, there is a manifesto of the party. It is not about individuals. When I became the governor of Lagos State, I inherited a poor state. Today, it is the richest. I left a great legacy. I am a talent hunter. I put talent in office, I help them to do that. So, it will be reflected at the

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 14, 2015

federal level. People say you delivered a great job with the choice of Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola. How confident are you with your choice of Fashola’s successor, Akinwunmi Ambode? Look at their – Akinwunmi Ambode and Jimi Agbaje – CVs, if you are a recruiter, which one would you take among the two? A pharmacist without a political philosophy adherent and stability or a well-groomed financial expert, who has been through the system, who understands the system and who is better academically and professionally? He is a well exposed and well groomed, bright scholar, a Harvard graduate of Leadership. Who will you pick? The state management is not about chemical mix of Panadol, it is about financial governance, focus and mission. This is the time that oil price is going down. We have financial challenges for the country. I will use the best hands, the best brain, and the best experience for the job. You are a leader of the opposition party in Nigeria, what does it take to unseat a ruling government which is very rare in African countries? There are several strategies to unseat sit-tight governments across Africa. I won’t mention names. We have achieved that. This one is the biggest one in Nigeria and I’m very proud to be associated with the team that demanded for change and replaced the PDP government led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. How would your party address Nigeria’s problems with the growing population? Sociologically, the population is an asset in some areas. It is equally a liability on the other side but if you create a local demand, it becomes an asset, it becomes a market. Then caring for that population explosion is a process to education that will take a long one. We cannot completely be negative about that. It has some cultural implications, it has some religious implications. We have to navigate through that to educate the populace about the danger of population explosion. Equally, you have to domesticate the economy in order to add value to the quality of life of the people. We have huge potential in agriculture. We can create opportunity in that area and there are so many of that. What will be the major priority of the new government, what do you want to focus on as your party takes over the government on May 29? Security. Security and the second one is the employment of our youths. You can see their faces. Most of them are educated but they are unemployed graduates. If you tackle security, you give the confidence to the international community and convert great liability to asset of great value. Because these are hands of able-bodied that can help grow the economy. Then the question of security will be tackled if you develop their skill and give them job opportunities in agriculture, mining. You tackle the question of industrialisation first by getting electricity working. From there, you have an exponential

effect on small scale industries. If an ordinary hair dresser will not look for a small generator set to have electricity to do her job and earn a living, if a barber will not do that, if a welder will not worry about electricity. Yes! Nigerians are very resilient and very creative, they will find ways and means of catering for their lives. So, it is common sense revolution of reform, rehabilitation and relief for the people and recovery of the economy. We are focused on that. How about the series of accusation against you? I have earned my own reputation. In democracy, you are not loved by all the people. I don’t want that love. I want to be respected for who I am, what I can do and my commitment to values in my country. I want this country to become part of the world’s biggest economies. In the so-called economy rebase, I have not seen that large economy translating to the standard of living of Nigerians. We are one of the richest with petroleum, we have not tapped that not to talk of agriculture and other solid minerals. We are talking about petroleum, we don’t have a refinery that is functioning. It is a big shame and that is a more source of employment and skill development than the downstream of the petroleum sector. But where are the monies? We are talking of accountability and effective internal control that will make the peoples’ money work for them. You mean money won’t miss anymore? Money won’t go missing anymore. We must be accountable, we all learnt arithmetic, debit and credit; source and application. You don’t keep two set of books. One for the government, one for the public. You will not find that one in Muhammadu Buhari’s government. APC will eradicate all of that. We did it in

Tinubu

Lagos, we blocked all the loopholes and the leakages. Today, the state is better for it, I don’t care what anybody says. When I took over governance in 1999 in Lagos, I inherited N600 million a month as internally generated revenue. Today, it is N20 billion. That is not a miracle working, it is financial re-engineering and good sense of knowledge economy working.

There are various strategies to unseat sit-tight governments across Africa... I’m very proud to be associated with the team that demanded for change

What is your take on allegation of cesspool corruption in Lagos? Why can’t they go to court and prove the corruption? My opponents are the most corrupt Nigerians. The main artery of the Nigerian economy is the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway because if you are going north, you go through Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, if you are going to the east, you will go through the road without the rail system. If they can’t do in 16 years, we have had enough of them. Nigerians have told them in clear voice and determination that their time was up. It is time for them to go. Here in Lagos, you don’t see that. You see development emerging in your face. You see disaster and liability converted from Atlantic to asset of great value. You see Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Epe Expressway, you see Lawanson Road, you see Oregun road which is 10 years old; you see Lagos-LASU Iba Road. You will also see monorail line coming up. Hey! What else is development if not these? Those are bold endeavours that have carried the state far and many other states of APC. It is because they cannot do it. We need a thinker and a doer and we have found it in our leadership and our party. What is your experience about the use of card reader at the governorship and House of Assembly elections? The card reader was indeed more effective than it was the other time. Just once, I got ac-

credited this time. The organisation is very commendable. The only thing we will be looking out for is the person that will help INEC improve in the future. Maybe, once the card reader, verification and authentication process become more dependable, we can just get accredited and vote immediately. That way, we don’t have to lose those people who will go home and not return or the congestion that is now the case in various area. There are also cases of low of turnout of voters. What is your take on that? Low turnout is not a big deal yet. Maybe people are not as excited in this area as in others. Because I have not gotten the demographic evaluation of various constituencies across the state, I cannot speak of that. Observers can only say much about that. How will you describe the security situation across Lagos during the general elections? Security situation to me personally was so good. I cannot use one occasion to measure the security arrangement. Perhaps they knew I would vote here. The alarming one is the police reliability in the area of their own posting. They announced Monday last week that the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Joseph Mbu has been deployed to supervise the elections in Ogun. Yesterday (Friday), we heard in the news that Commissioner of Police has more or less been relegated to Area Commander and the AIG is now Commissioner of Police in charge of election. That smells rat. That is not good enough for confidence building process. If there is no written order or instruction, it shouldn’t be possible for anybody, no matter highly placed, to make an oral posting of the police. Violence anywhere is barbaric and we must remove it from our body polity. Election is about people. It is government of the people, for the people and by the people, not by the process of gun and war and violence. It is power by all means necessary that is the cause of the violence. We have to remove that and all the process to function and nurture the institution of democracy; apply the rule of law. The attempt to be governor or to control state should be derived from the people to choose their leader within a specific period of time. As for the low turnout of voters; when violence has been around in the last 10 days or so; when there is escalation of killings and lives of people are threatened every hour, you should expect that. That is not good enough. It doesn’t reflect that we are disciplined and civilized. If the citizen’s police or citizen’s army are now turned into army or police of one man in power, then the country is heading for crisis. For every action, there is a reaction. Here, throughout the week before the election, there are lots of gunshots across the state. That is scary to the people; that is why they didn’t even come out. That is the method of rigging, because you are not popular. If you are, you will want the crowd to be out to make their choice.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Jonathan’s loss and the transience of power Tayo Ogunbiyi

he March 28 presidential poll has come and gone with its resultant tension, hiccups and drama. As for drama, the poll had its fair share of comedy that would make famous Nollywood actors, ‘Aki and Pawpaw’, grin with envy. Take the back seat ‘Aki and Pawpaw’; enter Elder Orubebe, the newest grand master of comedy. In a Nollywood style fashion, Orubebe caught the attention of Nollywood world when he forcefully grabbed the microphone from INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, while the latter was about to commence procedure for the announcement of more presidential poll’s results. Orubebe added some colour to his act by sitting on the floor and threatening to halt procedure for good. It is all about a character interpreting the script according to the instruction of the director. If the pay is good, actors could appropriately interpret any role. In this instance, perhaps, the pay was good, and actor Orubebe’s performance was top notched. That particular day at the INEC Collation Center inside the International Conference Center, Abuja, was rich in drama. As soon as Orubebe and co got off the scene, a more intriguing performance ensued. Enter the INEC Collation Officer for Rivers State who was saddled with the responsibility of collating and announcing presidential election results for the State. If the Orubebe act was fascinating, that of the Professor was much more action-packed. With the election results and figures, that were appropriately collated and tallied by him in his hand, the Professor told a bewildered Jega that he couldn’t read what was written on the paper properly. Despite being in a well illuminated hall, a rechargeable lamp was brought in to aid the Prof ’s seemingly poor sight, but all to no avail. When he was asked by Jega if he was not the

one that authored the content in the paper, the professor answered in the affirmative but with a caveat: He wrote them under ‘special circumstances’. Perhaps, in the typical Nollywood style, this highly captivating movie would, one day, come up with a season Two episode and the professor would be able to properly amplify what made the circumstances that special. In the meantime, let’s watch out for ‘Jega and the Professor Part Two’. It promises to be a blockbuster. Now, the main pre-occupation of this piece is not actually to highlight the theatrical content of the recently concluded presidential poll. The goal is to draw attention to the transitory nature of power. According to John M. Pfiffner and Frank P. Sherwood, politics involves the pursuit, acquisition, and exercise of political power. Ideally, the ultimate purpose of political power is to shape and control public policy primarily for the betterment of the society. Thus, acquisition of political power should not be an end in itself but a means to an end. Unfortunately, however, in this clime political power actors see power as the ultimate end. Their perception of power is wrong and faulty. This explains why most of them behave condescendingly while in power. Their motive for seeking and acquiring power is, at best, self seeking and parochial. Since the attainment of independence in 1960, the procedure of acquiring political power in Nigeria has been through democratic process and military intrusion. Hence, we have experienced political leadership spearheaded by a combination of both civilian and military political power actors. It is, however, sad that most of these political actors, from their conducts, seem to hold the view that power is an end and not a means. In his famous book, ‘1984’, English novelist, essayist and critic, George Orwell was, perhaps, inadvertently referring to the power perception of the average Nigerian political power actor when he stated that: “the Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not

interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. Power is not a means; it is an end. The object of power is power.” How awful! The picture painted above by Orwell, to a great extent, perfectly describes the power image of a typical Nigerian political power actor. Orwell’s reference to pure power could be interpreted to mean absolute power. In this clime, pure power stands for various things ranging from liberty to drive against traffic, in utter disregard for traffic laws, to cordoning off a whole city for hours because a ‘powerful’ political power actor or his wife is in town. In this current dispensation, a Governor was alleged to have publicly slapped a judge. That, of course, is his own understanding of power. In Nigeria, six members of a 26 man House of Assembly could ‘impeach’ a Speaker and send the others on exile. That is pure power! One vital lesson to be learnt from the loss of President Goodluck Jonathan at the poll is the temporary nature of political power. If only we could allow this to properly sink in, no one would substitute God for a political leader who is here today, gone tomorrow. Also, political office holders would, perhaps, put the common good of the people as their main concern while in power. Sycophancy thrives in our politics because many see office holders as their mall tickets. Very soon, President Jonathan would know who his true friends are. Very soon, he would know the difference between real friends and fair weather friends. That is why men in power should be mindful of those they surround themselves with. Professional sycophants easily make unsuspecting leaders to lose focus. The very men that vowed to die for President Jonathan are already queuing behind General Muhammadu Buhari. Political leaders need to learn from Williams Shakespeare that: “All the world’s a stage and the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances……..’ • Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

How INEC disenfranchised voters in Ogbomoso North IT was a bitter experience that I fell a victim of INEC's mendacious and prevaricatious order for not collecting my children's personal voter's cards before the spurious closing date for the collection. When the news came that we should registered last year November, I enforced my children to come from their various schools and register. It was hectic having them registered. Not minding the money I expended in mobilising them for the exercise, yet I had to be personally involved before we were able to record some appreciable success. Personally, I felt as if the INEC in Ogbomoso North was acting out a script by making the exercise cumbersome so as to frustrate the potential voters from registering.

Many potential voters were devastated having spent days without success, until our involvement that brought sanity to the process in our registration centre. That was the experience of many people in Ogbomoso in their respective polling units, which later resulted in low registration; where Ogbomoso North is having about 56,000 registered voters which is less than 10 per cent of the population. Unfortunately, the major political gladiators lent little helping hands to the exercise which may have telling effect on our collective future electoral values if we exhibit lower registration figures. It was unfortunate how we played into the gallery by not being determined to register, because of little hitch and hiccup, many were devastated and never bothered to register again. While many thousands

that registered did not see their names again in the final lists of registered voters released by INEC for the second time, making them to suffer for INEC's inefficiency in Ogbomoso North . Anyway, it looks deliberate and intentional. The question was why did INEC made it tedious for the people of Ogbomoso to register if there was no sinister purpose behind the scenes during the registration period? Was it an attempt to disenfranchise the people because of some reasons best known to INEC In Ogbomoso? The last straw that broke the camel's back was the horrendous ways INEC used to distribute the PVCs. This resulted in many people not getting their PVCs of which my children were victims. • Mark Debo Taiwo, Takie, Ogbo-

Let's stop child labour IT is disheartening to see that in this 21st century Nigerian kids that are expected to be in the four walls of a classroom are seen on the streets hawking or begging. Child labour remains a major source of concern in Nigeria, in spite of legislative measures. Children, instead of being enrolled in school to acquire knowledge alongside their mates and peers, are being hired as house helps and made to do all sort of domestic work and even hard labour by their employees while the children of those employees who might be of just the same age grade with the house help or even older than them are taken to school. Those employed as house helps or made to do the work of a nanny, do not give the babies proper care in the absence of their parents. Some even tend to maltreat the children of their employers. For instance: the case of the Ugandan maid who brutally tortured the

baby of her employer, thanks to fate, the baby didn’t die but this could affect her psychologically in the future, if only her mother had time to take care of her baby herself or at least monitor the activities of the maid and see how her baby is taken care of the baby wouldn’t have gone through such torture. Many children have died as a result of abuse by their nannies; some even get raped by the people who are supposed to be their guardians. Children are sent out of their homes by their parents to far places to go and engage in street begging or work in rich people’s homes as a result of poverty and inability to cater for their children and provide them with their basic needs. Some send the children out in the name of sourcing for money to cater for the family while the children found on the streets begging, majority of their parents claim to have sent them out to acquire

knowledge. For those that engage their kids in street hawking some only send the children out after school hours but some do not allow their children to go to school and send them to the streets to hawk. I’m not totally against children that are out for skills acquisition, but there are certain skills/jobs that children shouldn’t engage in such as blacksmithing, Vulcanizing and some industrial jobs because these vocations can be hazardous to the health of these kids and is likely to cause damage to them. As at 2006, The International Labour Organisation [ILO] estimated the number of working children under the age of 14 in Nigeria as 15 million. The level of diverse and tedious jobs that children execute in dangerous circumstances is particularly worrying. • Sadiq Aisha Ahmed, 400level, Mass communication, Ibrahim Badmasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

EDITORIAL

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

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.

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

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

Remembering Abubakar Rimi

aturday April 4, 2015 marked five years of the demise of Second Republic governor of Kano State, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi. At a time the slogan in the air is change, perhaps not many will remember that the one time Kano state Chief Executive, stood for change while his tenure lasted. Rimi became governor on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party[PRP], at the 39, in 1979. He showed signs of imminent change when for the very first time in the core North, an all Graduate Cabinet was formed. His political Adviser was the fiery MarxistSocialist, Dr. Bala Mohammed, broadcast journalist and Political Science lecturer at the Bayero University Kano[BUK]. The Rimi regime was an uncommon one , that set out to revolutionise Kano. The governor, as a member of the Aminu Kano political family, leaned towards the masses[talakawa] and was ready to make their lives more meaningful. First, he did not understand why they should pay personal tax when most of them could hardly afford a meal per day. Rimi, therefore, abolished the haraji [personal income tax]. The governor also stopped jangali [cattle tax]. This was of course, going to hurt the Emirate because such levies formed part of the legacy of British rule. The colonial masters allowed the ruling class to use haraji and jangali to maintain their stay in power. Another area that the Rimi administration dared to change was purdah. The idea of women being confined to certain sec-

By resigning in 1983, alongside his Gongola state counterpart and namesake, Abubakar Barde, who also handed over to his deputy, Wilberforce Juta, Rimi showed that he was a principled politician tions of the community did not sound right to the new government. What was needed was not just the liberation of women, but education for a great majority of the people of Kano. And to achieve this, the new government embarked on a massive adult literacy programme that made the classroom home to senior citizens, who never enjoyed such opportunity while growing up. Abubakar Rimi parted ways with his idol, Malam Aminu Kano and quit the PRP for Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party[NPP] shortly before the 1983 elections. He capped it all, by being a true gentleman of change. The Kano state governor resigned from office and handed over to his deputy, Abdu Dawakin Tofa. Tofa had joined the administration as commissioner for Agriculture and only moved up to the position of deputy governor, following

the impeachment of Ibrahim Farouk. By resigning in 1983, alongside his Gongola state counterpart and namesake, Abubakar Barde, who also handed over to his deputy, Wilberforce Juta, Rimi showed that he was a principled politician. A far cry from what is happening today when governor’s resign from the parties that took them to office but fail to quit their position. Long before the nation started observing May 1 as Workers Day, Rimi had gone ahead in 1980 to give Kano workers a work free day, to celebrate their efforts and contributions to the society at large. Rimi was one of the leading politicians who wanted to break the ‘yoke’ of the National Party of Nigeria [NPN].He teamed up with other progressive governors in the North, like Barde and Borno state governor Mohammed Goni, to look for Handshake below the Benue. There were allies in Imo sate governor, Chief Sam Mbakwe and Anambra state helmsman , Chief Jim Nwobodo. With the backing of elders, Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria[UPN],the progressive governors adopted ‘change’ as their slogan. They were a big threat to the ruling NPN. It was alleged that the 2003 elections were massively rigged to return President Shehu Shagari to power. Rimi had become a very strong force in Nigerian politics. But his Kano Revolution did not go down well with the conservative ruling class. Government and the Emirate could not work together. In 1981, the

Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero was suspended. In July of that year, hell was let loose. The ensuing riots consumed Mohammed, Rimi’s Political Adviser. The man was roasted in his building. It was indeed a sad day for the governor. That his adviser, who in 1978 made the Who is Who in American Universities, could be so wasted, showed that Change was coming at a huge cost. Rimi was born in Rimi village, Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano state in 1940. He studied International Relations in London and by 1964, was one of the progressives who with Aminu Kano, founded the Northern Elements Progressive Union [NEPU]. Between 1977 and 1978, Rimi was a member of the Constituent Assembly. From there, he became the Deputy National Secretary of the PRP. Under the Ibrahim Babangida government, the ex- governor was chairman of the Nigeria Agricultural and Cooperative Bank[NACB], Kaduna. He also served as minister of Communications under Sani Abacha. Rimi was in the Social Democratic Party[SDP] with Chief Moshood Abiola. He was also one of the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party[PDP]. On April 4, 2010, the man was attacked by robbers on his way back to Kano from Bauchi. He survived the siege but died as a result of the experience. Today,some of the things Rimi stood for are actually not just starring the nation in the face, they are happening. In his time, he wanted change. Now those who were shouting change have taken over the Federal Government.

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

Politics

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in this acceptance speech delivered on Sunday as Sokoto State Governorelect, promised to run an all-inclusive and responsive government in the Seat of Caliphate

TUESDAY, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Tambuwal: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make government responsive

stand here today grateful to the Almighty Allah (SWT) for this glorious moment. I want to thank the people of Sokoto State for their remarkable display of abiding confidence in our dear party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Myself and the Deputy Governor-Elect are truly humbled by your sustained show of support, trust and confidence

in the face of orchestrated provocations and attempts to subvert the will of the people, we remain grateful for honouring us with your mandate. This is a responsibility that we do not take lightly, and we will endeavour to continue to provide good governance in Sokoto State with utmost transparency and fairness. We have nothing but respect for our political

opponents and we wish to commend them for running such a competitive campaign and for opening our eyes to so many new perspectives regarding our democratic process. Our hand of friendship is again extended to all those who wish to join us in the great task of moving Sokoto State forward. We have no illusions about the fact that our success at the polls was

Tambuwal

the result of the goodwill, perseverance and enduring capacity of our people

to make the right choices when the chips are down. We therefore owe our victory to the generosity of a great many people who have given their energy and resources to make this day possible. In fact, this victory is the culmination of a process began by our great leader, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, whose remarkable foresight and towering political acumen have garnered the All Progressives Congress (APC) such unassailable sympathy in the hearts of the people. We want to assure our able leader that his contributions to the development of Sokoto State will remain evergreen in our memory. As I reiterated during our election campaigns, Governor Wamakkoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laudable programmes for the development of Sokoto State shall be sustained and consolidated. On behalf of all the elected leaders of our people in Sokoto State, I wish to commend him for his fearless leadership, admirable patriotism and unique humility. We recognise the historical role of the traditional institution in the lives of our people and in engendering development in the state. We shall therefore continue to cherish every valuable input that the institution will make to the government. We have started a new journey in Sokoto State and in Nigeria at large. We are determined to make government responsive to the needs of the people. The incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari is a tested leader who appreciates the enormity of the challenge of national renewal which the mandate freely given to him charts clearly for him and his team. May I, assure the President-Elect of our continuous support so that together the hopes and aspirations of our people shall be commendably consolidated. Our fellow brothers and sisters, we make a solemn pledge to you today that this government shall be fair to one and all, and shall at all times work hard to meet the yearnings of our people for responsive and responsible governance. As the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, I understand the expectations of my immediate constituency and the wider national political family in my new Public Service engagement. I pray Almighty Allah to give us the wisdom and the ability to meet up to expectations. Thank you and may Allah bless our endeavours.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2015

Arts

Tony Okuyeme

n line with its tradition of staging high quality production during the Easter break, the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) penultimate Sunday at the Cinema Hall 2 of the National Theatre served theatre going publics a rich menu of music, dance and drama with a folk theatre production titled ‘Spectacle’. Indeed, for live theatre enthusiasts, critics, actors, culture administrators, scholars, students, among others, that trooped to the National Theatre for the performance, the theatrical experience will linger for a long time. It underscored the fact that live theatre is gaining grounds despite challenges of sponsorship and patronage compared to other genres of the art. The musical theatre excursion has national unity as its thematic thrust. But the conceptual framework, the Artistic Director of NTN, Mr. Akin Adejuwon explained, does not lie in the exposition of lyrics paying lip service to the unity of the people, but in the unification of dissimilar artistic backgrounds and materials into harmonious art form within real-time creative space. However, according to him, “the two fold concept of the creative unity lies in the fusion of the different artistic elements in performance - the unity of the elements of the African performative stage on one hand and on the other hand, the wholesome representation of our diverse cultural heritage on the national stage through the use of music, songs, dance, narratives, masks and chants”. In his opening statements, Mr. Adejuwon stated that he was not surprised by the massive turnout for the event, because the audience included mainly traditional customers of the NTN, who are always eager to watch any performance by the troupe, adding that Nigeria is moving forward, which explains why the audience had converged there on Easter Sunday for leisure. Spectacle is structured in four parts. The thematic thrust is on national unity. However, the two-fold concept of creativity was meant to fuse the different artistic elements in performance, that is, the unity of the elements of the African performative stage on the wholesome representation of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage through music, songs, dance, narrative, masquerades and chants. Part one is on Nigerian folk-songs; part two is titled Ifenkili (Spectacle);

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

THEATRE

Day of Spectacle, rhythms, colour of culture in Lagos

National Troupe performing in Spectacle

while parts three and four are titled Contemporary music and Ajodun (Celebration), respectively. The musical folk-theatre feast was a rich potpourri of Nigeria’s rich culture from various geopolitical zones in the country. Showcasing colourful costumes and dances depicting the different cultures and traditions, the Troupe took the audience on a breathtaking cultural excursion. It featured folk songs, traditional dances, songs, and masquerades from Calabar, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Tiv, and Yoruba, all of which got the audience applauding at various stages of the performances. The first part of the spectacle entitled “Nigerian Folk-songs” featured about 30 artistes performing Nigerian folksongs from different regions with Emmanuel Adejumo (a.k.a. Boy Sala) as conductor directing them. The other parts of Spectacles were a creative exploration that featured Ifenkili (Spectacle), contemporary music, solo performances, duets, group performances, musical parody, traditional music ensemble, etc. There was an inspiring performance of a love song dramatised by two Afro hair-styled performers, a couple. The highlights of the show include the hit Christian song “From a Distance” by Better Midler, which was choreographed by the National Troupe. Comedian, Malam Spencer added to colours, rhythms and flavour to the show with ribs-cracking jokes on socio-cultural issues in Nigerian. The fourth part and indeed, the climax of the Spectacle was aptly Ajodun

(Celebration), it featured performances of Nigerian folksongs and dances. The compere and image maker of the troupe, Mr. Shuaibu Hussein ensured that there was no dull moment, especially, in the transition from one performance or part of the show to another. He showed why he is a total theatre artiste – dancer, actor, master of ceremonies (MC) and a ‘stand-up comedian’. Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and National Orientation, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, who is now a permanent secretary in the Presidency, commended the artistes for their performance. “I want to thank Nigerians for encouraging theatre, and I pray that we will have many more of these. These artistes are so talented, multitalented. So much is in this country Nigeria; and I always want to be a Nigerian. I give God the glory for the wonderful thing that you are doing in the National Theatre. I know that you are swimming against the tide, but you will get there; and things are going to be a lot better and better for us in Nigeria. “I thank you for this wonderful work you have done, and I will fulfil my promise concerning the Children in Abuja; whatever it would cost me, I want to sponsor it. I want to have the children perform in Abuja,” Odusote said. The Artistic Director of NTN,

Mr. Adejuwon expressed commitment to sustaining and improving on the Troupe’s performances. “According to the tradition, we shall continue to improve the contents of the National Troupe. We will always find something to educate, inform and entertain at the NTN.” He added that since he took over as the Artistic Director of the troupe late last year, he has deployed traditional contents in its performances. “Though there had been a lull in the recent past, I was determined to ensure that National Troupe marks this Easter with a command performance. I chose music this time around because it is really the highest contributor in the entertainment industry today; it is what is trending and giving Nigeria a great mileage. So, I said my music department that was rather cold must come up. That’s what you have seen this evening. To me, that’s fulfilling,” he said. Present at the command performance were the General Manager, National Theatre, Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, playwright, Eng. Solomon Uwaifo, writer, Mrs Mobolaji Adenubi, star actor and former secretary general of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Mr. Edmond Enaibe, actors and theatre scholars, Mr. Tunji Sotimirin, Dr. Felix Emoruwa, Mr. Steve James and other dignitaries.

Arts

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Entertainpreneurs conference seeks robust industry, identity for Nigerian comedy Ebere Ameh

here is no gainsaying the fact that contemporary comedy has received recognition and popularity not only in Nigeria but the world over. As a genre of entertainment, the aim of comedy is to elicit laughter from the audience through entertaining stories and characters and using humour as its driving force. However, in spite of the popularity of Comedy as a means of entertainment, it is still in its developmental stage in Nigeria. Notwithstanding the numerous talents who have made it through comedy, the sector is still hugely untapped – more talents are still out there waiting to be discovered and many that are already there are yet to understand and apply the business aspect of comedy. In addition, the fact that in spite of the numerous genres of comedy, we have restricted ours to standup comedy alone is an attestation to the fact that something needs to be done to revamp the sector. All these may not be unconnected with the fact that compared to theatre and film; it is still a relatively new genre in Nigeria. The question many are asking is; ‘Will it remain new forever?’ Something has to be done to kick start its development and attract both the government and investors to get interested in it. It is against that backdrop that the “Nigerian Comedy Entertainpreneurs Conference 2015” is being convened. An initiative of Mannerism Communications (MACOM) managers of Nigerian Comedy Business School (NCBS) in partnership with Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism; the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; and publishers of Lagos Comedy News, Comedy Digest Magazine, Laffmatazz and Comedyplus Magazine, the conference is the first of its kind in Nigeria’s comedy industry. “Globally, conferences of this nature have been able to provide policy decisions and chart a new course for the entertainment industry. Nigerian Comedy Entertainpreneurs Conference will serve as a national strategic advocacy platform, bringing together professional and aspiring stage comical entertainpreneurs, investor organizations and the government on a common platform to interact, mentor entertainpreneurs, celebrate creativity and excellence and create a robust comedy industry identity,” the Principal of Nigerian Comedy Business School and convener of the conference, Mr Ojo Martins said. The conference, which is set to be an annual conference is scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, and is expected to attract a large attendance from the entertainment industry, Corporate Nigeria and the Government. Five notable speakers who have

distinguished themselves in the industry shall be invited to give papers, while key note addresses will also be delivered by other distinguish guests. There will be a lead theme and sub themes for the conference; and these intensive sessions are planned to be exciting, participatory and interactive, and encompassing all media blitz. Participants are expected to register one week before the proposed date of the conference in order to ensure adequate reservations. While admission shall be free, participants are expected to pay for the conference materials. The project aims to building a robust comedy industry for Nigeria by establishing a robust industry identity. It hopes to achieve these by re-branding Nigeria through comical arts; promoting and recognizing comedy Entertainpreneurs; establishing mentorship and promotional opportunities for new-bies; promoting professionalism and excellence in contemporary comedy and serving as a common platform for cross-border networking; and connecting point with comedy Entertainpreneurs in Nigeria. Others are harnessing the financial opportunities in the comedy industry; exploring options to support new initiatives and international talent; propounding and mobilizing support for the establishment of a National Comedy Research Centre of Nigeria (NCRC) and a professional association to train, certify and ensure industry best practices; creating a common platform for interaction between Comedians, Corporate Nigeria and the Government; and improving opportunities for the exchange of comedy between the Ali Baba 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The event will feature an award of excellence as “Grandmaster of Nigerian Stand-Up comedy”, which will be vested on Ali Baba by the Executive Governor of Lagos State for the success stories within the comedy industry. Tee A and Basorge Tariah will also be given “Life Time Achievement Award”. There will be one on one inter-

Martins

action with industry best Entertainpreneurs; participants will also be short listed for abridge professional training with the Institute for Public Speaking of Nigeria; comical participants with exceptional skills will be short listed for a major comedy concert and reality show and get a membership of the Nigerian Comedy Business School (NICOMS). All these are outside the certificate of participation that will be issued and star performances that will thrill the audience. The event will have the former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, as the Father of the Day, while the Vice President elect, Prof Yemi Osibajo (SAN) will be the Special Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries that are billed to grace the occasion are the Governor-elect of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Mr. Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere a.k.a. Ali Baba, who is generally referred to as the godfather of Nigerian comedy, is the chief hosts. Prof. Pat Utomi, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, Mr Ben Bruce, and the Hon Minister of Culture and Tourism would all be acting in different capacities at the conference. Among the industry best who would also be at the event are film-

maker and Executive Producer of “Nite of a Thousand Laughs”, Opa Williams and entertainment guru and producer of “Stand-Up Nigeria”, Bunmi Davies. The CEO of Obaino Music would be there as Guest Panelist, while OAP, Mandy of Cool FM and Gbenga Adeyinka would act as the comperes. With the lead theme as “VISON 2025: Re-branding Nigeria through comedy and sub themes, Harnessing the money-making opportunities in the comedy industry; Professionalism and Excellence in the Nigerian comedy industry; How to become an effective professional contemporary comedian; Nigeria at 100 years: Networking for a robust industry identity the conference is set to address many of the issues facing the industry while positioning the industry for the challenges and gains ahead. According to Martins, an accomplished Corporate MC, Comedy, Public Speaking Coach, Author, Chartered Public Relations Practitioner and Certified Speaking and Communications Expert, his goal has always been to enlighten, educate and entertain while the audience laughs. “My vision to improve global health through witty communications, laughter and through that, heal the humour-impaired.”

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Laspotech

Facility

I never had boyfriend on campus, says LASPOTECH best graduate

Plateau varsity to spend N450m on infrastructure

Education trauma

One year after the Chibok schoolgirls were abducted, Nigeria and the international community are waiting hopelessly for the return.

Chibok girls still missing, one year after

Mojeed Alabi

heir dream and aspirations like many other children are to acquire functional education in order to become useful citizens of the country. Indeed, the hope of their parents is that the children will one day, through their education attain the zenith of their career and raised their own families. But, that dream was soon to become a mere wishful thinking as their aspiration suddenly collapsed like a pack of cards on April 14, last year. It was the day the Boko Haram insurgents halted their dream and put a spanner on the wheels of their education. That was the plight of the over 200 school girls of the Government Girls’ College, Chibok, Borno State, who were abducted by men of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram, exactly one year today, while writing the 2014 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). One year after, the hope of the pupils’ return to the waiting arms of their parents and family members has continued to be dashed. On that fateful night of April 14, more than 200 members of the insurgence group was said to have broken into the school under the guise that they were members of guards, who had come to guard and offered them security. The school girls were said to have been ordered by the abductors to come out of their dormitories, and in the process they were

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

A cross-section of Bring Back Our Girls campaigners protesting in Lagos. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

forced into some waiting trucks and driven away to Konduga area of the Sambisa Forest, the Boko Haram’s fortified camps. Despite the conflicting reports that greeted the actual number of school girls whisked away by the insurgents, as no accurate figure was given about them, investigations however revealed that no fewer than 530 pupils from some neighbouring villages registered for that year’s Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), in the boarding school, while those in the hostels on the fateful day were those expected to write their Physics paper. While the nation was still groaning over the pupils’ abduction, an initial reports by the military in an official statement released claimed that “more than 100 of 129 abducted girls had been freed,” a claim which was soon to be retracted following ceaseless outcry by parents who insisted that about 234 of their children and wards were missing, with about 53 reported to have escaped during transit. The Boko Haram insurgents further compounded the uncer-

We are hopeful and still expect the rescue of our 219 girls before that date

tainty about the figure of those abducted as they set the school ablaze destroying its records. With the abduction of the school girls, which has continued to draw public attention and generate outcry from Nigeria and international community, the Federal Government claimed it was politically motivated in order to demean its administration and bring it to disrepute. As part of national and international outcry, several stakeholders both within and outside the country mounted various campaign strategies calling on the Federal Government to rescue and free the girls. In the forefront of the campaign is a group, led by the former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezikwesili, which in its unrelenting activities forced the government, led by President Goodluck Jonathan, to put the issue of the abduction of the girls and the incessant attacks on innocent school children especially in the North Eastern part of the country, which has remained the Boko Haram hotbed in the front burner. Faced by the people’s outcry,

the government constituted a Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE) and also the Victims Support Fund for Borno State against Boko Haram insugence. In fact, the group has since last Wednesday commenced a weeklong anniversary activities aimed at stepping up the campaign towards regaining freedom for the missing girls. According to a statement by the co-conveners, Ezekwesili and Hadiza Bala Usman, the group said they were planning a one-week of global action including the search for 219 Chibok Girls Ambassadors, who they claim will be presented to the world today as they join the campaign all around the world in the Global School Girls March, to march for the missing girls. The statement had read: “We are all saddened as the one year of this heinous abduction approaches on April 14, 2015. We are hopeful and still expect the rescue of our 219 girls before that date. “However, we are organising the campaign to commemorate CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24 Education

TUESDAY, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Borno sets aside N3.6bn for varsity Ahmed Mohammed MAIDUGURI

he Borno State Government has spoken of plans to spend N3.6 billion on the construction of five faculties and the Senate Building complex at the Borno State University located in Maiduguri. The state governor, Kashim

Shettima unfolded the plans while speaking at an interactive session with various stakeholders on the future of the state. The forum, which was chaired by Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu took place at the El-Kanemi Hall of the University of Maiduguri. Shettima said despite the security challenges bedevil-

ing the state over the years, his administration had impacted positively on all sectors of the economy of the North Eastern state, in the areas of provision of quality healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, housing and human development. He said the construction work on the projects at the state university has gone far,

adding that when the institution commences academic activities, it will provide opportunities for several thousands of workers and open access to university education to many students in the state. The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, in his remarks, said more than 30 professionals, traditional rulers, communi-

ty and religious leaders were commissioned by the governor to review the achievements of the state government in the past four years and to advise him on areas that he should concentrate in the coming years in order to consolidate his achievements. In his remarks, Prof. Umaru Shehu said he was impressed by the leadership qualities of the governor, even as he urged him to remain focused and not to be distracted.

Osun poly begins diploma in logistics, transport Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

s part of moves to enhance the quality of its academic programmes and widen the scope of its courses, the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree has begun diploma programmes in Logistics and Transportation. The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tope Abiola, who disclosed this in a statement in Osogbo, the state capital, said the programme would enhance productivity in the state and boost the education of graduates of the discipline. According to him, the programme was introduced in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, United Kingdom (UK). Abiola, who hinted that all is set for the smooth take-off of the programme, expressed optimism that the programmes would be second to none in the polytechnic. The spokesman for the polytechnic added that the programme was mounted in order to enable those who are into transportation in the state’s various ministries and parastatals including the road safety officials, vehicle inspectors and the police to enrich their knowledge in Logistics and Transport. Abiola further stated that “young school leavers,” who want to choose career on the field could also apply for the programme. Other courses available apart from Diploma in Logistics and Transport, according to him, include International Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport.

Aregbesola

L-R: Editor, Online & Special Publications of The Nation Newspapers, Mr. Lekan Olufodunrin; D-G, PSSDC, Magodo, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo; Mr. Ayodeji Ayopo, the author of Confront Your Mountain, and The Spring of Inspiration, and wife, Toyin at the launching of the books in Lagos.

One year after, Chibok schoolgirls yet to return C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

this sad event if the girls are not back by then. Effective from April 8, 2015, we shall begin a Global Week of Action with the theme: #ChibokGirls #NeverToBeForgotten. This shall terminate on April 14, when it will be a year the school girls were abducted. “There is also the Chibok Girls Ambassadors. Schoolgirls aged 10 to 18 who would volunteer to stand for our missing Chibok girls… A day in the captivity of terrorists is agonisingly dreadful enough. One year is too much and too difficult to imagine. Our #ChibokGirls are innocent global citizens that the world must ensure are #NeverToBeForgotten.” The Chibok school girls’ abduction was not the first case of attacks on schools by the insurgents. Since 2009, north eastern part of the country has been under siege by series of violent attacks and bombings and destruction of churches, schools, airports and other public places, thereby rendering many people homeless. Unofficial reports had it that over 900 schools in the northeast have been burnt, while 176 teachers were killed and hundreds of school girls and women abducted. In fact, the abduction was said to have been in reaction to an earlier pardon granted the female pupils of the Federal Government College, Burni

Yadi, Yobe State, about two months earlier, during a similar raid where about 29 male pupils were killed and several others injured. In his account of the raid, the then Police Commissioner of the state, Sanusi Rufai noted that some of the students’ bodies were burnt to ashes and that all the victims were boys as females were told to go home, get married and abandon education. Today, as the nation marks the first anniversary of the abduction, it is sad that most schools in the north east region have been forcibly closed down while willing pupils were relocated to neighbouring states. Following the failure of the government to rescue the missing girls, security experts insisted that it would continue to hunt the nation and instill fear in the minds of pupils from the region and the entire country to go to school. Going by the palpable fear and the inability to free the missing girls one year after, the Executive Secretary of a non-governmental organisation, Lygel Youths and Leadership Initiative, Mr. Lekan Oladapo, attributed it to the initial poor response from the government and international community. He said: “The slow response of the Federal Government led to public anger and the establishment of a pressure group named Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group which had served

as the tribune upon which other campaigners stand to mount pressure on the government to act fast and rescue the girls.” Meanwhile, the Federal Government has appealed to the parents and families of the missing girls not to lose hope, saying efforts are in top gear to ensure that they are freed from captivity. At a media briefing last week, the Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri, urged Nigerians to be hopeful, as recovery of the captured towns and villages from Boko Haram by Nigerian troops were still ongoing. Omeri said: “The search for the Chibok girls continues and that is why even with the capture of Bama and the rest, security and the military efforts have not relented, and until it is concluded, we cannot begin to act on speculations. “I think the one year anniversary is next week, and we hope to give a comprehensive report on what we know so far, and how far the searching has gone. “So, the assurance I will give you is that everywhere is being combed and whatever element we find will be revealed to the appropriate authority and nobody is going to keep anything secret.” Omeri, however, noted that reclaiming territories held by insurgents and establishment of an atmosphere of peace and safety in them remained top priority of the Federal Government. He said the successes recorded by troops in regaining control of Boko Haram strongholds in Borno State were testimony of the unwavering commitment in defeating the insurgents. According to him, the recapture of Alagarno in Borno, a well-known strategic stronghold of Boko Haram, had dealt a severe blow on their capacity to carry out surprise attacks on communities in the state.

Education 25

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 14, 2015

Kayode Olanrewaju

“I

have no boyfriend on campus in order to be more focused, but I found it helpful to be with my male colleagues. I have friends among my classmates, who put me through in some courses. It was challenging burning the midnight oil to study under the hardship of poor infrastructure. “But, today I feel great and happy. Without God, my parents and lecturers, I will probably have been nothing. So, I want to dedicate my achievement to them.” Those were the words of the 26-year-old Evelyn Osarumese Nenuwa, the best graduating student of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos. Leading the pack for the 2013/2014 academic session with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.89, Nenuwa stood tall as the best graduate in the Higher National Diploma (HND) category. A graduate of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) in the School of Pure and Applied Science, she recalled that she also obtained a CGPA of 3.40 points in her National Diploma (ND) level. As the all-round graduating student with the highest CGPA in the Higher National Diploma, Nenuwa received several awards, including the Academic Board Prize; Rector’s Award prize; Muyiwa Sunday Osikoya Memorial Award; Alumni Association Award; Gabriel Popoola Sodeinde Memorial Award; Victoria Morenike Sodeinde Memorial Award; Madam Margaret Omobowale Gasper Memorial Award; Madam Anifatu Eletu-Edibo Memorial Award; Fasasi Dehinbo Oloro Memorial Award; Mrs. Abiodun Oshin Memorial Award; Ajibike Taofeek Memorial Award and Balogun-Oluwa Memorial Award. Nenuwa, who said the polytechnic, has equipped her and other students for the world of work through entrepreneurial skills, stressed that they have acquired training which will engage them gainfully before securing jobs. While stressing that it was not easy to study as an off campus stu-

I never had boyfriend on campus, says LASPOTECH best graduate

Nenuwa

dent since LASPOTECH is a nonresidential institution, Nenuwa said her immediate plan is to pursue her postgraduate programmes. She said: “It wasn’t easy, but I

usually leave my rented apartment which is not that far from the campus to the library which is well equipped.” Apart from the challenge of staying off campus, Nenuwa noted that the classrooms are not adequately prepared for studies, calling on the state government to address the poor facilities. In the valedictory speech on behalf of other graduating students, Nenuwa thanked their parents and guardians, saying their inexhaustible financial and moral support have assisted them to succeed in their academic pursuit. She also lauded the state government, the rector and his management team, for providing the enabling environment for quality learning to thrive. While, noting that the polytechnic has the wherewithal to be upgraded into a full-fledged university of technology, she said the institution has also achieved its mision statement of being a polytechnic of excellence offering world-class education. The state governor and Moderator of the polytechnic, Babatunde Fashola, while congratulating the graduand on the hard work and dedication to their studies, reiterated the importance of technical education in national development. Fashola, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, hinted: “It was said to see that aspect of tertiary education been relegated in the Nigerian education landscape for years, but I was determined to change that in order to bring about the potential of technical education towards improving the workforce and in creating employment.” To this end, he said his administration revamped the state institutions to ensure that the students’ technical know-how is enhanced so

as to raise a generation that will not wait for government to create jobs for them. He implored them to embrace entrepreneurial activities and develop the right attitude towards entrepreneurship and self-employment they have been exposed to while in school. The Rector, Dr. Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, who was performing his last graduation ceremony as he will bow out of office in June, recalled how his administration developed a five-year strategic plan and a two-year operational plan aimed at guiding the polytechnic to development its human and material resources. This, he said was aimed at positioning the polytechnic on the path of making it a polytechnic of first choice, not only in Nigeria, but also on the entire African continent. Towards this end, Lawal said: “I want to assure you our stakeholders that we will continue to produce practical and talented graduates capable of discharging their duties in various sectors of the economy.” But the rector was however not happy that the polytechnic which runs 62 fully accredited academic programmes in 32 departments has no befitting administrative building as a section of the library was converted to administrative office. Giving the breakdown of the graduating students, Lawal said no fewer than 7,022 graduating students would receive their scrolls for the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates at the 23rd graduation ceremony for 2013/2014 academic session. According to him, 1,860 will graduate in the full-time ND and HND; 2225 in School of Part-Time Studies (Regular); 878 in SPTS (Day); 343 SPTS (Evening); and 1,716 graduating students in SPTS (Annex).

School of nursing fails accreditation Dan Atori MINNA

he Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has given nonavailability of male hostel as stipulated by the Council as one of the reasons the School of Nursing, Bida, Niger State failed its accreditation. The school was said to have been awarded a provisional accreditation in 2012 by the Council. The Provost of the school, Mr. Joseph Sule, in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph hinted that lack or nonavailability of male hostel was one of the observations made by the Council’s accreditation team in 2012 and that till now it has not been able to build one. “Without a male hostel in the school, full accreditation will always remain a mirage and for the school to acquire full accreditation of the Coun-

cil it must have male hostel as stipulated by Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria,” he insisted. It was reliably gathered that the school has been in dire need of infrastructure, access roads and drainages and a school bus for its speedy accreditation. But, for the school to be fully accredited, the Provost said it would require a standard administrative block and registered nursing tutors, who are graduates and non-graduates to serve as clinical instructors. He noted: “Nursing programme is a residential programme, and not a non-residential programme. Some parts of the female hostel that could accommodate more than 200 female students were renovated last year through the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) intervention. The other part of the hostel needed to be rehabilitated for

quick actualisation of full accreditation of the school.” Sule disclosed that the dearth of teaching aids including model simulators and audio visual materials, among others are some of the reasons why the school was not accredited. The provost, however, recalled how the school solicited the state government assistance to urgently support the institution with additional structures and infrastructural facilities to enable the school attain its full accreditation. Meanwhile, he said the management of the school had also written to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for assistance, but was told that schools of nursing were not included among institutions to benefit from TETFund allocation. Sule added: “We are hoping we would soon start enjoying TETFund financial interventions,” saying the institution

is constrained mostly in the area of inadequate funding since students of Niger State origin pay a paltry N5,000 as school fees, while non-indigene students pay N20,000. Sule, while stressing that the institution no longer enjoys overhead cost from the state government, said the meagre amount could not take the school anywhere in terms of development. “We can only generate N3 million yearly from our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which is grossly inadequate as the school virtually pays all its bills,” he noted, even as the Provost said the school had written severally to the state government for upward review of students’ school fees to enable it meet some of its obligations as the cost of running the school is exclusively borne by the institution. He solicited Public Private Partnerships (PPP) so that the

Gov. Aliyu

building of the male hostel can be done without further delay for its accreditation.

26 Education

TUESDAY, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mojeed Alabi

fter 10 years in the limbo, Students’ Union activities have been resuscitated at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos. The union was proscribed on Wednesday, January 19, 2005, following the student rampage, in which they vandalized the university and personal properties valued at several millions of naira. Following their action, little did the students realize that they were laying the foundation for a decade of interregnum in students’ union activities on the campus. The union, led by the then Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Olaolu Akosile, was said to have earlier on Tuesday January 18, barricaded the main gate to the university protesting what they called the proposed privatization of hostels by the Federal Government. Similar, protest was said to have erupted in other universities including the University of Ibadan, by the aggrieved students on the same day which was quickly halted by the police. But the UNILAG protest was aggravated when Akosile, who had addressed the students late Tuesday night, allegedly died around 3am on Wednesday, while the cause of his death could not be ascertained. Shocked by Akosile’s sudden death, the students, who insisted that he had convulsed and died shortly after allegedly receiving a phone call from a top management member, however took to the streets to protest the death of their colleague. His death aggravated the already charged atmosphere as students went on the rampage as early as 5 am to vent their anger on some principal officers of the university residing on the campus. The irate students allegedly set ablaze the official residences of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, and the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Dele Olowokudejo. When the dust raised by the mayhem

10 years after, student unionism returns to UNILAG

l Varsity also restores cross-gender visitation to hostels

Martins in handshake with Prof. Bello shortly after his swearing-in ceremony

finally settled, six official and private cars belonging to the Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of Students’ Affairs were burnt, while five others were vandalised. In order to restore normalcy to the campus, the development led to the immediate closure of the institution indefinitely and the proscription of the students’ union. But, almost a decade after, the big hammer placed on the union, was removed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahman Bello, in fulfillment of some of his promises on assumption of office in 2012, that he would lift the ban and resuscitate the union, but not without some forms of modifications. At the swearing-in ceremony for the elected members of the union’s

central executive council and the Students’ Representatives Council, last week, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Tunde Babawale, explained that the university had learnt its lessons from the past experience and has put in place measures to safeguard extremism on the part of the students, and from allowing the union from being hijacked by non-students. Some of these measures, according to him, include the formulation of a new constitution for the union, adoption of collegiate means of electing leaders of the union, and setting up of conditions for candidates including a new minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 points for wouldbe union leaders. Also, the Vice-Chancellor said the

management’s decision to resuscitate the union stemmed from the strong belief that the ideas, theories and principles that govern human institutions are generated in the universities, and that students’ unionism would serve as leadership training ground for its players. He pledged that his administration, which runs an open door policy, would continue to carry the students and members of staff along in the administration of the university, but warned that the management should not be taking for granted. Bello, while saying that failure to take advantage of the dialogue process in resolving grievances would be met with stiff punitive measures, he restated his earlier pledge by announcing the restoration of the once suspended crossgender visitation to halls of residence, with a caveat that such will only commence on May 1, and that for weekdays, visitation hours will be between 4 pm and 8 pm and on weekends between 2 pm and 8 pm. In his acceptance speech, the President of the union, and a 400-Level student of the Department of Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, Abiodun Martins, said his administration will encourage academic excellence, peaceful co-existence and uninterrupted academic calendar. The renovated Students’ Union Building was also handed over to the union leaders, even as the Vice-Chancellor assured the New Telegraph that the fear of cultists taking over the union was over. He said the union had being restructured to help the management in maintaining security on campus by offering relevant information to the appropriate quarters.

Delta disburses N500m scholarship to best graduates Dominic Adewole ASABA

whooping N500 million has been disbursed by the Delta State Government under its First Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme to 100 beneficiaries of the scheme. Presenting the scholarship funds to the winners, who are the best graduating students in their various institutions, at a ceremony which took place at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State capital, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Charles Emetulu, said each of the 100 beneficiaries received N5 million for the 2013 edition of the scheme. Under the scheme instituted by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration in 2010, no fewer than 133 graduates of Delta State origin have so far benefitted from the scholarship programme. In 2010, 36 awardees benefitted from the first set of the scheme, while in 2011, 47 students were awarded the scholarship, and 49 benefitted from the programme in 2012. The awardees expressed gratitude to the state government for

being part of the beneficiaries of the laudable Human Capital Development programme. The Commissioner, who hailed the governor for supporting the scheme, however praised the government for not resting on its oars in funding the education sector, even as he recalled how the governor had in the past four years performed excellently well in line with his three point agenda, especially in the area of human capital development. Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries of the scheme, Miss Oke Diateke reiterated their determination to pursue their postgraduate to PhD level in any world-class university under the scholarship scheme. They applauded the governor for instituting and sponsoring the programme, saying the programme has further spurred students of the state in tertiary institutions to strive for excellence, stressing that the governor over the years has given financial assistance “either in form of scholarship or bursary to students of Delta state origin.” “For the umpteenth time, we are here again to witnessing a clear demonstration of the seriousness of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan towards his

Uduaghan (left) presenting a cheque to Miss. Ditake Oke

Human Capital Development programme,” she said. Emetulu, who noted that the first set of awardees in 2010 have since completed their Masters Degrees and are currently enrolled for their PhD programmes in universities within and outside the country, said the second set for 2011 are already undertaking their Masters and PhD programmes respectively. Some of the beneficiaries of the third set of 2012, he added, have secured admission to their PhD programme, while others are already in their Masters Degree programme.

“There is no doubt that this kind gesture of the state government has helped in no small measure in improving the intellectual development of these awardees as some of them who never dreamt of going back to school to pursue Masters programme now have the opportunity of acquiring Masters and PhD Degrees in reputable universities,” Emetulu said. The governor, while responding challenged parents to ensure that their children and wards are properly brought up in order to achieve a better family unit and better organised society,

pointing out that it would be impossible for a cultist to acquire a First Class in the university. On the scholarship initiative, the governor noted that students with high Intelligent Quotient (IQ), who made first class, should not have any impediment on their progress of such students to acquire doctoral degree just because that person lacks the fund. “This informed our administration’s decision to inaugurate the scholarship scheme,” Uduaghan noted, saying: “You have to be hard working, you have to be disciplined to be able to make a first class degree and to qualify for the scholarship as you know there is no cult member who makes first class because they do not have time to study.” He added: “Before this event, we have awarded scholarship to 133 graduates and today we are giving scholarship to 100 graduates, and since each beneficiary will receive N5 million, we are giving out N500 million at this event.” He, therefore, appealed to the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the state and urged parents not to choose disciplines for their children, but to allow them to choose their courses to study.

Education

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 14, 2015

Legal practitioners make case for women liberation Ali Toyin Abdul UNILORIN

“A

part from their marital responsibilities, do women have a role to play in the political and economic development of the African continent?” This was part of the kernel of discourse at this year’s edition of the annual public lecture, organised by the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State. The lecture, which has as a theme: “Of Women, Law and Gender Justice: The Rhetorics, The Realities and The African Perspective,” was organised in honour of Honourable Justice Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi, the former President of Court of Appeal and pioneer Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). In his opening remarks, the guest lecturer, Prof. Ademola Popoola, a former Dean of Law, Faculty of Law of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), described the honouree, as a man

Participants at the event

of impenetrable discretion and of lucid and incisive mind who has endured life’s battle with consoling equanimity. His words: “He is steady and thoughtful in judgement, generous and fair in disposition, quick in humour, yet dignified in comportment; he is easily one of the Nigerian’s finest in terms of dedication to worthy pursuits, honour, integrity, courage and intellect.” In his lecture, Popoola pointed out that women’s issue has

become an important and integral part of contemporary discourse worldwide, even as he noted that this makes for some comfort when it is realised that the study of women and the contributions to the development of their society is just gaining recognition as a genuine and significant area of study. He said: “Previously, the role of women in African societies had been virtually neglected. Most writings on the African

past had tended to concentrate on the spectacular achievement of men and glossed over the contribution of women. “So acute is the dearth of information, particular documentary evidence, that some of the outstanding women in African history have been mistaken for men and their achievements attributed to male rulers. Today, the study has turned full cycle. One of the most topical issues in the current debate on development worldwide has been that of the role of women in their society.” On why women have low participation in politics and public life, Popoola attributed this to low level of literacy among women and negative cultural practices. The don, who noted that on the average, the female illiteracy rate in Africa is 60 per cent compared to 40 per cent for their male counterparts, argued: “This is a serious obstacle to the integration of women into the political system, while knowledge is power and a crucial factor in the quest for political ascendancy.” While canvassing for women empowerment and a non-gen-

der based democratic system, Popoola called for the decentralisation of political authority to where it does not exist in order to intensify action for women participation. Towards this end, he said education was crucial to whatever plan of action that may be put in place to address the problem of low level of woman participation in public life and democratic process. Beside action plans to remove traditional gender-based subordination which limit women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and labour must be consolidated. The high points of the lecture were the public presentation of Hall Mark of Justice, a commentary on the selected judgements of Honourable Justice Mustapha Akanbi, which was published by the Office of the Attorney General of Kwara State, as well as the launching of the Honouree Board for Award of scholarship to the best graduating student at the Faculty of Law and the best graduating female students at the College of Medicine and Faculty of Agriculture.

UNIZIK students laud union leader Emeka Onwudinjo UNIZIK

tudents of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State have extolled the leadership quality and style of the Students’ Union President, Comrade Noble Eyisi. Eyisi, a 300-Level Political Science undergraduate and the 23rd substantive president of the union, has not only brought smiles to the faces of students, but also expressed plans to strengthen and enthrench virile unionism in the institution. However, the students used various media outlets to shower encomium on the leadership style of Eyisi, as they celebrated his 100 days in office. While urging other institutions and union presidents to emulate Eyisi’s leadership style, the students insisted that he will remain in the annals of the institution as one of “the best” Student Union Presidents. Prior to the elections, Eyisi was regarded as a novice when it comes to campus politics, who knew little or nothing about unionism, but the ‘young politician’ has proved other political pundits wrong after he emerged winner at the polls, in the election regarded as the toughest in the history of the university. During a walk organised as part of activities to celebrate Eyisi landmark achievements, the students, however, noted that “he has begun to fulfill his campaign promises, and to everyone’s surprise Eyisi has reduced the transport fare on commuter vehicles plying the university routes. The high transport fare, accord-

ing to the students, had remained a crisis in the institution, and also remained impossible for successive students’ union to change because the transport sector has been the union’s major source of revenue. “He successfully achieved this feat, even when he got minimal support from the students he was fighting for,” the students noted, saying Eyisi has proved himself to be selfless and who leads by example. For instance, the students praised the President for leading other executive members during the sanitation campaign, where he was packing refuse and not merely playing a supervisory role as most leaders would do. Similarly, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Venerable Jonas Benson Okoye described Eyisi as an epitome of humility and an outstanding youth leader. The Bishop stated this at the event organised by the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) at St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, Awka, where he spoke on theme: “Peace and Nation Building: The Role of Youth.” In his paper, the cleric, while alluding to the weekly Catholic Newspaper, dedicated to the Eyisi, said he has set a youth leadership example by carrying out environmental sanitation, even as the cleric noted that it takes humility for a leader to do that. A former President of the union, Nelson Omenugha commended Eyisi for re-awakening the servant leadership virtue in the union. He said: “Within the time under review, you have consistently shown that your passion is students’ welfare-driven as evident in the recent reduction of the students’ transportation fare from N30 to N20.

Yinlang (left) and Pamela Oyekpen (right), winner of the female category with the deen of students affairs, Prof. Fancis Osagiede after the race

UNIBEN’s marathon race to harness students’ sporting talents Eddy Uwoghiren and Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN

he third edition of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) cross country race has come and gone, but the students are still savouring the experience of the sporting exercise. A 300-Level Philosophy student, Victor Yimlang defended his title by emerging the winner of the competition for the second consecutive time in the race, which took place last Saturday. As early as 7 am, the students had thronged the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Sports complex of the university, where officials of the sports center were already distributing of sporting kits to the students who participated in the country race as they arrived at the venue. But, before the commencement of the race, the security operatives had cleared the route of vehicular movement for the students to have free flow race and to

prevent any unusual traffic situation throughout the race. More than 300 students participated in the race, which took off from the main bowl of the sports centre through UNIBEN main gate to the Ugbowo-Lagos Road and the Federal Government Girl’s College (FGGC) Road from where the race proceeded to the University Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The participants, from UBTH ran to the Hall Five residence and to the ViceChancellor’s Lodge through the Ethiope River Road and back to the Sports Complex. While the race lasted, the officials of the University Health Services Unit were on ground with ambulances which followed the students from the rear. However, the race was not without casualties as the two male students fainted at the finish line, but were immediately resuscitated by the team of health officials on ground rose to the occasion and transferred them to the health services department for further medical attention.

28 Education

TUESDAY, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Corps members equip pupils, school Umahi Ifedioranma NYSC Kwara State

o fewer than 40 pupils of Community Nursery and Primary School, IyanaShare in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state, have benefited from writing and learning materials donated to the school by corps members serving in the area. The gesture is part of their charity community development programme in the area. While presenting the materials to the school, the President of the Charity CDS Group, Onyedikachi Ibezim thanked the head-teacher and members of staff for partnering the group in ensuring that the exercise was a huge success. He enjoined the pupils and their teachers to embrace peace and be their brothers’ keepers by ensuring that the country’s diversity in culture and religion become their strength, rather than factors that will polarize them.

His words: “As Nigerians, we should live in peace and harmony that will promote development in all areas of our national life. When we love and care for one another, we exhibit our love for the nation.” The Head-teacher, Mr. O.

Ojibo, while receiving the items, lauded the corps members for the gesture, saying he was overwhelmed by the love and care demonstrated to pupils and the school, which to him was a rare privilege. He noted that the school is being faced by several chal-

Cross-section of pupils with donated items

FCE students’ union leaders take oath of office Emeka Onwudinjo UNIZIK

he Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu has charged the newly elected leaders of the college’s students’ union to committ more energy to their studies and to work as a team in the best interest of the students and the college. While congratulating the Students’ Union Caretaker Committee on their appointment, which he said was based on their track record of discipline, diligence and academic excellence, the provost assured them of the management’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for the union leaders to function effectively. Meanwhile, he cautioned the student leaders not to lose sight of their primary goal of acquiring education and graduating with good results. Advising the student leaders to work hard and not to be intimidated by the achievements of their predecessors, Ogbuagu urged them to uphold the legacy of the immediate past leaders, whom he said never, disrupted the academic calendar of the college. His words: “Do not succumb to pressure to do wrong or compromise standards. Abide by the col-

lenges which cut across infrastructure and well-being of the pupils, even as Ojibo reiterated that the school is in dire need of classrooms and teaching aids that will enhance effective teaching and learning experience among the teachers and pupils.

Prof. Ogbuagu

lege’s rules and regulations and avoid corrupt tendencies. The ball is now in your court, do it well.” The provost enjoined the student leaders to embrace dialogue in resolving controversial issues among themselves without resulting to violence, and to discharge their duties with high sense of decorum. While urging them to show good example to other students by shunning cultism, examination misconduct and shy away from collaborating with other students to fight against the management. Also, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mrs. C.U Okafor, while administering the oath of office on the Students’ Union Caretaker Committee members, he

urged them to follow the union’s constitution in the discharge of their duties, even as she challenged them to maintain and sustain the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in the college. She, however, advised them to demonstrate leadership by example and to pay good attention to their education in other to create good record for themselves. In his valedictory speech, the out-going President, Charles Anya, thanked the management for its commitment to develop the college and urged them to support the new union leaders as they did to their predecessors. Responding, on behalf of the 2014/2015 SUG Caretaker Committee, the President, Comrade Ezeonyedika Raphael, pledged the loyalty of the union to the college administration and assured that the students’ welfare will be their utmost priority. While maintaining that he will work with all and sundry to further project the union and the institution in good light, he pledged to place the institution on the path of excellence, as well as ensure peace on campus. Ezeonyedika expressed the determination of his leadership to serve with all his strength in order to keep the college’s flag flying.

His words: “As you can see the roofs of some of the classrooms had been blown off by rainstorm and we expect the state government and good-spirited individuals to come to our rescue for the pupils to learn under a conducive environment. The government only promised to do it, but till now nothing has been done.” A teacher, who pleaded anonymity thanked the corps members for initiating such means of giving back to the society, adding that the parents would be happy over the donation by corps members. She described the gesture as a step in a right direction, while also encouraging other good spirited individuals to take a cue from the corps members to assist the school. The school’s head girl, who spoke on behalf of the pupils, thanked the corps members for the uncommon love they demonstrated by enhancing their education. She, however, pledged that the pupils will make good use of the materials.

YABATECH shop owners lament low patronage Racheal Aiyeyemi

arely few days after students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos began their four-month end of session holiday, shop owners and operators of other small scale businesses on the campus are already lamenting low patronage. The most affected in the low business sales include owners of canteens, photographers, photocopier operators, car washing stations, cobblers and grocery sellers, who during a chat with New Telegraph said the situation had further been compounded by the ongoing general elections. The business operators, however, noted that they now rely on the little sales they made on patronage from the part-time students most of who are not resident on campus, but only come in for lecture in the evening for their livelihood. Speaking with New Telegraph campus reporter on the low sales, the owner of one of the popular food joint on the campus, Abeeb Joint, who identified himself simply as Mr. Peter, and popularly called Pastor by the students, said the situation would have been more precarious if not for the members of staff who are still on the campus, and the outdoor service rendered to outsiders that have mitigated the effects of the holiday on them. Peter’s counterpart and owner of a bookstore, Mrs. Olorunwa is not that lucky as said she could no longer afford

to wait for the students to return to campus since students are predominantly the buyers of writing materials she sells. She said: “It is only the parttime students that are currently patronizing us and few regular students who are currently still on campus who are busy with their projects. We just can’t wait for the students to resume fully on campus so that life will go on as usual.” Other business operators, who spoke with New Telegraph on the development, said they were already used to the development, even as they stressed that they were coping with the little patronage they get from the few available customers. Apart from the low patronage, they however lamented the poor power supply on campus, which they described as a major challenge affecting their operations and businesses. “To me, there is no shortage because it is the part-time students that do more photocopy,” a business centre operator argued, saying: “The only time the full-time students make photocopy is when their lecturers request them to make photocopies for the whole class. But, the part-time students do it for their books because most lecturers do not give them notes.” Meanwhile, they lamented the guideline for operating their generator despite the poor electricity supply, since according to them they are not allowed to put on power generators after 7 pm because of the environment.”

Education 29

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, april 14, 2015

Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

deleke University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Olayiwola Amusan, has explained that the institution’s admission capacity is in line with the law guiding admission processes in the Nigerian universities, as specified by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The Vice-Chancellor, who disclosed this during a media interactive session, said: “What I mean is that we admit students based on the criteria set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and post-UTME requirements based on the stipulated cut-off marks and performance in the post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the universities.” His words: “But in a circumstance where prospective admission seekers fail to satisfy the requirements, we make alternative provision for them through our preliminary programmes which is aimed at preparing them for admission after the one-year programme with a view to helping them meet JAMB’s admission requirements. “Currently, we have 1,500 students on enrolment in our six faculties which are the Faculties of Arts, Business Administration, Engineering and Social Science and the newly introduced Faculties of Law and Health Sciences. The university is due for the accreditation of all its academic programmes in which we are awaiting the accreditation team from the National Universities Commission (NUC).” Amusan, who noted that the four-year-old private university located at Ede in Osun State is preparing for the maiden edition of its convocation ceremony, explained that “there are evidences that the institution has been able to set the pace for high academic standard and excellence.” However, the ViceChancellor added: “I am proud to say this because most of our students who compete with their counterparts from other universities in external examinations have always come out in flying colours. We also receive letter of commendations when our students go for SIWES programmes following their creditable performances during the exercise. “Based on this, I am confident that the first set of products the university will churn out will be sound academically to an extent that the founding fathers and owners of the

Adeleke Varsity VC harps on merit-driven admission

institution, parents and the society will be proud of. The secret of the high academic standard is as a result of our highly qualified lecturers, who are committed to their duties as well as the culture of discipline that we have been able to entrench in our students and workers. In fact, our high academic standard to a large extent reflects the university motto: Excellence.” On some of the chal-

lenges facing the university, Amusan pointed out that the major challenge is how to market the institution to a level where the entire public would be able to realise the quality of education we are building, as well as the pace and legacy we set which focused on holistic education of the children. While many other institutions of higher learning are faced with the challenge of low mor-

al tone for which students engage in anti-social activities, such as restiveness, cultism, indecent dressing and examination malpractice, here at Adeleke University we do not have such tendencies. The Vice-Chancellor, while reiterating that the university has zero tolerance for indiscipline and other sharp practices, noted that since the inception of the university, it has not recorded students’

riot or industrial action by either member of teaching or non-teaching staff. “We are raising students with good conduct and moral character,” Amusan hinted, stressing that Adeleke University is a faith-based institution instilling the fear of God in our students. Though it was not established by the church, the university’s philosophy of education, the Vice-Chancellor pointed

Adeleke, Proprietor

out was modeled in line with the philosophy of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, which stands for holistic principles and discipline bordering on good morals.

30 Education

TUESDAY, april 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Plateau Varsity to spend N450m on infrastructure Musa Pam Jos

ollowing the allocations received through the Federal Government intervention funds to the public universities in the country, the management of the Plateau State University, Bokkos is to spend over N450 million under the NEEDS Assessment programme to improve infrastructural development with a view to providing a conducive learning environment in the institution. While presenting cheques for the take-off grants to the contractors handling the various projects at the university, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Mallo said accessing funds for the projects would be strictly on due process. The Vice-Chancellor, who added that the quality of work and standard based on the contracts specification would not be compromised, and expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the disbursement of the funds, which according to him, would go a long way to tackle the challenges of dearth of facilities currently facing the institution. Mallo, who urged the contractors to speed up work in order to expand the scope of learning in the state university, lamented that most of the courses run

by the university have not been accredited. He added that the institution currently has two sets of 400-Levels students saying the completion of the contracts in good time as specified in the contract agreement will help in no small measure in mitigating some of the challenges. According to him, “Plateau State University has N450 million as its allocation from the Federal Government disbursement under Phase I of the NEEDS Assessment Programme. The university Governing Council in realisation of the urgent need to put some basic infrastructure in place towards the accreditation of academic programmes of the university approved contracts for the construction of lecture theatre, classrooms, laboratory, library and staff offices at N188.3 million. “Other contracts include the construction of hostels block at N103.2 million; furnishing of lecture theatre and staff offices at N37. 9 million; furnishing of laboratory at N36.5 million; renovation of the library at N23.8 million; rehabilitation of students hostel block at N9.8 million as well as the procurement and instantiation of equipment for laboratory at N40.8 million,” the ViceChancellor noted. He said N440.4 will be used for the projects while a balance of N9.6 million will be used for consultancy and administrative work.

Some of the pupils who participated in the inter-primary school quiz competition organized by Future Leaders Progressive Club at SS Peter Nursery and Primary School, Oye Ekiti

NUC tasks NDA on quality teaching, research Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, has challenged the Provost of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Prof. A. S Nwankwo, to ensure that the quality of teaching and research in the academy conform with the set standards as specified in the Commission’s Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS). Okojie, who spoke in Abuja when the out-going and incoming Provosts of the Academy paid him a familiarization visit in his office, noted that the activities of the NDA were complex, considering its military peculiarities. While nothing that the academy is saddled with the responsibility of training students in military and academic skills, unlike conventional universities, the NUC boss advised the Provost to always consult with the Nigerian Military and the NUC before taking decisions on the programmes being run in the academy.

He said this has become imperative so that the programmes run by the academy should not only be uniquely designed and aligned to impart military and academic knowledge, but should also be communicated to the Commission, so that the NUC would consider drawingup a new BMAS for such programmes. In his remarks, the Commission’s Director of Academic Standard, Dr. Gidado Kumo, noted that in the past five years, the NUC had enjoyed a cordial relationship with the institution. This was as he urged the Provost to tap from the wealth of experience of the immediate past Provost, Prof. Okeniyi, so that he could fine-tune the programmes of the NDA, especially the mode of entry into the institution’s postgraduate programmes. He advised that this should be done in order to look into the programmes critically and redirected them to fit into the NUC’s standards such that whatever degree a Cadet Officer acquired while in the academy would be both beneficial to the military and the society at large, either in service or when out of service.

EDUPEACE

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

Leading is planning

ince the past 10 weeks during which elections were approaching and conducted, I have been examining the concept of leadership based on a morphological approach of taking each letter as a distinctive quality. Today, leaders have emerged across the country and the victory of those who won the elections was based on their planning. The last letter of the word “LEADERSHIP” is “P” and it represents planning! To be a leader, planning is a crucial requirement, believe me. As a matter of fact, nothing can be achieved in life without planning. The “5-P” Principle states that “Proper Planning (or Preparation) Prevents Poor Performance”. Both in the micro world of the school and the macro world of the larger society, the maxim is unassailable: “To fail to plan is to plan to fail”. Failure is the automatic result of having no plan or a bad plan. A student plans to pass his exams; a politician plans to win elections; a businessman plans to make profits; a teacher plans his lessons. There is no one that does not need planning as everyone is a real or potential leader. Everyone is a leader at his/her level. What is planning? Planning is the act of formulating a course of action. As Altalib Hisham puts it, “it is a way of making our mistakes on paper. It is the process of gathering information and making assumptions about the future to formulate those activities necessary to achieve organizational objectives. It ensures purposeful and orderly activities by directing all efforts towards results.” All the success of this world is the outcome of planning though all failure is not necessarily a result of lack of it. If you make planning a part of your life, you are a leader but if you don’t plan, you cannot be a true leader. Major achievements are not recorded by accidents; rather they are products of meticulous planning. In school, it is the dream of most students to succeed and excel but few students plan to achieve the dream. For a student, planning to excel involves, though not limited to, obedience to constituted authority, attending lectures punctually, doing assignments and tests, being prayerful and faithful, having a personal time table and reading well as well as avoiding bad behaviour and anti-social groups. A dream without an action plan will lead to a nightmare. So, when there is a goal, the appropriate thing is to plan to accomplish it. To build a house, the first thing is to have a plan. Without a building plan, a standard house cannot be built.

Those who plan make things happen; those who don’t plan see things happen and wonder

Unfortunately, the problem with many of us is that we do not plan. There are people in leadership positions that live each day without a plan of where they are heading to. The apartheid President of South Africa, P. W. Botha, gave a caustic speech and racist rant published the “Sunday Times” of South Africa on August 18, 1985, in which he took us Blacks to the cleaners as a result of the culture of “planlessness.” After asserting that the Black and the White are not equal as “lizards are not crocodiles” though they look alike, he said we are not capable of ruling ourselves. “….By now every one of us has seen it practically that the Blacks cannot rule themselves. Give them guns and they will kill each other. They are good in nothing else but making noise, dancing, marrying many wives and indulging in sex… “Secondly, most Blacks are vulnerable to money inducements... And here is a creature that lacks foresight. There is a need for us to combat him in long term projections that he cannot suspect….The average Black does not plan his life beyond a year: that stance, for example, should be exploited….” As distasteful as the analysis is, the bitter truth is that many people don’t even plan their day, not talk of a year! There should be a daily plan, a weekly plan, a monthly plan and an annual plan. There should be shortterm plans, mid-term plans and long-term plans for individuals and organisations. There are good plans; there are bad plans. Bad plans are ruinous and counter-productive, like planning to cheat in the exams or rig elections. Those who plan make things happen; those who don’t plan see things happen and wonder. That an opposition party would win national elections in Nigeria did not just happen; it was the outcome of a meticulous planning that was followed through. Ultimately, leadership involves love, example, action, discipline, excellence, responsibility, sacrifice, honesty, integrity and planning.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Energy

$48bn IOCs’ assets unlisted in Nigeria

Property

Aviation

Demand for property rise in secured estates

Jobless pilots, a big threat to Nigeria’s aviation

Business What's news

Phishing: Fraudsters target Zenith, UBA, Access banks’ customers Following their status as some of the biggest banks in the country, customers of three commercial banks - Zenith, UBA and Access - are currently facing increasing propensity of being defrauded in carrying out their daily Internet banking transactions, investigations by New Telegraph have revealed.

p.32

Nigeria can generate N7trn from maritime – Labinjo The President, Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), Capt. Niyi Labinjo, has said that the Nigerian maritime industry has the potential of generating N7 trillion revenue annually for government.

p.32

L-R: Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic IBTC, Victor Williams; Investment Officer, Africa, Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), Gerrit van Kampen and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni, after the signing of a $90 million credit facility to Stanbic IBTC by FMO in Lagos

OPEC awaits Alison-Madueke’s stand-in for June confab BULLISH

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Crude settles at $57.87 a barrel

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Adeola Yusuf

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is awaiting a replacement for Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziani AlisonMadueke, as its president for a scheduled meeting on June 5. OPEC had, in November, 2014, elected Alison Madueke, as its first female president at the 166th ordinary meeting of the oil body in Vienna, Austria. She was also appointed

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

President of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum last December. “When the cartel meets on June 5, 2015, for its 167th (Ordinary) Meeting in Vienna, Austria, Alison-Madueke would have ended her reign as the Minister of Petroleum Resources. Her chance of retaining the ministerial seat under the government of General Muhammadu Buhari is zero and what this means is that whoever becomes the minister then would replace her in OPEC,” an industry source told New Telegraph. “The tradition is that the position is ceded to Nigeria and whoever is representing the country at the organisation automatically occupies the office. “The tenure of President

Goodluck Jonathan will expire on May 29, one week before the 167th ordinary meeting of OPEC. For now, OPEC is awaiting the expected change of baton in Nigeria and a replacement for its president,” he added. Meanwhile, the cartel has said that its forthcoming meeting will address the effects of demand and supply of crude on prices of the commodity in the global market. The commodity prices rose at

760 Number of rigs drilling for oil in the US

the weekend, posting a weekly gain on lift from lowered expectations that an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme will result in a rapid return of more Iranian barrels to the market. US refined products futures and data showing a lower US drilling rig count also lent support. Brent May crude rose $1.30 to settle at $57.87 a barrel, finishing above its 50-day moving average of $57.61 as at last Friday, Reuters reported. US May crude rose 85 cents to settle at $51.64. After a loss last week, Brent rose 5.3 per cent. US crude rose five per cent, its fourth consecutive weekly rise. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE February 2015.........................8.4% January 2015...........................8.2% December 2014.........................8%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Apr. 10)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N207 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N300 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N230

l Foreign Reserves – $29.589bn as at 4/04/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Apr. 10)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N301 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N214

Business | News

LOSSES

Nigerian banks and their customers lost about N6.2 billion to different cases of electronic frauds last year. Kunle Azeez

ollowing their status as some of the biggest banks in the country, customers of three commercial banks - Zenith, UBA and Access - are currently facing increasing propensity of being defrauded in carrying out their daily Internet banking transactions, investigations by New Telegraph have revealed. The fraud is projected to come through a deluge of scam mails, technically called phishing, which are being received on a daily basis by customers of the three banks. The scam emails are a con aimed at hoodwinking unsuspecting bank customers by asking them to open a link to either update their online banking profile or change their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). According to one such scam email purportedly sent through ZenithDirect, Zenith Bank’s online platform, customers are told that a beneficiary has been added to their online account and that they should click a link if they have not authorised such a beneficiary. “Dear Customer, the beneficiary with the details below was successfully added to your Internet banking profile: Beneficiary name: Essien Samuel; beneficiary account: 6075971165; beneficiary bank: Keystone Bank. If you did not add the beneficiary, kindly follow our site below to suspend/de-activate unauthorised access on your account.” The scammers, thus, provide a Universal Resource Locator (URL) link, which the unsuspecting customers are implored to click to go and ‘de-activate the beneficiary.’ For the one being purportedly sent by Access Bank, through AccessOnline, the scam mail reads: “Dear Customer, we got a request to reset your AccessOnline password and if you did not make this request, kindly follow the below link (provided in the email) to cancel the password request on your online account.” Also, the target customers receiving the scam email are also told: “If you made this request,

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Phishing: Fraudsters target Zenith, UBA, Access banks’ customers kindly follow the below link to proceed with the password request on your online account.” It was also gathered at the weekend that a similar phishing emails are being received by UBA customers too, asking them to update their online banking profiles. Sources at the banks said that they were not

the ones sending such emails, saying that they were being sent by online scammers, with the intent to defraud their unsuspecting targets. The banks also said that they have continually engaged in public enlightenment on the need for their customers to always disregard such spurious emails that are

usually presented as though they were being sent by the banks. “We would need to tell our customers that this is a mischievous email that is intended to dupe customers. Banks would not send a customer an email asking him or her to supply PINs or upgrade its profiles. Once a customer gets this kind of email, he

or she should know that it is not from their banks but from scammers,” said a source at one the banks. Reacting to the development in an Interview with New Telegraph, Executive Secretary, Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN), Mrs. Regha Onajite, called for increased awareness on

the antics of scammers in the nascent electronic payment region. Onajite urged banks to also invest in customer enlightenment initiative, saying that banks are also liable in some cases, where the customer’s money deposited with them is taken by scammers, depending on the circumstances.

L-R: President, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Mr Charles Chijide; President Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mr Kola Oyeyemi; Managing Director, Nielsen West Africa, Mr Lampe Omoyele; first Chairman, ADVAN, Mr. Niyi Babatunde and President, AAAN, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, during ADVAN’s forum to honour Omoyele, in Lagos .

ECONOMY

Shipping regulation has no significant effect on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Bayo Akomolafe

he President, Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), Capt. Niyi Labinjo, has said that the Nigerian maritime industry has the potential of generating N7 trillion revenue annually for government.

Nigeria can generate N7trn from maritime – Labinjo Labinjo stated in Lagos that the Nigerian maritime frontage was rich in hydrocarbons, minerals and aquatic resources. He said that the maritime industry was capable of generating over five million direct and indirect employment in the next four years, stressing that the potential had remained largely untapped over the years by past administrations.

He said: “This is evident in the crude oil sale policy which is on ‘Free On Board’ (FOB) basis while the over 170 million population depend largely on imports which are on ‘Cost Insurance Freight (CIF).’ “Over the years, the implementation of our shipping policies and regulations had no significant effect on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “This is despite the Cab-

otage regime and the Nigerian Content Development Act as shown in the complete absence of the maritime sector in the recentlyconducted rebasing of the economy. We therefore enjoin the incoming administration to pay particular attention to the maritime sector.” He reemphasised the need for the president-elect to pay particular attention to the maritime sector.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

OPEC awaits Alison-Madueke’s replacement

“The latest agreement with Iran does not open the floodgates for a significant return of Iranian oil on the market as many had feared,” said head of commodity markets strategy and oil strategy at BNP Paribas, Harry Tchilinguirian. World powers and Iran announced the interim accord last week. But on Thursday, Iranian leaders said that all sanctions on Iran must be lifted on the same day as any

final agreement, while the US maintains sanctions, would be lifted gradually. News this week of unsold Nigerian crude, the biggest jump in US crude oil inventories since 2001 and record Saudi Arabian output in March, limited crude oil’s rally. Brent’s price has retreated from $115 hit last June, plunging after OPEC in November decided not to cut output, choosing to defend

market share instead. Crude received support this week from expectations of stronger demand after data from the US and Germany bolstered the view that world growth is improving. Baker Hughes said that the number of rigs drilling for oil in the US fell by 42 to 760 last week, which also helped to lift oil prices. Producers have responded to oil’s steep price drop over

the last six months, idling nearly 800 rigs or 50 per cent, since a peak of 1609 rigs in October. Money managers raised their net along US crude futures and options positions in the week to April 7 the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said. Oil rallied even with a stronger US dollar, which tends to weigh on dollardenominated commodities.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

NPDC, Seplat others flared 90% of gas produced, says NNPC p.34

Energy

REVENUE

Shell raked in $2.7 bn from OML 29, 18 sales in Nigeria Adeola Yusuf

hell and Chevron are still leading the pack of international oil companies (IOCs) with lacklustre attitude towards listing their $48 billion assets on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). This was contained in a document from the Exchange obtained by our correspondent. The article noted that the multi-billion dollars oil and gas industry account for less than three per cent of the total market capitalisation due to the oil firms’ unexciting attitude towards listing in Nigeria. “None of the foreign oil majors such as Shell (RDSa.L), Chevron Corporation and Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) that have been operating in Nigeria for decades are listed,” the document noted. It added: “Only local firms Oando (OANDO.LG), Forte Oil (FO.LG), Conoil (CONOIL.LG) and now Seplat have listings.” The investments by these IOCs in deepwater alone have exceeded $48 billion. Most of them are still selling their onshore assets running into several billion dollars with no sign of capitalisation in Nigeria. Oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited, had earlier announced completion of the sale of its interest in the oil mining lease (OML) 29 and Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) and related facilities in the Eastern Niger Delta for $1.7 billion. In a statement by its spokesman, Precious Okolobo, the company said that its interests in the OML 29 and NCTL were assigned to Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited with total cash proceeds for Shell amounting to $1.7 billion. Before the completion of OML 29’s sale, the company announced that it had completed the sale of its 30 per cent interest in OML 18 and related facilities in eastern Niger Delta where it also raked in $737 million. The oil major said that its interests in the OML 18 oil block had been assigned to Eroton Exploration & Production Company Limited. The total cash proceeds for Shell from the divestment amount to $737 million, according to a statement posted on its website. It said that Total E&P Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (a subsidiary of Italian Eni)

Oil rig

$48bn IOCs’ assets unlisted in Nigeria had also assigned their interests of 10 per cent and five per cent respectively in the lease, ultimately giving Eroton Con-

sortium a 45 per cent interest in the OML18. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has

55 per cent interest in the block. Meanwhile, the helmsman at the NSE, Oscar Onyema, said that a stock market debut

by oil and gas firm, Seplat, in Lagos and London last year was likely to unleash a round of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Nigeria. These IPOs were stalled in the wake of a 2008 financial crisis, he said. More oil and gas listings, Onyema said on the sideline of Africa Investment Summit, are to follow Seplat’s, which would help tackle the sector’s under-representation on the Exchange.

Oando’s crude reserves hit $1.8bn Adeola Yusuf

ando Energy Resources Incorporated, a company focused on oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria, has announced its 2014 year-end summary Reserves and Resources for its assets in Nigeria. The annual independent reserves and resources evaluation, according to a statement, was undertaken by DeGolyer and MacNaughton (“D&M”), worldwide petroleum consulting group and prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities” of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“NI 51-101″) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook

(“COGEH”). The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Oando Energy Resources, Pade Durotoye, said: “We are very pleased with the new 2014 Reserves Numbers that confirms our thesis at the time we embarked on our transformative COP acquisition. “This large Reserves base gives us significant scope and opportunity to even further enhance production over the coming years and pursue in-field exploration opportunities that will further increase our Resource Base.” The company, according to the report, has significantly increased its reserves, both Proved (1P) and Proved and Probable (2P) Reserves, as a result of technical revisions and the acquisition of the Nigerian upstream oil and gas business of ConocoPhillips Company (“COP”

or the “Acquisition Assets”) versus the Form 51-101F1 and Form 51-101F2 filed for the year ended December 31, 2013. Besides, the report noted that Proved net reserves (1P) increased by 78 per cent to 288.5 MMboe, while Proved and Probable net reserves (2P) increased by 82 per cent to 420.3 MMboe. The increase was largely due to recognising the precedence of the license renewal under the Nigerian Petroleum Act, which is the basis of the extension of the reserves beyond the current license limit. Also, the study said that Best Estimate (working interest) Contingent Resources (2C) correspondingly decreased by 78 per cent from 547 MMboe to 122 MMboe as a result of the conversion of approximately 190 MMboe of 2C Resources to 2P Re-

serves due to the rebased evaluation utilising the economic life of the producing fields. It, however, disclosed that net negative revisions of 246 MMboe occurred due to the current crude oil price environment, which has deemed certain contingent developments uneconomic. Additionally, there was a change in the interpretation of reservoirs by the Independent Evaluator. Unrisked and Risked Mean Estimate Prospective Resources also decreased to 957.1MMboe and 229.6MMboe, respectively. The economic value (NPV 10 percent of Future Net Revenue) of the Proved and Probable Reserves (2P) has increased by $545 million (+44 percent) to $1,785 million, largely due to the COP acquisition, the report explained.

Business | Energy

ROLL CALL

Niger Delta Petroleum, Britania-U and five others, make list of violators

Adeola Yusuf

he independent oil and gas firms and marginal field operators in the country burnt over 90 per cent of the natural gas produced on their fields in the fourth quarter of last year, a data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has shown. These firms include the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, (NPDC), which is a subsidiary of the NNPC; Seplat, First Hydrocarbon, ND Western, Naconde, Amni International, Midwestern Oil and Gas, Niger Delta Petroleum and Waltersmith. Although international oil companies (IOCs), including Shell, Total and Chevron, still account for the bulk of flared gas in the country, they wasted less than 20 per cent of their total gas production during the period. The IOCs and local players burnt 44.57 billion standard cubic feet of natural gas in December 2014 out of the 221.63 billion scf produced; while 23.45 billion scf was flared in November out of

NPDC, Seplat others flared 90% of gas produced, says NNPC the 195.58 billion scf produced. In October, the total production of natural gas was put at 235.04 billion scf, with about 15.23 per cent flared, according to the NNPC data. In December, total gas production from joint ventures operated by companies including Shell, Exxon Mobil, Total, Chevron and Pan-Ocean was 174.32 million scf and about seven per cent (12.09 million scf) of this was flared; 16.56 million scf was flared in November out of 171.92 million scf produced; and 18.71 million scf was wasted out of 182.56 million scf produced in October. The independents and marginal field operators produced 19.94 million scf in December and flared about 98 per cent as only 348,260 scf was utilised, the data showed. In November, production from the independents slumped to 1.06 million scf as only four out of 15 firms produced, while 873,677 scf (82 per cent) was burnt. The marginal field operators wasted 927,802 scf (81 per cent) out of the 1.14 million scf produced. The independents and marginal field operators flared about 84 per cent (11 million scf) of the to-

IFC’s Lighting Africa starts in rural Nigeria Adeola Yusuf

he Lighting Africa programme, a joint initiative of IFC and the World Bank, has been launched in Nigeria where it will help increase access to affordable, clean and safer lighting for over 30 per cent of Nigeria’s population who live in rural areas and have low incomes and no access to grid electricity. Lighting Africa mobilises the private sector to build and develop markets that enable access to clean, affordable, quality lighting products by fostering partnerships among local and global manufacturers and creating new channels through local distribution companies that will help build robust supply chains for off-grid lighting products. Programme Manager for Lighting Africa programme, Itotia Njagi, said: “Lighting Africa is help-

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

ing to build a market to bring off-grid lighting and energy services across Africa by establishing quality standards, investing in consumer education, creating a favorable investment climate, and supporting innovative business models. As we foster these partnerships among all parties in the industry, various opportunities would be explored and our goal of inclusive electrification would be achieved in Nigeria.” The expansion of the Lighting Africa programme to Nigeria supports the World Bank Group’s Energy Business Plan. Under the Energy Business Plan, each World Bank Group institution will leverage its competencies and products to provide solutions to projects that encourage their viability and contribute to the sustainability of Nigeria’s power sector to underpin the government’s ambitious privatisation and reform programme.

tal 13.14 million scf gas produced in October. Nigeria is Africa’s top oil producer and largest holder of natural gas reserves on the continent, with about 187 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves and 600 tcf of unproven gas reserves. But low investment in gas infrastructure over the years has continued to hamper the development

of the huge natural gas reserves in the country for domestic consumption, particularly for power generation. As a result of the lack of infrastructure to capture the natural gas produced with oil, known as associated gas, a significant amount of the country’s gross natural gas production is flared. Total, French oil ma-

jor, had recently said it stopped gas flaring and started producing gas from the Ofon field in Nigeria in the fourth quarter of 2014. The amount of gas flared in Nigeria has decreased in recent years, from 540 Bcf in 2010 to 428 Bcf in 2013, according to the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the United

States’ Department of Energy. “According to Shell, one of the largest gas producers in the country, the impediments to decreasing gas flaring have been the security situation in the Niger Delta and the lack of partner funding that has slowed progress on projects to capture associated gas,” the EIA said.

Chief Executive Officer, Oando Gas and Power, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya (fourth left) with staff of Oando Energy Resources (OES) when the OES received excellence award at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) conference in Abuja recently

Sahara Energy bullish on OPL 274 TARGET

Company drilled three wells back-toback in 10 months Adeola Yusuf

ahara Group’s Upstream Company has said that it is making good progress with its activities in OPL 274 where Sahara has a 100 per cent working interest, even as the company continues to press towards optimising opportunities in the block where it hit “first oil.” In a statement, Sahara’s Upstream division said that it doubled its certified 2P reserves last year in the Oki-Oziengbe South field in Edo State, Nigeria, making a new commercial discovery with the Oluegi-1 exploration well. Sahara Group is one of the leading private companies with major interests in Power, Energy, Gas and Infrastructure Development with offices in Af-

rica, Europe, Asia and the UAE. According to the Managing Director of Enageed Resource Limited, the Sahara Upstream company operating OPL 274, Segun Ogunwumi, the company has continued to witness steady positive outcomes in its activities in OPL 274 preparatory to moving on to the phase of commercial production from the field. “We are doing very well with our timelines and remain focused on the target ahead. “We have an amazing collection of staff that are working alongside our regulators and key stakeholders and we remain confident that we will achieve our timelines and ultimately extract maximum value from what has been a historic success so far in OPL 274,” he said. Ogunwumi noted that whilst the focus on OPL 274 has since taken precedence over other assets where it has interests, the company remains resolute in its commitment to activities in other fields, adding that it would re-

view its position on others following strategic consultations. “We are working closely with the regulatory body and all stakeholders on this,” he stated. It would be recalled that Cohen Curtis Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, Sahara Upstream, had at the point of discovery of oil in OPL 274 described the feat as representing a number of firsts for Sahara. “We shot our first onshore 3D seismic, drilled and operated our first onshore wells, made our first oil discovery and first appraisal, and tested first oil at rates in excess of 5600 barrels of oil per day. “We drilled the three wells back-to-back in just 10 months, from a common location and a minimal environmental footprint, and all three wells found commercial hydrocarbons,” he had enthused in a press release announcing the discovery. Oluegi-1 was drilled directionally to a total depth (TD) of 14,887 ft. mea-

sured depth (MD) with a horizontal displacement of 2.7 km north of the well head and encountered five hydrocarbon zones, totaling 110 ft. of net pay. Sahara, according to the statement, also drilled two successful appraisal wells, Oki-Oziengbe South 4 and 5. Oki-Oziengbe South 4 drilled directionally to TD at 12,520 feet MD 1.1 km SW from the well head, logging 211 feet of net pay in 13 hydrocarbon bearing zones, seven of which were new. The well flowed 43-44° API oil to surface on two tests at rates of 2400 and 3200 barrels of oil per day, with no water, on a one-half inch choke. OkiOziengbe South 5 also drilled directionally, to TD at 12,873 feet MD 1 km south of the well head. “It logged 298 feet of net pay in 19 reservoirs, 15 of which were oil-bearing and seven of which were new. Sahara’s successful drilling program followed a two year-long, two-phase, land-swamp 3D seismic survey in the 871 km license.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

‘We must produce materials locally to bring down cost of houses’ p.36 PROSPECT Experts foresee a rebound in Q2 and Q3 Stories by Dayo Ayeyemi

espite the wait and see position adopted by investors in anticipation of election outcome, demand for properties in secured estates has continued to rise, most especially in Lagos. Investigation by New Telegraph showed that surge in demand in these estates has also led to upward review of price of housing units in Ikeja, Victoria Island and Lekki neighbourhoods. Blazing the trail, the promoters of Orchid Courts, a high-end real estate development in Ikeja GRA, Briscoe Properties Limited, said the housing development has enjoyed huge subscription as 65 per cent of the units has already been sold out. Due to huge demand, Business Development Manager of the company, Mr. Femi Odunlami, said the prices of the housing units have been reviewed upward by 10 per cent to reflect market reality. He told the audience during the Property Buyers’ Forum organised by 3Invest Limited recently that they should ignore the price listed in the flyers with them, saying it had been reviewed upward. With a unique and contemporary architectural style, Orchid Court comprises a well arranged cluster of detached and semi detached houses, duplexes, triplexes, apartments and a penthouse in a well zoned and functional community on a total land area of 2.1 acres. Also, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Azuri Peninsula in Lagos, Mrs. Ibiene Ogolo, said the development of the luxury apartments on Eko Atlantic City, has recorded 80 per cent subscription. She confirmed that individuals and corporate bodies that have indicated interests have shown serious commitment. Situated in the Marina District of Eko Atlantic City, Azuri Peninsular is a mixed use development designed by Gensier. On completion, the first phase of the marina-front project will showcase two and four bedroom luxury apartments, six bedroom duplexes and seven bedroom vil-

Property&Environment Demand for property rise in secured estates

Orchid Court

las which are arranged across marina townhouse apartments and three outstanding residential towers which reach up to 26 floors. In his monthly report, Financial Derivative Company (FDC), confirmed that demand for existing houses in secured estates had been on the rise. The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Rewane Bismark, noted that the sector would have witnessed more development but post-election violence was a major risk to the sector, adding that vacancy factor was increased in Ikoyi partly due to election fever. Although he predicted a rebound of real estate in quarter two and quarter three of 2015, he added that there would be shift from excess supply towards a balanced market. Nigeria’s finance and housing sectors have developed in recent years; increasingly stable because of stronger regulations

Lekki and Oniru are also very active because of their proximity of the central island business districts

and new sources of funding. The Chief Executive Officer of Fine & Country West Africa, Udo Okonjo, in recent interview described Nigerian real estate industry as a ‘dynamic one’, adding that it remained clearly a growth sector that could yield significant mid- to long-term financial benefits for serious individual investors, developers and institutional investors. According to her, the caliber of properties and professionals in the industry is fast expanding. She added that international property firms, developers, specialised service providers, funds and advisers have been making a foray into the market, some tentatively. She said: “Astute investors and developers are increasingly investing in delivering international standard, high quality projects that are ambitious, contemporary and valuable to the changing landscape of the country.

“We are seeing good movement in premium residential property locations such as Ikoyi, Banana Island, and Victoria Island. Emerging locations such as Lekki and Oniru are also very active because of their proximity to the central island business districts. Maitama, Asokoro and Wuse 2 in Abuja are also leaders in transactions.” The key challenges to the growth of the sector, she mentioned, would include significant delays in processing building approvals; timelines for registering titles and legal enforcement; lack of transparency; restrictions to legal title; and high cost of acquisition of real estate including financing costs, registration costs and service fees. In addition, she stated that the lack of readily available historic and relevant data also constituted a deterrent, adding that these challenges were not insurmountable.

Nigeria, others brace for real estate investment

igeria, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Morocco, Sudan and Kenya are among other African nations that are attracting real estate investors all over the world. While many African countries remain challenging places to do business, there

are high-growth opportunities across Africa for those able to navigate their way through the markets. Attracted by the continent’s startling economic and demographic growth prospects, new report by Knight Frank confirmed that there has been an increased number of inter-

national investors that are investigating opportunities in African real estate markets. Based on Knight Frank’s Africa Report 2015, it has been estimated that the population of Africans will quadruple to over four billion by 2100, with nearly one billion of these people in Nigeria alone.

“This is arguably the single most important demographic trend that will shape the world over the course of this century,” it said. The report highlighted that by 2100, nearly 40 per cent of the world’s population will live in Africa, with the large majority of these being in the

continent’s fast-growing cities. Nigeria is now the largest economy in Africa with GDP estimated at $594.3bn, followed by South Africa ($341.2bn). Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the world’s most rapidly developing economic regions, CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Business | Property & Environment

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

We must produce materials locally to bring down cost of houses – Odudu Elder Williams Odudu is the Chairman of Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVRBON). In this interview with DAYO AYEYEMI, the renowned professional spoke on issues partaining to housing sector’s growth and the need to train local artisans to brace the challenge

cerning stamp duty, they are still collecting old rate, and until there is a firm pronouncement that the reduction will take effect, we would not start feeling it. I just pray it is not a political gimmick that after the elections, the status quo will remain. If increases have been announced, they would have implemented these immediately but because it is reduction, it is yet to take effect two months after. If the new land charges are fully implemented, they will be of great benefit to Lagos State and people in the built industry. What is your view concerning the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and the rising housing cost? The pricing issue depends on a number of things. A lot of materials that are being used for building construction are imported and of course, the prices are beyond our control. If the value of naira goes down as against the dollar, the price of materials will go up. To bring down the cost of housing, we need to develop local technology to producing materials that are being used for construction of houses so that we do not rely on imported materials. We need to develop local building materials for our developers. We need to look at mass production of building materials locally. If we are going to import everything from abroad, you have no control over the cost but if we are producing bricks, cement, tile and roofing sheet locally, we can control the cost. But if the materials and the components for building are imported, we have no control because as naira is falling in value, so the prices are going up. Government will need to put in place machinery for producing materials needed in construction industry locally.

Despite all efforts, finance for housing has remained a major challenge. What is the alternative? Government has to come into housing provision by putting sufficient funds in the Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) to be able to lend at very low interest rate on long-term basis to the people. The interest rate has to come down so that developers can take fund at a cheaper rate to bring down the price of housing units. This is one area where government can assist to enable the price of housing come down. Also, there is need to grant cheap fund for housing development to enable people borrow to buy houses or build. We have a lot of funds stocked in the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and in most PMIs that are not being used for this purpose. If these funds are channeled to PMIs and allow to filter down to those who need the money, the cost of housing will come down. Also the prices of housing have been on the increase since the devaluation of naira. Will increase in price allow mortgage to work? The value of naira is hitched on the dollar and people are asked to pay so much now because most of the things they are buying are in foreign currency. The materials imported are in foreign currency, so if this is done and the value of dollar goes up, it means the cost of housing will rise. So government has to do something to bring down or improve the value of the naira against foreign exchange. At a time in this country the naira was even of higher value than the dollar. But today you are talking of N210.00 to one dollar. In 1980-1981, the naira was stronger than the dollar and the former was almost at par with pound sterling. Now, you have to have over N300.00 to buy one pound sterling. There is something wrong and unless the situation is addressed, the price will continue to rise. Is there a way out? The solution is how to defend the value of the naira against the dollar. How was it done during the era of Idiagbon/Buhari? They brought it down below N3.00 to a pound. It can still be done. You have to strengthen the naira by reducing pressure on demand for dollar. You need to reduce pressure on our foreign exchange and the value of money will go up. Until we do that it will get to a stage where you will need N1,000 to buy a dollar. We pray it does not get to that stage. If it does, then we will need to revalue our naira against foreign exchange. They did it in Ghana, but it is getting worse again. At a stage, the Ghanians cedes was so valuable, it was even more valued than the naira. Recently the Lagos State Government announced major reduction in land charges. Have you witnessed its implementation? I do not know if it is a political gimmick because we have not felt the implementation of the commencement yet. The figures have

Odudu

been given and reduction has been published but the implementation is yet to take place. If you talk on Land Use Charges, the authority still insists in collecting the old rates. Con-

Is that all? We also have to look at the artisans in the construction industry. Personnel involved must be trained and retrained locally. Most of them are from neighbouring countries, so we need to train ours. Funding for construction has to be subsidised to single digit. Any rate above 10 per cent, people will not be able to afford it. Government must put sufficient funds in PMIs for long-term lending.

Nigeria, others brace for real estate investment C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

it is projected that 13 of 20 fastestgrowing global economies over the next five years will be in Africa Knight Frank’s International Researcher, Matthew Colbourne, said: “The growth of Africa’s cities and economies will do much to define the global socio-economic landscape over the coming decades.” These major long-term trends, he noted, have been driving the construction of high quality real estate across the continent, adding that the most visible demonstration of growth is the rise of the modern shopping center concept in cities such as Nairobi, Lagos and Accra. He also affirmed the development opportunities in all property sectors. He said: “Large volumes of good quality commercial and residential property are needed to support the continuing African growth story, presenting excellent opportunities for global funds looking to diversify or enter into African markets.”

The report said: “The largest cities of Sub-Saharan Africa are growing at a rapid pace; Luanda’s population is forecast to increase by more than 70 per cent during the 2010-2025 period, while Dar es Salaam, Kampala and Lusaka are expected to double. Allied to strong economic growth, this is creating increased demand for good quality real estate of all types. “The retail sector has seen a huge increase in activities as a result of the rise of the urban middle class and the expansion of South African retailers such as Shoprite and Pick n Pay into the rest of Africa. Modern shopping malls are a relatively new concept in much of Africa, but a spate of new malls has been developed in key cities such as Accra and Nairobi.” The Knight Frank’s report noted that Chinese investors’ involvement in large-scale development and infrastructure projects across Africa has been particularly eye-catching. The report also identified nine South African-based funds that have raised significant volumes

of capital to invest in real estate projects across the Sub-Saharan region. These investors will develop a wave of modern investable assets that will do much to improve the size and maturity of African property investment markets over the next few years. Head of Africa, Peter Welborn, commented: “We have seen rising interest in Africa from an increasingly diverse range of international investors, developers and occupiers in recent years. The inflow of investment from China into Africa has been well publicised, but there is also growing activity involving investors from elsewhere, including the rest of Asia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, an increasingly significant flow of capital has emerged from South Africa into other African markets. “While many African countries remain challenging places in which to do business, there are high-growth opportunities across Africa for those able to those able to navigate their way through the markets.”

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Aviation

Airport remodelling project, waste of public fund – Ojikutu p.38

Aviation Minister… putting right pegs in right holes p.38

Jobless pilots, a big threat to Nigeria’s aviation The Nigerian airline industry is being roiled by a pilot shortage that results from simple math: the cost of lack of growth of Nigerian airlines. Aviation Editor, WOLE SHADARE, writes how the problem gets fixed-which largely means how the industry will be prosperous to cater for over 500 jobless pilots Investment in new jets Aircraft order backlog figures show airlines are investing in unprecedented number of new aircraft, but not in the skilled trades that are still needed to maintain and fly them. As a result, the global ab-initio training industry may have insufficient capacity to cope with demand when the existing, rather shallow pool of skilled personnel starts to dry up. Several times in the last 20 years, pilot shortages have been forecast but did not materialise. Airlines expecting to be short of pilots and engineers have, several times, been reprieved: by economic recessions, by an air travel depression following the September 11, 2001 terrorist action, by the extension of the pilot working age from 60 to 65 in 2006 and finally by the global banking crash of 2008. So is the latest forecast of skills shortage simply a mirage, like the other predictions? The evidence for a sustained skills shortfall is gathering. The consensus on air transport growth today is that the world is recovering steadily - if with regional differences - from the financial crash, increasing numbers of world citizens are acquiring a disposable income, and air travel is forecast to maintain a healthy growth rate for the foreseeable future. In fact industry experts say that early signs of airline awareness are already there to see, but this could be ephemeral. Nigerian airlines in doldrums While nations are worried about shortage of pilots and engineers because of humungous aircraft firm orders from many carriers, Nigerian airlines have over 500 pilots and another 500 aircraft engineers that are roaming the streets. For the record, Ethiopian Airways is evaluating the Boeing’s new aircraft under development B777X and the Airbus A350-1000. “We are evaluating both so that they have to compete,” Tewolde

Aircraft cockpit

Gabremariam said. Ethiopian fleet is dominated by Boeing aircraft. Currently, the national flag carrier operates B787, B777, B767, B7575, B737, MD11 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft. For the first time in its long history, Ethiopian had placed orders for Airbus aircraft in 2009. Ethiopian ordered 14 A350-900, Airbus’ new jetliner. Delivery of these aircraft would begin next year. Emirates has ordered up to 200 Airbus A380neos if Airbus decided to launch the updated version of the aircraft, its top executive says. “We would replace our old fleet and need to take more for growth,” Emirates Airline President, Tim Clark, told an audience at the German Council on Foreign Relations here. That requirement would lead Emirates to an additional order for 100-200 aircraft. The airline currently has firm orders for 140 A380s in place, 58 of which have been delivered. British Airways, Delta, United, Air France, KLM and a host of other airlines have equally placed order for airplanes, bringing the requirement for pilots to a frightening number. The same cannot be said of Nigerian airlines; an indication that they are barely existing. They hang in the balance as a result of tough environment that have found themselves. Geriatric airplanes Aside Arik Air, which six years ago acquired brand new airplanes, it is an open secret that the average age of any aircraft in the fleet of any Nigerian airline is over 15 years. The airlines are not growing and have not shown any sign of growth. This clearly leads to the high

number of pilots who are not engaged. The irony is that virtually all the indigenous airlines have expatriate pilots in the cockpit of their aircraft, Nigerian pilots are idling away with some of them resorting to selling of pure water and other vocation that have no bearing to the training they had as pilots. Worried by the situation, airline operators have called on the Federal Government to put in place a proactive policy that would address the projected 500 Nigerian licensed pilots that are unemployed. There are indications that the Federal Government may have concluded plans to look into the high turn-over of pilots without jobs; a situation that has made so many of them take to menial jobs outside the sector.

The evidence for a sustained skills shortfall is gathering

Lamentation Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Capt. Noggie Meggison, lamented the number of unemployed pilots, adding that the number will increase from the current 200 to an astronomical number when the over 100 student pilots’ sent to Jordan by the Kano State government would graduate later this year. This is in addition to the 52 youths trained under the Federal Government Amnesty programme as well as the fresh 100 that will be graduating from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and the 40 from International Aviation College (IAC), in Ilorin, Kwara State. He equally called on the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to seriously focus his attention on the aviation industry and cause the removal of Value Added Tax ( VAT) on air transportation as

other modes of transportation , including foreign airlines operating in and out of Nigeria are not paying VAT. Meggison said unless something was done fast, such development constitutes a disincentive to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry. High number of jobless pilots He further disclosed that over 400 Nigerian licensed aircraft engineers were also out of job, urging the Federal Government to put in place an employment policy that would ensure these aviation professionals are engaged by both indigenous and foreign carriers operating in the country. Meggison said some domestic carriers had done well and engaging some of the pilots. He said there should be an enabling policy to check the influx of foreign pilots and engineers by foreign carriers. Meggison said there were over 1,000 foreign pilots engaged by both local and foreign registered airplanes flying in Nigeria. He stated that apart from the 1,000 foreign pilots, there were over 500 foreign aircraft engineers employed in the country. According to him, “the government should compel foreign carriers to set up a line station for aircraft maintenance in the country and employ local engineers to assist in turning around the growth of the sector.” Meggison said though some domestic carriers had done well and engaging some of the pilots but there still room for improvement. He called for an enabling policy that would check the influx of foreign pilots and engineers by foreign carriers.

Business | Aviation

DRAIN PIPE Government needs to attract private investors to expand airport buildings

Stories by Wole Shadare

iven the experience of government and private partnership of the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) project and the private investments in Nahco Aviance, Sahcol, among others, the Federal Fovernment has been asked not to inject scarce public funds into building passengers and cargo terminals. Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Aviation Services and former Commandant, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Group Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), said although these were desirable for the comfort of the passengers, they are not necessarily essential neither are they the concern of aviation safety and security. Government, he said, would also need to attract private investors to expand airport passengers’ terminal buildings as well as expand aircraft parking areas. Ojikutu, in a statement to New Telegraph, stated that as shown in Annex A of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR), the internally generated revenue by government op-

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Airport remodelling project, waste of public fund – Ojikutu erators annually was adequate to support their operations, services and administrations with substantial profit margin left for returns into the Federation Account or for capital development if their financial books are regularly subjected to surveillance and auditing by the appropriate government agencies. Speaking on airline capitalisation, the security expert said it should no longer be based on monetary terms but must be factored into fleet expansion, equipment and route development. He said: “For any airline to be eligible for Airline Operating License [AOL] and operate scheduled domestic routes only, it must have minimum of five aircraft and operate not more than three domestic routes. “An airline wishing to operate regional, continental or international routes in addition to operating domestic routes should have minimum of 10 aircraft and should operate not more than six routes including the domestic routes. Airlines wishing to operate domestic, regional, continental and international routes should have minimum of 20 aircraft

and could operate as much as 10 routes or more including the domestic routes.” He advised that for any domestic airline operator to benefit from government’s intervention fund, it must raise fund from the capital market and therefore be a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The former airport commandant further stated that such airline must subject its financial books regularly to the responsible government agency for financial auditing in accordance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) commercial regulations. Ojikutu said the establishment of national carrier was desirable but not essential. To him, giving the experience in the defunct Nigerian Airways, if Nigeria must establish one, government should not have controlling share so as not, through the inherent official corrupt system, possibly compromise the oversight and the enforcement of the safety, security and commercial regulations on the operation of the carrier. He further advised that government’s share interest with

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Ethiopian bags Airline of the Year award

thiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has been adjudged ‘Airline of the Year’ for the second time in a row at MICE Magazine’s 8th Annual Industry Golden Chair Awards held in Beijing, China. The annual Golden Chair Award is one of the most influential awards in China and ranks airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tourism destinations with the best performance. Ethiopian Group Chief Executive Officer, Tewolde GebreMariam, in a statement made available to New Telegraph said, “We are honoured to receive this award for the second year in a row. I wish to thank MICE Maga-

zine and, above all, our esteemed customers from China for their vote of confidence. Ethiopian has become the airline of choice for Chinese travelers between China, Africa and Brazil.” “We offer the best and fastest connectivity options with a total of 28 weekly flights to 4 gateways in China that are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and with immediate connection to 49 destinations in Africa and Sao Paulo in Brazil. All the flights are operated with the latest and most comfortable aircraft, the 787 and 777”. Going forward, the airline chief said, given the growing economic and people-to-people ties between Africa and China,

they will expand their reach in China, Africa and Brazil with new destinations and more frequencies with a view to enhance their service to their customers from China”. In 2014, Ethiopian received Best Airline to Africa award by Premier Traveler, one of the most prominent travel magazines in the United States. Ethiopian has also been awarded Best Airline in Africa and African Airline of the Year awards by Passenger Choice and The African Airlines Association (AFRAA). In 2015, Ethiopian was recognized as the Best Regional Airline by Air Transport World, the global leading aviation publication.

the public interest in the national carrier should not be more than 30 per cent; the airline staff 10 per cent; private investors and their technical partners with 60 per cent shares. It would be recalled that an attempt to have a replica of Nigeria Airways ended in

fiasco with the Virgin Nigeria experiment, which eventually saw to the demise of the carrier four years ago. The government had totally bankrolled the set up of the carrier with Virgin Chairman, Sir Richard Branson, providing little or no financial support.

AIR RAGE

WITH

Wole Shadare

Aviation Minister… putting right pegs in right holes

s the nation awaits General Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration on May 29, 2015, it is the wish of many that the in-coming government would look at technocrats to oversee most of government agencies/parastatals, with a view to turning around their fortune to position them for greater efficiency. Virtually all government agencies are badly run. Most of them are cesspit of graft, coupled with unnecessary bureaucracy that has done grave damage to them. One of them is the aviation industry. Over the years, the aviation industry has been badly managed. Not that the sector is short of competent hands to move the sector to the next level, but it has been peopled by politicians and many who do not have the interest of the sector at heart. Aviation ministers in the past never had knowledge of the sector before their appointment, so they found it extremely difficult to understand the sector. They make wrong decisions that have negative impact on the sector. They grope for one year before they come to terms with aero politics and the intricacies of the industry. Apart from Dr. Kemafor Chikwe, a lecturer who came to a relatively unknown terrain, others have done badly by taking the sector a decade backward. What the sector recorded in the last four years was heart breaking. It was a period we had the highest number of plane crashes and near crashes. It was a period the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the aviation regulatory agency was weakened by interference from the Ministry of Aviation. It was a period the NCAA was not allowed to work the way it should function. The NCAA witnessed a period that it could not send workers and inspectors on training. The Federal Airports Authority of

Nigeria (FAAN) is presently, in bad shape, save for the current Managing Director, Saleh Dunuma, who is trying to put it in proper shape after years of inefficiency that became pronounced three years ago. Incessant unrests had put the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in the media for the wrong reasons until the current Managing Director came onboard early last year. These crises became visible because of lack of good supervision by a professional as Minister of Aviation. As a result of this, experts have sent passionate plea to get credible people to man sensitive positions in the industry. One of the few men that should be considered for ministerial appointment and one who has a rich wealth of experience is Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren. In late 2005, there was a loss of confidence in air travel and apathy in the aviation industry as two fatal air disasters in a span of seven weeks left the nation mourning. The two incidents were Bellview Airline flight 210 that killed all 117 people on board on October 22, and Sosoliso Airlines flight 1145 that killed 105 of 108 passengers, including 61 students from Loyola Jesuit College on December 10, 2005. On August 23, 2010, under the leadership of Dr. Demuren the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria attained American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA IASA) Category One Certification. This allows direct flights from Nigeria to Continental United States (USA). Prior to his appointment in 2005, there were no direct flights between Nigeria and USA. There are now several direct flights between Nigeria and U.S. destinations including Atlanta, New York and Washington. Whichever way the government looks, stakeholders have called for the appointment of square pegs in square holes.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESday, APRIL 14, 2015

Photo | News

Bauchi State Governor-elect, APC, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar and wife, after he was announced winner of the governorship election in Bauchi. PHOTO-NAN

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime (left), congratulating the state’s Governor-elect, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Governor’s Lodge, Enugu, shortly after Ugwuanyi’s declaration as winner of the gubernatorial election in Enugu State.

Scene of the Lagos governorship results collation centre at INEC office, Yaba.

APC supporters, jubilating as Ambode was declared the winner in Lagos.

L-R: Director, James Cubit Architects, Mr. Abiodun Imana; Chief Executive Officer, Poatson Nigeria Limited, Prince Patrick Olaside Adeniyi, awardee, Mama Comfort Imana; Presiding Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Director, National Orientation Department, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mrs. Bola Abumere, at the presentation of post-Humus award to late Mr. Michael Omiunu Imana, by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo Foundation, in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Supporters of incumbent Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, jubilating over his victory in the Governorship Election in Ibadan.

Supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, jubilating over his victory in the governorship election in Kaduna State. PHOTO-NAN

Voters display their Permanent Voter Cards, during Governorship and House of Assembly Elections at Wambai Ward B007, in Suleja, Niger State.

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Standstill

Oil price slump, China slowdown hurt growth

Tony Chukwunyem

he oil price slump, sluggish growth in the developed world and a slowdown in China’s pace of industrialization will reduce sub-Saharan Africa’s growth rate this year to its lowest in two decades, the World Bank said yesterday.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth rate to stall in 2015 –World Bank

Economic output is expected to grow by four per cent across the region in 2015, the World Bank said in its biannual economy report “Africa Pulse,” significantly below the historic average of 4.4 per cent. While that is still well above the global economy average, seen by the World Bank at 2.9 per cent for 2015, the decline highlights how vulnerable the world’s second-

fastest growing region is, both from trouble at home and abroad. Growth will pick up in sub-Saharan Africa in 2016 to reach 4.5 per cent, but only “gradually,” the report said. And risks are on the downside. “On the domestic front, a new generation of violent conflict poses security risks with the potential to undermine development gains and the

Ebola epidemic serves to highlight the pre-existing weaknesses in the health systems of much of the continent and the potential for systemic risks from communicable diseases,” the report said. It added that “on the external front, a sharper-thanexpected slowdown in China, a further decline in oil prices, and a sudden deterioration in global liquidity conditions are the

Private equity firm to invest $1bn in Nigeria, others

Executive Officer, Arif Naqvi, as saying that demand for the fund “reflects increasing investor appreciation for the powerful growth story unfolding across Africa,” adding that, “it is a story driven by rapid urbanisation and favorable demographics that are fueling consumption across multiple sectors from an expanding, young middle class.” About 64 per cent of the capital committed to the Abraaj Africa Fund III came from Europe and North America, with institutional

he Abraaj Group, a Dubai-based private equity company, has raised $990 million for its third subSaharan Africa fund that will focus on mid-market companies in consumer goods, services and finance in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Kenya. According to Bloomberg, the firm, which manages about $9 billion across emerging markets, is seeking to benefit from the region’s economic growth. The news agency quoted Abraaj’s founder and Chief

investors, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds pledging 76 per cent. Abraaj said in a statement that it has invested about $3 billion in Africa over more than a decade, pointing out that it has made 67 investments in sub-Saharan Africa in nine sectors within that period and achieved 30 full and partial exits. The firm has 27 investment and operating professionals based across its four offices in Nairobi, Lagos, Accra and Johannesburg.

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 9/4/2015 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

exporter of oil and other commodities. The doublewhammy of falling fuel prices and the end of the so-called “commodity super-cycle”--a period that started in 2000 marked by extraordinary demand for commodities fueled by China’s rapid expansion—are hitting the region.

FBN Holdings applies for merchant banking license with agency report

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$29,589,041,671

main risks.” Some African nations are feeling the pain a lot more. The report singles out Angola and the Republic of Congo as economies that are so reliant on oil exports they have nowhere to seek refuge in this phase of low global oil prices. Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole is a net

Tony Chukwunyem

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

BN Holdings has applied to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a merchant banking license, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Bello Maccido, reportedly told Reuters yesterday. If the bank’s application is successful, it will join FSDH Merchant Bank and Rand Merchant Bank as the three such lenders in the industry. However, the latter recently applied to the CBN for a universal banking license. Maccido also disclosed that the top tier lender with over N2.2 trillion on its loan book will be conservative on loans this year after financing power and oil sector projects in 2014. According to him, the Group will focus on short-term trade financing to make up for slower growth in its loan book forecast to expand by four per cent this year from 23 per cent last year.

He said: “In the past we would do term loans of two years but this year we would focus on trade finance. We are projecting modest loan growth of four per cent. We expect to be conservative on loans ... focusing on trade transactions that have typical 90-day cycles.” The FBN Holdings boss said he expected the Group to generate a tenth of its revenues from its investment banking and insurance units combined by 2016, up from around seven per cent now, after it acquired Kakawa Discount House and Oasis Insurance last year. The commercial banking arm, First Bank Limited, with over 9.4 million customers in Africa’s biggest economy, accounts for around 93 per cent of revenues, Maccido revealed. FBN Holdings, with interest in lending, insurance and investments, last week reported growth in 2014 pretax profit of 1.7 per cent, driven by project and trade finance.

Stanbic IBTC secures $90m credit from FMO

tanbic IBTC Bank has secured a $90 million credit facility from the FMO (Nederlandse Financierings- Maatschappijvoor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V). In a statement, Stanbic IBTC Bank said the that purpose of the facility is to allow it on-lend to Small and Medium Sized companies for the financing of projects in the infrastructure sector, which include agriculture, oil and gas, power, ports and telecom companies, among others, within Nigeria. The facility will run for five years. According to the statement, the facility was provided to Stanbic IBTC Bank by FMO along with European Financing

Partners (EFP) and DEG - Deutsche Investitionsund EntwicklungsgesellschaftmbH). The primary lender, FMO, is a Dutch development bank that was established in 1970 by the Dutch Government, commercial banks, the national employers’ association, labour unions and private investors, in order to make investments in private sector projects within developing countries and emerging markets. FMO is present as a development finance partner in over eighty different developing countries and emerging markets around the world. The company’s mandate is to provide long term capital for projects in these countries.

Business | Financial Market News

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

13-Apr-15

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

Bonds

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Description 4.00 23-APR-2015 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 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)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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 54.00 600.00 499.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 254.50

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

0.03 1.34 2.04 2.29 2.38 3.13 4.21 4.53 4.84 6.79 8.92 13.63 14.11 14.61 15.28 19.26

12.74 14.72 14.64 14.64 14.64 14.67 14.71 14.69 14.66 14.55 14.47 15.96 16.18 16.42 15.35 15.27

7.36 14.59 14.55 14.56 14.56 14.54 14.61 14.58 14.58 14.48 14.41 15.91 16.11 16.33 15.28 15.21

99.75 97.98 100.77 90.91 89.64 90.27 103.89 75.20 102.91 107.71 98.61 94.66 79.70 56.57 68.75 80.71

99.90 98.13 100.92 91.06 89.79 90.57 104.19 75.50 103.21 108.01 98.91 94.96 80.00 56.87 69.05 81.01

Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%)

5,023.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Price

4,626.18 Issuer

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

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 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.11 1.10 1.66 2.02 2.23

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

15.98 17.14 16.68 15.64 17.49

98.17 100.17 98.98 101.19 94.63

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

0.38 0.47 0.74 0.74 2.02 1.28 2.72 2.10 2.11 2.09 2.09 2.28 2.72 4.61 2.68 3.23 5.63 5.72 3.38 3.41

4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.44 1.00

18.79 17.61 19.10 18.12 15.64 15.79 16.45 16.44 15.64 15.64 19.42 15.64 15.66 15.68 15.65 15.68 15.59 15.59 16.12 15.68

97.67 97.99 96.62 98.21 90.56 97.71 94.74 95.93 97.20 98.06 91.39 99.68 99.64 96.18 98.12 97.79 92.30 97.77 96.04 98.27

17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20 30-Dec-21 30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24

0.35 0.41 0.49 1.46 1.53 2.47 1.49 1.74 1.91 1.91 3.44 1.76 2.10 2.72 5.59 6.72 9.47 9.47

1.00 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76 1.13 1.00 1.00

15.34 15.36 17.01 15.72 16.03 15.65 16.58 15.67 15.65 15.65 15.68 16.95 20.75 16.82 17.36 15.63 15.53 15.53

98.22 98.69 98.64 96.56 97.64 94.74 102.49 100.49 103.58 100.50 95.62 98.33 95.71 98.29 92.61 103.26 82.42 88.88

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

318.61

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

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

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

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

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

8.50 2.16 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 30.81 9.00 13.73 10.20 27.00 15.09 80.00 25.70 10.78 87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

452.88 431.41

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

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

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 18.00 16.00 15.25 16.45 11.93 13.25

2.50 18.75 0.42 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.64 5.40 2.54 0.70 35.00 2.40 0.36 4.50 2.05 30.50 0.10 15.44

161.83

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

157.42

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.83

1.00

15.66

87.84

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

15.67

84.22

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 21.45 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

5.70

5.48

105.11

106.19

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.08

4.75

100.14

101.10

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.98

5.83

102.50

103.51

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,538.77

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

129.37

48.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.44

4.53

101.09

103.12

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

11.32

92.00

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

12.07

10.44

87.01

90.85

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

10.25 APR 08, 2019

7.60

6.96

95.07

97.01

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

6.25 APR 22, 2019

39.67

43.63

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.19

96.75

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

13.52

12.97

85.34

86.89

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

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

13.47

80.00

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

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

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

26.11 12.27 10.12

26.11 11.70 10.12

44.00 87.13 89.50

44.00 89.38 89.50

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.30

10.88

87.88

89.63

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,760.00 3,839.36

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 10 17 24 31 38 52 59 73

FIXINGS Maturity 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.82 13.33 10.73 12.67 13.40 13.48 13.60 13.74

Offer Discount (%) 13.57 13.08 10.48 12.42 13.15 13.23 13.35 13.49

Bid Yield (%) 13.87 13.41 10.81 12.81 13.59 13.75 13.90 14.13

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 66.7917 15.9847 16.9884 18.0339

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

78.33

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

80.17

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

199.05 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

199.15 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 61.00 62.00

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 254.50

Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

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

FMBN

94.66 79.70 56.57 68.75 80.71

94.96 80.00 56.87 69.05 81.01

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

15.98 17.14 16.68 15.64 17.49

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

verall market perfor mance indicators, the NSE All Share Index and market capitalization, advanced by 0.74 per cent as the bulls TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE maintained its grip on TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

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

0.11 1.10 1.66 2.02 2.23

98.17 100.17 98.98 101.19 94.63

318.61

delity12.50 Bank Plc. 8.50 13.00 2.16 Other financial institu14.00 4.86 tions 15.50 sub-sector, boosted 5.73 10.00 57.00 by activities in the shares 13.75 25.73 of FBNH Plc, followed 14.00 25.00 with 14.00 a turnover of30.81 122.5 14.00 9.00 million shares valued at 14.50 13.73 N1.7 billion in 1,01510.20 deals. 14.00 15.50 27.00 The number of gainers 15.50 15.09 at the14.50 close of trading 80.00ses14.75 25.70 sion was 33 while declin14.75 10.78

LAGOS basis points 10.00 or 0.74 per19-APR-2017 cent The banking 19-Apr-10 sub30-Jun-10 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 sector of the financial to close at 35,190.23 index 30-Dec-10 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 30-Sep-11 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 services sector was the points as against 34,930.02 04-Oct-11 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 most active during the recorded last Friday while 09-Dec-11 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 turnthe market 14.00 capitalisation NIGER III 12-DEC-2018day (measured by12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 over volume); with of equities15.50 appreciated 132.4 02-Oct-12 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 by N89 billion 0.74 per million shares worth N1.2 22-Nov-12 14.50 or LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 cent to close14.75 at N11.991 tril- billion exchanged 12-Dec-12 by in10-Oct-13 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 lion from N11.902 trillion vestors in 1,567 deals. 27-Nov-13 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 31-Dec-13 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 Volume in the sub-secas market sentiments re31-Dec-13 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 tor was largely driven by mained green. 06-Jan-14 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 Meanwhile, a turnover activities in the shares of of 344.6 million shares Access Bank Plc and Fi-

LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

Stories by Chris Ugwu

Business | Financial Market News

322.38

Market capitalisation appreciates Sub-National Bonds by 31-Aug-10 market activities. worth N4.6 billion in 4,954 A/Agusto KADUNA 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 N89bn on peaceful 30-Sep-10 A-/Agusto *EBONYI 13.00 EBONYI Consequently , the30-SEP-2015 All- deals was recorded30-Jun-11 in the BBB+/Agusto *BENUE 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 elections Share Index15.50 gained 260.21 day’s trading. 30-Jun-09 ‡ /Agusto *IMO IMO 30-JUN-2016 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Corporate Bonds

Diamond Bank’s Q1 pre-tax profit falls 9.5%

15.91 16.11 16.33 15.28 15.21

Stock market extends gaining streaks

***LCRM

POSITVE

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

15.96 16.18 16.42 15.35 15.27

4,626.18

Rating/Agency

13.63 14.11 14.61 15.28 19.26

5,023.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

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

28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

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

iamond Bank Plc has reported a 9.5 per cent drop UBA in pretax profit*LA for the first CASERA quarter ended March*CHELLARAMS 31, 2015. *DANA According to the bank’s NAHCO notice UBA to the Nigerian Stock Exchange STANBIC IBTC (NSE), the bank’s first-quarter STANBIC IBTC pre-tax profit fell VALUE by 9.5 per cent TOTAL OUTSTANDING TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION to N8.36 billion from N9.24 billion postedBond a year earlier. Supranational Its revenue climbed 5.8 per AAA/S&P IFC Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDBto N40.48 cent during the period TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE billion as against N38.24 billion TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION recorded in 2013. Diamond Bank Plc has postRating/Agency Issuer ed a 12.4 per cent decline in FGN Eurobonds profit before tax for the financial year ended December 31, BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 2014. BB-/Fitch; FGN BB-/S&P In a filing with the NSE, the BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P group’s pre-tax profit fell 12.4 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE per cent to N28.101 billion from TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION N32.079 recorded a year ago. The group recorded a growth Corporate Eurobonds of 27.3 per cent in total assets B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I B+/Fitch; GTBANK PLC I from B+/S&P N1.52 trillion recorded B+/S&P BANK PLC in the year ended ACCESS December B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC 31, 2013 to N1.93 trillion for the B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC year ended December 31,PLC2014. B/Fitch AFREN II B+/Fitch; BANK PLC TheBB-/S&P growth was ZENITH driven by a B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 23.8 per cent growth in deposit B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC liabilities B-/Fitch; B/S&P year-on-year, AFRENdemonPLC III B-/Fitch; B/S&Pthe bank’s ACCESS BANK PLC II strating strong abil#

#{r}

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

ity to generate cheap deposits from the retail and middle market segments. Deposit from customers grew from N1.21 billion in 2013 to N1.49 billion as at December 31, 2014. Speaking on the results, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, said: “We at Diamond Bank are pleased to 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 announce continued success in implementing our strategy across the group, following another year of strong top line Description growth and an asset base that grew from N1.5 trillion to N1.9 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 trillion in 12 months.” Gross earnings increased by 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 15.0 per cent from N181.2 billion 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 for the year ended December 31, 2013 to N208.4 billion in 2014, driven by efficient growth in the volume of business represented by increase in 11.50 loan book, FEB 01, 2016and in7.50 MAY 19,following 2016 vestment securities 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 growth in customer deposits. 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 Consequently, 6.00 NOV the 08, 2018 group achieved an 10.25 improvement of APR 08, 2019 6.25 net APR 22,operating 2019 9.6 per cent in 8.75 May 21, 2019 income from 8.25 N116.3 billion in AUG 07, 2020 2013 to N127.46.63billion for the DEC 09, 2020 9.25/6MDecember USD LIBOR+7.67731, JUN2014. 24, 2021 year ended 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 8.75 AUG 14, 2021

13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

87.50 5.00 4.55 4.56

27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

5.63 5.72 3.38 3.41

1.00 1.00 1.44 1.00

15.59 15.59 16.12 15.68

92.30 97.77 96.04 98.27

Wema Bank to finalise $100m tier 2 capital in Q2 452.88 431.41

10.00 2.50 its n order to sustain 12.00 18.75 capital base growth, 14.00 0.42 Wema 13.00 Bank Plc 15.00has 5.53 said it14.25 is set to complete a 13.00 20.00 $100 million Tier II capi18.00 0.64 tal raising exercise dur16.00 5.40 18.00 2.54 ing the second quarter of 16.00 0.70 this year. 14.00 35.00 15.75 2.40 Speaking at the bank’s 0.36 ‘Facts18.00 behind the figures’ 16.00 4.50 on the15.25 Nigerian Stock 2.05 Ex16.45 30.50 change (NSE) yesterday , 11.93 0.10 the Managing Director of 13.25 15.44 the bank, Mr. Segun Olo161.83 ketuyi, said that the com157.42 pany was about to finalise tier 2 capital raise 10.20 12.00 of 11.25 12.95 $100 million to increase 24.95 its capital position. 21.45 Oloketuyi added that the Coupon company had moved Outstanding Value (%) ($mm) from negative capital position of N45 billion in 500.00 2009 to6.75sufficient capital of N44 billion in share5.13 500.00 holders’ funds in 2014. He 6.38said the 500.00 bank would continue to1,500.00 imple1,538.77in ment its project LEAP growing low cost funding, efficiency, alterna11.50 450.00 7.50 500.00 tive platforms and per7.25 350.00 formance. 6.88 300.00 Explaining further on 6.00 400.00 the medium term pro10.25 300.00 6.25 Oloketuyi 500.00 jections, said 8.75 200.00 the bank would improve 8.25 300.00 growth 6.63in retail deposits 360.00 9.25 400.00 to keep cost of funds low

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

11-Feb-13 10-Jul-14

Issue Date

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

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

8.00

450.00

8.75

250.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

31-Aug-15 4.44 18.79 other 97.67 On the hand, ers closed at 17.0.38 30-Sep-15 0.47 3.23 17.61 97.99 CCNN Plc led the price Wema Bank Plc led 30-Jun-16 0.74 4.46 19.10 96.62 table, dropping the gainers’ table 30-Jun-16 0.74 with a 3.48 losers’ 18.12 98.21 19-Apr-17 2.02cent to 1.00 5.11 per15.64 90.56 gain of 5.26 per cent each to close 30-Jun-17 1.28 1.00 15.79 97.71 close at N1.00 per share at N11.14 per share. 31-Dec-17 2.72 1.79 16.45 94.74Nes30-Sep-18 16.44 Plc followed 95.93 while Guinness2.10Nigeria 1.80 tle Nigeria 04-Oct-18 2.11 15.64 97.20 Plc followed with a gain 1.00 with five per cent to close 09-Dec-18 2.09 1.00 15.64 98.06 of12-Dec-18 five per cent2.09to close 4.78 at N991.85 while 19.42per share 91.39 2.28 15.64 99.68 at14-Feb-19 N147.00 and Beta Glass 1.00 Berger Paints Plc followed 02-Oct-19 2.72 1.00 15.66 99.64 Plc added 4.98 per 22-Nov-19 4.61 cent to 1.00 with a loss 15.68 of 4.95 per 96.18cent 12-Dec-19 2.68 1.00 15.65 98.12 close at N27.41 per share. to close at N9.02 per share. 10-Oct-20 3.23 1.00 15.68 97.79

17-Aug-15 0.35mobile 1.00Exchange, 15.34 the bank 98.22 reand leverage on 09-Dec-15 0.41 1.00 98.69 solutions and technology ported a15.36 profit after tax 06-Jan-16 0.49 2.63 17.01 98.64 as 29-Sep-16 its competitive billion, up96.56 48 per 1.46 edge. 1.00of N2.3715.72 25-Oct-16 16.03 N1.59 billion 97.64 He said that 1.53 the bank 1.34cent from 30-Sep-17 2.47 1.00 15.65 94.74 aimed to drive better opduring the comparable 30-Nov-17 1.49 1.88 16.58 102.49 erating margins, achieve year of 2013. 09-Apr-18 1.74 1.00 15.67 100.49 09-Sep-18 15.65 103.58 improved ROEs 1.91 and grow 1.00 The bank’s profit be09-Sep-18 1.91 1.00 15.65 100.50 foreign partnerships and fore tax grew to N3.1 22-Sep-18 3.44 1.00 15.68 95.62 18-Oct-18 1.76 2.29billion 16.95 98.33 during the year syndications. 17-Feb-19 2.10 20.75 Oloketuyi noted that 6.11 under review, up 95.71 59 per 01-Apr-19 2.72 2.16 16.82 98.29 the bank may 5.59 not pay 2.76cent from 14-Nov-20 17.36N1.9 billion 92.61 in 30-Dec-21 6.72 there- 1.13December 15.632013. 103.26 dividend until 30-Sep-24 9.47 1.00 15.53 82.42 tained earnings moved 1.00 Speaking on the re30-Sep-24 9.47 15.53 88.88 from negative to positive, sult, Oloketuyi said that adding that very soon the Wema Bank had continbank would reward its ued to record year-onshareholders. in its 11-Feb-18 2.83 1.00year improvement 15.66 87.84 01-Feb-21 4.75 15.67 84.22 performance. He added that the 1.00financial funds raised from the “The bank has imtier 2 market will enable proved significantly on its the bank achieve all this profitability andOffer customMaturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Price as it would have enough er base despite shrinking Prices & Yields capital to work with. margins and intense com28-Jan-21 Also speaking, the 5.48petition. The progress 5.70 105.11 106.19 reChief Financial Officer corded is a result of the 12-Jul-18 5.08 4.75 100.14 101.10 of the bank, Tunde Ma- continued execution of 12-Jul-23 102.50 103.51 growth bawonku, said 5.98 the offer 5.83our three-year would make the bank’s strategy – Project LEAP. capital ratio to top 25 per “Specifically for the cent next year, after the 2014 financial year, the capital exercise129.37bank recorded a growth 01-Feb-16raising 129.37 48.00 48.00 19-May-16 4.53 in profit 101.09 from 18 per cent6.44now. before tax103.12 of 58.8 25-Jul-17 Wema Bank 11.32 had post-11.32per cent92.00 from N1.992.00 billion 02-May-18 12.07 87.01 90.85 ed08-Nov-18 a 48 per cent growth 10.44 in 2013 to N3.09 billion in 7.60 6.96 95.07 97.01 in 08-Apr-19 net earnings the same 43.63 capital 39.67during 39.672014 on43.63 7.19 ended 7.19 base, an 96.75indication 96.75 of the22-Apr-19 financial year 21-May-19 13.52 12.97 85.34 86.89 December 31, 2014. improved efficiency and 07-Aug-20 13.47 13.47 80.00 80.00 According to a notice better utilisation of re09-Dec-20 26.11 26.11 44.00 44.00 12.27 Stock 11.70sources. 87.13 89.38 to 24-Jun-21 the Nigerian 23-Jul-21

10.12

89.50

14-Aug-21

11.30

10.88

87.88

89.63

13-Apr-15

4,760.00 3,839.36

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills^ FIXINGS Money Market Exchange (Spot Forwards)the 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 orForeign up to date. We do not &guarantee DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR 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. 10 23-Apr-15 13.82 13.57 13.87 17 30-Apr-15 13.33 24 7-May-15 10.73 31 14-May-15 12.67 FGN Bonds 38 21-May-15 13.40 52 4-Jun-15 13.48 59 11-Jun-15 13.60 Issuer Description Rating/Agency 73 25-Jun-15 13.74 80 2-Jul-15 13.61 4.00 23-APR-2015 87 9-Jul-15 11.56 94 16-Jul-15 13.63 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 101 23-Jul-15 12.46 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 108 30-Jul-15 13.52 9.85 27-JUL-2017 115 6-Aug-15 13.81 9.35 31-AUG-2017 122 13-Aug-15 13.93 136 27-Aug-15 13.93 10.70 30-MAY-2018 143 3-Sep-15 13.75 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 150 10-Sep-15 13.79 7.00 23-OCT-2019 164 24-Sep-15 13.96 NA NA 15.54 13-FEB-2020 171 1-Oct-15 14.02 185 15-Oct-15 13.42 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 234 3-Dec-15 13.24 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 248 17-Dec-15 13.64 15.00 28-NOV-2028 269 7-Jan-16 13.62 12.49 22-MAY-2029 283 21-Jan-16 13.70 297 4-Feb-16 13.70 8.50 20-NOV-2029 311 18-Feb-16 13.64 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 325 3-Mar-16 13.75 ^12.1493 12.97 18-JUL-2034 339 17-Mar-16 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 346 24-Mar-16 13.56 360 7-Apr-16 13.42 TOTAL MARKETbonds, CAPITALISATION *for the Amortising the average life is calculated and not the duration

13.08 10.48 12.42 13.15 13.23 13.35 Issue Date 13.49 13.36 23-Apr-10 11.31 13.38 16-Aug-13 12.21 27-Apr-12 13.27 27-Jul-07 13.56 31-Aug-07 13.68 13.68 30-May-08 13.50 29-Jun-12 13.54 23-Oct-09 13.71 13-Feb-15 13.77 13.17 27-Jan-12 12.99 14-Mar-14 13.39 28-Nov-08 13.37 22-May-09 13.45 13.45 20-Nov-09 13.39 23-Jul-10 13.50 18-Jul-14 12.72 13.31 13.17

13.41 10.81 12.81 13.59 13.75 13.90 Coupon (%) 14.13 14.03 4.00 11.88 14.13 13.05 12.90 15.10 14.09 9.85 14.44 9.35 14.61 14.69 10.70 14.53 16.00 14.61 7.00 14.89 15.54 15.01 14.39 16.39 14.46 14.20 15.04 15.00 15.14 12.49 15.33 15.42 8.50 15.43 10.00 15.67 12.1493 14.75 15.55 15.47

Bonds

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Rate (%) 66.7917 15.9847 16.9884 18.0339

78.33

Tenor

O/N

80.17

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M Offer3M Yield 6M 7.36 1Y

REPO

Tenor Call

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs) 1M 3M 0.03 6M

NITTY

535.00 23-Apr-15 Tenor Rate (%) 581.39 16-Aug-16 1M 12.4623 476.80 27-Apr-17 2M 13.7865 20.00 27-Jul-17 3M 14.0580 100.00 31-Aug-17 6M 14.7757 9M 15.1953 300.00 30-May-18 12M 15.4188 351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 54.00 13-Feb-20 NIFEX 600.00 27-Jan-22 Current Price ($/N) 499.68 14-Mar-24 BID($/N) 199.0125 75.00 28-Nov-28 OFFER ($/N) 199.1125 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 254.50 18-Jul-34

OBB

Rate (%) 61.00

Bid62.00 Yield (%) 63.00 12.74 64.00

Bid ($/N)

(%)

1.34 14.72 14.59 2.04 14.64 14.55 2.29 14.64 14.56 :Benchmarks 2.38Bond 14.64 14.56 * :Amortising µ :Convertible Bond 3.13 14.67 14.54 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.21 Management Corporation 14.71 14.61 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 4.53 14.69 14.58 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 4.84 Finance Corporation 14.66 14.58 IFC: International LCRM: Local Management 6.79Contractors Receivables 14.55 14.48 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling 8.92 14.47 Company14.41 O/N: Overnight 13.63 15.96 Company 15.91 UPDC: UAC Property Development 14.11Africa Portland16.18 16.11 WAPCO:West Cement Company 14.61 16.42 16.33 15.28 15.35 15.28 19.26 15.27 15.21 NOTE:

199.05 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 Bid Price 205.60 206.28 99.75 220.29

Offer ($/N)

Price

199.15 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31Price Offer 207.21 213.47 99.90 226.27

97.98 98.13 100.77 100.92 90.91 91.06 NA :Not Applicable 89.64 89.79 ^ : Market Prices # : Floating Rate Bond 90.27 90.57 ***: Deferred 103.89coupon bonds 104.19 75.20 75.50 ‡ : Bond rating under review †: Bond102.91 rating expired 103.21 N/A :Not107.71 Available 108.01 {r} :Issuer in receivership98.91 98.61 94.66 94.96 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 79.70Bank for Africa 80.00 UBA: United 56.57 56.87 68.75 69.05 80.71 81.01

5,023.13 4,626.18

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

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 1,415.07 1,409.48

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

0.00/16.50 44.69 0.00/16.50

3<5

1,139.01

1,099.68

32.78

35.97

612.12

846.07

25.22

19.33

322.380.33

3,166.20

3,355.23

100.00

Modified Duration Buckets

***LCRM

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Issue Date

24.56 2.40 Bucket 112.22 Weighting 116.70 66.49 0.42

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Description

Market

24-May-12 03-Apr-12 Weighting by 09-Dec-11 Outstanding Vol 20-Apr-12 42.01 06-Jul-12

0.00 17.25

Weighting by Mkt 0.00/16.00 Value

0.25

318.611.00

Maturity Date

24-May-15 03-Apr-17

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Indicative Price

19-Apr-17 19.89 06-Jul-17

0.11 1.10 Implied1.66 Yield 2.02 14.69 2.23

104.3683 2.85

15.98 17.14 16.68 INDEX 15.64 1,169.34 17.49

38.70

14.51

105.0531

1,048.23

3.5216

41.41

15.32

76.2843

1,072.18

6.4712

100.00

14.88

97.5110

1,101.87

4.4241

% Exposure_ 08-Dec-16 Mod_Duration

2.63 2.27

Valuation Yield (%)

Implied 2.00 Portfolio Price

1.00

98.17 100.17

YTD Return 98.98 (%)

101.19 5.5503 94.63

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

KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER

31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11

12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00

8.50 2.16 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 30.81 9.00

31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18

0.38 0.47 0.74 0.74 2.02 1.28 2.72 2.10 2.11

4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00

18.79 17.61 19.10 18.12 15.64 15.79 16.45 16.44 15.64

97.67 97.99 96.62 98.21 90.56 97.71 94.74 95.93 97.20

Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015

Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029

Business | Capital Market

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029

Daily Summary (Bonds)

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at April 13, 2015 Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY ICT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

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

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 7 20 20 47

Current Price 0.50 26.01 26.70

Quantity Traded 933,600 71,498 110,051 1,115,149

Value Traded 466,800.00 1,947,776.40 2,886,964.52 5,301,540.92

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 2.27

Quantity Traded 70,700 70,700

Value Traded 163,586.00 163,586.00

1,185,849

5,465,126.92

Quantity Traded 133,962 20 30,933,774 6,707,314 37,775,070

Value Traded 190,226.04 84.40 99,868,147.60 254,904,356.91 354,962,814.95

37,775,070

354,962,814.95

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL Printed 13/04/2015 U A C 14:52:29.029 N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals

54 Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 4 1 295 97 397

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 1.42 4.44 3.17 38.01

397

Page

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029 Electronic and Electrical Products

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.98

Quantity Traded 221,552 221,552

Value Traded 217,120.96 217,120.96

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 51.00

Quantity Traded 25,235 25,235

Value Traded 1,341,990.00 1,341,990.00

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 11.05

Quantity Traded 297,350 297,350

Value Traded 3,375,756.20 3,375,756.20

544,137

4,934,867.16

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

44 Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

No. of Deals 15 18 10 132 175

Current Price 7.70 147.00 19.65 169.99

Quantity Traded 111,727 50,058 29,505 891,492 1,082,782

Value Traded 865,369.44 7,338,036.45 601,315.10 150,089,015.57 158,893,736.56

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 162.00

Quantity Traded 13,803 13,803

Value Traded 2,237,376.98 2,237,376.98

CONSUMER GOODS Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029 Products Personal/Household

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

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

Page

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Daily Summary of 13/04/2015 OtherasFinancial Institutions Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029 AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC

CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Activity Summary onHOLDINGS Board EQTY STANBIC IBTC PLC

FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Other Financial Institutions UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Current Price 4.90 7.30 33.02 3.21 5.35 8.60 18.05

Quantity Traded 163,537 1,598,969 7,900,209 2,918,209 2,500 2,367,632 1,565 14,952,621

Value Traded 840,156.18 11,705,902.83 262,676,097.59 9,350,490.52 12,725.00 20,312,161.17 28,248.25 304,925,781.54

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 29 75 104

Current Price 41.52 991.85

Quantity Traded 100,363 221,917 322,280

Value Traded 4,217,484.56 220,254,821.64 224,472,306.20

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 39 3 42

Current Price 4.20 0.85

Quantity Traded 2,322,739 20,968 2,343,707

Value Traded 9,578,662.36 18,661.52 9,597,323.88

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 23 27 50

Current Price 27.20 41.62

Quantity Traded 87,753 105,849 193,602

Value Traded 2,411,582.45 4,311,673.35 6,723,255.80

18,908,795

706,849,780.96

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN WEMABANK Daily Summary ZENITHBANK

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

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

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

OANDO PLC Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 Integrated14:52:29.029 Oil and Gas Services Totals Printed 13/04/2015 12

OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 Courier/Freight/Delivery Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE INTENEGINS LASACO MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE SOVRENINS WAPIC

No. of Deals 30 16 4 1 1 1 20 2 3 1 40 119

Current Price 1.03 0.88 0.51 0.50 3.05 0.50 0.70 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53

Quantity Traded 3,243,313 1,155,000 9,348 300 205 1,000 1,707,402 80,000 178,000 600 Page 1,070,305

Value Traded 3,278,631.18 1,000,750.00 4,692.38 150.00 631.40 500.00 1,157,965.52 40,000.00 89,000.00 300.00 4 572,502.35 of 12

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 578,200 578,200

Value Traded 580,047.52 580,047.52

No. of Deals 54 10 1 638 (Equities) 156 6 33

Current Price 2.83 4.01 0.67 9.50 3.73 0.55 30.00

Quantity Traded 2,738,058 235,367 7,500 42,086,706 12,623,783 76,710 41,811,526

Value Traded 7,701,859.94 943,421.67 4,800.00 400,122,389.45 46,267,713.40 42,184.06 1,254,374,893.79

No. of Deals 117 1,015

Current Price 1.52

Quantity Traded 22,945,026 122,524,676

Value Traded 34,671,682.62 1,744,128,944.93

263,025,005

2,961,009,107.95

Quantity Traded 310,489 2,739,746 167,653 254,962 64,509 12,957 3,550,316

Value Traded 617,873.11 9,298,792.64 9,259,377.07 461,350.94 59,299.01 28,894.11 19,725,586.88

3,550,316

19,725,586.88

2,715 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 10 62 27 21 11 6 137

Current Price 1.99 3.40 56.26 1.82 0.87 2.13

137

Page

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 80,000 80,000

Value Traded 40,000.00 40,000.00

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.00

Quantity Traded 65 65

Value Traded 247.00 247.00

Page

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

303,341.50

Current Price 2.72 19.32 9.02 35.66 11.14 180.00 0.83 3.50 93.02

Quantity Traded 10,000 60,265 232,100 14,875 481,110 706,898 10,000 75,188 2,541,455 4,131,891

Value Traded 25,900.00 1,207,259.02 2,105,035.00 547,760.90 5,407,205.00 127,458,771.11 8,402.00 259,748.00 235,634,830.09 372,654,911.12

Symbol CUTIX NIWICABLE

No. of Deals 7 1 8

Current Price 1.51 0.50

Quantity Traded 144,999 5 145,004

Value Traded 224,305.81 2.50 224,308.31

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 5 6

Current Price 1.59 27.41

Page Quantity Traded 20 53,200 53,220

7 of 12 Value Traded 30.40 1,457,438.00 1,457,468.40

Daily Summary (Equities)

196 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 3 3

SERVICES Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC Hospitality Totals

Current Price 5.21

4,330,115

374,336,687.83

Quantity Traded 35,000 35,000

Value Traded 182,091.34 182,091.34

35,000

182,091.34

3 Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 33,800 33,800

Value Traded 16,900.00 16,900.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 420 420

Current Price 16.95

Quantity Traded 11,320,748 11,320,748

Value Traded 192,623,203.59 192,623,203.59

Symbol No. of Deals CONOIL 19 Daily Summary (Equities) 22 ETERNA FO 38

Current Price 39.50 3.12 207.50

Quantity Traded 63,114 416,127 42,168

Value Traded 2,472,060.57 1,271,520.29 8,345,655.21

Page

No. of Deals 12 6 22 119

Current Price 162.93 50.54 180.00

Quantity Traded 21,376 5,108 35,635 583,528

Value Traded 3,446,226.04 245,286.16 6,365,758.02 22,146,506.29

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 388.50

Quantity Traded 5,597 5,597

Value Traded 2,090,354.35 2,090,354.35

11,943,673

216,876,964.23

551 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.77

Quantity Traded 89,245 89,245

Value Traded 69,386.51 69,386.51

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 3 1 4

Current Price 3.60 1.23

Quantity Traded 46,600 1,700 48,300

Value Traded 176,148.00 2,193.00 178,341.00

Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 22,500 22,500

Value Traded 11,250.00 11,250.00

CILEASING

2 2

Page

Symbol TANTALIZER

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

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

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 4 1 5

Current Price 4.85 9.63

Quantity Traded 87,900 6,000 93,900

Value Traded 413,685.00 54,900.00 468,585.00

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

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 3 13 5 21

Current Price 1.06 1.50 4.47

Quantity Traded 4,800 207,545 50,400 262,745

Value Traded 5,262.55 313,120.58 215,550.00 533,933.13

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.57

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,100.00 1,100.00

Transport-Related Services

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 26 25 51

Current Price 2.00 6.42

Quantity Traded 1,023,689 761,940 1,785,629

Value Traded 2,099,663.29 4,850,514.50 6,950,177.79

Symbol

No. of Deals 17

Current Price 2.91

Quantity Traded 469,192

Value Traded 1,365,775.05

AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029 Transport-Related Services Totals

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC

Daily Summary (Equities) CAVERTON

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES Support and Logistics Support and Logistics Totals

Page Symbol

No. of Deals 17

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Symbol MOBIL MRS TOTAL

6,145,122.83

606,254

No. of Deals 4 25 12 7 32 45 2 9 46 182

OIL AND GAS Totals

Value Traded 192,054,708.59 26,587,771.68 4,656,462.40 53,859,430.74 366,850,523.18 32,213,821.63 10,596,811.20 108,775,429.55 4,871,319.75 1,827,041.76 407,861,672.19 1,210,154,992.67

Symbol UBCAP

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC.

Quantity Traded 29,100,511 5,872,013 234,068 25,505,641 12,884,134 12,265,479 4,626,684 22,363,194 448,936 1,845,556 17,330,440 132,476,656

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS DEAPCAP FBNH Daily Summary FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC

Value Traded 263,094.50 263,094.50

Symbol AFRPAINTS ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Current Price 6.60 4.60 20.00 2.12 28.64 2.60 2.30 4.90 10.95 1.00 23.90

7,445,473

Quantity Traded 526,189 526,189

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

No. of Deals 141 64 26 192 280 109 32 412 45 24 (Equities) 242 1,567

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

739

Page

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

No. of Deals 32 72 140 21 1 86 2 354

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MANDRID NASCON NNFM

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 SKYE14:52:29.029 BANK PLC Printed 13/04/2015 STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

CUTIX PLC. NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Current Price 0.50

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 4 4

ICT Totals

Packaging/Containers

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Symbol CHAMS

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Quantity Traded 469,192

Value Traded 1,365,775.05

111

2,775,511

9,579,548.48

4,954

344,679,725

4,654,225,918.20

Quantity Traded 600 600

Value Traded 972.00 972.00

600

972.00

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 2 2

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

Current Price 1.55

ASeM Board Totals

600

972.00

Equity Activity Totals

4,956

344,680,325

4,654,226,890.20

Daily Summary as of 13/04/2015 Printed 13/04/2015 14:52:29.029

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 6 8

Current Price 10.79 2,305.00 16.15

Quantity Traded Page 10 24 252,000 252,034

Value Traded 11 of 12 107.90 55,320.00 4,067,760.00 4,123,187.90

ETF Board Totals

252,034

4,123,187.90

ETP Activity Totals

252,034

4,123,187.90

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Features At the mercy of housemaids Kidnappers, in the garb of maids, are catching in on the lacuna created by parents’ urge to make money, to steal children for different reasons, including ransom, writes JULIANA FRANCIS

“W

e have never known what it means to miss a child until now. What kind of a heartless person will do this to a family? “Please help us; our hearts are broken. We have cried and cried so much we don’t know what to do anymore.” These were the agonising words of Mr and Mrs Leke Orekoya whose three children were abducted by a housemaid, identified as Mary Akinloye, a day after she was employed. Certainly, these are not the best of times for career mothers and fathers, who depend on housemaids to mind their kids and homes for them. In Nigeria, housemaids are synonymous with nannies. Housemaids are not just expected to mind the home, cook, do laundry, they are also expected to mind the kids, including taking them to school and picking them after school hours. Getting a good housemaid to employ these days has become as difficult as selling ice to the Eskimo. Even with the gross unemployment problem in Nigeria, people no longer fancy housemaid jobs. However, those who want the job always seem to have ulterior, sinister motives; they either want to rob or kidnap their employers’ kids. It has, however, become frightening as available record shows that abduction of masters’ kids by housemaids is steadily on the increase. Career parents are today faced with the herculean decision and choice of leaving their job to stay at home and watch over their kids. The dire economic situation in Nigeria, coupled with the determination of loving parents to give their kids the best out of life, often make both parents to work. They leave home in the morning and return at night, forcing the housemaids to become surrogate parents to the kids. There are also several cases of single mothers, who have to work to pay the bills. Many of them depend on strangers, otherwise dubbed housemaids to help them watch their kids and homes. The most recent incident of a maid disappearing with her masters’ kids is the abduction of three brothers by Akinloye. The lady had barely spent 24 hours in their home when she struck. The kids are Aderomola, 11-month-old,

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

The Orekoya kids

Aniefiok

Whyte's baby

Adedamola, four years old and Demola six years. They were taken away from their Lawanson Road, Surulere, Lagos residence. The distraught parents, both bankers, identified as Mr. Leke Orekoya and Mrs Adebisi Orekoya, said the 23-year-old Akinloye, said to be an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State, was contracted via OLX, an online sales portal. Adebisi said that they had to seek a maid through OLX after their permanent maid went on annual leave and didn’t come back. “We urgently needed someone to assist because we were going to resume work on Monday. We were disturbed and that was why I posted the information on OLX. “The maid called us and said she was interested. I agreed to employ her in the interim because I really did not like the fact that she was young. She agreed to collect between N10,000 and N15,000 even though our former nanny collected N25,000. “I left her at home this morning (Wednesday) around 7.30am. It was around 1pm that my eldest son called me and said she had taken his siblings away. He said she told him they were going out to buy some things. She strapped the 11 months on her back and held the others by the hand. She has since not returned,” Adebisi was quoted as saying.

In the course of trying to employ her, the couple collected Akinloye’s relatives’ contact. The couple spoke with them on the telephone. Since the lady’s disappearance, however, the supposed relatives’ phones had been switched off. In December 2014, a housemaid, Juliet, abducted her masters’ two kids at Gateway Crescent, Magodo, Isheri area of Lagos State. Juliet, 24, disappeared with Rafael three and 15-month-old Michael. The boys were said to be nephews of a Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw. The kids’ mother, Mrs Onajite Esharegharan, and her husband, Elvis, went for a shopping on the fateful day in celebration of the latter’s birthday. It was learnt that the couple had instructed Juliet, who claimed she hails from Osun State, to lull the kids to sleep before they left home. It was when the couple came back home that the household discovered that the housemaid had bolted with the children. Just like in the case of Akinloye, the Esharegharans had secured the services of Juliet through OLX, where a visitor, identified simply as Omolade, advertised. “After we came back from the church, the children looked tired and I told Juliet to take Michael to bed while I went to do my hair. He had

not slept when I came back. That day (Sunday) was my husband’s birthday and we decided to have a couple’s outing. We told her to take the children to bed immediately because they were very tired. “We got back home at 9pm. It was Abigail, the nurse, who opened the door for us. When we entered, everywhere was quiet and that was when my husband became suspicious because usually, our children would have rushed down from upstairs to say welcome,” Onajite recalled. Again just like Akinloye’s relatives, Omolade’s phone suddenly became switched off. The Esharegharans were, however, lucky. Apparently due to the intensity and searchlight beamed on the missing kids via security agencies, concerned Nigerians and the social media, the scared kidnappers, abandoned Michael and Rafael at a safe distance from Shagamu Police Station. In January 2015, another horrifying story came from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This time it was from the home of a pastor and his wife. They were devastated following the abduction of their little girl by their housemaid and security guard. The story, which took over the social media at the time, said that the little girl belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Sepribo Whyte. The little girl’s name was not given. The husband and wife are members of Christ Chapel International Church, D/Line, Port Harcourt. The story, on Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko’s timeline, states: “The daughter was kidnapped by their house girl and gateman. They ran away with the couple’s daughter in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Please pray for her and share this picture and be on the lookout.” The picture of the little girl was also shared on Maureen Uduak John’s timeline on January 15. Some Facebook friends sympathised and reacted angrily on the abduction. Over 400 people shared her picture from John’s timeline. There are other several known and unknown cases. There are also maids who under the guise of working in homes of unsuspecting people organise robbery of their masters’ homes. It was reported on April 9 that a maid, Esther Aniefiok, 23, stole valuables estimated at N4 million belonging to her boss, identified simply as Mrs Abiola. Abiola, residing at Ifako, Lagos, said she employed Aniefiok on March 30 through an agent, Anthony Akpan, and she agreed to pay her N18,000 per month. She said the suspect was wellbehaved and never showed any evil trait, until she broke into her room on April 6. Aniefiok was alleged to have made away with gold jewellery, including C O N T I N U E D on PA G E 4 6

FEATURES

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Housemaids from hell C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 5

a wedding band and engagement ring, wristwatches, shoes, clothing items, a phone and about N100,000 cash. Mr Afam Nriezedi, arrested in February 2015 for kidnapping and hacking into bank accounts by the police, credited his exploits to housemaids and houseboys. He said: “Most times, to get victims’ cheques to use in moving money from accounts, we use people in victims’ homes. The cheques are from houseboys, housemaids and drivers. It is mostly from people who work in the victim’s home. “There are several men who used to go and bring girls to Lagos for housemaids. The girls are not really housemaids. The men brought them to monitor the home. These girls and boys are the ones who will bring the cheques as directed. “They appeared to be working for their madam or boss, but they are working for the people who brought them from the villages and planted them in those homes.” Security experts insisted that it was likely that Akinloye was also Juliet, since their modus of operandi was the same. Others said that these deadly and desperate ladies belong to syndicate interested in trafficking kids, to rich folks desperate for the fruit of the womb, now resorting to adoption. They could also be hunting for kids for ritual purposes, but mostly for ransom. The security experts said that security agents should begin to actively investigate OLX. The incident in Uganda, which left the world gasping in shock, showed that kids in the hands of maids are endangered species. In footage on the social medial, a two-year-old girl is tortured by a maid identified as Jolly Tumuhiirwe, 22. The video reveals a breath-taking story where Tumuhiirwe is trying to feed the baby, Arnella Kamanzi. The sick baby exhibits difficulty in coping with the rough and speedy rate at which Tumuhiirwe feeds her. The baby could not contain the stuffed food down her throat. She ows up. This invited Tumuhiirwe’s wrath. She landed a hot slap on the kid before throwing her off the sofa, her face hitting the floor. She remained there for a few seconds before Tumuhiirwe followed with kicks and stomping. A court later jailed Tumuhiirwe for torturing the baby girl. There is no doubt that maids are now necessary evil. How do parents ensure security of their kids and homes? According to Dr Ernest Ugiagbe of the Sociology and Anthropology Department of Edo State University, who earlier spoke with New Telegraph, when it comes to hiring domestic helps, the masters, mostly the madams, should be ‘extremely nice’ to the nannies.

Arnella Kamanzi with her parents

Tumuhiirwe

Ugiagbe said they should use the psychological approach in selecting and dealing with their domestic helps. He added: “Most importantly, they should be prayerful and watchful as well.” The Department of State Security (DSS), Lagos State Command, in conjunction with the Lagos State Security Council, in a document made available to New Telegraph, urged members of the public to take security measures into cognizance when hiring domestic helps. Steps to take in hiring house helps are; always sensitise members of your family on security tips gained through security awareness, sensitise family members on emerging threats against human health as well as new crime trends, endeavour to vet and re-vet domestic staff through the service of DSS. People who intend to employ maids are urged to write to the

Ekhomu

Most times, to get victims’ cheques to use in moving money from accounts, we use people in victims’ homes

director of DSS on their intention. According to the statement, the DSS will run a security check that could last a week, depending on the data supplied by the intended worker and boss. Also speaking on the issue, a security expert, Dr Ona Ekhomu, said it was a totally imprudent act for someone to hire helpers or workers and entrust children to them without having good knowledge of who those people were. According to him, before a person entrusts his/her children to another person, there is need to conduct a background check. He said: “You don’t need to call anybody to do that for you, you can do it yourself. When somebody comes to work in your home or look after your children, it must be well documented. That is to know people who know them, so that if

something goes wrong, you can hold those people responsible. “You must have their photographs, you must document them properly, their names, addresses, villages, parents and siblings - you must write these things down. “Normally, in my office, we have employment form. But in this case you don’t need a form; you just write them down in a piece of paper and also take them to the police station and take fingerprints. If they complain, tell them that it is your screening procedure. According to Ekhomu, who is the president of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), children are the most important assets so they should not be entrusted into the care of a total stranger. He said: “Your important assets are your children, not your houses or cars. You know your children are your future; they are the only things that make you not to be forgotten in life. “They (maids) know you don’t know their details or anything about them so they do away with anything they want. We know we live in a modern society; everyone wants to be an island unto himself. But we should also know that crime is a product of opportunity and crime happens because people have the opportunity. So you have to beg your neighbour, ‘please can you keep checking my children and if anything happens, please call me.’ “You have to sometimes surrender that authority because of the situation we find ourselves. In the modern world now, wife is working, husband is working and children are alone, someone has to take care of these children.”

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, april 14, 2015

peace, atlast Governor, Deputy reconcile, urge supporters to be calm, law abiding Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

bonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi and his Deputy, Dave Umahi, yesterday reconciled their political differences, paving the way for peace to reign in the state. Elechi and Umahi, the governor-elect, have been at loggerheads for

News 47

south - east

Elechi, Umahi reconcile six months over who succeeds the governor on May 29 and have been avoiding each other since November last year during the governorship primaries which saw Umahi emerging victorious as the PDP standard bearer while Elechi moved his structure to the Labour Party (LP). But history was made yesterday when Elechi and Umahi resolved their differences and urged their supporters to remain calm and law abiding. Umahi was led to El-

echi’s office at the Government House by the Commissioner of Police, Dikko Maigari, former Governor Sam Egwu and the Senator-elect of Ebonyi North, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Others at the meeting were Chief Elias Mbam, former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, Ambassador Frank

Ogbuewu and Senator Igwe Ajah-Nwachukwu, among other political bigwigs in the state. The LP governorship candidate in the election, Chief Edward Nkwegu, was with Governor Elechi in his office before the arrival of Umahi and his team. Speaking on the occasion, Elechi urged Umahi not to allow external forces destroy the existing

peace in the state. He acknowledged that he had agreement with his deputy to succeed him, saying; “I started the gospel of power shift to the south after my tenure after you served to my satisfaction as party chairman, I invited you to be my running mate in 2011, promising that if things worked well, I will support you to succeed me.” He promised to sup-

port the governor-elect succeed much better than him, adding that he will congratulate him later when he shall have proved his critics wrong. Responding, Umahi promised an all-inclusive administration, adding that he will always consult stakeholders in anything he does. The governor-elect said: “The truth is that there was so much desperation and it was a challenge that we had as a family and a section broke away with each trying to prove a point.”

Cleric urges Buhari to tackle corruption, insurgency Eche Nwaobasi Nnewi

he Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godwin Okpala, has urged the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to first tackle corruption and insurgency and ensure that there is peace when he assumes office. Giving this advice to Buhari while chatting with newsmen during the dedication of St. Andrews Anglican Church,

Awor Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government held yesterday, the cleric admonished the new president-elect to promote national unity, rule with the fear of God, avoid religious or tribal sentiments and adhere strictly to his manifesto, which centred on change. Stressing that Nigeria needs a change in almost all aspects of her national life, the cleric also urged Buhari to look in the direction of youths’ unemployment, education, the economy, among others.

Ugwuanyi tasked to focus on people Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

ndigenes of Enugu State resident in Houston, Texas, United States, under the auspices of Enugu Remains United, Patriotic, Transparent (ERUPT) yesterday congratulated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship election in the state, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his victory,

urging him to make people-centred consideration, his guide in governance. Also yesterday, Hon. K. G. B. Oguakwa, the governorship candidate of the opposition People for Progressive Change (PPC), formally conceded victory to Ugwuanyi after coming fourth in the contest. He called on other candidates who lost in the race to join hands with the governor-elect to advance the welfare of the people of the state.

Akiolu chided over comments on Ndigbo Eche Nwaobasi Nnewi

former boss of Police Service Commission (PSC) and an Igbo elder statesman, Chief Simon Okeke, has slammed the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, over his recent statements against Ndigbo residing in Lagos State, saying that it is unfortunate that a man so highly placed should make such a reckless statement. Making this condemnation while addressing a crowded press

conference in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government in Anambra State, Okeke, who expressed anger over the monarch’s unguided statement, noted that such statements is a reminder of the civil war days, when Igbo property and money in banks were seized and the then Minister of Finance, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, came up with a policy that all Igbo money in banks will be forfeited and £20 given to them each no matter the amount in their accounts.

Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime (middle), with the Governor-elect, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Deputy Governor-elect, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Deputy Governor, Rev. Ifeanyi Nwoye, Special Assistant to the President on NEPAD, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and other dignitaries, during a victory party held for Ugwuanyi in Enugu …at the weekend

APGA, APC bicker over House of Assembly poll Tony Okafor Awka

he All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State yesterday engaged themselves in war of words over the April 11 House of Assembly election in the state. While the APC alleged that the ruling party, APGA, rigged the election, the latter main-

tained that it won the poll massively because of its popularity, based on its performance. The Chairman of APGA, Mike Kwentor, who spoke with New Telegraph on telephone, said the APC had no structure to win elections in the state. He asked; “In the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, how many votes did the APC

LP candidate concedes defeat, congratulates Umahi Uchenna Inya Abakaliki

bonyi State Labour Party governorship candidate, Chief Edward Nkwegu, yesterday congratulated the Governorelect, Chief Dave Umahi, over his victory at the poll. He said he decided to accept the outcome of the election in the interest of peace and oneness of the state. Nkwegu spoke at the Government House, Abakaliki, during a peace meeting attended by po-

litical stakeholders in the state, including Governor Martin Elechi, his Deputy and Governor-elect, Dave Umahi. He said the state was bigger than anyone and that there was the need to continue to live in harmony and brotherliness. He called on the supporters to be calm and accept the results of the election. In his remark, Umahi promised to run an allinclusive government. He said he had called his rivals on telephone to join him in building a united Ebonyi State.

garner to make them say they were rigged out of the April11 poll? APGA won 26 out of the 30 House of Assembly seats declared by INEC on Sunday, while results of four constituencies were cancelled and election in the affected areas rescheduled for April 18. But in a press briefing in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the APC Chairman, Emeka Ibeh, told reporters that there

was no collation of results in any ward in the state, but according to him, “there were declaration of results.” He called on INEC to cancel all the purported elections conducted in the state and conduct a fresh poll. Ibeh was flanked on the occasion by four state House of Assembly lawmakers, who contested on the platform of the APC, but were not returned in the polls.

Council chairmen tackle APC over calls for polls’ cancellation Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

he call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State for the cancellation of last Saturday’s governorship election won by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, yesterday continued to generate reactions in the state. The chairmen of the 17 local government areas yesterday tackled the opposition party, saying its leaders were only pretending not to know that

their party could not have won in Enugu. PDP candidates in the governorship and state assembly elections virtually swept the polls across the state in line with the boast of the PDP leadership, which taunted its APC counterparts before the election that the opposition party should be ready to concede an imminent defeat. Chairman of the group, Cornelius Nnaji, in the statement, described “the allegation by Ezea as baseless, false, misleading and a calculated attempt to discredit the integrity of the PDP."

News

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

PDP sweeps Assembly polls in C’River Clement James Calabar

esults of the State House of Assembly elections conducted on Saturday in Cross River have showed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in the entire 23 state constituencies so far released by the INEC. Election in two other places, Yakurr 11 and

Biase state constituencies were, however, postponed till Saturday April 18, due to either crisis or malpractices in the areas. In Abi Local Government Area where the governor hails from, Lebo Gaul of the PDP won with 17,050 votes while Glory Mathew Samuel (PDP) won in Akamkpa 1 constituency with 8,387 votes. Other winners included ; Ekpe Charles Okom (PDP- Akamkpa 11);

Ekpo Ekpo Bassey (PDPBakassi); Itam Virgina Abang (PDP-Boki 1 state constituency) and Hilary Ekpang Bisong (PDPBoki 11). Other emerging candidates also included; Idagu Ajor Agaj (PDPBekwarra); Efa Nyong Esua (PDP-Calabar Municipality); Okon Edem Ephraim (PDP-Calabar South 1) and Joseph Achibong Bassey (PDPCalabar South 11).

Christian Achor Agbor of the PDP won in Etung, Federick Okpa Osim of the PDP won in Ikom 1 state constituency while Egbong Simon Nkoro secured victory in Ikom 11 state constituency. In Obanliku Local Government Area, Moses Ucheche Ushie of the PDP emerged winner, Okpechi Friday Gabriel, also of the PDP, emerged in Obubra 1, while Dr. Elucate Okora Ekom, came

top in Obubra 2 state constituency. In Odukpani, Akiba Bassey Ekpenyong of the PDP emerged winner. In Ogoja, Peter Agbe Odey of the PDP emerged winner. In Yakurr 1 state constituency, Nelson Eyong Ofem of the PDP secured vitory, while Yala 1 and 2 produced Regina Leonard Anyogo and Lukpata Ogana Nicholas, both of the PDP as winners respectively.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (in a motorcade), during a 10-km road show around the major streets of Benin on the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Assembly election …yesterday

Fresh row over Rivers elections lWild jubilation greets Wike’s election Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Rivers State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday renewed their war of words that characterized the build-up to last Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections, trading blames and accusations on the outcome of the elections. The APC described the governorship and House

of Assembly elections in the State “as a sham and a tragedy,” alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aided the release of fake results, because elections did not take place in the state. The party, through its chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, also urged INEC to cancel the elections and announce a date for another election, stating that the PDP unleashed attack on APC members across the state. But the PDP, through its Chairman, Brother Felix

Obuah, blamed the APC for unleashing violence against the electorate, just as he alleged that Governor Rotimi Amaechi, along with some uniformed men, attempted to disrupt the elections. According to Ikanya, at least 19 APC members were allegedly killed while attempting to prevent supporters of the PDP to rig the elections, alleging the involvement of INEC officials in the rigging. Ikanya said in a statement: “What took place was a macabre dance

of intimidation and violence perpetrated against peace-loving APC members, after which results were written in favour of Mr. Nyesome Wike, of the PDP. “It is, therefore, evident that the announcement of winners for these polls is a travesty of justice and a rape of democracy. We insist that the purported Governorship and House of Assembly elections be cancelled in their totality and a new date set for proper polls as prescribed by law. “We hope that INEC will enforce the rights of Rivers people to free, fair and credible elections by heeding to this clarion call.”

Edo: INEC declares constituency poll inconclusive Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared the outcome of the House of Assembly election held in Orhionmwon constituency II, Edo State

as inconclusive. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Barrister Mike Igino, who disclosed this during a press conference in Benin, the state capital, said the development followed pockets of violence which led to disruption of the exercise in 12 electoral units of

the constituency. Igini stated that the total of votes scored by the winner during the elections were below the number of registered voters which was about 4,813 voters. He said the success recorded by the commission outweighed the challenges encountered

during the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections in the state. Igini also assured all the eligible voters in Orhionmwon constituency II that their votes must count in the State House of Assembly rescheduled for Saturday 18th April.

C’River REC scores INEC high on polls Clement James Calabar

he Cross River State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Sylvester Okey Ezeani, has scored the commission high for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections both in the Presidential, National Assembly, as well as the governorship and the State Houses of Assembly elections in the country. Speaking to journalists after the conclusion of the exercise in Calabar yesterday, the REC said the success of all the elections was because the commission spent enough time to plan and strategise in order to give Nigerians a credible platform to elect their leaders. “For the past four years, the commission has been engaged in planning and strategies in preparations for the conduct of the 2015 elections. We left no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure that the people of Cross Rivers were given a credible platform to elect their desired leaders,” he said. He ,however, revealed that the governorship and House of Assembly elections conducted last weekend in the state witnessed some challenges, which according to him, included failure of the card reader and violence in some places.

Group sets agenda for Buhari on Niger Delta Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

concerned body in the Niger Delta, the Development Alliance of the Niger Delta, with the objective to ensure that the wrongs done to the region by previous administrations were corrected by the incoming Mohammadu Buhari administration, yesterday said there was need to explore every means to positively engage youths in the region to productive ventures. It noted that the youths have acquired useful technical skills and academic qualifications, but are still unemployed and jobless. The body canvassed for a holistic review of all available structures and funding of both the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Development Commission (NDDC) in order to reposition the agencies for better service deliv-

ery for the desired development and sustainable growth of the region. Convener of DAND, Rev David Ugolor, stated this at a press conference held in Benin the Edo State capital, stressing that there was an urgent, all inclusive mechanism for dialogue between the incoming government and all stakeholders in the region on key policies affecting the area. Ugolor tasked Gen. Buhari to ensure that those he described as “merchants of violence” with little or no academic and good moral history are not allowed to dictate the pace of events in the oil rich region. The body also advised the president –elect to set up a truth commission to “investigate and address all cases of flagrant corruption in both the past and present governments with the view to recovering huge sums of monies in the control of past and current treasury looters.”

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

News 49

NORTH

Suswam: I have commenced handover process Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State yesterday said he has already commenced the process of handing over the machinery of governance of the state to the governorelect, Dr. Samuel Ortom. Addressing journalists in his office on the outcome of the April 11 governorship and State Assembly elections, he said the election of Ortom is a clear reflection of the wish of the people of the state, adding that in life, the only permanent thing about the human situation is change. Suswam stated that the outcome of the election was another opportunity for the people to make progress and enjoined the people to extend the full support they gave him to the governor-elect to succeed in office. He advised him to be magnanimous in victory and consider the entire people of the state as his constituents, and implored the teeming supporters of APC and PDP to avoid hate speeches, vendetta and unnecessary witch-hunting

of political leaders on the basis of their partisan affiliations. The governor who called on citizens of the state to work towards healing and reconciliation in the spirit of togetherness as a people with common destiny, also congratulated defeated the candidate of the PDP,

Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor for a gallant fight in the governorship race saying, though he was not declared winner of the election, he has won the hearts of the people who voted and supported him at the polls. Speaking while receiving a large delegation of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) at the Government House, led by the governorelect, Suswam reiterated the resolve of the PDP not to drag Ortom to the election tribunal to enable him settle down and face the challenges of developing the state. He said he spent most of his tenure in government on litigation and would not

allow the incoming governor suffer the same fate. Responding, Ortom thanked the governor for his giant strides in the last eight years and promised to reconcile the aggrieved people with a view to ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

L-R: Former Vice-President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar; Adamawa State Governor-elect, Umar Bindow and Deputy Governor-elect, Martin Babale, during the acceptance speech by Bindow at the party secretariat, Yola …yesterday

Election observers commend use of card readers Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited Independent observers group say that the use of smart card reader in Nigeria’s elections has eased tension and facilitated the voting process as there was great improvement on the card readers. The group also commended INEC, political parties and their candidates for the peaceful conduct of the presidential, gubernatorial and state assembly elections in Sokoto state. Addressing newsmen in Sokoto, the National Coordinator, Festus Okoye, described the exercise as a huge success for Nigeria’s democracy. “We commend monitors and Sokoto state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the peaceful conduct of the polls”, he said.

Akume: Ortom’ll not disappoint Benue people No plan to dump Kwara deputy gov, says Saraki Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

enate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume yesterday assured the people of Benue State that the governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom will not disappoint them but do things that will propel the state to greater heights. Akume stated this while speaking with journalists at his Makurdi residence shortly after receiving the governor-elect who visited him to dedicate his victory to him. He stated that the APC government under Dr. Ortom has a lot of expectations aimed at meeting the yearnings of the people of the state, whom he observed

went through hard times under People’s Democratic Party-led government of Governor Gabriel Suswam, but expressed optimism that the people will heave a sigh of relief with Ortom in power. “There are a lot of expectations from the APC government in the state, we know what Benue State has gone through in the last eight years. It’s time for change now, change has come and the people are expecting much from us what this change really means to all of us, and that is in terms of what we can do for the benefit of the people”, said Akume. Akume who commended the people of the state for their show of solidarity with the APC, however kept mute over his ambi-

tion for senate presidency position. Meanwhile, the defeated PDP governorship candidate in the April 11 polls in the state, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor yesterday congratulated Dr. Ortom over his resounding victory at the polls. Tarzoor in a statement signed by the DirectorGeneral of his campaign organization, Ambassador Iyorwuese Hagher, wished the governor-elect and his wife, Mrs. Eunice Ortom a successful tenure as governor of the state. He thanked his supporters for standing by him, noting that his defeat at the polls does not mean he was rejected by the people, but considers it as the wind of change that is blowing throughout the country.

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

eader of the All progressive Congress (APC) in Kwara state, Dr. Bukola Saraki has dismissed insinuations that his party was set to dump the state’s Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisra for Senator Gbemisola Saraki. There had been rumours few days to the presidential election of March 28, 2015, that one of the conditions for the defection by the female Saraki to the APC was that she would be given the Deputy Governorship slot as compensation for her move. But the APC leader who spoke with newsmen at his Iloffa Road residence in Ilorin, the state capital, said

such insinuations were mere efforts by the enemies of the state and should not be given any attention. He also denied allegations that his sister was a mole for the APC while she was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), another issue that has drawn Gbemisola and the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar into hot verbal exchanges for some days now. The APC leader said contrary to the insinuation, Gbemisola had rejected the position in 2011 and also rejected it under the PDP, adding “such talks are meant for the garbage. The constitution is very clear on this matter.” On the allegation of spying for the APC, Saraki

noted that apart from the biological relationship he shares with her, most of the PDP leaders making the allegations are products of the Saraki political dynasty. The Minsiter of National Planning had soon after the gubernatorial election accused Gbemisola of staying in the PDP to work for his brother, adding that her loss of the gubernatorial ticket only hastened her departure from the party. He said, “Senator Gbemisola Saraki is not an issue to me. Kwarans have been talking about liberty; liberty from Saraki family. So, if Gbemisola goes back to her brother, it is the same thing. Gbemisola has been a mole in the party, she was there to play a role and she has played that role and left.”

promises good governance ‘Buhari, solution to Nigeria’s security problems’ Plateau governor-elect Party (PDP). and after our electionAlhassan Yusuf Bauchi

n Islamic scholar, Sheik Sayyadi TahiruAli, yesterday, in Bauchi said the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has the capability to bring to a halt the security challenges that has ravaged North-East. The Islamic cleric said the country needs men of strong will and one who is capable to handle insecu-

rity situation, adding that Nigeria has witnessed bad era of security challenges that has led to the death of over 2000 Nigerians. Ali further said that what the country currently needs is peace, stability and progress for the nation to move forward. He also suggested that the President-elect should focus on projects set up by the President Goodluck Jonathan that has direct bearing with Almajeri education that is already es-

tablished with a view to have access towards improving their knowledge, both at grassroots level and above. Ali also stated that the present Yuguda led-administration had carried along Qur’ani teachers, Ulamas, totalling about 11,000 in all parts of the state with payment of minimum of a salary of N5,000 to N7, 000 per month to enable them cater for themselves among others.

Musa Pam Jos

lateau State Governor- elect, Simon Bako Lalong has expressed his appreciation to the people of the state for electing him as governor, promising to lead the state to a greater height. He also extended a hand of friendship to his closest rival, Senator Gyang Pwajok who contested under the platform of the Peoples Democratic

Lalong made the disclosure yesterday, while briefing journalists at the All Progressives Congress Party (Secretariat) in Jos, saying the immediate thing for him was to unite the people of Plateau state and pay workers their salaries. “To my fellow contestants who stepped down along the way and Senator Pwajok who contested with me, I wish to congratulate you for your matured conduct during

eering campaigns. I also extend my warm hand of friendship in building a virile Plateau with the view to bequeath a positive legacy for the younger generations”. He further disclosed that already, there was an agreement between him and Senator Pwajok that whosoever wins will work together with one another and since he has become the winner; he will make sure they work together.

WORLD | News

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Russia opens way to missile deliveries to Iran

ussia paved the way yesterday for missile system deliveries to Iran and started an oil-for-goods swap, signaling that Moscow may have a head-start in the race to benefit from an eventual lifting of sanctions on Tehran. The moves come after world powers, including Russia, reached an interim deal with Iran this month on curbing its nuclear program. The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ending a selfimposed ban on delivering the S-300 anti-missile rocket system to Iran, removing a major irritant between the two after Moscow canceled a corresponding contract in 2010

under pressure from the West. A senior government official said separately that Russia has started supplying grain, equipment and construction materials to Iran in exchange for crude oil under a barter deal. Sources told Reuters more than a year ago that a deal worth up to $20 billion was being discussed and would involve Russia buying up to 500,000 barrels of Iranian oil a day. Officials from the two countries have issued contradictory statements since then on whether a deal has been signed, but Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday one was already being implemented. "I wanted to draw your attention

Malawi to repatriate citizens in S.Africa after anti-migrant attacks

he Malawian government said yesterday it would help repatriate its citizens from South Africa following an outbreak of xenophobic violence in the eastern port city of Durban that has left four people dead. "The situation is really tense as about 360 Malawians are stranded in South Africa following xenophobic attacks there," Information Minister Kondwani Nankhumwa told reporters. He said the Malawians targeted had "lost everything", including their passports. The attacks on immigrant-owned shops and homes in Durban's impoverished townships come three months after a similar spate of attacks on foreign-owned shops in Soweto, near Johannesburg. In both cases, shops have been looted and foreign traders ordered to shut up shop. Over 1,000 foreigners in Durban have fled their homes and are now living in temporary camps, un-

der police guard. Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane said the situation was "tense but under control", with police deployed to patrol affected areas. He said four people had been killed since the beginning of the month, including an Ethiopian man whose shop was petrol-bombed by a mob Friday night. Nearly 50 people have been arrested -28 on Sunday night alone. Nankhumwa said the Malawian embassy in Pretoria had started processing temporary travel documents for its nationals. Hundreds of Malawians escaping poverty back home move to South Africa every year in search of work. Violence against migrants from other African countries is common in South Africa, with impoverished locals accusing foreigners of taking their jobs and business. The government has condemned the violence, with President Jacob Zuma sending a team of officials to assess the situation.

180 migrants rescued in Tunisia

unisia's coastguard and navy yesterday rescued almost 180 African migrants from two boats which broke down as they headed from Libya to Italy, the Red Crescent and an AFP correspondent said. The Red Crescent said the migrants,94 on one boat and 84 on the other -- sent out a distress call from off the coast of southeast Tunisia as they headed for the Italian island of Lampedusa. A previous count had said 174 were rescued. The 178 migrants from Africa were evacuated to the Tunisian port of Zarzis and provisionally lodged in a warehouse. They were mostly from Somalia, Ghana, Gambia, Sudan and Niger, said Dr Riyadh Belhaj of the Zarzis Red Crescent which took them in, adding that all passengers on the two boats were rescued. In Italy, coastguards said Monday they recovered nine

bodies from the sea after a boat carrying more than 150 migrants sank off the Libyan coast. Rescuers managed to save 144 people and were still searching for others after their vessel overturned 128 kilometres (80 miles) off Libya. Late Sunday, Italian coastguards said they had rescued a total of 2,782 people over the weekend from the Mediterranean, with good weather prompting an increase in the number of migrant boats. The precarious security situation in Libya has sparked a rise in boats setting out for Europe from its unpoliced ports carrying refugees fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, says that at least 3,500 people died in 2014 out of more than 218,000 migrants who crossed the Mediterranean, making it the most deadly migrant route in the world.

to the rolling out of the oil-forgoods deal, which is on a very significant scale," Ryabkov told a briefing with members of the upper house of parliament on the talks with Iran. "In exchange for Iranian crude oil supplies, we are delivering certain products. This is not banned or limited under the current sanctions regime." He declined to give further details. Russia's Agriculture Ministry declined comment and the Energy Ministry did not respond to request for comment. There was no comment from Iran. Iran is the third largest buyer of Russian wheat, and Moscow and Tehran have been discussing the oil-for-goods barter deal for more than a year. Russia

hopes to reap economic and trade benefits if a final deal is concluded to build on the framework agreement reached in the Swiss city of Lausanne between Iran and six world powers - Russia, the United States, France, Britain, Germany and China. They have until June 30 to work out a detailed technical agreement under which Iran would curb its nuclear program and allow international control in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the agreement in Lausanne wiped out the need for Moscow's ban on the delivery of S-300 and that the system was defensive, hence would pose no threat to Iran's foe, Israel.

"As a result of suspending the contract, we did not receive major sums that we were due. We see no need to continue doing this given progress in talks on Iran's nuclear program and the absolutely legitimate nature of the forthcoming deal," he said. The United States and Israel had lobbied Russia to block the missile sale before it did so in 2010, saying the S-300 system could be used to shield Iran's nuclear facilities from possible future air strikes. Leonid Ivashov, a retired Russian general who now heads the Moscow-based Centre for Geo-Political Analysis thinktank, said the move was part of a race for future contracts in Iran.

An opposition supporter covering his head as protesters clashed with police during a demonstration in Conakry, yesterday.

Police open fire on Guinean protesters

everal protesters were wounded yesterday as Guinean police opened fire during violent demonstrations across the capital Conakry against the regime of President Alpha Conde. Rioting broke out in several suburbs including Simbaya and Hamadallaye, and angry protests continued as at least eight youths were treated for gunshot wounds. The opposition had called for demonstrations in all parts of the capital against the ongoing lack of security which it blames on Conde's government. "There were violent clashes between young protesters and police in Hamdallaye, where security forces shot three young protesters," a hospital doctor said on condition of anonymity.

The medic told AFP two of the protesters sustained leg injuries while a third with a serious stomach wound was dragged several meters by police before being abandoned. "He was quickly rescued by his comrades," a policeman told AFP. The gunfire continued into the afternoon as youths rallied in the streets, according to an AFP correspondent who witnessed panicked residents trying to get home. Four other protesters were wounded in the northeastern suburb of Simbaya, witnesses and a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity. Guinea's opposition boycotted parliament in March in protest over the timetable for a presidential election, accusing Conde of using the Ebola epidemic as an excuse to postpone voting. Former prime ministers Cel-

lou Dalein Diallo, Sidya Toure and Lansana Kouyate accused Conde of repeated rights violations and said he had "lost all legitimacy". They called on supporters to back several demands including a call to bring forward local elections due in March next year. "We will continue our rallies today until we are heard by those in power," Diallo told AFP on Monday. Guinea, one of the poorest countries in the region despite vast potential for mineral exploitation, was run by a succession of autocratic rulers after gaining independence from France in 1958. A military junta took control in 2008 after the death of President Lansana Conte, who seized power in a coup 24 years earlier, and a caretaker regime oversaw the transition to civilian rule in 2010.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Never again,' Lebanon says on civil war 40th anniversary

everal Lebanese leaders yesterday warned that the lessons of the country's civil war should not be forgotten, 40 years after the 15-year conflict began. Yesterday marks the 40th anniversary of the April 13, 1975 conflict, in which 150,000 people were killed before a

peace deal was reached in 1990. The war ravaged the country and left 17,000 people missing, but an amnesty law allowed many of its key protagonists to subsequently become leading political figures. Among them is Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who acknowl-

edged yesterday that his opinion on the conflict could not be considered "fair or objective". "I was one of the factions driven by fanaticism and hatred," he wrote on his official Twitter account. "My advice to (my son) Taymur and every Lebanese youth is to beware of violence and ignorance," he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2015

Sport News

International Sport

U-23 Eagles were lucky, says Zambia coach

Atletico scare Real coach

Basketball

AfroBasket: D’Tigers foes, Uganda, revamp coaching crew

Interview

Sport

I’m not under pressure to perform--Oshoala

Did you know? Did you know that West Brom are the first team in the Premier League this season to score 10 goals from corner situations.

AFCON 2017: Eagles won’t disappoint again –Omeruo Ajibade Olusesan

uper Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, is confident that the team will qualify for the 2017 Africa Nations Cup despite being in the same group as seventime champions, Egypt. Nigeria are pitched in Group G as the Pharaohs, Tanzania and Chad with only one ticket available from the group, but many Nigerians are already expressing fears over the chances of the Super Eagles to qualify. Eagles failed to make it to the last AFCON in Equatorial Guinea but Omeruo told our correspondent that such disappointment would not happen this time. He said that the pain of missing out last time was great and they could not afford to make Nigerians go through such agonising episode anymore. Nigeria’s main challengers, Egypt, won in 2006, 2008 and 2010 in addition to their earlier successes in 1957, 1959, 1986

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

and 1998. Even though they have not qualified since their last triumph in 2010, competition between the North African country and Nigeria is always fierce. Middlesbrough defender admitted that the group was a tough one but he insisted that the Eagles were still the favourites to pick the sole ticket. Omeruo said: “I am very optimistic that we are going to qualify for AFCON 2017. It was so tough for us last time when we did not qualify and I want to assure Nigerians that it will not happen again. It is reasonable for people to be afraid because of what happened but I can only say that they do not need to be scared because by God’s grace we shall not disappoint them this time. “The group is tough, especially with Egypt, but we are not afraid because we know we can make it. Nigerians need to keep supporting us, we need their prayers and motivation.” He said their opening match against Chad was very important, and that a victory in that one would put them in good stead. “We have to start very well, we have to win that our opening game and win all our games. Every match is important, we have to work hard to get good results in all our matches,” the defender added.

Kenneth Omeruo (right) trying to clear the ball alongside Juwon Oshaniwa against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

AAG: Danagogo hails Falcons, U-23 team Charles Ogundiya

ports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has congratulated the Super Falcons and the national U-23 team for picking tickets to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming All Africa Games taking place in Congo. Falcons defeated Mali 8-0 in Abuja to qualify 9-1 on aggregate after posting 1-1 draw in the first leg in Bamako. The

U-23 team however did not find it easy. After 0-0 score in Abuja, the Samson Siasia team went to Lusaka to pip Zambia 2-1. According to the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Patrick Omorodion, Dr. Danagogo was full of praises for both teams, especially the U-23 side who had a more difficult task. “Most people had given up hope of the team qualifying but like the typical Nigerian

who never gives up until it is over, they went to Zambia and played with hunger and came out victorious. They must be commended for their team spirit and determination to succeed. “The Falcons were not left too as they rose to the occasion and showed that the 1-1 they played earlier in Mali was not a true reflection of what makes them the champions of Africa. They were businesslike and didn’t want to leave

anything to chance. “I commend the efforts of both teams and their technical crew for the wonderful performance and urge them to redouble their efforts as they prepare for the competition proper, “ the Minister said. He added: “We at the National Sports Commission will play our own part to ensure they get all they need to represent our country creditably.” The 11th All Africa Games takes place in September.

Sport

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Osheku ready to spring surprises in Okpekpe Charles Ogundiya

ne of Nigeria’s best middle and long distance runners, Lawrence Osheku, says he is ready to mingle with the big boys on the road at the 3rd Okpekpe 10km road race next month in Okpekpe, Auchi, Edo State. Osheku emerged the best Edo State-born athlete in the first two editions of the IAAFsanctioned road race and believes he is ready to step up and challenge the East Africans when

Emmanuel Tobi

U-23 Eagles were lucky, B says Zambia coach Emmanuel Tobi ambia U-23 coach, Fighton Simukonda, has stated that the U-23 Eagles were lucky to secure a 2-1 win in Lusaka in the All Africa Games qualifier played on Sunday. “I am not denying that Nigeria played well, but we were on top of them. It was very painful the way we lost because we created a lot of chances,” he said. “We made some silly mistakes and our opponents made use of their chances.

“Our strategy was to score early in order to unsettle the Nigerians with specific instructions to our backline not to allow any goal, but they allowed those two goals. That’s how we lost.” He added: “As a coach I cannot pass the blame on to the players. It was not the players’ intention to concede those two goals. “I don’t like excuses. We have just lost. We created three or four chances in the first half but we couldn’t take them.” The result sees Nigeria qualify for the 2015 All Africa Games tournament in Congo-Brazzaville after the first leg in Abuja finished goalless.

Falcons visit Canadian Embassy for visas Comfort Chukwu Abuja

he Super Falcons will today visit the Canadian Embassy for visas as preparations for FIFA Women World Cup slated for June in Canada reaches its climax. According to the coordinator for Women Football in Nigeria, Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedinma, the first batch of 19 players are expected to attend visa interview at the embassy today. Onyedinma said the girls were ready to play in Canada and that processing the visas

that time,” he said. Osheku’s elder brother, Tony, who coached Falilat Ogunkoya to two Olympic medals, an IAAF World indoor medal and the 400m African record, concurred “I think it is time for Lawrence to step up now that he is almost fully fit. Injuries have not been kind to him in recent years but I am confident he can become the first Nigerian to break 30 minutes barrier at the distance. He has the talent and he loves to train.”

Beach Eagles ready for Seychelles –Ejo

U-23 Eagles in action against Zambia

the third edition takes place on May 16. Osheku is convinced he can replicate the form that made him run 31 minutes two years ago in a 10km road race in Lagos. “I believe if I run a good sub-32 minutes, I will emerge the best Nigerian in the race and give the Kenyans, the Ethiopians and other East African runners expected at the race a real scare. Last year Sadjo (Ismail) ran 31.18 to emerge the best Nigerian in the race and the 10th best overall. My target is to at least beat

was better done earlier to avoid hiccups that may arise as a result of late applications. “We have to prepare the papers as early as possible, “Onyendinma said. “If we waste time there may be hiccups on the way, so the earlier we process the visas, the better for us. It will also keep us on the safe side” The Falcons who underlined their readiness for the World Cup with a 9-1 annihilation of Mali in the second leg of the All Africa Games qualifiers have been tipped to do well at the tournament y in June.

each Eagles coach, Adamu Ejo, has reiterated his team’s readiness for the opening match of the 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship against host nation Seychelles today. Nigeria takes on Seychelles at the Roche Caiman Sports Complex, Victoria from 5.30pm Seychelles time (3.30pm Nigeria time) on Tuesday. The eight-team finals taking place in the Indian Ocean island of Seychelles also serves as the African qualifying tournament for the 2015 FIFA

Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal. “We have prepared very well for this championship, with the support of the Nigeria Football Federation. The Power Horse Invitational Tournament in Durban in early March was a good competition for us; it helped us to identify weak points and our areas of strengths. “We have played all the teams that are here at one time or the other, so none is strange to us. We are fit and confident, and we believe we can go all the way.” They also play Egypt

Ejo

and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A. Ghana (who lost 5-2 to the Beach Eagles at the Power Horse event), Madagascar, Senegal and Morocco make up Group B.

Bazuaye for burial April 25

he remains of Atlanta ‘96 Olympics gold medal-winning assistant coach, Willy Bazuaye (MON), will on Saturday, April 25, be buried at his Benin City, Edo State residence. Bazuaye died on March 16 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital following a decade long battle with stroke. In an interview with his son, Bauldwin, last weekend in Benin City, the former Nigeria international disclosed

that all is now set for the final burial ceremony of his late father. “I’m happy to say that the family of Bazuaye, of Ughoton village in Ovia North East of Edo State has completed plans for the final home journey of our beloved father who passed away last month in Benin,” said the former Insurance of Benin star. “It has not been easy putting things together, but all the same I thank God for his wisdom. You

know that my father lived a successful life through his services to his fatherland, Nigeria, and he is not someone that you just bury like that, so this is why we have taken time to arrange for his burial ceremony.” He added that there would be a service of songs at his residence on Thursday, April 23, while a novelty football match in honour of his late father would be played at the Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday.

Enyeama in line to retain Vivien Foe’s award

uper Eagles captain, and Lille shot stopper, Vincent Enyeama, will battle nine other players from Africa in his bid to retain the award for best African player in the French league. The award introduced in 2009 is named after late Cameroon international midfielder Marc Vivien Foe and is voted for by sport journalists selected by French media RFI and France 24. Foe collapsed and died on June 26, 2003,

while Cameroon were facing Colombia in the semi-final of the FIFA Confederations Cup. Last year Enyeama joined a long list of other African players who have won the award but this time around he faces stiff competition from players like Dede and Andre Ayew of Ghana with the latter considered a top favourite for the award alongside Max Gradel of the Ivory Coast, Aymen Abdennour of Algeria

and Clinton N’Jie of league leaders Lyon. Nominees: Aymen Abdennour (Monaco, Tunisia) Jordan Ayew (Lorient, Ghana) André Ayew (Marseille, Ghana) Nabil Dirar (Monaco, Morocco) Vincent Enyeama (Lille, Nigeria) Max-Alain Gradel (SaintEtienne, Ivory Coast) Idrissa Gueye (Lille, Senegal) Aissa Mandi (Reims, Algeria) Benjamin Moukandjo (Reims, Cameroon) Clinton N’Jie (Lyon, Cameroon).

L-R: Former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Okocha; Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Bayo Adekanmbi; another former Super Eagles Captain, Kanu Nwankwo and General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge, at the Launch of MTN Best 11 Promo in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

International Sport

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2015

Atletico scare Ancelotti

eal Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Diego Simeone has proved himself as one of the world’s best coaches, but admits that facing the Atletico Madrid boss is “a problem”. The two sides meet for the seventh time this season on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with Ancelotti’s team having failed to win in any of the previous six games between them. Madrid have lost four and drawn two against Atleti this term, missing out on the Spanish Supercopa to their city rivals, suffering elimination in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey and going down twice in La Liga - the last of those a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the Vicente Calderon in February. Ancelotti conceded that facing the Argentine coach is difficult, but claimed his side is not obsessed with Atletico but by winning the Champions League for a second season in succession. “What can I say about Simeone?,” he asked at a press conference. “He is a great coach, I like him a lot. He has proved himself, he is one of the best in the world. It’s an honour to face him and also a problem. “We don’t have an obsession with Atletico, but with reaching the final of the Champions

League. Our objective is not to beat Atletico, but to dream of winning the Champions League. “Every match presents its own problem. Every match has its idea. Every defeat was different. One was due to set pieces, one for something else, another due to a

Allegri confident of a ‘different Juventus’

uventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has called for his team to forget their shock defeat to Parma and turn their focus to beating Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday (today). Preparations for what is the Italian champions’ most crucial fixture of the season have been far from perfect. At the Enrico Tardini stadium on Saturday, a Juventus side missing Gianluigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez among others failed to convert several scoring chances before conceding a 1-0 defeat to a club that entered administration last month after being declared bankrupt. Although Juve’s title

Ronaldo (right) in action for Real Madrid

not very good attitude, like the last one. It’s difficult to say what happened. It’s not that interesting, but we have analysed it and now we have another tie. “We haven’t done much psychological work to forget the last six derbies.”

Sao Paulo. “I know I have a long way to go yet and for that reason I won’t put a timeframe on how long it will take.” Roberto Carlos was blamed for his side’s exit from the 2006 World Cup but insists he would have no problem returning to the Selecao fold. “I don’t hold any resentment. Everything I experienced in the national team was amazing. I was there for 14 years and won several titles: the Copa America, Confederations Cup and the World Cup. “I have a lot of affection for the team and I’m enthusiastic to return.”

oger Federer feels his preparations ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters will stand him in good stead as he bids for a first title in the principality. Federer opted to miss the Miami Open earlier this month as part of a reduced schedule to help prolong his stunning career, with Monte Carlo marking the start of his clay-court campaign. “I’m feeling good about my game and my fitness,” the world number two told the ATP’s official website. “It’s been good to work on that for the last few weeks. “I came here early on Thursday to practise on Centre Court, which is something I haven’t always had the chance to do. Clearly I feel I’ve done all the right things to prepare for the clay-court sea- Federer son now.”

Inzaghi’s tactics are anarchy, says Boban

Carlos

Federer happy with Monte Carlo preparations

Drogba plans to play on next season

hopes have not been affected — they now lead Lazio by 12 points with eight games remaining — Allegri is confident a different Juventus will emerge on Tuesday, when they will be under pressure to seal a first-leg victory before the return leg in the Principality. “I hope this setback serves us well, although I’m sure that we will see an altogether different Juventus on Tuesday,” Allegri said after the defeat. “We’re not used to losing. We were a little listless, we lacked bite and aggression. But now we have to put this display behind us. It would be stupid to let a defeat like this get in the way of our Champions League dream.”

Tuesday Matches Atletico vs Real Madrid 7:45pm Juventus vs Monaco 7:45pm

Carlos sets sights on Brazil job

ormer Brazil star Roberto Carlos has set his sights on coaching the national team once he has established himself as a manager. The 42-year-old represented his country between 1992 and 2006, winning one World Cup and two Copa Americas. Following his retirement from playing in 2012, he has held roles at Turkish clubs Sivasspor and Akhisar Belediyespor but has set himself lofty ambitions for the future. “My objective is to coach the national team,” he told Folha de

helsea striker Didier Drogba plans to carry on playing next season. At 37, Drogba is almost at the end of a storied career that has seen him win league titles in England and Turkey, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup on four occasions and three League Cups. Drogba penned a one-year deal when he rejoined Chelsea in July and wants to play on into 2015-16. When quizzed by the Daily Telegraph about whether he has reached a decision regarding his future, he replied: “I have made a decision, yes. And no, it’s not my last season.” Drogba has scored three goals in 23 league appearances for Chelsea this term, four of which have been starts. Back in January, Drogba said: “I love this club and would love to be part of this club for the future, with the new players.”

ormer AC Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban has lashed out at Rossoneri coach Pippo Inzaghi and his players. The San Siro side currently sits in eighth place in Serie A following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sampdoria, with their hopes of European qualification fading fast. Boban believes his old side are scarcely a team and says that Inzaghi’s tactics are “anarchy”. “The problem is that the Milan have very scarce players,” he said to Sky. “It’s almost impossible to create a team with these players. I don’t understand what they offer. “Also Inzaghi does not have a great gameplan. But it’s hard to get them to run together. There’s a bit of anarchy. It’s very tough. “I have realised the value of the Milan squad. It’s very difficult to be satisfied after a game like that.” Milan’s next game is a derby clash with Inter on Sunday.

Inzaghi

Sport

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

hen the African qualifiers for the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup get underway in the Seychelles on Tuesday, all eight participating teams have just one goal: to reach the final, which means they will be in the group of two to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal later this year. The tournament will be played in the newly-built stadium in Roche Caiman, which was constructed with financial help from FIFA and CAF. Two-time African champions Nigeria have been drawn in Group A, where they will take on the hosts Seychelles, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire. Having qualified for the World Cup in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2011, the Beach Eagles missed out on a place in Tahiti two years ago when they were beaten 9-8 in the semifinal by Senegal. Being one of just two teams (the other being Senegal) to have escaped the group phase at the global finals – in 2007 and 2011 – the west Africans are determined to return to the showpiece event of beach soccer. The Nigerians played no qualifiers to get to the finals after Libya pulled out, but they have an experienced coach in Audu Adamu, who was in charge of the side at the Beach Soccer World Cup in 2011 and 2009. His team is built around stars like skipper Isiaka Olawale, Victor Tale, who scored six goals at the World Cup finals in 2011, as well as Ogbonnaya Okemmiri. The side has a famous supporter in former Super Eagles international Taribo West who twice represented his country at the FIFA World Cup™. “I expect them to win and qualify. They have an incredible team, and I believe their handlers know what to do to keep them at the top. If they maintain their form from what I saw at the COPA Lagos, I think they will be unbeatable. They are incredibly good,” he said. The side the Beach Eagles will prob-

Nigeria, Senegal, others battle for glory in Seychelles ably fear the most are Côte d’Ivoire, who beat them in the group phase last time around and then were beaten by Senegal in the final. Seychelles and Egypt are hoping not only to make up the numbers, but will probably struggle to get past the two favourites. The hosts are coached by Brazilian Bruno Malias Mendes, who took over the side at the beginning of March. He said he had already noticed an improvement from his players. “Before I came they were training three times a week and now they train 12 times a week. We will need to put into practice what we have learned and be comfortable playing in front of a large crowd.” Senegal favourites in Group B The favourites in Group B are threetime African champions Senegal and Madagascar, with Morocco and Ghana dangerous outsiders. Senegal coach Ibrahima Ndiaye said that while they were keen to successfully defend their title, their primary objective was to qualify for the World Cup. “If we have achieved that goal, we will look further. We are still the champions of Africa and I am confident that we can repeat that success as we have excellent preparations.” Another team that will be full of confidence are Madagascar, who have just won the COSAFA Beach Soccer Cup in Seychelles. They stunned South Africa in the qualifiers, winning both matches in Durban 9-3 on aggregate. The island-

Okemiri (right) in action for Nigeria

ers finished fourth at the qualifiers in 2011, but failed to make it through to the knock-out stage two years ago in Morocco. Ghana, meanwhile, who qualified for the Seychelles with a strong 22-8 aggregate victory over Uganda, are still looking for their first victory on the continental stage. Their team was only formed eight years ago and they lost all three group matches in Morocco two years ago. Black Sharks coach Theo Armah, who doubles as a broadcaster for a radio station under the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, said that

Basketball Flakes

there was no reason they should not do well. “We have the beach and the players, what else do we need? We just have to train and train and be fit to beat the world,” he said. Morocco, hosted the two previous competitions and are hoping to become the first North African team to qualify for the finals but will need to improve on their previous performances, having finished third last time around and fifth in 2009 and 2011. They booked their ticket for the Seychelles with a convincing 16-1 win against Djibouti in a single eliminator played in Casablanca.

with Ifeanyi Ibeh 08054175662

AfroBasket: D’Tigers foes, Uganda, overhaul coaching crew

ne of Nigeria’s group stage opponents at this year’s AfroBasket championship in Tunisia, Uganda, are making sure their campaign at the tournament does not go unnoticed by making a series of adjustments in its coaching crew. Head coach Mandy Juruni and his assistant Gad Eteu remain with the team, but will be joined by Paul Johnson, an American tactician who worked in a volunteering basketball programme in the country two years ago. Uganda’s Silverbacks made

Uganda coach Mandy Juruni issuing instructions to his players

Pepsi grabs NBA sponsorship rights from Coke

oft drink maker PepsiCo Inc. has taken over league sponsorship rights for the National Basketball Association from Coca-Cola Co, according to reports. Coca-Cola had been NBA’s marketing partner since 1986, and Sprite the league’s official soft drink in the United States since 1994. The new deal will involve Pepsi’s sodas, as well as Aquafina, Lipton Brisk and some Frito snack products, according to the report. Mountain Dew will become the NBA’s lead soft

drink brand, the report said. The NBA and PepsiCo have plans for new and expanded content, and the company will have exclusive rights for logos and gear on a national level. The agreement also covers the Women’s National Basketball Association, NBA Development League, and USA Basketball. Food and beverage company Tingyi, PepsiCo’s partner in China, will be the exclusive partner of the NBA in China through its Master Kong brand.

history last summer in their capital city of Kampala after finishing second in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 qualifier, behind Egypt. The 2015 AfroBasket tips off in August in the Tunisian cities of Nabeul and Tunis, and Uganda will play in Group A along with Nigeria’s D’Tigers, Tunisia and a team to be determined through a wild card process by the continent’s basketball body, FIBA Africa. “His experience and a whole mature outlook will help us on the big stage,” Ambrose Tashobya, the Uganda Basketball Federation chairman, told

local newspaper Daily Monitor. Assistant coach Eteu welcomed the initiative, explaining why Johnson should be a valuable asset for the Silverbacks. “Paul Johnson adds to what we already have,” he said. “He brings in another view that makes us more dynamic and solid. “The good thing with him is that he is respectful to everyone and is very passionate about the assignment. We love him for that and the players love him for that.” This year’s AfroBasket marks Uganda’s return to the championship, for the first time since 1970.

Harden lifts Rockets over Pelicans

ames Harden scored 30 points and the Houston Rockets used a big run at the beginning of the fourth quarter to take the lead and held on for a 121-114 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night in Houston (Monday morning Nigerian time). The Rockets ended a two-game skid behind the NBA-leading 35th 30-point game for Harden, who leads the league in

scoring. Corey Brewer and Dwight Howard carried Houston in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter combining for all of the Rockets’ points in a 14-5 run that put them on top 100-91. Anthony Davis had 27 points for the Pelicans, who are fighting for the final Western Conference playoff spot. Howard finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds

and Brewer added 20 points. The Pelicans were down by eight with about five minutes remaining when they started intentionally fouling Josh Smith to keep the ball out of Harden’s hands. It was the second straight game that an opponent had used the tactic on Smith, after the Spurs did it 12 times in the second half of their 104-103 win on Saturday. New Orleans did it three times, with Smith making three of six free throws.

Sport 55

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2015

I’m not under pressure –Oshoala Super Falcon sensation Asisat Oshoala in this interview with Africanfootball.com identifies hard work and dedication as reasons for her phenomenal rise in the game. How do you feel scoring two and creating three on your return to the national side after you opened your goal account for Liverpool? I feel very happy and excited about it. Coming back to make my nation proud and also giving my best as I have always done really gave me joy. Then as I promised before the game that I will make sure that my team qualify for the All Africa Games and, to God be the glory, everything went well. The ticket to Congo is in the bag.

I won’t say I’m under pressure, I’m not under pressure. It’s a very good thing that people are talking about me. It’s left for me to work harder and also make sure I give more in everything I do on and off the pitch. What has kept you going in the round leather game? It is hard work and dedication. I work so hard during training sessions. I like to do special things. That’s why most of the time I’m not surprised when the results of matches I play come out fine.

What was the resolve before the second leg match after the first leg ended 1-1 in Bamako? We actually worked on the things we didn’t get right in Bamako like finishing in front of goal. We worked on other aspects of our game and the rest is history.

What are the chances of the Super Falcons in future assignments? I want them to keep on praying for us. We really appreciate their support. Despite the 1-1 draw we played in Bamako, the fans still came in their numbers to support us. The support from the fans was massive. It was an encouraging one for women football and it really boosted our morale. I want them not to rest on their oars and keep on supporting us.

In the last two years, you have become a force to be reckoned with in the world of women football. How have you been able to manage the pressure and the challenge?

Oshoala

ALL AFRICA GAMES Anyansi-Agwu happy, hails NFF Go for gold, Elegbeleye

charges U-23 team, Falcons

hairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, has expressed joy over the achievements of the U-23 national team and the Super Falcons, as both sides qualified for the football programme of this year’s All-Africa Games. Siasia’s U-23 boys edged Zambia 2-1 in Lusaka on Sunday to qualify for the men’s football tournament of the Games on a 2-1 aggregate, two days after the Super Falcons had whipped their counterparts from Mali 8-0 in Abuja to reach the women’s event on 9-1 aggregate. Anyansi-Agwu said: “You will remember very well that four years ago, none of the two teams made it to the All-Africa Games in Mozambique. Their qualification this time, coming within two days of each other, speaks volumes. This is also a sign of the good and great things coming very soon to Nigerian football. “I want to put these feats down to the exceptional lead-

he Director General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has charged the U-23 national team and the Super Falcons to go for gold at the 11th All Africa Games taking place in Congo Brazzaville from September 4 to 19. The All Africa Games which is Africa’s version of the Olympic Games attracts about 52 countries on the continent. Samson Siasia led U-23 team qualified for the AAG beating host Zambia 2-1 in Lusaka on Sunday in the return leg of the final round of the qualifiers having played a goalless draw in the first leg in Abuja. Also the Super Falcons made mincemeat of Mali in the return leg of same final round qualifying series winning 8-0 at the main bowl of Abuja National Stadium having played a 1-1 score draw away to Mali in the first leg. Elegbeleye commended the teams for doing the nation proud. “The NSC is very happy with the qualification of our national U- 23 football team, the Dream Team VI, the Super Falcons and the men’s national basketball team for this year’s All Africa Games in

Elegbeleye

Congo Brazzaville in September. “We commended their efforts, determination, zeal and patriotism for ensuring Nigeria’s flag is flown in the competition. We are also charging them to go to Congo Brazzaville to complete the job they have started well by winning the gold medals at stake in their respective competitions.”

Manu salutes Siasia, players Comfort Chukwu Abuja

ead coach of Nigeria U-20 national team, Manu Garba, has commended the coach of U-23 team for believing in his boys, saying that it is good for the game. Garba said the 2-1 away win against Zambia on Sunday, which qualified the country for the 2015 All Africa Games, was a commend-

able one. Nigeria did not qualify for the football event of the games four years ago. “I am very happy for the coach, the players and the country for making it to the AAG. The most important thing is that the coach believes in the younger boys, (U-20 players) whom he played in the game, especially Taiwo Awoniyi who scored the brace that gave the team victory,” he said. When asked if Dream Team VI wouldn’t have

qualified for AAG without Awoniyi, he said, Siasia is a good coach, with or without the U-20 boys he would still have qualified the country, but he added that the inclusion of the boys proved that the they could have a place in the senior national team within a short space of time. Meanwhile, Manu also said that Siasia could make use of the U-20 boys during the AAG proper in Congo later in the year.

Awoniyi

ership style of the NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, who has continuously harped on the need to build sustainable football culture as well as earn good results on the international front, and has been leading us all to work assiduously in that direction.” Anyansi-Agwu, who has steered the ship of Aba giants, Enyimba FC for the past 15 years, during which the team has won scores of trophies including two CAF Champions League titles, called on Nigerians to be patient with the NFF board and management and witness more glorious feats by the various national teams. “This year alone, our U-20 boys won the African title and qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup; the U-17 boys have won a ticket to go to the FIFA World Cup and defend their title and the U-23 have qualified for the All-Africa Games. I call on fans to be patient with this new administration and there will be more glorious accomplishments,” he added.

On Marble

“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.”

Sanctity of Truth

World Record

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

– Theodore Roosevelt

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

N150

Gul Mohammed (1957–1997): Shortest man ever verified up to 2012 when he lost the title to Chandra Bahadur Dangi, measuring 22 in (57 cm) according to Guinness World Records.

Defectors: Romance of convenience GUEST COLUMNIST

Adewale Kupoluyi

ith the conduct of the gubernatorial and state houses of assembly elections, the general elections can be said to be gradually coming to an end. Inspite of the flaws experienced in the voting process, the presidential poll held on March 28 was a watershed in the annals of the nation with the triumph of General Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) over Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the incumbent President and candidate of the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The outcome of the presidential and national assembly polls is a reflection of the yearning by the people for a change in governance. It is a manifestation of a collective desire to have different faces with ideas at the helm of affairs. The people’s verdict is simply a pointer to the fact that they are tired of the way things are being run in their dear country that is bogged down by decaying public infrastructure, erratic power supply, insecurity and severe unemployment. The emergence of APC as a viable opposition party afforded the electorate a promising platform to find an alternative to the ruling party. This optimism eventually paid-off with the APC now becoming the ruling party while the PDP turns to the opposition. If care is not taken, this victory may not be sustained and well managed as long as APC continues to give room for all manner of politicians to decamp to the party in their droves. While politics should be played with decorum, decency and discipline, politicians of similar inclination and ideology would naturally be expected to come together under the same umbrella in a bid to strengthen democracy. But where defections are simply carried out for the sake of romancing with the winning party so as to become relevant at all cost, it should be discouraged. It is curious and disturbing to know that within the last two weeks, quite a number of politicians, mainly from the PDP have defected to the APC. Some of the questions bothering my mind are: At what point did both political parties become ideological Siamese twins? When was the zeal or passion to move the nation forward under the same political umbrella and manifesto become a mutual aspiration? Which party then becomes the opposition when the APC decides to turn into a protégée of PDP? Or, are we not going to have viable opposition party this time around? What then becomes the fate of many committed members that had stayed with the APC over the years despite all odds and persecutions that the opposition party had faced from the same ruling party? Who puts the excesses of the executive under control? Which party effec-

Olusola-Oke

Ali Olanusi

Tele Ikuru

Joshua Dariye

tively prevents bad legislation from being passed in the parliament? Defection or cross carpeting is not a new thing in the nation’s political history but the way and manner in which people defect from one politi-

cal party to another suggest that integrity, conscience, morality, principle and discipline no longer play a role in partisan politics in Nigeria. We recall that in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), a member of Senate or House of Representatives, is liable to vacate his seat under Section 68 (1) (g), when as “a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which the House was elected. Provided that his membership of the later political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored". Unfortunately, the constitution is silent on the fate of the Executives at both the federal and state levels. The President, the Vice-President, Governors and DeputyGovernors, including all other political appointees, are excluded from the rule

Which party then becomes the opposition when the APC decides to turn into a protégée of PDP? Or, are we not going to have viable opposition party this time

established under sections 68 and 109 of the constitution. In tune with the tenets of democracy, the importance of a virile opposition party in curbing the excesses of the ruling party in providing good governance cannot be over-stated. It not only keeps the ruling party to its toes, it serves as the watchdog by bringing out the best in public administration through objective and sincere criticism through ‘checks and balances’ mechanism. The present practice is totally different from what was obtainable during the First Republic when leaders like late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo - the founding fathers of the nation - were guided by ideologies with which they were able to lay solid foundations for the development of their regions. Today, defection has become part of the character of the present political process, not just a pastime of politicians by tampering with the existing party structures to satisfy defectors, it has also become a trademark of virtually all the political parties. My personal observation is that many politicians that defect from one party to another do so purely for their political survival - either to broaden their political fortune or to remain relevant at all cost in the polity - without necessarily adding any value to either such parties or the nation. It is on this premise that the APC should not allow its party to serve as a platform for all-comers to hijack in festering their personal ambitions. APC, is a party that has been carefully nurtured at a great cost over the years, despite all odds that were orchestrated by some of the same set of people they are now courting. In an attempt to provide soft-landing for the decampees to reap maximum benefits from their new alliance, little or no thought is given to fidelity principles and the constitutionality of running the parties. When the Buhari administration is eventually inaugurated and political appointments are being made in a matter of weeks, this same politicians from different parties will find themselves occupying the same positions they were ab initio necessitated the change the people yearned for in the first place. APC chieftains should remember that they have a mandate of just four years to perform otherwise, they will be voted out if they fail to turn things round positively by giving Nigerians what they want; which is democratic dividends. The current mass defections of politicians from the PDP to the APC will certainly do more damage than good by turning Nigeria into a one-party state. Therefore, APC should prevent this slide by putting on hold, the acceptance of further decampees into its fold. Afterall, we still need active opposition for our democracy to really flourish. • Kupoluyi writes from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), adewalekupoluyi@yahoo. co.uk,@AdewaleKupoluyi, adewalekupoluyi.blogspot. com

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: 0902 928 1425, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.