Tuesday, august 30, 2016

Experts: Refund of NNPC funds may trigger liquidity crisis Tony Chukwunyem

N

igeria’s banking industry could face significant liquidity pressures if the Central Bank of Ni-

geria (CBN) enforces its directive that eight banks should refund the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) funds into

the Treasury Single Account (TSA), analysts at Exotix Partners, London, the world’s leading frontier markets investment bank

have said.

The apex bank had, last Tuesday, suspended nine banks from further dealing in foreign exchange trans-

Chinese firm wins $1.85bn Kano light rail contract

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actions for failing to remit $2.3 billion belonging to the NNPC/NLNG to Federal Government’s coffers in line with the TSA policy.

Sources at the CBN said the lenders would not be

readmitted into the forex market until they remitted all the outstanding funds and that further disciplinary actions awaited the erring banks when they CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Tuesday, August 30, 2016

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PDP bows to Sheriff, to hold convention in Abuja }3

Six rescued, two trapped in Abuja building collapse }8

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Pastor marries mother, daughter }9

EFCC, ICPC kick }7

Ajumogobia

Sheriff

Rescue workers

…as FG takes over high profile cases

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lNPCC to prosecute Saraki, others in forgery suit lAnti-graft agency tackles NBA

L-R: CEO, WAJE Musik Entertainment, Waje Iruobe; CEO, Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufo; Director, Dangote Group, Halima Dangote; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Irish rock music star, Paul Hewson a.k.a. Bono and Presidential Adviser on Social Investments, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, during a visit to Osinbajo in Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

APC secretariat sealed with fetish objects

Buhari assures guber aspirants of level playing field HPV vaccine cuts cervical cancer rate worldwide by half

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC secretariat sealed with fetish objects Babatope Okeowo Akure

T

he leadership crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) worsened yesterday as some aggrieved members of the party sealed the party secretariat with fetish objects and sacrifices.

The residents and office owners around Oyemekun Road in Akure, the state capital, woke up to meet fetish objects placed at the gate leading to the party secretariat.

One of the aggrieved

party members told New Telegraph that the objects were placed at the party secretariat in order to prevent a meeting between the state chairman, Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke, and the executive from holding.

He said as long as the chairman has been removed by the State Executive Committee (SEC), they would use everything within their power to make sure the removal stands.

Some aggrieved members of the party have claimed that the chairman has been removed from office and appointed Mr. Ade Adetimehin, the deputy

chairman as his replacement.

This has led to clashes among pro and anti-Kekemeke groups for the past two weeks.

But instead of clashing, they used traditional means to seal the party secretariat located at the popular Oyemekun Road.

The objects used by the aggrieved members included goat and dog heads, red, white and black cloths, local pap, salt and some cash prepared.

These objects were put in a plate, sprinkled with palm oil, while palm leaves were tied at the entrance

Akinyerule: APC'll conduct free, fair primaries in Ondo Felix Nwaneri

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as distraction, the blame on its national leadership for the impasse over the party’s governorship primary in Ondo State.

National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the party, Chief Pius Akinyerule, who stated this in a statement made available to New Telegraph, assured the aspirants that despite claims of endorsement, the most acceptable candidate would emerge in a free and fair process.

Describing those attacking and encouraging hooliganism as agents of destabilisation, he said: “The attempt to scapegoat the chairman of the party and a few other leaders is unnecessary distraction.

The primary election will be conducted by the national headquarters of the APC based on the constitution of the party and not the whims of any state party chairman. The delegates’ list is under lock and key. Any complaints can be

channelled through me to the national headquarters.

“For each of the aspirants, victory will only be delivered based on the number of people they are able to convince to vote for them and ultimately how they square against our political opponent, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

Akinyerule also noted that there was nothing wrong with party leaders throwing support for aspirants they believe can best represent the party's values and ethos as well as help achieve victory in the election.

According to him, “it is only natural that some of those who have invested so much of their time, energy, intellect and other resources in the emergence of the APC as the formidable force it is today may throw their weight behind aspirants of their choice. There is nothing in the APC constitution that forbids this.

Such speculations, however, lie within the realm of speculation and rumour.

“The critical factor is that no one can alter the

Chinese firm wins $1.85bn Kano light rail contract

C

hina's state-owned railway construction firm has been awarded a $1.85 billion contract to build a light railway line in Kano, the company said yesterday.

China Railway Construction Corporation Ltd issued a statement saying two of its subsidiaries had been provisionally awarded the light railway project in Kano.

"The contract amount of the project is approximately $1.851 billion, accounting for approximately 2 per cent of the operating revenue of the company for the year 2015," it said in the statement, issued to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The contract is for four

lines, totalling 74 km (46 miles) and capable of carrying trains travelling at a top speed of 100 km per hour.

"This award is subject to the fulfillment to all conditions spelled out in the letter of intent from the financing bank and the final approval by the presidency of Nigeria," it said.

A government source, according to Reuters, said contracts of this nature are usually passed to the cabinet for approval.

The company said it expected the first and second phases of construction to each last for two years, but did not give details of when work was expected to start if approved.

delegates’ list. Once the candidate emerges, we the party leadership who have the responsibility will lead the campaign. No one who wishes the APC success in the general election will encourage any undemocratic manipulation of the intra party selection process.”

of the office from one end of the gate to other signifying the traditional sealing off of the premises.

This development prevented the office and secretariat staff of the party from gaining entry while the party's secretariat was turned to a centre of attraction yesterday.

Some of the staff who wanted to forcefully enter the office were cautioned by some traditionalists who explained that the palm leaves tied around the gate signified 'no entry'.

However, the objects were being cleared by some people under the watch of security operatives before the gate leading to the office was opened about 11:30a.m.

After the gate was forcibly opened, some pastors were seeing sanctifying the gate with anointing oil and water.

Kekemeke described the development as part of the antics of the detractors to further destabilise the party before they would eventually decamp

to another party.

He said the activities of the people are seen as a handshake beyond the elbow, saying it is going beyond a mere crisis within the party, but an attempt to kill the party in the state.

Kekemeke said the objects and action of the people should be seen as desecration of the culture of the land and said whosoever is behind the atrocity should face the wrath of the land.

The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, condemned the activities of the party members who used the traditional palm fronds, which is the traditional means of sealing off premises in Akureland to seal off the APC secretariat.

In a statement issued and signed by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Adeyeye Michael, the traditional ruler said using such method to seal off premises remains the prerogative of the Palace only.

The monarch said: "The Deji of Akure remains non-partisan and a father to all political aspirants and never authorised such and wishes to inform the general public that such act did not emanate from the palace.

"We wish to inform you that any attempt to desecrate the tradition will be vehemently rebuffed.

"It is certain that those who carried out this condemnable act are not aware of the cultural and traditional implications of this action. The palace is apolitical and, therefore, should not be dragged into the internal wrangling of any party.

"We want to state without mincing words that the palace has nothing to do with and equally condemns it in its entirety."

Oba Aladetoyinbo said the palace has directed its emissaries to carry out an investigation on the development, saying, "We are confident that the culprits will be apprehended in no distant time."

The All Progressives Congresss (APC) Secretariat in Akure, Ondo State, laced with fetish objects

PHOTO: Babatope Okeowo

Buhari assures guber aspirants of level playing field Ebere Ameh ABUJA

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has exonerated himself from the crisis of confidence rocking the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buhari spoke yesterday in Abuja through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, ahead of Saturday's governorship primary election of APC in the state.

Lawal, who met with the 24 aspirants of the party, told journalists after the parley that lasted for close to four hours, that Buhari has no preferred candidate among the aspirants and that government would do all in its power to provide a level-playing field for all the aspirants.

"We expect that all the

aspirants will work hard to win the votes of delegates.

In the tradition of APC, we expect that there will be no inducement of delegates or coercion," the SGF said.

He noted that the Buhari-led administration has no preferred aspirant.

While giving assurance of adequate deployment of security operatives for the primaries, he warned that government would deal decisively with anyone who breaches the peace.

He urged the aspirants to unite behind whoever emerges as the candidate.

"We understand that tension is high due to some underlying factors. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has assured the government and we believe them that everything will be done to ensure that elections are free and fair and we know that no official of the party would

do anything to give undue advantage to any aspirant over others.

"Government will come hard on anyone that does anything that in anyway jeopardises the peace and security of Ondo State," he warned.

The SGF urged 10 of the aspirants that were yet to sign an undertaking with the Department of State Services (DSS) to be of good conduct to do so.

In his remarks, National Secretary of APC, Mai Mala Buni, also restated the position of the party’s leadership to provide a level-playing field for all aspirants.

Buni said: "This party is committed to providing free and fair election because the calibre of members that we are sending to conduct this primary election are up to the task.

"The question of either

camping or inducing delegates, I am sure our delegates are people that no one can control their minds.

Nobody at any level will influence their decisions."

Responding on behalf of the aspirants, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowoshe thanked the president for the reassurances, saying that the aspirants are now satisfied and comfortable with the response of the government that the election would be free and fair.

One of the aspirants, Dr Tunji Abayomi, had accused national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, of endorsing one of the aspirants, Dr. Segun Abraham.

$29.19m The average daily value of units traded across all products of Nigeria for Q4 2014.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange

NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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EFCC, ICPC kick as FG takes over high profile cases

Emmanuel Onani and Tunde Oyesina Abuja

T

here is disquiet in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) over the Federal Government's decision to take over high profile cases from them.

New Telegraph's investigation revealed that the anti-graft agencies are particularly worried about public perception of the decision.

Also, lawyers in the Federal Ministry of Justice are grumbling with the decision of the Attorney general of the Federation (AGF) to transfer high profile cases to the newly established National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC).

The statements of EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, recently confirmed the frustration of the agency over the development.

Magu lamented that some people had been scheming to appropriate the functions and powers of the commission.

He described these people as “dark forces”.

The AGF and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) had, two weeks ago, instructed all the prosecutorial agencies – EFCC, ICPC, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) –to compile all the high profile cases they are handling with the bid of handing over same to the committee.

Such high-profile cases, which the AGF said he would determine, will now be handled by the NPCC. A statement by the AGF had noted that "the intention is not to distract the heads of these agencies, but rather to engender smooth synergy between the committee and the agencies."

Notwithstanding the assurance, New Telegraph gathered that many staff and operatives of the anti-

graft agencies think differently.

A source, who spoke in confidence on the issue, said: "Well, you know I'm not competent to speak for the agency (EFCC), but what I know is that most of my colleagues are not happy with the decision.

"Look, the enthusiasm, zeal, dedication and seriousness with which the chairman is driving the commission now, deserve applause.

"He should not be distracted; he should be allowed to do the marvellous work he has been doing.

"Do you think our operatives, who carry out painstaking investigations, and others who work assiduously to draft charges, will be happy that this is happening?"

Another source, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The feeling is that the Federal Government has no confidence in the anticorruption agencies, by its decision to set up the prosecution council.

"The feeling here, natu-

rally, is that of frustration."

When New Telegraph sought the reaction of the EFCC's spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, to the setting up of the committee and taking over of high-profiled cases from the agency, he said: "I don't know anything about that."

In her response, spokesperson for the ICPC, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, said: "I have no reaction to this; absolutely none."

Some of the lawyers in the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke with New Telegraph in confidence, said that the AGF is giving to outsiders, works that could be handled by them.

According to them, constituting a committee to do the works they are paid to do is a scheme by the AGF to take care of his friends.

They said that the decision was also contrary to the promise made by the Federal Government to run a lean administration.

The lawyers further noted that there is no legal basis upon which the mandate of the committee can

be justified.

They also noted that the provisions cited by the AGF couldn’t be the basis for setting up a committee to coordinate prosecution of high profile cases.

Already, the NPCC has taken over the forgery suit against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and two others.

The four defendants have been arraigned before an Abuja High Court over alleged forgery of the Senate Rules and Procedures 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and were consequently admitted to bail.

The annual vacation of the court had made the case to be on hold for now.

In a telephone chat with New Telegraph, the media aide to the AGF, Salihu Othman Isa, stated that the first high profile case the committee will handle is that of

PDP bows to Sheriff, to hold convention in Abuja lBoT directs Makarfi to convene NEC meeting

Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

A

fter two successive National Conventions aborted by the court, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed the party's National Caretaker Committee to work towards holding the next convention in Abuja, the nation's seat power.

The two aborted conventions were held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Also the BoT called for the constitution of a new convention planning committee so as "to ensure a credible, transparent, free and fair convention."

These were part of the decisions reached at a four-

hour meeting of the board held yesterday in Abuja.

BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, who read the seven-paragraph communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, further directed the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee to immediately convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to approve proposals that would move the party forward.

Makarfi inaugurated the PDP NEC on August 17 in Port Harcourt for the first time after the committee and other organs of the party were dissolved by the National Convention on May 21.

The BoT did not mention the leadership crisis in the party, which has led to its factionalisation, but

said it "has resolved to pass a vote of solid confidence in the National Caretaker Committee, and hereby urges the committee to continue the good work of properly planning for the next national convention."

It promised to facilitate raising of adequate funds for the committee to run the affairs of the party.

It will be recalled that the factional chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, gave as part of conditions for resolving the PDP leadership crisis, the shifting of the convention from Port Harcourt to Abuja.

Sheriff also insisted on the reconstitution of the convention planning committee, which will not be headed by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

The BoT, however, "mandated its Reconciliation Committee to continue with all good efforts for reconciliation."

The committee has Professor Jerry Gana as its chairman.

Among BoT members present at the meeting include Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Chief Olabode George, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, and Hajia Inna Ciroma, among others.

1

The total number of own goals for Portugal at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

76

The life expectancy of women at birth of Jamaica in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

There are 'rogue elements' in NBA, EFCC insists Emmanuel Onani

T Students of Lagos State University College of Medicine protesting the nonaccreditation of the dental faculty of the college in Lagos… yesterday

Saraki's forgery suit.

He added that such is a bid to fast track the trial as against how high profile cases are being delayed.

In the meantime, the decision by the Federal Government to set up the NPCC has elicited divergent views from two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Chiefs Mike Ahamba and Mike Ozekhome.

While conceding to the AGF the right to take over cases in the overriding public interest, Ozekhome, however, concluded that the decision may well be an alleged expression of lack of confidence.

"I wholly support the AGF on this bold, even if belated move, in his bid to cleanse the Augean stable of its socio-political excrement. He has the undoubted powers to do this under section 174 of the 1999

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has maintained its earlier position, that there were some rogue elements in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who may be denting the image of the legal profession.

The commission, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said it was compelled to make the clarification, in view of reactions that trailed its earlier reaction to the call by NBA's President, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), for the Federal Government to strip the EFCC of its prosecutorial power.

In its latest statement, the anti-graft agency said its earlier reaction was not intended to impugn the entire Bar. Rather, it insisted that there were elements of alleged compromise within the Bar, whose tendencies must be purged.

The EFCC also said it was compelled to react the way it did, as a former NBA president, as well as an ex-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, had allegedly championed a failed campaign for the scrapping of the commission.

The commission raised the following posers to buttress its position: "The NBA president's weighty recommendation was advanced against the facts on ground and without advancing a single shred of justification.

"The call of the NBA president (including its

timing and the platform at which was canvassed) was laid bare to speculations about the motivation behind it.

"EFCC notes the unprecedented step it has taken to help rid the Nigerian judiciary of severely corrupt elements, including the investigation and prosecution of senior members of the Bar for corruption and money laundering, with several more such interventions in the pipeline.

"EFCC is of the opinion that as in several professions (including law enforcement), there are some rogue elements in the Nigerian Bar Association giving the Bar a bad name."

It added that: "There are people with vested interests who wish to dismember the EFCC and those who are hovering like birds of prey to devour the carcass of the commission.

"By way of background, then NBA president, Lanke Odogiyan (again at the Bar conference in Port Harcourt) in 2005, called for outright scrapping of the EFCC and it took the intervention of a number of progressive legal practitioners led by Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), of blessed memory, to shoot down the obnoxious move.

"That failed attempt was closely followed by the move by one-time Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, to bring about the same end that is today being championed by Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN." Uwujaren said the above points had compelled the commission to put the public on notice.

NEWS

6

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jailbreak: Heavy shooting in Kuje prison

lSecurity operatives teargas inmates lIt’s a plan to kill Kanu, says IPOB Emmanuel Onani and Charles Onyekwere

T

here was heavy shooting around Kuje Prisons in Abuja yesterday over protest by inmates.

That was as a secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),

said that the uproar at the prison and the subsequent tear-gassing of the inmates was a plot by the Federal Government to kill its detained leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

New Telegraph gathered from prison sources that the shooting was designed to avert what would have

Lawyers in Justice Ministry grumble CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Constitution, in the public interest and in the interest of justice, fair play and restitution.

"It's sure a loud, not subtle, vote of no confidence on these agencies who are forever found deficit when it comes to hunting down the real criminals. But, when it comes to being manipulated and teleguided to overwhelm, intimidate, brow beat and harass profiled persons, political opponents and well-meaning critics of government, they become extra zealous and trigger happy.

"Where have they been and why have they not solved high profile cases?"

On his part, Ahamba also agreed that the AGF derived his power from the constitution.

"The AGF enjoys the power to do what he has done under Section 174 of the Constitution. Nothing

to do with vote of confidence or absence of it," Ahamba said.

The AGF had inaugurated the committee and also appointed 11 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to prosecute the cases.

He added that to fastrack the work of the committee, the ministry had created 20 prosecution teams with four members each and had requested all agencies exercising police powers to recommend five experienced investigators to support the committee’s work.

"The aim is to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of high profile criminal cases in Nigeria," he stated.

The minister said that the committee was not a duplication of the existing anti-corruption agencies, but would collaborate with such agencies for effective service delivery.

Public Notice Badmus Abayomi Hammed

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Alarape Mutiu Daramola

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Olumuyiwa Omojola Bello

Akinlabi Victor Kehinde

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been another jailbreak in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The latest breach at the Kuje Prisons is coming less than two months after a similar incident occurred therein.

Jailbreaks or such attempts have happened in Koton-Karfe, Nsukka, Lokoja, Kuje and Abakaliki prisons in recent times.

Consequently, the Federal Government dismissed some senior prison officials over the embarrassing occurrences.

However, a prison official, who spoke in confidence with New Telegraph yesterday, said "we shot tear-gas canisters to disperse some inmates who were protesting."

Asked what led to the protest, the source said: "Have a good day."

Another source, however, said: "Regardless of whatever was their issue, we decided not to take chances, considering the recent experience here, which caused the dismissal of some of our bosses."

Notwithstanding, the FCT Comptroller of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Mr. Daniel Ocharo, said there was no security breach at the prison facility.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the

command, Mr. Chukwuedo Humphrey, said what seemed to be a security breach resulted from an alleged resistance from the inmates to routine "cellsearch".

Humphrey said: "The Controller of Prisons, FCT Command, Daniel Odharo, has confirmed that there was no crisis in Kuje Medium Security Prison.

"At about 10a.m. on Monday August 29th, staff of Kuje Prison carried out a routine cell-search which is a part of the Prisons operational guidelines to prevent breach of security within and around the prisons. Some inmates tried to resist the exercise, which led to an altercation between the search party and the inmates. This was quickly put under effective control. No prisoner was injured, no property damaged and the yard is calm and peaceful.”

However, the FCT’s Controller of Prisons, Mr. Daniel Odahro, confirmed that there was a “minor riot” by inmates of the Kuje Prison.

“There was a minor riot at the Kuje Prison, but the situation has been brought under control,'' Odahro said.

He explained that a “disagreement” ensued at about 10.30 a.m. when some

inmates resisted the routine search in their cells.

Odahro dismissed claims that inmates were shot in the melee, and insisted that the situation had been completely taken care of.

Odahro said that security had been beefed up in and around the prison to forestall a recurrence.

Meanwhile, the leadership of IPOB yesterday raised fresh alarm over calculated attempt to kill Kanu by the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) through the prison warders in-charge of Kuje prison.

The pro-Biafra group alleged that early yesterday morning, Kanu's room came under attack, and in the process, tear gas and gunshots were heard near his apartment.

In a statement issued by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said the Federal Government, the DSS and prison authority have perfected secret plans in disguise of separating the inmates who were having misunderstanding with fellow inmates.

The group, however, observed that the Federal Government and security agents, through their pris-

on waders, orchestrated violence in the prison in order to have excuses to eliminate Kanu.

"The orchestrated violence by the Federal Government and DSS through the prison authority was to be executed by prison warders, who started shooting sporadically towards the doors and windows where our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and two other IPOB members were detained.

"The prison warders went to search some prison inmates very far from where Kanu and two others were kept. All of a sudden, they started shooting live bullets towards the direction where our leader was kept. The cannon teargas was thrown inside the room he stays. Right now, we don't know the condition of our leader, Kanu, and others detained alongside with him."

0.25%

The capital importation percentage share of Construction of Nigeria in 2009.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

182.06

The average height of football players of Italy in the 2011-2012 season.

Source: Football-observatory.com

Experts: Refund of NNPC funds may trigger liquidity crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

finally remit the funds in full to the government’s coffers.

The CBN announced last Wednesday that it had re-admitted one of the lenders, UBA, into the foreign exchange market after the lender refunded its outstanding TSA deposits.

However, commenting on the suspensions in a note they issued at the weekend, analysts at Exotix Partners, London, stated: “Given the magnitude of the figures being quoted, we think enforcement of the policy could potentially cause significant liquidity problems for some of the banks involved and that in turn could become a systemic problem for the entire sector.”

Besides, the analysts said: “The TSA repayments combined with the repayment of outstanding debt maturities will, in our view, significantly stretch banks’ dollar liquidity, especially since banks have little scope for liquidating their US$ assets (most of their US$ assets are in the form of loans to the oil & gas and power sectors, whose durations have been increased significantly in the past 18 months as part

of efforts by banks to mitigate credit risk).”

They noted that although the $2.3 billion deposits represent 4.0 per cent of the industry’s total deposits, they contribute a significantly higher proportion of banks’ dollar deposits.

“We estimate the TSA deposits account for almost 25.1 per cent of banks’ total dollar deposits. With an average US$ loan-to-deposit ratio of 121.9 per cent, we believe banks’ US$ liquidity positions are already quite stretched,” the analysts stated.

According to the analysts, given that the affected banks do not have the required dollar liquidity to refund the TSA deposits and the foreign exchange market is not deep enough for the lenders to purchase the sums in the short term, the regulator would have to come up with another strategy of addressing the issue instead of trying to enforce compliance with its directive.

They suggested that a way out of the impasse would be for the CBN to sell the affected banks, dollars to cover existing (past due) trade obligations, on the understanding that the

resulting liquidity would then be used to re-fund TSA deposits.

“This would enable (at least part) compliance with a directive that we assume is driven by the Presidency, with no net impact on reserves for CBN, and minimal impact on the exchange rate,” the analysts added.

Stressing that the CBN may have to reverse itself on the issue, the analysts pointed out: “That, unlike the 2009 crisis, the issues that the Nigerian banks face is on their US$ balance sheet. Thus, unlike 2009, the CBN cannot bail out the sector by issuing and then monetising promissory notes (AMCON bonds).

In case of a full-scale crisis, the banking sector will need a “hard currency” bailout which the CBN or Nigeria cannot afford. To put things in context, the aggregate TSA deposit of US$2.3 billion is almost 10 per cent of the country’s FX reserves.”

They further stated: “Given the current fundamentals of the country, we think the negative impact of a full scale banking crisis far outweighs any positive benefits that the government will accrue from

additional US$ liquidity on its own balance sheet, (especially when the amount in consideration of US$2.3 billion is not that significant). We, therefore, think the CBN might re-consider its policy decision.”

Significantly, arguing that full and immediate implementation of the TSA is not possible, the analysts warned: “TSA implementation will only pile more (downward) pressure on the exchange rate.”

Other experts including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have faulted the CBN’s action, saying the move is already fuelling uncertainties, impacting negatively on investors and driving up the naira exchange rate, which has risen to N414 per dollar at parallel market and N318 to a dollar on the interbank as at the close of business yesterday.

Nigeria is currently facing one of its worst financial crisis in decades, coupled with inflation rising, the economy weakening and production of oil, which provides the bulk of export earnings, down since last February as militants attack pipelines.

tuesday, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NPA redeploys 19 general managers Bayo Akomolafe

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he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has redeployed 19 general managers to various departments in the organisation.

In the new postings, the General Manager, Western Ports, Chief Michael Ajayi, was redeployed to Public Affairs Department, while Captain Ebubegu Ihenacho, who was the General Manager, Public Affairs, now General Manager, Monitoring and Enforcement (M & E), Western Ports.

Also, General Manager, ND & JV, Mrs. Madubuike Ugowho, is now General Manager, Special Duties; Talabi Tolulope, whose last post was General Manager, C&SP is now General Manager, NB & JV; General Manager, Marine and Operations, Goje Abdulahi Aliyu, is now General Manager, Eastern Ports.

Others are the General Manager, London Office, Abdulahi Buhari, who is now General Manager, SERVICOM. The General Manager, Abuja Liaison Office, Mohammed Nasir Anas, was asked to take over as General Manager, Administration; Kabir Edward is now General Manager, M&C Eastern Ports.

national | news

MEND disbands Ajumogobia's peace initiative, embraces Clark's template

Dominic Adewole ASABA

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ropelled by the need for the Niger Delta region to speak as a united force, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has disbanded its Aaron Team 2 dialogue and peace initiative, headed by Odein Ajumogobia (SAN) and keyed into Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark’s dialogue template.

The group collapsed the Aaron Team 2 structure into the pan-Niger Delta dialogue and peace initiative being led by the Ijaw national leader.

The elder statesman, who was the Minister of Information during the first republic and the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, had two weeks ago, convened stakeholders' meeting that involved all ethnic nationalities in Warri to end the resumed hostility in the region.

A few days after, the Ultimate Warriors of Niger Delta, a factional militia group urged the Federal Government to be wary

of its fraternity with the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Ultimate Warriors’ spokesperson, Sibiri Taiowoh, said MEND had continued to issue supportive statements to scam the Federal Government or give a semblance that it was peace-loving.

A week after, another

11.04%

The equity turnover velocity of Nigeria for Q4 2014.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange

MAIDUGURI

A

few hours after of a business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and a popular musician, Mr. Paul David Hewson, visited Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, hundreds of aggrieved IDPs from the camp went on rampage, protesting and barricading the Maiduguri- Biu Road in the metropolis, alleging 'poor feeding system and ill-treatment' by government and other humanitarian agencies.

The IDPs, who were on a peaceful protest, said they were not satisfied with a situation where a family of three or four people will be given same amount of foodstuff with a family of 10 or 15 members on a monthly basis of household feeding introduced by the State Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA).

It took the intervention of the state government and the North East Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Kanar, to douse the tension.

Senior Special Assis-

tant to Governor Kashim Shettima on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Social Media, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir Talbari, said the ongoing IDPs’ protest was instigated by a group of politicians with deeprooted prejudice against the administration of Governor Kashim Shettima, who are trying to cause disaffection.

Bakassi has a population of 152, 000 IDPs from Nganzai, Monguno, Gwo-

za and other local government areas of the state.

It will be recalled that just last week, hundreds of IDPs, mostly women and children from Marte Local Government Area of the state, left their camp at Arabic Teachers’ College in the metropolis and disrupted traffic flow along the MaiduguriKano Road, until it took a decisive move by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, to calm the situation.

SGF wants NILS to train top political office holders Philip Nyam Abuja

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ecretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has charged the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) to enhance its scope of activities by providing capacity training for top political office holders in both the executive and the legislative arms of government.

Lawal, who stated this when the management of NILS led by its Director General, Dr. Ladi Hamalai, paid him a courtesy visit,

serves the right to recall its nominees after six months should they fail to deliver on the Niger Delta questions or the terms establishing them.

The group equally warned the Clark-led peace initiative not to forget that it had been in preliminary talks with the Federal Government as confirmed by President Muhammadu Buhari, hence, they should not engage in any shoddy deal, or deviate from the agreements it had already secured with the Federal

Government.

A statement issued by the group in their yesterday post, condemned the extra-judicial killings and deception by the Bayelsa State Government - sponsored militia under the leadership of its former commander, Africanus Ukparasia, aka General Africa.

Africanus Ukparasia is an ex-militant, whose agreement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme forbids him from bearing arms for any purpose and any more.

L-R: Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Hon Abubakar Bwari; Chairman Organising Committee, International Mining Investment Conference/Exhibition on Nigeria (IMICON) Dr Biodun Olorunfemi; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and IMICON Chairman, Prof.

Omer Rahaman at the 5th International Mining Investment Conference / Exhibition on Nigeria (IMICON) in Abuja.... yesterday.

Again, Borno IDPs protest poor feeding system in camp Ahmed Miringa

factional militia group in the state, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, rejected the choice of Clark and Governor Okowa as their negotiator, describing the stakeholders' meeting they conveyed in Warri as a ‘charade.’

This disbandment also affected the take-off of the group's ‘Operation Moses,’ which had been suspended.

But MEND yesterday said it would work with Clark, but monitor the pace of progress of the Clark-led team and re-

7

said NILS was a critical government institution that should be effectively utilised.

He said all government institutions and stakeholders should benefit from its training services for the enhancement of good governance, promotion of understanding and harmonious relationship between the two arms of democracy.

While emphasising that training was key and the executive needed the requisite skills to understand the complex workings of the legislature.

NDA angry over Buhari's utterances Dominic Adewole ASABA

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he Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, yesterday sent a warning signal to President Muhammadu Buhari over his outburst on Niger Delta issues each time he embarks on overseas trip.

The militants, who have been silent since the ceasefire commenced, wondered why the President would not let the sleeping dogs lie but travels abroad to fan embers of discord.

They said they have observed with keen interest that whenever the President travelled outside the country, he seizes the opportunity to break the peace-accord reached with them.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Brig.

Gen Mudoch Agbinibo, yesterday, tagged, ‘An Open Letter to Mr. President,’ the group lamented that the President went to developed nation like the United States of America, Germany, France, Britain and wash his dirty linen.

"We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to put away the garb of a stooge to the imperialists whenever he speaks outside Nigeria. We have listened carefully and halted hostilities in the

Niger Delta. We expect a genuine and positive attitude to restructuring and self-determination for every component unit of Nigeria.

"Dear President, what makes those countries (Japan, Germany, France, USA, Britain etc.) great is the ability of their governments to accommodate internal protestations and conflicts for the greater good of their nations over the years. Please stop presenting your government as pawn to the web of military industrialists complex, whenever you leave the shores of Nigeria."

While they pointed out to the President that Nigeria is not his personal estate, they said no amount troops deployed to the region under the disguise of 'military exercise' would prevent the people of the region from controlling their God's given resources.

"Nigeria is not a oneman personal property.

We must have these talks every time if this union must continue to work as one. The people of the Niger Delta have been living here from time immemorial. So, we have the secret of the terrain and survival of amphibious operations.

"No amount of troop surge and simulation exercises will make you win the oil war. You can only

win battles. You cannot apply the might of the state to restore the people's confidence in your leadership when you cannot differentiate between genuine demands and being mismanaged by disorganized characters and tribal lords around you in your government that are playing the court jesters role as well as counting the days that is left in your four years term.

"You can deceive the whole world but We cannot be deceived by the so glamorized ongoing military operations in the creeks of Ijaw communities in the Delta coded " Operation Crocodile Smiles".

According to the group, the body language of the President in Kenya has proven to the international community that the ongoing military occupation in the creeks was targeted at killing the innocent indigenes of the area.

"The world should know that with your pronouncement in Kenya and your attitude to the military build up in the Niger Delta, it is crystal clear that the military has nothing less than a pre-determined genocide in Niger Delta and burn more already scared national resources to the pockets of those that have failed to locate the missing Chiboks School Girls."

8

tuesday, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO Onwuka Nzeshi, Yekeen Nurudeen and Caleb Onwe

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ix persons were rescued yesterday when a building under construction collapsed in Gwarinpa Estate, in Abuja.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other emergency responders rushed to the site of the incident, which occurred about midnight.

It was learnt that soon as the building cave in, residents of the area made emergency calls to the Federal Capital Emergency Agency (FEMA) and NEMA. However, six of those trapped were rescued by a combined team of NEMA, FEMA, Federal Fire Service, Red Cross, police, the military and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) while two were still trapped under the rubble as at the time New Telegraph crew visited the scene.

Security operatives were using sniffer dogs and infra-red detectors to locate those still trapped under the rubble while bulldozers and escalators were also working to remove the collapsed structure.

The Director-General, FEMA, Mr. Abbas Idris, told our correspondent that when he got the distress call, it was presented as a fire incident but when his men arrived with the firemen, they discovered it was a building collapse.

He said: “About midnight, we received a distress call that there was a fire incident around this place, so we called up our firemen but on getting here we discovered that it was a building collapse.

“We had to mobilise and quickly call for rescue. This is the rescue operation that we have been carrying out since middle of the night. We have been able to rescue six people

ABIODUN BELLO abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

Six rescued, two trapped in Abuja building collapse

Security operatives cordoned off the scene of a collapse four-storey building on 444 cresent, citec estate in gwarinpa, where eight persons were Feared Trapped and the six of them rescued are currently receiving treatment Gwarinpa General Hospital, in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

out of eight persons trapped in the building. The rescue operation started about 1a.m. We have been here for almost 15 hours and we are still expecting to rescue the remaining two persons from the rubble.

“We are not in contact with them (those still trapped) but we are still hopeful because the last person we rescued came out alive so we are hoping that the remaining two will also come out alive.”

Idris said that so far there were no fatalities but promised that no efforts would be spared to rescue all of those trapped in the building.

According to him, from the account of those rescued, all those trapped were workers on

the building site.

The DG added that they were yet to ascertain the owner of the building.

He said: “We are still looking for the owner and up till now nobody has come out to say he owns it. You can see that the rescue operation is still on and the various construction companies are here helping us with their equipment. We started with one excavator but we now have five courtesy Julius Berger and the other construction companies.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that we rescue everyone trapped inside this building. We are grateful to all the agencies that have responded to the distress call. We have the police, Fire Service, the

military, Red Cross, Civil Defence and Department of State Services (DSS) here.”

Speaking also at the site, the FCT Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Ishaya Chonoko, said careful measures were being taken to ensure that the trapped workers were rescued.

He said: “We were called around 12:30a.m. They called our Call Center. From the information we gathered, they were eight, six were removed and two are still there. About three hours ago, the last person we removed was still conscious.

We would not rule out that they are still alive.

“We are just trying to be careful so that if they are alive, we should not be the one to kill

them. The operation is still on.”

But an expert, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the building collapsed was caused by landslide which resulted from too much water under the ground that was blocked.

He said: “It is landslide, because the waterways are blocked. The disaster was avoidable. There would have been a very serious embankment up there and they would have allowed the water to flow here. The place is swampy and as you can see the waterways are blocked and the water was just going down.”

Residents of the area blamed the collapse on the use of substandard materials as well as mixing too much sand with little quantities of cement.

They argued that the prompt intervention of security operatives saved the lives of the rescued workers.

Meanwhile, the management of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has blamed the collapse of the building on non-adherence to the extant rules by the developers of the structure.

The FHA Managing Director, Prof. Mohammed Al- amin, who briefed journalists on the incident, said developers of the collapsed three-storey building contravened some of the rules and regulations for erecting such a structure in the Federal Capital Territory.

City Briefs

Ojude Oba: Glo seeks cultural renaissance Catholic priest remanded for allegedly defiling girl, 10 lobacom has announced has made our young people to Gudu Upper Area Court, (NAN), urged the court to grant mand the defendant in custody.

Earlier, Ijagbemi had told the G its sponsorship of the 2016 believe that age-old cultural ac- AAbuja, yesterday remanded the defendant bail because he Ojude Oba festival. tivities which are mainly synon- parish priest of Church of As- was still innocent until proven court that Grace Ibong of KuruAt a press conference held in Ijebu-Ode yesterday to unveil plans for this year’s edition of the festival, Globacom called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to save Africa’s culture from near extinction.

The company’s Commercial Coordinator, Business Enterprise, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe, said that there was an urgent need to provide strong platforms for Nigerians of various cultures and traditions to express themselves and preserve such cultures from being lost to globalisation.

He said: “The new wave of modernisation in our country

ymous with Africa are primitive and should be exterminated.

“Unfortunately, this has become an ill-wind that will blow no one any good because the effort to downplay our cultures and traditions has also come with the jettisoning of sound moral values which were the hallmark of traditional African societies.”

Aderibigbe added that the socalled modern lifestyle and values could not be said to be a good replacement for the teaching of morals among youths which cultures and traditions offered through the ages.

sumption, Asokoro, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ochigbo, in police custody for allegedly defiling a 10-yearold girl.

Ochigbo was arraigned on a one-count charge of rape.

The Upper Area court judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, adjourned the case till August 30 for ruling.

His counsel, Godwin Chukwukere, had applied for his bail pursuant to sections 158, 162, 163 and 164 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Chukwukere, according to the News Agency of Nigeria

otherwise.

According to him, though the offence is not bailable, Section 162 gives the court wide powers to grant bail in cases like this.

The counsel urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of his client.

He added that the defendant was on administrative bail and would not jump bail if granted.

The prosecutor, John Ijagbemi, opposed the application, because the defendant was not given administrative bail.

He urged the court to discountenance the application and re-

duma village, Asokoro, Abuja, reported the matter at the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, on August 17.

He said after a church programme in the said church, the defendant asked the complainant to leave her 10-year-old and eightyear-old daughters to spend the night with him, which she did.

He added that when the complainant went back to the defendant’s house to pick her children, she discovered an unusual movement from her 10-year-old daughter on August 15.

METRO

tuesday, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

9

Divorce court

Why my daughter and I married our pastor –Housewife housewife, Mrs. Calista Omeye, yesterday A told an Enugu North Magistrates’ Court that she and her daughter were married to the

The two brothers and another suspect

Clement James Calabar

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wo brothers, Patrick Richard Etok (22) and Roland Richard Etok (16), of No. 14 Ikot Efa Lane, Calabar, Cross River State, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap the Managing Director of Peace Garden Hotel, Calabar, Okon Nsi. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, who also paraded 13 others for various crimes, such as armed robbery, said the two brothers were also found with two locally-made revolver pistols, one locally-made Beretta pistol and 10 rounds of .9mm live ammunition.

Briefing journalists in Calabar yesterday, the commissioner said a third suspect, whose name he gave as Promise, escaped on sighting the police.

According to him, efforts are being made to track Promise down.

Youth strip, stab reverend father Pamela Eboh Awka

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rate youths suspected to be idol worshippers yesterday attacked Rev. Father Fidelis Ugozo, the parish priest of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Obubo village, Ugbenu in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The priest was attacked and beaten to a pulp by the youth who tore his humeral veil to shreds and stabbed him in the face.

Other Christians also sustained various degrees of injury while performing their monthly Rosary procession.

A witness said Ugozo was carrying the ‘Blessed Sacrament’ in procession going round some villages in the community when he and members of his congregation were stopped by a man identified as Ikegbunam, who is now at large.

“Ikegbunem insisted that they will not enter his village named Obubo and when they overpowered him, he started making contacts, calling some youths from the village to attack the priest and others who were mainly women and children,” the witness said.

Ugozo, who is also the Spiritual Director of Amen and Amen Ministry, Omor in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was first rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Ebenebe but because of his condition, he was transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi Ani by the Ebenebe Deanery Chaplain.

Two brothers, others held for kidnapping, robbery

He said: “On August 16, about 8p.m., a surveillance team from State Housing Police Station led by ASP Ekhator Osunde, received a distress call that some group of armed boys were about to kidnap Okon John Nsi, the Managing Director of Peace Garden Hotel, located on Old Odukpani Road, Calabar.”

Ozi-Obeh explained that based on the information, the police swung into action and arrested the two brothers while their friend escaped.

Also paraded were Mgbeje Uguge (24), Wisdom Betian (26) and Julius Afakel (27), among others who, allegedly invaded the premises of Ajuwon Tolu and carted away HP laptops, Techno Ipad, Nokia phones worth N549,200 as

well as a cash of N81,000.

The police boss, who appealed to the public to avail the police of information in their locality, said his command would continue to work hard to reduce the crime rate in the state.

Ozi-Obeh also promised to put mechanism in place to check crime in the ‘ember months.’

He said: “We are ready to work but we need information to act upon. We are heading to the ‘ember months’ and we are working hard.

“As you can see, the state has been quite calm in the last one month and during this period of yam festivals, communities like Yakurr that had some problems have been celebrating the festival peacefully.”

Radical lawyer assassinated in Rivers

Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

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unmen yesterday shot dead a Port Harcourt-based human rights’ lawyer, Mr. Ken Atsuete, at his Omuchiorlu residence in Aluu, near the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The gunmen were said to have stormed Atsuete’s house about 6a.m., shot him several times, and fled the area.

A source, however, said that the gunmen seized the radical lawyer’s body and dumped it on the road in the community.

Atsuete’s body has been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary.

The deceased, who hailed from Itsekiri in Delta State, was the lawyer of the former chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Ojukaye Amachree, who is now in the Port Harcourt Prison on charges of murder.

He also participated fully at the justconcluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national convention in Port Harcourt, where he delivered a paper on behalf of one of the speakers who could not make it to the conference.

A human rights activist and close confidant of the deceased, Mr. Anyakwe Nsirimovu, expressed shock over the incident.

Nsirimovu described Atsuete as a worthy lawyer/activist of repute, who was very committed to the defence of human rights.

He said: “This morning (yesterday), he was shot outside his house. He could not survive the profuse bleeding. And one more critical voice of reason and

The late Atsuete

dissent silenced.

“If the killers think or believe that weapons of human destruction can kill speeches in this part, they are seriously mistaken.”

Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the assassination.

Omoni told a news conference in Port Harcourt that Atsuete was killed about 6a.m.

He said that the police had commenced investigation into the incident and would ensure that the killers were arrested and prosecuted.

The PPRO described Atsuete’s killing as “pure assassination”.

Omoni said the lawyer had contacted the police to inform them that there was kidnapping in his area, at Umuogba, Aluu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

pastor of their church, Mr. Timothy Ngwu.

Ngwu’s wife, Veronica Ngwu, had sued the cleric for allegedly marrying another man’s wife, daughter as well as another woman.

The victims whom Ngwu allegedly converted to his “wives” were said to be members of his church - Gods’ Favour Ministry, Nsukka.

Omeye, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), told the court that her husband, Mr. Fidelis Omeye, had persuaded her to meet the pastor as he wanted her to do the will of God through the pastor.

She said: “My husband was a member of the church and he introduced me to the church, because he said that the pastor had a revelation for me.

“He said the revelation had to do the will of God but he later left the church. But I refused to leave the church with him.

“I have 10 children for him and we were all members of the church before he left and I had a baby for the pastor but the baby died after some weeks.”

Omeye also said that it was with her husband’s consent that their daughter was given to the pastor in marriage.

She added: “It is not true that I gave out our daughter in marriage to the pastor without the consent from my husband, he was aware of everything.”

The pastor, who hailed from Ihe-Owerre, Nsukka, was absent from the court as he was said to be on admission at a hospital in Enugu.

The magistrate, Mrs. R. I. Oruruo, adjourned hearing in the matter till September 26.

My wife starves me of sex, food –Pastor

A

39-year-old pastor, Andrew Ndubisi, yesterday approached an Igando Customary Court, Lagos, to dissolve his four-yearold marriage over sex and food starvation.

He said: “My wife (Saraphina) starves me of food and sex. She always gives excuses whenever I want to make love to her. Despite all my pleading, she will not allow me; my body is not a stone or iron rod.

“Apart from sex, she also denies me food; she is a poor cook and hardly cooks. Whenever she does, is either the food is too salty or watery.

“If I complain, she will take the food and dispose of it and she will never apologise; I used to buy food to eat or go hungry.”

The petitioner, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also accused his wife of infidelity.

He said: “My wife is having an affair. Last February 1, I called my wife with a new SIM I just bought.

“Unknown to her, she never knew who was calling; she said is it because my wife was around that I refused call or visit her. It was then that I knew that my wife was having an affair.

“I refused to respond. I waited for her to do the talking; she started calling me sweet names and told me how much she loves me.

“She insisted I should say something; I later revealed myself to her and she was shocked.

Before I got home, she has packed out with our three-year-old daughter.

“When she did not return for days, I reported at the police station; I also went to the radio and television stations including a newspaper, to place announcement of a missing person.”

Saraphina, a 31-year-old businesswoman, welcomed the divorce.

The petitioner, however, denied all the allegations against her.

10

NEWS | national

tuesday, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

Ekpo: This is to confirm that the names Ekan Imoh Richard and Ekpan Imoh Richard refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known as Ekpo Imoh Richard. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. Union Bank and general public note.

Isa

I, formerly known and addressed as Isa Ramota Omolara now wish to be known and addressed as Isa Ramota Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid.

Guaranteed Trust Bank (GTB) and members of the public take note.

CHIABUOTU

I, formerly known, called and addressed as Otuu Victor Azubuike now wish to be known, called and addressed as Otuu Chiabuotu Azubuike. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. Banks and general public should note.

Oluwadola

I, formerly Ogundola Folukemi Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwadola Folukemi Elizabeth.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Gabriel

I, formerly Uchechi Favour Ihedigbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Uchechi Favour Gabriel. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Oyewale

Ihezie

I, formerly known as Ihezie Ifeanyi Emmanuel now wish to be known, called and address as Ihezie Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid GTBANK and General public please take note.

OJI

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Mgbada Zainab Awa, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Oji Zainab Awa. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. NYSC, Banks, Artifice Press Nigeria Limited and general public should take note.

Apostle

I, formerly Pastor Johnson Osaghae, now wish to be known and addressed as Apostle Folorunsho Johnson Osaghae, All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Uwa

I, formerly known as Caroline Kikanwa, now which to be address as Adonu Carol Uwa, All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Yatit

I, formerly known as Miss Oyewale Kemi Bidemi, now which to be address as Miss Oyewale Kemi Sandra. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public note.

I, formerly Abednego Jeftha Naandom, now wish to be known and addressed as Abednego Jeftha Yatit. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Abimbola

EZEA

I, formerly Miss Oso Motunrayo Abimbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eniola Motunrayo Abimbola. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Asima

I, formerly known and addressed as Ayibatonye Asima now wish to be known and addressed as Asima Ebiyedoumo Apostle. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Yahuza

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uloma Geraldine Ezea, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Uloma Geraldine Azoro. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and the general public note.

Micah

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Endurance Eyene Ebiama-Ere Agbodo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gloria Agbodo Micah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Obebi

I, formerly known and addressed as Yahuza Sule Sabo now wish to be known and addressed as Yahuza Suleman Sabo. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to confirm that the names Agorodi Ayah Purobebh and Agorodi Purobebh Obebi refer to one and the same person. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Sunday

Igu

I, formerly known and addressed as Jonathan Patrick Uche now wish to be known and addressed as Patrick Owoetoni Sunday. All former documents remain valid. Access bank Plc, Zenith bank Plc and the general public should take note.

Dafeta

This is to confirm that the names Dafeta Aves Sodoupayefa and Adomokeme Sodoupayefa refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Dafeta Aves Sodoupayefa.

All former documents remain valid. Sterling bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Jonathan Angadigha Igu now wish to be known and addressed as Jonathan Joseph Igu. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Ekwegbeli

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekoli Roseline Azuka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekwegbeli Roseline Azuka. All former documents remain valid.

Banks, Nursing and Mid Wifery Council of Nigeria, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, National Open University of Nigeria and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ARK OF SALVATION AND WORD OF LIFE MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, under part 'C' of the companies and Allied matter Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Ogundipe Dupe Veronica 2. Amoye David Olusegun 3. Adekugbe Felix Ejilayo 4. Falobi Emmanuel Omoniyi 5. Abiodun Sylvester Olusanmi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the word of God throughout the word.

2. To deliver people from bondage.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

Ezendu: I, formerly known as Ariawa Sylvaline Erozolachi, now wish to be known as Ezendu Sylvaline Erozolachi. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

Collins-Onyesom

Samaila

I, Formerly Miss Ezeanya Uchechukwu Sophia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Collins-Onyesom Uchechukwu Sophia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ismaila Suleiman, Samaila Suleiman Kaura, now wish to be known address as Samaila Suleiman. All former documents remain valid, general public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE EDAKINGS HOPE FOR THE NEEDY ORGANIZATION A subsidiary of Edakings Hospital Associates Non Governmental Organisation, registered and operative in Italy by the founder Prof. Anthony Nwannebuike Nwiboko, with the corporate number: C.F: 91107530726 (REP.IT) as an ORGANISATION FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND HUMANITARIAN AID

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organisation/Foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No 1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Prof. Nwiboko Anthony Nwannebuike-Chairman 2. Staff Nurse Opoke Theresa Obiageri –Chairperson 3. Ms. Nweze Mary Oluchi-Treasurer 4. Cap. Nwiboko Emmanuel Onyejerebechi-Safety Officer 5. Cor. Opoke Chukwuma Peter- Zonal Co-ordinator 6. Comrd. Nwokwu Mathew Chinweoru-Admin Secretary 7. Rep. Mbam Philip Ejike – Public Relation Director AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To offer selfless service to the needy and to Humanity in general.

2. To promote education, innovations, intensive learning and employment opportunity, occupation for all, healthcare delivery, equal opportunity and other essential services to humanity.

3. To promote good governance in African Sub-Region.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Prof. Anthony Nwannebuike NWIBOKO. (Founder/CHAIRMAN)

PUBLIC NOTICE FLUSH HOUSE INTERNATIONAL CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied matters act, 2004.

The Trustees are: 1. Okechukwu Henry Anyanwu 2. Chiagozie Amaeze Iheazor 3. Arc. Ezechinyere Maduike 4. Obinna Njemanze 5. Chukwuma Kenneth Njoku 6. Ejike Charles Nwokoro 7. Nnamdi Mathew Umenze

– Chairman

– Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To care for the needy and less privileged.

2. To strive to create a better environment and society for the young and old.

3. To flush out all negative vices in society.

4. To foster unity and oneness.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Ejike Charles Nwokoro – Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE OKOPEDI YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ Companies and Allied Matters Act. The Trustees are: 1. Dr.Boniface Effiong Anwe 3. Mr.Denis Okon Ente 5. Mr.Joseph Bassey Okon 7. Mr.Effiong Ukpong Effiong

2.

4.

6.

8.

Hon.Anweting Ekeng Etim Mr.Nicholas Umam Etor Comr.Emmanuel Ebenyi Otto Mr.Ateh Ibok Isno

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. For the advance of educational services.

2. To promote welfare, social development, cultural, sports and charitable services.

3. To facilitate peace, progress and harmony amongst its members and his environs.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: EKPENYONG EKPENYONG OKOPEDI OKOBO 08035393779

PUBLIC NOTICE

EKWUEME CLUB OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named club has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, under part 'C' of the companies and Allied matter Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Onunyereofor Chukwudubem Samson – Chairman 2. Ezika Sunday – Secretary 3. Umebuani Gift Uzondu - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote peace, understanding and friendliness among members.

2. To give financial and moral support to members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Management

HPV vaccine cuts cervical cancer rate worldwide by half

Appolonia Adeyemi

G

lobal efforts to reduce cervical cancers and deaths have paid off with new developments showing that the numbers of new cervical cancer cases have been halved.

This follows the roll out of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, across 130 countries worldwide.

The HPV vaccine also protects against cancers in the throat and mouth in both men and women.

An estimated 14,550 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Nigeria, many of them presenting at an advanced stage, making it difficult for care givers to save them.

Out of this figure, 9,659 women die yearly from the disease which is preventable.

According to a Consultant Gynaecologist with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Kehinde Okunade, there is now increased awareness in Nigeria to make the populace accept and immunise adolescents with the HPV vaccines which is now available in Nigeria.

The vaccine could eradicate cancers caused

by HPV within 40 years said Prof. Ian Frazer, Chief Executive of the Translational Research Institute,

Australia's first translational research facility dedicated to translating scientific discoveries.

He said: "It helps not only control cervical cancer but also the oropharyngeal cancer - the cancers inside the mouth that are caused by these viruses," added Frazer.

"If we vaccinate enough people, we will eliminate these viruses because they only infect humans. And in Australia there is already been a 90 per cent reduction in infections in the 10 years the programme has been running."

HPV is a very common virus that lives on our skin and other areas of the body, including the mouth, genital areas and anus. It can be passed through skin-to-skin contact and genital contact.

The virus is most often passed during vaginal and anal sex, but can also be transmitted through oral sex.

"The papilloma viruses that cause cancer are very common indeed," Prof Frazer said.

"Most people get rid of the virus themselves without knowing they have contracted it, but one per cent of the population that get it get persistent infection that lasts over five years. If they do that they've got a very good chance they will get a cancer."

2017 budget: FG trains 4,254 officers

A

head of 2017 budget, the Federal Government yesterday commenced the training of planning and budget officers of 800 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) nationwide.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said at the opening in Kaduna that 4,254 officers would train on Zero-BasedBudgeting (ZBB).

Represented by Director, Fiscal Policy Department, Mr. Joshua Fadola, the minister said the training was designed to equip the officials with knowledge, tools and skills in preparation for the 2017 budget.

Udoma said that the training was being conducted simultaneously in seven cities across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with 1,830 participants from Abuja/North Central being trained in Abuja.

He said 384 officers from North-East were in Gombe; 504 from North-

West in Kaduna; 408 in Lagos and 486 from SouthWest in Ibadan.

Others are 330 from South-South holding their training in Uyo and 318 from South-East in Enugu.

According to him, the goal is to enhance the capacity of the planning and budget officers to utilise innovative planning and budgeting concept in preparing the 2017 budget.

“As we prepare to fully implement the Federal Government’s ZBB, there is the need to equip planning and budget officers in our MDAs with the knowledge, skills and tools required for the ZBB, using the 2017 budget preparation platform.

“The key areas of focus would be basic concept of public sector budgeting, overview of zero-based budget and medium term expenditure,” he said.

The minister said at the end of the training, the officers would be acquainted with the concept and application of ZBB in public sector budget.

11

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Edo decides Ize-Iyamu can't be trusted with govt treasury – Oshiomhole

Politics

Interview PDP has no chance in Edo guber poll – Idahosa

12 16

Ondo: Zoning tears PDP apart Kayode Olanrewaju writes on the drama within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State over the party’s candidate for the November 26 governorship election in the state

T

here is anxiety in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the November 26 governorship election in the state following the polarisation of the party into two factions.

Presently, the party in the Sunshine State has two factions – the Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee, on whose back the Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s faction is ridding and the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction, which those opposed to the governor have pitched their tent with.

The crisis in the ruling party in the state is worsened by the governor’s insistence on neglecting the zoning arrangement among the three senatorial districts - Ondo North, Ondo Central and Ondo South – on power sharing by backing his former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, who also hails from Ondo Central with him as the candidate of the PDP. The Ondo North Senatorial District, comprising Owo and Akoko, which claims that it is its turn to produce the next governor for the state is aggrieved following the action of the governor to scuttle the zoning arrangement to favour his zone (Ondo Central) under which he has served in the last eight years.

The Mimiko faction had on August 22, held its primary election in which Jegede (Ondo Central) emerged with 760 votes. Saka Lawal, the only aspirant from the North senatorial district and who is the only aspirant that con-

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Mimiko

tested against Jegede scored only 22 votes.

Mimiko is said to have paid for Lawal’s nomination forms, apparently to give the primary election credibility, and to show that Ondo North participated in the process.

Despite this and Lawal’s right to participate in the primaries, the zone see his action as a betrayal.

The view is that he teamed up with the governor to mortgage the interest of Ondo North in the next election.

The primary election conducted by the Mimiko-led faction in Akure, the state capital, was boycotted by more than 40 prominent party leaders and governorship aspirants from the Ondo North and Ondo South senatorial districts.

Those, who shun the exercise include a member of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Bode Olajumoke; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Bakkitta Bello; former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Dare Eniola; former Director-General of National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; National Youth Leader of PDP, Mr. Niyi Alonge; former Minister of Culture and Tourism, and also Defence, Mr. Tokunbo Kayode (SAN); Senator Remi Okunrinboye; former state chairman of the party, Hon. Ebenezer Alabi; Senator Omololu Meroyi; and former state Secretary of the party, Mr. Sola Oludipe, among others.

It was as a result of the governor’s action, which party stakeholders described as shifting the goal post in the middle of the game that informed why PDP stalwarts and governorship aspirants from Ondo North and their counterparts in the Ondo South joined the Sheriff ’s faction.

Similarly, some members of the governor’s cabinet, including the

Jegede

The crisis... is worsened by the governor’s insistence on neglecting the zoning arrangement

Ibrahim

Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Afikase Otito Thompson (from Ilaje in Ondo South) has resigned in protest.

While the impasse in the PDP is yet to be resolved as the arrowheads of the two factions – Makarfi and Sheriff are yet to reach a common ground, leaders of the latter faction in Ondo State have vowed not to be part of any election with the Mimiko-led group.

In a two-page communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of its local government chairmen, state exco and all governorship aspirants from Ondo North, held at Owo and signed by their coordinator, Senator Remi Okunrinboye and 15 other party leaders in the district, the faction insisted that unless their position is acceptable, Ondo North PDP would neither go into, nor participate in any primary election conducted involving aspirants from the Ondo Central, which has just filled its slot for eight years of two tenures under Mimiko.

According to them, Ondo North Senatorial District will not accept anything short of the governorship slot as agreed by the leaders of the party in a well-attended meeting where the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by all major stakeholders in 2012 that the governorship of Ondo State be rotated among the three senatorial districts of the state.

The PDP zonal leaders called on the national and state leadership of party to intervene in the matter by conceding the governorship slot for 2017-2021 to Ondo North as a demonstration of fairness, equity and justice in the polity.

To push their ambition, the Sheriff faction, yesterday elected the Group Managing Director of Energy Group, Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim, as its candidate. The

businessman turned politician emerged in a primary election conducted at the Banquet Hall, Premier Hotel, Ibadan after defeating Olusola Ebiseni by 502 votes against 41, while three other aspirants – Abiye Ademuyegun, Bamiduro Dada and Niran-Sule Akinsuyi, withdrew for him.

The insistence of the Sheriff faction to go ahead with its primaries and Ibrahim’s emergence is said to have jolted the Mimiko’s camp. A source close to the governor, said he is already working out an alternative plan, in case his calculation to push his anointed candidate fails.

According to the source, Mimiko is considering the option of returning to his former party, Labour Party (LP). He was elected governor twice on the party’s platform before he defected to the PDP. Mimiko’s Plan B, according to the source, is to field another candidate on LP’s platform as he is unsure of the outcome of the different cases in court over the authentic leadership of the PDP. “In case of any eventuality, the governor does not want to be caught unawares, and so he is planning to do his best to ensure that his candidate emerges the next governor of Ondo State.

“He understands the ruling party is doing everything to thwart the efforts of the opposition and the courts are not left out in the scheming. So, the governor understands that the court may nullify the primaries that produced Jegede, an action which will grant APC direct access to the Alagbaka Government House,” the source said.

Though the governor’s camp had before now, denied plans to join LP, the unfolding scenario in the state could compel it to have a rethink as politics remains a game of the possible.

12

POLITICS

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ize-Iyamu can't be trusted with govt treasury – Oshiomhole

G

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged the people of the state to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, cannot be trusted with public funds.

Addressing various traders’ associations in Benin City, yesterday, Oshiomhole said his distrust for Ize-Iyamu with public funds prevented him from appointing to any position him after he was re-elected as governor in 2012.

His words: “I didn’t appoint Ize-Iyamu because of his past records. I would not be comfortable to put government money in his hand and that was why I kept him completely out of government, I didn’t even give him a board appointment. He

was part of the government that looted Edo State treasury. Don’t put the key to your kitchen in the hands of someone you don’t trust.

“I read Ize-Iyamu complaining that I have developed my village, Iyamho, Yes, because Iyamho is part of Edo State, but I didn’t put the money in my pocket. But what did they do in Okada, they said they wanted to do a dual carriageway, they collected the money and put in their pockets and they didn’t do the road.

“The accused me of building a state university, Edo University, Yes, but they also built a university and privatised it. The difference is this: In our records, they have spent more in Okada than any other place in the state, but there is nothing on ground to show for it.

“Today, we are going to flag-off a new company

Edo DECIDES

that we gave land to in Ovia North East to produce a variety of products and set up an agricultural park. We have also given land to the company making noodles, so instead of sending noodles to Edo State, they will come and produce it here.

“When Godwin Obaseki says he will create 200,000 jobs, he knows what he is saying and he meant it; the road is already there to those 200,000 jobs.”

Obaseki, who also addressed the traders, said he was happy with their

endorsement of his candidacy.

His words: “Before the coming of Comrade Oshiomhole, we didn’t have good roads in Benin City. I was born here and I know how this place was. All those things we have done in eight years, we want them to continue. Oshiomhole is the architect; he has laid the foundation and in our continuity programme, we will lay the blocks and continue from there.

“Oshiomhole has done the first phase and we will start the second phase from November. Already, our job-creation promise has started, the Produce City ground-breaking is being done today (yesterday), Comrade has signed the Certificate of Occupancy for 150,000 hectares of land; big companies are coming to Edo State and they will provide jobs to the youth of the state.”

Some widows leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign organised by wife of the party's candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Idia, in Benin … yesterday.

APC using Police against our members, PDP cries out

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has raised the alarm over what it described the persistent use of the police by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate, unlawfully arrest, detain and torture its members.

The PDP in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, called the attention of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), international community, religious organisations, traditional rulers, election monitoring committees and all lovers of democracy to the worrisome development, which according to it, is aimed at breaking the spirit of PDP members or keep them out of circulation until after the governorship election.

The party said: “Governor Adams Oshiomhole has instructed the police

to launch a large scale unwarranted arrest and detention of our vibrant youths across the three senatorial districts on the prompting of APC members who have turned to ‘pointers’ for the police and acting a script.

“In Edo South, many of our youths have to be creative to evade this type of Gestapo operations. In some cases, their parents are arrested in their stead and made to pay huge sums of money as bail!

“It is interesting to note that the state governor and leader of the APC in Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was quoted in the media as threatening that members of our party should prepare for more arrests and prosecution.

“While we eschew violent reactions, we make bold to say that we can neither be cowed nor forced to abandon the trust the people repose in

us to defend the vote they will cast on September 10. Our decision to chart the path of peace should not be taken as a sign of weakness.”

While urging the police to desist from intimidating, harassing and detaining its members, the party called for an immediate release of all those who have been thrown into police cells and prisons across the state on the prompting of Governor Oshiomhole and APC leaders.

The PDP recalled how a couple of weeks ago, its governorship running mate, Hon. John Yakubu, addressed a rally of over 250 youths, women and men on Akenzua road in Benin City, at about 5.30pm, only for the governor, soon after Yakubu left the venue, ordered policemen to arrest the youths on a trumped up claim that they were cultists who just had an ‘out-

door meeting’.

It said: “On August 6, we received warnings from two reliable top government sources, that the State government has perfected a plan to arrest a number of PDP chieftains and leaders on the eve of the elections. The sources said the persons were named in a list which was approved by the Governor himself and his aides.

“The evidence of this wicked plan was made glaring a few days ago when the AttorneyGeneral of the state, Barr. Henry Idahagbon, changed the charge of assault and conduct capable of breach of public peace against our youths who were arrested while on a peaceful protest and charged to a magistrate's court, to murder and communal fight. Promptly again, the accused where remanded in prison custody.”

Obaseki’s wife rallies kinsmen for spouse Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

W

ife of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Betsy, yesterday appealed to her kinsmen from the Izon extraction to support her husband and ensure his victory at the poll.

Mrs. Obaseki stated that the Izon people as well as the riverine communities in Edo State are expected to ensure that APC wins the governorship election with the assurance that one of their own would represent

their interest.

She disclosed that efforts are currently ongoing in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transport to develop the Gelele Seaport to increase economic activities in the riverine area of the state.

Mrs. Obaseki also assured non-indigenes in the state that would be carried along by an APC government, while appealing to all ethnic nationalities in the state not give their votes to the opposition party, which according to her has been going around propagating lies and falsehood against her husband.

Group sensitises youths on peaceful election A head of the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, a non-political group, Coalition for Change and Development Foundation (CCDF), is organizing a one-day sensitisation programme aimed at engaging the youth for peaceful participation during the poll.

The group according to a statement by its Executive Director, Olanrewaju Oretoluwa, said the programme tagged: “Edo youth for peaceful election: Crusade against political violence” will hold

at the Civic Centre, Benin City, with notable public figures and inspirational speakers billed to address youths drawn from across political interest groups and platforms.

The keynote address at the event would be delivered by the representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Other dignitaries expected to deliver goodwill messages at the event are heads of the relevant security agencies in the state and the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

LP warns INEC against inconclusive election T he leadership of the Labour Party in Edo State has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to work towards the success of the September 10 governorship election and avoid anything that will bring about inconclusive poll.

The party noted as dangerous and a bad example to emulate the staggered inconclusive elections conducted in Bayelsa, Rivers, Kogi states and others parts of the country under the watch of INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Uroupa Samson, in a statement in Benin, said the need to nip such ugly trend in the bud has become important following alleged reports that some political actors had perfected plans to compromise the electoral process.

“This note of warning

becomes so imperative owing to information at our disposals, that some desperate political actors have perfected plans to work through the INEC and security agents to compromise the process and when there is a resistance to the evil plot, it will now be declared inconclusive.

“INEC should not give room for any form of rigging; both sensitive and none sensitive material and personnel should be dispatched to appropriate locations without delay for any reason including the remotest parts where the exercise is to take place.

“As a party whose ideology is hinged on social democratic values, justice and fairness, we are ready to play by the rules of the game and accept whatever is the outcome provided the process is adjudged free, fair and credible of international best practices. But if otherwise, we will challenge it," the party stated.

POLITICS

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Olawale Oluwo Preamble A trajectory of available statistics suggests that the Nigerian economy may be heading towards a recession. For emphasis, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), through its quarterly report on the economy, has revealed that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria contracted by -0.36 per cent (negative growth) in the first quarter. Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria reported that economic activities declined faster in June, indicating that the Nigerian economy may have entered into recession in the second quarter of 2016 (official data for second quarter performance will provide formal confirmation).

The IMF has forecasted that the Nigerian economy would contract by 1.8 per cent, while the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun has also confirmed the imminence of a technical recession. In theory, economic recession is a period of temporary or general decline in productive activities, which is typically measured by fall in GDP in two successive quarters. In reality, Nigeria is on the verge of full blown stagflation, a condition of slow economic growth, high unemployment accompanied by rising prices or inflation.

Unsustainable situation The reasons may not be farfetched, considering the unwholesome combination of internal and external factors at play. The price effect of the drastic fall in global oil prices, coupled with the drop in export volume from the pipelines bombing campaign of the Niger Delta Avengers, depleted Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. The fall out has been the massive devaluation of our currency, increase in unemployment rate, inflationary pressure (at 16.5 per cent), increase in interest rate (the yield on FGN Treasury Bills – risk free instruments – was 21 per cent on 15/08/16) and general downturn in other economic and social indices.

Expectedly, being a mono-cultural economy, the collapse in oil prices has had disastrous impact on governance at all levels, as Nigeria economy is not insulated from the global economic crises. Some state governments find it extremely difficult to pay staff salaries and associated pension contributions, with no immediate solution in sight. The nation’s woes is further compounded by growing restiveness and ethnic agitations, among which is the Boko Haram insurgency (which is now abating), the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) agitation for the actualisation of Biafra, and the endless conflict between herdsmen and farmers in various parts of the country, with the attendant implications for agricultural output reduction. Further delay in arresting the present trend could lead to serious political and social instability.

New thinking and approach Our problems are multi-faceted, covering economic, political and social, and the solution must be multi-dimensional in approach.

Clearly, it cannot be business as usual anymore as concerted efforts must now be made to appropriately diagnose the problems and proffer workable solutions in order to avoid plunging our economy into full depression. Pertinent ques-

13

Road to recovery: A case for restructuring of Nigeria

Buhari

tions must be asked…..Where did we go wrong? How did we arrive here? How did we move from one of the fastest growing economy to an economy on the brink of recession? How can we navigate our way out of the present quagmire? And more importantly, how do we comprehensively restructure Nigeria in a way that will support our aspiration for a productive and egalitarian economy, a stable polity, and a fairer society. There is a need for reality check by all tiers of government in Nigeria (Particularly the Federal Government of Nigeria). Perhaps, in the process of conducting a reality check, we might just be able to retrace our steps by embarking on a far reaching and comprehensive restructuring beyond the cosmetic approach that the nation has been accustomed to over the decades.

The reality check by the Federal Government must start with asking the following questions: 1. Is it realistic to increase the size of the projected federal budget from N4.49 trillion in 2015 to N6.1 trillion in 2016 in the face of dwindling oil price and production cuts from militants’ bombing campaign?

2. Is it realistic to increase budgeted non-oil receipts from N800 billion in 2015 to N1.5 trillion in 2016 without a corresponding structure to drive the increase? Are non-oil earnings capable of 88 per cent elasticity in the face of limited investments and government incentives?

3. Is it realistic to project external sources of financing a N2.3 trillion deficit in the 2016 budget when there is global recession and a downgrade of the country’s rating?

4. Is it realistic to project N1.5 trillion for debt servicing when capital expenditure is a meagre N1.6 trillion.

5. Is it sustainable for the Federal Government to continue to hold on to over 50% of the revenue of the nation, only to spend it on debt servicing, recurrent expenditure and subsidising the foreign exchange

The present structure of governance... encourages no state to develop its resources

market, the natural gas market, the electricity transmission sector and downstream petroleum sector?

The problem is structural!

The direction of the on-going debate on the restructuring of Nigeria has been skewed towards yet another political restructuring. Nigeria, since independence, has undergone series of political restructurings programmes from creation of states at different times, to the complete change in the political system from parliamentary to presidential, to revenue mobilisation and allocation restructuring, and other forms of adjustments that are political in nature. It is as if every government at the federal level wants to conduct its own political/constitutional conference to restructure Nigeria. The fact that all the political restructuring initiatives to date have not addressed Nigeria’s problems is evidence that the problems are structural (and substantially economic). While the nation has carried out different political reforms, the only period that Nigeria can be said to have had serious economic reforms that had significant effects on the structure of the Nigerian economy were the reforms of 1985 to 1992 that divested government interests in various business concerns; and the reforms of 2002 to 2015 that restructured some of the commanding heights of the economy - banking, insurance, telecommunications, power among others. It is therefore clear that the solution to solving our structural economic problems must commence with the dismantling of the structural rigidities that have held the country down economically for decades.

Over centralisation is stifling The advent of the Military in governance created a highly centralised political and economic system, with enormous power and resources concentrated at the centre. Instead of using the resources to build a solid economic base for Nigeria, a regime of over-bloated federal recurrent expenditure (almost 80% of budget year-on-year, subsidised government owned monopolies (Nitel; Nepa; Nigerian Railway; Nigerian Airways; NNPC; Nigerian Gas Company etc) with huge unfunded pension funds were foisted on the nation. Now that reality has dawned and the federal government’s revenue profile has reduced, FGN cannot carry on with the existing administrative structure. The time to take the bitter pill is now. Accordingly, the Federal Government should carry out the following reforms: 1.

Prune down the existing structure and divest itself of some unwarranted administrative responsibilities 2.

Reduce Ministries, merge functions and devolve more responsibilities to states 3. Hand over intra-state roads to states while keeping only inter-state highways 4. Give more autonomy to states with respect to control of inland water ways 5. Hands off control of lottery

business in states 6. Limit the responsibilities of the Ministry of Solid Minerals at the federal level to regulation and cede control of solid minerals to states 7. Divest itself from involvement in distribution of VAT (sales taxes) 8. Abolish the law that vests all mineral resources under the soil of Nigeria in the Federal Government.

9. Review mechanism for administration of PAYEE, to give the states more control 10. Reduce taxes for companies and entrepreneur 11. Allow more private sector involvement in the economy 12. Divest from the natural gas infrastructure of Nigeria (including removal of subsidies) 13. Divest from the Transmission Company of Nigeria and break the national grid to regional grids.

14. Fully deregulate the downstream oil sector 15. Abolish all forms of subsidy intervention in the foreign exchange market so the market can operate competitively and allocate resources appropriately 16. Diversify earning capacity of the Federal Government to increase revenue.

Approximately 70 per cent of our population engages in agricultural production at a subsistence level.

The sector could boast of about a quarter of our GDP, yet we have not been able to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. We spend about $11billion importing food each year, including wheat, rice, sugar and fish. A swift correction of this menace is bound to create thousands of jobs, less pressure on our foreign exchange and indeed a positive narrative for our food security. We have no business importing foo Another key sector that seems to hold the ace for the Nigerian economy is the power sector. Relative stability in electricity supply will go a long way in boosting industrial productions and indeed SMEs, which will ultimately improve our GDP growth and youth employment. However, with less than 4,000MW power generation, Nigeria will need a minimum of $20billion investments to generate additional 20,000MW. Another $10billion may be required as investments in the transmission and distribution value chain of the power sector. While the generation and distribution have been privatized, the transmission still remain in the tight grip of Federal Government. Beyond mere privatization, what will ultimately unlock value and attract investors into the sector is full deregulation where states are supported to generate their own power through regional grid transmission structure or off-grid embedded power programmes.

Still, there is the more fundamental issue of fiscal federalism.

Over the years, our practice of fiscal federalism has run parallel to our model of market economy. In a market economy like ours, decisions on production and distribution activiCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

14

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion What happened to Nigeria from 2015 and now?

My Word CLEM AGUIYI totalpolitics@ymail.com 0803-474-7898 (sms only)

T

he President of Nigeria is one of the world's most powerful presidents because of the enormous powers vested by the constitution on that office. Former President Goodluck Jonathan revealed he never utilized up-to 10 per cent of his constitutional powers as president. If Jonathan used only 10 per cent of his powers, why then does his successor want emergency powers? What have the US and greed for power got to do with this?

By the time you are reading this article the American Secretary of State Mr. John Kerry would have concluded his August visit to Nigeria. It’s a strange coincidence that Kerry came at a time President Buhari is seeking emergency powers. Knowing Obama’s romance with dictators it will not be a surprise if Kerry’s visit was to help create another mess they will later come to ‘help’ clean up.

When the media reported that Kerry wants to know "How on earth did we slide into the Bermuda triangle of recession in a short period of time?" my guess was that he was just mocking knowing he has the answer to the question.

Kerry’s US played key role in bringing about this government which obviously is a wrong substitution made at a very critical time. Politics like football is body contact sports that requires preparation, organization and strategy. Once key substitutions are wrong, the game is as good as lost.

We went into recession due to wrong substitutions made in the four critical pillars of our economy. After making these wrong substitutions there is only one outcome to be expectedRECESSION. That’s what happened to Africa's

largest economy from 2015. Thanks to Kerry, the US, Obama, Olusegun Obasanjo, Yakubu Danjuma, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Asiwaju Tinubu. They sat together and decided in their wisdom to cause wrong substitution hence the slide now into the Bermuda triangle of recession.

It's not rocket science or voodoo to know you can't replace an Okonjo Iweala with a Ms. Adeosun and expect a miracle to happen with the economy. You can't replace an Akinwumi Adesina with Ogbeh whose priority is to import grasses for his cattle and expect agricultural boom. You cannot be demarketing your country and the people and expect the nation to become an investment haven. You cannot continue with crude and inconsistent economic policies and expect to gain the market trust.

That the economy was in trouble prior to 2015 election was no secret. Great oil riches had been squandered, repeatedly before then. Inflation was a recurrent problem. The economy wasn’t growing much. Almost half the population was below the country’s poverty level. Despite the challenges we saw the on-going transformation of the Jonathan Administration as worthy of being sustained. We pointed out that there were policies in place which require time; we argued that the change which was being promoted required time, preparation and organization which the change advocates lacked.

There is nothing happening now that was not forecast. Having won the election and so far done several things wrong, the President wants sweeping emergency powers in the following areas: 1. Procurement Process: He is asking that laid down procedures should be abridged to enable him through his appointees bypass the checks and balances in procurement. What fuels corruption more than procurement?

2. Virement of Budgetary Allocation to Projects without recourse to National Assembly: This will drive the final nail on the National Assembly besides the fact that it will breed corruption, nepotism and whimsicality. Giving the president power to violate appropriation bill will undermine the effectiveness of NASS and destroy the legislative arm as an institution of government.

3. Sale and Lease of Government Assets: this re-

We went into recession due to wrong substitutions made in the four critical pillars of our economy

quest is not only ridiculous but smacks of a wellorchestrated contraption to auction off national assets to individuals and groups without anybody asking questions.

4. UBEC and Counterpart Funding: the framers of the constitution were clear in their minds when the 50 per cent counterpart funding clause was added to the law. The objective is to ensure that monies meant for basic education are not looted by the states. Our experience so far is that the governors have looted their states. So why give them the UBEC fund to loot? The objective of the UBEC will be defeated if the President is giving sweeping powers to whimsically release funds to corrupt governors to loot.

The rest items like local and foreign contractors, Visa and registration of companies are addendums meant to throw dusts into the eyes of Nigerians.

As at today the President has enough enormous powers in the constitution to deliver on the economic objectives of his administration assuming the agenda is to grow the economy to prosperity.

If the agenda is to get out from this self-induced recession, then I make bold to say that the president does not need emergency powers to subsidized production and manufacturing rather than subsidizing consumption and private religious affairs like pilgrimage; he needs no emergency power to cause the CBN to set the FX rate to incentivize capital inflows and catalyze FDI & FDI funding.

He doesn’t need emergency powers to set interest rates at levels that deter capital flight dollarization or eliminate wasteful and abuse prone subsidies.

He doesn’t need emergency powers to re-prioritize public spending towards investment in human capital and protect infant industries specifically labour intensive manufacturing. He doesn’t need emergency powers to stop de-marketing Nigeria and inspire the citizens; he doesn’t need extra powers to unify the country or to end borrowing for consumption and payment of salaries.

But then the agenda isn't the economy. His one known agenda for Nigeria is simply put, ‘everything for the North and of course the South West that can grab anything that falls from the masters table. For the South East, we know he has nothing.

Imperativeness of true federalism Lamidi Adeyemi

M

y first contribution to this national debate was first published by on 14th July, 1996. It was titled thus: ‘IMPERATIVENESS OF CONSTITUTIONAL FEDERALISM AS AGAINST FEDERALISM OF MIGHT’.

Today, the debate of an imperativeness of true Federalism in the country has gathered new momentum, but with some scary dimensions.

In one breadth, the restructuring which had been the most popular subject in public debate in recent time can ostensibly be scaring. This has to be so in the face of various violent threats to the sovereignty of the country from some sections of the country in recent time.

In view of recent calls for either a Niger Delta or Biafra Republic to be carved out of the present sovereign country called Nigeria.

To these comic secessionists, restructuring to them may mean nothing short of a plebiscite to determine the desirability or otherwise of Nigeria as a single political entity and sovereignty.

With Boko Haram in the North-East,

IPOB in the South-East and Niger-Delta Avengers in the Niger-Delta, any government with a President that swore to defend the indivisibility of the country as a sovereign nation has to be cautious and circumspect for any quick response. He should avoid any trap to break the country.

Some have always called for the implementation of the 2014 National Political Conference as the only panacea for the unity of the country. But the question is which aspect of the recommendation is the needed tonic to keep the country together? Is it the aspect that recommended the creation of more States in the country at a time when the present 36-State structure had been too burdensome for our national economy? To the extent of receiving memoranda on the state-creation at a time some discerning minds were calling for the collapsing of some of the States for a stronger zonal arrangement, the Confab had already undermined its own value in National Discuss.

To me, any meaningful restructuring has to start with a BIG CAUTION. The first is the indivisibility of the country as one sovereign country. The second is any thought of any form of Confederation just as General Gowon warned at the 1967 National Conference. The truth

of the matter is that Nigeria has gone a long way in history as a POLITICAL FAMILY for any sane mind to contemplate its break. Any meaningful restructuring has to do with power devolution from the centre to States. For instance, Agriculture should be left for the States to develop their natural potentials.

Agriculture should be removed from the Concurrent to the Residual under any constitutional reforms. For any reforms to be made, the First Republic Constitution should be the most credible Working Paper for guidance. Another aspect that needs a revisit is education. A situation in which education policy is centralized is an antithesis to true federalism. If education was centralized in the First Republic, the West regional government headed by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo would have been hampered from formulating the free education policy at that time. Yet, it was that policy that made Western region a model for other regions and made Chief Obafemi Awolowo a hero of all times. It was in the same vein that the West would not have been able to launch the revolutionary Farm Settlement scheme if it had depended on the centre for its Agricultural policy.

Back to education, for Nigeria to be a true federation, the federal government

has to be checked of some excesses in that sector. A situation in which the federal government regulates admission policy even for State owned universities through the FG owned Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is the least desired in a federal set up.

The federal might had also on many occasions led to arbitrariness in the socalled federal Intervention Fund in the tertiary sector of education. The same thing can be said of the so-called Ecological Fund which the federal government applies indiscreetly to destabilize the country randomly. In a nutshell, the excessive wealth at the disposal of the federal government had turned out to be a destabilizing factor for the unity of the country. A true federalism should be based on Brotherhood rather than PATERNITY like the one we are operating now.

But to me personally, and this is very saddening, it is unfortunate that the craze for a Shield of Federal Might had taken some section of traditional rulership in the country for the federal attention. This they make under the aegis of National Conference of Traditional Rulers.

• Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Iku Baba Yeye is the Alaafin of Oyo.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

15

EDITORIAL

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The gruesome massacre of 11 soldiers

I

n every civilized democracy, the ar my are highly revered and honoured for their duties to their fatherland- and rightly so. This is because these service men put their lives on the line, ready to pay the supreme price for the protection of the ter ritorial inte g rity of their nations.

E ve n wh e n t h ey p r ov i d e suppor t to civil authorities i n p e r fo r m i n g i n t e r n a l s ecurity duties, their immense contributions in these regards are accorded extreme value by every sane mind. In such climes, the existence of robust and mutually rewarding civil/ military relations is the envy of all.

But this now seems rather elusive to us in Nig eria, at least if the observable frequent disturbing encounters between our military men and civilians in the country are anything to go by. The recent g ruesome killing of an ar my officer, eight soldiers, and two air men by ar med men, during a mop up operation in Bosso Local Gover nment Area of Niger State tells it all.

The troops from the 31 Artillery Brigade of 1 Division Nigerian Army, in conjunction with Nigeria Air Force detachment on Internal Security Operation (MESA) were attacked by the yet unidentified men.

They were making efforts to dislodge and recover illegal weapons, following covert surveillance and intelligence reports on the activities of some gun runners and armed bandits in Kopa, Dagma and Gagaw villages in the State.

It is shocking that the offi-

cer and men were swooped upon from three locations by their ferocious attackers, while the for mer were approaching the location and deploying logistics for their lawful duties.

Reg rettable, the harder they fought in line with military rules of engagement, the harder the officer and eight soldiers of the Nigerian Army and two airmen of the Nigeria Air Force fell in the line of national duty.

While one soldier is still missing and two of their colleagues seriously wounded are recuperating in the hospital, it is even worse to note that the suspected gun runners and ar med bandits bur nt down the soldiers’ four operational vehicles and vandalized

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past.

Interestingly, due to their high premium paid on life and services of their soldiers, many developed countries make sacrifices to save their service men held hostage; even resorting paying heavy ransom.

But reg rettably in our case, we not only exhibit ingratitude, but vile cruelty towards our soldiers. It is for these reasons and more that we condemn in strong ter ms, the sheer and brazen disregard for constitut-

The incident also bore eloquent testimony to the failure of military intelligence

two others. They also car ted away four AK-47 rifles and one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle belonging to the deceased soldiers, even as the troops killed eight of the ar med bandits and arrested 57 others Some have argued that the community must have mistaken the soldiers for bandits, especially with the current level of abuse of military unifor m by criminals and insurgents. But it stands to reason that such argument falls in the face of sound lo gic, especially when one considers the fact that that axis in Niger, Kogo and Nasarawa states have recorded incidents of that nature in recent

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

ed authority and this macabre affront in this particular incident.

On the part of the military, the incident also bore eloquent testimony to the failure of military in-

telligence. It was expected that before embarking on such operations, an advanced party of intellig ence operatives would have carried out covert operation to ensure the route was safe for the convoy.

Soldiers on mop up oper ations of ar ms should have been preceded by advanced intelligence party. It is unthinkable that the Nigerians Ar my which is re puted for producing top intellig ence of ficers could be caught so flat-footed in this m a n n e r. T h i s f u r t h e r r e i n forces the need to address the paucity of Intelligence content of military operations in the country.

Also, having arrested over 47 suspects in connection with attacks, it is imperative for the army to heed the call of Niger State governor, Sani Bello for the ir release to the police for investigation and prosecution.

These criminals must be brought to face the full weight of the law to henceforth respect the dignity of life and serve as deterrence for anyone who might conceive any affront of this nature.

T h e wo r r i s o m e s e c u r i t y situation in the country continues to de generate, thereby tasking not just the ingenuity of the ar med forces but the Federal Gover nment which is also g rappling with a topsyturvy economy.

A t t h i s t i m e , we b e l i eve that the military should not reduce every security threat to outright attack. Dialogue is also a weapon which if well applied, could yield positive results. It is not always fashionable to war war when jaw jaw is a credible and handy alter native.

Pe r h ap s , t h e s e r v i c e s o f the Police and Civil Defence would have helped in the unfortunate incident since they are closer to the communities than the military and seem to have a better understanding of local bandits.

Above all, one cannot rule out the need for a panel of enquiry into the matter, even as we strongly recommend the need for better civil-military relations in the country in order for the populace to display better understanding of impor tance of symbiotic relations which must exist between them.

16

POLITICS

Political Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Charles Idahosa, speaks in this interview on the September 10 governorship election in Edo State and why the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will defeat his opponents How has the campaign been and how positive are you that your party, All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge tops at the poll?

Talking about victory, I am more than 100percent sure of victory. Our campaign has been on course and we have been doing very well. Governor Adams Oshiomole is leading the campaign of Mr. Godwin Obaseki and I asked: Who is leading that of Osagie IzeIyamu’s campaign? It is so clear now that the person he worked for, the person whom he told the world he garnered experience from is nowhere to be found. So, that speaks volume, it speaks for itself. I am from Uhumwonde Local Government Area of the state and few days ago the Ize-Iyamu’s campaign team were here and I was shocked that they were less than 150.

I think their campaign is nonexistent but you know there is a little difference between ambition and obsession. What is happening to my dear younger brother, IzeIyamu is obsession for the office of governor. He knows he is not doing well on the field but if you see them, they will always boast. IzeIyamu’s campaign has been very pathetic because of what they did to this state during the Lucky Igbinedion era. They think that people can be stupid to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return. That is not possible.

There is thie fear that internal bickering may force some of your members to work against the party during the election…

I can tell you no. Those of us, who are partisan politicians and who attend meetings are not up to

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

PDP has no chance in Edo guber poll – Idahosa couple of years ahead of him, so I know him very well. We grew up in the same area and he has been very consistent.

He is very mature and firmly on ground. He has full grasp of what is happening. He is a complete technocrat who knows what he wants to do.

Idahosa

about five per cent of the population. The remaining 90 per cent, who are the voters don’t know if we are quarrelling or if we are not.

When it is time for election they go on their own because they have seen what the APC government led

by Adams Oshiomhole has done.

So far, are you impressed with the campaign of your party’s candidate?

Yes! Obaseki has learnt very fast because I keep monitoring what is going on. The first time he spoke in public, people said the person we brought cannot talk. I was just laughing. It is not easy to spend 30 years in the private sector and suddenly jump up and start addressing mammoth crowd.

I said he will get use to it and now he has gotten use to it seeing him dancing the different dance styles.

He has gotten use to it because he is a very brilliant young man. Like I said, I have known the young man right from school. I was a

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

ties are based on market forces in a free price system (or a guided market dynamics with minimal artificial intervention).

The call for restructuring of the country is not entirely new. The National Democratic Conference (NADECO) headed by Late Chief Anthony Enahoro called for a Sovereign National Conference in the 90s.

The agitation was based on the fact that the 1999 constitution were foisted on the nation by past military regimes. The call gained more ground with the introduction of Sharia law in some parts of the North but was never heeded. Prof. Tam David West later joined the fray to canvass for a National Conference to examine pertinent issues confronting the country, which decisions could be put to referendum.

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan convened National Conferences, which recommended the retention of a federal system of govern-

We don’t even know our opponent. They are in disarray and can never be in this competition

PDP sounds very optimistic of victory, what do you think they are banking on?

They are not banking on anything; they have always been like that. I came from the PDP; it is very difficult for you to forget your old habit. They would tell us don’t come here complaining, go and win the election anyhow you like and leave the rest to us. They are just talking trash; it is the last kick of a dying horse that you are seeing now. What is confusing them is the outcome of the last National Assembly election. I keep explaining that during the last National Assembly election, a lot of people were not able to look at the election result, break it down and analyse it. There were a lot of sentiments. In my village, there are over 40 Pentecostal churches and I don’t sleep in the night because of their different speakers outside. You recall that PDP shared so much money and churches took it. The churches moved under the claim that if Muhammadu Buhari wins, he will Islamize Nigeria.

If you look at the National Assembly election in Edo State, Edo North, which is predominantly Muslims voted pro-Muslim and we won the entire National Assembly seats in that area including the presidential election. In Edo Central, which is predominantly Christians, Jonathan cleared it.

PDP also won in Edo South which is predominantly Christians. A week later, Edo people voted APC and gave the party 21 House of Assembly members out of 24.

The only House of Representatives seat the PDP could not win in Edo South was Orhiomwon/ Uhumwonde and that was because we were lucky that the election did not hold and by the time they did it again, Jonathan had lost.

Our people are being underrated but all you need to do is to go round town. They have no chance in this election. If they are boasting, let them boast. Obaseki is the next governor for Edo State. God has said it; He cannot allow evil people come back to steal again.

They will lose more votes now than in 2012, just go and mark it.

Don’t you think Ize-Iyamu’s APC connection will work for him?

Ize-Iyamu being in APC before cannot give him victory. How will people do anti-party? We have heard all of this before. Ize-Iyamu was in APC, there is nothing new about it. Yes, he was one of us but now he is not. So, what anti-party are we going to do now? There is no way I will call a meeting for example in my ward and say let us vote for PDP. I agree that there are lots of backbiting in politics but how are you going to tell your people to vote against their party?

You need to see the speed at which people are decamping from PDP now. I don’t think PDP has a chance in Edo State. People say change the Change, but the question is: What are you changing the Change to? Do you want to change to what happened to this state 10 years ago? I told some of their leaders during the campaign not to say that Oshiomhole has not done anything but to just say what they will do. Nigerians based in Benin are seeing a walkway for the first time in their lives; they have never seen it before. You can only see it abroad but it is now in Benin.

The people are not stupid, unknown to them the people of PDP are business people, who are very smart. They know how to deceive people. They know they are not going to win but they see it as an opportunity to make money. They have said all kinds of things but I just think that they are frustrated and there is nothing for them again. I will even like to find out the actual PDP candidate between Pastor (Ize-Iyamu) and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen. We don’t even know our opponent. They are in disarray and can never be in this competition.

A case for restructuring of Nigeria

ment, the core element of which shall be a Federal (central) Government with states as federat¬ing units. The conference did not foreclose the issue of a regional government, saying instead that each state that is regionally based should create a self-funding Zonal Commission to promote economic devel-pment, good governance, equity and security in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

In recent times, however, the likes of Wole Soyinka and Abubakar Atiku have renewed the call for a restructuring on the basis that the current structure is heavily defective, as it does not provide the enabling environment for growth and progress among the 36 component states of the federation.

Considering the fact that most economic decisions are taken in a political

environment, there is also the need to restructure our constitution. The restructuring should focus on devolution of power and resources to the states and local governments while the Federal Government should concern itself with state policing, foreign affairs, economic wellbeing of Nigerians by implementing sustainable monetary and fiscal policies as well as reduce its share of the financial resources of Nigeria. The country’s current sharing formula gives Federal Government 52.68 per cent, States 26.72 per cent and Local Government Councils 20.60 per cent. This has to be reviewed in favour of the states and local governments for sustainable development.

Conclusion The present structure of governance, where petrodollar money is shared every

month encourages no state to develop its resources. It should be noted that before the advent of oil in Nigeria, the various regions were encouraged to invest heavily in commodities like cocoa, groundnuts, coffee, palm oil, etc. But fiscal federalism was sacrificed at the altar of the oil-boom.

Nevertheless, no political restructuring can move the nation forward without first dealing with the economic malfunction of the Nigerian fabric. It seems settled that regional autonomy belies the real economic independence for survival of the states. The time has come to refocus the restructuring debate on a workable model that advocates appropriate political and economic reforms that is complementary and reinforcing.

•Oluwo is Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources

17

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Madalla

Inside Abuja

Usuma Dam Solar Power Project

The Japanese government recently delivered a Solar Power System to the Federal Government to booster both water and power supply at the Lower Usuma Dam, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

CALEB ONWE reports

T

he recent donation of a $9.7 million Solar Power System by the Japanese Government to the Federal Government is expected to booster both water and power supply.

The Lower Usuma Dam where the solar scheme is located was constructed in 1982 as a multi-purpose project, conceived to serve the water needs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.

Built with a reservoir capacity of

News 10,000 Abuja residents risk losing homes to flood – FEMA

18 20

Electricity: Japanese $9.7m to the rescue about 120 million metric tons of raw water, is also reputed to have facilities for hydro power, irrigation and other ancillary uses.

Inside Abuja gathered that the main source of the water for the dam is from the Usuma River, Nasarawa River as well as River Gidna and the Gurara Dam both in Kaduna State.

The power plant component of the project is meant to supply electricity to the dam's water treat-

Onwuka NzeshI

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF nzeshi@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Sliding into criminality

Fashola and others at the project site.

The project would reduce the cost of generating electricity

ment plant as a supplement to power supply from the national grid Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola who inaugurated the 1.2MW solar power plant, said it would reduce water treatment bills by N31 million per annum while carbon emission will reduce by 741 tonnes per annum.

He expressed appreciation to the Japanese Government, through its agency- Japanese International

Cooperation Agency (JICA), for their commitment and confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Fashola, who described the gesture as the beginning of more relationship between Japan and Nigeria, urged other international partners to assist Nigeria in its efforts to deliver incremental, steady and uninterrupted power to its citizens.

He further assured that more solar, hydro and other forms of energy projects consistent with the roadmap on incremental power will soon be built.

Fashola emphasised that the project will not just enhance power and water supply within the Federal Capital Territory, but will create jobs. "Six engineers, 60 technicians and a large number of support staff got the opportunity to work in this plant and when this project is finished not all of them will leave the site because it has to be maintained.

So, it will be a continuous partnership that will continue to impact on the people,” he said.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaye, expressed delight that the FCT was the preferred choice for the location of the project.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

18

Inside ABUJA | SLUMS

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Madalla: Sliding into criminality Once upon a time, Madalla, a small enclave located on the Kaduna/ Abuja highway was a peaceful abode of civil servants, traders and artisans, but of recent, the settlement has been fast sliding into a den of criminals. ABDULWAHAB ISA reports on a recent murder incident in the community

M

adalla, a small town on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Ter ritory, Abuja was a calm settlement, conducive for both the low and middle income earners. It has always been a ready home for civil servants, traders and artisans.

Although, located in Suleja Local Government of Niger State, Madalla's proximity to Abuja city centre – about 40 minutes’ drive – endeared it to lots of civil servants because of its lure of affordable accommodation, semi-urban status and above all, its low crime rate. It was a relatively obscure settlement tucked under the belly of giant Zuma rock until December 25, 2011 when some members of the terrorist group, Boko Haram bombed St. Theresa Catholic Church located in Madalla.

The dark Christmas day incident left over 40 dead and several others permanently maimed.

Rising crime wave As the dust of the bombings at St. Theresa church bombings appears to be settling, the tempo of crime have scaled up in Madalla, putting men and officers of Madalla police station on their toes.

Incidents of petty thievery – snatching of mobile handsets, carting away home appliances in broad day light; snatching of motorcycles, burgling of homes at nights have become very rampant in Madalla.

Of concern is the new twist in the crime rate. The criminal elements in the community have extended their atrocities to cold blooded murder of their victims.

The recent gruesome murder of Mr. Vincent Obianado,

Entrance to the Dappllo Hotel, Madalla

Chief Executive Officer of Dapplo Hotel & Suite has added a frightening dimension to crime rate in the rustic settlement.

According to an eye witness account, Obianado, an ex-manager of defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was murdered within his hotel premises by suspected hired assassins a few days ago. Obianado's killers allegedly stormed the hotel on a motorcycle in the evening pretending to be his friends and regular customers.

A police source who confirmed the heinous crime to Inside Abuja said the security guards on night duty at time of the incident absconded on seeing that the assailants had attacked and murdered their principal.

The source said though the assailants sped off on their motorcycle as soon as the hotelier was killed, members of staff of the hotel on duty as well as the guests that lodged in the hotel were taken into custody and quizzed.

"On Friday night, we got a distress call from a staff of the hotel that his boss had been slaughtered. According to the complainant who was on night duty at the time of incident, he said that two men came on motorcycle in the night at about 12a.m. and demanded to see the managing director who was in his office. They went in to his office and shortly after, stepped out into the compound of the hotel. He said they thought they were having private conversation until the shouting of their boss attracted attention as his visitors continuing stabbing him with knife until

The criminal elements in the community have extended their atrocities to cold blooded murder of their victims

they finished butchering him to pieces and they took off with the motorcycle," a police officer said.

Inside Abuja learnt that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), DSP Okanu Olscar is leading a team to unravel the death of the hotelier.

Speaking to correspondent, DSP Olscar confirmed the incident. He said he can't speak on it because investigation was still on going. However, he confirmed that the case has been transferred to Minna and directed our correspondent to meet Niger State Commissioner of Police for any information.

Since the incident, the small compact hotel, said to be serving interests of residents desirous of unwinding at night, located adjacent to the bombed Madalla Catholic church has remained under lock and key.

Jungle justice While the late hotelier was unlucky in the hands of the suspected hired assassins, divine intervention came for Yusuf Johnson. Johnson in his early 40s almost got his life snuffed out by rampaging motorcyclist operators in front of Ecobank and Mobil filling station last week.

Narrating his harrowing experience from hospital bed at Lucas Hospital where he was admitted for treatment, he said: "I was returning from town about 9p.m. The cab ought to drop me at Dakwa junction but the driver said he will have to go and make a U-turn before Zuma rock while I drop at Mobil filling station and cross the highway to the other side

which is Dakwa. I recently relocated to Dakwa side, behind the fruit market. I approached the bike man, an Hausa by tribe.

“We were on motion when all of a sudden he halted on getting to the spot where his other Hausa cyclists parked and told them something in Hausa language which I didn't understand. Before I could sense the danger lurking, they all pounced on me using woods, planks and every available dangerous objects on my body.

"They were shouting barrawo, thief and with blood dripping all over, I was on the floor writhing in pain. I was shouting I'm not a thief, but was returning from work.

They were set about to put tyre on my head. They were searching for petrol before a God-sent Samaritan rescued me and took me to the hospital for treatment. From what I gathered from Okada chairman that came here this afternoon, he said that his members had been robbed of their machines at the location I was going and the guy alerted his co-cyclists that I was one of the notorious robbery gang that had been dispossessing them of their machines. So they were set to avenge," he said.

Commenting on the spate of crime, a resident of the community who does not want her name in print said, it's a common scenario these days to see strange faces strolling aimlessly up and down the streets.

"Young boys with low bottom stripped trousers are very rampant here. They are not doing anything but you always find them hanging around the streets," she said.

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

In the face of mass unemployment, religious organisations have been devising various ways of creating economic power for members of their congregation.

YEKEEN NURUDEEN encountered one of such efforts and reports

Inside ABUJA

Building skills in unemployed youths

F

or Blessing Wasida, a fashion designer, working without the required tools is nothing but winking in the darkness. She has been a trained tailor but couldn't access capital to get the sewing machine to express her skills.

However, Wasida's story changed three years ago when The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM),Vision House, Abuja empowered her with an industrial sewing machine which she said has transformed her business.

She said: "To the glory of God, my business has been born. I was empowered two years ago. Before then, it has been a struggle for me; I have been struggling to do my business. I learnt a skill; how to make clothes for both male and female.

"I was praying for sewing machine and to the glory of God, TREM Vision House empowers me with a machine. I was so grateful to God. It's an industrial sewing machine. And I have been able to meet up with the demands of my customers in terms of prompt service delivery," she added.

She gave her testimonies at the just concluded week-long conference focused on building business skills for unemployed and financially handicapped youths organised by the Church.

The empowerment programme tagged Leading Edge Conference featured training in vocations such as auto mechanic, agricul-

Participants at the TREM Entrepreneurship Conference

tural business, cake making and catering, POP making, barbing and hair dressing and fashion designing.

Chairperson, Committee of Leading Edge Conference, Dr. Omare Bisong, said the annual Leading Edge Conference was designed to empower, “those who cannot afford to train themselves and also, as a waiting room for the desired job.”

She explained that "youths were expected to acquire nonprofessional skills such as cakebaking, plumbing, auto-mechanics, and floor tiling for a period of one to three months after the conference.”

"Members of the Church who were not doing anything were

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

According to him, the project “represents a good example of international collaboration in addressing critical developmental issues.”

He expressed delight that the project had recorded appreciable progress given the completion of the first phase and expressed hope that the various parties involved (the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Japanese Government) would remain focused to see it through to its logical conclusion.

Bilateral relations The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Sadanobu Kusaoke, who was on ground to hand over the project, said that his country has enjoyed a cordial bilateral relationship with Nigeria since the 1970s.

Kusaoke said that Japan considered the power sector as one of the most important areas to enhance Nigeria’s socio-economic development. He also stressed that his country's belief that Nigeria needs a genuine help to develop her potential, informed their resolve in fi-

I have been able to meet up with the demands of my customers in terms of prompt service delivery

sorted out for the training while those who could be sponsored were sponsored as trainees. We also encouraged career members of the Church to take on vocational skills" she said.

To complement the skills training, participants further learnt basic business management skills from Pastor Odun Emasealu of Interior Woodwork and Adenike Ogunlesi of Ruff n’ Tumble.

Emasealu, who started a furniture business 17 years ago, emphasised the importance of learning in business.

He said youths can acquire requisite tools and business skills through learning. “Finance is never an issue. When you do business at the level you should do it,

19

finances will come. You must build a character for success,” he said.

On her part, Ogunlesi, who dropped out of Law Department at Bayero University, Kano to learn the art of tailoring from her mother, urged youths to build a personal brand in their business and character.

“Identify a gap in the market, get trained, and build your personal brand. You cannot be successful without a personal brand. Personal brands are like values. They are your selling point,” Ogunlesi said.

Speaking on the motive behind the conference, Resident Pastor of TREM, Max Gbinije, said God gave him the vision to organise the conference to create leaders in spheres of life.

He noted that the Conference has yielded a good results since its inception four years ago as quite a number of youths have been empowered.

Resident Bishop of the Church, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, who attended the Special Sunday service to mark the end of the conference, urged Nigerians to bear with the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that the problem facing the country is a global challenge.

"We have challenges in the country starting from the economy. Prices of oil has dropped and you know that will definitely affect our economy. That alone is enough to affect us coupled with the problem in the Niger Delta, where we are not getting the amount of oil we are to export because of insecurity in that area.

“So, that will contribute to the biting effects from our economy, but be it as it may, I want to encourage Nigerians that as bad as it is, we should try to endure it for the moment because really, what can anyone do on that. We have this situation in the Niger Delta and globally. So, our economy has gone crazy, we should endure it," Okonkwo said.

Electricity: Japan rescues Nigeria with $9.7m nancing the power sector to increase the capacity of power right from the Kainji dam hydro power station project.

According to the ambassador, the projects was the 10th in the series of power sector projects executed by the Japanese Government in Nigeria.

He assured that his country will remain committed to maintaining the diplomatic ties it has with Nigeria, and will continue to support people-oriented projects.

While pointing out what Japan is set to achieve by its involvement in Nigeria's power sector, he said that beside strengthening the relationship and cultivating some mutual economic benefits for the two countries, Japan would also want Nigeria to enjoy stable power supply which is key to industrial development for the enhancement of living standard.

He noted that there was no doubt about the technical competence of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, the company that designed and supervised the project to

completion.

Kusaoke explained that the project was capable of generating 1,496MWH, stressing that this would result in reduction of N31.5 million per year for payment of electricity bill.

Chief Representative of JICA, Nigeria office, Hirotaka Nakamura, said improving core infrastructure including power sector in Nigeria was one of the priority areas of the agency in Nigeria.

According to Nakamura, developing alternative energy resources such as solar, wind and hydropower will boost electricity in the country.

He explained that the project was designed to introduce a demonstration unit of solar electricity generation system with a view to increasing its economic strength on a sustainable basis.

Alhaji Hudu Bello, the Director, FCT Water Board, who expressed gratitude to the government of Japan and its agency JICA, said the project would improve revenue accruable from the water sector in

the FCT. He said: “This is elaborate project that will improve water supply to the residents of Abuja; it will also reduce the rate at which we consume diesel to pump water.”

Bello said the project would reduce the cost of generating electricity and also contribute power to the national grid to improve supply within the nation’s capital.

Engr. Yusuf Madaki, who runs a solar power system in Abuja, is of the opinion that exploring other source of energy to augment the ailing national grid was a good idea.

He, however, advised that the government should create an enabling environment for indigenous investors in that sector to grow.

He also asked the government to ensure that a good maintenance culture was adopted so that solar power plant donated by the international partners will not be allowed to rust away.

20

INSIDE ABUJA \ NEWS

10,000 Abuja residents risk losing homes to flood – FEMA Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

T

he Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has raised the alarm that about 10,000 residents of the nation's capital would be affected by the impending flooding disaster.

Indications have emerged that the nation's capital is about to experience another flood with the incessant heavy rainfall and the rising water levels of rivers within and around the territory.

This is coming exactly two years after heavy rains flooded parts of Gwagwalada, an Abuja suburb, submerging homes and shops and leaving behind tales of woes.

In the 2012 episode, the flood destroyed over 100 houses, displaced many residents while commercial activities were also disrupted as the floor swept away goods and valuables worth millions of naira. Also, residents of Trademore Estate, Lugbe were held hostage for hours by a rampaging flood that overran the estate.

The flood, occasioned by a heavy downpour in Abuja, covered over 60 houses. Also affected was a Catholic Church still under construction, which was pulled down by the heavy flood. The flood, which started at about 5:30a.m. kept all the residents indoors till around 8:30a.m. before

they could move out of their homes.

Director General of FEMA, Abbas Idris, who addressed an emergency humanitarian coordination meeting on the impending flood alert, said

that past experience suggests that spill over from neighbouring states like Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau coupled with unwholesome environmental practices such as waste disposal and block-

age of waterways could put FCT on the same danger spot with others.

According to him, FCT was not mentioned among the likely states to be affected by the flood in this year but places like

ABUJA

F

ollowing the recently discovered new case of poliomyelitis recorded in Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved the reactivation of the FCT Task Force on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunisation.

This, the administration said, is aimed at maintaining zero level of polio in the nation's capital.

Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, dropped this hint, while inaugurating the reactivated Task Force.

He said that the action has been taken as a pro-

5.3m/s corresponding to 1,700m3/s flow has reached and exceeded in Niamey, Niger Republic.

As at August 8, NIHSA stated that its monitoring station at Makurdi recorded an alarming 9.20m height in water level as against 9.17m recorded on August 8, 2012.

“Near us here at the Confluence in Lokoja, the water level as at August 8th was 7.74m which has exceeded the 7.72m recorded value on August 8, 2012. This is sending a strong signal to dwellers within the flood plains to relocate immediately to safer and higher grounds," he said.

The FEMA DG appealed to all stakeholders to immediately activate emergency response plans in readiness and do all within the limits of available resources to ensure that the FCT was not overwhelmed by the direct or indirect impact of the impending flood.

He said that there was an urgent need to put in place measures to support the needs of communities likely to be displaced from their homes in terms of food, health, education, water, sanitation, housing, environment and security.

Nigeria, Huawei sign MoU to train govt officials Ebere Ameh ABUJA

T Flood wrecking havoc at One Man village Koroduma along Abuja Keffi road Nasarawa, state.

PHOTO. TIMOTHY IKIOMENISAN

FCTA reactivates polio eradication task force Yekeen Nurudeen

Nyanya, Kuje, Kwali and Gwagwalada were said to be prone to flood this year due to the rising water level in Niamey, Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Water level at Gwagwalada River which also runs through a number of settlement has already climbed up to a heightened level, increasing fears that the flood may soon happen.

Also in places like Bwari, Kuja and Nyanya where waterways have been taken over by structures and refuse dumps, the tendency for flood to hit them is also very feasible.

“Increasing water levels in major rivers across states of the federation and neighbouring countries of Niger and Benin Republics have reached disturbing dimensions which no doubt signals a possible recurrence of the 2012 incident or even worse.

As at August 2nd, the Yellow Warning line of

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

active measure to prevent any resurgence of poliomyelitis in any part of the FCT. Ajakaiye said that the administration has also approved the expansion of the Task Force membership in order to ensure sector-wide stakeholder participation. According to him, the FCTA was committed to strengthening Childhood Immunization services across the 8,000 square kilometres of the territory.

Ajakaiye insisted that Abuja must remain the pace setter for the 36 states of the federation to emulate and therefore urged members of the Task Team to work very hard to maintain the tempo.

The Task Force’s terms of reference is to ensure effective leadership and

coordination of all immunisation activities by the FCT; prepare and regularly review/update a 12 month state plan for the intensification of polio eradication and routine immunisation activities required to interrupt/sustain interruption of wild poliovirus transmission.

Other terms of reference are to ensure the formation of LGA intersectoral committees to coordinate planning and implementation of quality routine immunisation campaigns at LGA level; to oversee preparation of budgets for immunisation activities, advocate for timely and adequate resource allocation and ensure judicious use of all funds allocation for these activities as well as coordinate the planning

and execution of polio eradication supplemental immunisation activities amongst others.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Secretary of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Mrs. Alice Odey Achu, assured that the secretariat is poised to sustain the zero status of the Federal Capital Territory in poliomyelitis.

The inaugural meeting to appraise the previous achievements as well as hit the ground running on the new task ahead was held immediately after the inauguration.

This was as the FCTA said it would fine-tune its waste management programme in order to tackle the problem of waste management headlong in Abuja.

he Federal Government and the Chinese technology giant, Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train young government officials working in ICT related departments in the Federal Civil Service.

The officials who have been selected for the programme, would go on a two-week study trip to China under the Huawei’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility programme tagged, Seeds for the Future.

They would be nurtured in ICT alongside other professionals from other countries.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, who represented the Federal Government during the ceremony, commended Huawei for establishing the programme.

“The Nigerian government recognises the acquisition and deployment of ICT skills as a major contributor to the successes so far achieved in its on-going fight against corruption, in-

security and insurgency.

It is also a major employment enabler and wealth generator for the teaming masses of unemployed Nigerian youths,” Lawal said.

The event which took place at the Conference Room, OSGF, also had the Charge d’ Affairs, Chinese Embassy, Abuja, Qin Jian; Permanent Secretary, OSGF, Mallam Mohammed Bukar and other dignitaries in attendance.

Managing Director of Huawei, Abuja Office, Li Teng said the programme seeks to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, promote a greater understanding in the telecommunications sector, and encourage the building of regional technology hubs and participation in the digital industry.

He said that in the course of the programme, Huawei would share its ICT expertise and experience with young ICT professionals to help stimulate the development of local ICT industries.

This is the first time Huawei is organising the training for Nigerian officials in the programme that has been held in more than 57 countries with over 1500 beneficiaries from across the world.

21

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Features

Agbo sellers near a popular motor park

PHOTOS: GODWIN IREKHE AND TONY EGUAYE

S

everal people, the world over, are now embracing herbs and herbal products for treatment of different ailments.

Many of the herbal products have been refined and packaged in such a way that they look like real pharmaceutical products.

But in this part of the world, many people still go for herbs in their natural form.

In many towns in the SouthWest in particular, many people still prefer to buy cooked herbs (agbo) for N20, especially for the treatment of different forms of fever such as malaria, yellow and typhoid. The reason some of them give is that agbo, whether cooked (decoction) or extracted (concoction), acts faster than drugs.

The extracted agbo is, most of the times, made with alcoholic

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Herbs with chloramphenicol: Lethal combination Most herb (agbo) sellers now add synthetic drugs, especially chloramphenicol to ensure ‘effective’ malaria treatment. But pharmacists say mixture of herbs and drugs causes kidney and liver failure, among other dangerous outcomes, writes ABIODUN BELLO drinks. There are varieties of herbal products for different ailments but the predominant ones are those for fever and back pains.

Those who patronise the herb sellers believe agbo is cheaper and comes handy. The sellers always find shops or space in markets, near motor parks or street corners, while others prefer to hawk the herb, especially in the evening.

However, most of those who prefer agbo to drugs for the treatment of malaria do not know the names of the plants mixed together.

But in their thinking, some of the herb sellers believe they can help the herb to work more effectively. Investigation shows that some of them add drugs such as

Adverse drug reactions of chloramphenicol are very, very dangerous

chloramphenicol, among others, to the herb, either cooked or extracted.

A herb seller, who identified herself simply as Saki, said she put the drug in the herb she sells to her ‘customers’.

According to her, it makes the herb to be effective.

“That is why my customers continue to patronise me. Many of them have testified to the effectiveness of my herb. Once they take it, malaria disappears immediately,” she quipped.

Another herb seller at Agbado, a community sandwiched between Ogun and Lagos states, popularly called Mama Wahab, said she was aware some people add chloramphenicol to herb to make it effective.

But she denied using either

chloramphenicol or any other drug to sell herb.

She said: “I am aware some people add chloramphenicol to herb. They claim it makes it more effective. But I don’t believe that.

I inherited herb selling from my mother, so I sell agbo with complete herbs. We use several herbs to make agbo iba (herb for treating malaria) so it is effective.

“Those who add drugs are mostly those who only venture into it to make quick money. It is not an inherited business to them, they only dabble into it.”

According to her, most of those doing that are those who hawk herbs and those selling herbs near motor parks.

A man, who gave his name as CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

22

FEATURES

Hawking poison in bottles

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Mr. Akinlade Adejo, said he preferred herb to synthetic drugs because, according to him, he is used to taking concoction and it works.

He said: “My siblings and I grew up drinking agbo. And we are not alone.

People of my generation in this part of the world were taking herbs while growing up. It works faster and it is taken from plants, which are natural, compared to synthetic drugs.”

However, Adejo said he was not aware some malaria herbs contain chloramphenicol.

“I have not seen or noticed that. But I will find out. And if it is true, I have to stop taking it,” the estate management consultant added.

But it seems both the sellers and consumers do not know the dangers associated with consumption of herbs laced with chloramphenicol.

According to Drugs.com, chloramphenicol has caused severe and sometimes fatal blood problems such as anaemia, low blood platelets and low white blood cell counts.

“Leukaemia has also been reported after use of chloramphenicol. Blood problems have occurred after both short-term and long-term use of chloramphenicol,” it added.

A pharmacist with the Ogun State Hospitals Board, Mr. Fatai Amusa, said chloramphenicol ought not to be added to herbs.

According to him, the addition of synthetic drugs to herbs could be linked to the growing cases of internal organs’ failure.

He said: “First of all, chloramphenicol is an antibiotic. It is usually recommended that an adult should take two thrice daily, that is an average of six tablets per day. But someone adding it to herb would probably add 10 tablets to a pot of herb which is about 20 or more people would drink. What that means is an under dosage.

“What an under-dosage does is to give room for the emergence of drug resistance. Because the quantity being used in this instance is less than what an individual should use, it will not be able to kill the organisms which it supposed to kill.

“Secondly, because it is an antibiotic; it ought not to be boiled. But when added to boiled herb, assuming it remains, the seller will still warm it the following day that means it would have destroyed the ability of the drug.

“Thirdly, there is possibility of interaction or formation of a dangerous complex between the herb and the drug itself that we may not understand now which may harm the body. It may not be immediately, it may be later.

“Also, the incidence of kidney failure and so on is increasing. This and others are the likely cause of that.”

Another pharmacist, the National Secretary, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr. Iyiola Gbolagade, agreed with Amusa on the dangers inherent in combining drugs with herbs.

According to him, it is one of the reasons for increasing end organs’ failure.

He said: “It is a fraud; a total fraud.

Someone who claims to be herb specialist who now puts chloramphenicol in the herb, she does not know the chloramphenicol she has put in the herb for the people to drink. That means she does not know what she has put together. That is fraudulent.

“These people selling herbs do not know anything. The concoction they

A herb seller displaying her 'wares' near a garrage

An agbo hawker in Lagos

Agbo seller attending to her clients

are preparing for people to drink is not standardised. If they say the herb cures malaria, you cannot see anything to prove it can work for malaria unlike orthodox medicines which are standardised and published in scientific journals and proven that they can cure ailments they claim they can work for.

“So to add chloramphenicol to herb is a fraud. Nigerians need to run away from all this rubbish. We need to educate our people that it is a fraud. It is because people are looking for money that is why they engage in all these preparations they are giving people to be taking for all sort of ailments.

“Herbs are chemicals. They contain different metabolites of different

Sellers attending to customers

Another herb seller hawking

Agbo seller preparing for sales

plants. The chloramphenicol you are talking of is an antibiotic; it can really kill a lot of pathogens. But it has its own side effects in human body. It must be dosed. The person putting it in the herb does not know the quantity she supposed to put.

“So it has very serious side effects in the body. Adverse drug reactions of chloramphenicol are very, very dangerous. The major terrible thing it does is that it causes irreversible aplastic anaemia; it depresses the bone marrow where the red blood cells are being produced. It is not something somebody who is not knowledgeable in medicine can handle.”

Gbolagade also said that most of the herbs can damage kidney.

He added: “You know most of the concoctions are coloured, the dye in them can lead to kidney damage. The same way they can damage the liver which is the central clearing house for poisons in the body.

There are normal poisons. When you eat protein, your body will produce urea which is toxic to the body. So the liver has to clear it out of the body. Likewise there are other chemicals that enter the body unknowingly, through water we drink or anything we eat. By the time you take all those unnecessary things, especially in doses which the body cannot handle, they can lead to end organs’ damage – the kidney and liver. We all know that there is increase in end organs’ failure in the country.”

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TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Homes&Property

Business

How money laundering stoked challenges in housing

Aviation Effective crew communication boosts flight safety

27 29

What's new Experts: N860bn submarine cable investment key to economic recovery p.24

FMBN’s new payment plan to hasten home ownership

L-R: Nigeria Actress, Aina Vivian Iruobe (Waje); Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote, and Co-founder, ONE Campaign, Paul David Hewson (a.k.a.Bono), during a reception at the Lagos Star join U2 lead singer and ONE Campaign in Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI.

Rates Dashboard

p.24

INFLATION RATE June 2016 ..............................16.5% May 2016...............................15.6% April 2016............................13.7%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel Market as at August 26)

(Interbank as at August 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N412 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N530 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N454

l Foreign Reserves – $25.600bn as at 24/8/2016

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N314.95 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N403 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N345

Source: CBN

Airlines’ insolvency inevitable as fleet size shrinks  Aero, others to cut workforce by 50% Arik, Dana struggle as Caverton records N2bn Q1 loss

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Taiwo Hassan

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

EXPENSIVE An average C-check costs $1 million and, with today’s exchange rate of N310/$1, it is N310 million Wole Shadare

U

nless help comes faster, Nigerian airlines could close shop earlier than expected.

While the Federal Government is not mooting the idea of another bailout fund to resuscitate their operations, eight years after over N150 billion was given to them, the airlines’ fleet size is shrinking by the day. Their last ray of hope for bank funding seems to be fading.

As at today, over 600 commercial pilot certificate holders are without jobs, owing to the fact that the number of airlines in the country has reduced by over 60 per cent of what it was a decade ago.

The airlines passing through

financial turbulence are finding it difficult to approach banks to rescue them following huge indebtedness to various financial institutions. Some of the loans are classified as non-performing and consequently, they have been refused fresh loans.

Nigeria’s airline industry owes banks and government as much as $2 billion after funding rapid expansion with short-term loans, leaving some firms struggling, industry and financial sources say.

In Nigeria, commercial banks, which are profit-oriented and without huge financial base are reluctant to lend such long-term loans to airlines and this has hampered air transportation in the country.

The situation is not helped with the risks associated with air transport in the country. So, lack of adequate funding has led to the short life span of many airlines, in addition to bad business plan and technical failure; it has also led to the many air crashes suffered by airlines. The airline industry in Af-

N1.558 billion Being the average cost of B737-500 aircraft, which most Nigerian airlines are using

rica’s most populous nation a few years ago saw explosive growth.

Unstable currency of late has further minimised the survival prospect of carriers. The naira, which trades at N310 per dollar at the interbank market, exchanged at N410 per dollar last Friday.

Also, high cost of funds is also a direct hurdle to profitability in every sector, but it is hardest hit in aviation.

The explosion then saw older domestic names such as Aero, Chanchangi and IRS fighting competition from new players such as Arik, Dana and Virgin Nigeria. Chanchangi, IRS and Virgin Nigeria have all gone into extinction.

The expansion gave Nigerians a wider choice of airlines, many of them flying with relatively new and refurbished aircraft, helped reverse the country’s dismal reputation for air safety in the wake of CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS |news

Experts: N860bn submarine cable investment key to economic recovery PANACEA

ICT and, most especially broadband, is a development tool for any economic situation in the 21st century

Kunle Azeez

N

igeria will need to direct attention at effectively leveraging the latent ($2.24 billion) N860 billion investment in undersea cables in the country as part of measures towards recovering from its on-going economic recession, experts have said.

This was the harmonised position inferred from discussions by industry experts and stakeholders at this year’s edition of the 2016 Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum held at the weekend.

“Without broadband penetration, there cannot be enjoyment of benefits of ICT and we need to ensure that we work together to ensure latent facilities such as the various international undersea cables we have at the shores are deployed across the country,” said Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, at the forum held weekend.

He stated that in the current economy recession, government was poised to leverage the over 10 terabit bandwidth

Airlines’ insolvency inevitable as fleet size shrinks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

a spate of crashes.

Consequently, Nigeria’s oldest airline, Aero Contractors, is at the moment operating with just one aircraft after five of its other airplanes were grounded at the apron of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Already, Aero, which was one of the most stable carriers in Nigeria, has commenced the downsizing of its workforce by 50 per cent. Other airlines are said to be tinkering with the idea of cutting their workforce by the same number.

New Telegraph learnt that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Aero’s owners, have concluded plans to divest from aviation.

Caverton Helicopters was said to report first quarter loss of over N2 billion due to downward spiral of oil prices.

Caverton’s main customers, the oil firms, are finding it extremely hard to remain in business, hence having serious effects on the airline.

capacity on the submarine cables to provide jobs and drive efficiency in all other sectors of the economy, stressing that ICT is now an enabler for economic growth.

Acting Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, maintained that most developed nations have been where they are because they had been able to leverage ICT to the benefit of their economy.

Broadband penetration in the country currently stands at 10 per cent while the coming on board of various submarine cables such as MainOne, Glo 1, SAT-3, WACS and ACE and their proper transmission across the nooks and crannies of the country has been identified as essential to achieving broadband.

In specifics, the submarine cables included the $300 million 7,000-kilometre MainOne cable, which landed in Nigeria in June 2010; the 10,000 kilometres Globacom’s $800 million

Glo 1 cable. It landed in October of the same year.

Also, the worth of NITEL’s South Atlantic 3 (SAT 3) is put at over $600 million and the MTN’s West African Cable System (WACS), cost about $650 million. ACE cable, which was landed in Nigeria by Dolphin Telecoms, cost about $700 million.

According to stakeholders, who assessed the level of ICT penetration and challenges facing last-mile deployment of broadband infrastructures in the country, broadband has become the 21st Century economic development tool that should not be ignored by any nation.

Though Nigeria has plan to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018 in line with its National Broadband Plan (NBP), the rate of penetration has been slowed down by a number of challenges raging from Right of Way (RoW) issue, insecurity, multiple taxation, vandalism, among others.

“Current estimates put the penetration to about 13 per cent but the implication is that the nation has very little time to achieve the target and probably surpasses it, ” said Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof.

Umar Danbatta at the forum.

Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, insisted that the country needs to put in more efforts towards achieving the broadband target by 2018.

“Up from the 10 per cent penetration recorded since last year, current estimates put the penetration at about 13 per cent, but the implication is that the nation has little time to achieve the target and probably surpass it.

“One may begin to wonder why we are laying a lot of emphasis on broadband. The reason is not far-fetched, as broadband has become a global benchmark for the future of economic development of na-

tions and states,” he said.

He explained that the World Bank recognises the socio-economic impact of broadband penetration and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), currently promotes broadband through the Broadband Commission, for the benefit of nations.

“Recommendations of this commission make it imperative that any nation that is serious with economic development must address the issue of availability of broadband very seriously,’’ he said.

Already, World Bank report had said that with every 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration, there was a 1.3 per cent increase on a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In the first quarter of this year, the report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that more than N1.4 trillion was generated by the ICT industry.

Former President, Association Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, noted that ICT and, most importantly pervasive broadband access to drive all sectors of the economy is what can give the country sustainable economic growth and development.

President Muhammadu Buhari with Chairman, Honeywell, Dr. Oba Otudeko, at the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) in Nairobi Kenya

FMBN’s new payment plan to hasten home ownership ENCOURAGING FMBN declares N423.6 billion half year surplus

Dayo Ayeyemi

A

ccommodation seekers are in for a good time, as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has received approval to amend the payment process of equity contribution of prospective home owners to be capitalised over a period instead of being paid at once.

What this means is that prospective homeowners now have an opportunity to build up their equity contribution of 30 per cent over a period of time instead of paying once.

Minister of Power, Works

and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this in Lagos at a forum.

He said: “The Federal Mortgage Bank has recently requested an amendment to the payment process of the equity contribution of prospective home owners to be capitalised over a period instead of being paid at once and we have approved this request.”

Applauding recent development in FMBN, the minister said the bank has declared a half year surplus of N423.6 billion for the first time since 2011.

This achievement, according to the minister, was against the backdrop of half year losses of N8.6 billion; N6.4 billion; N1.7 billion, N2.1 billion and N8.6 bilion in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively.

He disclosed that a process is underway to strengthening the mortgage bank to provide finance to developers and end users.

Recounting efforts at repositioning the housing industry, Fashola stated that in the long term, his ministry’s role would be purely regulatory, controlling designs, quality of finish, construction methods and materials, guaranteeing off-take of any house that private sector can deliver, and strengthening the mortgage bank to provide finance to developers and end users.

To increase the volume of cash flow to the National Housing Fund (NHF), acting Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Mr. Richard Esin, recently canvassed for 7.5 per cent increase in contribution rate as against 2.5 per cent.

The increment, compared to 7.5 per cent minimum pension contribution, he said would help to boost resources of NHF, stressing the need for compliance with the NHF Act on con-

tributions.

According to him, there was need for total compliance with mandatory deductions and investment respectively by employers, banks and insurance companies to increase the resources of NHF. Already, FMBN has put into motion necessary steps to recoup its money from debtors.

Esin recently sought the assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the recovery of bad debts totalling over N70 million owed by some property developers.

The FMBN boss, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, in Abuja, was quoted in a statement to have said: “We seek the kind assistance of the Commission on the recovery of the funds to the bank. These monies belong to Nigerian citizens.

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

25

Energy

Oil rig

Recession, banks and threats to Nigeria’s energy Banks and other lenders in Nigeria have begun recovery process for their credit facilities in the power sector. ADEOLA YUSUF reports how the ongoing recession is threatening this critical segment

L

ong before banks commenced recovery processes for their credit facilities in the energy sector, signs of recession had began to manifest on the over $4 billion marginal fields’ operations in Nigeria. The books of many local oil operators were turning red, making many to be on the cliff of bankruptcy.

While 17 out of the 24 marginal fields issued to 31 firms during the 2003 bid round could not produce, New Telegraph gathered that the financial books of some of the seven operating marginal fields are in red due to oil price rout and the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta. The militancy alone crashed production at the onshore and shallow water acreages, where the indigenous firms operate.

Pressure on lenders Banks and other lenders have however, exchanged correspondence with the operators, expressing fear that over $130 million loans ploughed into the marginal field operations between 2007 and 2011 may go bad.

“It is not enough to stop the flow of new investment in the section, what happens to the investment already made is major cause for concern as we speak.

It will interest you to know that between 2007 and 2011 alone three banks in Nigeria invested $130 million in the marginal fields,” a manager at oil and gas investment section of one of the new generation banks told this newspaper.

Everyone, banks and other lenders who have invested in this industry, he said, is already fretting over the books of most of these indigenous producers that are turning red.

The banker said: “Skye Bank has funded a number of marginal field projects such as the Platform Petroleum’s Gas Processing Plant, and WalterSmith’s Production Boost Project. Recently, Skye Bank approved a loan facility of $18 million for Pillar Oil, to enable the company drill a well at an interest rate of 17per cent per annum.

“The Former Intercontinental Bank approved $6 million for Niger Delta Petroleum for the ‘work-over’ of Ogbelle 1, at an interest rate of 18 per cent per annum, a project that led to their crucial first oil.

“Brittania-U received its initial funding of $23million from Union Bank in 2007 for its project on the Ajapa field.

“By the time Brittania-U reached first oil, this loan had increased to $50 million. Brittania-U also received an additional $30 million loan facility from Union Bank, which the company used to buy-out its ‘troublesome’ foreign technical partners.”

Production heading southwards Currently, Brittania-U is producing about 2,300 barrels per day (bpd). However, focusing on the fortunes of the firm might give the erroneous impression that the local banks were in a lending frenzy to marginal field

Although the Federal Government is faced with financial challenges, it should come to the aid of investors whose major source of investment is from banks and other lenders

operators. The fact is that of the six companies producing from marginal fields as at 2011, only Brittania-U commenced operations with a bank loan.”

Platform Petroleum, the first to reach production, was able to do so with funds provided by its partners (New Cross), a cash-loaded Nigerian company. Pillar Oil struggled for cash and was forced to rally funds through shareholder’s contributions, in order to commence production without a bank loan.

Pillar drilled a new well, funded

by Skye Bank, to enable the company increase production. WalterSmith Oil Ltd could not raise funds from a bank until it had established production.

Energia Oil Ltd funded its field development with cash flow from its shareholders.

Even with this funding, total output contributed to the production by the marginal operators has crashed below three per cent and this had raised a major concern for the lenders.

Producer’s voice Reacting to this issue, Managing Director, Seplat, Mr. Austin Avuru, said: “The journey that the industry had started a few years ago, unfortunately, today is being interrupted by forces that you and I have looked at how we can combat them.”

The crisis in the Niger Delta, Avuru said, has taken “a new turn that must worry all of us because when we don’t produce, our companies are destroyed, jobs are destroyed, and the economy is destroyed.

“This whole transformation that I described is interrupted rudely. Unfortunately, I do not know if there is any real solution in the horizon,” Avuru said at the just concluded Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) organised by Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos.

Investments in power The power Investors sourced over $10 billion from banks and other lenders for the purchase of 10 Power Plants and the distribution firms during the last privatisation. Despite the longterm period of recovery for these funds, the lenders now expect faster yields from these investments.

While over $5 billion loan facilities were secured for unbundled Power Holding Company (PHCN), the lenders also offered $5.8 billion for the purchase of gencos including Alaoji, Calabar, Omotosho, Olorunsogo, Omoku, Ogorode, Geregu, Gbarain, Benin and Egbema.

After the financial bid opening held in Abuja, two companies that bid above the reserved price were accepted for nine out of the 10 generation companies.

Three companies bid for Benin Genco, three companies for Calabar, three others for Egbema, six for Gbarian, five for Geregu, four for Ogorode, four for Olorunsogo, three for Omoku, and nine for Omotosho Genco.

Nine of the power plants had two investing companies that bid above the Privatisation Committee reserved price.

It was only Alaoji that had only one bidder, while AITEO consortium bid $902 million.

The company’s first bidding for Alaoji Power Plant was $680 million, which was not up to the reserved price and it was asked to go and raise its bidding price.

Recovery frenzy in downstream Banks and other lenders have also begun a recovery programme to recoup loans and debts from the downstream sector of the oil industry, a move that has set jitters down the spines of marketers and importers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) other wise known as petrol.

While the debts differ from bank to bank and from one marketing companies to another, a banker source told this newspaper that the cumulative loan and debts for recovery are over N350 billion.

Marketers’ reaction The major marketers and depot owners also gave the hint that the banks are on their tail for loans and accumulated debts from subsidy.

Executive Secretary of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Thomas Olawore, who declared this on the sideline of a conference in Lagos, disclosed that part of the debts they owe banks are still with government in form of foreign exchange differential and taxes on subsidy debts of 2014 and 2015.

Minister’s defence The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, had, however, said that the Federal Government had fully paid the N48.2 billion outstanding subsidy arrears owed oil marketers in 2015.

In a statement by the minisCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Energy

Vandalism: Nigeria’s revenue losses hit N19bn in five months FUNDING The NNPC said it still needs $1billion investments to fix some key pipelines and jetties Adeola Yusuf

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he Nigeria’s revenues loss to pipeline vandalism hit N19 billion between January and May 2016, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said.

A document of the NNPC’s Directorate of Refining and Petrochemicals showed that the corporation also expects $1 billion investments to fix some key pipelines and jetties that would aid crude refining and supply across the country.

The corporation, the document showed, also anticipates that the refineries would produce eight million litres a day of petrol, accounting for about 20 per cent of national consumption.

Meanwhile, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said that the activities of pipeline vandals and oil thieves are taking a toll on the operations of the NNPC. The corporation, a statement by Group General Manager, Group Public affairs of NNPC, Garba Deen Muhammadu stated the corporation lost 560,000 barrels of crude to the refineries as feedstock and 109 million litres of petroleum products between January and May 2016.

With $40 per barrel average price of crude during the time under review, the corporation lost $22.4 million N5.6 billion on 560,000 barrels

of crude to the refineries as feedstock.

Aside from this, loss by the corporation is also felt in the downstream sector where NNPC lost N13.4 billion using N123 per litre ex-depot price on 109 million litres of petroleum products between January and May 2016.

The corporation also suffered 1,447 incidents of pipeline breaches in the same period, the GMD said.

“The activities of pipeline vandals and oil thieves are taking a toll on the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as the corporation lost 560,000 barrels of crude to the refineries as feedstock and 109 million litres of petroleum products between January and May 2016,” the NNPC statement said.

According to the GMD, “The 2016 National Budget

plan was based on 2.2 million barrels per day of crude oil production. However, the budget plan is now grossly impacted due to renewed militancy with 700,000 bpd of oil production curtailed due to pipeline vandalism”.

Dr. Baru revealed that natural gas supply to power plants has also been impacted resulting in a drop from 1400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to below 700

Vandalised pipeline

Adeola Yusuf

I

nternational Oil Companies in Nigeria (IOCs) have suspended funding of conference and exhibition, as recession rocking the Nigeria’s energy sector took its toll on investments in these initiatives.

Checks by New Telegraph revealed that this had led to outright cancellation of the 2016 edition of the acclaimed biggest oil and gas conference in Nigeria, the Nigeria Oil and

Downturn: IOCs shun investments in confabs, fairs Gas (NOG) conference.

The London-based organiser of the conference, CWC, had earlier announced the postponement of the conference from February, the time it is usually held, to July 2016.

It was later forced to cancel the 2016 edition when financial supports ceased to come from IOCs through sponsorship.

In the same vein, next edition of the annual Offshore

West Africa Conference and Exhibition has also been postponed to June 2017.

The exhibitions, which will the 21st edition, was moved from the earlier planned January date.

Managing Director of PennWell International, owners and producer of the exhibitions, Mr. Glen Ensor, who confirmed this, said, “Due to a number of factors, most pressingly the cur-

Recession, banks and threats to Nigeria’s energy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

try’s Director of Information, Mr Salisu Dambatta, issued in May in Abuja, Adeosun maintained that the payment was made recently to enable the oil marketers to import petroleum products and meet up their other financial needs.

“The gross total outstanding subsidy claims accruable to the oil marketers for 2015 stood at N48.2 billion, while deductable tax liabilities payable to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) stood at N5.2 billion only. “ It also said that the minister directed the Debt Management Office (DMO) to pay the claims less tax liability of N5.2 billion, which was computed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

It said that oil marketers without tax liabilities were paid in full, while oil marketers with net subsidy claims and FIRS liabilities were paid net claim after deduction of tax liabilities.

“Oil marketers that were in-

mmscfd and a drop in power generation to 2500 megawatts from 3000 MW owing directly or indirectly to the impact on the pipelines.

The corporation had faced serious challenges of pipeline vandalism, which automatically halt crude oil supply to the refineries in recent times.

The NNPC has however, deviced alternative means of supplying crude through vessel haulage.

debted to FIRS and the seven oil marketers that are indebted to the Asset Management Company (AMCON) were not paid until they settled their debts with the two agencies. “ Olawore, however, renewed demand for government to pay foreign exchange differential and taxes on subsidy debts of 2014 and 2015.

Government, he said, needed to pay the debts to help importers to balance up banks and other lenders.

“As we speak, we are being owed backlog of foreign exchange differential as well as taxes on subsidy regime of 2014 and 2015,” Olawore declared at a panel session capped “Attracting Investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” attended by head, energy research, EcoBank, Mr. Dolapo Oni and other investors.

He declined inquiry by this newspaper on the sideline of the session to know how much the government owes the marketers but confirmed that the banks were on the trail of marketers over the debts.

Fuel loading decline Meanwhile, fuel loading in Apapa, Lagos hub of private depots and loading gantries in Nigeria, has touched the lowest ebb.

This newspaper’s investigation showed that buyers’ apathy had reduced fuel consumption by over 50 per cent.

While an average of 350 tankers were, according to claims by marketers, being loaded at the private depots daily, checks by this newspaper showed that the number had reduced to about 150 trucks daily.

Big private depots such as Capital Oil, NIPCo, Folawiyo, Aiteo, Integrated oil and MRS are the worse hits by the buyers apathy.

Loadings at these depots had crashed by over 50 per cent starting from May 1, 2016, when the federal government removed subsidy on fuel.

One of depots belonging to NIPCO Plc, which, according to this newspaper’s checks, loads about 120 trucks daily before, now loads between 50 and 60 trucks.

This depot, despite the over 50 per cent dip in loading, still does

better than many depots.

“Depot owners now labour hard to get truck loaded,” a management staff of one of the big private depots said after his anonymity had been guaranteed.

This bearish sale, he continued, started from filling stations and other retail outlets.

“Unlike before, filling stations that were selling between two and three truck-loads of fuel hardly sell one truck now,” he said.

“In fact, I want anyone to show me any station that sells one truck in a day nowadays. Nobody has been able to. No mega filling station finishes one truck-load in a day in Lagos. The problem is that people are not buying fuel again,” he lamented.

Conclusion Although the Federal Government is faced with financial challenges, it should come to the aid of investors whose major source of investment is from banks and other lenders.

The operators too should consider mergers with one another.

This will make them to come out stronger from the storm.

rent economic climate facing the oil and gas industry, PennWell Corporation have decided to reschedule the 21st edition of Offshore West Africa Conference and Exhibition. It is our belief that this change of date will enable our many loyal exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and attendees to benefit further from the event as these economic factors become more manageable”.

He added, “Offshore West Africa has over the past years become the premier event for the oil and gas industry within the West African region, and it is our aim to further establish this and improve upon previous editions for the benefit of all who attend”.

OPEC crude export revenue drops 46%

T

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has suffered a 46 per cent drop in crude exports revenues from 2014 to 2015.

The decline was to $404 billion from $753 billion, according to figures released on August 26 2016 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

EIA analysts projected that in 2016 revenue could drop again to $341 billion.

Still, EIA expects that current year increases in OPEC production, which will likely be up 800,000 barrels per day from 2015, will offset some of the price decline. That would bring the average OPEC crude production to 32.4 million barrels per day in 2016.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

HOMES&PROPERTY

27

The use of property market to launder ill-gotten wealth has been blamed for the high level of vacant houses and soaring cost of accommodation in major cities. DAYO AYEYEMI reports

H

ousing shortage, coupled with rising rental values are weighing heavily on accommodation seeking Nigerians, leaving over 17 million citizens without a roof over their heads.

The irony of the huge deficit is that over 70 per cent of housing units developed by government and private developers end up in the hands of the rich.

Data by the United Nations estimates that over 68 million people are poorly housed, living in shanties amidst lot of vacant decent properties across the nation’s city centres years after they were built.

Experts have blamed high cost and soaring rental values for abundant vacant properties in these locations, while calling for Lagos State, allegedly belonged imposition of tax on abandoned to Amosu; the immediate past houses.

Chief of Accounts and Budgeting of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Concerns Vice Marshal J.B. Adigun and Apart from the current Air Commodore O. O. Gbadebo, economic downturn in the who was the Director of Finance country, which had reduced and Budget at NAF. people’s purchasing power, These seized assets include revelations by the Economic and a block of 12 luxury flats, worth Financial Crimes Commission N1.7 billion, located on Agodogba (EFCC) have shown that some of Street, Park View Estate, Ikoyi; these vacant luxury properties block of luxury flats worth N1.8 in high-end locations of Lagos billion on Sinari Daranijo Street, and Abuja are tied down by a Victoria Island, Lagos; a parcel few corrupt public servants and of land, located on Bourdillon political office holders.

Drive, Ikoyi, worth N908 million; Bemoaning the large six other properties including a number of vacant properties set of four terrace houses on in the market, President of the Agede Street, off Aminu Kano Nigerian Institution of Estate in the Wuse 11 area of Abuja.

Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Also, EFCC recently seized Dr. Bolarinwa Patunola-Ajayi, four duplexes at Plot 100 Tiamiyu noted that both Lagos and the Savage Street, Victoria Island, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Lagos and two properties on 32 were currently littered with Yedseram Street and 44 Osun unoccupied buildings because River Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, majority of them are proceeds of allegedly belonging to Governor corruption.

Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State.

He maintained that those The agency alleged that buildings were largely proceeds Fayose bought six choice of corruption by powerful people properties worth N1.3 billion in in the society, which they use as Lagos and Abuja through two a means of tying down their ill- proxies, Abiodun Agbele and his gotten wealth. sister, Moji Ladeji.

According to a Lagos-based There are many more property estate surveyor, Chief Kola cases with the EFCC. Akomolede, many houses in Ikoyi cannot find buyers due to high price tags, as some of the houses High rent It had been alleged that some were developed through illicit housing units built purposely money. for low-income group are being bought over by the rich for EFCC’s recent findings Recently, the EFCC seized investment purpose, while rental houses and other properties values for available houses have belonging to the immediate past continued to soar.

New Telegraph survey has Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd), and other shown that annual house rents senior military officers worth N5 range between N1 million and N1.5 million for one to two billion.

The properties seized in Ikoyi, bedroom flats in Lekki; N2 Ikeja Government Reserved Area million and N10 million in Ikoyi; (GRA) and Badagry areas of N1.5 million and N5 million in

Model of Zuba’s mass housing scheme, Abuja

How money laundering stoked challenges in housing

These seized assets include a block of 12 luxury flats, worth N1.7 billion, located on Agodogba Street

Victoria Island; and N500,000 and N1 million in places like FESTAC, Surulere and other middle income areas of Lagos.

In FCT rental values for two bedroom flat costs between N2.5 million and N3 million in areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and Garki; and between N400,000 and N700,000 in satellite towns such as Kubwa, Lugbe and Karu areas per annum.

In Port Harcourt, rent for one-bedroom flat costs between N250,000 and N350,000, while two-bedroom flat costs between N400,000 and N650,000 per annum.

Findings show that locations such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island of Lagos and Asokoro, Maitaima districts of Abuja have the highest number of vacant properties.

However, there are lots of genuine local and foreign property investments in these locations also.

Experts’ suggestion While many experts are blaming soaring cost of housing units and high rental values in major cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja on corrupt politicians, others believe that the government has the responsibility to provide cheap houses for lowincome earners in the country.

Reasons adduced for high cost of houses and rent in high-brow areas of the cities include high cost of building material, high cost of land, lack of infrastructure and inability to access long-term fund among others.

Analysts believe that lack of property tax regime is also partly responsible for the increasing cases of unoccupied buildings littering the cities.

They are of the opinion that property tax will provide a check on greedy property owners and alleviate the sufferings of tenants who can’t afford high cost of

accommodation being demanded.

A Lagos-based estate surveyor and valuers, Mr. Rowland Abonta, recently called for imposition of special taxes on unoccupied buildings.

Abonta, who is the second VicePresident of the NIESV, stated that imposition of taxes on vacant and unoccupied properties would force owners of such buildings to reduce the cost of rent to attract tenants.

Patunola-Ajayi called on the Federal Government to introduce property tax to address accommodation problem in the country.

He also enjoined government at all level to invest more in social housing with a view to reducing the country’s housing deficit while providing accommodation for low-income earners.

He noted that thousands of houses were not occupied due to high cost of rents placed on them by their owners or agents, forcing Abuja workers to seek settlement in nearby states like Niger and Nasarawa states.

Another Lagos-based estate surveyor, Chief Meckson Okoro, said some corrupt politicians and civil servants that own houses in Ikoyi and Lekki have not stopped genuine investors in these locations.

He pointed out that entrepreneurs, who are out to make money, would continue to invest in Ikoyi and Lekki property market, saying “that is where the market is.

“If government finds any public servant and politicians, who laundered fund through property in these locations, it should go ahead and arrest them.

But there are lots of genuine investors in these enclaves,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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BUSINESS | HOMES & PROPERTY

LAND USE CHARGE Group insists tax should be assessed on income value rather than capital value

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Estate surveyors advocate office of valuer-general

Dayo Ayeyemi

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ractitioners under the auspices of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos branch, are seeking the establishment of Office of Valuer-General in the state for the purpose of preparing valuation of all public assets.

They are also seeking the creation of valuation offices in each local government area in the state under the supervision of the office of valuer-general.

New Telegraph learnt that the body is already fine-tuning a bill to be sent to the state House of Assembly in order to make it a standing law.

If the estate practitioners have their way, NIESV will join other professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) that already have Office of SurveyorGeneral, Attorney General, Tutor-General respectively.

Other duties of the valuergeneral as proposed by the surveyors shall include supply of valuation information on yields on real estate investment, land values, rental values, property ratios, investment analysis and other relevant data to the state government and the Public.

It is also to advise the government on International Financial Reporting Standards with relationship to physical assets.

NIESV Lagos State chapter Chairman, Mr. Offiong Sam Ukpong, recently solicited for partnership and understanding between the Lagos’ Land Bureau and his association in achieving the feat.

Ukpong noted that investors were always critical of the policy in place, explaining that appointment of valuergeneral would create room for dependable investment analysis.

He said: “Investors may be skeptical to believe what they may be hearing from other people about the land situation and data. But any information given out from office of valuergeneral would be authentic and

Money laundering stoked challenges in housing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Conclusion

To meet the needs of homeless Nigerians, as much as the EFCC is trailing money laundered by politicians and public servants, government and private developers should also find a way of reducing the number of vacant properties in city centres to bridge housing deficit.

L-R: Commercial Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited,Mr Tobias Meletschns and Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, during the inspection of the rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of section One of LagosIbadan Expressway, last Friday.

make sense. It’s important to have the government’s assets inventory.”

The NIESV boss recalled that Lagos created office of the tutor-general that enhanced secondary education in the state, adding that other states were already emulating it.

He pointed out that such a landmark should be made in the property industry by creating the office of valuergeneral.

Ukpong also noted that in Ghana, valuers sign certification any time transactions take place.

“T herefore, we

want practitioners to be incorporated into certification process, even, if only three of our members,” he noted.

However, estate surveyors had, in the past, criticised tax being paid on Land Use Charge (LUC), arguing that the tax should not be

assessed on capital value, but rather on income value.

Ukpong also requested that estate surveyors should be involved in the evaluation process, saying that as professionals, they are in a better position to assist the government to ensure that equitable valuation is achieved.

Minister to stakeholders: Embrace home-grown solution Dayo Ayeyemi

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inister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has called on housing stakeholders to embrace home-grown solution in order to bridge the nations’ housing deficit.

He made this call in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the 5th National Council on Land, Housing and Urban Development flag off.

Fashola called on Nigerians to increase their patronage of locally made goods to address the country’s economic challenges.

The minister said the only way the nation could benefit from the huge budget was for all Nigerians, including those in the built industry, to embrace home-grown solution by sourcing homemade materials for building, construction and maintenance in the various sectors of the economy.

The stance of the minister has ruled out a possible reversal of Central Bank of Nigeria’ s (CBN’s) policy on 41 items banned from accessing foreign exchange.

He reiterated the decision of his ministry to ban the importation of 10 building materials in preference for locally made ones.

The materials include doors, windows, tiles, ceilings, plumbing accessories, cables, paint and Iron.

“This is where we hope to receive the support of local builders, artisans and tradesmen in capacity building. There will be no capacity without opportunity.

We are offering the opportunity,” the minister said.

He added that what was relevant for the built industry

was that hundreds of thousands of doors, windows, roofing materials, paints, plumbing materials and other accessories be produced by Nigerians.

In the event of continued preference for foreign made goods, Fashola asked rhetorically: “What will happen is that the budget will work, the money will be spent, and the benefit will be transferred to foreign countries and factories where the professionals reside or where their imported goods are made.

“One objective of this council meeting and its theme is to emphasise to all members of the built environment that it is only those who are willing to act, who are willing to work, and who are willing to get

their hands dirty, by blasting rocks, moving sand, cement, iron rods, making doors, molding blocks, pouring concrete and so on that will readily find inclusion in this economic process.”

Justifying his position, he cited examples of Europe, China and Middle East, saying that they built their infrastructure through the same process.

The minister said: “This is part of what diversification means. This is part of what the president means when he talks about diversifying the economy through agriculture and mining.

“Looking inwards for satisfaction of their needs is the only way Nigerians can help to reflate and stimulate the economy back to growth.”

He said the preference for local goods would provide opportunity for inclusion, whereby the resultant economic growth would translate to employment and provide incomes for ordinary and hard-working people who are then able to put food on their tables and participate in the building of Nigeria.

On the Roadmap for Housing, Fashola, who said progress had been made and steps being taken to complete the remaining processes, pointed out that the government was being meticulous in its planning to ensure that the National Housing Programme meets national acceptability in terms of diversity of design in response to cultural and climatic diversities.

Contractors tasked on speedy completion of Lagos-Ibadan expressway

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inister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has called on contractors handling the reconstruction of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and dualisation of Oyo-Ogbomosho road to speed up their work.

Speaking during a tour of the projects, the minister said speedy completion of the roads would guarantee smooth jour ney for travellers across the country during festivities.

Fashola said that although contractors were faced with some constraints

such as unpredictable weather and the fact that they have to work while managing traffic, they must plan their work in such a way that would ensure a more tolerable driving experience during festivities and general safety on the roads.

“You must plan your work in such a way that you’re able to accommodate traffic and also help to make the journey time of commuters better during that period. “They will be travelling home and coming back, and I also will like you to improve the safety signs

on this highway,” Fashola said.

The minister also urged the contractors handling the reconstruction , rehabilitation and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to consciously plan to accommodate the expected high volume of traffic during festivities.

“Start calibrating your activities to prepare to take in that traffic, it will come, but the big one will come when everybody is moving back from home. The target is to make that experience better than last year’s,” Fashola said.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

AVIATION

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Effective crew communication boosts flight safety Other aims of organising the workshop, according to Ordon includes: to bring cabin crew operating up to date on regulations Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP),create an ambiance, where the regulator and the regulated could mingle and to foster an interaction in a virile social milieu. She added that their duties are very crucial to flight safety.

British Airways fleet in his hub at London Heathrow Airport

rooms.

It recognises that a discrepancy between what is happening and what should be happening is often the first indicator that an error is occurring.

Unfamiliarity and lack of good communication between the cockpit and cabin crew complicates air safety. Keeping the same cockpit and cabin crews together as often as possible would engender air safety.WOLE SHADARE writes The factor

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any factors have influenced the quality of communication between the cockpit and cabin crews over the years.

But one factor that should be of utmost concern is the growth of the industry. Within small airlines, communication between the crew is rarely a problem; the same cockpit and cabin crews fly together often and tend to know each other quite well. As an airline grows, so does the number of crewmembers.

On a jumbo jet flight on a large airline, a flight attendant may know a few of the other flight attendants, but probably will not know any of the cockpit crewmembers.

Of course, as the number of crewmembers on an aircraft increases, so does the complexity of crew communication.

Lack of coordination Following a study of aviation mishaps over the 10-year period 1992-2002, the United States Air Force determined that close to 18 per cent of its aircraft mishaps were directly attributable to maintenance human error.

Unlike the more immediate impact of air crew error, maintenance human errors often occurred long before the flight where the problems were discovered. These “latent errors” included such mistakes as failure to follow published aircraft manuals, lack of assertive communication among maintenance technicians, poor supervision, and improper assembly practices.

Since effective communication between the two crews is a prerequisite for cockpit and cabin crew coordination, the terms “communication” and “coordination” are practically

interchangeable in this context.

The lack of coordination between the cockpit and cabin crew in most cases has led to the adoption of Crew resource management or Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) to eliminate disaster that could arise as a result of frosty relationship between the parties mentioned.

The term “cockpit resource management” (later generalised to “crew resource management”) was coined in 1979 by NASA psychologist John Lauber who had studied communication processes in cockpits for several years. While retaining a command hierarchy, the concept was intended to foster a less authoritarian cockpit culture, where co-pilots were encouraged to question captains if they observed them making mistakes.

Crew Resource management grew out of the 1977 Tenerife airport disaster where two Boeing 747 aircraft collided on the runway killing 583 people. A few weeks later, NASA held a workshop on the topic, endorsing this innovative training.

United Airlines was the first airline to provide CRM training for its cockpit crews in 1981. By the 1990s, it had become a global standard.

Layers of enhanced communication United Airlines additionally trained their flight attendants to use CRM in conjunction with the pilots to provide another layer of enhanced communication and teamwork. Studies have shown that by both work groups using CRM together, communication barriers are reduced and problems can be solved more efficiently, leading to increased safety.

CRM training concepts have been modified for application to a wide range of activities where people must make dangerous time-critical decisions. These arenas include air traffic control, ship handling, firefighting, and medical operating

Nigerian aviation should go beyond punitive reporting and encourage Whistle Blower Policy

NCAA frets Concerned by the incessant cockpit, cabin relations that do damage or cause accidents, the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt.

Muhtar Usman has stated that effective relationship between cockpit and cabin crew is key to flight safety.

This is just as he said that crew members in any flight are a team and that no one is inferior to the other.

He said this shortly before declaring open the Cabin Safety Workshop with the theme, “Improving Cockpit –Cabin Crew Relationship for Effective Flight Safety” at NCAA Annex, international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, recently.

The Director General, who was represented by NCAA Director of Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Sidi, said that the Cabin Safety Inspectorate is always proactive and has decided to engage Cock-Pit –Cabin interaction in the workshop theme.

Sidi added that he is very sure that that day’s discussions and interactions would trigger healthier though professional mutually beneficial aviation relationships as the cabin crew depends on one another for effective flight safety.

Showing respect The representative of the DG noted that all the crew members in any flight are equal and that no one is superior to the other.

He said: “All spheres of human endeavour require relationships and good relationships make us healthy and strong. The crew members are a team and no one is inferior to the other.”

In her welcome address, the Assistant General Manager, Cabin Crew, NCAA, Ordon Maria Ubong, stated that the essence of the workshop is to make cabin crew open up on what happens in the course of doing their job and also share experiences as it concerns the relationship between the cockpit crew and the cabin crew.

Cause of problem On his part, the Chie Pilot of Aero, Capt Gerald Moka, posited that what is causing the problem between cockpit and cabin crew is the lack of communication between the cockpit and the cabin crew.

Moka, while differentiating the office of the crew, stated that while the cockpit crew operate in a confined environment, cabin crew on the other hand operate in a spacious office inside the aircraft and that while cockpit crew are mostly male, cabin crew are mostly female, adding that not minding these differences, they all work to achieve flight safety.

He stated that while the job of the cockpit crew is technical in nature that of the cabin crew is more of social as they attend to passengers and make them comfortable but that despite the differences in their jobs, the main purpose of the flight is to ensure that passengers get to their destinations safely.

Psychometric test Speaking at the event, a former pilot with Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Dung Rwang Pam called for introduction of psychometric test for both cockpit and cabin crew to detect individual mental ability, adding that this will go a long way to reduce the friction between the two parties.

They are designed to measure candidates’ suitability for a role based on the required personality characteristics and aptitude.

They help identify the extent to which candidates’ personality and cognitive abilities match those required to perform the role.

Pam stated that Nigerian aviation should go beyond punitive reporting but instead advocated for Whistle Blower Policy, where somebody who blows a whistle about an incident or an issue is protected.

He stated that despite the not too rosy relationship between cabin crew and cockpit crew, the ultimate goal is to achieve flight safety.

He said, “The first responsibility of the cockpit is safety .The first responsibility of the cockpit is also safety. They both work towards the same goal.”

Conclusion The primary goal of CRM is enhanced situational awareness, self-awareness, leadership, assertiveness, decision making, flexibility, adaptability, event and mission analysis, and communication. Specifically, CRM aims to foster a climate or culture where authority may be respectfully questioned.

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BUSINESS | AVIATION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Airport privatisation: Minister assures on due process ANTIDOTE Nigeria infrastructure deficit requires foreign capital and expertise to supplement

Wole Shadare Some cabin crew members in a group photograph at the Cabin Safety Workshop at NCAA Annex, international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos

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he Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika has allayed the fear over the scepticisms that the Federal Government would not follow due process in the privatisation of four major aerodromes slated for privatisation.

Sirika gave this assurance in Abuja when he was handed over the framework for the development of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the aviation sector by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), led by its Director-General, Aminu Diko.

The Federal Government is at the verge of privatising the Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano Airports for maximum efficiency and service delivery.

Sirika stated that the exercise was borne out of its desire for effective and efficient management of the airports and adequate utilisation of the abundant skilled manpower in the aviation sector.

He said: “The best way to go is the Public Private Partnership and so,

He said the Government was thinking of building a standard international airport in Lagos and convert the present Murtala Muhammed International Airport to a domestic one.

Diko, earlier in his presentation quoted President Buhari as saying, ‘’Nigeria is now in a situation where it obviously has to diversify its economy.

We also have a huge infrastructure deficit for which we require foreign capital and expertise to supplement whatever resources we can marshal

at home. In essence, we seek public private partnership in our quest for enhanced capital expertise’’.

He noted that the aviation sector faces the challenge of inadequate airport infrastructure due to lack of investment over many years, poor maintenance of the existing airport infrastructure, obsolete plant and equipment across the aviation, absence of clear policy and methodology for determining tariffs, overlaps in functions of departments and agencies of the federal government.

Wole AIR RAGE Shadare AIB, NAAPE, Okewu crisis: Needless distraction WITH

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all it a case of dog eat dog and you will not be far from the truth. The on-going face-off between the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), members of Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Association of Air craft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has assumed a different dimension. But it is good to situate facts and try to call a spade a spade.

While NAAPE is holding strongly to what it described as irregularity in the secondment of the outgoing President of ATSSSAN, Mr. Benjamin Okewu, AIB which has found itself at the centre of this whole mess is trying to justify why Okewu deserves his secondment, which NAAPE described as ‘fraudulent’ and one that has set a very dangerous precedent.

My fear is that in all of this, the various aviation unions are the ones that are the losers in this whole saga that could do incalculable damage to their reputation.

Many see all the unions as heavily compromised and that has exposed their underbelly.

NAAPE has come under scathing criticism and allegation of being used to sabotage AIB and Okewu.

This is an allegation that cannot be substantiated, but one that looks plausible.

In the past one year, the AIB has been confirmed as the most petitioned aviation agency and each time this is

we are going that way. Concessioning of the airports will make the system go faster as what will take the sector a long time to do, owing to the paucity of funds in government, will be made easier by the partnerships to be entered into.”

The minister also said that in the wisdom of the Government, development of other airports across the nation would be promoted for the purposes of cargo.

This, he said is necessary so that the big airports will not be congested.

done, the agency comes out stronger with various graft commission throwing it away for want of evidence and exonerated AIB Commissioner, Dr. Felix Abali.

The rivalry and bad belle syndrome has led to instability, causing huge disaffection to a system that is fragile and highly life

dependent.

The deluge of petitions is baffling. A top official of AIB who spoke to this reporter attributed the petitions to people he described as job seekers and who want to remove Abali from office same way Dr. Sam Oduselu was forced out of service.

Shame: Lagos airport power outage persists

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t is becoming a routine without solution in sight. The incessant power outage at the Lagos airport and other major airports across the country is becoming embarrassing. I am sure many reading this article would say what is the big deal if the airports are without electricity, considering the fact that many homes in Nigeria are without light?

Many would have thought that the problem that started over four years ago has been resolved, but the outage at the Lagos airport since Saturday has left a bitter bill in the mouth of passengers, airport users and airlines operators who lamented that the problem has done incalculable damage to their operations.

The recent embarrassing power outage at the MMA is one too many. For too long we have allowed mediocrity to define the management of most of our national institutions.

One of the corollaries of such maelstrom of negligence is the abysmal rating of our airports on the international scale. The deplorable state of our airports says so much about our disposition to excellence as a people.

One expects the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika to see his appointment as an urgent mandate to halt the trajectory of decadence in this sector and must be

able to take on the fifth columnists, who have festered their nest within the aviation bureaucracy through corruption and personal enrichment.

In some countries, sudden cut off of electricity is an aberration. In Nigeria, it is still an awful daily experience. But it becomes very dangerous when this becomes a regular phenomenon at the airports, especially key airports like the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In these airports, more than 80 per cent of the landing of international airlines takes place in the night and passenger profiling and screening also take place in the night. Unfortunately, it is at this critical period that the airports suffer from power cut which paralyses passenger facilitation and forces security operatives, airport officials and airline workers to resort to using torchlight.

Stewardship must be demanded from officers whose call it is to ensure the consistent functionality of basic airport facilities like the conveyor belt, the elevators and the air conditioners. Failure to identify some of these responsibilities with specific offices would perpetuate the vicarious institutional indictment that leaves nobody accountable at the end of the day.

I do not in any way support incompetence or graft as I have championed and supported every effort at curbing this malaise, it is no secret that the aviation industry stinks, but what should not be condoned is trying to cause disaffection in the system.

It is on record that NAAPE played ignominious role in seeing to the ouster of one of Nigeria’s aviation professional, Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren, who was the Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). In spite Demuren’s sterling qualities, these cabals in the name of NAAPE connived with a female Minister of Aviation to ease him out of the system after allegation that they were financially induced to carry out their sinister motive.

They acted in consonance with highly respected aviation consultant to carry out their wicked action. One of the leaders of NAAPE carried on like an emperor with two heavily armed policemen guarding him at a time the Nigeria Police is lacked adequate personnel to police the country. What a shame!

While not exonerating Okewu from this whole saga because he would do the same if he were to be on the other side, I believe that the eyebrow raised against AIB is a huge distraction. There are more pressing issues one expects the unions to address rather than the mundane, ‘dog eat dog’ exercise that is capable of denigrating all the aviation unions.

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TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Interview Scrapping of post-UTME ill-advised –Obaji

Education

Rot Lecturer traces rot in education to corruption, selfish leadership

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Polys back to the trenches •FG, ASUP dialogue continues as NEC meets Thursday •ASUU warms up

ASUP members during one of their protests

STRIKE

Polytechnic lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), are warming up for an indefinite job boycott that will paralyse academic and administrative activities in the system

Mojeed Alabi

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f the fresh threat by polytechnic lecturers, under their umbrella body, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), to embark on a nationwide strike, is anything to go by, academic activities in the nation’s polytechnics will soon go to sleep.

The lecturers are at loggerheads with the Federal Govern-

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

ment following the failure of government to implement their demands.

Specifically, the major grouse of the union is the pariah state of the polytechnic sub-sector in particular and the education sector in general.

The union had over the years been demanding, among other things, the removal of dichotomy between polytechnic graduates (HND) and their university counterpart; the release of the White Paper on the Needs Assessment of the polytechnics; the review of the Polytechnic Act by the National Assembly; payment of CONTISS 15 arrears, improvement in condition of service and state of infrastructure in the institutions.

But, apparently disturbed by the attitude of the Federal Government towards implementation of these demands despite all representations to the concerned authorities, ASUP, led by its former National President, Mr. Chibuzor Asomugha, had in October 2013, called its members out on an indefinite strike.

Through the intervention of the immediate past Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the 10-month-long strike was suspended, in July 2014.

However, since ASUP suspended the almost one year indefinite nationwide strike in 2014, the government is yet to address the demands, a development that further infuriated the union, which blamed the posture of the government to utter disregard for poly-

I have been directed, therefore, to communicate the union’s resolution to withdraw the services of its members...

technic education and the union.

Then, the union said it was suspending the strike for three months, to allow the then new Minister, Mallam Shekarau, who was just assuming office as the Minister, to settle down and make real his pledge to resolve all the grey areas in the sub-sector within few weeks.

Two years after, ASUP is worried that almost all the issues raised with the government were yet to be addressed.

According to the new National President of the union, Mr. Usman Dutse, the polytechnic institutions is to fulfill one major objective, which is to produce middle-level manpower for the country’s industrial sector, through production of skilled graduates in many vocations including but not limited to engineering, building, technology, science and arts, among others.

Miffed by the failure of the government to meet the needs of the sector, the union in July, this year, issued a one-month ultimatum, which lapsed on Monday August 22, urging government to address its demands, or face indefinite job boycott.

However, he added that for many decades, the polytechnic system like other education subsectors and the national economy, has suffered several challenges, such as the loss of focus, policy summersault, rotten facilities characterised by years of neglect, dearth of teaching and learning tools and over-laboured lecturers.

In a letter to the new minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu on July

22, 2016 by ASUP, the union in its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of July 20 held in Kaduna announced the ultimatum.

According to the letter, which was signed by the union’s National Secretary, Anderson Ezeibe, the union, again, listed the areas of conflict with the Federal Government to include the nonimplementation of the Needs Assessment report of public polytechnics carried out in 2014; non-payment of members’ salaries in state-owned polytechnics in Abia, Edo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Benue, among others; shortfalls in personnel allocations to polytechnics as well as unpaid allowances in federal polytechnics since January, 2016.

Other grouse are victimisation of union members, non-release of check-off dues, and interference in union activities especially in the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State; Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, among others; non-release of arrears of promotion in many polytechnics with some dating back to as far as 2012; as well as non-implementation of CONTISS 15 migration in some polytechnics; non-release of reports of Visitation Panels to Federal Polytechnics since 2011, as well as reports of Ministerial panels to some federal polytechnics including the Federal Polytechnic, Oko; Yaba College of Technology and Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in 2015; delay in the review of the Federal Polytechnics Act, and the non-commencement of renegotiation of the ASUP/Government Agreement of 2010.

The letter reads in part: “Honourable Minister Sir, you may recall that a delegation of the union met with you to discuss these and other matters in May 2016, with the assurance from you on the speedy resolution of these issues.

There has not been any tangible progress made on any of these issues since then. Equally, Rectors of federal polytechnics had met with the Honourable Minister of State over same issues with resolution that regrettably, exacerbated the problems.

“I have been directed, therefore, to communicate the union’s resolution to withdraw the services of its members on a national industrial strike if by August 21, 2016, the above issues are not resolved satisfactorily. It is our belief that the window presented in this one-month ultimatum will be exploited by the government to save the sector from another CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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education

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Don wins American education award Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

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Nigerian don, Prof.

David Iornem has won the 2016 edition of the United States Presidential Council Award.

He was also granted a license by the Government of Benin Republic to operate a private university in that country.

The award, which is tagged the “Lifetime Achievement Award,” was instituted by former US President, George W. Bush, in 2003 to recognise extraordinary voluntary services in sports, industry, food and nutrition, economic development, education, medicine, tourism and youth development.

Iornem, whose award is in the education category, was presented to him in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE) by Professor George Reiff on behalf of President Barack Obama of the United States of America.

NCC, JABU partner on digital education

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he management of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, has lowered the curtains on a five-day on-campus computer certification training, tagged: “Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI).” The training is part of the private university’s quest for quality service delivery.

The programme, which is sponsored by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and facilitated by the Digital Bridge Institute, International Centre for Information and Communications Technology Studies, Abuja was aimed at equipping beneficiaries with sound digital education skills.

In her welcome address, the Centre Coordinator, Mrs. Josephine Ajomo, urged participants to explore the opportunity, saying the skills acquired would be relevant in the course of their duties in the university.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sola Fajana, described the programme as ‘a divine intervention’ and a clear indication of the goodwill being enjoyed by the institution since the programme was designed and instituted solely for Federal government-owned tertiary institutions.

He, however, urged the participants to make the best use of the opportunity and be good ambassadors of the institution.

Fajana commended the Nigerian Communications Commission and Digital Bridge Institute for the partnership and urged participants to diffuse the knowledge acquired in the training for the growth of the university and the nation.

The training, which included computer software application training of five modules, made up of Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Word 2013, Excel 2013, Power-Point Presentation 2013 and Introduction to Inter-

The don, who presented the award to his friends and associates in Abuja last week, described the honour bestowed on him by the U.S Government as divine work of God, saying he dedicated the award to his friends, who have been supportive of his voluntary service.

The award was accompanied by the insignia (Coat of Arms) of the United States of America.

Prior to the conferment of

the award on Iornem, five other personalities have been recipients of the award. They include S. Truett Cathy, Zach Bronner, Brandon Pugh, Thomas Smith and Stanley Williams.

His university, the university, Ecole Superieure Universitaire (ESU), which is located in Cotonou, Benin Republic, is one of the 16 new private universities approved by the Benin Republic Government.

The university, according to Prof. Iornem, will be a bilin-

gual university in which the students are expected to receive tuition in English and French languages respectively.

The university, it was gathered would admit students for Associate and Bachelors’ Degrees in Business, as well as non-degree short courses in Language and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Indeed, the university is expected to admit its first set of students in October, this year.

Dr. Margaret Ladipo, YABATECH rector

FG backs out on conversion of Kad Poly, YABATECH to varsities Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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L-R: Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro; former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola; Vice-Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof. Friday Okonofua, and Registrar, UNIMED, Dr. (Mrs) Funke Oyebade, at a Short Course in Master Grant Proposal Writing and Financial Management in Tertiary Institutions, organized by UNIMED in Ondo. Photo: UNIMED

Nigerian becomes EF Academy student, relives experience Kayode Olanrewaju

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16-year-old Nigerian, Oluwatosin Onaolapo has become an International Baccalaureate (IB) student of EF Academy, Torbay campus.

At the Global Student Leaders’ Summit at The Hague in the Netherlands, where she spent the early part of her summer holiday as an intern, she was selected out of 15,000 international high school students at the summit to give a speech introducing Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, to her peers at the international summit.

For two days, Onaolapo, along with other high school students across the world, gathered at the International Court of Justice for the Global Student Leaders’ Summit, for a three-day leadership conference focused on human rights issues.

As part of the task assigned to her as a summit intern, she had the sole honour of introducing the summit’s keynote speaker, Ndaba Mandela.

Other keynote speakers at the event were Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi; Pulitzer Prize winner, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, an alumni from the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in South Africa.

However, according to Onaolapo, her stint at Torbay was her first time away from home and internship at the global summit.

She relived her experience at the summit: “The summit gives us the confidence to raise our voice higher and add our thoughts, our ideas to global is-

sues. My entire internship experience was centred on learning from everyone around me and being bigger than some of the limitations that are typically associated with youth or race. It was all truly amazing.”

The students at the summit were said to have attended human rights and leadership workshops and participated in innovation sessions with their peers, who became close friends by the end of the summit.

The pinnacle of the summit was the innovation sessions that saw small groups of students come together to solve a current human rights issue using the ‘design thinking methodology.’

They chose from four different case studies that focused on individuals, who overcame situations where their human rights were diminished or disregarded.

These four individuals’ stories were featured on the renowned blog “Humans of New York” and the students were asked to come up with solutions to the issues

that the individuals faced in each scenario.

Onaolapo’s group worked on finding a solution for women like Bhavani, an Indian woman now living independently in the U.S. after her husband died 15 years ago. She, and other women like her, have had to move past the gender roles that restrict them.

“As a group, we realised that Bhavani needed support from other women who had been in, and risen above similar circumstances. One group member suggested we send letters of encouragement from such women to Bhavani. We then decided to fold those letters into origami cranes and have them mailed to her personally,” Onaolapo further expalined.

Though, students at the summit came from all around the world, Onaolapo was part of the EF Academy group made up of 23 students representing 16 countries; a culturally diverse group unified by a common universal trait-youth.

ontrary to earlier plans by the Federal Government to convert Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos to City Universities for the award of Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Degrees, the government said the polytechnics have not been converted to universities.

This was even as the Federal Government announced the removal of the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor Degrees (BSc) holders in the civil service.

With the removal, polytechnic graduates with Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) can now rise or aspire to the pinnacle of their career like their university counterparts in the civil service.

The new Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof.

Abubakar Abdulrasheed, broke the cheering news when the Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr. Masaudu Kazaure visited in Abuja, the headquarters of the NUC. Abdulrasheed said NUC had already commenced studying the various reports in the social media about the purported conversion of the two polytechnics to universities, but noted that the reports were merely the wishful thinking of the authors.

He, however, said that the Commission would set a deadline for universities running Diploma programmes to stop such practice, noting that the Federal Government had long ago issued a memo in that respect in order to allow polytechnics that are approved to run diploma programmes to do so without universities usurping their mandate.

L-R: Former President of ASUU, Prof.

Abdullah Sule Kano; the incumbent president, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi and immediate past president, Dr. Nasir Faggae Isa, at a media briefing by the union in Lagos.

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Stakeholders often link your tenure as Minister to the introduction of postUME (now post-UTME), how true is that?

The truth is that I am not only known for the introduction of postUME screening exercise, there are many other innovations we brought into the education sector when I served as the Minister of Education.

Though my tenure was very brief, we made significant impacts, which if my successors had pursued we would have addressed so many other challenges that have continued to live with us till date.

I don’t know whether you remember I also introduced the Home Grown School Feeding and Health Programme; One Laptop Per Child Programme; the Federal Teachers Corps Programme; Electronic Education (e-Education) and massive computerization of schools; increased attention to Boy-Education Projects to reduce drop-out rates; the National Outsourcing Training Institute (NOTI); capping of enrolment in line with the carrying capacities of Nigerian tertiary institutions; and full computerization of the examination bodies; and the Biometric codification of students’ records in all schools to enhance planning, among others.

How were all these possible within your short period in office?

Nothing is impossible to achieve especially when you have a willing boss who believes in your integrity and sincerity. I came on board in June 2005, and one of the first things we did was to assess the state of things across all levels of education in the country. We set up a team to go round the various institutions to assess the state of facilities compared to the funds allocated to the sector from 2009 till 2005.

The entire report, containing visuals are recorded in this tape (sic) which I showed to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. Even at the primary education level, we concluded that for us as a nation to achieve Education for All (EFA) goals, we needed to give our pupils one meal per day. And the initiative was endorsed by the President and the Executive Council. So, by September 26, that year, we launched the free meal project at a primary school in Kuje area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

By the 27th of September, I was in Laminga Primary School, Nasarawa and on 29 of that same month I was at another school in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to continue with the launching of the programme.

However, by October, I was at the General Assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris, France, telling the world what we were doing to achieve the EFA goals. We took many bold steps, which were geared towards revolutionising the education sector.

So, what necessitated the introduction of post-UTME? It was actually the University Matriculation Examination (UME) then, which only concerned the universities. We had about 75 universities in all at the time and after thorough review we discovered that their carrying capacities were not more than 128,000 students all together. But we had hundreds of thousands writing the exami-

interview | education

Scrapping of post-UTME ill-advised –Obaji Prof. Chinwe Nora Obaji, a former Minister of Education, initiated the school feeding project and the post-UTME screening exercise. In this interview with newsmen in Lagos, the founder of Quality Education Foundation spoke on various issues, including the circumstances leading to the introduction of post-UTME and her aversion to its suspension, among others. MOJEED ALABI reports nation annually with high scores flying around. Investigations revealed that there was no correlation between the high scores and the actual performance of the students upon admission. Backed by graphic evidences, we tabled this before President Obasanjo, and he approved the innovation.

We could only admit about 128,000 candidates at that time and at the end of that exercise we had about 200,000 candidates but only about 80 per cent were admissible and that was what the universities took. Indeed, some of the scripts of the post-UTME were kept till now. So, for people who do not understand the genesis of the post-UTME, they can say whatever they feel, but the truth is that the circumstances that led to the introduction of this screening have not changed. There have continued to be impersonation in examinations, cheating, ‘sorting’ and all sorts to secure admission at all cost.

But all these challenges were said to have been addressed with the introduction of the computer-based-test (CBT) examination model?

Which computer-based-test system? Do you know the genesis of the computer-based-test model in Nigeria? I started the idea of computer-based test during my tenure as well. The clause we added to the introduction of the computerbased test is the adoption of onelaptop-per-child project. We said if we adopted that project, within 10 years we could introduce the computer-based test model. As at that time, the laptops were to cost u s 100 dollars per one.

Then, that was about N12,000 p e r

Obaji

You cannot build the future of a nation on a faulty foundation

laptop. I was the international chair of that project. The last time we went to Cambridge, we had a memorandum of understanding and a million copies were produced for Nigerian pupils.

But as soon as I left as Minister, Nigeria abandoned the entire project and idea, and those one million laptops found their ways to Libya and Ghana. So, today, we are conducting examination through the computer-based test model with the bulk of the students who have never seen computers. You adopted the CBT and the members of the National Assembly are clapping simply because they do not have facts.

Now that the post-UTME has been scrapped, what do you feel?

I feel very sad. The fact is that we are not sincere and it irritates me. This is because I have heard so much lies flying around with each person trying to massage his or her ego. Nigeria does not need ego, but solutions to their problems. I left office 10 years ago as Nigeria’s pioneer female Minister of Education. I know one thing I am sure of is that I am passionate about education and will do anything within my reach to ensure that Nigerians are educated. When JAMB was boasting of its integrity and we brought out the scripts of candidates who had scored very

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high in the UME, but who could not even write down their names during post-UME, the board knew we meant business. That is why I came with the file so that you can see it and the public can see these scripts of candidates pushed to the universities as fit to be admitted

by JAMB. Nigerians must be shown these scripts to know how bad the system was and is still is. The scrapping of post-UTME or what do you call it today is not only ill-advised, but it is also counterproductive.

You cannot build the future of a nation on a faulty foundation.

Apart from the fact that it is the statutory responsibility of the universities to admit and graduate students, it is also important for the institutions to know the quality of candidates being pushed to them for training as graduates. There was also an endless admission process. Sometimes, universities continued admitting students even till matriculation period. I also felt that the universities should also be part of the input because you cannot foist any type of students on the universities. So, I wanted the universities to ensure that those coming in were of the best quality.

What is the solution to this challenge?

The reform agenda, which I produced in July 2005, contained a 45-point agenda, including position statement on the repositioning of JAMB, especially on service delivery. We identified the problems facing JAMB, response by university vice-chancellors, and Ministerial response. The recommendations are here. You can see the date of the screening, the examination fee, eligibility of candidates, questions, scheduling of the candidates, invigilation and monitoring, security, marking and grading, as well as recommendations.

We did all these and what happened in the end? I supervised UME then. I was at the King’s College, Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, and we had first-hand reports.

We saw the manipulations, impersonation, cheating and porosity in the examination. And that confirmed our position on the post-UME. Where I am surprised is that we did not create the post-UME then for the universities as revenue generation thing. We regulated how much they should charge and the CBT was out of it. We monitored candidates’ writing skills and there were one-on-one interactions with the candidates. We saw candidates with high scores in UME willing to study Marketing at a particular university but could not even spell the word ‘Marketing.’ That is what I hope returns to our admission processes and not the CBT mode without testing for the real abilities of the candidates.

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education | public discourse

Fraud allegation against FUNAAB VC and staff suspension

Fasunwon: VC should come clean and stop intimidation Mr. Rotimi Fasunwon is the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUNAAB chapter

Fasunwon

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he position that the matter is politically motivated should be done with.

What the public should ask is the figures involved, and particularly the Vice-Chancellor, whether the allegations are true or not? I lead a union of professionals with dignity, who cannot be used by anybody.

So, if they have asked pertinent questions about the finances of the university, I think it is not out of tune.

We must realise the fact that this is not the first time petitions will be written against officials of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), either to ICPC or EFCC and heaven has never fallen at any time. So, why is the noise now? Our members, who signed the petition did it in the interest of the university, and since the EFCC has commenced its investigations, why not wait

for the outcome of the investigation? But, the vice-chancellor after appearing at the EFCC office returned to the university and suspended the signatories to the petition.

That is simply an act of intimidation and we will not allow that.

Intimidation cannot solve the problem, but the vice-chancellor and other indicted officials including members of Governing Council should come and defend the allegations of fraud and abuse of office leveled against them.

Alawode: Allegation totally unfounded Mrs. Emi Alawode is the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB

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he invitation extended to some principal officers of the university by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was to make clarifications about issues bordering on the administration of the university. As public officers and responsible law-abiding citizens of the country, the Vice-Chancellor,

Prof. Olusola Oyewole and the Bursar, Mr. Moses Ilesanmi, have since honoured the invitation.

The Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor are both appointees of the Federal Government, continually carrying out their duties as scheduled, which shows that any allegation to insinuate otherwise is totally unfounded and

Alawode

should be holistically disregarded.

The university administration wishes to assure the public that normal administrative activities have continued at the university without hindrance, as the situation is under firm control.

Oni: Petitioners aren’t honest enough Dr. Adebayo Oni is the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) FUNAAB chapter.

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t is unfortunate that at this time and age people cannot separate personal interest from the interest of the public. As a union, ASUU will never protect anyone accused of any wrongdoing from being investigated because it is not in our character.

But, when the allegations smear of selfishness and personal interest, then we have to be careful and protect the image of an institution that belongs to all of us.

You can quote me that I said the petitioners in this case are not sincere enough, because he that comes to equity must come with clean hands. There are clear

indications that these individuals are being used against the new management by certain forces, who are already planning to contest for the position of vicechancellorship because the tenure of the incumbent ends next year.

We have evidences that all these allegations are flying around because the university’s bursar’s tenure is not renewed simply due to gross incompetence on his part.

Also, there are evidences to the fact that they are unhappy with this administration because all the loopholes have been blocked and they can no longer si-

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Fresh crises loom in varsity, poly sectors C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

round of industrial crisis.”

As suggested by the union, the Federal Government has since engaged the union in several dialogues over the pending issues, with a pledge to resolving some of them before this week.

At a meeting with the union’s leadership on Monday August 22, the Minister promised that such issues including the release of the white paper on the report of the ministerial panels to the three polytechnics would be released.

At a follow-up meeting held on August 24 between the union and the representatives of the ministry including the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Executive Secretary, Directors in charge of tertiary education in the ministry and other stakeholders, the government reiterated its commitment to release the white paper as earlier pledged, but till date, the white papers still remain in the custody of the government.

Meanwhile, another meeting between its representatives and the Federal Government has been scheduled for tomorrow, and according to ASUP, the final decision whether to embark on the proposed strike will be taken at the union’s NEC meeting which has been tentatively scheduled to hold on Thursday, September 1.

But as ASUP members gear towards embarking on its industrial action, there are strong indications that its university counterpart, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may as well return to the rings, following similar agitation.

At a media briefing addressed by the National President of the union,

Adamu

Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, on August 15, the union lamented the neglect of the education sector and the poor state of the economy.

This was even as the union revealed that the Federal Government is owing the university system a huge sum of N605 billion as part of the agreement it reached with the university lecturers in 2013, where it demanded a total of N1.3 trillion within the next six years as revitalisation fund for the nation’s public ivory towers.

In his address, Ogunyemi, who was flanked by his predecessors, Prof. Abdullahi Sule Kano and Dr. Nasir Faggae Isa respectively, among others, said the import-dependent economy has accounted for the spiraling prices of essential commodities and the intolerable hardship being experienced by the citizenry.

He said: “Nigerians now find it extremely difficult to feed, pay rents, send their children to school or pay necessary attention to their health. To worsen the situation, most state governments no longer pay workers’ salaries as at when due.

As things stand now, at least 28 out of the 36 states of the federation owe workers’ salaries of between six and

12 months, and many state governors are unapologetic about it.”

The union, however, advised the Federal Government to go back to the drawing board and restrategise to address the nation’s socio-economic challenges, saying the security of the country is still nothing to write home about.

Meanwhile, the union has also vehemently rejected the appointment of the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, saying the new helmsman would only bring further destruction to the examination body rather than the anticipated succour.

The union has, therefore, vowed never to relate with Oloyede as Registrar of the examination biody, accusing him of engaging in series of fraudulent practices and nepotism as UNILORIN vice-chancellor.

In furtherance of its agitation, the Lagos Zone of ASUU will today hold a press briefing at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, to address what it described as government’s insensitivity and the impending action.

But, stakeholders including the Secretary General of the Association of ViceChancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof. Michael Faborode; former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, among others, have advised government to resolve all pending labour issues within the education sector, saying the nation’s economy is at a critical point that industrial action by the labour unions at whatever level would do the nation more damage than good.

AUN awards scholarships to 67 students

Oni

phon the university’s funds as they used to do in the past.

So, as we expressed during our media briefing, this university cannot be turned to a banana republic where lawlessness is the order of the day. We will not tolerate such. Instead of dissipating energy on fruitless efforts, it will be advisable to follow the laid down rules and regulations and allow peace to reign on the campus.

interviews conducted by mojeed alabi

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ome 67 fresh students admitted into the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola in Adamawa State for 2016/2017 academic year, have become recipients of a scholarship scheme instituted by the private university to reward highest scorers in its examination.

According to a release from the Office of Communication & Public Relations of the university, the scholarships, are in three categories - National Scholarship for the overall top scorer (one scholarship), Regional Scholarships for the top five scorers in each region (30 scholarships), and State Scholarships for the top scorer in each state of the federation (36) scholarships.

Apart from the national scholarship that covered all costs of the winner’s education, each scholarship in the other categories covered 50 per cent of the beneficiaries’ tuition fees.

“A student could win in up to two categories (50 per cent state and 50 per cent

regional) if they were one of the top five highest scorers in their region and also the highest scorer in their state for a combined win of 100 per cent coverage on tuition,” the statement said.

A total of 45 students won 64 of the scholarships, while two state scholarships were not awarded because two states did not feature a contestant.

The 67 scholarships were awarded as follows: one student won the National Scholarship; 20 students in the regional scholarship category were also the highest scorers in their states and won 20 of the 36 state scholarships offered, making a total of 40 scholarships awarded in this group; 10 students won the remaining 10 Regional Scholarships; and 14 students won 14 of the remaining scholarships in the State Scholarships category.

Two scholarships were not awarded in the state category because two states did not feature a contestant.

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

campus

L-R: Prof.

Ogbuagu (2nd right); Deputy Provost, Dr. Madichie (1st right), Librarian, Dr. Ugwuanyi, with Dr. Odigbo shortly after the lecture.

Group condemns gap between leaders and the led UNILORIN

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that give rise to national development. They are interdependent, constantly interacting and complement one another.

It then follows that any event either positive or negative in any one of the sub-systems will have some effects on the other sub-systems and vice-versa.

“For instance, if the economic sub-system (ESS) is buoyant and the political subsystem (PSS) and the social subsystem (SSS) leadership

Lawrence Nwimo FCET

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are transparent, honest and patriotic, more resources will be made available to the Education sub-system (EdSS) and the education sector will survive.

“But, if the economic subsystem is dwindling, and the political and social leaderships are corrupt, unpatriotic and selfish, the education sub-system will suffer untold hardship.

Odigbo, however, argued that the crises of corruption, poor and unpatriotic leader-

ship which pose great challenges to education and educational management form the framework of the lecture.

While commending the lecturer for the stimulating lecture, the Provost of the college, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu, said the inaugural lecture was instituted as part of his administration’s effort at making the college one of the best citadel of learning in the country.

‘I emerged best grad through dint of hard work’

Chukwuemeka

Joy Anieke and James Ojo UNN

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efore a mammoth crowd comprising of who-is-who in the academia and business community, as well as top government functionaries and traditional rulers, the best graduating student in the

Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu Campus, Okeke Francis Chukwuemeka, attributed his feat to hard work and commitment to weather the storm.

For emerging the best overall graduating students, Okeke best Dentistry student clinched five of the seven available prizes/awards to be won.

The awards include those of the Overall best student in Child Dental Health; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Preventary Dentistry and Leadership Awards, while the other two awards went to Ohale Ngozi, who emerged the best student in Restorative Dentistry and Omeje Christian Chinedu, who won the leadership award respectively.

Speaking during an interview with New Telegraph at the induction/oath taking ceremony for the 2015 Graduating Students at the Faculty of Dentistry Lecture Hall, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla in Enugu State, Okeke said it was a privilege and honour to be the best student, adding that his determination to succeed has continued to pay off.

In his valedictory speech, the overall best student noted that of the 24 students admitted in 2009 into the Faculty to be trained as Dental Surgeons, only 15 of them were privileged to graduate, stressing that while some dropped out along the way, others were pushed to the lower classes to retake some courses that they failed.

he youth-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Brain Builders International, has challenged the leaders to create the right environment for the youths to develop.

It was at a one-day summit, organised by the organisation as part of activities commemorating the 2016 International Youth Day celebration.

The theme of the summit held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Hall, Ilorin, Kwara State capital, was: “Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption.”

In his keynote address, the Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Empowerment to the state Governor, Mr. Saka Babatunde, who spoke on “Public Leadership,” lamented the wide gap between the leaders and the led in the country.

“Leadership is all about taking responsibility, and the fear of God is important,” he said, lauding the organisation for its innovative ways of finding solutions to issues that affect the younger ones.

Other speakers at the summit were Mr. Abdulgafar Arikewuyo, a lecturer at the University of Ilorin; a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow, Mr. Mubaraq Tiamiyu and Mr. Amujo Temitope, who advised the youth on the best approach to attain leadership positions, the need to be solution providers and not blaming the government all the time.

Besides, their lectures also dwelt on the synergy between leadership and problem solving, as well as the step-by-step guide to becoming self-sufficient and to eradicate poverty in the society.

The summit also featured a panelist session, where participants were taking through the numerous opportunities available online, and how to harness these opportunities to become more productive.

The National Coordinator of the organisation, Mr. Olasupo Abideen Opeyemi, while addressing the participants, stressed that part of the objectives of the summit is expose them to practical aspect of leadership, and provide the platform for them to share ideas with others.

His words: “Nigeria and Africa as a whole are at a point where youth unemployment has become a critical challenge. It is, therefore, expedient for people, particularly the young ones to embrace entrepreneurship in order to create jobs and wealth.”

UNIBEN, German DAAD to strengthen collaboration Eddy Uwoghiren and Ezekiel Efeobokhan UNIBEN

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AbdulGaniy Shehu

Lecturer traces rot in education to corruption, poor leadership lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Technical, Umunze, Anambra State, Dr. Cyprian Ibuodinma Odigbo, has traced the rot in the education sector to dwindling economic sub-system and the corrupt, unpatriotic and poor attitude of political leaders to education.

This, according to him, is so because a functional education sub-system informs and better equips the economic, social and political subsystem for growth and development.

These were part of the thrust of the fifth inaugural lecture of the college, which was entitled: “Effective Leadership in Education Management in a Dwindling Economy: The Nigerian Perspective.”

The inaugural lecturer, who noted that Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa is made up of a number of components called subsystems, said the subsystems include the social, political, economic and education subsystems, which he described as the four cardinal variables that give rise to national development.

Odigbo said: “These components are the four key drivers

education

he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. F. Orumwense, has restated commitment of the institution towards strengthening the collaborations between the university and the German universities, with a view to key in into the visions of the German Government.

The vice-chancellor, who was represented by his Deputy

in charge of Academic, Prof.

Abiodun Falodun reiterated this during the Regional DAAD, DFG and Alexander Von Humboldt (Av) workshop, which took place at the institution.

While welcoming participants to the workshop, the vice-chancellor lauded the German Embassy for partnering the university in hosting the event, Orumwense said that the workshop was aimed at capacity building, development training, and strengthen prospective DAAD, AvH and DFG scholarship and fellowship applicants

Mr Ingo Herbert (3rd left) in a group photo with past DAAD Fellows from UNIBEN

from UNIBEN on how to write research winning proposals and application procedures.

The three-day event, which took place at the Senate Chambers of the university was attended by scholars from the institution and researchers from other universities, members of

staff and students.

In his keynote address, the Consul General of Embassy of Germany, Mr. Ingo Herbert commended the university for the programme, which he described as timely, even as he applauded the vice-chancellor for his vision towards making UNIBEN a

globally acclaimed institution through improved capacity of its staff and students.

However, Herbert called on other institutions to borrow a leaf from UNIBEN by developing the institution through staff development and linkage programmes.

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education

TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Poly lecturer makes case for foreign language study Kayode Olanrewaju

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takeholders in the nation’s education sector have been called to take the teaching and learning of foreign languages and translation more seriously by developing robust policies that will aid the understanding of the languages.

This will make the teaching and learning of the languages more attractive to students and speakers alike in the country.

The appeal was made by a Chief Lecturer and former Head of Department of General Studies at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Mrs. Adejoke Olugbuyi, while delivering the 21st edition of the Professor E.K. Obiakor Lecture Series of the polytechnic, which took place at the Conference Hall of the institution.

Olugbuyi, whose lecture was entitled: “Breaking Barriers: Translation and Foreign Language as Effective Means of Communication in Nigeria,” noted that only an effective use of foreign languages and translation could engender the needed cohesion, interrelationship and cooperation in the country and by extension, other nations of the world.

While alluding to the fact that effective use of foreign language and translation could form the basis for internal and external integration and national development of every nation of the world, the lecturer urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, sup-

port secondary schools and tertiary institutions towards promoting quality teaching and learning of foreign languages. This was as she argued that that was the only way in which the people of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs could be united and form a virile nation.

However, the polytechnic lecturer recommended that the government should initiate a far reaching policy on education that would make foreign languages such as French, to be taught from the junior secondary school level in the country.

She stressed that enlightenment programmes should be organised on the relevance and proper usage of English and French languages, while French should be taught in all higher institutions of learning in the country in view of the fact that France is fast becoming an ally to many African countries, Nigeria inclusive.

In her remarks, the Rector, Dr. Taiwo Akande, who described the lecture as stimulating and the topic as apt and

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)

timely, added that the study of languages and effective communication could bring about the needed peace in the county and indeed the whole world.

The Rector, who was represented by the Deputy Rector, Mr. Afolabi Bamidele, appealed to the government at all levels to implementing the recommendations for the overall benefits and development of the nation.

The Prof. E.K. Obiakor Lecture Series, which was inaugurated in June 2001 and named after the founding Rector of the polytechnic, the late Prof. Edward Kanu Obiakor, who served during the formative years of the polytechnic between January1977 and December1985, is part of the institution’s contribution to knowledge and national development.

The lecture series, according to the institution, offers the window of opportunity for accomplished Chief Lecturers of the polytechnic to contribute to knowledge in their respective fields.

Mrs. Olugbuyi delivering the lecture.

FG pledges support for Space Law contest Clem Khena-Ogbena Abuja

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he Federal Government has pledged its support and financial assistance for the forthcoming international Space Law Competition, slated for next month, in Mexico.

The pledge was made by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, in his office in Abuja, while responding to some challenges confronting Nigerian participants in the next Lacks Space Law Moot Court Competition.

A team of law students, led by their coach from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), paid a visit on the Minister, during which the team coach, Dr. Akinwale Odunola Orifowomo, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the institution, informed the minister that the team emerged the overall winner at the African regional segment of the competition held in Pretoria, South Africa, last May. The Minister, who remind-

ed the team of the nation’s abundant human resources and the youths’ enormous and endless potentials, noted that the youths were expected to excel at all times when positively challenged to display the capacities inherent in them.

Onu, who, however, did not disclose the extent to which the government would be financially committed to the team’s outing in Mexico, reiterated that the government would do everything within its powers to enable the team that had done Nigeria proud in South-Africa to feature in the final stage of the competition in Mexico.

According to Onu, “We need to recreate the values that make us great in the past and we should use our resources to recreate civilization, because space is very important to mankind.”

Earlier, the leader of the team, Orifowomo, had reeled out the problems facing the team, which he said ranged from lack of funding and other logistics to inadequate sponsorship and recognition

or acknowledgement, adding that this disheartening development might frustrate the efforts of the team which had won the competition five times at the African regional level in the next competition in Mexico Orifowomo explained that the essence of the programme was to regulate human activities in space and to ensure that no country had the opportunity of appropriating to itself the natural resources available in the space, adding that the space was highly promising to mankind.

He further noted that the programme provided the opportunity for capacity building on issues such as law and research on space activities.

The members of the team that represented Nigeria at the South-Africa event are Miss Toluwalope Oluwajobi Dada; Miss Irene Ekord Inemesit and Mr. Timilehin Adekemi Philips, while some students of the university had in one time or the other represented Africa in the previous contests in Naples, Italy in 2012.

 Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre

for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

FUNAAB: The tragedy of errors

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illiam Shakespeare “the process of acquiring valmight have thrilled ues, the knowledge and develthe world with his oping the attitudes, skills and spell-binding “The behaviours to live in harmony Comedy of Errors” first per- with oneself, with others, and formed in December 1594. How- with the natural environment”, ever, what happened at the Fed- and learn how to control their eral University of Agriculture, emotions, especially anger. As Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in August Aristotle said, “Anyone can get 2016 was heart-rending that it angry – that is easy. But to be ancould be described as the trag- gry with the right person, to the edy of errors. While the errors right degree, at the right time, in Shakespeare’s work induce for the right purpose, and in the laughter, the errors that played right way; this is not easy.” out recently in FUNAAB induce The “rights” in the above tears. Such errors should not be quote were not observed by students in the unrest under repeated.

For Vice-Chancellor Olusola reference. Innocent motorists Oyewole, a personable gentle- and ordinary people struggling man and robust scholar I met to eke out a living bore the brunt during the 12th General Confer- of their anger on the day. The ence of the Association of Af- account of what happened, acrican Universities (AAU) Con- cording to Sodiq Alabi, poet ference in Abuja in May, 2009, and shop owner, whose family recent weeks have been a bap- was caught up in the melee, was tism of fire. Apart from the em- gripping. barrassment of a publicized inDrawing from the above, you vitation from the Economic and don’t get angry and burn down Financial Crimes Commission a police station or attack our (EFCC), the preventable student security agents if you don’t unrest that put the University in have an armoury of sophistinegative spotlight attests to the cated weapons like the Niger failure of doing the right thing Delta Avengers or you have not at the right time. Universities set up hidden camps in Samand other institutions of higher bisa Forest like Boko Haram! learning have a lot to learn from In all instances, regardless of the errors underpinning the FU- the provocation, the security NAAB scenario, seven of which agencies deserve our respect are highlighted thus: because they put their lives at One, though enemies abound stake to protect the rest of us, and suspicion always trails even if we pay them to do so. those who occupy public office, Five, parents should bring a bit of transparency could have up their children properly. averted the petition of the so- Some students just like “alucalled “Concerned ta” for the fun of it Stakeholders of just because of poor FUNAAB”. If fiparental upbringnancial transacing. Being active good but being tions are always The way to peace is violent is bad. In made open, there a situation where would have been of mind is to parents neglect nothing for peoprepare oneself their responsibilple to “dig up” or “whistle-blow”. ity, their error of adequately for This is why it is negligence would heartwar ming lead to tears as witchallenges that the Univernessed on the faces sity of Ilorin for of parents when many years now has consis- their arrested children were tently published its financial being whisked away in Black transactions on a weekly basis, Maria after judgement. Para pattern that institutions that ents should teach their childo not do so should emulate. dren: Don’t Take the Law into Two, the student unrest of Your Own Hands.

August 18, 2016 that turned Six, given that most underviolent was caused by the graduates these days are mere “persistent robbery and rape” teenagers, including minors, of FUNAAB students living it was erroneous on the part off-campus by criminals. The of the police to have fired live University could have waded bullets at them. The police are in before the frustration and paid to protect and arrest, not to aggression theory, one of the shoot at sight. Students are the theories of social conflict, took future of the nation and there its toll on the students. The wel- are better ways of putting their fare of the students who live in youthful exuberance in check the neighbouring communi- than inflicting on them collectties of institutions is part of ing punishment. management responsibilities, Lastly, it is imperative that not those who live on campus the public join hands with alone. Simply, when people are governments and proprietors frustrated, they become aggres- through investing in hostel desive, the same point reinforced velopment on campuses. The by the well-worn saying that a more students are kept on campuses, with good management, hungry man is an angry man.

Three, students should im- the more they are protected bibe peace education, which is from tragedy-inducing errors.

BUSINESS |Money Line

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Currency trading hits $327m on interbank market RISING Foreign investors bought bonds Tony Chukwunyem with agency report

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he currency market registered $327 million worth of trades yester-

day, about six times more than its usual volume, the market regulator told Reuters.

That included a single $270 million transaction at 345 naira per dollar, by foreign investors buying local currency bonds, the managing director of FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Bola Onadele, said in an interview. Other transactions were carried out from 314.50 to 317.34 per dollar.

Average trading is around $50 million a day on normal days. It might reach $100 million on days the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervenes in the currency market.

Traders also said the CBN sold an undisclosed amount of dollars, close to the end of market session, to help prop up the naira. The currency closed at N305.50 last Monday, around the level where it’s closed for the past week.

CIBN plans confab on banks’ survival in recessed economy

T

he Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria’s (CIBN) Centre for Financial Studies (CIBNCFS), has announced that it will soon organise a breakfast session on: “Nigeria in Recession: The Untapped Opportunities for the Banking Industry.”

The Centre said in a statement that the session, which will feature seasoned professionals as discussants, is aimed at examining the value chain of Nigeria’s economy vis-à-vis the recent announcement that the country has entered into technical recession.

The untapped opportunities for the banking industry in strategic funding of the real sector is also expected to be discussed together with the industry’s strategic role in addressing the poor economic performance of the country.

Tony Chukwunyem

T

he Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) has appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that Savannah Bank reopens for business to enable depositors access their funds, which have been trapped since the lender was shut down by the apex bank in 2002.

President of BCAN, Dr. ‘Uju Ogubunka, made the appeal at the 2nd Bank Customers Summit organised by the association in Lagos.

He said the association, on behalf of Savannah Bank’s depositors, had written to the apex bank for information on why the lender was yet to begin operations seven years after its operating licence was restored by the regulator, adding that it was yet to receive a reply to its letter.

According to the statement: “At the end of the Session, participants would have a better understanding of the current economic climate in Nigeria and its key drivers; be equipped with evidence-based examples of opportunities to be exploited during recession for improved business bottom lines and; enhanced ability to make better informed business decisions during downturns in the economy.”

Expected participants at the event include delegates from the regulatory institutions, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Development Banks, Microfinance Banks, Insurance Companies, Capital Market Operators, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Academics and other key stakeholders in the economy.

As at

MPR 91-day NTB Bonny Light Ext Res**

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.50 22-JAN-2026 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 16.5

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 June, 2016

14 10.77 US$305.5 US$26,195,609,337

26/07/2016 Mar 2015 26/8/2016 29/8/2016 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 104.65 114.59 111.96 120.58 109.60 100.54 83.82 97.56

1.07 3.24 3.87 5.82 7.95 9.81 14.31 18.29

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.4583 9.1071 11.0102 12.3790

Bid Yield 10.38 10.55 11.60 11.44 12.27 12.40 12.44 12.49

Change (%) -2.50 ▼ -0.74 ▼ -0.65 ▼ -0.68 ▼

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

Price 104.80 114.89 112.26 120.88 109.90 100.84 84.12 97.86

Tenor (Months)

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

NITTY

Rate (%) 6.9949 7.2368 8.0819 9.2061 9.5872 10.5042

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 10.24 10.45 11.51 11.38 12.22 12.34 12.39 12.44

Change (%) 1.12 ▲ -0.27 ▼ -0.17 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.03 ▲ 0.42 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 7.67 7.82 -0.51 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.83 30-Jun-16 7.92 8.08 -0.51 ▼ 6-Oct-16 8.59 8.34 8.71 -0.31 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 4.33 8.99 -0.31 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.36 10.28 -0.07 ▼ 9.11 9.98 -0.07 ▼

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.14

FX

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 0.57 ▲

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016 Spot($/N)

196.00

197.00

0.00 ↔

tract offshore funds, most of whom fled Nigeria’s bond and equity markets during a financial crisis that began when oil prices plunged.

The crisis ultimately led the CBN to let the naira’s value float, in June. From its controlled rate of N197 to the dollar, the local currency plunged to as much as 309 to the dollar on the interbank market and 412 to the dollar on the black market.

Bank customers task CBN on Savannah Bank’s reopening

Economic Indicators M2* CPS* INF

It closed at N318.83 on the FMDQ platform.

Monday’s surge in trading came after the apex bank said last Friday that it would offer 212.85 billion naira ($675 mln) in treasury bills maturing between 91 days and one year on Wednesday. The debt will be sold on Wednesday.

The regulator has been selling short-dated open market bills at yields as high as 18 per cent in an effort to at-

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) -1.75 ▼ -2.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

He said: “History will be on the side of the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, if he ensures that Savannah Bank reopens for business without further delay. ” The BCAN President pointed out that the reopening of the bank would come as a huge relief to its depositors especially at this time when the economy is facing serious challenges.

“The depositors of Savannah Bank have to pay their rents, pay school fees and take care of their families in this difficult period”, he said.

Ogubunka, however, commended the CBN for its handling of the management and board changes at Skye Bank. He said that the apex bank was able to ensure that the situation did not lead to loss of confidence in the banking industry.

It will be recalled that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had in 2009 ordered the re-opening of Savannah Bank, which was closed by the banking watchdog on February 15, 2002, over allegation of unethical conduct.

Despite efforts by both the CBN and the Nigeria De-

posit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to get the promoters of the bank to reopen it for business, its doors remain shut to customers.

The Executive Director (Services), of the bank, Pat Nwobodo, told the NDIC officials in 2010 that the lender had concluded arrangements to open six offices in each of the six six geo-political zones of the country, to facilitate depositor interaction and verification of claims. She said that SBN would need more time, moral and technical support from the CBN and NDIC to resume fully. She added that the lender had set up a project team to handle the logistics for the re-opening exercise, including re-engagement of a few of the bank’s former employees and refurbishing of some offices, particularly in Lagos and Abuja where the head office is located.

However, since that meeting there has been no further communication from the bank. New Telegraph learnt that the promoters of the bank have gone back to court to seek some concessions from the regulators.

Ivory Coast drops Eurobond sale plan as dollar strengthens

A

gainst the background of plans by Nigeria to issue Eurobonds, Ivory Coast said it has abandoned plans to offer a Eurobond this year and is opting to raise debt in West Africa’s regional market as the stronger dollar makes selling offshore finance too expensive.

The world’s biggest cocoa producer is planning to issue as much as 550 billion CFA Francs ($938 million) on the local market before the end of the year, adding to a 150 billion francs sukuk bond sale earlier this month, Finance Minister Adama Kone said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Ivory Coast issued $750 million of dollar-denominated debt in 2014 and another $1 billion last year.

“Our last Eurobond was just before the dollar started rising.

Today, it is very expensive,” Kone said. “We will go offshore if we later notice that the regional market isn’t sufficient-

ly liquid.” The U.S. currency has strengthened 7.4 per cent against the euro, which is used as a peg for the franc, since the start of 2015 when Ivory Coast announced the sale of its previous Eurobond.

Ivory Coast wants to avoid debt rising beyond the current 41 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), Kone said. The country is maintaining its economic growth forecast of 9 per cent for this year, despite a drop in cocoa production and security concerns following an al-Qaeda attack on a popular beach in which 19 people were killed in March. The budget deficit will rise to 3.8 per cent of GDP this year from 3 per cent in 2015 because of higher spending on security, infrastructure and education, he said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July revised its growth projection to 8 per cent from 8.5 per cent as dry weather damaged agricultural production.

38

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

TUESDAY, AUgust 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

TUESDAY, AUgust 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

LOW CONFIDENCE Market closes downward with a loss of N28 billion Stories by Chris Ugwu

T

he equities market closed yesterday on a negative note, as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) ASI and market capitalisation depreciated by 0.30 per cent each.

At the close of business, there were 10 gainers and 17 losers.

The downswing, according to market watchers, was due to profit takings by market speculators following appreciable

BUSINESS |Financial Market News

Stock market begins week bearish gains some blue chip companies recorded recently.

Consequently, the All-Share Index dropped by 82.5 basis points or 0.30 per cent from 27,450.91 index points last Friday to close at 27,368.41, while the market capitalisation of equities depreciated by N28 billion or 0.30 per cent to close at N9.399 trillion from N9.427 trillion.

Further analysis of the day’s trading showed that NPF MFB Plc topped the day’s gainers’ table with 4.21 per cent to close at 99 kobo per share, while Seven Up Plc followed with

3.52 per cent to close at N16.98 per share. Champion Plc added 2.70 per cent to close at N2.70 per share.

On the flip side, Unity Bank Plc led the losers’ chart with a dip of 9.52 per cent to close at 76 kobo per share. Nacho Nigeria Plc shed five per cent to close at N3.23 per share, while Diamond Bank Plc trailed behind with 4.46 per cent to close at N1.07 per share.

On the activity chart, banking sub-sector of the financial services sector dominated in volume terms with 29.8 million shares exchanged in 730 deals.

JPMorgan’s Index move puts $370bn Islamic debt on fund radar

J

PMorgan Chase & Co.’s decision to include Islamic bonds in its indexes will draw more global investors to the $370 billion sukuk market and boost trading of the debt.

According to Bloomberg News, Shariah-compliant notes will be eligible for inclusion in five JPMorgan gauges from October 31 and will account for between 0.35 per cent to 0.99 per cent of total assets on the benchmarks, according to an August 18 statement by the bank. Sukuk will be assessed on the same criteria as non-Islamic bonds, the index compiler said.

“We’ve already received several queries from clients who previously have not invested in sukuk and now want to understand the product,” said Hasif Murad, an investment manager at Kuala Lumpur-based Aberdeen Islamic Asset Management Sdn. JPMorgan’s step “will potentially lead to a wider acceptance of sukuk for investors” that don’t want to risk performance diverging too far from their benchmarks, he added.

39

The inclusion, which comes after Barclays Plc added Malaysian local-currency sovereign Shariah debt to its index last year, may help to revive worldwide interest in sukuk offerings, which flagged last year amid tumbling oil prices.

Sedco Capital in Jeddah said more index compilers may follow as a growing number of investors become familiar with Islamic bonds.

JPMorgan said Islamic notes would be added to its EMBI Global Diversified, GBI-EM Global Diversified, CEMBI Broad Diversified, CEMBI Diversified and JACI indexes. “Prior to inclusion, the liquidity of each eligible sukuk instrument will be closely scrutinised and fully assessed for potential inclusion,” JPMorgan said in the statement.

Worldwide sales of debt, which comply with the Koran’s tenets climbed 17 per cent to $28.1 billion so far in 2016 from a year earlier, but interest outside its traditional markets of Malaysia and

the Middle East has waned.

After a slew of first-time sukuk issuers from South Africa to Luxembourg and the U.K. tapped the market in 2014, there’s been a dearth of debut offerings.

A plan by the Australian government to sell Shariah-compliant debt hasn’t materialised five years after the authorities initiated attempts to amend tax laws to accommodate such offerings. South Korea’s efforts to issue sukuk met with opposition from Christian groups while Thailand, France and Ireland have yet to tap the Islamic bond market despite introducing laws.

The inclusion in JPMorgan indexes “will foster stronger market participation for sukuk,” said Angus Salim Amran, the Kuala Lumpur-based head of financial markets at RHB Investment Bank Bhd. “This is market positive. Funds that benchmark against these indices will be required to increase allocation to sukuk.”

The sub-sector was enhanced by the activities in the shares of Diamond Bank Plc and UBA Plc. Premium sub-sector boosted by the activities on the shares

of FBNH Plc, while Zenith Bank Plc followed with 19.5 million units traded in 425 deals.

In all, investors exchanged a total of 83.8 million shares exchanged in 2.279 deals.

HY 2016 Equity Assurance reports N1.6bn loss

E

quity Assurance plc. has posted a loss after tax of N1.585 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2016 as against loss after tax of N249.615 million in 2015.

Key extracts of the accounts statement for the full year submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed drop in growths in key performance indices.

The underwritten firm also recorded a loss before tax of tax of N1.507 billion during the period under review from a loss before tax of N200.763 million in 2015.

However, gross Premium Written stood at N2.888 billion in 2016, from N2.412 billion in 2015, representing an increase of 19.73 per cent.

Equity Assurance posted a loss before tax of N487.033 million for the full year ended December 31, 2015.

The insurance firm recorded a loss before tax of tax of N487.033 million during the period under from a profit of N310.757 million in 2014.

Gross Premium Written stood at N4.470 billion in 2015, from N4.845 billion in 2014, representing a drop of eight per cent.

SUNU Assurance Group (a Franco-phone African Insurance Group) recently acquired 60 per cent equity of the company.

The Managing Director, Equity Assurance Plc, Ekpe Ukpabio, who disclosed to newsmen in Lagos, said the arrangement puts SUNU As-

surance as the majority Shareholder of Equity Assurance with 60 per cent ownership, while the existing shareholders have collapsed their ownership to 40 per cent.

The paid up capital of Equity Assurance now stood at N7 billion clearly beyond the required N3 billion for a nonlife general business insurance company in Nigeria.

He said, “The new investment is in line with the vision of Equity Assurance, that is, to be a leading Africa insurance group. SUNU Assurance is present in 12 Franco-phone African countries while Equity Assurance is present in three Anglo-phone countries.

This arrangement brings about market presence in 15 African countries and Equity Assurance now belongs to a major insurance conglomerate in the continent. We hope to leverage on this to maximise all the possible economies of scale including market competition for the overall benefit of our stakeholders”.

As a strategic step, he said, the existing management is intact. However, we have additional member in the board to represent SUNU’s interest while the brand remains the same.

He said in view of the fact that insurance business is capital driven the influx of equity investors will continue. However, we hope that local investors will try as much as possible not to allow a complete take-over by foreign investors.

40

NEWS | south-west

PDP crisis: Kuku dismisses link with Makarfi, Sheriff's faction

Babatope Okeowo Akure

A

former Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Kingsley Kuku, yesterday denied an allegation that he had thrown his support to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff's faction of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State.

Kuku in a telephone interview with reporters from his base in Alabama, in the United States of America (USA) where he is said to be recuperating after a successful knee surgery, said he would not want to be dragged into the crisis rocking the party both at the state and the national levels.

Instead, Kuku said he

would support any genuine moves by the party leadership to resolve the crises with a view to achieving success in the November 26 governorship election as one body.

The crisis rocking the party got worse yesterday following the emergence of Mr Jimoh Ibarahim as the flag bearer of the Modu Sheriff faction of the PDP days after the Senator Ahmed Makarfi’s faction had produced the immediate past Justice Commissioner and Attorney-General, Mr Eyitayo Jegede SAN as its flag bearer for the November 26 governorship.

However, there were reports that Kuku had dumped Dr Olusegun Mimiko's camp as he had pitched his tent with the Sheriff's faction of the party in the state.

But Kuku denied the

alleged report, saying that he did not belong to either of the factions fighting for the PDP’s soul as neither of the factions represented the desire and aspirations of the people of the state.

He said: "May I state for the record that many political leaders and friends from the PDP and the All Progressive Congress (APC) had paid me visits as I recuperate and religiously undergo physical therapy and I thank and appreciate all from my heart.

"In my entire political life, I have never seen, viewed and or associated with anybody as a political follower, surrogate or puppet. Rather, I relate with all

3.79m

The total number of connected mobile lines (CDMA) of Nigeria in March 2015.

Source: Nc.gov.ng

as colleagues and equal stakeholders.

"I disavow and condemn any internal crisis in the Ondo PDP, enjoin all to remain guided by the implications of losing the privilege of service at the national landscape by the party and appreciate the gravest implications of same and possibly worse if we lose Ondo State to another party.

"I Kingsley Kuku do not believe, belong nor endorse either Sheriff or Makarfi's intrigues. Either of them represents a demoralizing true part of our party. I believe, belong and endorse a truly united and process respecting whole and all-embracing PDP no matter the cost. I have spent my entire political life working for the unity of PDP and this I remain irrevocable, no matter the price I pay today and in the future."

L-R: Chairman, Ojude Oba Festival 2016 Festival Committee, Otunba Wahab Osinusi; Commercial Coordinator, Business Enterprise, Globacom, Mr.Folu Aderibigbe; Omeso of Ijebu, Mrs. Bisi Osibogun and member of the committee, Chief Agboola Alausa, at the Ojude Oba Press Conference in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State…yesterday.

Amosun tasks police on security, kidnapping Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

O

gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun yesterday urged the police to do everything within their powers to nip incidences of kidnapping in the bud.

Amosun spoke while receiving the management of the state police command led by the new Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, who paid him a courtesy visit at his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office.

The governor restated the commitment of his administration towards helping the police to effectively discharge their duties asthe state government had invested heavily in ensuring security of lives and property and would not relent in its efforts.

tuesday, august 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ondo guber poll: No plan to dump APC after victory –Oke

A

n All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Mr Olusola Oke has assured delegates in the state that he would remain committed to the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) project as he had no plan to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if voted as the party’s flag bearer for the November 27 governorship poll.

Oke said an alleged fear being entertained by some APC leaders about his possible return to his former party, PDP, after emerging victorious was unwarranted and misplaced, describing himself as a politician with integrity and stability.

Oke spoke in Akure, the Ondo state capital on Sunday to dispel the fear that he would return to the PDP if given the party’s flag and eventually wins the November 27 gubernatorial poll.

The former PDP National Legal Adviser clarified that his leaving the PDP was not borne

out of greed or unstable minds that had been the hallmarks of the Nigerian politicians, but a desire to protest impunity in PDP. Oke said the dream of notable democrats who were founding members of the party had departed the party, insisting that he was not compatible with the style and dream of the present owners of the PDP. He affirmed that since he was ready to sustain a solid and reliable relationship he had built in APC, returning to PDP was out of it as he would continue to key into the vision and aspiration of President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu among other APC national leaders.

Oke said: “With the level Ondo State is now, where the state can’t pay salary through the profligacy of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, what we need is a leader that will be selfless, a leader that is modest and trustworthy to manage the vast resources for the good of the people."

Fayose signs anti-grazing bill, inaugurates traditional rulers’forum Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

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Ajimobi to Oyo monarchs: Stop facilitating criminals’freedom Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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yo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and eminent citizens of Oyo State to desist from influencing the police to free arrested criminals on the grounds of their relationship with them.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, made the plea yesterday at the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, during an "Eminent Persons Forum" initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, as another way of facilitating community participation in security watch and crime prevention across the country.

The forum that brought

many stakeholders together to brain storm on security issues, was coordinated by the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Mr Sam Adegbuyi with many dignitaries in attendance.

At the Forum were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, who was represented by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun, the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, who was represented by High Chief Odurinde Olusegun, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka (who was represented by the Deputu Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Emilolorun Ayelari), and a former AIG Tunji Alapini, among others.

Adeyemo, who commended the IGP for the initiative to involve com-

munity partnerships to advance security in the state, said that ‎"who is who in the society should do away with shielding criminals in their localities.

It has been reported that some traditional rulers, political office holders and the community leaders, as well as religious leaders, should stop coming to police to beg on behalf of the suspected criminals to free them because of their relationship to the people involved in the crime. This act will not allow the police to do their work effectively," Adeyemohe said.

The Olubadan of Ibadan and the UI Vice Chancellor commended the police while urging the stakeholders "to join hands with the vibrant Oyo state police command to make Oyo state a state free of crime".

kiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has inaugurated a forum aimed at bridging a gap between traditional rulers and the state, pledging that the meeting would be quarterly with a view to moving the state forward.

Speaking yesterday after assenting the antigrazing bill recently passed by the state House of Assembly into law at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose maintained that the views and contributions of traditional rulers and the community leaders would always be factored into the state's expenditure for projects to be people oriented, noting "budget is the imput of all stakeholders."

He also expressed the readiness of his administration to work with the chiefs to give valuable information on activities of those who plunder state resources such as trees, farmlands and others, adding "I desire your cooperation for this government to succeed. I am your chief servant."

Earlier, the anti-grazing bill had been read to traditional chiefs and rulers across the state by the Assembly Speaker, Hon. Kola Oluwawole.

On the new law, Fayose said any herdsman caught grazing with arms or any weapon in the state would henceforth be charged with terrorism and be made to

face the law accordingly.

The law, according to its content read by Oluwawole, prescribed six months jail term, seizure of cattle by defaulters and payment for crops destroyed for culprits.

Oluwawole had said that the state government was working with council officials in the 16 councils to apportion sizeable land for grazing to all local government authorities in the state, giving highlights of the law as "Grazing activities must be from 7am to 6pm on daily basis” Fayose said: "My government took the bill to the House after what happened in Oke-Ako some months ago. The House has passed the bill and I have to assent it, it becomes a law from today that if you do anything to the contrary you will be punished by the law. Any herdsman caught with firearms or any weapon while grazing in Ekiti now will be charged with terrorism.

"I solicit your support for this government to succeed. This is not about party politics and Ekiti should be our primary concern.

I'll continue to call you for this kind of meeting every three months to give accounts of governance.

"We want to involve stakeholders in the preparation of the budget, a bottom up approach, we want to maintain the lead of being ranked first as performing best in budget implementation as we did last year."

News|SOUTH-EAST

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

New militant group vows to flout ceasefire, end ongoing dialogue Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

N

ew militant g roup, the Niger Delta Searchlight (NDS), has declared it will defy any ceasefire agreement reached with the Federal Government by other armed groups operating in the coastal region.

In a statement made available to journalists,

the NDS expressed strong reservation with the integrity of Niger Delta leaders currently leading the dialogue on behalf of the armed agitators and threatened to escalate the bombing of oil installations if the Niger Delta Avengers pulls out of the struggle due to the ongoing dialogue.

According to the statement which was signed by one General Igbede N. Igbede, the group warned that “the destruction of oil installations currently

going on in the region will be a child’s play compared to what will erupt if the Federal Government does not include recognised Niger Delta leaders in the parley.”

The group, however, noted that it was erroneous to assume that all the bombings done in the Niger Delta was executed by the Niger Delta Avengers.

“We have allowed them claim responsibility for every operation to allow for cohesion and order in operation, but it has be-

come obvious that they are compromised, given their choice of representatives.

“We want leaders who have the mandate of the people and feel the pains of our people; leaders who are capable of stating our demands without fear and not recycled Abuja politicians who are only using the struggle as an avenue to further appropriate the dividends of our struggles to themselves and their cronies to the detriment of the collective interest of the region,” the group stated.

Labour union tasks FG to end herdsmen’s attacks

…as Enugu strengthens neighbourhood associations to tackle attacks Kenneth Ofoma ENUGU

T

he Enugu State Chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the federal government to take urgent and drastic measures to put an end to the incessant attacks and killings of innocent citizens by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Reacting to the recent attack on Ndiagu Attakwu Akegbeugwu community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, which led to the death of a catholic

seminarian and four persons injured, the labour leaders in a statement jointly signed by the state chairman of TUC, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, and its secretary, Comrade Benneth Asogwa, condemned the incident, describing it as “inhuman and callous”.

They noted that since the security agencies in the country were under the control of the federal government, saying it was the responsibility of the President to direct the Nigeria Police Force, the Army and other security operatives to stop the ungodly activities of

the herdsmen and ensure that they carry out the directives to the letter.

The labour leaders lamented that it was unfortunate that some people were blaming the state government for the continued attacks on communities by the herdsmen, stressing that it was only when the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria exercises his constitutional powers that the issue of the herdsmen would be laid to rest.

While calling on the Police and other security operatives in the state to

fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book, the congress commended the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his prompt visit to the ravaged community and the efforts he had put in place to maintain peace, protect the lives and property of the people of the state as well as ensuring that the incident did not escalate.

“The congress condoles with families of the victims of the attack on Ndiagu Attakwu community and the entire people of Enugu State over the unfortunate incident of the suspected Fulani herdsmen.”

L-R: Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi; former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; his wife, Monica; former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani and the state’s Chairman, Peoples’ Democratic Party, Augustine Nnamani, during the Silver Jubilee celebration of Enugu State, at the Michael Opkara Square, Enugu…yesterday.

Okorocha: Rumour of my death is opposition taken too far Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

G

over nor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has bemoaned the rumour of his death which made the rounds across the country in the last two weeks, describing it as a ‘desperate act of wickedness and opposition taken too far’.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Owerri,

Okorocha said that not even the late elder statesman, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe suffered such widespread level of indignity as he was subjected to in the last two weeks.

He said: “The most annoying aspect of the rumour was that a female ghost slapped me. It would have been more tolerable if a man had slapped me.

I am the Governor of Imo state and I govern everything in the state, I’m

above any spirit or principality.

“I mean well for Imo state only that some people have refused to see beyond their biases. Nevertheless, the experience of the last two weeks has proved to me that more than 90 per cent of Imo residents support my administration and radical developmental initiatives.”

Explaining the motive behind the three-day working week policy where workers use Thursday and

Friday for farming, Okorocha said the policy was to redress the ugly trend where the state depended largely on northern states for its food supply.

“As we talk, the food we consume in the state, like rice, yam, tomatoes, pepper and beef, all come from the North. If the farmers in the North cut food supply to the South East, we will face a serious challenge,” the governor said.

41

Ebonyi increases traditional rulers’ maintenance allowance Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State government yesterday increased the maintenance allowance of traditional rulers’ in the state from N40,000 to N100,000 monthly.

Governor Umahi announced the approval in a release through his ChiefPress Secretary, Emma Anya, stating that the increase takes effect from August 2016.

He directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and parastatals involved in issues pertaining to the traditional rulers to ensure immediate implementation of the increment.

Reacting to the development, Vice chairman South East Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Charles Nkpuma of Ezeama Kingdom, explained that they had for long expected the increase.

“We were disappointed by the past administration

but God said it should happen now and it has come to be. The last administration was not supportive of the traditional rulers.

“If other people are asked to perform our jobs, they will demand police security for 24 hours; Judges, Magistrates are not performing more than us because most of those people we judge in the villages are residing with us in the villages.

“The man now sitting as the governor of Ebonyi state has recognized the traditional rulers and the jobs we do. We have 87 traditional rulers and we are going to give the administration maximum support.

“We have been keeping security of the villages even without this increment but with this we are motivated to do more. “And we will stop at nothing to ensure that the current administration is supported.

He even promised to give us vehicles because he understands the nature of the jobs we do,” Nkpuma said.

IPOB crisis: MASSOB warns detractors of the struggle Victor Mba

M

ovement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has warned splinter groups of the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop toying with the struggle or be made to face the full wrath of the organisation.

MASSOB, in a release by its National Director of Welfare, Comrade Jude Chukwu, described the actions of the splinter groups of IPOB as rebellion and outright childish play.

“We have reviewed the various statements of the groups and came to the realisation that all they wanted to achieve is to make nonsense of the efforts of the director of Radio Biafra and leader of IPOB, Comrade Nnamdi Kanu,” it stated.

Chukwu said the way and manner the leader of these splinter groups operates makes them faceless groups without genuine agenda.

“The struggle for the

sovereign state of Biafra has come a long way and cannot be destroyed by any self-seeking or power drunken individuals. I am an Aba brought up; if I cannot identify the leaders of these groups it all means they are just creation of government,” he said.

He advised the groups that, if they are real, they should go back to the umbrella of the Indigenous People of Biafra, table their dissatisfaction and come out as a stronger body, because divided, he noted “we will fall and being united we will definitely succeed.”

N12bn

The amount of the market capitalization of Supranational bonds of Nigeria as of December 31, 2014.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange

4,910

The total area (in sq. km) of water of Iraq.

Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

Ebonyi to launch new vigilante groups Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State government has said it will reestablish vigilante groups in all the communities in the state.

Governor Dave Umahi announced this during the maiden Ishiagu Cultural Day celebration at Ishagu, Ivo Gocal Government Area.

He said: “We shall in the coming weeks in Septem-

ber launch our vigilante group. We will conclude plans with commissioner of police so that we will launch Ebonyi vigilante starting with Ishiagu and Akaeze communities.

“So, in the month of September, you will see a robust assistance to the very wonderful work the security agencies are doing in Ishiagu and Akaeze.

We will tackle crimes and I assure you that under my administration, you will have peace.”

42 News|south-South Army: Operation ‘Crocodile Smile’ records huge progress

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he Nigerian Army yesterday said that troops on field training exercise in the Niger Delta code-named ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’ had made tremendous progress as several criminal hideouts in the creeks had been cleared and items ceased.

That was contained in a statement issued on yesterday by Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.

According to Usman, the troops mounted on gunboats and speedboats had raided suspected criminal hideouts in the creeks around Ajaosolo, Okogho, Opumani and Obodo general area.

He said several arrests had been made and items including boats and containers were recovered during the operation cum exercise on Aug. 28, 2016.

“While conducting the exercise on Sunday Aug. 28, 2016, they intercepted suspected illegal oil bunkerer

with one “Cotonou Boat” laden with crude oil.

“Others include 3 X 40 horse power Yamaha Speedboats and 5 X 200 litres of illegally refined diesel oil,” he said.

He also said that troops on similar training exercise also made arrests at Bomadi, Pendo and Tuomu of Bururtu local government areas of Delta.

Usman said two suspects, Tokolo Sawyer and Miss Showman Ebi-ere were arrested at “Loveth Plaze”, while Kingsley Ebidimo and seven others on unidentified mission were equally arrested at Pendo.

He said some of the suspects were arrested with substances suspected to be Marijuana and items including one axe, two cutting saw and a long iron bender in their hideouts.

He said the suspects and exhibits had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Division at Bomadi.

Company grounds ex-minister’s hotel over N52m debt Clement James Calabar

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ne of the high profile hotels in Calabar, Mirage Hotel, has been shut for its inability to pay the N52 million owed Sypet Oil and Chemical Limited, Calabar.

The hotel, owned by the immediate past Minister of Culture, Tourism and Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, also lost its four power generators to the company for not paying the debt, being payment for the supply of automotive gas oil (diesel) to the hotel since 2012.

Briefing journalists in Calabar yesterday, counsel to Sydpet Oil, Eric Utang, recalled that the company got a Calabar High Court judgment presided over

by Justice Ofem I. Ofem in October 2014 for Mirage Hotels to pay the balance

of N2, 937,600. 00 representing the balance for the money owed the company for supply of diesel and N1,050,000.00 being the cost of action, including solicitor’s fees, amounting to N3, 987,600.00 which Mirage failed to pay.

He said the judgement ordered that if the Mirage failed to pay after three months from 30th October, 2014, day of judgment, the sum would attract three per cent interest every day and since it did not pay, the sum had increased to N52 million.

“The judgment ordered the defendant to pay within three months from 30th October, 2014, the day the judgement was delivered and failure to do that shall attract three per cent interest on the judgement sum per each day of default till liquidation of the entire judgment debt,” Utang said.

2019: Presidency working to cow opposition, says A’Ibom PDP Tony Anichebe Uyo

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head of the 2019 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) – led government at the centre, has been accused of working, albeit underground, to cripple the opposition.

Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, said the Presidency’s hands should not be ruled out in the lingering feud in the former ruling party.

Speaking in an interview in Uyo, the State capital, the former students’

leader cited two conflicting judgments in different courts, on the same issue involving the PDP, noting that such judicial misnomer was deliberately orchestrated to create disunity in the party.

“The Presidency is capable of doing the unthinkable. If not, how can one explain two conflicting judgments that one must be obeyed and the other ignored?,” he queried.

He said the desperation of the APC central government could be understood from its gross under-performance since assuming the leadership of the country last year.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ijaw monarchs to Clark: We are not answerable to you Ola James Warri

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jaw traditional rulers yesterday slammed a former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, saying they were not subject to the wishes of the elder statesman even though they supported actions aimed at ending renewed militancy in the Niger Delta.

The Ijaw monarchs stated this in reaction to last Friday’s condemnation of Ijaw monarchs by the elder stateman, who went to Abuja to meet with the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu, without

his knowledge and participation of other ethnic groups.

Present at the monarch’s meeting in Warri yesterday were His Royal Majesty, Pere, Dr. Charles Ayemi-Botu, the Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom; King I. Timiyan, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chief Wellington Okrika, representing Gbaramatu Kingdom, who collectively affirmed that Chief Clark as an Ijaw, was their sub-

£367,279

The monthly salary of Peter Cech of Arsenal in 2014/2015.

Source: Paywizard.co.uk

ject and could not dictate to them.

King Timiyan in his remarks said: “It was careless of Chief Clark to say that leaders, who went to Abuja got no mandate from him. As traditional rulers and custodians of the tradition of our people, if anything befalls our people and not in line with peace, we have to be seen as doing things to take care of their interest.

“Therefore, we have every right to interface with

2.86m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Belarus in 2001.

Source: Itu.int

whoever is in the land to bring about the desired peace. When there are attacks and bombings, our people are affected. We need to be seen as proactive. We started meeting in different forms, went to Bayelsa, Uyo, came to Delta and have been to Abuja, all in an effort to bring succour to our people,” he added.

“As traditional rulers, we are not liable to the whims and caprices of Chief E. K. Clark. He is our subject and when he calls meetings and we leave our palaces and go to his place, it is a honour that we have done to him, but it appears he has taken that for granted, therefore, that honour is hereby withdrawn.”

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Chief Brown Etonye; Mr. Richie Etonye and Mr. Osese-Poweido Etonye, during a condolence visit to Chief Etonye over the death of his son, Tamarakuro Etonye, at his residence in Port Harcourt… yesterday

DELSUTH doctors reject Okowa’s imposition of foreign CMD Dominic Adewole ASABA

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he Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, yesterday rose against Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, rejecting his plan to impose a foreign medical consultant as the substantive Chief Medical Director of the hospital.

The doctors said they would do everything possible within their power to prevent the proposal from materialising.

They said since the experiment of appointing di-

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

A

professor of Political Economy, Professor Pat Utomi, said yesterday that the present economic crisis in the country affords Nigeria the golden opportunity to re-strategise for growth and development.

Utomi advised that the citizens must return to both commercial and subsistent agricultural

aspora personnel as Chief Medical Director has failed on three consecutive occasions, the governor should have a rethink of the idea.

In a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) resolution signed by the Chairman of the chapter, Dr. Y. O. Obiabo, in Asaba yesterday, the association appealed to Governor Okowa to safe the hospital from its present comatose state.

He said the resolution was reached at an emergency meeting held on August 17, 2016, where teething issues bordering on the wellbeing of the hospital were discussed.

“We deliberated on issues concerning the general

decay of the hospital and the need to put an end to the situation of neo-colonisation, apartheid and impunity against her members as well as halting the wasteful government spending on Diaspora personnel project of questionable value.”

In his analysis, 17 foreign medical personnel (One Nigeria-based consultant, one Nigeria-based medical officer and three foreignbased consultants and 12 others made up of nonclinical personnel, nurses laboratory scientist and a pharmacist) are being paid about N50 million, whereas 38 Nigerians trained honorary consultants are being paid about N18 million in

the hospital, are currently serving the hospital.

He further explained that since the inception of the hospital, there had been a dichotomy among members of staff made up of two major categories, the Diaspora staff (including the Diaspora consultants) on contract and the nonDiaspora staff (including the honorary and hospital consultants). This, he said the Diaspora staffers who offered next to nothing in the hospital were placed on high salary grade level, put in conducive quarters and catered for with free utility charges and vehicles at the detriment of non-Diaspora staff.

‘Economic crisis, golden opportunity for Nigeria’ growth to boost the economy considering the current situation, especially, now that the price of crude oil had continued to fall at the international market.

This came as angry youths and supporters loyal to the ruling APC during the ceremony chased way the PDP lawmaker representing Ovia federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Omosede

Igbinedion, from attending the event.

The youths in their large number shouted at the lawmaker and barred her from entering the venue even as she struggled to join other guests at the event, a development that prompted the lawmaker to hurriedly zoom off with her official vehicle.

But speaking at the groundbreaking cer-

emony of the Integrated Produce City set up in Ugbokun community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Utomi said, “with a well organised trading platform, accessing commodity exchanges, efficiencies increase at a pace that increases global competitiveness on the produce in which our factor endowment are strong.”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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here is palpable apprehension in the Kwara State civil service, especially among school teachers following discovery by the state government of over 1,071 illegal recruitment into the system.

According to the government’s revelation, about half of the figures were recruited into the state Teaching Service Commission.

Through the staggering revelation, the state government, according to its officials, said a total sum of N400 million is believed to have been lost to the illegal workers in the last few months. Meanwhile,

Kwara: Anxiety as govt uncovers 1,071 illegal civil servants salaries of teachers in the state’s basic education section, which comprises primary schools and junior secondary schools, is put over N1.2 billion monthly.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Musa Yeketi disclosed this in Ilorin, the state capital, at the launch of a book written by a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar.

However, in his remarks at the book launch, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali

(SAN) had blamed poor remuneration and irregular payment of salaries for the corruption in the civil service.

This was even as the Special Assistant (Political) to the Governor, Alhaji Bibire Ajape warned that those who benefited from the alleged ‘illegal recruitment not to relax’ as government had begun a review of the report of the committee that uncovered the employment racket.

Some of those who were affected by the development

are already making frantic efforts to save themselves from the government’s hammers as they were said to have embarked on lobbying some highly placed politicians in the state to secure their jobs.

Although, Bibire said the matter would be resolved amicably, he nevertheless blamed civil servants for the illegality, pointing out that if the matter had been traced to the doorsteps of any politician in the state, it would have taken another dimension.

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal (right), administering malaria drug to a child during the flag off of house-to-house malaria elimination programme in Isa LGA. ..yesterday

Zaria clash: Court declines El-Zakzaky’s application

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Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined an application by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, seeking his immediate release from the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).

El-Zakzaky is the leader of Islamic (Shi`a) Movement in Nigeria.

A vacation Judge, Justice Okon Abang, who declined the application, said that Zakzaky ought to have obtained the leave of court for the matter to be heard dur-

ing vacation.

He explained that the applicant failed to serve the DSS, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who were joined as respondents.

“No matter the urgency of the matter, the applicant ought to have served the respondents,” the judge said, adding that the matter was initially assigned to Justice Gabriel Kolawole by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

Abang, however said

that the application was not competent and struck it out.

But the counsel to ElZakzaky, Mr. Abubakar Masha had instituted the suit seeking for the enforcement of fundamental human rights of his client.

However, in other applications to the court, Abang had in the past one week refused the applications of Hon. Abdulmumini Jubril, a members of the House of Representatives planned suspension.

The Judge was said to have also declined other applications from his kinsmen, seeking the stoppage of the appointment of the Managing Director and Commissioner into the NDDC Board and another application in a suit into Oron Federal Constituency brought before the court.

-10.22%

The percentage by which the Industrial Goods Sector of the NSE dropped for Jan – Dec 2014.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange

$20.26bn

The total amount of the Industrial Goods sector of the Nigeria Stock Exchange for 2014 Q4.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange

Benue’s suspended lawmaker knows fate Thursday Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

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Makurdi High Court presided over by Justice Elizabeth Kpojime yesterday adjourned till Thursday for ruling on a preliminary motion filled by the counsel to a member of Benue State House of Assembly.

The lawmaker, Hon. Kester Kyenge is representing Logo Constituency in the House.

His counsel, Mr. In-

nocent Da’Agba in the preliminary motion is seeking to amend his originating summons, challenging the suspension of his client, Hon. Kyenge.

Ruling on the preliminary motion by the counsel to the lawmaker, the presiding Judge adjourned the matter till Thursday.

The Benue State House of Assembly had a month ago, slammed five months suspension on Hon. Ikyenge over an alleged misconduct and

misinforming the public with the view to bringing the Assembly to ridicule.

When the case came up for hearing (motion seeking leave of court to amend his originating summons), counsel to the suspended lawmaker, told the court that he was seeking to amend his originating summons to allow him append his signature on it and cited the case of Yaki vs Bagudu (2015), 18 NWLR (page 1491) to buttresses his argument.

Da’Agba, however,

argued further that the issue relating to the nonsigning of his originating summons was a mere irregularity, which could be amended through a motion to the court.

Meanwhile, the defendant’s counsel, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim objected to the motion, arguing that the nonsigning of the originating process by the plaintiff/applicant legal counsel goes to the foundation as the case cannot be amended because it was incurably defective.

News|north

43

Kebbi: Police, stakeholders parley on community policing Abubakar Abdul Birnin Kebbi

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he Kebbi State Police Command and key stakeholders in the state yesterday parleyed on how to enhance a total reorganisation and transformation of internal security apparatus in the state.

The one-day workshop was facilitated by the state Commissioner of Police, Kabiru Ibrhaim, following a directive by the Acting Inspector General of Police on community involvement in policing.

The one-day workshop of eminent people on the massive involvement in community policing in the state took place at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Briefing officers and

traditional rulers, the Commissioner of Police, said that the main objective of the forum was to integrate community element in the task of effective and efficient policing.

Ibrahim, who further emphasised that the workshop would also offer the necessary partnership and support that would tackle crime, added that the eminent people’s forum was a more proactive approach to community policing in the state.

“Most of the areas of collaboration between the police and the members of the public include crime prevention and detection, which signified a bridge between the police and the member of the public in community policing,” the police chief added.

Sokoto to administer malaria drugs on 1.8m children Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

S

okoto State Government has said that an estimated 1.8 million children between the age of three and five years across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state will be targeted in the house-to-house campaign to administer malaria drugs aimed at mitigating the effect of malaria, especially among children.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this when flagging off the house-to-house campaign at the Headquarters of Issa Local Government Area on Sunday.

“The government has adopted several strategies towards tackling the menace of malaria and other

health-related diseases, such as capacity building for health personnel, provision of health care facilities and provision of essential drugs, among others,” the governor added.

He said his administration “would pay more attention to human resources development, equipping of healthcare facilities and provision of medications for effective and efficient health service delivery to the people at the grassroots.”

While adding that “the ongoing upgrading and renovation of health facilities at Yabo, Dogon Daji, Silame and Illela will soon be completed, Tambuwal urged the local government councils to give maximum support to the programme.”

Ortom: Security of citizens my greatest challenge Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

T

he governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, yesterday lamented that security of lives of the citizens of the state has remained one of his administration’s challenges, vowing that his government would continue to accord top priority to security of the people.

This was as the governor insisted that there could not be development without peace.

Ortom, who spoke while receiving the Assistant Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in-charge of Zone H, comprising Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi States, Mr. Joseph Oragande, at the Government House, not-

ed that the citizens, who were mostly farmers, investors, and foreigners needed to be protected.

He said the NSCDC boss has been posted to Benue at this time when the farmers and other citizens were being confronted with the problem of insecurity and assured that the state government would join hands with Oragande towards tackling the problem.

Ortom lauded the NSCDC for contributing to the fight against crime, even as he explained that his administration had deployed the use of the stick approach for the control of crime since the ‘carrot approach’ had been used with the amnesty programme in which over 900 militants that surrendered over 700 illegally acquired arms, ammunition and explosives benefitted.

44

NEWS

WORLD \ NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Osinbajo: We're open to investments Brazil's President defends Anule Emmanuel Abuja

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ice-President Yemi Osinbajo, has expressed Federal Government's readiness to welcome foreign investment that would push speedy development of the economy.

The Vice President stated this yesterday while receiving members of the ONE campaign led by the international Rock Star artist Bono, and Africa's richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who were at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Osinbajo also said that government would ensure a concerted and focused international response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the insurgency in the NorthEastern region of the country.

The group was at the villa to discuss the possibilities of a global partnership to address the north east crisis through international advocacy.

Addressing members of the delegation who included former UK Development Secretary Douglas Alexander, Osinbajo said that "it is very important that you chose to come and offer some partnership.”

He said no matter how prepared a country could be, handling the kind of crisis in the NorthEast with two million displaced people, including children, as a single country "would be irresponsible."

According to him, however, a global partnership to address the situation should be coordinated and more focussed on what was required to be done, for instance, in addressing the issue of malnourished children and not attempting to do

too much things at once.

Speaking earlier, the Irish born artist, Bono, said he has visited some of the IDPs and said "we want to be useful to you," adding that what he saw in the region was "deeply disturbing."

Bono also commended the social investment programmes of the Buhari administration saying "we have heard of the incredible plans, the social investment funds," adding also that the level of transparency already seen in the administration is both "very exciting and transforming."

The ONE campaign is an advocacy organization with more than seven million people around the world taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases especially in Africa. It has on its board people like Mo Ibrahim, Bill Gates, Micheal Bloomberg among others. It was founded in 2004.

record at impeachment trial

B

razil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff has defended her record during her impeachment trial in the Senate. She is accused of illegally manipulating the budget to hide a growing deficit. Mrs. Rousseff said her conscience was "absolutely clean" and that she had not committed any crime.

Senators are due to vote later this week on whether to remove her from office for good or

whether to reinstate her.

Mrs. Rousseff is accused of moving funds between government budgets, which is illegal under Brazilian law. Her critics say she was trying to plug deficit holes in popular social programmes to boost her chances of being re-elected for a second term in October 2014.

Mrs. Rousseff began her defence by reminding senators that she had been re-elected by more than 54 million voters.

She said she had always

honored and upheld the Constitution. She also reminded senators of her past as a resistance fighter who opposed military rule. She said that even when she was tortured she continued to fight.

Her fight, she said, had been for a more equal society and that the achievements of her government in that field were now "at risk". She added that she was determined to continue her fight against the attacks against her, which she said amounted to a "coup".

US commends religious leaders on corruption fight Mojeed Alabi

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he United States of America has lauded the efforts of some Nigerian leaders across the two faiths of Islam and Christianity for their roles in fighting corruption through their teachings, training and mentoring programmes.

This was conveyed through the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who met with select religious leaders to discuss their ongoing efforts to counter corruption in Nigeria through preaching and government advocacy.

At the meeting were Reverend Ladi Thompson of the Living Waters Unlimited Church and Imam Shefiu Abdulkareem Majemu of the

Strength in Diversity Development Centre, who represented the steering committee for the interfaith group, which took shape after a January 2016 anti-corruption dialogue between religious leaders in Lagos and US Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs, Shaun Casey.

Joined by the US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, David Young and Consul General, Francis John Bray, the committee representatives shared with Thomas-Greenfield their views on the effects of corruption on the development of Nigeria, and the weakening of government institutions and accountability.

They discussed their plans to promote anticorruption norms and efforts through training and

mentoring programs, development of educational materials that promote integrity from a religious standpoint, as well as traditional and social media campaigns.

In her response, Thomas-Greenfield thanked the religious leaders for their work on an issue that she described as crucial to Nigeria, and urged them to continue to work together as a team, and with the US Mission in Nigeria.

She said; “I encourage you to become more focused, more creative, and more collaborative as you continue to work to enhance your anticorruption impact.” She added: “As moral leaders in Nigerian society, you have taken a very important step to get at the root of the problem of corruption.”

Heritage Bank appoints Ogunsanya non-executive director

H

eritage Bank PLC has announced the appointment of Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as a Non Executive Director (NED).

Ogunsanya, who is Chairman of Multichoice Nigeria Limited, brings to the Board a global wealth of experience spanning over 30 years of quality private sector service.

Ogunsanya graduated with a law degree from the University of Kent in 1984 and thereafter

proceeded to the Nigeria Law School where he qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1985. Ogunsanya obtained an LLM degree from the University of Lagos in 1987 and from 1990 began practicing in the law firm of Ogunsanya & Ogunsanya where he has been a Principal Partner since 1994.

As a Principal Partner in the law firm, he continues to be responsible for its Maritime/Shipping Law services, its Commercial Agreements and

briefs for appearances in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He was conferred into the prestigious rank of SAN in July 2015.

The management of the bank in a statement expressed its delight in welcoming Ogunsanya to the Board. The bank said he brings on board very rich and professional experience relevant to Heritage Bank and the industry.

“These skills will no doubt support our bank’s quest to become Nigeria’s Fastest Growing Bank.”

The protesting students

Minister backs protesting South African female students

A

South African minister has thrown his support behind protesting female students, who accuse their high school of operating a racist hair policy. Black pupils at the private Pretoria Girls High say they have often been told to straighten their hair.

"Schools should not be used as a platform to discourage students from embracing their African identity," Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa tweeted in support.

The school has not yet commented. The school's

code of conduct has a detailed list of rules about hair, but does not specifically mention the afro hairstyle, which some pupils say they are banned from having.

The minister also criticized the school over student complaints that they had been warned not to speak to each other in their own languages. "It is unacceptable to ban students from speaking their African languages at school", he wrote on Twitter. This is about our identity as black people. We're tired of being told to be less than what we are so we can fit in," one of the protesters told me. The

reports of alleged racism at the school have resonated across the country.

South Africans, particularly young black South Africans, have been using social media in recent months to raise questions about beauty, cultural tolerance and racism here.

They have been challenging what they describe as colonial standards that should have been dismantled years ago.

At the heart of these protests are the high school's black students who feel like their identity, which is wrapped up in the curly strands of their hair, is deemed as inferior.

Suicide bomber kills 54 in Yemen

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suicide bomber killed at least 54 people when he drove a car bomb into a militia compound in Aden yesterday, the health ministry said, in one of the deadliest attacks claimed by Islamic State in the southern Yemeni port city.

The director general of Yemen's health ministry in Aden, al-Khader Laswar, told Reuters that at least 67 other people were wounded in the attack in the city's Mansoura district.

The militant Islamic State group said in a

statement carried by its Amaq news agency one of its suicide bombers carried out the bombing. "Around 60 dead in a martyrdom operation by a fighter from Islamic State targeting a recruitment center in Aden city," the statement said, without giving further details.

A security source said the attack targeted a school compound where conscripts of the Popular Committees, forces allied to President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi, were gathered for breakfast.

Witnesses said the suicide bomber entered the compound behind a truck that had brought breakfast for the conscripts, who had queued for the meal.

Ambulance sirens wailed throughout the morning as they ferried casualties to a hospital run by medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), which was overwhelmed by the number of casualties.

An MSF spokesperson said the hospital received at least 45 bodies and more than 60 wounded people.

45

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

Sport

That Peter Crouch has scored more headed goals (47) than 15 of the teams who have played in the Premier League.

Etim: Mikel better as attacking midfielder

O

ne of Nigeria’s finest midfielders in history Etim Esin believes Super Eagles Captain Mikel Obi could go down as one of the greatest in the game if he plays more attacking roles for both club and country.

Mikel was in his imperial best for Nigeria when he led the national U-23 team to win bronze medal at the just-concluded Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Chelsea midfielder won over many critics with astonishing performance in the attacking midfield role for the Samson Siasia’s team from where he scored one goal and made five assists as the squard finished third in Brazil.

The player, who came into international limelight for his displays at the 2005 World Youth Championship, had come under severe criticism for his ultra-defensive approach since he joined Chelsea shortly after the tournament in Holland.

However, his form in Brazil gladdened the hearts of so many Nigeri-

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

an fans including Esin who was also a midfield maestro in his time.

He said that Mikel had proved that he still has the skills that made him come second behind Lionel Messi in 2005 U-20 World Cup in Holland and only needs to swap the defensive midfield role he currently plays in Chelsea with attacking one for the whole world to appreciate his worth.

“We were more attackminded during our days and that was why people still appreciate us till today. I know Mikel can be as good as people like me, Austin Okocha and some other good midfielders if he drops the defensive midfield role he plays for Chelsea. He is very skilful and that is what he showed at the Olympics, you can see how he got into scoring positions and create assists for his teammates,

NFF killing football with politics – Amuneke

46

Pay Siasia now, Dalung charges NFF

Y

Hails Eagles’ skipper’s leadership quality

Ajibade Olusesan

Sport News

he can be one of the best in the Mikel world,” he said.

Esin said that he was more impressed by Mikel’s display of maturity and leadership skills in Brazil, saying the player has good heart.

“Although people are talking about Mikel’s performance in Brazil, I am more impressed by his humanitarian attitude. I played football and I know it is tough for a footballer to spend his money on his team. Mikel did that in Rio by bailing out his squad on many occasions, to me this is absolutely commendable, he wins my respect,” he added.

outh and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has charged the Nigeria Football Federation to pay the U-23 national team’s coach Samson Siasia.

The Minister gave the charge when Siasia paid him a visit on Monday in his office in Abuja.

Siasia had visited with his wife Eunice to thank the Minister for his support to the U-23 team from Atlanta to Rio where they won Bronze in the football event of the Olympics and to officially inform him that his contract with the NFF had ended.

Dalung directed that the NFF Secretary-General Dr Mohammed Sanusi who was also present to ensure that Siasia gets the arrears of his five months’ salaries.

“Please pay him his five months salaries arrears. They said he has resigned but he just told me that his contract expired after the Olympics.

His contract expired but you are owing him five months’ salaries and you have gone to employ a foreign coach and will pay him in dollars. It means you don’t like yourselves and nobody will sympathise with you. Please spare me the stress of talking about this salary issue again or risk going to war with me.

Please pay him and other coaches their outstanding salaries,” Dalung said.

The Secretary-General of the NFF Muhammed Sanusi however said that efforts were already being made to pay the coaches.

“We have held meetings and we are waiting for the money to drop. The money is already there in our account but we need to regularize the TSA procedures before we can claim it. We are almost through with the process. Once that is concluded, we will pay them” Sanusi assured.

The minister is expected to be on an NTA programme Tuesday Live with Siasia today(Tuesday) to review events leading up to Rio and Nigeria’s participation at the Games.

Rio 2016: Sports Editors’Guild rues Nigeria’s poor outing he Guild of Nigerian body described as unacceptbunike, Falilat Ogunkoya, sports, arguing that the cure T Sports Editors has de- able the country’s continued Charlton Ehizuelen, Bruce for the country’s sports malscribed as unfortunate failure to harness its enorIjirigho, Mary Onyali, Fati- aise resides in the grassroots. the country’s poor performance at the just concluded Rio 2016 Olympic Games, saying it showed that the country learnt nothing from the woeful outing at the London 2012 edition.

Nigeria could only win a bronze medal at the Rio Games, where such African countries as Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt and Botswana registered multiple honours.

In a communiqué yesterday signed by the Guild’s President, Tony Ubani, the

mous human and material resources to stand among the best in the international community, arguing that Nigeria should be among the leaders in such events as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and FIFA World Cup. “It is unfortunate that a country with a rich pedigree in sports has fallen so low that we struggle to tag along less endowed countries in world meets.

“This is a country that produced such great athletes as Chidi Imoh, Innocent Eg-

ma Yusuf, Olopade Adeniken and the Ezinwa brothers, to mention but a few. These are athletes that were consistently among the top three finishers in their various events in our recent history.

“Sadly, Nigeria no longer qualifies for the finals of major events. How did we sink so low?” the Guild queried.

It recalled the intervention programme set up after the London 2012 debacle by immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan, which was supposed to correct the anomalies in Nigerian

Funke Oshonaike

46

SPORT NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NFF killing football with politics – Amuneke ...rues coaches’ poor treatment Ifeanyi Anyaka

F

ew days after U-23 Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, vowed never to work for Nigeria again, coach of the U-17 national team, Emmanuel Amuneke, has blamed the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation for the current football woes stating that politics has taken over the administration of the game in the country.

Speaking during a live radio programme monitored in Lagos on Mon-

day, the former Super Eagles striker said indigenous coaches were not appreciated adding that Nigerian football needs a total overhaul.

“We are coaching because of the love and passion we have for our country.

Whether you do good or bad, we all will be judged by our actions.

“Nigeria is not going to the Nations Cup for the second time but a lot of people don’t care because they are just thinking of their own selfish interest,” he added.

Amuneke further blamed the NFF for spending money on frivolities at the detriment of the coaches’ welfare.

“Why did we bring the FIFA president when we have important things to do? The law of FIFA is to bring about the development of the game.

Are we developing our game or just playing politics? These are the questions we should ask ourselves.

“It is good we brought FIFA to our country, but what has it added to our football?” he queried.

Amuneke

Yusuf, Imama Eagles’ roles complicated

T

he role of Salisu Yusuf and Imama Amapakabo with the Super Eagles of Nigeria is complicated as German coach Genort Rohr arrived in Nigeria with his assistants.

Imama and Yusuf were appointed as assistants to Rohr by the Nigeria Football Federation but the Ger man

came in with his fitness trainer and technical assistant.

Salisu Yusuf is supposed to be the first assistant to the German, with Imama acting as second assistant as employed by the NFF, but Rohr arrived in Nigeria with long term assistants, Jean Lucs and Nabil.

His coming with assis-

tants was part of the provisions of his contract with the NFF, when he signed his deal to coach the senior national team of Nigeria.

As expected, the German will rely more on his trusted allies, which could reduce the role the Nigerian duo of Imama and Yusuf will have in the team.

Tokyo 2020:Dogara seeks early preparations T Okechukwu (right)

Club Brugge, Rapid Vienna chase Okechukwu Ikenna Amadi

B

elgian top-flight team Club Brugge and Rapid Vienna are in talks with Yeni Malatyaspor over the signing of Nigeria U-23 star Azubuike Okechukwu in the summer transfer window.

Both clubs are hoping to reach an agreement with the Turkish club before the close of the summer transfer window.

In the meantime, Okechukwu is aware his hands

are tied and will only hope that Yeni Malatyaspor accept one of the proposals from the two teams.

The former Bayelsa United midfielder put himself in the shop window at the recently concluded Olympic Games in Brazil, helping the U-23 team to win the bronze medal but was suspended for the semi-final against Germany.

The 19-year-old Okechukwu has contractual obligations with Yeni Malatyaspor until the end of the 2017-2018.

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has called on authorities incharge of Nigerian sports to begin preparation for Tokyo 2020 Olympics now.

Dogara, who took stock of Nigeria’s outing at the just concluded Rio Olympic Games in Brazil, said the country should embark on early preparations ahead of Tokyo 2020 Olym-

pic Games in Japan.

He however, declared that the solitary bronze medal won by Team Nigeria, at the just ended Rio Olympics Games in Brazil was worth a gold medal.

Speaking against the backdrop of happenings in sports and the Nigerian delegation to the games, Dogara noted that the downturn in the economy affected the team but praised the resilience of

Adamu: NFF should take glory for Rio bronze Dapo Sotuminu

T

he former DirectorGeneral of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Amos Adamu, has called on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to take full responsibility for the bronze medal outing of the Team Nigeria to the Rio Olympics 2016.

Adamu noted that, the NFF under the leadership of Amaju Pinnick took a vital decision in sending the Dream Team VI to Atlanta, USA for intensive camping. Even when the minister denied the presence of the team in Atlanta, the NFF continued with the camping exercise.

It was this persistence that eventually earned Team

Ajayi resumes with Al-Ahly September 6 Emmanuel Tobi

A

l-Ahly of Egypt newly-signed Nigerian forward Junior Ajayi will join the team’s preparatory camp on September 6.

Ajayi

The Cairo giants signed a four-year contract with Ajayi, who recently finished participation in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, for $2 million from Tunisian side CS Sfaxien.

The 20-year-old Ajayi is expected to beef up Ahly’s attacking department following the departure of Evouna, who bagged 12 league goals in his side’s triumphant campaign last season.

Meanwhile, Ahly is to start the new season preparatory

camp on September 5 for 10 days, but is yet to decide on whether it will be held in Cairo or a coastal city, the club’s football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz announced on Monday.

Under the helm of newly signed coach Hossam El-Badry, Ahly will start preparations for the new season competitions to return the team to winning ways after losing the Egypt Cup before exiting the CAF Champions League from the group stage.

the Samson Siasia-tutored side for braving the odds to come home with a medal.

He congratulated the team for showing true Nigerian spirit and said he would make contacts for possible reward for the team.

Dogara, who has been in the forefront of support for the team also praised Team Nigeria for the scandal-free performance even when medal expectations were not met.

Left Kayode Idowu, General Manager Unmissable Incentives with Chairman/ CEO of HS Media Group Taye Ige after signing the MOU on Nigerian Sports Award

Nigeria the only medal at the Rio Olympics.

“The truth of the matter is that, if Amaju had waited like the other sports federations’ president for the Sports Ministry’s funds which came two weeks to the Rio Games, to commence serious camping for the Games, the Olympic soccer team wouldn’t have been well prepared to win bronze.

“It is imperative that the NFF should stand firm to take the glory for helping Nigeria not to return empty handed from the Rio Olympics just as it was the case at the London 2012 Games.

“As little as the bronze medal looks, it is better than nothing. I want to commend the leadership of the NFF for its visionary decision. This will also help the career of the players and officials who are today proud winners of an Olympic medal. I am in sports and I know how difficult it is to win a medal in the Olympics.”

47

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

TRANSITION to

GLORY

We the entire family of Late Chief Johnson Okolie Egbo, of Isu-Awaa, Awgu LGA, Enugu State., hereby announce the glorious exit of the matriarch of the family our beloved Mother, Grand- Mother, Great Grand-Mother and Mother-In-law,

Deaconess (Mrs.) Violet Uchenwa Egbo (NNE ORA), who was called to glory on the 17th day of June, 2016 at the age of Seventy Eight (78 Years).

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT The funeral rites is scheduled to hold as follows: September 1, 2016 Service of Songs at 6pm

September 2, 2016 Lying in State at 9am Requiem mass at 10am Interment thereafter

Signed: Lady QUEEN DILLION (Daughter) For the family

NOTE: All activities will take place at Late Chief Johnson Okolie Egbo’s Compound Isu-Awaa, Awgu LGA, Enugu State

On Marble A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

Clem Aguiyi

Sanctity of Truth

What happened to Nigeria from 2015 and now?

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

–Winston Churchill

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

T

}14

N150

The butchers from the North Crossfire

he butchers from the north are better known as the Fulani militants and herdsmen.

They have unleashed horror and levied war against the people of Nigeria over the last one year.

The saints are the Christians that they have slaughtered all over the country in that same period of time.

I consider every single saint that they have killed as a martyr because they died for their faith. I honour them with this essay and I dedicate it to their memory.

On 24th August 2016 Mr. Phil Smart wrote the following on Facebook: "Catholic seminarian butchered, pregnant woman's stomach cut open.... as Fulani herdsmen continue killing in Enugu".

The words were accompanied by a picture of a Catholic priest whose body had been shredded into pieces like fresh mincemeat or a Japanese sirloin steak.

There was another of a pregnant woman whose stomach had been slit open right down the middle and whose unborn foetus and guts were hanging out for all to see. Clearly she had been carefully and clinically gutted.

Many other bodies were strewn all over the burnt out fields and compounds of the village and some were so badly mutilated and chopped up that it would have been difficult to convince anyone that they once belonged to human beings. Not even babies were spared.

In truth this was not the work of men but rather of demon-possesed hybrid entities that the famous British conspiracy-theorist Mr. David Icke describes as "shape-shifting reptilians" and sociopathic beasts.

Worse still this was the second time in a matter of weeks that the relative tranquility of Enugu was desecrated by the prescence of these nomadic beasts and murdering bastards.

On the previous occassion they caused as much havoc, slaughtered as many people and engendered as much consternation and outrage as the succeeding one.

Yet it doesn't stop there. On the very same day that the latest attack in Enugu was going on other Nigerians were being attacked and "burnt alive" by people of the same radical Islamist bent and spirit in far away Zamfara for "blaspheming against Islam".

Other similar attacks by the same fanatics and jihadists took place on that day in southern Kaduna, Benue, Niger, Ondo, Plateau, Delta and various other parts of the country.

If the truth be told this carnage and butchery has now become a daily occurence in our country and it is always the same people, namely the butchers from the north, that perpetrate them.

The worst aspect of it all is that noone has ever been arrested, prosecuted or brought to justice by the govermment for these hideous crimes mainly because President Muhammadu Buhari himself is a Fulani and consequently the authorities seem to have cultivated a soft-spot for them.

Indeed Buhari is actually the life Patron and "protector-in-chief" of the

FEMI FANI-KAYODE ffk2011@aol.com

Buhari

umbrella organisation of all the Fulani Herdsmen in Nigeria which is known as Miyetti Allah.

There is of course another view which is that the herdsmen are actually a tool of conquest who are being carefully cultivated, co-ordinated, controlled, organised, armed and funded by a sinister and dark hidden hand: that they are something akin to a Fulani "death squad" or armed militia.

Those that share that view, and yours truly is amongst them, often refer to the butchers from the north as Nigeria's "Janjaweed", after the ruthless camel-riding Arab Muslim militia which Sudanese President Al Bashir commissioned, armed and employed to decimate, slaughter and commit genocide against over one million defenceless black African Sudanese Christians in the vast region of Darfur for many years.

It is also why the U.S.-based Global Terror Index describes them as the "Fulani Militants" and has designated them as the "fourth most deadly terrorist organisation" in the world.

Whatever one chooses to call them, whoever is behind them and whatever their motives may be one thing is clear: their actions are outrageous and barbaric and such behaviour has no place in a civilised society.

I feel a deep sense of anger and outrage on the one hand and utter shame and frustration on the other about what is going on in our country today and what these butchers from the north are doing to our people.

Theirs is a scorthed earth policy and they take no prisoners. They rape, kill, abduct, kidnap and terrorise people and they rob, burn down, destroy and

pillage their homes, churches and farmlands at will.

Worse still they commit these atrocities with total impunity and without any fear of the law enforcement agencies or security forces.

And all this is done in the name and under the guise of herding cows and looking for grazing land for their cattle.

I feel a deep sense of anger and outrage towards President Buhari and his government, because it also appears to give them immense pleasure and joy otherwise they would have put a stop to it long ago.

I feel shame and frustration because the Nigerian people themselves seem wholly incapable of standing up to that which is nothing less than pure evil.

They seem incapable of protesting against anything, no matter how bestial and barbaric that thing may be.

I wonder who has bewitched us?

Is this the work of the "mai chanji" sweeping broom brew?

Have the Nigerian people been charmed? Are we under a spell? Are we like the biblical Galatians who the Apostle Paul says were "bewitched"?

Our people appear to be wholly incapable of resisting and facing down those that have enthroned sadism and wickedness in their hearts and that take pleasure in indulging in mass murder, genocide and ethnic cleansing in our land.

It is not only the government that has failed but the political leaders from all the opposition parties, the traditional rulers, the clerics, the religious leaders, the media practitioners, the publishers, the columnists, the writers, the human rights activists, the editorial boards of newspapers, the bloggers, the intellectuals, the businessmen, the teachers, the students, the writers, the elites, the middle class, the workers, the unions and the ordinary people themselves have all failed too.

They have all been gripped by the spirit of fear. They have been bullied, intimidated, brow-beaten and shocked into pitiful submission and a sickening and cowardly timidity.

They have all failed to defend and speak up for the defenceless, the weak and the vulnerable in our midst.

They have failed to protect and shield the thousands that are hacked to pieces and burnt alive on a regular basis by the rabid islamist beasts and terrorists in our midst for no just cause other than the fact that they are perceived as being nothing but Christian, Middle Belt and southern slaves.

I am going to say some hard things and speak some home truths in this conbtribution and frankly I do not care who takes offence, whose ox is gored or who feels hurt by it.

People are being killed by the demons in flesh, the tsetse flies and the religious and ethnic bigots in our land every day. Buhari's Nigeria is awash with blood and most of it is Christian blood that is being shed by his misguided and dark-hearted Fulani kinsmen.

It is time to speak the truth no matter how ugly that truth may be and no matter how politically incorrect it may be to speak it.

It is time to stand up to the evil in the land, to damn the consequeces and to bear the threats and insults that always come for speaking and exposing the truth in what has essentially become a police state.

It is time to coin that famous Ghanaian phrase that says "all die be die" and to remember Shakepeare's words when he wrote "even though the heavens fall, let the truth be told and let justice be done".

And that truth is that the evil that has seized our land has two columns, two heads and two primary sources of motivation. The first is the forceful and bloody quest for Fulani supremacy, ethnic hegemony and racial domination.

The second is the morbid obsession by the radical Muslims of core northern Nigeria to shed innocent blood, to take life in the name of their god, to effect Jihad against those that do not share their world view, to wipe out Christianity, to enslave our people and to islamise our country.

The truth is that every single CORE northern Muslim leader that has ever ruled this country has either died on the throne or been removed from power in a military coup.

I do not wish President Buhari dead, I do not rejoice in the death or murder of past Nigerian Prime Ministers, Presidents or Heads of State (whether they be from the north or south) and

neither do I pray for or believe in military coups or the unconstitutional removal of any democraticallyelected President.

Solution to B. Teaser 1

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