Wednesday, april 1, 2015 by Newtelegraphonline

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Vol. 2 No. 406

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Don’t declare fake results in Abia North, Ohanaeze warns INEC }41

Buhari: Obasanjo, Babangida, Atiku, Kofi Annan, Kalu, govs excited

lFayose urges Nigerians to accept results, imposes curfew Temitope Ogunbanke and Adesina Wahab

ongratulatory messages began pouring in yesterday for

the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, after his victory in the presidential election. Buhari, who ran on the platform of the All

Progressives Congress (APC), defeated President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bitterly fought contest.

Among those who congratulated Buhari were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida; for-

mer Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as well as Governors Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Adams Osh-

iomhole (Edo) and former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu. Besides, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose,

It's Buhari lAfter three failed attempts, APC candidate in historic victory lJonathan calls to congratulate president-elect lAso Rock shocked, quiet }2 Presidential election Results States

APC

PDP

APC

PDP

13,394

368,303

KATSINA

1,345,441

98,937

ADAMAWA

374,701

251,664

KEBBI

567,883

100,972

AKWA IBOM

58,411

953,304

KOGI

264,851

149,987

ANAMBRA

17,926

660,762

KWARA

302,146

132,602

931,598

86,085

LAGOS

792,460

632,327

5,194

361,209

NASARAWA

236,838

273,460

BENUE

373,961

303,737

NIGER

657,678

149,222

BORNO

473,543

25,640

OGUN

308,290

207,950

CROSS RIVER

24,737

390,011

ONDO

299,889

251,368

DELTA

48,910

1,211,405

OSUN

383,603

249,929

EBONYI

19,518

323,653

OYO

528,620

303,376

EDO

208,469

286,869

PLATEAU

429,140

549,615

EKITI

120,331

176,466

RIVERS

69,238

1,487,075

ENUGU

14,157

553,003

SOKOTO

671,926

152,199

GOMBE

361,245

96,873

TARABA

261,326

310,800

IMO

133,253

559,185

YOBE

446,265

25,526

JIGAWA

885,988

142,904

ZAMFARA

612,202

144,833

KADUNA

1,127,760

484,085

FCT

146,399

157,195

KANO

1,903,999

215,779

TOTAL VOTES 15,426,921 12,853,162

ABIA

BAUCHI BAYELSA

States

President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

News

WEDNESday, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; Chairman, National Peace Committee for 2015 Presidential Election, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, during a visit by members of the committee to the president in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

After three failed attempts, Buhari in historic victory ABUJA

ith over 15 million votes as against President Goodluck Jonathan's 12 million votes, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, finally realised his presidential ambition yesterday after fourth attempt. He was declared winner of the presidential election held on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the end of a tension-soaked collation of results from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, which began on Monday in Abuja. Hours before he was officially declared winner, Jonathan placed a call to his main challenger in the presidential contest to congratulate him. According to the results, APC swept the votes in 21 states leaving the ruling party with 15 and the FCT. Buhari garnered a total of 15,426,921 votes as against Jonathan's 12,853,162. The APC won in Ogun, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina and Kwara states. It also cleared the votes in Kaduna, Niger, Lagos, Gombe, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Benue, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and Sokoto states. On the other hand, the PDP won in Ekiti, Enugu, Nasarawa, Anambra and Abia States. The ruling party also got the presidential mandate in Akwa Ibom , Imo, Plateau, Ebonyi, Bayelsa,

Cross River, Rivets, Edo, Taraba, Delta and the FCT. There was delay in announcing the results of the election in Rivers State due to the petition filed by the APC, alleging that the election was marred by violence and vote manipulation. But INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, explained that based on the findings of the three-man committee sent to the state to investigate the allegations, there was no substantial evidence to warrant the cancelation of the results. However, as soon as it became clear that Buhari had won, notwithstanding that results from Borno state had not been declared, Jonathan called him to concede defeat. Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is Chairman of the National Peace Committee on the presidential election told State House correspondents after a meeting with the president in Abuja that Jonathan called Buhari at 5:15pm. Abdulsalami was joined in the meeting by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd) and other members of the committee. Abdulsalami had at different times brokered a meeting between the president and Buhari to ensure violence-free polls. "We are here as part of our resolve to ensure peace is maintained. The president has shown that he is truly a statesman," he added. The president, in a statement last night thank

Nigerians for their turn- our people the realities of required to be done to pull festive mood. out for the elections. economic development The party national sec- this country out of the Jonathan, in the state- and social transformation. retariat was agog with cel- depth it has sunk." ment he personally signed, “Through patriotism ebration as party stalwarts Buhari, in a message said that he was happy and diligence, we have and supporters trouped in thanked Nigerians for enthat he had fulfilled his built the biggest and most to rejoice over the victory. trusting their future into promise to Nigerians to patriotic party in Nigerian Red carpets rug was laid his hands. deliver free and fair elec- history. We must stand to- as APC members awaited He, however, called for gether as a party and look the arrival of Buhari. tions. cautious celebration of the He said: “I have kept my to the future with renewed Speaking on the victory victory. word. I have also expanded optimism. and the congratulatory According to a statethe space for Nigerians to “I have conveyed my message by Jonathan, the ment by the Director Meparticipate in the demo- personal best wishes to National Chairman of dia and Publicity of the cratic process. That is one General Muhammadu APC, Chief John Odigie- APC Presidential Camlegacy I will like to see en- Buhari. Oyegun, said: "I think the paign Council, Mallam dure. “May God Almighty president has been won- Garba Shehu, the mood “Although some people continue to bless the Fed- derful. By what he has of the country as well as have expressed mixed feel- eral Republic of Nigeria.” done today, he has contrib- its current state do not ings about the results anAso Rock, the seat of uted immensely to laying warrant the type of wild nounced by the Indepen- power was quiet yester- the foundation for a new celebrations reportedly going on in some cities dent National Electoral day as many people were Nigeria." Commission (INEC), I shocked by the outcome of On Buhari, he said: "We across the country. urge those who may feel the presidential election. pray for him, the country Buhari said anybody aggrieved to follow due Earlier in the day, the is now his, the develop- happy with the victory of process based on our con- president met with some ment is now his to drive the APC in the presidenstitution and our electoral ministers and PDP lead- and the economy is his to tial election would not be laws, in seeking redress. ers, majority of whom repair and we just have involved in the molesta“As I have always af- wore long faces. to pray that God will give tion of opponents or the firmed, nobody’s ambiWith victory in sight, him the strength and cour- destruction of their proption is worth the blood APC supporters went into age to do everything that is erty. of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear SOKOTO country is more important than KATSINA YOBE anything else. JIGAWA ZAMFARA “To my colKEBBI BORNO KANO leagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support. Today, the PDP should be celBAUCHI KADUNA ebrating rather GOMBE NIGER than mourning. We have estabADAMAWA lished a legacy of PLATEAU democratic freeABUJA KWARA dom, transparNASSARAWA ency, economic OYO TARABA growth and free EKITI KOGI and fair elections. OSUN BENUE “For the past OGUN ONDO 16 years, we ENUGU EDO LAGOS have steered the EBONYI country away from ethnic and CROSS RIVERS LEGEND IMO ABIA regional politics. DELTA We created a APC AKWA pan-Nigerian poIBOM BAYELSA RIVERS PDP litical party and brought home to ANAMBRA

Onwuka Nzeshi, Onyekachi Eze, Anule Emmanuel and Johnchuks Onuanyim

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESday, APRIL 1, 2015

Travel Advisory

WEDNESday, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule Air France

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

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

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

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

Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

KLM

ARIK AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos Lagos-New York

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

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

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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

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

Lagos-Cairo Cairo-Lagos

MS 876 MS 875

14:25hrs 08:30hrs

22:20hrs 13:30hrs

EGYPT AIR

KENYA AIRWAYS

16:00hrs

Lagos-Kigali

11:15hrs

16:45hrs

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

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

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

14:00hrs

17:30hrs

22:35hrs 15:10hrs

06:00hrs 21:20hrs

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

hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs hrs

01:00hrs

hrs

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Doha Flight Doha-Lagos Flight

QR 1414 (daily) QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

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

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

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

Lagos-Madrid Madrid-Lagos

IB 3337 IB 3336

22:55hrs 16:00hrs

5:25+1hrs 20:20hrs

Lagos-Casablanca Casablanca-Lagos

AT738 AT 737

06:25hrs 02:15hrs

09:55hrs 6:00hrs

air maroc

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

12:30hrs

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

IBERIA

Abu Dhabi-Lagos

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

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos- Abu Dhabi

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

to Lagos)

UNITED AIRLINES

17:00hrs 4:40hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

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

DELTA AIRLINES

11:00hrs 22:40hrs

Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

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

QATAR AIRWAYS

VS 652 VS 651

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

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Lagos-London London-Lagos

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

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

Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

RwandAir

Kigali-Lagos

Turkish Airlines

Lagos-Istanbul Nairobi-Lagos

332 333

Air Côte d'Ivoire Lagos to Abidjan Abidjan to Lagos

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

ASKY AIRLINES

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

10:10hrs

10:50hrs

19:20hrs

21.50hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE ARIK AIR

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

AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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

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

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS

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

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

AEROCONTRACTORS

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

MEDVIEW AIRLINES

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

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

News

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESday, APRIL 1, 2015

N6.2bn lost to e-fraud in 2014, says report Kunle Azeez

bout N6.2 billion was lost to electronic fraud in the banking sector last year, according to a report by the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS). The report, obtained by New Telegraph in Lagos, showed that there were 1, 461 cases of fraud last year involving N7.7 billion attempted value, but the actual loss value was N6.2 billion. Attempted value is amount the fraudsters targeted to steal as against the loss value, which is the amount stolen. A breakdown of the total fraud cases showed that in the first quarter, there were 336 cases of fraud, involving N1 billion with actual loss value being N172.9 million. In the second quarter, the industry recorded 298 fraud cases with attempted value of N523 million, but with N441.7 million being the actual money taken away by the fraudsters. However, fraud cases, which have plunged in the second quarter, increased again to 366 wherein attempted value was estimated at N3.7 billion while the actual loss value was pegged at N3.1 billion. In the fourth quarter, cases of electronic fraud

peaked at 461, involving N2.5 billion attempted value with N2.4 billion as the actual loss value. The NIBSS report, however, revealed that the Nigeria Central Switch alone processed over 113 million transactions in 2014 with estimated value being N43 trillion. Furthermore, volume of transactions grew by over 53 per cent between 2013 and 2014 with its value also growing by 28 per

cent. In 2013, the volume of transactions stood at 74 million with the volume being N34.1 trillion. Also, between 2013 and 2014, the volume of Point of Sales (PoS) transactions increased from 11.2 million to 24.6 million; NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) grew from 17.9 million to 42.5 million, NIBSS Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) also rose from 30.1 million to 30.2 million while

cheque grew slightly from 14.6 million to 16 million. Commenting on the report, the Chief Executive Officer, NIBSS, Mr. Adebisi Shonubi, said across all payment channels in the financial industry, including electronic and nonelectronic-based platform, Nigeria had experienced a massive rise in the volume and value of transactions processed yearly. He, however, explained that NIP, which is an in-

stant account payment platform, accounted for most of the transactions in the year in terms of value and volume, followed closely by NEFT, which is a clearing house-based payment platform. “It is important to note that though Point of Sales (PoS) had a significant volume, it accounted for little in terms of value of as PoS transactions are largely used for small scale transactions. In comparison to

2013, the central switch experienced a massive increase in Instant Payment and PoS transactions in terms of volume and value. “Cheques and clearingbased transactions witnessed little increase. This might be attributed to the fact that there is massive shift from clearing-based transfers which occurs in cycles of about four hours to instant payments,” he said.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe and other party members protesting at the collation centre in Abuja… yesterday

Buhari: Obasanjo, Babangida, Atiku, Kofi Annan, Kalu, governors excited CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

who had during electioneering embarked on an intense campaign of calumny against Buhari, in a tactically U-turn, urged Nigerians to accept the results in good faith just as hedescribedthepresidentelect as a dogged fighter. Also, former United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, lauded Nigeriaandcongratulated Buhari on his victory and Jonathan for his spirit of sportsmanship by accepting defeating. Obasanjo, in a letter addressedtoBuhari,congratulated him on his success andvictoryinthepresidential election. Hedescribedhisvictory, afterthreepreviousunsuccessfulattempts,aslessons for him and for politicians. He said: "For me, the totality of 2015 elections holds many lessons for our democracyanddemocratisation process which are both maturing. On this occasion, the system has been unnecessarily overheated before and particularlyduringthecampaigns when emphasis was more on trivialities and hate, divisive, undignifying and

disrespectful statements and commentsrather than on pressing issues requiring attention. I know that in victory, you will be magnanimous to start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaignandtheevildisciples. "With so much harm already done to many national institutions including the military, which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to do on institution reform, education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure,power,youthemployment,agribusiness,oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption. Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead." In his message, Babangida said Buhari and the APC deserved victory. Babangida, in a statement yesterday, said Buhari’s victory had broken the barriers of ethnicity and religious inclinations, which were two sensitive issues that undeservedly dominatedthecampaigns. He, however, urged the president-electtoreachout

to other contestants in the spirit of one Nigeria. “This victory to me conveys two significant statements on our political history and evolution. First; that incumbents can be defeatedinanydemocratic process if the people’s aspirations are not fulfilled. Second, that there is good reward for perseverance and hard work. General Buhari has been very consistent in pursuing his politicalaspiration.Infact,he reminds me of President Abraham Lincoln of the American fame, who was very dogged in pursuing his political aspiration and enriched the contents of democracy in America. “General Buhari lives true to his military calling by remaining very consistent, resilient and courageous right from 2003 till date. This enviable feat to me further enriches our democratic process and matures us into the top echelon of nations where democracy has taken firm root. That President Jonathan has indeed conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect is also cheering news,” he stated. Atiku also saluted Bu-

hari for leading APC to its first presidential victory. He said: "Your victory in the polls, with votes from across the length and breadth of our country, bears witness to the acceptance of not just our party, the APC, but also your ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption as the bedrock for national rebirth. "You represent the hope of a new generation of Nigerians, and you cannot afford to fail them. Our party has made a promise of change to our young people, to secure and rebuild our country, create jobs and opportunity, and improve citizens’ welfare. We will stand behind you to ensure we keep those promises, just like we did during these elections." Also, in a statement from Geneva on the outcome of Nigeria's presidential poll, Annan, who now chairs the Kofi Annan Foundation,describedBuhari's election as the wish of Nigerian electorate. He said: "The Nigerian people have spoken, and they have elected General Muhammadu Buhari. I offer him my warmest

congratulations on his electoral success. "Atthesametime,Iwish to express great appreciationtoPresidentGoodluck Jonathan for his service to the nation and for accepting the electoral outcome in a democratic spirit. "My congratulations go as well to Professor Attahiru Jega and the Independent National Electoral Commission for theirextraordinaryefforts to ensure that the elections were held in a transparent manner as well for ensuring that most Nigerians had the opportunity to cast their vote. "The Nigerian people have exercised their democratic rights. Despite the threat from Boko Haram, voters came out to cast their votes. At some polling stations, even though they were attacked, voters came back to vote. That shows the determination of the people of Nigeria to have a say in how they are governed, and by whom. "I hope, therefore, that the will of the people will not be marred by violence in the days ahead. I call on all Nigerians to respect the results and seek redress, if

need be, through appropriate and peaceful means." Fayose also rallied support for Buhari as he urged Nigerianstoaccepttheoutcome of the presidential election in good faith. "The election result is the will of God and Nigerians, and all lovers of peace, progress and development of Nigeria must accept it," hesaidinbroadcastyesterday in Ado Ekiti. He has also imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order during celebration of the APC's victory. Fayose hailed the resilience and commitment of Jonathan and Buhari, saying the election results shouldnotbeenseenasvictoryorlossforanypolitical party. Againstthebackdropof fear of persecution by PDP members, Amaechi, who doublesasDirector-Generalof AP)PresidentialCampaign Organisation, said yesterday that the party would be magnanimous in victory when it takes over power on May 29. He said in Abuja that the government of Buhari CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

WEDNESday, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

PDP protests results, accuses Jega of bias Onwuka Nzeshi, Johnchuks Onuanyim and Onyekachi Eze

he collation of results of the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was momentarily disrupted yesterday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) protested over what the party described as bias and partiality by the electoral umpire. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega had just made his opening remarks to resume the collation of the results when a former Minister of Niger Delta, Chief Godsday Orubebe, the agent of the PDP at the National Collation Centre ( NCC), raised an observation on the trend of the exercise. He alleged that his party had been watching the proceedings since Monday with "great pains" and had cause to believe that INEC had become compromised, partial and discriminatory in its handling of the results. Orubebe said that whereas a petition the All Progressives Congress (APC) sent to INEC on the electoral crisis in Rivers

State had received prompt attention, Jega had refused to do anything about the petitions the ruling party sent on the elections in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Kaduna states. The APC had, last Sunday, petitioned the INEC over the violence that trailed the presidential and parliamentary polls on March 28, alleging that agents of the PDP disrupted polls in many areas and killed supporters of the opposition in order to rig the elections. INEC, on Monday, set up a three-man committee to investigate the petition. But Orubebe, after being given the microphone to make his case, attacked Jega and accused him of working for the APC. He sat on the podium to prevent further proceedings in the hall and refused attempts by others for him to calm down.

He said: "We have lost confidence in what you are doing. We have lost confidence in what you are doing. If we can send a protest and you cannot take that protest, then what are we doing here? Because the essence of we sending any protest is to enable you to look at the matter and see whether it has merit or demerit. But when APC brought their own, you went all out to send a delegation to Port Harcourt. "We have complained about Kano, we have complained about Katsina, we have complained about Kaduna and Jigawa you have not done anything. "Mr. Chairman, we are not going to take that; we have lost confidence because you are partial, you are selective. We don't believe in you anymore. We cannot go on the way you are going because you have

compromised. You have compromised and we are not going to take it from you until something is done on our letters; we will not continue with you. Until you do something to our letter the way you did to APC, we will not continue with you. That is our stand. Until you do something the way you did to APC, we will not continue with you." This Orubebe's outburst stalled proceedings for almost 30 minutes while Jega sat unruffled as the PDP agent continued his diatribe. Orubebe shunned security operatives and party agents who tried to restore order. He insisted that the proceedings be suspended until Jega had responded to the petitions of the ruling party. Brandishing a document before television cameras, Orubebe said

the collation was a ruse as Jega had already computed the results and leaked the outcome to the APC. According him, most of the results being announced and even those yet to be announced were already posted on the website of the opposition party. Another agent of the PDP, Dr Bello Fadile, drew the attention of the audience to the publication of the results of the presidential election by the opposition party and demanded to know how the results were leaked to the APC ahead of their collation and official declaration by the electoral umpire. In response, Jega explained that he was yet to receive the petitions, which the PDP claimed to have presented because they were not appropriately channelled. He said an attempt was made to submit the peti-

tion to the commission at the venue of the collation of results, through one of his aides, a procedure he described as faulty. "With regards about what you said about the result allegedly published by APC on its websites; I did not release result to anybody. The result that are announced formally by INEC are results that are declared here," Jega said. But reacting to the PDP's attempt to stop further declaration of the results, APC described Orubebe's outburst as part of a larger plot to foment crisis and subvert democracy. The APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, asked Nigerians to be watchful of impending attempts by the PDP and its agents to thwart the wishes of the electorate.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

22o C 15oC Windy

ABUJA

22o C 15oC Windy

PORT HARCOURT

25o C 18oC Isolated Storms

KANO

33o C 22oC Cloudy

ENUGU

33oC

25oC

Mostly Cloudy

IBADAN

22o C 15oC Windy

CALABAR

31o C 23oC Very Cloudy

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

37oC 21oC Mostly Cloudy

33oC

24oC

Mostly Cloudy

L-R: Head, LPG, Oando Marketing Plc., Mr. Ganiyu Azeez; President, Nigerian LPG Association, Mr. Dayo Adesina and Regional Manager (West), Oando Marketing Plc., Mrs. Taiwo Gaji, at a forum in Lagos...recently.

Fayose urges Nigerians to accept results, imposes curfew CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

would be all-inclusive. "After the announcement, it will become clearer to the nation that APC has won the election and we will be magnanimous in victory. "We cherish this victory so much but it is not only about celebration, it is about the seriousness of governance and you must see the difference between us the current government," he added. On his part, Amosun described the election as a demonstrationof theNigerian people's confidence in Buhari'sstrongleadership qualities. "The people have spoken and demonstrated with their votes, their confidence in the ability of the president elect to pull the

nation out of its present economic woes," he said. Like Amosun, Aregbesola described Buhari's victory as the best thing to happen to Nigeria after 16 years of PDP rule. He said Nigeria had finally been rescued from the jaw of death after 16 years of social, political and economic strains. The governor said the overall results of the elections and the general conduct of the electorate demonstrated that Nigerians really wanted change in the country. Oshiomhole, who declared a one-day public holiday in Edo State to let the people celebrate, said Buhari's victory marked a new dawn in the nation’s polity. In a congratulatory

letter to Buhari, Kalu described his victory as "unprecedented." He said: "For an unprecedented four presidential election cycles, you kept the faith and stayed the course. You clearly learned from the noble history first set by Abraham Lincoln and then by Winston Churchill – great democrats who patiently and protractedly craved the will of their people to donate to them the democratic mandate to lead them. In the end they got it. And at last they found a place, through the people’s free franchise, to stand and changetheirrespectivenations, and, in the process, they changed the world in many profound ways. "Nigerians have given you a democratic plat-

form to stand and change our miserable place in the world. We hope that you will lead us into a better place and carve your name inthegoldenmarbleof history, as did the men I just mentioned. "Nigerians have also placed a great burden on you. They have taken a decision that they have never taken in their history – to eject an incumbent president and repose their hopes,aspirationsandconfidence in another. "You have run a good race but your journey has only just started. But I have every confidence that the disciplineof yourpersonal character and the ascetic of your lifestyle will stand you in good stead as you commence the onerous task of reconstructing a

society and fathering a nation." Also, APC national leader, Bola Tinubu has describedBuhari'svictory as Nigeria's finest moment in its political history. "It is a moment when hope is re-born, faith is rekindled and a fresh fire of patriotism is released for the task ahead. I congratulate General Buhari, Nigeria's President-electonhishard won victory. "This is also democracy's finest moment. Nigerians alive today have witnessed the beginning of an era of change . They made this happen and they are the true celebrants and they are deserving. Together we share this victory. Side by side we would work together to bring our country back."

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

News

BUHARI'S VICTORY

UPP congratulates Buhari Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he presidential candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, yesterday congratulated the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari for his victory on the presidential election that held on Saturday. Buhari defeated the president and the presidential candidate of

the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and twelve other presidential candidates that contested the election. In his statement, Okorie said: "It is on behalf of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and Chekwas Okorie Presidential Campaign Organization (COPCO) that I most sincerely congratulate you on your resounding victory in the just concluded 2015 Presidential Election in Nigeria.

It’s victory for Nigerians, says Fayemi

F L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje; Chairman, Mr. Egbert Imomoh and Company Secretary, Mrs. Olutola Omotola, during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Without Buhari, APC would have lost — Mohammed Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday stated that the party won the presidential election on the strength of the strong character and integrity of the person of the Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. Mohammed, who spoke with journalists at the party's National secretariat, Abuja, while the party was awaiting the final results of the Presidential election by the Chief Returning Officer, Professor Attahiru Jega, said that if Buhari was

not the APC candidate, the party would have lost the election. "Buhari's strong personality, character and integrity, his anti-corruption stance for which he has been known for so many years now, helped to make this victory easier for us", Mohammed said. On what would have been the fate of the APC in the election if any other candidate other than Gen. Buhari had been fielded, he said, "we would have lost woefully. Buhari made our victory very easy. He is a major factor in the land mark victory. It has never happened that an incumbent is defeated in a national election". He argued also that providence played a major role in the party' elec-

CACOL commends Jonathan for conceding defeat Temitope Ogunbanke

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has congratulated President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, and also commended President Goodluck Jonathan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate for his spirit of sportsmanship. The group, in a statement by its chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran, commended President Jonathan for calling his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, on phone to congratulate

him on his victory at the polls. “This spirit of sportsmanship as displayed by the incumbent president is highly commendable and worthy of emulation. “We also want to congratulate President Jonathan for successfully conducting, though a keenly contested, but free, fair and credible election in the annals of Nigerian history. “CACOL is hereby calling on whosoever may be planning to benefit from post-election crisis to sheath their sword and give peace a chance."

toral success over the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)." There was a lot of providence in what happened, like in the choice of the name of the party, APC, the merger itself, the card reader which was not our idea but that of the Federal Government which adopted it first". He said that President Goodluck Jonathan was ruined by those who were with him. "If Jonathan came from the APC, he would have remained in power for a very long time. His greatest problem was in those who lined around him. The people who surrounded him saw him as meal ticket. They milked him dry". He said the people made him to waste a lot of money bribing all man-

ner of people because they too benefited immensely from what was being dished out. On the fate of the PDP, he advised the party to learn one lesson from this election. "PDP will soon become a regional party judging from its performance in this Presidential election. While Buhari's victory cut across four zones in the country, Jonathan won majorly in the South-South and SouthEast zones. From this, you can take it that the PDP is already shrinking into a regional party", he said. He thanked the media for the robust role they played in the electioneering and the election proper. According to him, “without the media we would have been where we are now.

Edo declares public holiday, jubilation in Dutse Cajetan Mmuta and Dahiru Suleiman

he Edo State government has declared a work-free day in the state for today to celebrate the historic victory of General Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, in the 2015 Presidential election. Meanwhile, the state Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole also invited the people of the state to a victory party holding in Benin City today. Top artistes, including Davido, Patoranking, Osayomore Joseph, Young Bolivia, among others, are expected to

perform at the party. Meanwhile, in Dutse, Jigawa State, it was celebrations galore yesterday night prior to the declaration of Buhari as elected president-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Youths in their hundreds took to major streets, playing with cars and motorcycles, singing and dancing in different colour, singing songs and praises. Addressing a press conference, a member to the General Buhari presidential organization, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, thanked Nigerians on their selfless sacrifice in casting their votes for Buhari.

ormer Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari over the party’s victory in the just concluded presidential election. He said the victory signposts a new beginning for Nigeria and Nigerians. “History has just been made in our dear country”, declared Fayemi who hailed Buhari’s victory over the incumbent President Goodluck

Jonathan as a victory for democracy and the Nigerian citizenry. Fayemi in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, said that going by the outcome of the election, Nigerians have demonstrated to the entire world their ability and readiness to tow the path of greatness and oneness. “Nigerians have spoken. They have spoken clearly through their votes."

Peterside hails Buhari overnorship candi- spiration because of his G date of the All Pro- exemplary character gressives Congress, APC and transparent disposiin Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, yesterday hailed General Muhammadu Buhari over his victory in the 2015 presidential election. Peterside, who also congratulated Nigerians for electing Buhari, called on the people to support the former head of state as he begins the process of rebuilding Nigeria. The APC candidate, who described Buhari as a great source of in-

tion, said the victory of the president-elect has indeed ushered Nigeria into a new dawn. “Nigeria is lucky to have a leader like Buhari at this critical point of our nationhood. To say that our country is at crossroads today is an understatement especially against the backdrop of our collective experience in almost all spheres of our national life in recent times."

Anambra agog over victory Tony Okafor AWKA

espite their 660, 762 votes against General Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential polls, Anambra State yesterday went agog the moment it became clear that the general had cruised to victory. Most of the inhabit-

ants, who glued to their television sets all through the announcements of the presidential poll results at public viewing centres spontaneously took to major streets chanting Sai Buhari and change. For them, the change had become inevitable in Nigeria, stressing that Buhari had shown demonstrable pedigree to turn around Nigeria.

...Also in Taraba Sabiu Mustapha JALINGO

esterday evening, jubilations rocked Jalingo, the capital city of Taraba State when the news started making rounds that General Mohammadu Buhari was the

winner of the Saturday's Presidential election. Tens of thousands of youths, including women and children, flooded streets carrying APC flags, placards, as well as Buhari's posters, chanting various songs rejoicing over his victory.

News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NATIONAL

Wamakko promises quality representation at the Senate

L-R: Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney; Group Chief Executive Officer, The Chair Centre Group, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and Managing Director, Eventful Limited, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus, at the Premier of B430 TV Series supported by FirstBank to promote creativity and enterprise in the entertainment industry in Lagos…recently.

Mass defection looms across states Donald Ojogo ABUJA

ollowing the victory of the presidential candidate of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential contest, strong indications have emerged that mass defection of leaders of the now opposition PDP is now looming across states in the country. States likely to be mostly affected by the planned move are Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Adamawa and Bauchi even as the defeated incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly

l As Jonathan shuns PDP leaders shunned a section of leaders of the party who went to the presidential villa to confer with him as results of some 'big states' trickled in. According to findings by the New Telegraph, notable leaders of the PDP, who felt shortchanged in the nomination process in the build up to the election had actually worked against the party in the presidential and National Assembly elections last Saturday to give victory to the APC. A top PDP source confided in our correspondent that such leaders have made known their readiness to formally join

the APC with the loss of the PDP at the centre. "This is politics and the high point of democracy is what you have seen now with the results that have been released so far. There is no doubt that the outcome of the election has shown that Nigerians want change and no one can stop them. "We have already conceded defeat by the results on ground; there is no basis to argue or ponder on small issues because from all indications, there was high wire conspiracy on the part of most Northern governors and out of anger, a sizeable number of

our leaders are already indicating that they will move to the APC. "As I am talking to you now, Ondo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Adamawa and Benue states are now on the verge of having all APC state legislatures and that is what we are currently battling to avoid now; we even attempted to have audience with the president on how to avoid such mass exodus and to also support our governorship and assembly candidates across the nation. Unfortunately, that could not hold, may be, because the president was not disposed to such a meeting" he said.

Lack of quorum stalls Senate sitting Chukwu David ABUJA

he Senate yesterday adjourned plenary to April 14, 2015, barely 10 minutes of sitting because the Chamber could not form quorum as required by the law guiding its legislative proceedings. Only about 12 senators were in the chambers when the lawmakers were supposed to resume legislative functions, after embarking on two-week break to enable members participate in the last Saturday's Presidential /National Assembly elections. Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma - Egba, said that the inability of the Senate to form quorum was not unconnected to the just concluded elections, where most members

contested and played prominent roles. He, however, said that the Senate would be in the mood to fully resume after the governorship and state assembly elections, which would be held on April 11. Before the adjournment, Ndoma-Egba said, “I have taken stock of senators seated in the chamber and I doubt if we have formed quorum. I call for adjournment till April 14 for members to participate in the governorship and state assembly elections and for the Easter break.” In his response before he ruled on the adjournment, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, who presided over the plenary, said, members would also seize the opportunity to watch the declaration of the election results on the

television. Mark said: “We are all glued to the TV at the moment; I think it is going to be difficult for us to form a quorum throughout this whole week. “In any case, because of the various political activities and the normal Easter break, I think it is only appropriate for us to resume on the first Tuesday after the governorship and state Assembly elections. "I think that is the basis on which the senate leader made the proposal for adjournment. " Ndoma-Egba, at the news briefing after plenary, advised Nigerians to be lawful in their conducts and refrain from taking laws into their hands. He said: "Election is a process; no matter the outcome, after the process, there will still be

further processes to be followed in accordance with the law." On the 2015 budget, he said that, under the constitution, the recurrent aspect of the budget of the previous year would still be in operation until June, hence the non passage of the 2015 budget would not create constitutional lacuna as the country. He declined comments on the alleged malfunctioning of the Smart Card Reader but noted that the senate would review the entire process when elections were fully concluded. According to him: "I think that there will be a review; it is only at that point that we will be dealing with statistics. For now, it is just a story, we don’t have the facts; we don’t have the full facts."

ov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, has promised to justify his election to represent Sokoto-Central senatorial district in the next Senate through quality representation that would be of immense benefit to all Nigerians. Wamakko, who was declared winner of the Sokoto-Central senatorial election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto yesterday. He also promised to pursue legislations that would ensure full utilisation of the nation’s abundant human and natural resources for the benefit of Nigerians. Wamakko said that vibrant and sound economic policies and programmes would strengthen the nation's unity for peace,

progress and political stability in the country. "We have all it takes to maintain our name as the giant of Africa through effective policies that would attract more foreign investors," he said. The senator-elect commended APC supporters in the state for voting massively for the party in the Presidential and National Assembly elections. He said that with effective legislations, the power sector would be revamped to facilitate massive industrialisation of the country. According to him, stable power supply and adequate security will attract more foreign investments for the country. Wamakko, however, advised politicians to accept election results in good faith in order to sustain the nation’s democracy.

Ogboru accuses PDP, INEC of connivance in election rigging Joe Obende WARRI

elta State gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of Labour Party, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, has alleged that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in connivance with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rigged the Delta Central Senatorial and House of Assembly elections. He said the rigging went on under the full glare of security agents in the senatorial and house of assembly elections. Ogboru expressed dismay that days after localised elections, results were still been collated because, according to him, the results did not emanate from the elections.

He alleged further that the ruling party had been altering results in areas where the LP won convincingly and turning in results in areas where elections did not hold at all, insisting that card readers and ballot papers should be interrogated before collation of results continued. "What is being collated at this point in time is not from the elections that took place on Saturday. When you collate results not backed by empirical materials, then you are collating rubbish. We are insisting that due process must be followed. They should produce all the materials to back this result up before they are announced. We are concerned with the Senatorial and House of Representatives elections. That is why we are here", he declared.

SDP disowns national scribe Ibraheem Musa KADUNA

he Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned its National Secretary, Dr.Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe for participating in the collation of presidential election results in Abuja when it does not have a presidential candidate. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr.Abdul Ahmed Isiaq, yesterday, the party said that no SDP officer was given

approval by the party to represent it at the presidential collation centre of INEC in Abuja. According to the statement: “The instruction given is for all party executives, including the National Secretary, to go to their respective states and help the party to win the electorate. The party does not allow any of its executive, especially the National Secretary to be an Abuja politician whose Permanent Voter Card(PVC) is not useful to the SDP in Abuja."

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

News

NATIONAL

AGF warns against post-election violence NO WAR

Attorney-General warns on dangers of electoral violence Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister

of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, warned Nigerians against any act capable of causing postelection violence in the country. Adoke stated this in Abuja at a valedictory court session held in honour of the Chief Judge, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ibrahim M. Bukar, who was retiring from the

services of the FCT judiciary, having attained the mandatory retirement age. The AGF said Nigerians ought to be enlightened on the dangers of electoral violence in view of the on-going electoral exercise going on in the country. While eulogising the retired Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, the Chief Law Officer of the

Federation said Justice Bukár has contributed in no small measure to the development of Nigeria’s justice system. According to him, Justice Bukar’s selfless service and commitment to justice is legendary, adding that the retired jury is a symbol of truth and integrity. Adoke also made case for the separation of the Office of the AGF from

the Office of the Minister of Justice, adding that the separation “is long overdue.” In his remarks, Justice Bukar thanked the AGF and FCT High Court Judges for ensuring that his visions for the Federal Capital Territory judiciary were positively realised. Justice Bukar, who was born on March 31, 1950 in Borno State,

was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, having graduated from the University of Maiduguri. He was appointed a judge of the FCT High Court in 1992 and became the head of the FCT judiciary in 2013. Justice Ishaq Bello, who spoke on behalf of other judges of the court, described Bukar as one of the brightest judicial talents in the judiciary.

Aliyu was reckless, says senator-elect Dan Atori MINNA

he All Progressives Congress (APC) senator-elect in Niger East, David Umaru, has lambasted the state governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, for his political recklessness, saying that the political tsunami in the state signals the end of his political career. Umaru yesterday told journalists at a press conference in Minna that he will not collect allowances when he assumes work at the upper chambers of the National Assembly. According to Umaru, “It was reckless for the governor to think he can continue to impose himself on the people. It is true that our people are suffering, but they cannot be fooled by the peanuts and crumbs from the man who has inflicted untold hardship on them. “The people of Niger East have delivered their verdict at the polls, I hope that Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu understands that this political tsunami signals the end of his political career. “I am going to the Senate to work and not to collect allowances. The lives of my people must be improved upon so that they can have a sense of belonging. Umaru, who defeated Governor Aliyu said “there will be no more opportunity for any political party to continue to steal the peoples mandate.” Appraising Governor Aliyu's eight years administration, Umaru said: “I will not hesitate to tell you that this administration is the worst in the history of the state since its creation in 1976. It has been characterised by ineptitude, incompetence, corruption and misappropriation of public funds and a very high level of impunity.

L-R: Country Leader, International Vaccine Access Centre, Dr. Chizoba Wonodi; Lead Health Economist, Dr. Banji Filani; Consultant, Pohad Associate Limited, Dr. Aisah Ahmed and Director, Advocacy and Communication, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Adamu Nuhu, during the inauguration of IVAC in Abuja…

Tension in Ondo as thugs attack APC supporters Babatope Okeowo AKURE

alpable tension gripped Idanre in Idanre Local Government area of Ondo State yesterday when some suspected political thugs attacked supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the town. A leader of the APC in the local government, Ade Adetimehin, alleged that suspected thugs,

sympathetic to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) began to attack a section of the Idanre community for voting for the APC presidential and other candidates in the federal elections held on Saturday. The situation led to anxiety in the community as there were fears of reprisals and escalation of the crisis. The Publicity Secretary of the APC, Abayomi Adesanya, also said their supporters were

also attacked and injured in some parts of Odigbo Local Government area of the state. He said the party had prevailed on their members not to retaliate, but to remain calm while the issues were being resolved by the appropriate authorities. But the PDP Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayodele Fadaka, said he was not aware of the matter and so would not be able to comment on it. A government told

Election results: Reps shun plenary Philip Nyam ABUJA

ot sure of the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, members of the House of Representatives yesterday failed to resume plenary. The House had adjourned plenary to concentrate on campaigns

and participate in the Presidential and National Assembly elections. They were due to reconvene on March 31. But when the House reopened yesterday, only 21 out of the 360 lawmakers showed up at the plenary. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, had to adjourn plenary till today because

21 lawmakers could not form the required quorum for a session. To form a quorum for plenary, it has to be one third of 360, which did not meet the requirement as prescribed by the House Standing Rules. Immediately the speaker adjour ned, members left the complex apparently to go and monitor the election results.

New Telegraph that Governor Olusegun Mimiko, on getting the information, called on the Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, who immediately dispatched his men to the area to forestall further breach of the peace. At the time of filing this report, officials of the state government were holding a crucial meeting with leaders of the political parties and the leaders of the communities affected in a bid

to douse the tension and resolve the issue. The Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the development, said there were some skirmishes at Idanre, but the situation had been brought under control. Ogodo, who was reluctant to give details of the incident, said: “Idanre is calm and peaceful right now. Our men were immediately drafted to the place and no one was injured and no life was lost.”

FG declares Easter public holidays Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he Federal Government, yesterday, declared April 3 and 6th as Public Holidays to mark this year's Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations. The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abubakar Magaji. The Minister, on behalf of Federal Government enjoined all Christians and Nigerians to extend the spiritual benefits of Easter celebrations which are love, peace, justice and kindness to their daily living. While wishing Nigerians happy celebrations, the minister urged them to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity across the country.

WEDNESDAY,APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro Mother caused fire which claimed own kids –Residents

The burnt building. Inset: The late Jinadu

WIDOW’S AGONY A woman who loses her husband and house to fire calls for assistance from government and kindhearted Nigerians Camillus Nnaji

he residents of Baale Street, Igbo-Efon, Lekki in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State have claimed that the fire which killed brother and sister

Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government yesterday distributed over 11,000 operating licences to taxi drivers, calling on all other cab operators to register their vehicles and key into the government’s policy.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

on Sunday was caused by the victims’ mother. Speaking with our correspondent yesterday, the residents said that the owner of the building, Hon Muyideen Jinadu, while attempting to fight the fire, also died. A resident said: “Honourable died while trying to save his tenants and his house from fire.” The fire was said to have started after the kids’ mother, who went with them to visit a family member in the compound. The woman and her children went to visit the relative who

had just delivered a baby. The kids’ mother went to the kitchen to switch on the gas cooker and it exploded. According to the resident, the nursing mother and her visitor ran out, leaving the two kids behind. Aside from the two kids and landlord who died, four other tenants are presently in different hospitals. The bodies of the kids were later recovered from under the bed where they took cover when the fire started. According to the residents, the mother of the kids had disappeared since then.

But one Mr Abago, residing at Sangotedo in Eti-Osa Local Government Area has been identified as the father of the two kids. NT Metro on March 30 reported that a four-year-old boy and his one-year-old sister died in a fire that gutter a bungalow at Igbo-Efon, Lekki. The brother to the owner of the house, Alhaji Babatunde Muyideen, said he woke up on Sunday to find that his brother’s home had been razed by fire. He said: “We are sad about my brother’s death. He was the head of our family. It was around 8am that I saw fire and

smoke coming out from one of the tenants’ kitchen. “The fire quickly spread to other apartments. We later discovered that the fire resulted from a cooking gas which the mother of the two children that died attempted to put on. “We never knew the children were in the compound. The mother of the children is nowhere to be found. She ran away after the fire outbreak. The woman who gave birth managed to escape the fire and was sitting in front of the mosque. The husband of the nursing mother also sustained injuries. He was among those rushed to the hospital. “It was in the process of trying to arrest the fire, that my brother got burnt. He died from complication resulting from the burns.” The house owner’s younger sister, Shakiratu Jinadu, said the family had been plunged into mourning. She said: “One of his four children, Wale, is in 300 Level in the university. The other three are also in school. Aside from the property that was razed down, my brother’s kids lost their school certificates and other vital documents.” The grieving widow, Mrs Kikelomo Jinadu, is presently squatting after losing her home and husband. She said: “We have no roof to cover our heads. The same clothes we had on since Sunday are what we are still wearing. “Our kids will soon start going back to school, we need help from anybody. We need help from the Eti-Osa Local Government and the state government too because my husband worked for the state as a politician and Nigeria as a police officer.”

Lagos distributes operating licences to taxi drivers Speaking while distributing the licences, the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said Lagosians would now enjoy commuting by taxi within the state. The commissioner said that the operators would also earn more income with the use of licence, which would appreciate over time. Opeifa, who said that Lagos State, as the economic hub of the nation, had not effectively explored the potential of taxi operation, added that the sector

worth about N27 billion He said: “We did a survey in Lagos and found out that taxi business in Lagos is worth over N27 billion. “However, we did not see anybody coming out to tell us that he is a multi-millionaire. With this system, they will have ability to re-fleet; they will have ability to operate as a corporate entity. They will have the ability to even employ more people. They will also have opportunity to enjoy so many programmes such as maintenance yard and

loans. “The vehicles licence we are giving them is like asset. If they need to re-fleet their buses, even to get loan to complete or build their houses (they can use the licence) as collateral because the licence is valuable. “Right now, it is given to them free of charge but over a period of time it will be valuable. “In the city of New York, taxi driver licence is worth over $900,000 to about $1.2 million. So, if you have a taxi licence, you have an asset worth about

a million dollars.” The commissioner added that with the new system, there would be sanity in the operation of taxi in the state as business would become more regulated. He said: “With the issuance of this licence, there is no room for anyone to operate unregistered commercial cab because all of them registered. With the licence, those who use the taxi will now see taxis that are clean and better managed because the owners are making wealth to take care of the taxi.”

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY,APRIL 1, 2015

Explosion kills fuel seller’s children Juliana Francis

wo siblings, one of them a polytechnic student, have lost their lives to fuel explosion at Agegunle area of Lagos State. Their mother, who was affected in the explosion, was rushed to the hospital. The residents said that the woman’s husband immediately suffered stroke when he got the news about his wife and two children. According to some of the residents, the mother fondly called Mama Kehinde, used to sell fuel in jerry-cans in a shanty were they live at Olowojuenjeje Street. But on the day of the incident at the weekend, a lady was cooking close to where the woman sells fuel. The heat from the stove caused the fire. Flames engulfed

Mama Kehinde, her two children as well as the woman cooking. The fire gutted the shanty and burnt the two children to death. One of the children, identified as Kehinde, was a polytechnic undergraduate. A resident, Juliana Mmaduako, explained that Mama Kehinde was well known in the area for buying fuel in gallons, which she would later resell. He said: “Mama Kehinde’s shanty was gutted by the fire and it killed her two children. The fire affected Mama Kehinde. She was rushed to the hospital. “The father of the children suffered stroke when he heard of the accident. I wept like other people when we saw what happened. The woman who was cooking was also rushed to the hospital.”

Port Harcourt

File picture of fire in a shanty community

The suspects

ASABA

en of the Anti-Robbery Patrol team from ‘B’ Division Warri, Delta State, yesterday swooped on a gang of armed robbers and arrested two. The detectives raced to

the scene after their patrol team received a tip-off that the gang had started operating on Olomu Street, Warri. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu, disclosed this at the command headquarters in Asaba yes-

One injured, vehicles damaged in tanker explosion Emmanuel Masha

Two in police net for robbery

Dominic Adewole

City Briefs

terday. She said: “They met the robbers in action and arrested one Josiah Apoi of Iyara Street, Warri while others escaped.” According to her, the suspect confessed to the crime and took the patrol team to their hideout,

where one other gang member, Oghenochuko Lucky, was also arrested. She added: “Upon search, two locally-made pistols and three cartridges were recovered.” Kalu said investigation and effort to track down other members had been intensified. According to her, the patrol team from Effurun Division received information that some hoodlums operating with Volkswagen Vento car were chasing one unidentified man after withdrawing money. She said: “On receipt of the information, men of the AntiCrime Patrol team who were already on stop-and-search duty along the road sighted and pursued the hoodlums who saw the team and subsequently abandoned their vehicle and escaped.” The PPRO listed the items recovered to include one cut-tosize double-barrelled gun with 13 live cartridges, one singlebarrelled gun, five expended cartridges, number plate AR 237 WWR and one Volkswagen Vento car without registration number. “Efforts are on to track down the fleeing suspects,” Kalu added.

tanker explosion near a popular hotel in Port Harcourt yesterday destroyed nine vehicles, and caused panic among motorists and commuters in the area. The tanker had fallen on its side and spilled its content into the drainage before it went up in flames. It was shortly after the driver, who sustained injury and his conductor were pulled out of the vehicle by Good Samaritans that a big explosion occurred. The whole place went up in flames. Attempts by several passers-by to douse the raging fire were unsuccessful as it burnt for almost two hours, before it was put off by a team of firefighters from the state, who were later joined by their counterparts from the oil giant, Agip. They were assisted by passers-by. There were eruptions from the ground, which affected more than 10 buildings around the scene, making their inhabitants to flee.

Human trafficker bags 30 years’ imprisonment Juliana Francis

30-year-old lady has been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for human trafficking. The convict, Nneka Ebelechukwu alias Ada, was charged to the Federal High Court in Abuja by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP). Ebelechukwu was sentenced to an aggregate of 30 years imprisonment for organising foreign trips for young girls and subsequently subjecting them to prostitution which is an offence punishable under Section 16 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003, as Amended. She was charged on a three-count of organising foreign travels which promote prostitution. The convict was arraigned in court on June 9, 2013. According to the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, the prison term of 30 years is to run concurrently without any option of fine. Delivering the judgment, Ademola condemned the act in strict terms and also called on parents to desist from handing their children over to human traffickers for greener pastures and consider offers to assist, with a pinch of salt.

Nigerian dupes 70-year-old Internet lover of N3m Juliana Francis

Chidiebere

Nigerian, Sunday Onyena Chidiebere, has allegedly defrauded his 70-year-old internet lover of 14,250 euro (about N3,063,750). The 27-year-old suspect was arrested by the operatives of the allegedly defrauded a 70-year-old, to the tune of 14,250. The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on March 26 for duping the victim, a German named Marie. The Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said that the suspect, a promoter and event manager based in Abuja, was alleged to have met the victim on one of the social media platforms in 2011 and developed a relationship with her. He said: “In the course of the relationship, Chidiebere start-

ed making demands for cash from the German for different reasons, especially money for processing visa to enable him visit her in Germany. The victim, on several occasions, sent money to Chidiebere to meet his demands. After an endless wait, it dawned on the victim that she had been scammed, hence her petition to the EFCC.” Uwujaren added that the suspect would soon be arraigned in court.

News

Buhari: Banks close early as Hausa communities jubilate Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

n anticipation of a probable breakdown of law and order after the declaration of the winner of the presidential election, commercial banks in some parts of Oyo State, especially, Ibadan, yesterday shut their doors to customers at 1.p.m, leaving many customers who wanted to transact business in the banks stranded. According to New Telegraph’s checks, banks mostly affected were those

not too far from the Hausa community like, Sabo. It was gathered that most of the banks had ordered closure of services to customers at 1pm, starting from March 30. An official of a bank, who craved anonymity, said that the early closure was sequel to a directive from their headquarters in Lagos, which might not be unconnected with the fear of a possible postelection violence. One of the commercial banks located at the Mokola area of the metropolis, pasted the notice on its gate, reading: “Dear

esteemed customers, we are pleased to inform you that our operations would end at 1pm daily, starting from Monday, March 30, until further notice”. Many private companies, especially those with foreign affiliation across the metropolis had also closed shop in anticipation of possible outbreak of violence after the presidential election result would have been announced. Though in very courteous manner, many residents of Sabo around Mokola in Ibadan believed to be Hausa, were in celebra-

tion mood as at 5.p.m, following the announcement on the television and radio stations that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari, was ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party. A resident of Sabo, Kabiru Yayo, who spoke with New Telegraph said, “people here are jubilatiing over the results being announced by the INEC. They are happy that Buhari, would emerge winner, even though final results have not been announced”.

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa and Mrs. Abiola Atanda, during the presentation of Award of the Best South West Governor of the Year 2014 to the governor at the 18th City People Awards of Excellence in Lagos.

Osun PDP senatorial candidate vows contest defeat Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

he Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) candidate for the Osun East senatorial district, Prince Francis Fadahunsi, yesterday described the result announced by Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), as unacceptable, threatening to challenge the outcome at the election petition tribunal. Fadahunsi, who stated that he won the election, argued that the victory given to incumbent senator representing the district, Babajide Omoworare, by the INEC was a denial of his electoral success.

“I express my gratitude to members and supporters of the PDP across the state for their support despite the harsh environment in which the poll was conducted, but I am assuring you that i will challenge the result of the poll through legal and peaceful means.” “You should not be discouraged, but be more con-

fident and optimistic that the stolen mandate will be re-claimed. I know you have voted for me massively and will not disappoint you to get the stolen victory back from omoworare”. “Before the outcome of the tribunal where I will be heading to, I assure you that activities of the Fadahunsi Foundation would continue to cater for people’s welfare while scholarship and employment placements would not stop, despite the result declared.”

Re-elected lawmaker ascribes victory to commitment Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

re-elected member of the National Assembly, Hon Segun Dokun Odebunmi, yesterday commended the people of Ogo Oluwa/ Surulere federal constituency in Oyo state for their support which resulted in success in last Saturday’s election. Odebumi who was re-

WEDNESDAY,APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the people of his constituency deserve commendation for re- affirming the confidence reposed in him with their votes during the election. The lawmaker, defeated candidates of other parties, which include the Labour Party, the All Progressives Congress and the Accord Party with 12,418 votes.

He said, “My re-election was a demonstration of passion and love which I enjoyed from my people and I will continue to ensure adequate representation and prompt delivery of dividends of democracy to the people”. While urging the people to vote for the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin and State House of Assembly members in the April 11 election,

Odebunmi said, “Teslim Folarin is an experienced and exposed leader who would do everything to move Oyo State away from its present state. “It is obvious people are not happy with the present administration and there was need to elect an experienced person like the former senate leader, to use his wealth of experience for effective administration and good governance”.

INEC raises concern over voided votes Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday expressed worry over increasing rate of rejected votes as recorded in the last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. Ekiti State Public Relations Officer (PRO) of INEC, Taiwo Gbadegesin, said the figure of votes that were invalided across the country, especially in Ekiti State, called for concern. This came, just as INEC assured Nigerians that the on-going counting and gradual release of the Presidential/National Assembly results did not in any way affect the preparations for the April 11 governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections. “Virtually all state offices, including Ekiti are done with Presidential/ National Assembly polls since reports of the outcome of the last exercise had already been submitted to Abuja, and have, unknown to many Nigerians shifted attention to intense preparations for the last lap of the exercise on April 11”, he said. It would be recalled that

a total of 10,118 votes were rejected during the last year’s governorship election in the state, and that the commission lamented that it had expected that there would be an improvement in the 2015 general elections. He expressed regrets that rather than improve, the situation got worsened in last Saturday’s poll, as several thousands of votes were again cast wrongly by voters despite weeks of mobilisation and sensitisation of voters by INEC, NOA and other agencies of government. Gbadegesin said there was no basis for anyone to queue under rain or scorching sun for several hours for accreditation and voting, only for such voter not to have his vote counted at the end of the day as a result of error in thumb-printing. The INEC PRO, called on all political parties and their candidates to compliment efforts of the commission by providing needed and timely voter education for their supporters in order to reduce the growing incidences of voided votes. He said such voter education should be largely concentrated on the semi-illiterate as well as old people who live in the rural areas.

I will work across party lines in Lagos, says Ashafa Muritala Ayinla

enator-elect in the Lagos East senatorial district, Gbenga Ashafa, has promised to work across party lines in the interest of his constituency and entire people of Lagos. Ashafa, who polled 181,221 votes to beat his closest rival, Mrs. Olabisi SalisFakos of the People’s Democratic Party, who polled 126,350 votes, said in voting him, all electorate were focused on common interest of good life and standard of living, irrespective of political affiliations. The incumbent senator said he considered it an opportunity to be re-elected to serve them better for another four years by the majority. Ashafa, however, congratulated his major contender, Owolabi Salis-Fakos, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other five contestants. He said, “Our democracy knows no vanquish; we were all responsible for making it work. The lesson for us all is that the electorate have become more assertive and should not

be taken for granted any longer. “They want us to move past political bickerings. They want us to get out of our political gridlock and they want us to make sure to get the job done and actually lead,” he said. He assured that he would do everything possible to improve the lots of his constituents. “In this coming Eighth Senate, I will work across party lines to make sure that we get our country’s problems fixed. That is going to require us to monitor the budget closely in these times of austerity. To further commit to a more flexible and workable transportation policy so we can fix our roads, and other infrastructure. “To make sure that we reform grey areas in our tax system so that companies can actually get the incentives they deserve and bring their jobs back home rather than sending them abroad. To make sure that young people are not crushed by the weight of unemployment, lack of power supply and adequate security,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015

Re-election

Reporter’s Diary

General elections

Promises

42, 43

The unfinished Presidency

Kano for Buhari amidst peaceful poll

Don’t declare fake results in Abia North, Ohanaeze warns INEC

Buhari: I’ll tackle corruption, insecurity, job creation, power

Politics FELIX NWANERI profiles the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, who is returning to the seat he vacated three decades ago after four attempts

Buhari: Man of history be tied to the constitution of the APC. If the party chooses me as its candidate, I will contest. If the members do not consider me, I will not contest but I will still support the party. My decision to run for 2015 will solely be that of the party,” he said.

ormer Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari made history yesterday, when he was declared winner of the March 28 presidential election to make a comeback to the seat he vacated over three decades ago. The victory was after three attempts by the Katsina State-born retired Army General to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been in power since 1999, and reminds one of President Abraham Lincoln of the United States, who was very dogged in pursuing his political aspiration and enriched the contents of democracy in America. Buhari’s first attempt to return to power after his regime was toppled in 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida was in 2003 on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), but was defeated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was back in 2007, also on the platform of the ANPP, but was defeated by late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who hailed from the same state, Katsina, with him. His party made a mockery of his suit against Yar’Adua’s victory when it joined the PDP-led Government of National Unity (GNU) and its National Chairman, late Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke negotiating a position for his son. In March 2010, he left the ANPP to form the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). It was under this platform that he contested the 2011 presidential election against President Jonathan, scoring 12.2 million votes against Jonathan’s 22.4 million. Though the CPC platform was formed less than six months to the election and Buhari campaign never extended beyond the North due to weak financial strength, he still won in 12 out of the 19 northern states of Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi,

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Road to Presidency Buhari’s aspiration received the endorsement of his party delegates at the APC National Convention in Lagos between November 10 and 11, 2014. He defeated four other aspirants – former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha and the publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah to clinch the ticket. The former military leader polled 4,430 votes to beat Kwankwaso to the second position. The Kano State governor had 974 votes. Shockingly, Atiku, who many had thought would give Buhari a good run came a distant third with 954 votes, while Okorocha came fourth with 624 votes. Nda-Isaiah, a new comer to the race had 10 votes. It was after the APC convention that the battle line for the 2015 presidency was drawn between President Jonathan and Buhari, who in his acceptance speech, said he would evolve a five-point agenda that will engender constitutional governance, improve security, poverty eradication through job creation as well as end ethnic, tribal and religious bigotry.

Buhari... the president-elect

This campaign is the third and last one for me since after it I will not present myself again for election into the office of the president

I am still in active politics until the polity is sanitised and people enjoy the fruits of democracy at all levels of government

2011

2013

Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara. The intrigues and power play which characterised the election, especially the collapse of an alliance between the CPC and the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), forced him to declare at the eve of the presidential poll that he will not seek any elective office again. “This campaign is the third and last one for me since after it I will not present myself again for election into the office of the president,” Buhari said. He however made a detour in 2013, predicating his action on the need to sanitise the polity, and deliverance of democracy dividends. “I am still in active politics until the polity is sanitised and people enjoy the fruits of democracy at all levels of government.” The U-turn initially ruffled some

elements in the opposition camp but the picture became clearer after the formalisation of the merger of leading opposition parties – Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), CPC, ANPP and registration of the APC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on July 31, 2013. Some had insisted that part of the deal during the merger of the opposition parties was that Buhari and a former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would not contest the presidency. Both were the arrowheads of the merger deal. But members of Buhari’s camp insisted that nobody can stop him from testing his popularity in the 2015 elections. Buhari later resolved the issue, but not without a caveat. “My decision will

Intriguing battle over VP ticket After securing his party’s ticket, the next hurdle was that of picking his running mate. But at the end of an intriguing political game which nearly took the shine off the party’s national convention, Buhari opted for Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Osinbajo, who hails from Ogun State, is a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He is also a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He pastors at Olive Tree House of Prayer for All Nations Parish, Banana Island, Lagos. Explaining his choice, Buhari said he picked a man of unquestionable character, a professional and an intellectual, whom he believed would discharge the duties expected of him with utmost diligence. His words: “The challenging process of rescuing our country and changing Nigeria for good has commenced. One of the first decisions that I have to make is the choice of the vice-presidential candidate and my running mate. “To assist me in this great task of securing Nigeria’s future, I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity. He is CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUHARI’S MARCH TO VICTORY IN PICTURES

L-R: Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Major General Muhammadu Buhari receiving the symbol of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after his emergence as the presidential candidate of the party in Lagos.

L-R: Director-General APC Presidential Campaign Council and Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; APC governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar; Buhari and his running mate, Osinbajo in Bauchi

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and APC presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari at APC presidential rally in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (middle) flanked by APC leaders when the APC presidential campaign team visited the former president in Abeokuta

L-R: Odigie-Oyegun, Osibajo, Amaechi, Buhari, Fashola and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, at Lagos State Government’s 2015 Annual Thanksgiving Service in Ikeja.

L-R: Amaechi; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Buhari; at a meeting of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja

Fourth time lucky! C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

an excellent professional, a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow countrymen and women. “He is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics, a prodigious author who has to his credit several books on civil procedure in Nigerian superior courts. The vice-presidential candidate is a friend of the less-privileged, compassionate and zealous in service, a man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot.” The campaigns No doubt, Buhari suffered three consecutive defeats in the hands of PDP presidential candidates in the last three

general elections including President Jonathan (2011), but the dynamism he and his party leadership introduced to the presidential campaign saw him extending his campaign beyond the northern part of the country where he hails from, perhaps for the first time since 2003. He rarely campaigned outside his North-West home zone in the previous polls, apparently due to paucity of funds. The reason for the boost is not farfetched. The coming together of the various opposition parties and defection of some members of the ruling party, particularly five of its governors to the APC offered Buhari, not only a broader platform but resources to campaign across the country. Little wonder his campaign train which took off in Port Harcourt, Riv-

ers State on January 6, was able to criss-cross 35 out of the 36 states in the country and the Federal Capital Territory except Yobe. Buhari equally added colour to the rallies. He appeared in the traditional attires of the respective states he visited apparently to prove that he is at home with the locals. The man Buhari Buhari needs little introduction. Undeniably, his name not only rings a deafening bell across the land, he is admired by many for his uprightness and stand against corruption. This may not be unconnected to the fact that the moral revolution and war against indiscipline introduced by his regime (1983-1985) had remained a national phenomenon and reference point,

even decades after he left office. Though military governments were aberration at the time he and late Brig. General Tunde Idiagbon sacked the then government of President Shehu Shagari; history has been fair to him for the high level of discipline and patriotism, which he exhibited in leading the nation. His government was revered for its ability to keep the country afloat by making progress through sheer economic ingenuity even when it rejected the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan; refused to devalue the nation’s currency – Naira; curbed imports of needless goods; curtailed oil theft and used a counter trade policy to barter seized illegally bunkered crude oil for needful goods like machineries. Unrepentant disciplinarian Till date, Buhari is yet to allow his anti-corruption posture to die. At the time he took over power from Shagari, the country was neck deep in austerity and political instability. But it is on record that his administration reduced the

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015

BUHARI’S MARCH TO VICTORY IN PICTURES

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; former South African President, Thabo Mbeki and Buhari, during Mbeki’s visit to the president-elect in Kaduna

L-R: Akande, Buhari, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida; Tinubu and APC governorship candidate in Kastina State, Aminu Masari, during APC leaders’ visit to Babangida in Minna.

L-R: Osinbajo; a member of House of Representatives, Hon. West Idahosa, Buhari and Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole at APC rally in Edo State

L-R: Tinubu, Buhari, Miss Eniola Benson who donated N10,000 to Buhari, APC governorship candidate in Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Fashola, at a Town Hall meeting in Lagos.

L-R: Imo State governor, Mr. Rochas Okorocha; Osinbanjo; Buhari; Senator Chris Ngige; National Deputy Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni and Odigie-Oyegun, at a rally in Owerri, Imo State

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Odigie-Oyegun, Osinbajo and Buhari at APC presidential rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers

Success, after three failed attempts inflation rate from 23 per cent to four per cent within two years, by fiscal discipline and a home-grown economic team. He also introduced the well accepted and lauded “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI) to check the anomalies in the public life of Nigerians. His administrative style and transparency was also lauded by many Nigerians when he headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). The agency (though scrapped) is still being credited for impacting on the lives of Nigerians through implementation of several developmental projects. Long road to fame No doubt, Buhari enjoys huge popularity, but the fame did not come that easy. Born in Daura, Katsina State, on December 17, 1942, he had his primary education in Daura and Mai’adua, 1948-1952; Katsina Model School, 1953

and Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College Katsina) 1956-1961. He joined the then Nigerian Military Training School, Kaduna in 1963 and also attended Officer’s Cadet School in Aldershot (United Kingdom), October 1963. In 1964, he was at the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna for Platoon Commanders’ Course and later attended Mechanical Transport Officer’s Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden (United Kingdom), 1965. He also studied at the Defence Services’ Staff College, Wellington (India), 1973 and the United States Army War College, 1979-1980. He first came to limelight following his appointment as governor of the then newly created North East State during late General Murtala Mohammed’s regime and later to national focus in 1975, when he was appointed

by the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo as Minister (then Federal Commissioner) for Petroleum and Natural Resources. He later became the first chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at its creation in 1977. Among the several positions he held during his military career include Platoon Commander, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 1963-1964; Mechanical Transport Officer, Lagos Garrison, 1964-1965; Transport Company Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1965-1966; Battalion Adjutant/Commander, 2nd Infantry Division, 1967-1968 and Brigade Major, 2nd sector, 1st Infantry Division, 1967; Others are Brigade Major, 3rd Infantry Division, 1967-1968; Acting Commander, 4th Sector, 1st Division, 1968-1970; Commander, 31st Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, 19701971; Assistant Adjutant-General, 1st

Infantry Division Headquarters, 19711972; Colonel, General Staff, 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters, 1974. He was also Acting Director Supply and Transport, Nigerian Army Corps, Headquarters, 1974-1975; Military Secretary, Army Headquarters, 1978 – 1979; Member, Supreme Military Council, 1978-1979; General Officer Commanding, 4th Infantry Division, 1980-1981; General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armoured Division, 1981-1983; Executive Chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), 1995-1999. Buhari has received several awards and medals including, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR); Defence Service Medal (DSM); National Service Medal (NSM); General Service Medal (GSM) Loyal Service and Good Conduct Medal (LSGCM); Forces Service Star (FSS) and the Congo Medal (CM) among others.

16 Politics

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

The unfinished presidency

enerally, Nigerians are reluctant to fire their president but last Saturday, the cards fell from the pack for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan as he was defeated by Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though President Jonathan’s defeat may be the first in Nigeria, he is however not the first incumbent to lose in other parts of the world. Mathieu Kérékou After seizing power in a military coup in 1972, Kerekou amassed 29 years as ruler of Benin Republic. He converted first his military dictatorship into a one-party Leninist-Marxist state in 1975, but he was stripped of his powers by the National Conference of 1990. He became the first incumbent in post-colonial Francophone Africa that lost an election after losing the multi-party elections in 1991 obtaining only about 32 per cent of votes in the second round against Prime Minister Soglo. After losing the election in 1991, Kérékou left the political scene and “withdrew to total silence”, another move that was interpreted as penitential. He returned to the presidency in the 1996 election and got controversially re-elected in 2001. Banda’s defeat After his boss, Mwanawasa suffered a stroke while attending an African Union in Egypt on June 29, 2008, Rupiah Banda became acting President after Mwanawasa died from the ailment, Banda rose to become the president of Zambia. Banda, who is the presidential candidate for the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) in the 2011 election was defeated by Michael Sata of the opposition Patriotic Front, ending Banda’s three-year presidency. Joyce Banda Banda took office as president following the sudden death of President Bingu Mutharika who was Malawi’s fourth president and its first female president. Before becoming president, she served as the country’s first female vice-president. In 2014, Forbes named President Banda as the 40th most powerful woman in the world and the most powerful woman in Africa. In May 2014, Banda was heavily defeated in the presidential election. She also failed in an attempt to nullify the election. After the swearing-in of the winner, Peter Muthirika (brother to her former adversary the late President Bingu Mwatharike) she offered him her congratulations. Laurent Gbagbo Gbagbo was the president of Cote d’ Ivoire from 2000 until he was arrested in 2011. In 2010, Côte d’Ivoire had a presidential election that saw Gbagbo face off with Alassane Ouattara. Gbagbo, whose mandate had expired in

The task of unseating an incumbent president is daunting. In fact, it was unthinkable to say the least. The victory of the president-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set a new tone of record in the political annals of the country. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE chronicles some previous sitting presidents who lost their re-election bid the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1990; affirmative action, the Clean Air Act. These decisions offended conservative activists. Many decided they’d rather have Republicans lose the Presidency than be forced into defending policies of the “eastern liberal establishment.” His soaring Gulf War popularity led him to believe the public would forgive and forget the tax increase but the voters were wise and it backfired. The election results were devastating for Republicans. Bush received only 37.4 per cent of the vote against 43 per cent for Clinton. In the Electoral College it was 370 (32 states) for Clinton and 168 (18 states) for Bush.

Kérékou

Banda

Gbagbo

Carter

2005, had delayed the election several times. On November 28, 2010, the second round of the presidential election was held. Four days later the Ivorian Election Commission (CEI) declared Ouattara the winner with 54.1 per cent of the vote. Gbagbo’s party complained of fraud and ordered that votes from nine regions be annulled, but the claims were disputed by the Ivorian Electoral Commission and international election observers. With a significant portion of the country’s vote nullified, especially in areas where Ouattara polled well, tensions mounted in the country. Gbagbo ordered the army to close the borders and foreign news organisations were banned from broadcasting from within the country. On April 10, 2011, UN and French helicopters fired on heavy weapons located in Gbagbo’s residency in order to prevent attacks on civilians or UN personnel. It was reported that Gbagbo was arrested on the afternoon of April 11, 2011.

George Bush Democrat Bill Clinton was elected the 42nd President of the United States breaking a 12-year Republican hold on the White House and ending President George Bush’s second term bid. The case was a bit unique perhaps in that Bush was one of the very rare examples of an incumbent vice-president being nominated and elected to succeed the president he had served for two consecutive terms. Clinton shattered the Republicans’ political base with a promise of change to an electorate clearly discontented with President Bush. The bottom line in the election was that the Republican Party needed to be out of office to regroup and rethink, to create a vision and a real hunger to govern again. Bush was 65 years old, he had held national elective office for 12 years, and his team was intellectually stale if not exhausted. He tried to steer a middle ground – he supported

Jimmy Carter Jimmy Carter’s defeat to Ronald Reagan in 1980 as the president of United States was traditional as it became evident within 90 minutes of the first counts that the coalition on which Carter had counted for his re-election had crumbled all over the country. The President was reported to have burst into tears as he returned to Washington on board Air Force One. He was told by his staff that “it was all over.” Carter was reportedly ready to concede victory to his opponent by 1.30 a.m. but was persuaded to wait a little longer by his press secretary, Mr. Jody Powell. With the ravaging Reagan’s strengths and all the problems Carter was facing, it was only a matter of time for the US President. The economy was in bad shape, with inflation and interest rates climbing at alarming rates. Tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union were high in the wake of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, which had forced Carter to table one of his hardestwon achievements; the SALT II arms control agreement. The president had even been forced to fight for control of his own party. Gerald Ford On November 2, 1976, Jimmy Carter defeated the Republican incumbent Gerald R. Ford, becoming the first United States president from the Deep South since the Civil War. Carter, a Democrat and former Georgia governor who had served just one term, and a peanut farmer from a small town, was an unlikely candidate. It was reported that his aspiration to become president was initially “dismissed as an absurdity by the elders of his party.” The election was close. Carter swept the South and won narrow victories in northern states like New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, enough to give him 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240.

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015

Kano for Buhari amidst peaceful poll Philip Nyam

hen I set out from Abuja to Kano for the general elections, I was filled with trepidations. I have visited Kano a couple of times but never covered elections there. Friends, colleagues and family members who got to know I was enroute the ancient city to cover elections were very apprehensive. Why Kano? You were supposed to go to Benue, why Kano? Kano is a flash point, be careful? Kano is not safe o! Be on the watch out! These were some of the fears expressed by well-wishers. My wife was equally disturbed but offered her prayers: God will take you safely and back. She bid me farewell. There is no doubt that an average Kano resident is very enlightened and conscious of his electoral rights- whether literate or illiterate. I would say they are highly sophisticated. Hence, the atmosphere in the city of commerce was charged. As one approached the state capital from Abuja via Zaria road 40 kilometres away, giant billboards and posters of the leading presidential candidates: President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP and General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC compete for space on both sides of the express way. The climate a bit hazy with harmattan wind still in the air. But on entering the city, it becomes glaring that Buhari is a cult figure amongst the people especially the Talakawas. At every turn, as they sight one adorning INEC accreditation card or jacket, they greet you with the chant of “Sai Buhari! Sai Baba! Chanji dole! (Change is inevitable). However, the PDP has its own followers too, who are keen supporters of the former governor and now Education Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Foreign Affairs Minister, Aminu Wali. Interestingly, candidates for other political parties such as Accord and PDM had posters bearing their pictures alongside that of General Buhari. Election eve On Friday, the eve of the elections, the electorate were seen gathered in groups at various locations discussing the elections. Even though campaign had offi-

cially ended, some of them hung around houses of the key political figures in the state such as Shekarau, former governor Kabiru Gaya, Senate Whip, Senator Bello Gwarzo, Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Suleiman Kawu and many others. Relocation My first point of call on the morning of election (Saturday) was the Government House. On getting there, the polling booth was moved to the headquarters of the State History Culture Bureau at Angwan Hausa. The security men had a busy time redirecting voters to the new location. Although, most of the voters were unhappy with the development, they never gave up and moved enmasse to Angwan Hausa to get accredited and vote. Card Reader As it was experienced across the country, Kano was not an exception as in most polling units the complaints of Card Reader failure were rife. The Incidence Form was on hand to save the situation. But at Ansaruddeen Primary School, Sabon Gari, precisely Polling Unit 019, there was no accreditation up till about 2p.m. as the Card Reader failed and there were no Incidence Forms to issue to the enthusiastic voters.

Just as his supporters cheered him as he raised his hand to make a victory sign, those sympathetic to the APC chanted: “bama yi”, meaning: “we are not for you

Turn out The turnout was massive in most areas. As early as 8a.m., voters had started trooping out to their polling units. Both male and

females came out in great numbers to exercise their franchise. Also, cases of underage voters were hardly noticed in Kano. However, the turnout at SabonGari area was not impressive. Upon investigation, it was gathered that most of the inhabitants had relocated to their states of origin for fear of the unknown. Sabon Gari is the part of the city inhabited predominantly by nonindigenes. For example, at Government Secondary School, Maikwatashi at Sabon Gari, some of the INEC officials were sleeping when we visited the polling units at about 12 noon as the few voters who came had been accredited and were waiting to vote. Cheers and jeer Even at polling booths, the fanatical supporters could not hide their feelings as they either cheer or jeer key actors who came to vote. The governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, was received very loudly with the shouts of “Kwankasiya” at his Malamai ward just as the Minister of Education, Shekarau, received a rousing welcome in his Giginyu ward, where he had gone to get accredited and vote. But just as his supporters cheered him as he raised his hand to make a victory sign, those sympathetic to the APC chanted: “bama yi”, meaning: “we are not for you.” As he made his way out of the Polling Unit, Shekarau’s car was pelted with sachets of water.. Senator Garba Lado (PDP, Kano Central), Kwankwaso’s opponent, was booed and jeered at his ward. The senator who arrived the ward

Supporters of APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari gesture in front of his election posters in Kano

PHILIP Nyam

half way after accreditation had commenced attempted to get past a queue of voters. But he was not allowed. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Agriculture, Hajiya Baraka S. Sani was not only jeered at but was harassed. The youth in her Fagge ward prevented her from voting and in the confusion that ensued, one of her aide’s was injured. In fact, she was ferried out of the location as the boys were ready to descend on her. Orderliness Apart from the harassment of Hajiya Sani and Senator Lado, there was no serious incidence of breakdown of law and order as everywhere was calm and peaceful. Even in areas where voters experienced difficulties with the card readers, they did not take laws into their hands but were very enthusiastic to cast their votes. The streets and major roads were deserted. No shop opened for business as only a few “Mai shai” (Tea sellers) were seen in some locations offering skeletal services by attending to security men and electorate. Also hawkers of snacks and drinks were spotted around some of the polling units. There was no complaint of snatching of ballot boxes or invasion of polling units by thugs. The security personnel who were stationed at every turn of the city and all polling units were virtually on holiday as residents conducted themselves properly. Even as the results started trickling in, there was no violence as the celebrations went on. Non-availability of materials Although, majority of the areas received election materials on time, some areas visited such as Bachirawa in Fagge Local Government Area, ballot boxes for Senatorial election were not available. Also in Rogo local government area, there were allegations that election materials were not supplied. Against all odds, the elections in Kano were very peaceful. Buhari polled 1.9 million votes

When card readers failed Kwara farmers cials. There were many old people who came out too, most of them saying they were interested in seeing the election of a new leader for the country. Oyeleye Abiodun

Turnout unusually large, even of old people The turnout in the election was just too high. Having covered previous elections in Kwara State and elsewhere, the way and manner people responded to this one was outstanding. Some of them told me at Sango area they were at the polling unit as early as 6.30a.m. waiting for INEC offi-

Prayers...even among journalists This was the first time I would witness this. Perhaps due to the pre-election anxiety about safety, most us of gathered at a point in Muritala Road and prayed for safety before dispersing to various points for the coverage. Don’t blame us, during the primaries of the PDP in the state, one of us was beaten mercilessly and yours truly had to be smuggled into one of the ante rooms of the NUJ sec-

retariat during a news conference when some hoodlums threatened to deal with me for pleading with them not to molest a female colleague. And if you were there at Isapa and saw what I saw, you will understand the need for prayers for journalists who have no weapon of defence except their working tools. And thank God, there was no evil report throughout the election. INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

New baby, Buhari or Jonathan? It was during prayers we learnt one of us had just been blessed with a bouncing baby boy, earlier that day! That was good news but it soon became a point

of argument: what name should the parent call the baby? Some people said if Buhari wins, the baby should be named after him, others argued there was no need dilly dallying, the baby should be called Jonathan even if the sitting president loses; it would be a commemoration of his reign. Since the parents are Christians, some of us with the wisdom of elders, counselled the man to name the boy Jobu, combining the first two letters of the two presidential canCONTINUED ON PAGE 40

MORE STORIES ON pageS 40-43

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion 10-point agenda for next president Pade Olapoju Me no want no cake (Just) sugar for me tea -Excerpt from Ras reggae star’s song

Kimono,

Nigeria’s

igerians are a resilient people. They adapt easily to situations, weather and bad governments. Maybe that is why in spite of the various natural resources the country is blessed with; Nigeria’s leaders refuse to be focused. The country simply lacks the culture of protests. Even when the situation is unfavourable, the Nigerian will still stick with it because he doesn’t want to die fighting for a better life. In spite of the fact that the country is the largest economy in Africa, most of its citizens still find it difficult to make ends meet. An average Nigerian survives daily on $1 or less. Here, it is either you are poor or you are very rich; the middle class has virtually disappeared! Now that another chance is here for Nigerians to chose leaders who will lead them for the next four years, they are ready to make a statement with their votes; either for continuity through Goodluck Jonathan or change via Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerians, like Kimono sang, actually do not need cake, just sugar to drink tea. They are not asking for luxury needs, but things needed to make life or living comfortable. The issues are simple. They are what I call the 10-point agenda for the next president. Fela Kuti, the greatest musician to have come from Nigeria used four points on the agenda to compose one of his lyrics: “Water, light, food, house…” It is a shame that in the 21st Century and close to 20 years after Fela’s death, these still remain campaign issues in Nigeria, the giant of Africa. Despite the “water in the air, water in the land and water in the sea…” a larger percentage of Nigerians still can’t get good drinking water. No wonder then, that producers of sachet (pure) water are smiling to the banks. Electricity, by now, should be taken for granted. With the enormous gas deposit that can be used to generate power at the country’s disposal, Nigeria, by now, should be enjoying uninterrupted electricity 24/7. Starting a business, even if it is a small business like a

barbing salon or a tailoring shop, without calculating how much would be spent fuelling the generator here has already failed. Power, or lack of it, has driven many businesses away from Nigeria to countries like Ghana, where we export our gas. It is unthinkable that we still find people rearing families under the bridges in Nigeria, the most populous black nation, blessed with abundant mineral resources. People live under most of the bridges in Lagos while the government looks the other way as if it does not care or give a damn. The ‘low cost’ or ‘medium cost’ houses and shops built by government are far beyond the reach of the citizens. The available apartments built by private individuals are quickly grabbed by the highest bidders who can afford to pay five years rent to the landlords. I am amused by some governments legislating against some landlords collecting more than one year’s rent. How do you enforce such a law? Is it not the house built by government that it will have control over? A Yoruba proverb goes thus: If you succeed in removing hunger from your problems, you would have succeeded in reducing poverty. Nigeria is blessed with good soil. Governments over the years have not fully tapped into this. The government needs to utilize the youths through farm settlements established in every local government. This will achieve two things: It will increase food production as well as reduce unemployment. Agreed, agriculture cannot be left for the government alone, but it can provide the incentives for people to farm individually like the military government under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo did when he introduced the ‘Operation Feed the nation’ (OFN). Although some mischievous elements say OFN is an acronym for Obasanjo Farms Nigeria. Nigerians don’t wait or depend on government for water, food, electricity and housing. They toil to make life easy for themselves. Where there is no water, they dig wells or sink boreholes. Before government’s source of electricity comes (where it is available), they are already on power generator; where there are no policemen; they organize themselves and employ security men. The Community Development Associations have taken over the functions of government in many communities: they are the ones repairing roads, fixing electricity and security problems. So can someone tell me what are we supposed to enjoy from government? Boko Haram has taken over some local governments in the North-Eastern part of the country, killing thou-

sands of innocent souls. A government that would win people’s confidence must be able to tackle insecurity headlong and bring the perpetrators and financiers of the terrorists to book. Nigerians want to live in peace and sleep with their two eyes closed. Health and qualitative education should be free to some extent. Senior citizens from the age of 60 should be able to enjoy free health facilities as well as children 20 years and below. These are sets of people that are either retired or are still in school. Government should also subsidize education to a level to make it attractive to all. Any leader that cannot use the nation’s common wealth to take care of its citizens has no business in government. Every year in the budget, we see staggering amounts earmarked for the construction/rehabilitation of roads; yet, most of these roads remain dilapidated, constituting death traps. Any government that values the lives of its citizens will give priority to roads development. Aspirants to public office know all these agenda off hand. They use it in their campaigns. But as soon as it is out of their mouths during campaign, they forget it. A friend in government, the saying says, is a friend lost forever. I still wonder what is it in Aso Rock that makes its occupants forget their promises to the electorate. Is it the comfort there or the sycophants that surround them? The next occupant of Aso Rock should strive to keep his promises to the electorate. Four years is a short time. Before you know it, it will be time to go back to the electorate again. The greatest disservice to the war on corruption is pardoning somebody caught and convicted of corruption. It brings down the morale of anti-corruption fighters. We need a government that will be able to put its foot down hard on corruption and corrupt government officials. Lastly, the cost of governance in Nigeria is too high. Salary and allowances of lawmakers should be slashed by 50% to reflect the current global reality. With the global oil rout, government will have more money for projects. Nigerians should not expect a landslide victory. Nigerians are earnestly expecting a free and fair election. And no matter who wins, should remember that they have been given a chance to write their names in gold. Well, let’s see how they’ll do it. • Olapoju is on the Editorial Team of New Telegraph.

The scent of victory in Lagos elections Tajudeen Alao

t is generally admitted in politics , as with any competition that failure is an orphan . In contradistinction the smell of victory and the taste of success is known to be sweet. In the Lagos state governorship elections in which Jimi Agbaje of the PDP and Akin Ambode of the APC will lock horns on April 11 2015, the dust of campaign is clearing and it is becoming clear who Lagosians will vote for in that historical and crucial election. Amongst Lagosians generally it is becoming obvious by the day that change is imminent in Alausa. Definitely this is a development that should be worrisome to the ruling party in the state for the past 16 years and that is the APC . Curiously enough the APC is advocating change in Abuja and continuity in Alausa. But it has confused its teeming supporters in the process of campaign all over Lagos where the slogan is change ostensibly because the party leaders have taken their victory in Lagos for granted. Inadvertently

they have forgotten that Lagosians are even more interested in their fate in Lagos than the person who occupies Aso Rock. This is because of the proverb they invoke which says when your house is on fire you put it out first before that of your neighbour. To Lagosians, the way the APC campaign team has been conducting its campaign has shown clearly that it lacks confidence in its candidate Akin Ambode who has been tied to the apron string of the incumbent governor of the state Raji Fashola who although he is a lawyer is not much of an articulate person and politician himself. Keen watchers of Lagos 2015 elections campaigns have seen this lack of confidence in the ability of Akin Ambode to say the correct things to win votes as the first sign that his candidature is very vulnerable especially in a state where it has always been taken for granted that whoever godfather Bola Tinubu picks will have a walk over to the governor’s lodge at Alausa. This has been the trend for the last 16 years but the emergence of Jimi Agbaje as the PDP governorship

candidate has tilted the pendulum of power against the APC. Indeed the worry amongst the Lagos electorate and Lagosians in general is not that Agbaje and the PDP will claim Lagos in the governorship elections but by what margin of victory. Again the reason and tell tale signs are there for all to see. The first is that Lagosians have successfully resented and resisted the winner takes all attitude of the Akin Ambode Campaign Machinery which brought on board its own personnel and shunned Fashola loyalists after the APC primaries that gave the party governorship ticket to Akin Ambode. The Ambode people forgot that the Fashola loyalists are still in power and wield enormous power clout which they have used to highlight Ambode’s inarticulation and incoherence of ideas even as their leader was forced to campaign for Ambode all over Lagos. These loyalists have become bona fide fifth columnists in the APC campaign machinery and it is not too certain that some of them are not working for the emergent and victory - sensing Jimi Agbaje PDP

campaign machinery. In many instances Lagosians have started seeing hitherto inaccessible and unavailable powerful Lagos State officials and even Commissioners showing up at parties and social events which they had shunned with contempt in the recent past. The message they seem to be passing to their surprised acquaintances is that they are back because the game is up and they know for certain that it can not be business as usual in the corridors of power in Lagos politics. This is because the Jimi Agbaje PDP campaign in Lagos state has upset the apple cart of power in Alausa and a non member of the ruling APC is poised to wrest power from the powers that be in the leadership of the party in the state. Such is the scent of victory and joy amongst Lagosians and defected APC supporters that they now only pray to God and for good health to see them through to April 11 when they cast their ballot to seal Jimi Agbaje’s victory as the next governor of Lagos State. Insha Allah. • Alao, a public commentator, writes from Lagos.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

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Lessons from Lee Kuan Yew

orld’s longest serving Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, of Singapore, should be in heaven, enjoying the warm welcome of Angels of the Lord. That is, if ever he believed in Christianity. Born on September 16, 1923 the Man of the People died on March 23. In 1959, Yew became the first Prime Minister of Singapore, one of the limping economies on planet earth. With nothing to hold on to, he sought and gained the nod from Malaysia to form a federation. It was not an easy marriage and divorce did not take long in coming. Just one year into the merger in 1964, the centre could not hold. There were severe riots between citizens of both and the Malaysians asked their Singaporean neighbours to quit. By September 1965, it was all over. Yew was devastated.” For me, it is a moment of anguish,” he said.”All my life… I believed in the Malaysian merger and unity of the two territories. You know that, we as a people, are connected by geography, economics, by ties of kinship…. It literally broke everything that we stood for… now Singapore shall be forever a sovereign democratic nation, founded upon the principles of liberty

and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of the people in a most and just equal society.” That separation hit the Singaporean leader so hard but he did not give up. It seemed like failure to secure Malaysian support was a blessing in disguise. It turned out to be the backdoor to success. Yew put on his thinking cap and realized that the best way to lift Singapore, a country with no natural resources, was to boost the economy. In building a strong economy, he encouraged foreign investment, worked on the exportation of finished products while improving the living standard of workers. It worked like magic. The Prime Minister spent 30 years in office, thus becoming the longest serving Prime Minister in history. By the time he quit in 1990, Singapore had grown from a rural economy in the Third world , to one of the world’s leading economies. In Asia, it ranked second to Japan. The country’s GDP turned out higher than that of the United States. Fourteen years after his departure from high office, his son, Lee Hsien Loong was elected Prime Minister by Singaporeans. The Lees, therefore stand on the same podium as

the Bush family in the United States, that produced Presidents in father and son, the two Georges. It would be little surprise if the family tree continues to grow like in other Asian nations as India and Sri Lanka. Pandit Nehru, his daughter, Indira Gandhi and grandson, Rajiv, were Prime Ministers of India. The first female Prime Minister in global history, Sirimavo Bandranaike[1960], actually stepped in after her husband, Solomon, was assassinated as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 1959. Their daughter, Chandrika Bandranaike Kamaratunga, emerged much later, as the country’s first female President. In Singapore, Yew was not a soldier but some Western powers saw him as an autocrat. His Peoples Action Party[PAP] dominated the scene and he was accused of not allowing the opposition to thrive. The country operates a one party system. That remains the view of the West. And that is a lesson for those of us in Africa and other emerging economies. Democracy must not be built on the model of the Americans, the Germans and the Brits. What is good for the New Yorker may not be good for a Lagosian. We have different traditions and

cultures. Singapore, under Yew’s model democracy ,was able to move from the bottom of the poverty ladder to the top, to dine with Washington and Paris. The people, less than six million of them, are better off today than they would have been under an imposed Parliamentary or Executive system of government. It is not for nothing that Yew is seen as the Father of modern of Singapore. That his people allowed him to stay in office says so much about how they perceived him. By creating history as the world’s longest serving Prime Minister, Yew also made a bold statement that a good leader does not necessarily have to quit if the people appreciate his leadership. To further prove that their hero was worth all his long tenure, Singaporeans elected his son Prime Minister in 2004, more than a decade after the father left office. Today, Lee Hsien Loong is still in power. What matters is what a leader has to offer and how he goes about his mission. A man who took Singapore from the Third World to the First World, should be seen as a model. There is no hunger in the country, he banished poverty. And the people bid him farewell in a pool of grandeur.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Arts Defining Persona raises fundamental Book Review

questions about human development

aving the public presentation of a book that essentially seeks to deconstruct the human character during an election - a time when ethical boundaries typically become blurred - is no doubt intended to stoke some discourse and offer readers a lot to ponder. In Defining Persona: 6 Virtues that Transform Societies, there is a strong resonance of that old maxim In Plato’s Republic - the state is the individual writ large. As the author rightly observes, “societies do not just become great by accident; they achieve greatness through concise and deliberate action by individuals. It is the aggregate positive virtues of individual that cumulatively transform societies.” The author raises fundamental questions about human development, especially with regard to those disparities seen in “societies that struggle with the basics of human existence” while some others record consistently high development indices. The author in seeking an answer to this paradox suggests that the fault is not in our stars, but in our actions - and inaction. Written at a time the author described as “a period of personal distress,” the depth of the thoughts in this book is another proof that writers tend to produce great works of literature in their deepest moments of despair. The author thus joins this illustrious club of writers who rose above personal travails to give the world some of its greatest classics: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s The Gulag Archipelago, Wole Soyinka’s The Man Died, Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, and George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four are just a few. Seldom do we find books whose subject matter vary from the sociological to the

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

Title: Defining Persona: 6 Virtues that Transform Societies Author: George Alily Number of page: 181 Year of publication: 2014 Reviewer: Laurence Ani

philosophical shorn of those rarefied concepts that hamper comprehension and give the impression that such books could be read simply as academic texts. It is credit to the author that the book’s language is not verbose but lucid. That conciseness runs through in the seven-chapter book that outlines the six transforming virtues - honour, integrity, responsibility, courage, justice, belief - and how these could be internalised. Reputational books often seem to evoke a certain deja vu in readers in the sense that some exemplars have over the years become rather predictable. Of course, the book parades a few such iconic figures like Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Professor Wole Soyinka and Professor Dora Akunyili, but their inclusion is by no means perfunctory. The names cited here certainly resonate, but there are yet some whose name I’m sure a good number of us gathered here would be hearing for the first time. Their names may not make the headlines but their conducts are no less exemplary. This absence of predictability is one

of several strong points of the book. One such inclusion is the name, David Sunday Ogunewe, a retired lieutenant colonel. Ogunewe was the commanding officer of the Nigerian Army’s First Battalion located in Enugu in 1966, a tumultuous period in the country’s history. His remarkable conduct in the dark days preceding the civil war makes him an unsung hero as obvious in this excerpt: “In the wake of the counter coup of 1966 in which officers and soldiers of Igbo extraction were killed in the north, and the subsequent pogrom against the Igbo in Northern Nigeria, there was a clamour and agitation for retaliatory killing of officers and soldiers of northern extraction in the First Battalion, Enugu. “This clamour was exacerbated when those who escaped the mayhem in Northern Nigeria started arriving at Enugu. The tension, mistrust and apprehension that engulfed the battalion were palpable. Lt. Col. Ogunewe was caught in the web of bowing to the pressure of his people for retaliatory killings and protecting the officers and soldiers he was commanding. “On learning of the mass murder taking place in other military formations in the country, Ogunewe locked his battalion’s armoury and placed it under the joint guard of northern and southern officers... His actions restored the confidence of his officers and soldiers in his ability to protect them... He initiated negotiations that led to the exchange of the Igbos still caught up in the north with the officers, soldiers and families of northern extraction in the First Battalion.” But the book is not just about names that smell like roses. There is a particular name whose inclusion is sure to make a few in the audience cringe. The individual in question is Wada Nas. Well, you may shudder at the inclusion of an individual largely considered a villain in a list of individuals whose lives are deemed sufficiently inspiring, but the reason the author cites for that decision is quite compelling. “His conduct during the administration of Sani Abacha is not in contention,” the author wrote. “It is rather what happened after that is being highlighted here. “At the stage when all political parties adopted Abacha as

a consensus candidate for the presidency, many politicians were falling over themselves to justify why Abacha was the best thing that had happened to the country. However, when he died suddenly, virtually every one of his praise singers turned against him in the most vicious manner... Wada Nas was among the very few who publicly identified with him and remained true to his memory - good or bad. In remaining true to himself, Nas exhibited rare integrity, which is hard to come by.” The goal of scholarship isn’t simply in writing things which our audience find agreeable; it’s about having the courage to stand by one’s convictions even if the reaction of the world is a cynical reproach. That is a trait the author has demonstrated in including Wada Nas among a list of worthy exemplars. George Alily’s book is certainly not about elections, but its themes are particularly instructive with elections just a few days away. One of the defining features of the build-up to this election has been the issue of defections. Politicians across parties defect without qualms so frequently that it creates both a legal conundrum for judges and a dilemma for any political party that considers a lawsuit against a renegade member, because their party would have as well received defectors from other parties with glee. How do we situate such abhorrent actions from supposedly honourable men and women? This is one of the questions the book seeks to answer. And the author does that without sounding pedantic which, again, is one of the strengths of the book. Yet, despite the author’s brilliant analysis, questions still abound: if virtues are by no means bequeathed genetically, how is it that some are able to easily imbibe the nobler virtues than others? What role do socio-economic situations play? These are no shortcomings of the book; they are mere observations which philosophical disputation would normally yield. You may indeed disagree with some of the author’s conclusions, but it does not necessarily invalidate the premises on which the thoughts expressed therein are founded. - Laurence Ani is the Editor, Saturday Telegraph

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

The Mega City ...EXCLUSIVE LAGOS MAGAZINE

Lagos shuts down for election

Ever busy Ikoyi bridge, Lagos deserted during the 2015 general elections.

LIFE IN THE CITY Battling with unclean water

PHOTO: suleiman husaini

Lagos is a town known for its 24-hour life, it is a city that never sleeps or rests. But it was different between Friday evening and Saturday last week. Lagos practically shut down as the Presidential and National Assembly elections took centre stage. Elijah Samuel reports Elijah Samuel

MY CITY MY WORLD Lagos is a cultural state, says Fabulous

OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI CO-ORDINATOR

tosin.omoniyi@newtelegraphonline.com

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he frenzy was palpable so much that it was like the end of the days, after which there was no going to be another in the Centre of Excellence on the eve of the day when Nigeria went to the polls to elect who will steer the ship of the country president, and the lawmakers at the National Assembly. The eve was characterized with unprecedentedly cautious activities so much that one helplessly thought that the scheduled election of the next day was never going to hold. Apparently, for the fear of the unknown, most schools, especially the private ones had hurriedly conducted the 2nd term examinations and sent the students on holidays by Thursday. Even those who were not done with the exams yet, declared Friday free. So, it was relatively a scanty few

The election was successful. Thank God, it was a peaceful exercise

students that attended schools which in most cases were devoid of serious academic activities as they had to close before the normal time. Businesses were not left out in the election frenzy as most traders seized the opportunity of the panic atmosphere to hike the prices of their wares. Traders and buyers conducted their transactions. In most of the markets observed, women were mostly seen buying as much foodstuffs as their purses could afford them. They had hoped to enjoy the supply in the safety of their homes while election would be going on. Thus, most markets were unusually dispersed before their closing time; even the evening markets refused to converge. Artisans too were never ready to be caught in the anticipated aftermath of the elections.

Most of them who had registered in their business vicinities live very far away; they had preferred to be with their families with the intention to offer them shield in case of any likely breakout of skirmishes that might arise during and after the polls. The night was strangely quite too as all religious bodies followed suit: spiritual meetings and activities were all put on hold on eve of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election. In this tense atmosphere, not a few went to sleep with their two eyes closed, praying that the dawn unfolds safely and ushering the desired peace for the nation. Many Lagosians besieged the banks on Friday to make last minute cash withdrawal ahead of the Election Day. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Life | Mega City

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

When Lagos went to sleep

Gridlock on Lagos Ibadan expressway on the eve of election day CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 21

Probably due to the pressures on most of the ATMs, the machines got faulty, thereby scores of customers frustrated. Inside the banking halls, filled with long queues of frustrated customers. They were extremely impatient to carry out their transaction. Departmental stores and shopping complexes like Shoprite also witnessed the last minutes rush. There was heightened buying of food items as Lagosians rush to the markets to stock their food pantries. Consequently, food prices skyrocketed in most of the markets. For instance, a basket of tomatoes that was between N3,000 and N5,000 went for N8, 000 and N12,000 respectively. A bag of rice went for N10,000 as against N8,500. A gallon of groundnut oil went for N1, 250 instead of N1,100 among many other food items. Heavy human and vehicular traffic movement was very much noticed on Lagos roads. POST-ELECTION ASSESSMENT It was one election that came with its uniqueness, and it will be remembered by the stakeholders for all the various roles they played. The different shades of residents’ dispositions displayed on the Election Day played out more as major yardsticks of the tension-soaked election. In many places of Lagos like Itire, Ikate and Ijesha which are under the jurisdiction of Surulere and Mushin Local Government Areas, relatively good reception was given to the electoral officers and the security officials that were deployed to conduct the election.

As the exercise began in many places across these areas, while many promptly reported at various centres to carry out their civic duties, many literally saw an opportunity for merrymaking with friends and relatives as they gather in the ambiance of their abodes to unwind with bottles of wine, beer and plates of pepper soup. Even though many of the people got their Permanent Voters Card, they disenfranchised themselves as they were indifferent to engage in the exercise. “I don’t really know who to vote for in this kind of atmosphere, so I decided not to vote,” said Austin in Mushin. However, in spite of the lackadaisical dispositions displayed in many quarters, many were made to be instrumental in the change that Nigerians have been yarning for. So they defied the scorching sun and rain and cast their votes. In most places as have been told, security personnel were around to offer security. But strangely, Baruwa Primary School along Ijesha Road in Surulere which had four centres was left unmanned by security officials whereas more than two or three police personnel were deployed to monitor just a centre in many cases. Nobody could offer reasons for this anomaly. However, a few of the residents across the states assessed the election by positing what the value and the losses of the election to them. “The election was successful to a large extent but I noticed that some alaye (miscreants) wanted to disrupt the election in some places at Ijesha but for the presence and the vigilance of voters, there

PHOTO: Godwin Irekhe

Men with bags of rice at Ijora, Badia, Lagos on the eve of election

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

Presidential/ National Assembly Election: People’s voice After weeks of political horse-trading and doubts on whether elections will hold or not; it finally held March 28th, 2015. Precisely, the Presidential and National Assembly elections held peacefully, amidst fear and apprehension, but there were mixed feelings in the areas of the INEC PVC machine and people being disfranchised due to relocation of their residency. EZURIKE UGOCHUKWU went round and felt the pulse of the people Mr. David ESievo - A Teacher enerally, against every fear and anxiety, drums of war being drummed every corner, we had reasonably fair elections. Where I voted, there was no rancour. The card reader though with initial hiccups, performed reasonably well. I voted according to my conscience. I was not influenced by anybody. I believe there should be continuity in our polity for now especially when programmes are advancing. That is why in advanced countries, no matter the situation, they change governments after the tenure allowed by the constitution for a candidate to stay and run in an executive position. Any new person now will dissolve everything and start afresh. On the side of INEC, considering the fact that in a society like ours, innovations will actually have hiccups. I will score them 60 per cent because the election was peaceful where I voted.

Tony Okonkwo,- IT consultant The whole thing was not all that normal. People stayed till 7pm and beyond before they voted. Many of us were disfranchised because of relocation from one place to the other. Since the Police restricted movement from 6.00am, people could not move from their present area of residence to their former place they registered. The booth around my house, the system was slow and that dragged the election late into the evening. From what I read and heard, I rate the election 40 percent. Mr. George Eyo- A Public Servant I could not get my PVC notwithstanding all my efforts to get it. I watched life coverage of the election on Television Continental (TVC) that showed to a great extent, shoddy preparation for the election by INEC. Professor Jega told us before February 14, that he was ready. But I was surprise when the commission was saying even after the date that they were still waiting for the delivery of

Esievo

Okonkwo

Dahiru

Jumbo

Abass

Anyanwu

Stanley

Franklin

Eyo

Akiyinka

more PVCs. He was there giving us mathematical analysis of 60 percent readiness as if forgetting that every registered eligible voter is not entitled to vote. Prof. Jega could have not allowed the machines to fail before he could approve for manual accreditation knowing that the election ought to run simultaneously The NYSC adhoc officials were demoralised by the abysmal performance of the machine. I believe INEC was not prepared for the election. I will not fail to give kudos to our security personnel because some people thought that by now we could have been consumed. Mrs Gloria Anikwue –A senior Citizen As far as I’m concerned, INEC has done their best despite the challenges of the card reader. According to what I heard in the News, the INEC chairman said that the card reader failure is less than one percent. If that is true, I feel we have come a long way, I also believe the future is bright for this country. I did not vote because I registered at my former place of residence. It took me so much time to collect my PVC. I had high hope that I will use it, what marred it was the no movement order from 6.00am by the commissioner of Police. My inten-

tion was to move to the place I registered as early as possible. But due to that early restriction, I could not move out again. I pray we don’t experience postelection violence because it’s not worth it. Pastor E.O. Stanley-A minister of God To me the election was peaceful. The challenge we had was the card reader. I know that every new thing has its challenges. Like when you buy a new handset, it takes you time to master and under study it. The place I voted, we had a lot of problems though they were resolved. That made the processes to linger more than necessary. However, the election has given me the opportunity to bring a change in the system. We have been in a system for too long. Not that the system is that bad, but we need a change.

Anikwue

We are getting it right for the first time. To me, I score INEC 99 per cent. Chris Anyanwu- An Engineer Where I voted at Ikorodu, the election was reasonably good. We voted on Sunday because the card reader could not work the previous day. We used manual accreditation. I voted according to my conscience, nobody influenced my judgment. To me, INEC performance was characterised by Nigerian factor. Nigerians don’t apply electronics appliances the way it ought to be used.

We have been in a system for too long. We need a change.

Michael Jumbo-unemployed graduate We thank God the election has been adjudged free and fair. we want to move forward. I could not vote because I registered outside Lagos Mr. Adebayo Abbass- A Launderer I see the election as fair and that has given us opportunity to choose the best person without any influence from any quarter.

Abubakar Dahiru-A Crippled beggar I am happy because I was given the opportunity to vote the candidate of my choice during the election. They tried in this election. I am happy that I have a say through my vote this time. I hope this vote will be able to give us a sensible government. Sunday Akiyinka- A handicapped Phonetics Teacher I could not vote because I could not get my voters card which I attribute to fraud. Even if I had my voters’ card, I wouldn’t have voted; because the electoral system here is so fraudulent. I believe my vote wouldn’t count. It is worthless wasting my precious time.

Lagos shuts down CO N TI N U ED F ROM PAGE 22

would have been chaos. Thank God, it was a peaceful exercise” said Kingsley Opara . Alabi Ayoola, a resident in Isolo was elated that the much feared election has finally come and gone and there was ugly incidence for the nation. This is one election that has put everybody under unprecedented tension so much that we were not sure of the continued existence of this country. “But glory to God that it is over. We have

done our beat as dutiful and patriotic citizens. There was no loss to me, although I had to shut down my cyber café business, it was for the good of this country and it was worth doing,” he said. Yet another information technology software trader in Ikeja, Chijioke Martins was grateful that at the end of the exercise, the country still stands. “Although we have done the election, there is every reason to appreciate God for the peace and the stability that he has granted for this country.

Life | Mega City

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

New Oyingbo modern market

Lagos traders and unaffordable modern markets In a bid for the modernisation of mega city, the Lagos State Government is apparently making all efforts to see to the fulfillment of a really dream city. With the array of recently reconstructed and newly-built roads, housing schemes, reclaimed lands for gardens and recreation centres and the latest delivery of ultra modern markets and malls across the state, the Lagos State Government will stop at nothing to achieve a mega city. That includes highly priced markets as ELIJAH SAMUEL reports

or most of the newly reconstructed markets, their old structures had been engulfed in inferno which gave the allowance for the restorative intervention of the government. But not a few hold the notion that most of those fire incidents were not accidental. However, as many residents are wont to commend the laudable transformative feats of the government, many are rather embroiled in the feeling of despair and disappointment amidst these supposedly reassuring socio-infrastructural provisions. Yet, the very people, government claimed to build the markets for are not put into consideration concerning the accessibility and affordability of the newly built ultra modern market. ( The seeming inability to access some of these provisions, due to some constraints posed by the precondition, has even made the deprivation more worrisome.) Chimaobi Paul, a fabrics trader, used to be one of the traders inside the old Tejuosho Market. The inferno that engulfed the place got them displaced, but he was one of those who had patiently waited for the recon-

struction with the hope of securing back his lost place at the completion of the new market. “I was one of the sellers in this market before the fire incident that engulfed the old market. I’d hope to get back my stall but as you can now see, this kind of place is not meant for people like us because the cost of securing a space in there is just above the roof, at least not for a trader like me in this line of trade.” The cost of the least shop in the complex was put at N5 million for purchase. You can’t even afford a rent from the direct beneficiaries (owners): for that least shop you pay about N1.2 million per annum. Where will I get that kind of money?” He continued that when the market was inaugurated, the state government promised that everybody will be accommodated inside the market. “But let me tell you my brother, all that was just the usual political talk to sway public goodwill in their interest. Although some people have taken the shops, but as you can observe, business activities are yet to climax in the market. We don’t know what will happen in the future, but we are watching,” Paul bemoaned.

Because of the affordability that is beyond us, we prefer our local shops

A trader, who identified herself as Anike Rashidi is another trader who deals in seasoning and cooking items. She was one of the sellers in the old Tejuosho Market who, after the reconstruction that followed the burnt old market, had patiently waited to see the completion of the new market where she hoped to reclaim her place. But as it is now, she is uncertain of securing a place in the ultra modern edifice as she presently displays her wares on Tejuosho Street beside the new market. She said that since the fire incident of about 10 years ago which took place in the old market, they have been hustling on the streets even when the new market was under construction. And now that the market is ready, she said it is not certain if someone like her will have a place inside the market anymore with all the conditions and cost attached to the process. “As it is now, it is beyond my reach,” she said. A shop in the complex doesn’t go less than a million naira per annum for rent which is the only option open for consideration now.” For Ndubisi Eme, a trader, the price rates of the shops and stringent process are the inhibitions

for effective business transactions taking off at the complex. Because of the unaffordable price rates and the process of getting a place inside the complex, people are not interested. The building is nice to behold and good for business but it’s not affordable for most traders. He added: “the big shop in there is not below N1.2 million per year and that is if you are renting from the direct owner. This is far beyond what was obtainable before the market was demolished. Prices of a shop then hovered between N400,000 and N600,000. Now that the market is ready, we had expected that the difference wouldn’t be more than N100,000 or N200,000 from the old regime. In this present economic state, if one is paying such huge amount just for the shop, how much will one get to purchase goods? If you are lucky, you’ll get somebody that will take two-year rent from you because they want to recoup their money as early as possible. Because of the affordability that is beyond us, we prefer to maintain our local shops as we presently have, After all it is still same transactions that will take place in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

Unaffordable modern markets CONTINUED FROM PAG E 24

new market that we have here. But if the government will intervene and reduce the prices to our affordability, we’ll come inside there because it is conducive for business. At New Oyingbo Market, another market which was taken over and given a transformational intervention by the state government in the wake of another fire incident that engulfed the old market over two decades ago, traders are exuding hopes and prospects of a healthy environment for prosperous business activities which look too fascinating, and obviously cannot be allowed to be threatened by any iota of inhibitions. Alhaja Basiratu Abeni Balogun, the Iyaloja of Oyingbo and market leader of Mainland Local Government was highly excited at the completion and inauguration which took place a few weeks ago. “At the commencement of the reconstruction, we had expressed our fear of the market being turned into an elephant project, but the Governor Babatunde Fashola allayed our fear then; now, and he delivered as promised,” she said. According to the Iyaloja, the Centre of Tejuosho ultra modern maket market is going to be affordable because “the governor promised that the prices will be what we can again,” she said. However, as laudable as afford and that we’ll be paying in installments until we’ll offset the the transformational efforts price. The prices have not been of the government to evolve disclosed but we know that it will and enthrone an aesthetic enbe affordable just as the governor vironment in which the citihas promised. All plans have al- zenry is eternally fascinated ready been made for the allocation and proud, it is necessarily of spaces and commencement of desirable that a platform be business transactions but we don’t created through which the know when it will be. But when it socio-economic opportunities is done, it is going to be without dis- of the citizenry can be optimally appropriated without crimination.” However, Bala Aliyu, a yam mer- discrimination. Governor chant, who was one of the affected Babatunde Fashola, during traders in the old Oyingbo Market, the recent inauguration of displayed great enthusiasm. “We the New Oyingbo Market, had have endured on the roads and promised that the over 600 old the streets around here since the occupants of the old market rebuilding of this market started, will be given priority and acand I appreciate Allah for his mer- commodated in the modern cies in all the years. Now that the edifice. But it remains to be market has finally been completed, seen if and when the deluge of we hope to go back into the market traders’ aspirations and hopes and continue to enjoy the attraction will be transformed into realiand progress that will grow from ties in the unfolding allocation of spaces and shops in the new this new environment.” Also, Madam Alice Ogala, a trad- modern markets and malls er in assorted dried fish and cray- which now replete the Centre fish was not one to be left out in the of Excellence’ landscape. Front view of Tejuosho ultra modern maket euphoria which the completion and inauguration of the New Oyingbo market has elicited in the area. While expressing thankfulness and joy that the market has been completed, she expects that the market will still be made to play prominence in the foodstuff lines of trade for which the market was known before the inferno that precipitated its reconstruction. “Honestly, when the disaster occurred, we thought it was the end and never knew that it was going to come out in this beautiful edifice that we have today. It’s has now taken the shape of an international market. Oyingbo used to be noted for its leading role in the provision of foodstuffs and sea foods of any kind before the fire incident. That is what we have tried to maintain in all the years during which the rebuilding lasted. But as it has turned now, it is obvious Inside Tejuosho ultra modern maket that the market will not be the same

PHOTOS: ELIJAH SAMUEL

Life | Mega City

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

We all must contribute to our safe environment, says LASEPA GM

In a dense cosmopolitan Lagos city, the socio-physical wellbeing of the citizenry cannot be trivialized or left at the mercy of natural activities which pose great risk to the wholesome living in the megacity. As protective and responsive as any government can get, the state government’s measure to safeguard and enhance the continuous healthiness of the areas under its jurisdiction, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) was born and saddled with the preoccupation of environmental healthiness monitoring and implementation. ELIJAH SAMUEL met with Engr. Adebola Shabi, the General Manager of the environment-manager agency, who spoke on sundry issues and the agency’s stride to enshrine a safe and friendly environment in the Centre of Excellence What has your agency been doing concerning no-smoking in the public law in the state? Smoking in the public in the last few years has been reduced drastically because the attitude of people to smoking these days is not the way it was in the past. Secondly, Nigerians are beginning to imbibe the attitude that only irresponsible people smoke publicly and anyhow on the streets. But when you get to public places like markets, club houses, you find people smoking but yet, you also find those people who are not smokers but are secondary smokers who are most affected. But we are saying the smokers cannot smoke where there are secondary smokers. Again, there must be designated areas for smokers at public facilities owned by individuals; there must also be ‘no-smoking’ signs conspicuously displayed within such places. Now also, you cannot smoke 10 meters from the schools because children are very vulnerable to the composing chemicals in cigarette. One of such chemicals is benzopyrene, the first type of highly carcinogenic chemical found in the 40s. When children are in contact with this, it affects their growing organs. That’s the reason why we restrict smoking Shabi around schools; and if you are caught smoking in any of the restricted ar- ing on your management skill, you eas, you will be fined or prosecuted don’t need one million people to imaccordingly. plement a law; you can implement a law effectively with few people. You said people are now trying to be The first stage of implementation responsible by restraining from publicis meeting with the stakeholders in smoking but we still find people of order to educate them; thereafter, timber and calibre smoking in the public. you can go on the electronic media Are these people not responsible, and and handbills to carry out awarewhat is the agency doing to arrest this ness. These will go a long way in situation? the implementation of a law. I have said it earlier that hardly do you find people any longer hold- Is there any provision in this law that ing cigarette anyhow on the streets empowers a person to halt smokof this state. The people you consider ing acts that may be going on in his timber and calibre cannot and will neighbourhood? You have a right to call the not smoke publicly. Even if they have to smoke in the public, they smoke agency and report such cases to us. Or, if you don’t want to call, where they have their friends. Secondly, we’ve being doing a lot you can inform us our website: of education in order to sensitize a www.lasepagov.org. Every day, we lot of people that we have a law and receive many complaints on the policy in place which tries to discour- website and we treat confidentially. age smoking in about 10 meters away from schools and in other public plac- What input does LASEPA make in es like mosques, hospitals, markets, the town planning and development events centre, hotels, cinema houses effort in the state? and so on. If you need to, there must When you are planning and be designated areas for smokers. So, developing an area, you must take we have started awareness on the into consideration the issue of enradio, on billboards, through hand- vironment. Take for instance, the bills and flyers which will distribute issue of aviation, the Ministry of around when we go around in the Physical planning will give approvcourse of discharge of duty to in- al for the establishment of an airform that there is a ‘no-smoking in port in an area. But great attention must be given to the issues in the the public’ law in the state. particular environment: the issue Given the peculiar nature of this state, does the agency have the required huof noise pollution, the issue of how man resources to implement this law in aviation fuel will affect the water the state? in that area, the issue of socioYes, the agency has the manpower economic impact of the airport on and the resources to do it. Depend- that place and the traffic impact on

sure to prevent banned substances or products from getting in. If that control is not done, it will be difficult to control within the state. The best we can do in this instance is to monitor but we cannot control what comes in to the state through the ports. Don’t you think the upsurge in cases of terminal diseases like cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory ailments are testimonials to the increasing toxicity of our environment, arising from anthropogenic activities? Yes, it is because there are lot of harmful activities that are being perpetrated in the environment. Apart from several other ways, your ignorance and my ignorance cause the danger that we are daily exposed to. For instance, when a generator is serviced and the changed oil is thrown in the drainage. This afterwards is washed into the water body like the lagoon, where the organisms and the aquatic life absorbs this into the fatty tissues: this is the source of cancer. Among other ways is when you don’t properly manage your waste and you let that get into the water bodies, heavy metals that are carcinogenic get into our system. that place, all which now revolve round the environment. So, physical planning and environment are interwoven. How well is this agency complementing the megacity project? When you are talking about environment, the first thing you talk about is environmental sustainability. When you talk about megacity, you are going to talk about drainage, waste management, sewage treatment, potable water; these are all part of the environment. So, there is no way you won’t bring in environment when you are talking about megacity, so that you won’t jeopardize the future environment. What role is LASEPA playing in the control of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) products in the state? Because they deplete the Ozone layer, they have been banned throughout the world. And that is why the government has brought in place a substitute which is acceptable worldwide. True, the government has banned it but the agency and the state does not have control over what comes into the country through the port of entry. It is the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. But the state should be able to control what is being distributed within its own jurisdiction too. They are being controlled, but what about how they get into the country. You have to put in a mea-

We’ve been trying to change the way we disseminate information

How can this be halted? The government has told you don’t dump your refuse in the drainage, patronize the private waste managers, store your waste oil properly. The government has been doing its own part through a lot of campaign in the TV and the newspapers. The citizenry should do its own part by being proactive in the monitoring and prevention of harmful acts to the environment. For instance, when somebody comes to service your generator, you should be able to ask ‘what are you doing with my oil’. When you have such oil, call the agency and we’ll come to help you to dispose. The other aspect is the enforcement which we have been doing our best to do. Obviously, you have spoken very well; but from my privileged understanding and knowledge, not many people are aware of the information you are trying to pass across. That’s why we’ve been trying to change the way we disseminate information. The normal route to get information to the people is through the media, but we are going on road shows; we are taking it to the traditional rulers; when we now get to a place, we invite the community leaders and the community people to educate them, so that they can understand these issues. Thus, because of the erratic power problem which affects electronic media, we have decided to take it down to the grassroot across the state and do neighbour-to-neighbour information dissemination.

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

My City, My World Lagos is a cultural state, says Fabulous Okocha Ruth o Jeffison Fabulous, Lagos Ttively is a unique place with relafriendly people. Born

Water dam at Iju Water Works

Battling with unclean water RUTH OKOCHA

ater is one of the basic necessities for human existence. It is a transparent fluid which occupies half of the earth. The lake, ocean, sea is made up of water and it also serves as a habitat for living organism. The uses of water cannot be underestimated. Considering the essentials of water for human existence and knowing full well that practically everything we do and use is connected with water and also, most of our drinks are in liquid form but yet it is impossible for them to quench taste the way water does. It is paramount for water to be safe for consumption. Fela Anikulapo, the late popular singer in his song emphasised the importance of water. He sang that water does not have enemy because it is unavoidably used by both good and evil people; it is used for cooking, bathing, washing to mention but a few. Safe drinking water is essential to humans and other life forms even though it provides no calories or organic nutrients. Access to safe drinking water has improved over the last decades in almost every part of the world, but approximately one billion people still lack access to safe water and over 2.5 billion lack access to adequate sanitation. Water should not just be supplied to people but it should be sanitized for safety. Because of the dirty and unkempt environment where the proposed safe water is processed, the water supplied for human consumption is still not safe. The Lagos State water coporation is not left out in this failure as they have failed to provide safe drinking water for residents. Initially, when this agency was set up during administration of former Governor Latteef Jakande, water was safe even the residents of the state still testify to it. Now, the culture for safe water consumption has dropped as the present regime. A visit to the Lagos water corporation, Iju, which is responsible for the production and distribution of safe drinking water to residents around the Iju/Ishaga, Agege and its environs, it was discovered that the vicinity in which water is produced is unkempt and outgrown with grass-

Unhealthy water dam

es. After a survey of the place, New Telegraph observed that most of the equipment used for processing water are not functioning and some pipes, aside from being rusty and worn out, were stored among bushes instead of a ware house. In fact , some of the workers were overheard complaining on the negligence of the state government to repair damaged equipment as they have to replace some of it with the little stipend they collect as salary. Furthermore, they complained of being under paid compared to their counterparts in the civil service as they are not given the entitlement due them. Speaking to residents of Iju and its environs, New Telegraph came to the knowledge that the problem has persisted for a long time and several complains have been made but it fell on deaf ears. Flora Tajudeen, a retired civil servant, said: “I have been staying here for years now and the water corporation has never provided a clean water for us to drink. In as much as making it safe or sanitized, we only use it to wash plate, wash cloth and bath after adding disinfectant. Many times, I see algae inside the water and at times, the water comes out dirty that it cannot be used for washing. We just waste the water if it comes out like that. We now rely on pure water and borehole. During the Jakande time, then I was young. We perceive the chlorine added into the water which evidently showed it was sanitized but now the reverse is

the case,” she said. Olamilekan Dopemu, Manager of Splendid Concept, said “there is water but it is not clean enough for human consumption. Some of the officials are corrupt as the collect money from resident instead of them paying levy, there is inadequate management. That’s why the water comes out dirty and smelly. We plead with the government to look into the matter.” Another resident, Mrs Foluke Ogunde, said, “The Lagos State Water corporation in Iju is inefficient because, sometimes they don’t give us water for weeks which runs into months and if they do, it comes out dirty. The compound where it is even located is also very unkempt. Sometimes, I see snakes there. They should learn to keep that place clean and stop embezzling our money.” She went further to say most of the sanitizers they bring for them is sold to pure water producing companies and not used for the masses. Responding to the allegations by residents, the area manager of Iju water corporation, who refused to give her name other than Kareem said: “We try to satisfy our customers and respond rapidly to any complain. There is no such thing as unclean water as we make sure we add enough chlorine and alum to it. So, any allegation like that is false. It is also a blatant lie that we sell water sanitizer to pure water producing companies,” he said.

and bred in Lagos, he thinks it is a good place for business and socialization which is why people from various states migrate into the city on daily Fabulous basis to make ends meet. “In terms of civilization and infrastructure, Lagos is the best, maybe, because it was the former capital of Nigeria. But I will tell anyone that Lagos has turned into a mega city. Lagos is also a multicultural state because it accommodates people from various indigenous backgrounds. I owe all my achievement to Lagos state.” Furthermore, he said “I like Lagos because there are so many leisure places and I believe the government has tried in making the city a conducive place for its occupants but they have not done their best and even with the developments. There is no platform to empower youths in the state because they are always left out in everything. Though the government provided BRT buses to accommodate people and reduce congestion, still, the traffic in Lagos is alarming. This is a major problem which the government of the day has to look into by providing alternative route like building more rail stations for people going far. This can help reduce traffic congestion. He said another major problem is the dumpsites in Lagos because most of these sites are located close to the road and residential area, causing pollution for both passersby and residents. Also, he said the companies in charge of disposing waste are ineffective and inefficient as they don’t reach some places and if wastes are not properly disposed of, it can cause diseases. So, he thinks dump sites should be moved very far away from the road and residential area. “I use this medium to urge Lagosians to for vote credible and accountable leaders as their vote counts.” He said.

‘Lagos is a loving state’ Emeka Dimaka-King, a forwarder, the city Foforfreight Lagos is highly receptive.

All those who come into Lagos empty handed stays few years and becomes successful but that has to do with hard work and determination. “If Dimaka-King the city hadn’t been receptive to someone like me, I wouldn’t have been successful to the extent of having so much to take home,” he said. Having stayed in Lagos for more than twenty five years and built several houses, he has every reasons to call himself ‘successful.’ He explained the economy of Lagos as the type that does not require much to invest in before becoming successful. “The economy is such that one can invest a little capital into a business, and with time, it booms, as long as the individual is focused and hard working,” he said. Dimaka-King counted himself privileged because he has acquired some properties in Lagos and even an employer of labour. According to him, the only snag in the city of Lagos is the population which is fast becoming dense. He described Lagos as overcrowded, which could pose insecurity problem. For instance, in Palm groove area of Lagos where he stays, he said there are lots of Niger boys doing menial jobs, and with the Boko Haram insurgent in Nigeria, it calls for security check. “I want the next government to settle the people who constitute nuisance in the city if not; it will be easy for Boko Haram to invade Lagos. I urge the next government to take the security issues of the State very serious so that the beautiful nature of the state will not be destroyed,” he said.

The Mega City

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

UPCOMING EVENTS PRINCE2 & ITIL Free Seminar Organiser: HARRYBAKER Training Institute Date: April 4, 2015 From 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Venue: Seacroft Court 1, Jide Sawyerr Dr 2nd Round About, Maruwa bus-stop Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

LAGOS SOCIAL MEDIA MASTERY CLASS

Organiser: 9jaMentors.com Date: April 4, 2015 From 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Lagos Island 6 Balarabe Musa Crescent Off Samuel Manuwa Str By 1004 Entrance, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Organiser: Topnotch imagery and multimedia concerpts Date: April 1 & 15, 2015 From: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Venue: NAF Base Lagos, Nigeria

THESPIAN Family Theatre presents ‘Midnight Hotel’ on 4th, 5th & 6th of April 2015 Organiser: THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions Date: April 4, 2015 From 15:30 - 20:30 Venue: Muson Centre AGIP Hall Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria

Leading Competencies in HRM for Emerging HR Executives Organiser: CVL (Centre for Values in Leadership) Date: April 7 & 9, 2015 From: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Venue: CVL Building 6 Balarabe Musa Crescent, Off Samuel Manuwa Street Victoria Island, Lagos.

WiniGroup Lunch and Learn Organiser: WiniGroup Limited Date: April 9, 2015 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Venue: WiniGroup House 6, Babatola close off Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria

MEGA CITY EVENTS 4th edition of Verdant Zeal Innovation Lecture series, entitled: ‘The Role of Innovation in Creating a New Agenda for National Development’ held at the Civic Centre, Lagos

L-R: Former President, Nigeria Guilds of Editors, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye; Group Managing Director/CEO, Verdant Zeal Group, Mr. Tunji Olugbodi and founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi, discussing at the event. PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: Mrs. Fola Akinsola; Mrs. Biyi Tunji-Olugbodi and Dr. Mathew Siyunbade…at the event.

The annual Bola Ahmed Tinubu colloquium with the theme: “Change: How It Will Work” took place at Eko Hotels & Suites ,Victoria Island, Lagos

L-R: Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Mrs. Yetunde Onileere; Mrs. Opral Benson and Alhaja Abba Folawiyo

L-R: Mrs. Yetunde Akinlayo; Mrs . Sumbo Ajose; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and Mr. Charles Iyore of DNA Capital PHOTOS: GODWIN IREKHE

50th Birthday celebration of Mrs. Adetutu Awobiye in Lagos

The celebrant, Mrs. Adetutu Awobiye with her husband, Victor at the event Mrs. Sayo Jinadu and Mrs, Funmi Omotoso...at the event

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

FCT Watch

The hue, cry over budget office location

The Investor

Money

Maritime

Foreign banks fall for lure of Nigeria’s market

NTC: Shippers’ Council jostles for recognition

Mutual funds as alternative investment window

Business What's news

Nigeria spends N7.9trn on construction – Report Nigeria has been placed at the forefront of West African countries in major infrastructure construction projects for 2014, with the country spending about $36.4 billion (N7.9 trillion) in major infrastructure construction projects for the year.

p.30

Pakistani exporters to flood Nigeria with textile materials Textile products, spinning, readymade garments traditional and western wear from Pakistan may soon flood Nigerian market.

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The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

L-R: Newly conferred fellows/Commercial Director, Promasidor, Kachi Onugbogu; Vice President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Rotimi Olaniyan; Managing Director, Kimberly Clark, West Africa, Mrs Lola Daniels and Managing Director, PZ-Healthcare, Mr. Alex Goma, at the Institute’s business forumin Lagos

States groan under N520bn bond debt burden here are indications that the financial challenges being experienced by many state governments across the country due to the shortfall in allocations from the federation account may have been worsened by their huge bond

repayment obligations. Investigations revealed that the affected states have, in the last few years, raised bonds which are backed by Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders (ISPO) for monthly deductions from their statutory allocation into Sinking Fund Accounts (SFA) managed by trustees for the benefit of bond holders. The result is that no matter the level of the shortfall in a state’s allocation from the federation account, the repayments for the bonds will first be deducted before the state can have access to its allocation.

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

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

UNDER PRESSURE

Bond repayments worsen states’ financial situation

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

Tony Chukwunyem

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

According to analysts, the development is responsible for most of the states being unable to pay workers’ salaries. New Telegraph’s findings, however, revealed that 16 states of the federation have raised bonds totalling N520 billion in the last seven years. For instance, filings by state

16 states Currently underbond obligation

governments at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that as at the end of 2013, Kogi State so far has N5 billion bond while Lagos State has raised a total of N187 billion. In addition, the figures showed that Osun State had raised N30 billion including a N11.4 billion sukuk. Others include: Kwara - N17 billion, Niger - N15 billion, Kaduna - N8.5 billion, Rivers - N250 billion, Gombe - N20 billion and Edo - N25 billion. Benue, Ebonyi, Ondo, Ekiti, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Mar. 27)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N221 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N326 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N237

l Foreign Reserves – $29.83bn as at 26/03/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Mar.27)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N199 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N301 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N223

Business | News

REFORMS

Privatisation of power generation, among others, to drive the sector

Dayo Ayeyemi

igeria has been placed at the forefront of West African countries in major infrastructure construction projects for 2014, with the country spending about $36.4 billion (N7.9 trillion) in major infrastructure construction projects for the year. According to a data recently released by Deloitte African Construction Trends, investment has been on the rise following the rebasing of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to $509.9 billion in April 2014. The projects, the report said, ranged from water, which took 39 per cent, energy and power (17 per cent), oil and gas (17 per cent), transport (15 per cent), real estate (11 per cent) and manufacturing (one per cent). In the report, Deloitte noted that South Africa was previously the choice market in Africa for scalable operations, pointing out that Nigeria now has a more attractive profile, offering scale and strong growth. Deloitte explained that South Africa has significantly more value in projects under construction or development than Nigeria,

Nigeria spends N7.9trn on construction – Report showing that while a market may have scale and growth, it also needs a stable business environment, which Nigeria struggles with. The report said that reforms and development plans implemented under President Goodluck Jonathan have begun to take effect, with the privatisation of the state-run Power

Bayelsa, Imo and Delta states have also raised N13 billion, N16.5 billion, N27 billion, N25 billion N50 billion, N18.5 billion and N50 billion respectively. In a chat with journalists last week, Kwara State Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Demola Banu, said that there was a looming nationwide financial crisis as a result of the dwindling revenue from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). According to him, many states and local government areas in the country are insolvent because of the dwindling federal allocation. He disclosed that only four states, including Kwara, have been managing to promptly pay their workers’ salaries. The commissioner

Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) virtually complete and an increasing number of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) entering the market. It said: “There is also significant activity underway in Lagos (the commercial capital), which accounts for over 60 per cent of non-oil GDP. Some of the more

noteworthy moves in the country have been the ground breaking on a second Niger Bridge. “It could boost the Nigerian construction industry, improving East-West trade and helping to progress the nascent PPP model. “The finalisation of an agreement between the Dangote Group and 12 banks for a loan of

$3.3 billion to build a Greenfield refinery and petrochemicals complex in the south of Nigeria cannot be discounted.” According to Deloitte, transport sector where Chinese companies dominate, could also emerge as one of the strongest sources of growth for the Nigerian construction industry

over the medium term. Two projects that demonstrate such dominance are the $1.49 billion Lagos to Ibadan railway contract, which has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the Olokola Deepwater port project, awarded to the China Ocean Shipping Group.

L-R: Advisor, Excellence in Retail Financial Services International Advisory Panel, Mr. Wilson Chia; Chairman, Mr. Philippe Paillart; Executive Director, Lagos and West, FirstBank, Gbenga Shobo; Co-Founder/CEO, Fidor Bank, Mr. Matthias Kröner; Vice Chairman, Excellence in Retail Financial Services International Advisory Panel, Mr. Varun Sabhlok and Managing Editor, The Asian Banker, Mr. Foo Boon Ping, at The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2015 in Singapore.

States groan under N520bn bond debt burden CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

urged the Federal Government to urgently address the dwindling revenue. He stated that although there was a fall in the price of crude oil at the international market, the dwindling revenue started as far back as September, 2013. According to him, the Federal Government blamed the shortfall on oil theft, which he said was ridiculous, wondering why the Federal Government, with all its security agencies, could not address the menace for so long a time. But last year, following the rush by states to raise bonds, Co-coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, warned state governments to exercise caution over their accumulation of debts.

Pakistani exporters to flood Nigeria with textile materials DUMPING GROUND

Nigeria turns best destination for goods which can be manufactured locally Bayo Akomolafe

extile products, spinning, readymade garments traditional and western wear from Pakistan may soon flood Nigerian market. Newly-designated Pakistani Ambassador to Nigeria, Lieutenant General Agha M Umer Farooq (Rtd) has advised the country’s Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) to take advantage of the market size

in Nigeria. He said that Nigerian market had huge potential for Pakistani exporters of textile products, spinning, pharmaceuticals and agricultural machinery, readymade garments traditional and western wear. Farooq advised the Chairman, PRGMEA (South Zone), Jawed Suleman, that the Pakistani businessmen should avail themselves the opportunities. The ambassador noted that garments exporters may easily be established in Nigerian market since they are best in cotton growing, but not good in manufacturing. Exporters, he said, may take advantage in this respect, besides spinning. He said that Pakistan’s business community is well aware of the market size of

Africa and Nigeria could serve to be the best destination to exploit the potential. Farooq explained that frequent exchange of trade delegations, continuous liaison and exchange of information could prove important instruments to strengthen the trade and investment relations between both countries, for which he advised Commerce Minister to formulate trade delegation for Nigeria in a couple of months this year. Besides, he informed that he will establish a “display centre” in the Nigerian Embassy to assist exporters to create business relationship with their Nigerian counterparts. Suleman advised him to secure a portion in the display centre with the logo of PRGMEA where members may display their products.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

FCT Business Watch

The hue, cry over budget office location to achieve the desired change. We need to build strong institutions and not strong men and women. Powers and authorities should reside in institutions and not individuals,” he said.

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

nation’s budget has one overriding goal - to create jobs, improve citizens’ standard of living in a sustainable manner and bring desired inclusive growth. Essentially, Nigeria’s budgets are presupposed to be guided by the same ethos. But over the years, the country’s budgets are fraught with irregularities arising from late processing, delay in sending the Medium Term Expenditure Frame (MTEF) to the National Assembly and dilly-dallying of budget consideration by the National Assembly. Delay on the side of executive is also envisaged, a development that has been responsible for poor budget implementation over the years. In a recent report by Action Aid, a global organisation established to tackle poverty across the globe, it said that Nigeria’s budget is fraught with many irregularities, a development that has hampered effective budget implementation. The global body itemised measures to be taken by Nigeria to achieve effective budgeting and avoid budget overlap. For instance, it noted the rampant cases of late passage of the budget in Nigeria, which it said had hampered budget implementation, especially the capital budget. This has caused budget implementation to be extended to the end of March of the following year. Action Aid summation on Nigeria’s budget is contained in a document entitled: “Analysis of national frameworks on budget in Nigeria,” a copy of which was obtained by New Telegraph in Abuja. It took cognisance of budget preparation in Nigeria starting with the executive formulating the budget proposal and concluded that budget preparation is a process that often starts late in Nigeria. “The lateness in the commencement of the budget cycle may not be unconnected with the absence of a comprehensive and integrated budget calendar. Although the adoption of MTEF introduced the strategic planning mode in Nigeria, the budget timetable seems not to have changed with the introduction of MTEF process. “Government needs to publish a comprehensive budget calendar that specifies when budget tasks are to be completed and the timelines for the different phases of the budget cycle. Stakeholders need to be aware of when key budget tasks, events and decisions will occur so that they will have an opportunity to plan and participate in the process. The preparation of a calendar helps ensure that all aspects of the budget process have been considered and adequate time has been provided,” it advised. Drawing comparison between

Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

DG Budget Office, Bright Okogu

Nigeria’s budget process and other countries, including USA, Netherlands, Scotland and South Africa where specific timetables are adhered to in budget processes, Action Aid advised that Nigerian government could simplify her budget process by sticking to structured timetable. The report said: “It is therefore recommended that the budget preparation stage be commenced much earlier, say by January (which is 12 months ahead of the fiscal year of the budget).” Budget Office location and new agitation The budget is midwifed by the Budget Office of the Federation under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance. A substantive Director-General serves as its CEO and the office is saddled with the responsibility to conceive inputs for the budget, prepare the MTEF and coordinate all aspects of the budget. Before now, the Budget Office functioned under the supervision of National Planning Commission as practiced in other climes. The Office was moved to function under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance in the current democratic dispensation. With the lag and poor execution that have characterised recent budget exercises, there is agitation that budget be returned to the National Planning Commission (NPC) under which it hitherto functioned before it was moved to the finance ministry for supervision. The agitation to return Budget Office to the National Planning Commission gained ground recently in the National Assembly. The occasion was the budget defence session by various MDAs. Unable to hide their disdain for the inefficient and poor budget implementation, the lawmakers requested the executive arm to, as

The Budget Office in the Presidency has made it a nearimpossible task of achieving effective planning

a matter of urgency, move Budget Office to the Planning Commission. The House of Representatives attributed the dismal budget performance over the years to the removal of the Budget Office from the National Planning Commission (NPC). The lawmakers said that having the Budget Office in the Presidency has made it a near-impossible task of achieving effective planning, implementation and proper coordination of the economy. Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning Commission, Bethel Amadi, canvassed the position during NPC’s budget defence. He advised government to take a cue from other countries that have returned their Budget Office to Planning Commission. “Many of us in the House are agonised at the amount of resources given to the commission with such a large role. We are of the strong belief that you deserve more than the resources being given to you if you are to truly determine the growth pattern of our economy, implement and as well play your monitoring and evaluation role effectively. “This is why we are of the opinion that budget office should be part and parcel of the National Planning Commission. Many countries like India and South Africa have gone back to the old ways and it is working for them. The National Planning must sign off before Finance can pay. We can’t just be paying for projects, many of which are like stop gaps. This is why we have hundreds of uncompleted projects, most of which are very critical to our economy. We know the ministry has been taken over by the Finance Ministry, but again we want to emphasise that the planning commission must be repositioned if the country is

Key roles of National Planning The National Planning Commission was originally established by Decree No 12 of 1992 and later amended by Act 71 of 1993. The Commission has the mandate to determine and advise the government of the federation on matters relating to National Development and overall management of the national economy. The detailed objectives, functions, powers and structure of the Commission are outlined under Sections 2, 3 and to provide policy advice to the president in particular and Nigeria in general on all spheres of national life. One of the key organs of government saddled with the task of planning the economy, the National Planning Commission (NPC), among other responsibilities, set national priorities and goals and engender consensus among government agencies, as may be contained in guidelines issued by the Commission from time to time. It undertakes periodic review and appraisal of the human and material resources capabilities of Nigeria with a view to advancing their development, efficiency and effective utilisation and formulates and prepares long-term, mediumterm and short-term national development plans and to co-ordinate such plans at the federal, state and local government levels. The NPC is to formulate and prepare long-term, medium-term and short-term national development plans and to co-ordinate such plans at all levels of government and monitor projects and progress relating to plan implementation. Response Lead Director for Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, said: “It is not just about the return of the Budget Office to NPC, it is about proper stock taking and planning for capital expenditure. A situation where the Budget Office feels no incentive to implement high level national development plans (as currently happens in Nigeria) is a sure recipe for underdevelopment. Therefore, policy, planning and the budget have to be integrated for development and economic growth to take place. There should be a conscious policy towards achieving this goal which would be made possible by a strong collaboration between planning and budget agencies.” Conclusion Apparently, Nigeria’s budget is a process warped in abnormality. It has consistently failed in meeting the expectations and yearnings of the populace due to poor implementation of capital projects.

Business | The Investor

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Chris Ugwu

ne key challenge that faces new investors in Nigeria Stocks is the fear of taking the wrong step in the choice of securities. A beginner usually buys one or two stocks and expects to make enough profit he has been made to believe will come from investment in the stock market. Often, short-term disappointments happen in place of the profits expected. This leaves the beginner agonising over the investments, regretting that he has not chosen the more rewarding investment options. Such investor may end up selling his portfolio and moving into another stock expected to do better. Soon, the stocks thought were going to do better also begin to go down. Mutual funds represent one major vehicle to get share investing right from the start and avoid possible initial disappointments, killing the investors’ enthusiasm. Mutual funds create a balance between the expectations of returns in a rising market and possibilities of losses when the market falls. The investment portfolio for a beginner requires being constructed around a diversified group of securities, spread broadly across the market. This will create a low portfolio risk advantage and thus guarantee the level of returns required to transform investments into great wealth over the years. Mutual funds operations in Nigeria came to the limelight for the first time during the early 1990s, as a result of the rapid growth in the financial sector induced by the deregulation policy of the mid-1980s. They emerged as part of the financial market innovations that followed the policy of deregulation. Banks engaged in competitive floatation and management of mutual funds then as it is happening again presently. A good number of them closed shop during the financial turmoil that followed and others remained relatively insignificant with limited impact in the capital market until the banking consolidation and the financial meltdown that resulted in plunge (depreciation in share price) in the equity market reinforced the investment bankers to start creating new mutual products. According to reports, the Nigerian mutual fund industry has currently expanded to 23.6 per cent to N186.5 billion, going by the latest official asset size values released by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for August 2014. Understanding mutual funds Mutual funds are funds professionally managed by investment managers that pool money from investors and invest them in different financial instruments including stocks, bonds, and money market instruments in a diversified manner with the financial aim of generating high expected rates of returns. The financial capacity needed to achieve the standard portfolio diversification is clearly not within the reach of the small investors. Recent market developments have also tended to

Trading floor

Mutual funds as alternative investment window place new hurdles for the small investor in direct stock market investing. The main restrictive factor is the general increase in the minimum account opening required by stock broking firms which was about N250, 000 during the boom days. This has spurred fresh attempts to establish mutual funds to create an alternative investment window for the small investor, but with as low as N5, 000, one could be a unit holder in mutual fund. Why investors should leverage on mutual funds Some market operators in the Nigerian Capital Market have described investment in mutual fund as a good investment strategy that is giving investors greater access to professional fund management. According to the Managing Director, Crane Securities Limited, Mr. Mike Eze, “investors that do not have in-depth knowledge of the capital market nor the time and expertise to analyse and invest in stocks and bonds, mutual funds offer various benefits which include affordable access to expensive stocks, risk diversification; mutual funds invest in a basket of asset. Eze noted that except the investing public begin to access the stock market through investment professional, equities will continue to record loss in value and thereby hindering the growth of the securities market. He said investing in mutual fund would give investors opportunity for professional fund management by fund managers charged with the responsibility of providing them with indepth research inputs from investment analysts.

With as low as N5, 000, one could be a unit holder in mutual fund

The Chief Executive Officer, Modus Market Concepts Limited, Mr. Brian Ojukwu, said the fund enables retail investors to invest in various instrument such that if one is failing, the other holds fit, so instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, it is now spread across many instruments that may not fall at the same time. “The whole idea is to pull together the resources of small investors and be able to make a pool that would afford such investor the opportunity to invest in choice instrument. It is about creating a portfolio, a meek portfolio,” he said. Also, the Managing Director, Lamberth Securities, Mr. David Adonri, said mutual fund enables investors who have shallow knowledge of investment to still invest wisely. Aside investing wisely, he said investors who don’t have enough resources could also invest in certain shares of their choice through mutual fund. Need to step up enlightenment Investors in the Nigerian Stock Exchange like their counterparts in other climes need to be well informed in order to undertake efficient decisions about various investment products in the market and avoid market scams. Since education helps in improving financial literacy of investors, the most effective investor protection starts with a well informed and educated investor, hence the need to step up investors’ awareness campaign. Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, last year unveiled a multi-media nationwide investor education cam-

paign to improve penetration and awareness of mutual funds. The company said the initiative was specifically aimed at publicising the unique benefits of mutual funds, while demystifying the erroneous impression that investment of this nature is reserved only for the wealthy. The Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr. Olumide Oyetan, stated that there were numerous benefits associated with investing in mutual funds, one of which is the professional management of investors’ money. He specified that Stanbic IBTC’s experience and expertise were based on indepth research that identifies unique opportunities designed to deliver on reasonable and consistent superior returns without taking undue risk. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had said it was targeting mutual funds investments of N1 trillion in the next three years The former Director-General of SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh, who disclosed this at the Centenary Capital Market Committee meeting late last year, said that the target would be achieved through effective utilisation of the market for medium and long-term funding for infrastructure development. The director-general said that the major challenge of the market was inadequate understanding by policy makers on its rudiments and benefits. Oteh said that the commission would continue with its advocacy programme to ensure increased participation and listing of more multinationals to achieve the target. The acting Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, has also promised Nigerians that the commission would continue to ensure that the market remains vibrant in order to attract investors both locally and internationally. Gwarzo said the current management would strive to develop domestic investment from retail and institutional investors “We will step up to reach out to the market and improve investment. On the international side, what is most important is the enabling environment. Right now, the rules are very friendly and that is why we keep changing them from time to time to suit best practices and attract investors,” he said. Mounir, however, stressed on the need for investor education both for retail and institutional to improve the level of investment from the domestic side. He expressed the desire for the capital market to play a deeper role in funding gaps in the federal budget and also fund infrastructure gaps. Conclusion Given the expansive nature of the Nigerian capital market, it is expected that with sustained awareness creations, mutual funds will continue to attract numerous investors as a number of them are trying to catch-in on retail investors who either do not have the investment savvy or the minimum requirements being demanded by the brokers to open an investment account for them.

Business | Money

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

top market

Despite Islamist terrorist movements and ebola virus, West Africa poised for growth Tony Chukwunyem with agency report

he West African sub region recorded the highest reported profit margins in 2014, according to the Economist Corporate Network survey. The 2015 African Business Outlook Survey – Africa is the horizon – focuses on sub-Saharan Africa’s growth prospects going forward as well as on its key regions. The survey said: “Over 60 per cent of respondents reported an operating profit of 10 per cent or more (in West Africa), and 26 per cent of respondents reported an operating profit margin higher than 20 per cent.” “The next most profitable region is Southern Africa, where 57 per cent of respondents reported an operating profit margin above 10 per cent.” It added that executives reported East African operations as having the highest percentage of losses, at 15 per cent. Executives also named Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Angola as their top markets in 2014.

West Africa recorded highest 2014 profit margins – Survey According to the survey, the centre of the global economy has been shifting from the developed to the developing world over the past twenty years.

“In 2015, sub-Saharan Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow at 4.5 per cent, making it the fastestgrowing economic zone

in the world, outpacing Asia’s regional average of 4.3 per cent annual growth.” “Obviously, in terms of overall market size,

sub-Saharan Africa is still quite a bit smaller than Asia, but, when considering the longer term, continued steady growth in Africa will result in an

L-R: Business consultant and keynote speaker, Leke Alder; Managing Director, Amaecom Global Limited, Marcel Ofomata and Prof. Pat Utomi, during an investment summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

economic bloc with global impact over the next two decades,” it added. The region’s two largest economies—Nigeria and South Africa—together compose over 63 per cent of sub-Saharan Africa’s total GDP. However, the survey showed that their prospects vary considerably. “The Nigerian economy is expected to grow over five per cent this year, while the South African economy is forecast to grow by 1.6 per cent,” it added. “These growth-rate differences reflect, in part, the current state of infrastructure in each country, as well as the breadth, depth and stage of development of the formal economy in each country,” the survey said. Despite the fact that West Africa faces many challenges, including Islamist terrorist movement, Boko Haram, and the Ebola virus, which infected over 20,000 people across at least five West African nations, the region is still poised to see growth. “Executives by and large expect revenue in West Africa to grow in line with corporate forecasts or to perform better than initially anticipated.” “This suggests that executives may have already factored these risks into their forecasts and feel confident in their firms’ abilities to overcome them,” said the survey.

Experts to ECOWAS: Discard CFA franc

GTBank, Rand Merchant Bank, finance Tema Port expansion

n order to strengthen financial integration in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should abandon the CFA franc and create a single currency. This call was made by participants at a workshop on regional integration in the sub region held recently. They stressed that the economic development of the ECOWAS relied on the creation of a common currency, adding that for this to be feasible, the

CFA had to be suppressed to strengthen financial integration. According to the All Africa, the Director of the Centre for Research on Economic Policy (CREPOL), Diéry Seck, believes that ECOWAS countries can increase their funding capacity through external borrowing with the creation of a single currency. He also believes that there is a need for a sovereign debt assessment model, and argues that a country should be able to use part of the reserves of its

neighbours to pay its external debt. Some participants highlighted the obstacles to overcome before such currency can be created, including integration for all economic sectors and the problem of exchange rates. They also called for the development of intra-regional investment, which suffers due to different provisions between Anglophone and Francophone systems for repatriation of capital and profits.

Financial inclusion key to growth in Africa – IMF

he Deputy Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf, has said that access to financial services allows poor people to surmount the challenges associated with conventional banking transactions. She stated this at a recent conference jointly organised by the IMF and Bank of Central African States (BEAC). According to her, “Better access to financial services en-

ables poor people to overcome the rigid constraints of cash transactions, to start saving and receive microloans to invest.” The conference, which was held under the theme, “Finance for all - Promoting financial inclusion in Central Africa,” was attended by participants from across the continent. Participants identified barriers to access to financial services to include complex guarantees, high bank inter-

mediation costs, as well as the fact that legal and institutional frameworks no longer meet current financial transactions. In addition, because of the high risk, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are facing high costs for accessing credit. In his remarks, the Governor of the BEAC, Lucas Abaga Nchama, said, “For growth to be inclusive, beyond the measures that the central bank can take, we must improve the business climate.”

uaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Limited, has participated in a $80million syndicated Term Loan Facility arranged by Rand Merchant Bank(RMD) as part financing for the design and construction of an unloading jetty at the Tema Port, Ghana. The project is aimed at helping to increase the number of shipping vessels that can berth at any one time. The sum of $42million had earlier been arranged under Phase 1 of the financing. GTBank, as part of its involvement in the Phase II of the Tema Port expansion programme, participated to the tune of $20million in the three-bank syndication. FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Division and as lead arranger/facility agent, funded $50million with the other participating institution, FBN Bank (UK) Limited, availing the remaining $10million of the syndication amount. The syndicated term

loan facility to finance construction of the jetty was mandated by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in anticipation of increased sea trade activity due to expected growth in imports and, to some extent, exports from the country. Commenting on GTBank’s involvement in the syndication, Managing Director of the bank Mr. Lekan Sanusi, stated: “At the end of it all, GTBank and the others involved in this syndication will have made a very significant contribution toward the development of Ghana.” The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority is a statutory organisation wholly-owned by the Ministry of Transport. It manages and operates the various ports in conjunction with a host of private service providers in the areas of vessel handling, stevedoring, transfer, storage, receipt, and delivery of containerised and general cargoes. Others are safety, security and conservancy services.

Business | Money

Tony Chukwunyem

igeria’s rating as a top investment destination on the continent for foreign banks received a boost in February when Barclays Africa Group announced that it had applied to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for an Investment Banking license. The bank’s Head of Corporate and Investment Banking for Africa outside South Africa, Temi Ofong, reportedly stated that the lender had been increasing its presence in Lagos in anticipation of the approval from the apex bank, revealing that Barclays Africa unit’s representative office in Nigeria had been expanded to have 20 staff. He was quoted as saying that, “We have an ongoing strategy to expand our footprint and we have formally engaged the authorities in Nigeria to apply for licences.” If the bank’s application is successful, it would be the second lender based in South Africa to have secured a merchant banking licence in Nigeria in the last few years. Rand Merchant Bank commenced operations in the country early in 2013 after securing its license in December 2012. However, the bank has applied to convert its merchant banking licence to a universal one. Indeed, since 2012 foreign banks have significantly increased their presence in the country. Only recently, Atlas Mara, the African investment vehicle of former Barclays boss, Bob Diamond, increased its stake in Union Bank of Nigeria having acquired a 20.9 per cent stake in the lender from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Also, last year, NedBank gained access to the Nigerian market when it increased its stake in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) to 20 per cent. Ecobank earns about 50 per cent of its revenue from its Nigerian operation. Currently, of the 22 licensed commercial banks in the country, six-Citibank Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered, Rand Merchant Bank, ETI and Union Bank- are owned by foreigners and there are reports of more foreign banks from India and the Middle East eyeing the Nigerian market. Analysts point out that the development differed remarkably from what obtained in the industry in the 1970s when the promulgation of the Indigenisation Decree by the then military regime forced the foreign banks then operating in the country to leave. Significantly, Barclays which was set up by British colonial administration in 1917, was one of Nigeria’s largest banks after independence. In 1969, the bank was incorporated in Nigeria as Barclays Bank of Nigeria Limited to comply with the country’s banking laws enacted in 1968. However, following the promulgation of the Indigenisation Decree, it withdrew from the country and the bank that succeeded it was named Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN). Factors fuelling foreign banks’ interest in Nigeria According to industry analysts, following the 2007/2008 global financial crisis, interest rates fell sharply in most parts of the West and in South Africa, thereby making banks in those climes to look further afield to emerging market economies where the relatively high interest rates could guarantee them reasonable revenue. In addition, the analysts noted that studies have shown that the African banking market, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, holds a lot of potential for growth particularly in the area of retail banking. As the biggest economy on the conti-

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Foreign banks fall for lure of Nigeria’s market

Emefiele

OkonjoIweala

nent which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast will likely expand by 4.8 per cent this year, compared to, for instance, South Africa’s projected 2.1 per cent, Nigeria, the analysts argue, will logically be one of the favourite places for investment by foreign banks which will also take into consideration the country’s huge population and its large number of the unbanked. For instance, commenting on foreign banks’ rush into Nigeria, Senior Financial Analyst at Palm Executives, Odafe Onomakpome, cited the country’s 170 million population and its position as an emerging market in Africa. He said, “Barclays can cheaply unload a number of its financial services products in Nigeria. Also, Interest Rates, key instrument in lowering inflation rates are far lower in the West than in Nigeria. According to Bank of England website, the base rate stands at 0.00 per cent. Which means Barclays Bank can add up to five per cent when lending. In the case of Nigeria, CBN lending interest rate is 26.33 per cent. This rate is far greater than five per cent that Barclay offers to its customers in UK. Therefore, differential rate of 21.33 per cent for every loan Barclays adds up to their profits and net worth of their business.”

any Nigerian-owned top 10 banks, the aggregate investment must not be more than 10 per cent of the latter’s total capital. In addition, in a situation where a single foreign investor invests in a Nigerian-owned lender, such investment may not exceed the holding of the largest Nigerian shareholder. The regulation further stated that any foreign-owned bank in Nigeria desirous of acquiring or merging with a local bank must have operated in the country for a minimum of five years. To qualify for merger or acquisition of any local bank, the foreign bank must have achieved a spread of two-thirds of the states of the Federation Nigeria (excluding the state capital), provided the foreign bank/investors’ shareholding arising from the merger/acquisition should not exceed 40 per cent of the total

Sanusi’s removal of entry barriers However, analysts also attributed foreign banks’ interest in Nigeria to the removal by the former CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, of the entry restrictions imposed on foreign banks interested in investing in Nigerian banks by his predecessor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo. To prevent what he believed to be a situation in which foreign banks would dominate Nigeria’s financial system and prescribe rules on the country’s economic development, Soludo had introduced a regulation which restricted the amount of stake a foreign bank could hold in any of the top 10 Nigerian-owned banks. According to the policy, if a group of foreign institutions decides to invest in

Studies have shown that the African banking market, especially subSaharan Africa, holds a lot of potential for growth particularly in the area of retail banking

capital of the resultant entity. However, the restriction did not prevent foreign banks from setting up businesses in Nigeria on their own if they satisfy the minimum capital base requirement and other statutory prescriptions. Soludo had contended that since the top 10 banks in Nigeria control nearly seventy per cent of the banking sector, the regulation was necessary to protect the Nigerian economy from being hijacked by foreigners particularly in view of the critical link between ownership and control of commercial banks and economic development. Proponents of the policy also pointed out that the few foreign banks operating in the country at the time had been reluctant to expand branches across the country, preferring to operate only in few metropolitan cities. Furthermore, the structure of their loan portfolio indicates concentration in favour of multinationals. But following Soludo’s departure from office, the policy was immediately scrapped by Sanusi who argued that it was not relevant especially against the backdrop of the lessons that were learnt from the global financial crisis. The former CBN boss introduced reforms, which, according to him, was targeted at making Nigeria have a stronger and more accountable banking system, “one that is likely to attract substantial investment from Asian, European and American banks seeking a foothold in one of Africa’s biggest markets.” In an interview with Africa Confidential, he also said, “I think the economy needs a mix of foreign and local banks. I don’t think we should hand over all the banks to foreigners; it’s not a practical proposition. But 25-30 per cent of the industry being in the hands of foreigners would be a very good target.” Impact on economy Similarly expressing support for unrestricted access for foreign banks’ coming into the Nigerian market, Odafe Onomakpome said that their entry would lead to an improvement in the quality of services offered in the industry. According to him, “The foreign banks will likely have greater access to resources from Abroad; they have more stable funding and lending patterns than domestic banks. They will also introduce new products and management techniques. All these would result in increased competition and thus better services in the industry.” However, a top official of a new generation bank, who did want to be named, said that while the world was now a global village and entry restrictions should not be imposed on foreign banks that are keen on investing in any country of their choice, the regulatory authorities should ensure that foreign lenders are strictly supervised to avoid a situation where the operators of the companies could suddenly decide to close shop and flee the country. He emphasised that local banks were not bothered about the increased competition in the industry that would be triggered by the entry of the foreign banks. “We have been here longer than them. This is our country and so we understand the system better than they ever can,” he stated.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

President makes case for maritime capacity building p.36

Maritime

US, Nigeria, others in joint maritime exercise to deter pirates p.37

NTC: Shippers’ Council jostles for recognition Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), which was appointed the economic regulator of the Nigerian port industry, is making efforts to transform to a National Transport Commission (NTC). Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had made similar move in the past. Already, the NTC Bill seeking to establish the commission is still gathering dusts in the Presidency, BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports

he Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has pleaded with the Federal Government to ensure that the council is transmuted into the National Transport Commission (NTC). NTC is designed to be a multimodal sector and to provide an economic regulator for the transport sub-sector, which includes the rail, road and maritime. Its Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, said that the council had the manpower and wealth of experience to carry out the responsibilities the bill seeks to achieve. He told the Special Adviser to the President on Maritime Services, Mr. Leke Oyewole, when he visited the council that instead of settling up a new body, the NSC should be allowed to transform into the NTC. NPA’s position Before now, the Nigerian Ports Authority had made similar move by amending the Ports Commission Bill (PCB) to a National Transport Commission Bill (NTC bill), which would form a National Transport Commission to act as

Container terminal at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.

the economic regulator and overseer of inland water transport, roads and rail sub-sectors. But the executive secretary said that it would only amount to a duplication of functions if another body was created to carry out responsibilities already being carried out by the council. He noted: “Some of the functions of the NTC were lifted from the NSC Acts. I don’t know why we should duplicate functions. We are making a case that it should not be separate from what the Shippers’ Council is doing. As it has been canvassed by stakeholders, we want the council to transform into that bill. Challenges “Because of a modern way of doing things, we need a Presidential order and that has been approved by the Attorney General and it is before Mr. President to sign. We really love that the president signs that order so that the

We are making a case that it should not be separate from what the Shippers’ Council is doing

legal framework order will come with a regulation which the ministry is also working on and that will give us a frame work to operate.” Bello noted that despite the reforms of the port, there were still challenges especially in the area of cargo dwell time. He said that the port had not been competitive to shippers because of cumbersome clearing procedures, which he described as near ‘primitive’. Review Bello, however, noted that the Federal Transportation Ministry had started the review of the draft of a new National Transport Policy, which provides for the transformation of NSC to the commission when the council, under Captain Adamu Biu, its former executive secretary, made inputs into the National Transport Bill. Oyewole said, “I must be extremely grateful to the management of the Nigerian Shippers’

Freight forwarders’ council to tackle quacks with electronic platform Bayo Akomolafe

he Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has said that it will soon create an electronic platform that would enable members of the public, especially importers, to identify genuine and duly registered freight forwarders. While addressing members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA), the Registrar of the Council, Sir Mike Jukwe said that after the creation of the platform,

anyone who engages the service of an unregistered freight forwarder would be liable to prosecution. He said: “Like National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), when you buy a drug and you want to confirm the authenticity of that drug, all you just need is to scratch, send a message and you will receive a message immediately with the server telling you whether the drug is genuine or not. “That is what is going to happen with freight forwarding very soon. When

you are going to engage the services of a freight forwarder, all you need do is to send a message and you receive a confirmation whether the freight forwarder is registered or not. “The law said, it is an offence to engage the services of a freight forwarder that is not registered by CRFFN. As much as the illegal freight forwarder is guilty, the one who engages his services is also guilty. So we are coming up with this system for the members of the public. That is one of the standards we are setting in line with interna-

tional best practice.” Jukwe explained that CRFFN was also working to ensure that unregistered practitioners were not allowed to operate. He said that the council’s enforcement officers had been deployed to create awareness on requisite qualifications for practitioners. He added: “Like every other profession, it is no longer going to be as it used to be where a freight forwarder charges different tariff, thereby lowering the standards and sometimes criminality comes in.

Council for what you have done so far. Cost moderation and other achievements within one year is an indication of your love for the job and for the country.” He said that government had successfully linked the rail system with the port in an attempt to move cargoes faster, pointing out that such would also be replicated in other ports. Stakeholders’ opinion The Chairman of the Port Consultative Council, Otunba Kunle Folarin, said that the council had a mandate by law to play the role of a regulator. According to him, the council would ensure competitiveness in the system if government turns from it to NTC. He stressed: “It is the only government institution that performs a similar function as it is in the draft bill of National Transport Commission. The bill includes licensing the strength of the sector and making sure we have enough ethics and obedience. “One of the most relevant of its roles is to protect the shipper and also protecting the Nigerian economy because they are the custodian of freight regulation. “So, I believe that the Shippers’ Council should be able to provide the manpower and expertise and be able to live up to the expectation of government.” Folarin added: “I believe that Nigeria Shippers’ Council is in the position to serve as commercial regulator.” Before now, the Senate Committee on Marine Transport had stressed the need for an economic regulator to check arbitrary shipping charges the importers pay to shipping companies and terminal operators.

Business | Maritime

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

President makes case for maritime capacity building TRAINING Government to sustain training for youth Bayo Akomolafe

he President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR), has stressed the need to sustain the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme

(NSDP) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). He noted that human capacity development for young Nigerians was critical to the growth and development of the country. He added that no effort would be spared at making sure the NSDP and similar programmes are sustained. “As a nation, if you must prepare for the future of the country you must invest in the young people in the country,

and as a nation you don’t go back but move forward” he said. In a release by the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations Unit, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, the President advised the beneficiaries of the programme to exhibit great professionalism when they take on the global challenges in the maritime sector after the completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The Director General of the agency, Mr. Patrick

Akpobolokemi, said that the graduates had made him proud as scores of them made top grades at the final examinations in Egypt and the United Kingdom. He said: “This is a motivation and will aid continuation of the scheme. “We thank Mr. President for his support in seeing to the success of this programme and for keeping us on our toes in the discharge of our duties in NIMASA to realise the objective.” The director general

also appreciated the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, for his support in the human capacity development drive. Speaking on behalf of the NSDP graduates, Raphael Oluwafemi Faboro said: “I will like to appreciate the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for making it possible for us to have a good life and good future. Sir, I will like to say you have given us a good opportunity and as professionals in the maritime sector.

“We are ready to go to the world and to also take charge of the Nigerian Cabotage trade. Indeed, you are our hero.” The graduates promised the president that the enormous resources expended by government towards the successful completion of their programmes in Egypt and the United Kingdom was money well spent and they would not fail the President and the nation when they eventually commence their chosen careers. The beneficiaries of the NSDP graduated from the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt and the South Tyneside College, New Castle, United Kingdom. They studied various courses such as; Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Naval Architecture amongst others.

NPA acquires tugboats for pilotage district demand

he Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) has acquired two 60-tons buller- pull tugboats with computerised engines, to meet the increasing demands of critical stakeholders within the Lagos Pilotage District. The boats, with one christened “Uromi”, had twin fire fighting pumps, with a reach of above 300 meters, making it the strongest equipment in category in the country. Before the arrival of the boats, the biggest tugs in Lagos had a capacity of 45- ton buller-pulls, while the biggest in Port Harcourt pilotage district, according to investigation was not up to 50-ton buller pulls. Its Managing Director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, had last year, assured the critical stakeholders that he had completed arrangements for the acquisition of four new built, out of which two built arrived to significantly boost the efficiency and productivity of the ports in Lagos. Speaking after a thorough appraisal of the tugs, the General Manager, Marine and Operations, M. Goje, was happy that the tug boats would effectively endow the NPA with the capacity to contain fires in case of emergency.

Business | Maritime

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

COMBAT Countries team up to tackle piracy, illicit trafficking and other maritime threats Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

nited States and Nigeria are among the countries that will participate in the 2015 multinational maritime exercise. It is being sponsored by the US Africa Command. The exercise, tagged: Obangame Express, is to test multinational maritime forces in a broad range of naval operations in order to increase capability and capacity for the Gulf of Guinea countries to deter piracy, illicit trafficking and other maritime threats.

US, Nigeria, others in joint maritime exercise to deter pirates Other participating countries in the military exercise are: Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Spain, Togo, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Also, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) were invited. It was learnt that the exercise would take place through-

out the Gulf of Guinea, and would also have land-based maritime operations centers throughout the region. It was revealed that the centers of international activity would be in the vicinity of Accra in Ghana. In a media briefing coordinated by the Africa Regional Media Hub of the U.S. Department of State in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Officer in Tactical Command of Exercise Obangame Express 2015, U.S. Navy Captain John Rinko, explained that Nigeria had deployed naval forces and resources for the exercise. He added: “Nigeria has

three offshore patrol vessels, a patrol craft, one maritime patrol aircraft and four boarding teams and two special operating forces boarding teams that are engaged in the exercise. “So Nigeria is, certainly through its participation, has clearly indicated the importance of this exercise to their nation and the importance of maritime security in their waters. “It only suffices to say that we are encouraged by their significant continued support to this exercise series as we all recognise the importance of the Nigerian efforts in maintaining maritime security in

the region.” Rinko said that the Obangame Express 2015 marked the fifth year of execution of the exercise, in which participation had more than quadrupled since its inception in 2010. He said: “The level of participation is indicative of the global importance of this region and the desires of the United States and our African, European and South American partners to continue to improve regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. Every nation participating plays a critical role in their own nation maritime security, as well as the security in the entire region.”

AP Moller wins Nigerian safety award O

perator of the busiest terminal in West Africa, APM Terminals, has been named the Most Environmentally Conscious Port Operator in the Lagos region by the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Environment Department of the Health, Safety and Environment Division. The award was conferred on the company in recognition of its achievements in the area of terminal safety culture and operating practices in Nigeria’s primary port city. The Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Mr. Andrew Dawes, dedicated the award to the terminal’s employees and partners, stating that the achievement was made possible through the safety culture of personal responsibility, which the organisation practice and embrace. He added that the award was through the personal commitment of the company’s staff and business partners working together for a safe workplace environment. Meanwhile, on a companywide basis, APM Terminals’ Lost-Time Incident Frequency (LTIF) rate declined from 2.53

in 2013 to 1.81 per million manhours in 2014 across the APM Terminals Global Terminal Network, in facilities managed by APM Terminals. The APM Terminals Apapa LTIF rate for 2014 was 0.47 per million man-hours worked. APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container facility by capacity of the three serving Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and business center. With a container throughput of 700,000 TEUs in 2014, APM Terminals Apapa is the busiest container terminal in the West African Region, handling nearly 90per cent of Nigeria’s inbound containers. A $350 million investment and expansion programme since 2006 by APM Terminals Apapa has resulted in container volumes more than doubling and productivity increasing significantly with waiting time for vessel berthing eliminated. Regular rail service, running three times per week to the inland cities of Kaduna, 730 kilometres (455 miles) from Lagos, and Kano, 960 kilometres (600 miles) distant, was also established in August 2013.

Senate tasks NIMASA over workers’ allowance

he Senate Committee on Marine Transport has tasked the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to make full payment of its workers’ allowances before its 2015 budget could be approved. The Senate was disturbed by the non-payment of staff allowances and had invited the management for meeting to find out why the payments had not been made. It was learnt that while housing and children education allowances had been paid, the furniture and leave allow-

ances are still being awaited. It would be recalled that the management of NIMASA came under serious attack following media report of the agency’s inability to pay workers’ allowances. After the intervention of the Senate, the management at a time allegedly called for a meeting where it assured workers of the payment of their allowances on or before the first week of April. Some of the allowances, include housing, furniture and children education, were usually paid in the first week of January.

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineering (NSE), Lagos Branch, Mr. Oludayo Oluyemi; Executive Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mr. David Omonibeke and General Manager, Maintenance, NPA, Mr. Peter Obinomen during a visit by the NSE team to NPA Headquarters in Lagos.

NPA, NSE to collaborate on specalisation T he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) have agreed to ensure that engineering curriculum of institutions has relevant specialisation and industry based. The Managing Director of the authority, Malam Habib Abdullahi, disclosed this while receiving a delegation of NSE, Lagos State branch in his office during a visit. Represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Engineer David Omonibeke, the managing director explained that the labour market was saturated with many unemployed engineering graduates due to lack of relevant industry skills required. Omonibeke, in a statement by the NPA Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Mallam Iliya Musa, told the delegation that any young engineering graduate

with the necessary skill does not need any godfather to secure employment. He added that the NPA would establish a Maritime Safety Centre for the training of pilots and other personnel in the fire service. On request for assistance for the completion of the branch secretariat/library complex, earlier made by the leader of the delegation, Engineer Oludayo Oluyemi, Omonibeke said that the authority had a Corporate Social Responsibility policy for host communities and that in view of the pivotal roles engineers play in infrastructural development in the maritime sector, their request had been noted. Also, the authority’s General Manager, Maintenance, Engr. Peter Obinomen, disclosed that local engineer had been involved in capital and maintenance dredging of the channels, quay wall

and fenders construction, installation of navigational aids like buoys, moles and breakwater works, roads and rail networks within the port and other marine engineering that deals with water front infrastructure. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Oluyemi had commended the authority for its roles in the Nigerian economy and for providing their colleagues with gainful employment, saying that the Authority was identified as one of the biggest employer of engineers in the country. He informed the representative of the managing director that the society would hold its Annual General Meeting in Akure in November this year and that apart from inviting NPA to grace the occasion, he solicited for the financial assistance for the completion of its secretariat/library project.

WEDNESday, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

A cross-section of members of the Senate of Landmark University, during the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd public lecture in Omu-Aran, Kwara State.

National Leader/Founder, Youth of All Nations, Comrade Jeff Echezona Joshua (left) and Honorable Rita Odichinma Orji, at a briefing after Orjiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Federal House of Representatives Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, in Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Mr. Tony Ojobo; Director Spectrum Administration, Mr. Nwaulune Augustine and Head, Public Relations, Mr. Reuben Muoka, during a press conference on Spectrum Licensing round in Abuja.

L-R: Project Manager, National Youth Service Corps/Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Tony Oviosun; NYSC Zonal Inspector, Ikeja Zone, Mr. Onochie Mordi; Country Head, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Mrs. Toyin Ademola and Chief Executive Officer, Human Capital Development Consultants, Mrs. Bisola Longe, during an Employability Seminar organised for youths in Lagos.

Photo | News 39

Participants at a news conference by the European Union Election Observation Mission on 2015 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Abuja.

L-R: Special Adviser to Senator Ganiyu Solomon on Constituency Matter, Alhaji Yinka Kazeem; Senator representing Lagos West, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon; Chairman, Governing Board, Mushin General Hospital, Dr. Ade Omosule and Medical Director/CEO, Mushin General Hospital, Dr. Catherine Adelaja, during the presentation of an ambulance to Mushin General Hospital by Senator Solomon in Lagos.

L-R: Enugu State deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Juliet Idekaku; governorship candidate, Mr. Okey Ezea and State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, during a news conference on 2015 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Enugu.

Founder and Director, Alpha Nursing Agency, Nigeria, Mrs. Nneoma Silverline Abassah (middle), after receiving the Century International Quality (ERA) award for quality service delivery on behalf of her Agency, from the President of the BID Group, Mr. Jose Prieto (second left), during the Intercontinental Geneva Convention Hall in Switzerland, recently. With them are other officials.

40 Politics

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

When card readers failed Kwara farmers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

didates. But someone else suggested we all should have Patience until the christening day to know who won the debate and so we are waiting. Share... Sango, Oke-Oyi, Iponrin, Alegongo, Adio, Babanloma, Bode Saadu, Share, Tsaragi etc... all calm and quiet as I roamed about. I had three targets: Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed and his next door neighbour, Alhaji Yinusa Yahaya,

otherwise known as Bulldozer. While Ahmed is from Share in Ifelodun local government area, Yahaya is from Tsaragi in Edu council area but the distance between their polling units is less than 10 minutes and they belong to different parties. Ahmed is Yoruba while Yahaya is Nupe. I met the governor at home resting but he said he would not talk until he had voted. He later voted at about 2.51p.m. I met Yahaya praying under a big tree near his polling unit.

He voted at about 4.24p.m. and expressed total dissatisfaction with the use of card readers. My third target was Senator Makanjuola Ajadi who until he resigned to contest the governorship ticket of the PDP was Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to Mr. President. He lives at Babanloma but has a house too at Adio, his native home. The two villages are less than five minutes apart. He too wasn’t happy about the card reader issue and also the accredita-

tion time since most of his constituents are farmers. I also saw Dr. Femi Ogunsola, son of late Professor Albert Ogunsola, perhaps the closest aide to late Dr. Olusola Saraki, but who is now working against the son of his father’s friend and his former friend, Senator Bukola Saraki. He too wasn’t happy about the card reader and promised to deliver for the PDP. The old woman with her gift While walking back from the polling unit, an aged woman approached

Ahmed with a basket containing two yams and a bottle of water. They all know him in the town or at least they were friends or neighbours with his mother before she died. Ever humble, the governor bent down real, to greet the woman and collected the gift from her. Of course such act of traditional hospitality doesn’t go unrewarded from a son who has become a big man. Card readers rejected farmers’ hands Majority of those who

had issues with the card readers in the areas I visited were farmers probably because their hands were calloused from farm work, and the elderly. I asked INEC officials if they had spirits for cleansing such hands. But none. APC Situation Room I was at the APC Situation Room in Ilorin and the only word to describe it is that it showed Bukola Saraki was well prepared for the election. It is a digital house fashioned after the manner of election situation rooms abroad with well trained staff. Ask any question about any politician, about any ward or polling unit or any issue, they would bring an answer out for you at the click of a button. They know who to call on any issue from village to village, from security men to INEC officials to resolve issues. And it was non-partisan. There were first responders who took incident calls and I learnt they took over 60,000 calls on Election Day. Whatever they could not resolve was passed to another group of staff who had more time to spend talking and if they could not resolve such was passed to another level until the final table. I missed my vote Good enough the card reader passed my accreditation at the first attempt. I told the poling officer I needed to work before coming back to vote. I really wanted to vote but I still missed the chance because as I marched to the polling unit about 5.50p.m. I saw them counting the ballot papers. I simply hid my PVC with my palm and continued the work of a reporter. The figures, as they rolled in... As the figures rolled in, the casualties became evident and they are all big men: Minister of National Planning, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, Kwara central senatorial candidate, Alhaji AbdulRazak AbdulRahaman, business mogul and close associate of First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Hajia Bola Shagaya and her son, Sherrif who contested the House of Representatives seat for Ilorin West and Asa federal constituency. There was also Jonathan’s Campaign Coordinator in the state, Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN). Abubakar kicking against the results even before it was announced formally.

Politics 41

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015

Don’t declare fake results in Abia North, Ohanaeze warns INEC Temitope Ogunbanke

he Deputy Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee, Chief Onwuka Ukwa, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the results of last Saturday presidential and National Assembly elections reflects the people’s choice. The Ohanaeze chieftain also called on the INEC chairman, Prof. Attihiru Jega to wade into the manipulation going on in the Abia North Senatorial District in order not to jeopardize the excellent performance so far recorded in the elections. Ukwa, who hails from Ohafia in the Abia North Senatorial District, also

disclosed that he was authoritatively informed that an elaborate scheme was mounted to frustrate the true wishes of his senatorial district to elect Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the former governor of Abia State to represent the district in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. He said the observers who were dispatched to monitor the election also confirmed Kalu as winner of the senatorial election. “Abians will no longer tolerate the fraudulent use of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and the President Goodluck Jonathan’s relationship with the occupants of Government House in Umuahia to commit all sorts of havoc in Abia

State. The era of reckless impunity is over. “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. S.A. Okoh, and the National Commissioner, Chief (Mrs) Nne Nwafor, are warned not to engage in any act that will tarnish the image of INEC and the country bearing in mind the presence of the international community and International Criminal Court (ICC) representatives in monitoring of the elections. Nigeria is now entering an era of transparency and accountability. Public officers will now give account of their conduct. “Abia State will no longer send sleeping senators to Abuja. Even the allocation of 13,000 votes to Gen. Buhari calls to question the entire voting

exercise in all the polling booths in Abia State,” Ukwa stated. Meanwhile youths from all parts of Abia converged on Umuahia, the state capital, to protest against the attempt by the Abia State government to rig the last Saturday election. Already the state radio station have been announcing the PDP candidates as winners contrary to the electoral law. “The state INEC have not officially announced any result yet the government is announcing their candidates as winners,” one of the youth said. “So many irregularities which INEC are trying to untangle has caused the delay in INEC announcing any result officially. All Abians are watchful.”

No evidence to cancel Rivers polls, says INEC

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said there is no substantial evidence to cancel result of Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in Rivers. Chairman of the commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, made this known at the National Collation Centre of the election yesterday in Abuja. The position of the INEC was sequel to calls by some political stakeholders in the state for the cancellation of the result and a formal petition on it by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The petitioners had alleged massive irregularities during the elections. “Elections all over the world are not perfect and we do not believe that the

PDP rejects Lagos results Wale Elegbede

Supporters of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, jubilating in Abuja... yesterday.

Photo: ELIjah olaluyi

PDP senators blame govs for party’s woes Chukwu David Abuja

ome senators of the ruling Peoples Democratic (PDP) have blamed the poor performance of the party in the last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections on the recklessness and excesses of the state governors. The senators, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity on the performances of their party in the just-concluded polls, attributed the party’s woes to self-inflicted problems and impunity on the part of their leaders, with particular emphasis on the state governors. One of such senators, who is also a ranking member of the Upper Chamber from the North Central, alleged that the party surrendered its structure to

the state governors, the development he said led to anger and frustrations among party members. He said the only way to express dissatisfaction was through protest votes which heavily profited the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), in the general elections held across the country four days ago. In another development, an APC Senator representing Osun Central, Prof. Sola Adeyeye expressed satisfaction with the voting pattern in the South-West. He said: “The SouthWest has shown itself again. From 1951, the South-West has never been monolithic. The only time that the South-West came close to being monolithic was 1979.” He further noted that the South-West in the 50s was split between the Action Group (AG) and the

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

National Council for Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). His words: “When you look at the votes return from the zone, you see the only place in the South where there is pluralism of choice. In the SouthEast and South-South where 90 per cent are voting, for one party, you ask yourself, what kind of democracy is this. “I am proud that the South-West has continued to live in tradition of political liberalism where from the same community, you can have 55 per cent to 45 per cent.

That was how it was with Azikiwe and Awolowo. “Zik, an Igbo man, was contesting from the Mushin area of Lagos in Yoruba land. Zik almost became Premier of Western Region in 1952. “The wish of the people must prevail in this election. Anybody who does not allow the will of the people to prevail, would be consumed by the wrath of the people and would become history. The winner must be declared to avoid chaos.” Meanwhile, the current configuration of members of the incoming 8th Senate has changed based on the National Assembly election results, which would now make the APC emerging as the majority party in the apex chamber. Based on the available results, the APC would now tentatively have 63 members; PDP, 46.

allegations are substantial enough to cancel the results. “The commission, however, constituted a threeman committee to investigate the allegations. “The three-man committee went to the state on Monday to investigate the allegation and they returned this morning (Tuesday) and were giving us a debriefing this morning which resulted in the delay of today’s process,” Jega said. He, therefore, directed that result of the presidential poll from Rivers should be announced, and it was done by the Collation Officer for the state, Prof. John Etu-Efeotor, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta.

he Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel results of the presidential elections in the state, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) manipulated the voting process. Addressing journalists yesterday at its party secretariat, the state chairman of the party, Mr. Tunji Shelle, alleged that INEC officials collaborated with the APC to manipulate outcome of the elections, saying it affected the chances of the party. Shelle said: “We hereby reject outright all the established manipulated results and the concocted victory given in favour of APC in Lagos State. We demand immediate justice

and the prompt cancellation of all concocted APC kangaroo victory and the immediate restoration of all genuine and untarnished results that demand from the various polling units as nothing else will do. “We are protesting in the strongest terms the deliberate and unconscionable complicity of INEC officials with the APC in Lagos State to thwart and reverse the popular will of the people of Lagos State in the presidential and parliamentary elections,” he said. According to Shelle, the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) was “skewed in favour of the stronghold of the APC in Lagos and beyond to the detriment of PDP. Nonindigenes in Lagos were openly disenfranchised and denied the right to collect their PVCs, hence majority were unable to vote.”

Group counsels Jega on petitions Wale Elegbede

he Nigeria National Summit Group (NNSG) has urged the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to discard the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the presidential election in four states of the federation. In a statement by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Tony Uranta, the NNSG said a reassessment of the process will ensure that the smooth process of election was not derailed, stating that the accusations are weighty. “We witnessed along with millions of Nigeri-

ans and citizens of the world, the embarrassing drama that transpired during the release of the presidential poll results by INEC, when Elder Orubebe (an agent of the PDP) levied weighty accusations of ‘bias, tribalism, partiality, compromise and foul play” against INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. “Whilst one may not be comfortable with Orubebe’s outburst, we cannot run away from the fact that these allegations are too weighty to gloss over, if Nigerians do not want this erstwhile putatively smooth process to be derailed alongside the peace and security of Nigeria!”

42 Politics

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari: I’ll tackle corruption, FELIX NWANERI chronicles the several promises made by the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, during his visits to the states in the course of his campaign

total of 14 candidates contested the March 28 presidential poll but there is no doubt that it was a twohorse race between the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both candidates traversed the length and breadth of the country, consisting of 36 states soliciting for votes. For General Buhari, his campaign promises revolved around three issues – fight against corruption, insecurity and job creation. He vowed to stop the Boko Haram insurgency in months, create millions of jobs and end corruption if elected. Port Harcourt: Fight corruption, revive ailing economy The flag-off of the APC presidential campaign, which took place at the Adokie Amasiemeka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on January 6, witnessed a massive turnout of party members from across the country. Addressing the crowd, Buhari decried the country’s alarming corruption index; intolerable unemployment situation; insecurity and poor economy. He said on assumption of office as president, he would fight corruption, transform Nigeria’s ailing economy, provide jobs for the masses and tackle insecurity in the North-East. His words: “The fundamental issues facing this country are insecurity and the problem of economy which is being made worse by corruption. We have lined up programmes on how to tackle unemployment. We are going to assemble a team of professionals for wealth creation and employment for our teeming youths. We will put a mechanism in place to fight insecurity, improve on the economy and fight corruption.” Uyo: Fight graft, steady power After the Rivers flag-off, Buhari moved to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the same day. He told his supporters in the PDP-controlled state that the Jonathan administration has ruined Nigeria. “The PDP has ruined this country, we have a lot to do, a lot to secure this country. We have reached a stage when we must send PDP out,” he said. He promised that the nation’s wealth will belong to Nigerians, and nobody would be given the opportunity to steal from the treasury. “We will draw a line when we come to power. Anybody who steals Nigerians’ money will find himself

in jail,” he said, adding that his administration will ensure steady power supply. Calabar: Resuscitate ailing industries In Calabar, Cross Rivers State on January 7, Buhari promised to use the non-oil sector to boost Nigeria’s economy, if elected. According to him, his administration will also restore the lost glory of education and address the problem of power supply to resuscitate ailing industries. “Our main objective is to make sure that agriculture and other non-oil sectors get priority to create opportunities for Nigerian so that whether educated or not, will have gainful employment,” he said. Warri: Good governance, education Addressing a rally in Warri, Delta State on January 7, the APC presidential candidate pledged that his government would work tirelessly to turn the tide in all areas where the wheel of progress of the Nigerian nation had been impeded by the PDP-led government. “The issue facing this country, we all know, is mainly security and the destruction of the Nigerian economy, but our objective is absolutely clear, we intend to secure this country as soon as we can and efficiently manage it,” he said. He also promised to rehabilitate the country’s four refineries and revive the pipelines and depots if elected. Yenagoa: Revamp power and agric sectors The APC presidential campaign train arrived Yenagoa, Bayelsa State (President Jonathan’s home state) on January 8, with Buhari pledging to revamp the agriculture and power sectors, if elected. Noting that Bayelsa is blessed with a suitable climate and fertile land for large scale agriculture, he said such would be harnessed to drive economic development. He also promised to embark on skills acquisition and empowerment schemes for unemployed youths in the state. Abakaliki: End importation of rice In Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on January 9, Buhari promised to end the importation of rice and other food items into the country, if elected president. Describing Ebonyi as one of Nigeria’s food baskets, he said: “If your farmers are properly empowered, we don’t need to import rice into the country again.” He added: “Everybody knows the ingenuity of the Igbo man. We will empower you to do more in this area by providing constant electricity to the zone and the entire country.” Aba: Develop infrastructure In Aba, the commercial city of Abia State, the APC presidential candidate promised to develop infrastructure and encourage the entrepreneurship spirit of Nigerians if given the mandate. His words: “We will focus on infrastructural development in terms of power and roads, which are necessary. We will also encourage the entrepreneurship spirit of the people of Aba and this zone because your entrepreneurship capability is

Buhari

known even beyond Nigeria.”

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

We will draw a line when we come to power. Anybody who steals Nigerians’ money will find himself in jail

Enugu: Revamping coal Enugu came alive on January 9, as the APC presidential campaign train reached the Coal City. At a rally held at Okpara Square, Buhari promised to revamp the moribund coal industry in the South-East, if elected. “We will also improve investments in agriculture and power to encourage small businesses in the country to grow,” he said. Akwa: Power to boost investment At a rally held at Emmaus House, Awka, Anambra State on January 10, Buhari said he would improve public power supply to boost investment opportunities in places like Onitsha and Nnewi, which form the bedrock of the economy of the South-East. The campaign visit was heralded by the presentation of a Bible by the Anglican Bishop of Awka, Rt. Rev. Alex Ibezim, who the APC presidential candidate visited before the rally. Owerri: Security, corruption In Owerri, Imo State capital on January 12, Buhari listed insecurity, corruption as Nigeria’s major development challenges, promising a better deal for the people if elected. He further said a major objective of his government, if elected, is to secure the country and efficiently manage it. Abeokuta: Tackling unemployment In Abeokuta, Ogun State capital on January 13, the APC presidential candidate promised to explore the non-oil sector to create wealth for the nation if elected.

“Our leaders have over relied on oil money to the detriment of other sectors. Now that the price of oil has crashed, we are now facing serious economic challenges. Our concern is the vicious cycle of insecurity, corruption and unemployment confronting Nigeria now,” he said. Osogbo: Creating job opportunities The APC presidential train on January 14 arrived Osogbo, Osun State, where Buhari promised to create job opportunities through agriculture and mining, if elected. His administration, he said, will focus on agriculture and mining as a way to secure jobs for able Nigerians. “There is a circle of insecurity, unemployment and corruption in the country which I will break when elected,” he promised. Makurdi: Build power plants In Benue State, which prides itself as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Buhari promised to revive agriculture, build power plants and tackle corruption if elected president. At a rally in Makurdi on January 16, the APC presidential candidate expressed regrets that the economy of the country had deteriorated and said it could only be revived by stimulating growth through agriculture and the construction of additional power plants across the country. Lokoja: Hope for Ajaokuta Steel Company In Kogi State, Buhari promised to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company if elected. Addressing party faithful and supporters at a rally in Lokoja on January 16, he said he would resuscitate the company which had

Politics 43

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015

insecurity, job creation, power reverse the current state of economy, insecurity, unemployment and corruption in the country. “We pledge to you, that if given the mandate, we will bring about positive changes in the lives of Nigerians within two years. Our desire for change has not diminished, that was why in all the elections we participated we never asked people to take the law into their hands,” he said.

at the Polo Ground in Katsina metropolis, Buhari said his administration, if elected, would focus more on three sectors including tackling corruption, revamping the health sector, and transforming the security situation. INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Kano: Security, unemployment, corruption The ancient commercial city was next on January 20. Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Buhari reaffirmed his commitment to tackle insecurity, unemployment and corruption. His words: “Wherever I go, I speak on three fundamental issues: insecurity, unemployment and corruption because they are the main challenges bedeviling the country.” Dutse: Revive the economy From Kano, the Buhari campaign team headed for Dutse, Jigawa State on January 20, where Buhari pledged to invest in agriculture to tackle unemployment in the country if elected. He said agriculture was key and paramount in tackling unemployment. According to him, his government will tackle insecurity, unemployment and revive the economy of the country. He also pledged to tackle insecurity. been out of production for the past five years. He explained that this would enable it to generate employment for the nation’s teeming youths and create wealth for the country. According to him, government had spent almost $5 billion on the company, promising that its fortunes will change for the better as soon as he assumed office. Jos: Mining, agriculture top agenda Jos, the Plateau State capital played host to Buhari and members of his campaign team on January 17, where he promised to use agriculture and mining sector to create employment if elected. The APC presidential candidate promised to revamp the comatose mining and agricultural sectors and used them to create employment opportunities for the unemployed. Lafia: Repositioning the mineral sector In Lafia, Nassarawa State capital on January 17, the APC presidential candidate promised to place high premium on the execution of developmental projects to enhance the wellbeing of the populace if given the mandate. He maintained that Nigeria was endowed with natural solid minerals, and promised that his administration would articulate a plan to reposition the country’s mineral sector, which would enhance mining activities in the Nassarawa State. Kaduna: Health, security, corruption, economy In Kaduna on January 19, Buhari pledged to bring about positive change in Nigeria within two years in office, if elected. He also promised

Minna: Improve agriculture In Minna, Niger State on January 19, Buhari promised to provide enough power to enable businessmen and women to carry out their business in a well-dignified manner, saying without power, most of the industries would not thrive. He also pledged to improve the agricultural sector in Niger State, noting that the state was one of the food baskets of the nation. Gusua: Restructure military, police At APC presidential rally in Gusau, Zamfara State on January 21, Buhari promised to restructure the Nigeria Army and Police, if elected. “Our Army and Police will be highly equipped with all the required weapons, educated and uneducated youths will be employed through different programmes that will be created by our administration,” he said. Sokoto: Unemployment, corruption In Sokoto State on January 22, Buhari promised to tackle insecurity, poverty, unemployment, bribery and corruption, if elected as president. Buhari, who addressed a mammoth crowd of supporters in Hausa, averred that these social cankerworms are currently the bane of Nigeria’s socio-economic development. “These are the major problems bedeviling Nigeria now and the moment they are fully tackled, Nigeria will be a better place,” he said. Katsina: Corruption, health, power It was home coming for the APC presidential candidate on January 22, when he took his campaign to his home state, Katsina. Speaking at the rally, which held

Birnin Kebbi: End epileptic power supply In Birnin Kebbi on January 23, Buhari pledged to end epileptic power supply and enhance access to health care. “Ending current epileptic power supply will boost the economy and attract domestic and foreign investment, he said.” “I will revive mining industries and give loan to our businessmen and women in such a way that our economy will emerge stronger than ever. My administration would utilise resources prudently and end corruption through intensified anticorruption crusade; build schools, provide materials and transportation for students,” Buhari said. Akure: Tackle prostrate economy, corruption Addressing supporters in Akure, Ondo State capital on January 24, Buhari promised to tackle corruption, official ineptitude, insecurity, high unemployment and prostrate economy. He warned against voting for the ruling party, saying: “A vote for the PDP would mean a vote for continuity of the present problems bedeviling our dear country. If you allow the PDP again, that means that Nigeria will not change.”

We pledge to you, that if given the mandate, we will bring about positive changes in the lives of Nigerians within two years

Jalingo: Completion of Mambilla project In Jalingo, Taraba State on January 28, the APC presidential candidate pledged to tackle insurgency and corruption, if elected president. His words: “Nigeria has the capacity to end terrorism and corruption if appropriate measures are put in place. I urge you to give me the mandate and I will use my experience to end the ugly incidents.” Benin: Poverty eradication The Buhari campaign train was in Benin, Edo State on January 29. Addressing supporters at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the APC presidential candidate promised that an APC government will find lasting solution to corruption, unemployment, insurgency and poverty, which according to him, were inflicted on Nigerians by the PDP. He therefore charged Nigerians to constitutionally kill the PDP through their votes before it kills them. Ibadan: Good governance, infrastructure January 29 was the turn of Oyo State, and Buhari at a campaign at Mapo Hall, Ibadan promised good governance if elected. “If you vote for me, I promise to provide good governance for the teeming populace. This will entail provision of employment, infrastructure such as good roads, water supply, free education and security. APC will revive ailing industries, build houses and invest in agriculture to create jobs for the masses.” Lagos: Fixing infrastructure deficit It was the turn of the nation’s

commercial capital on January 30. Addressing a rally at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Buhari said he would prioritise tackling of insecurity in the country, if elected. “Whatever we are going to do, we have to secure Nigeria first,” he said. Buhari also promised to fix the country’s infrastructure deficit and strengthen the nation’s economy, if given the mandate. He described corruption as an albatross to any nation’s development, and promised to tackle the menace. Ilorin: Boost quality of education In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on January 31, Buhari pledged to overhaul Nigeria’s economy, if elected president. He also promised to tackle corruption and unemployment for an egalitarian society to be attained. On unemployment, the APC presidential candidate promised to create more jobs as well as turn the nation’s economy around. Yola: Security of lives and property Addressing APC’s presidential rally in Yola on February 2, Buhari promised enabling environment for youths to excel, if elected president. He also promised to rehabilitate internally displaced persons in the state to their respective communities if he wins the election. Bauchi: Youth empowerment In Bauchi on January 31, the presidential candidate pledged that the APC government will punish anybody that steals from the public treasury, if elected. In an address to party faithful and supporters at the IBB Square during his campaign visit to the state, Buhari also promised that agricultural experts would be engaged to assist the people on farming issues, while youths would be engaged in profitable farming. Gombe: Running an incorruptible government On February 3, when the APC presidential campaign team hit Gombe, Buhari vowed to eliminate Boko Haram if voted to power. He also promised to run an incorruptible government. “Whoever has misappropriated public resources knows, he should also know how to cough it up because a line will be drawn from May 30. From thence, whoever is trusted with public office and betrays the trust would be dealt with,” he said. Maiduguri: Catalyst for meaningful change Maiduguri, Borno State capital stood still for Buhari despite security challenges in the state, when the APC presidential campaign team called on February 17. While it was difficult to control the crowd at the rally venue, Buhari told teeming supporters at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi that the APC goal is to be a catalyst for meaningful change in the North-East. He also promised to rehabilitate those displaced by the insurgency.“People in Baga and others will be liberated, returned to their homes, and will see a government genuinely concerned about their welfare.”

Business | Money Line

Panic

Banks hurt by tension over election results

Tony Chukwunyem

anks in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday shut their doors to customers over fears of a possible outbreak of violence resulting from the controversy

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Election tension: Banks shut down operation in Port Harcourt over the conduct of last Saturday’s Presidential elections in the state. In a phone call to New Telegraph, a resident, Patrick Mokwunye, said that the closure of the banks resulted in long queues at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) throughout the city raising the anxiety level in the state

which is currently under a curfew. Also in Lagos, several banks shut their doors suddenly to customers yesterday after people began to spread rumours that the government was trying to halt the announcement of the election results. A bank official at one of the bank’s

branches that stopped attending to customers explained that the bank was being cautious and did not want to take chances given the tension that the elections had generated. He said, “There has been so much tension in Lagos in the last few days that everybody has to be careful. The decision to

How to achieve financial safety, by E-PPAN Kunle Azeez

s the Easter period coincides with the ongoing 2015 elections in Nigeria, the Electronic Payments Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN) has offered banking customers tips to achieving up to 80 per cent financial security against the antics of cyber criminals. Speaking in a statement made available to New Telegraph, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of E-PPAN, Mrs Regha Onajite, said that banking customers should not because of the elections be carried away from taking proper protection of their personal data connected to their finan-

cial activities. Explaining, she said: “This is the period of election and there is a lot of anxiety. We are trying to change to a new administration or retain the existing one and because we are anxious about our political future, a lot of people may let down their guards in their financial security. “We should always be focused and on the alert because the financial fraudsters are always focused. And they always say that fraud migrates to a state of less security. So, if you are not alert, you can fall victims of frauds in this period. “What we should do as individuals is to protect ourselves, our personal details because once you

are able to protect our personal details, it reduces your chances of being defrauded by 50 per cent and even by 80 per cent. “So, the other 20 per cent would be handled by the financial institutions through different measures they have put in place to ensure that their customers are safe. Electronic payments come with a lot of convenience. It uses a lot of speed. “It, therefore, means that if somebody is about to get your details or cards and access your channels of payment, the person will also be able to conveniently and speedily steal your money,” she said. She also urged bank customers to be couscous of the increasing wave

of phishing, saying “You need to protect yourself always. Do not open unsolicited emails, do not respond to them, don’t feel your information online as this may be phishing, which makes you look your personal financial details.” Onajite said though with electronic payments, a lot of banking customers have gotten increased financial security since they carry less cash and rely more on electronic platforms for their transactions. Illustrating this, she said: “So many of us went home during the election without having cash on us but relied solely on electronic channels to access fund and carry out other transactions. cooperation

As at N16,833,244.57 N16,509,472.5m 8.2 0.0000 13 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$61.39 US$29,797,179,196

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2014 Dec, 2013 Feb, 2015 2/5/2014 24/2/2015 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 24/2/2015 30/3/2015 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

T Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

“If we don’t have our ATM cards, there would have been a lot of robberies during the elections period but because the robbers themselves know that you don’t have cash at homes, they find robbing unattractive. Indeed, also explained that electronic payment had increased your personal security.” The E-PPAN CEO, however, stated that because businesses are now transacted online, “what we have to do is to protect our electronic payment personal details which can help the cyber criminals to get our hard-earned cash,” saying that for the Easter period, “we always know that during festive period, cyber crimes always peak because people like to buy things online and do fund transfers to friends, parents and relatives.”

igeria’s foreign exchange reserves fell by 4.9 percent to $29.79 billion by March 30, from $31.35 billion a month earlier, updated data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed on Tuesday. The reserves of Africa’s top crude oil exporter and biggest economy fell 21.3 percent by March 30 from $37.83 billion last March, the data showed.

Nigeria’s 5-year bond yield falls

igeria’s 5-year bond yield fell 33 basis points on Tuesday after a U.S. investor bought government debt, with uncertainty surrounding presidential elections in Africa’s biggest economy easing, a dealer at a major commercial bank told Reuters. The yield on the 2019 bond initially fell 2 basis point in early trades on Tuesday, the dealer said, adding that the debt fell further on large buying from the offshore fund. The 5-year paper traded at 15.03 percent from 15.36 percent the previous day with a total of 8.6 billion naira ($43 million) traded, the dealer said.

UBA’s African subsidiaries gain momentum

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

close our doors was taken in the best interest of customers.” Many banks had sent emails and text messages to customers last Thursday saying that they would close early on the eve of the elections. However, the early closure continued on Monday and yesterday.

Foreign exchange reserves fall to $29.79bn

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

he consolidation of United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) Plc operations across Africa has had a positive impact on the group’s financial performance according to figures contained in the lender’s audited 2014 full year results released recently. UBA Africa, comprising the Bank’s operations in 18 African countries outside Nigeria, has continued to increase its contribution to the Group, recording a higher contribution in the Group’s N290 billion earnings in 2014 compared to the previous years, reflecting the increasing penetration of the UBA brand across African markets. The 2014 full year results of the UBA Group shows that UBA Africa grew its profit by 34% in the year, a remarkable achievement despite challenging macroeconomic environment in most of the Sub-Saharan African markets. “UBA is gaining critical mass across its target markets and it continues to leverage her innovative products to increase the share of customers’ wal-

let in the African banking space” explained Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, Group Deputy Managing Director/CEO UBA Africa. UBA Africa’s earnings is receiving a boost from enhanced service channels, product offerings and customer service with a number of UBA subsidiaries in Africa becoming stand out performers in their respective countries. For example, UBA Senegal has been ranked the Best Bank in the country for three years in a row, just as UBA Cameroun is ranked the Best Bank in its host country for four consecutive years. “We are pleased with the current year performance, which reflects our commitment to deliver value to all stakeholders. We are optimistic on the years ahead and will profitably grow our African subsidiaries by focusing on the viable yet safe sectors of the respective countries” explained Uzoka. Uzoka also notes that the remarkable outlook of UBA Africa reinforces the revenue and risk diversification benefit that the UBA Group offers its shareholders

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

31-Mar-15

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

535.00 581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 54.00 600.00 499.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 254.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

5,023.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,547.90

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.06 1.38 2.07 2.32 2.42 3.16 4.25 4.56 4.87 6.83 8.95 13.66 14.14 14.64 15.31 19.30

10.96 14.87 15.01 14.98 14.99 14.99 15.00 14.98 14.97 14.96 14.99 16.92 17.20 17.51 16.00 15.81

8.60 14.74 14.92 14.90 14.90 14.86 14.90 14.87 14.88 14.89 14.92 16.86 17.13 17.41 15.93 15.75

99.55 97.76 100.12 90.18 88.89 89.45 103.00 74.28 101.87 105.94 96.17 89.82 75.23 52.93 66.00 78.02

99.70 97.91 100.27 90.33 89.04 89.75 103.30 74.58 102.17 106.24 96.47 90.12 75.53 53.23 66.30 78.32

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.15 0.88 1.69 2.05 2.27

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

15.36 17.84 16.89 15.97 17.83

97.72 99.66 98.66 100.07 93.46

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

316.04

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.42

4.44

19.66

97.17

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.50

3.23

18.67

97.38

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.77

4.46

19.99

95.88

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.78

3.48

19.01

97.53

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.05

1.00

15.97

89.87

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.32

1.00

16.12

97.28

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.75

1.79

16.78

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.13

1.80

16.78

95.34

94.00

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.94

1.00

15.95

97.00

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.13

1.00

15.97

97.46

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.13

4.78

19.76

90.76

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.32

1.00

15.98

99.07

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

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 25.70

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

2.56 4.65 2.72

1.00 1.00 1.00

15.99 15.98 15.99

99.07 95.23 97.42

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.10

10-Oct-20

3.17

1.00

15.99

97.12

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.66

1.00

15.96

91.01

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.75

1.00

15.95

96.42

‡ /Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.55

31-Dec-20

3.41

1.44

16.43

95.30

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.44

1.00

15.99

97.52

97.77

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

454.33 429.15

Corporate Bonds ‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.38

1.00

16.14

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.44

1.00

16.29

98.20

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.52

2.63

18.07

98.05

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.50

1.00

15.85

96.34

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.57

1.34

16.20

97.36

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.50

1.00

15.99

94.03

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.52

1.88

16.73

102.33

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.52

1.00

15.85

100.21

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.94

1.00

15.96

103.16

1.94

1.00

15.96

100.04

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.48

1.00

15.99

94.84

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

1.80

2.29

17.21

97.93

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

2.13

6.11

21.09

95.15

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.75

2.16

17.15

97.60

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.63

2.76

17.72

91.38

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.75

1.13

16.07

101.47

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.50

1.00

16.17

79.75

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.50

1.00

16.17

86.07

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

162.73

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

156.67

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.87

1.00

15.99

87.05

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

15.97

83.75

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.29

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

6.38

6.16

101.77

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.92

5.56

97.66

98.69

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.44

6.27

99.60

100.66

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,495.17

102.86

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

123.85

48.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

7.49

6.01

99.99

101.58

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

12.06

90.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

13.91

13.09

82.78

84.59

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

9.46

8.56

89.63

92.21

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

39.31

43.63

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

8.55

92.24

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

15.89

14.63

78.91

82.20

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

13.44

80.00

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

AFREN PLC III ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

6.63 9.25 8.00

360.00 400.00 450.00

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

25.15 14.12 13.62

25.15 13.68 13.62

45.50 80.21 76.00

45.50 81.79 76.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

11.41

10.90

87.38

89.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,674.54

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 9 16 23 30 37 44 51

FIXINGS Maturity 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15

Bid Discount (%) 10.42 13.39 14.09 11.00 12.13 13.56 13.77

Offer Discount (%) 10.17 13.14 13.84 10.75 11.88 13.31 13.52

Bid Yield (%) 10.44 13.47 14.22 11.10 12.28 13.79 14.04

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 13.7500 15.6910 16.5021 17.6398

Rate (%)

OBB

13.58

O/N

13.83

Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 12.50

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

199.06 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24

199.16 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31

FMBN ***LCRM

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

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.38

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

316.04

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

0.15 0.88 1.69 2.05 2.27

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 2.85

15.36 17.84 16.89 15.97 17.83

97.72 99.66 98.66 100.07 93.46

Sub-National Bonds KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.42

4.44

19.66

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.50WEDNESDAY, 3.23 APRIL 1, 2015 18.67

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.77

4.46

19.99

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.78

3.48

19.01

97.53

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.05

1.00

15.97

89.87

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.32

1.00

16.12

97.28

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.75

1.79

16.78

94.00

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.13

1.80

16.78

95.34

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.94

1.00

15.95

97.00

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.13

1.00

15.97

97.46

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.13

4.78

19.76

90.76

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.32

1.00

15.98

99.07

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

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 25.70

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

2.56 4.65 2.72

1.00 1.00 1.00

15.99 15.98 15.99

99.07 95.23 97.42

A/Agusto

A-/Agusto

Business | Financial Market News

‡ /Agusto DIALOGUE

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

EDO *DELTA

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER Market stakeholders ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR† *EKITI ‡ /Agusto *NIGER list leeway for ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO tradable BBB+/Agusto; instruments A-/GCR *GOMBE Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS inBBB-/Agusto; the local bourse A-/GCR *OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

*OSUN

#{r}

14.75 11.10 es that are affecting the 13.50 87.50 operations of the Pension 15.00 5.00 14.50 4.55 Commission, to ensure its 15.00 4.56 developmental impact on the activities in the454.33 capital market,” he said. 429.15 Speaking further, the 10.00 2.50 chairman of ASHON, 12.00 18.75 Mr. Emeka Madubuike, 14.00 0.42 said policies that15.00 would 13.00 14.25 5.53 promote marketablity 13.00 20.00 of agriculture products 18.00 0.64 should be enunciated and 16.00 6.30 implemented to boost 18.00 2.54 op16.00 of the commodi0.70 erations 14.00 35.00 ties exchanges. 15.75 2.40 Maduike said 0.36 incen18.00 tives 16.00 should be given to 4.50

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

Shareholders endorse GTB’s N1.75 dividend TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

162.73

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

156.67

Approve Demuren as chairman

the bank. Supranational Bond “The economy where you 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC 11-Feb-13 10.20 are operating is tough but hareholders of Guarment and was deployed to 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB 10-Jul-14 11.25 anty Trust Bank Plc serve as the Director, Human you still gave us dividend, this TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE yesterday approved the Resources Department in 2004; shows that the bank has good TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION company’s final dividend of a position which she held until policy for dividend. The curN1.75 kobo for every share ofIssuer her retirement from the Cen- rent leadership has Coupon proved Description Rating/Agency Issue Date (%) 50 kobo for the financial year tral Bank of Nigeria in Decem- that it is capable of driving FGN Eurobonds ended December 31, 2014 even ber 2009. She was the first fe- the bank to great height and we as BB-/Fitch; the bank assured of steady male Director of Central commend07-Oct-11 the bank for the 6.75 JAN 28,Bank 2021 B+/S&P 6.75wisgrowth of Nigeria. dom not to bid for acquisition BB-/Fitch; in profitability and FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 5.13 BB-/S&P expansion. The National Coordinator, of nationalised bank,” he said. BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 delivered 6.38 an The dividend was a 2.29 per Independent Shareholders AsThe Group BB-/S&P cent increase over N1.70 sociation of Nigeria (ISAN), impressive Profit before tax TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE paid Sir Sunny Nwosu, who com- of N116.39billion, an increase theTOTAL previous year 2013. MARKET CAPITALISATION The shareholders also ap- mended the bank for the divi- of N9.30 billion or 8.7 per cent Corporate Eurobonds proved the appointment of dend pay-out, said the share- over the N107.09 billion report11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I 01-Feb-11 2013 and11.50 Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Chairholders were appreciative of ed in December gross 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 7.50 man of the bank, to succeed Mr. the efforts which the staff and earnings 19-May-11 of N278.52billion an 25, 2017 B+/S&P BANK PLC 25-Jul-12 Gilbert Imomoh, whoACCESS retired management put7.25 inJUL place to increase of 14.8 per cent7.25 from 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC 09-May-13 6.88 increased the N242.67billion after attaining the age GTBANK of 70.PLC drive the bank for recorded 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P 08-Nov-13 6.00 Demuren had a successful return on investment. in the same period of 2013. 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II 08-Apr-12 10.25 In APR 22, 2019 career Bank In the same vein,6.25Chairman, terms of 22-Apr-14 value creation B+/Fitch;with BB-/S&Pthe Central ZENITH BANK PLC 6.25 for 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/S&P BANK PLC 21-May-14 8.75 reof B/Fitch; Nigeria (CBN), DIAMOND which Progressive Shareholders As- its shareholders, the bank 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 spanned over 33 years,FIRST during sociation of Nigeria, Mr. Bon- corded pre-tax ROAE of8.25 32.94 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 09-Dec-13 6.63 which she served as Director, iface Okezie, also applauded per cent and ROAA of 5.22 per 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II 24-Jun-14 9.25 performance of 23 2021 cent respectively Trade DepartUSD SWAP+6.488 JUL B-/Fitch;and B/S&P Exchange FIRST BANK LTD the account8.00/2Y 23-Jul-14 . 8.00

B-/S&P

95.88

Viable commodity exchanges: Stakeholders seek synergy with regulators

10-Oct-13 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 or government owned. in such a way to provide 27-Nov-13 Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 The market 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI 15.00operators, KOGI 31-DEC-2020 underlying instruments 31-Dec-13 ‡ /Agusto *EKITI 14.50 EKITIof II 31-DEC-2020 under the aegis the on which other structured Stories 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR by Chris Ugwu *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 Chartered Institute of products in the financial TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Stockbrokers (CIS), As- markets can be developed TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION ajor opera- sociation of Stockbrok- to increase the number of Corporate Bonds tors in the na- ing Houses of Nigeria tradable instruments in the UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 ‡ /Agusto *UPDC tion’s capital (ASHON) and10.00 Association capital market. 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 BBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 *FLOURMILLS market have of Issuing Houses of NiOkumagba noted that 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS advocated for partnerjointly stat- the promotion of29-Sep-11 Na13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO geria (AIHN), 14.25 25-OCT-2016 tional Savings was 25-Oct-13 A-/Agusto FSDH ed this during aFSDH dialogue ship with market regubetter 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR UBA on the ‘Capital Market & achieved through a30-Sep-10 lators to come up with com18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C & I LEASING The 2015 Federal Budget.’ prehensive review of pragmatic timetable to the MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 Nil *DANA beA-/DataPro†; endorsed by the FedThe President, Charrules and regulations MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 B+/GCR *TOWER MPR+5.25 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR *TOWER tered Institute eral Government for the of TOWER Stockguiding the Collective InUBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR 22-Sep-11 UBA commencement of viable brokers (CIS),14.00 Albert Oku- vestment Scheme (CIS). 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR 18-Oct-13 *LA CASERA “In the same vein,17-Feb-12 there commodity exchanges*CHELLARAMS to magba, said the commodity MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR be Nil either privately owned market should16.00 be DANA developed clausII 1-APR-2019 is a need to amend all01-Apr-14 *DANA BBB-/Agusto

97.17

NEW TELEGRAPH 97.38

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

14-Aug-14

30-Sep-17

2.50

1.00

15.99

94.03

30-Nov-17

1.52

1.88

16.73

102.33

09-Apr-18

1.52

1.00

15.85

100.21

1.94

1.00

15.96

103.16

11.41

10.90

87.38

89.50

09-Sep-18

1.00 15.96 presence 100.04 in the idelity 1.94 Bank Plc a strong 22-Sep-18 3.48 1.00 15.99 94.84 has reported a 71.8 corporate segment and 18-Oct-18 1.80 2.29 17.21 97.93 more aggressive activiper cent increase 17-Feb-19 2.13 6.11 21.09 95.15 in01-Apr-19 pre-tax profit ties in17.15 the retail97.60 segment, 2.75 for the 2.16 14-Nov-20 2.76 17.72 91.38 financial year5.63 ended Deand better return on asset 30-Dec-21 6.75 1.13 16.07 101.47 cember 31, 2014. should power future earn30-Sep-24 9.50 1.00 16.17 79.75 In a filing with the Niings 16.17 trajectory higher 30-Sep-24 9.50 1.00 86.07 gerian Stock Exchange than the market currently (NSE), the bank’s profit anticipates,” they said. before tax rose by 71.8 per The analysts had also cent to N15.5 billion from forecast an 18.36 per cent 11-Feb-18 2.87 1.00 15.99 87.05 N9.028 billion a4.75year ago.1.00 y/y increase in83.75 interest 01-Feb-21 15.97 Gross earnings grew income to N102.09 bil4.3 per cent during the lion on the back of an period to N132.4 billion expected y/y loan book as against N126.9 growth of 27 per cent as Maturity Date Bid Yield (%)billion Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price posted in 2013. the bank’s management & Yields Financial analystsPrices has highlighted a desire had predicted 84 per cent to grow the bank’s 28-Jan-21 6.38 6.16 101.77 102.86Dollar growth in profit after tax loan book and move more 12-Jul-18 5.92 5.56 97.66 98.69 for Fidelity Bank Plc dur- aggressively into the re12-Jul-23 6.44 6.27 99.60 ing the 2014 financial year tail segment of100.66 the loan end. market. Analysts at Cordros According to analysts Capital Limited in their at FBN Capital, Fidelity equity research on the ended the year with an 01-Feb-16 123.85forecast 123.85 ROAE 48.00 bank said they of 8.1 per48.00 cent. 19-May-16 7.49 6.01 99.99 that the company would “While this 101.58 is an im25-Jul-17 12.06 90.50 record a PAT of12.06 N14.20 bilprovement over90.50 2013 (5.0 02-May-18 13.91 13.09 82.78 84.59 lion in 2014, up 84 per cent per cent), it confirms 08-Nov-18 9.46 8.56 89.63 92.21 from FY-13, and an EPS of profitabil08-Apr-19 39.31 39.31 that Fidelity’s 43.63 43.63 N0.49. ity remains among the 22-Apr-19 8.55 8.55 92.24 92.24 21-May-19 15.89 easing 14.63 weakest 78.91in the sector. 82.20 “In our view, The 07-Aug-20 13.44 13.44 80.00 liquidity conditions, bank 80.00 has not delivered 09-Dec-20 25.15 25.15 45.50 45.50 continued balance sheet an ROAE over 15 per cent 24-Jun-21 14.12 13.68 80.21 81.79 2008.” expansion on 13.62 the back of 23-Jul-21 13.62 since 76.00 76.00 09-Sep-18

12.95

24.95 21.29 Outstanding Value ($mm)

500.00 500.00 500.00

1,500.00 1,495.17

450.00 500.00 350.00 300.00 400.00 300.00 500.00 200.00 300.00 360.00 400.00 450.00

8.75

15.99 97.12 underutilised relative to 15.96 91.01 its absorptive capacity. 15.95 96.42 16.43 Therefore, the95.30 Federal 15.99 97.52 Government’s goal of diversification of the economy would be reinforced if the capital market is deep16.14 ened to enable it97.77 fund the 16.29 98.20 capital expenditure over 18.07 98.05 the short 15.85 to medium 96.34 term 16.20 97.36 period.

Fidelity Bank grows pre-tax profit by 72%

12.00

250.00

14-Aug-21

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

10-Oct-20 3.17 1.00 listed companies and pro27-Nov-20 5.66 1.00 spective companies to be 31-Dec-20 5.75 1.00 31-Dec-20so as to 3.41 1.44 listed have some 06-Jan-21 3.44 1.00 advantage over unlisted companies, stressing, “we propose some tax incentives for listed companies 17-Aug-15 1.00 and those that0.38 are in the 09-Dec-15 0.44 1.00 process of getting listed. 06-Jan-16 0.52 2.63 “At present, 29-Sep-16 1.50 the Ni1.00 25-Oct-16 capital1.57 1.34 gerian market is

31-Mar-15

3,674.54

The DQL contains market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills^data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities FIXINGSand instruments in the financial Money Market Foreign Exchange & Forwards) professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information isOffer accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date.(Spot We do not guarantee DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR the accuracy, timeliness, completeness,9-Apr-15 performance or fitness for10.42 a particular purpose of any of the Information, 9 10.17 10.44neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information.

16 23 30 FGN Bonds 37 44 51 Rating/Agency 65 72 86 93 107 114 121 128 135 149 156 NA 163 177 184 198 247 261 282 296 310 324 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 338

VALUE

352 CAPITALISATION TOTAL MARKET

16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 Issuer 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 NA 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 1-Oct-15 15-Oct-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 7-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 4-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 3-Mar-16

13.39 14.09 11.00 12.13 13.56 13.77 Description 13.47 13.38 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.90 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 14.12 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 14.50 14.37 9.85 27-JUL-2017 14.50 9.35 31-AUG-2017 14.28 10.70 30-MAY-2018 14.19 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 11.80 7.00 23-OCT-2019 14.39 15.54 13-FEB-2020 13.93 14.65 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.33 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 14.15 15.00 28-NOV-2028 14.00 12.49 22-MAY-2029 14.04 8.50 20-NOV-2029 14.26 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 14.35 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 14.28 14.26 14.14

17-Mar-16

13.14 13.84 10.75 11.88 13.31 13.52 Issue Date 13.22 13.13 23-Apr-10 13.65 16-Aug-13 13.87 27-Apr-12 14.25 14.12 27-Jul-07 14.25 31-Aug-07 14.03 30-May-08 13.94 29-Jun-12 11.55 23-Oct-09 14.14 13-Feb-15 13.68 14.40 27-Jan-12 14.08 14-Mar-14 13.90 28-Nov-08 13.75 22-May-09 13.79 20-Nov-09 14.01 23-Jul-10 14.10 18-Jul-14 14.03 14.01 13.89

13.47 14.22 11.10 12.28 13.79 14.04 Coupon (%) 13.80 13.75 4.00 14.37 13.05 14.64 15.10 15.15 15.04 9.85 15.23 9.35 15.04 10.70 14.98 16.00 12.40 7.00 15.33 15.54 14.85 15.77 16.39 15.45 14.20 15.33 15.00 15.47 12.49 15.61 8.50 16.02 10.00 16.24 12.1493 16.24 16.33 16.26

Bonds

13.90

13.65

16.05

359 24-Mar-16 14.00 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

13.75

16.24

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

Description

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 13.7500 15.6910 16.5021 17.6398

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 535.00

581.39 Tenor 476.80 1M 2M 20.00 3M 100.00 6M 300.00 9M 351.30 12M

13.58

O/N

13.83

REPO

Tenor Call TTM (Yrs) 1M 3M 6M0.06

Maturity Date

NITTY

OBB

23-Apr-15

16-Aug-16 Rate (%) 27-Apr-17 14.0282 14.0808 27-Jul-17 14.6417 31-Aug-17 15.7174 30-May-18 15.7821 29-Jun-19 16.2229

233.90 23-Oct-19 54.00 13-Feb-20 600.00 27-Jan-22 NIFEX 499.68 14-Mar-24 Current Price ($/N)28-Nov-28 75.00 BID($/N) 199.0000 150.00 22-May-29 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 254.50 18-Jul-34

Rate (%) 12.50 Bid Yield 12.75 13.00 10.96 13.25

Tenor

(%)

Bid ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M Offer Yield 2M 3M (%) 6M 1Y 8.60

1.38 14.87 14.74 2.07 15.01 14.92 2.32 14.98 14.90 :Benchmarks 2.42 14.99 14.90 * :Amortising Bond 3.16 14.99 14.86 µ :Convertible Bond 4.25 15.00 14.90 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 14.98 14.87 FGN: Federal4.56 Government of Nigeria 4.87 14.88 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of14.97 Nigeria IFC: International 6.83 Finance Corporation 14.96 14.89 LCRM: Local8.95 Contractors Receivables 14.99 Management 14.92 NAHCO: Nigerian Company 13.66 Aviation Handling 16.92 16.86 O/N: Overnight 14.14 17.20 17.13 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 14.64 17.51 17.41 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 15.31 16.00 15.93 19.30 15.81 15.75 NOTE:

Offer ($/N)

199.06 199.16 201.81 201.93 Price 202.13 202.28 202.87 203.37 204.24 205.31 Bid Price Offer Price 205.60 207.21 206.28 213.47 220.2999.55 226.2799.70

97.76 97.91 100.12 100.27 90.18 90.33 NA :Not Applicable 88.89 89.04 ^ : Market Prices 89.45 89.75 # : Floating Rate Bond 103.00 103.30 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 74.28 74.58 101.87 ‡ : Bond rating under review 102.17 †: Bond rating expired 105.94 106.24 N/A :Not Available 96.17 96.47 {r} :Issuer in receivership 89.82 90.12 75.23 75.53 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 52.93 53.23 UBA: United Bank for Africa 66.00 66.30 78.02 78.32

5,023.13 4,547.90

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds

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

24-May-12 0.00 03-Apr-12FMDQ FGN17.25 BOND 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50

Outstanding Vol

Value

24.56 2.40 112.22 116.70 66.49 Bucket Weighting

INDEX

322.38

1,407.56

1,409.48

42.92

46.15

3<5

1,077.68

1,059.68

32.27

35.33

316.04 0.32

564.81

815.07

24.82

18.52

3,284.23

100.00 31-Aug-10

100.00 12.50

8.50

Market

3,050.05 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

0.43

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

Mod_Duration

0.15 0.88 1.69 2.05 2.27 Implied Yield

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 Implied 2.85

Portfolio Price

15.36 17.84 16.89 15.97 INDEX17.83

97.72 99.66 98.66 100.07 YTD Return 93.46 (%)

20.97

14.97

103.3967

1,158.45

4.5676

38.50

14.97

103.2830

1,030.57

1.7773

0.25

40.53

15.94

71.7165

1,007.98

0.0958

1.00

100.00 31-Aug-15

15.36 0.42

95.4978 4.44

1,079.12 19.66

2.2682 97.17

A/Agusto

KADUNA

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.50

3.23

18.67

97.38

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.77

4.46

19.99

95.88

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.78

3.48

19.01

97.53

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.05

1.00

15.97

89.87

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.32

1.00

16.12

97.28

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.75

1.79

16.78

94.00

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

2.13

1.80

16.78

95.34

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.94

1.00

15.95

97.00

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

PROTEST

Abia youths kick against outcome of election at INEC office Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

ouths numbering over 2, 000 from all the 17 local government areas of Abia State yesterday converged at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Umuahia, to protest the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections results, saying it was not a

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Protest trails election’ results in Abia true reflection of the voting pattern. The protesting youths, who carried placards with inscriptions like “Local Government Headquarters are Rigging Centres,” “Stop Sharing our Votes,” “INEC, Our Votes Must Count” and “Democracy is not all about Rigging,” insisted on hearing directly from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Selina Oko, but were barred by security agents from surging into INEC’s premises. Addressing the protesters after submitting their grievances to the

REC, their leader, Nkem Nwosu, appealed to them to disperse peacefully after getting the assurance of the REC to look into the matter. According to Nwosu, “The message has been handed over to INEC and they have promised to look into it, I want you to disperse from here satisfied that your grievance has been taken to the appropriate quarters. “We have articulated our grievances over the rigging in last Saturday elections; it’s on paper here. We have advised the REC what to do in the interest

of peace and it has been submitted to her,” he said. After the declaration of the Abia Central senatorial result in which Governor Theodore Orji was declared winner, residents of Umuahia were stunned, because they did not vote for him. From the declared results, the governor lost even in his polling unit. “It was votes from the Ngwa and Ikwuano areas that jerked the figures in his favour. Even after he was declared winner, there was no celebration as the streets were quiet and deserted. They cited

debt owed civil servants and the governor’s insistence on taking the senatorial slot, House of Assembly slot for his son and his candidate as PDP governorship candidate as reasons. Meanwhile, the result of the Abia North senatorial district is yet to be declared even as the candidates were at INEC headquarters trading accusations. The New Telegraph gathered that as a result of the crisis in the area during the election a reinforcement of security detachment to bring the result to INEC state head-

Lawmaker accuses INEC, security agencies of aiding rigging Igbeaku Orji

PDP sweeps National Assembly seats in Ebonyi

UMUAHIA

Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won all the three senatorial and six House of Representatives seats in Ebonyi State. In Ebonyi North, a former governor of the state, Dr. Sam Egwu secured a total of 78, 620 votes to beat his Labour Party (LP) rival and member of the House of Representatives, Chief Peter Ogeali, who polled 53, 890 votes. In Ebonyi South, the senator representing the district, Chief Sonni Ogbuoji, polled 80, 753 votes to emerge victorious. His LP counterpart, Darlington Okereke, polled 27, 229 votes. PDP also won Ebonyi Central, where the governor’s son, Nnanna Elechi, contested on the platform of the Labour Party and was defeated by Chief Obinna Ogba, a former chairman of PDP in the state. In Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, the Returning Officer, Dr. Nwali Okata, declared the member representing Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Sylvester Ogbaga, winner. He said Ogbaga, a candidate of the PDP polled 38, 240 votes to beat Hon. Helen Nwaobasi, of the Labour Party, who secured 30, 460 votes. In Afikpo North/ South Federal Constituency, Chief Idu Igariwey, a former chairman of Afikpo North council area defeated the member representing Afikpo South West in the House of Representatives, Hon. Eni Uduma Chima.

quarters in Umuahia to conclude. But since Monday morning, no official announcement regarding the result has been made. The PDP candidate, Mao Ohuabunwa, yesterday claimed to have won the election since the REC said the result declared at the zonal offices stood accepted, but the APGA candidate, David Ogba Onuoha, said APGA won in the zone.

Protest in Abia over attempt to rig the National Assembly elections…yesterday

APGA, PDP bicker over National Assembly polls Tony Okafor AWKA

he ruling party in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that swept the National Assembly polls in the state last Saturday, yesterday metaphorically engaged themselves in war of words over the elections. While the APGA claimed that it was robbed of its victory in

the exercise by the PDP, the PDP maintained that the ruling party lacked the spirit of sportsmanship. In separate press briefings, the two parties blamed each other on the polls. The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, who said he stood in for the state governor, Dr. Willie Obiano, said “the results from the various polling booths across Anambra State clearly indicated that APGA won the last National Assembly elec-

tions in the state with a wide margin. “That the will of Ndi Anambra expressed in the final outcome of the voting exercise was brazenly violated and voting results manipulated at the collation stages of the electoral process by anti-democratic forces, most disturbing by elements of Igbo extraction in the PDP, who felt encouraged by their socalled links to Abuja.” The Chairman, Presidential Campaign Organisation of PDP in Anambra State, Prince Ken

Emeakayi, in a swift reaction, admonished APGA to “learn how to comport themselves and accept defeat in the face of the total rejection of APGA by the people as witnessed during the March 28 National Assembly elections. He said: “The purported act by Governor Willie Obiano, including his utterances and that of APGA candidates and agents in connection with the outcome of the March 28, National Assembly elections in Anambra State is highly condemnable.”

Okafor wins Okigwe South Reps’ seat T

he immediate past Commissioner for Finance in Imo State, Deacon Chike Okafor, was, at the weekend, announced as the winner of the House of Representatives poll for Okigwe South. Out of the three council areas of Ehime Mbano, Ihitte Uboma and Obowo that make up the Federal Constituency, Okafor, who

flew the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convincingly won Ihitte Uboma and Obowo council areas to beat his opponents. At the end of the collation, Okafor polled 29, 491 votes to win his closest rival from the PDP, who garnered 23, 917 votes. The APGA candidate polled 5, 901; LP 44; PPA 93; Accord

17; ACP 121 and ACPN 32. Speaking to newsmen later, Okafor dedicated the victory to the people of Okigwe Federal Constituency, saying the outcome of the election was the full expression of the will of the people. “The people did not just vote, they went out of their way to protect their votes. But in all

these, there is no loser. Okigwe South has won another opportunity to re-write its fortunes and I am not ignorant of the expectations of the people and so, I urge all and sundry to join me in the onerous task setting Okigwe South on the path of progress and socio-economic development.”

he member representing Umunneochi in the Abia State House of Assembly and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the House of Assembly election, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesili, has alleged that the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agents and government officials collaborated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rob APGA of victory in the local government. Addressing journalists in Umuahia, Prince Ezekwesili alleged that in defiance of the electoral guidelines, the member representing Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha, with the aid of security agents moved from one polling centre to another to personally thumb print the ballot papers or carry away the ballot boxes. He said unknown to her, they have a video clip of all she did on the election day, which would be presented at the appropriate time. The lawmaker said INEC officials also aided the process by hiding the result sheets even as the transition committee chairman of the local government was involved in ballot box snatching. He said the party has put its grievances together to be presented to INEC, describing the election as a charade. He called on INEC to cancel the election in the area. Ezekwesili said the INEC election officer connived with the transition chairman of the local government, Jasper Uche and Lady Onyejiocha and refused to announce the number of accredited voters before the election in order to create room for rigging in favour of the federal lawmaker.

News

Akwa-Ibom APC chairmen decamp to Labour party Tony Anichebe Uyo

ith less than 14 days to the governorship election, 21 local government chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have decamped to the Labour Party. The chairmen led by Hon. Joseph Akpan, also declared total support for Senator Helen Esuene, for the governorship election in a brief cer-

WEDNESDAY,APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

emony in Eket, Akwa Ibom State yesterday. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Akpan said the 21 of them with their supporters decided to dump the APC for LP because of the injustice and impunity going on in the party. Akpan said they believe in equity and justice and that they easily find that in the LP as well as the laudable programmes and activities of Senator Esuene. They pledged their loyalty and support to Senator Esuene, saying, “out of the

four candidates, she is the only one that stands out, honest and determined to move Akwa Ibom State forward. Receiving the 21 Chairmen, Senator Esuene, commended them and promised to carry everyone along in the scheme of things. She promised even and equitable distribution of resources to the people of Akwa Ibom and ensure that wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few at the detriment of the masses

that need it most. She debunked the claim that she has surrendered her structure for the APC saying, “how can I surrender my structure when APC members are decamping to Labour Party? I am touring the nook and crannies to campaign. I just finished my rally on Monday and one is talking of surrendering structure. This is not just a figment of their imagination but such thing does not even exist and it is cheap propaganda.

Council boss applauds DESOPADEC for development focus Gabriel Choba Ughelli

hairman of Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon Omizu Ejaife Odebala, yesterday commended the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for executing quality projects in the Sapele Local Government area. While playing host to the DESOPADEC Board Chairman, Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho and other members at the Sapele Local Government Secretariat, the council boss urged them to continue with the transformation agenda of their mandate areas.

Odebala said, “As soon as I resumed office as the chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, I drove round the town and saw numerous projects executed by DESOPADEC in the areas; many completed, while others ongoing. The commissioner representing Sapele, Okpe, Uvwie ethnic nationalities has demonstrated his true person. He is the best commissioner ever on the board”. Earlier, Dr. Henry Ofa, while handing over keys of the new ultra modern health centre constructed by his commission to the council boss, appealed to the council to put the project into proper use for the benefit of the people in the area.

Ex-lawmaker arrested over election results Joe Obende Warri

Some of Uyo’s residents and APC supporters jubilating after Buhari’s clear lead in the 2015 presidential election…yesterday

PDP, LP trade blame over plan to burn INEC office in C’River Clement James CALABAR

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party in Cross River State have continued to trade accusations over an alleged plan to set the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state ablaze. In a statement signed by the Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Goddy Etta, the ruling party accused the Labour Party of planning to unleash mayhem as a fall-out

of the announcement of the results of the National Assembly election in the state. Etta said his party has credible security report that the opposition party would unleash violence in the state, including the burning down of the INEC’s office in Calabar, because of the loss of its candidates. “Information reaching us has it that the leadership of the Labour party in the state and its candidate for the Cross River South Senatorial District, Prince

Bassey Otu, has hatched a plot to sponsor violence in the state once the INEC, announces the result of the election not in Otu’s favour,” he stated. He added, “having failed in their attempts to influence electoral officials in the state to manipulate the election in favour of its candidates, the Labour Party has gone to its Plan B, which is to discredit the elections through sponsored acts of violence.” Besides the sponsorship of violence, the ruling party is also accusing the op-

position party of embarking on a smear campaign against the leadership of the PDP, particularly Governor Liyel Imoke, so as to discredit the elections. “We are also aware that the Labour party has financially induced other opposition parties, including the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), to address a press conference and level false accusations against the state governor and the leadership of our party concerning the conduct of the elections,’’ Etta said.

Protest rocks Delta over late release of election results Dominic Adewole ASABA

upporters of the All Progressives Congress yesterday besieged the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Asaba, Delta State, demanding the release of results of the presidential election con-

ducted last Saturday. The protesters, led by the governorship flagbearer of the party in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, the state party chairman, Rev. Jones Ode, the Senatorial candidate of the party in Delta Central, Hon. Halim Agoda, among others, accused the commission of colluding with the rul-

ing Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) to falsify the results. For over 45 minutes, the protesters, carrying placard of various descriptions which include; “Don’t rig out Buhari in Delta”, “INEC stop conniving with PDP”, “Jonathan, PDP, the game is up”, “Yes, Buhari” among others, were barred by

security operatives from gaining entrance into the commission’s premises. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, was accused of being culpable for directing one of his top Administrative Secretaries, to address the protesters rather than giving explanation on the issue.

former member of the House of Representatives, Napoleon Gbinije, has been taken into police custody for allegedly tearing the Independent National Election Commission (INEC)’s result sheet in Delta State. Gbinije, who represented Okpe, Uvwie and Sapele Federal Constituencies in the lower house between 1999 and 2003, is a contestant for the House of Representatives seat, on the platform of Labour Party. It was gathered that he hijacked results sheets during the collation pro-

cess with entries being made on the result sheet, as he was alleged to have torn the sheets to shreds, sensing that the outcome of the election seem not favourable to him. He was said to have made away with the sheets as security agents attempted to arrest him at the polling booth, but was, however, apprehended hours later and whisked away to the police station. When New Telegraph made enquiries yesterday from the Police about him, the State’s Command Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed on phone that the accused was still in police custody.

Princewill: Labour, APC voted Jonathan in Rivers Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Prince Tonye Princewill, has said that it was not only the supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), that voted for President Goodluck Jonathan in last Saturday’s election in Rivers State, but those of his party, and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Princewill, who spoke in a statement, said that Jonathan was voted for based on his performance in office, noting that his victory in Rivers was certain. He said it was particularly ironic that the APC in Rivers was complaining about the election’s conduct, alleging that

they had executed the allegations they were complaining about in the past. Princewill, however, complained that the elections “were largely neither free nor fair and were not in accordance with laid down electoral procedures,” adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security operatives “did not provide a level playing field.” He said: “After a closed door meeting with all my local government representatives and an extended stakeholder engagement within my party, it is our official position that the Senate and House of Representative elections conducted on the 28th of March where largely neither free nor fair and were not in accordance with laid down electoral procedures.”

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

Saraki confirms sister's defection from PDP Biodun Oyeleye ILORIN

he Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday confirmed speculations that his sibling and a former federal lawmaker, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, will be joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Gbemisola, who was a governorship candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) in 2011, was also gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections. She lost the 2011 election to Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed, who was her brother’s candidate then on the platform of the PDP and lost her 2015 aspiration to Senator Simon Ajibola. Speculations have been rife that she was defecting to the APC, but she has not come out to confirm it. However, she was reported to have directed her followers to use their ‘brooms’ in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly polls, a reference to her choice of the APC. Also last week, a close associate of Gbemsiola and Women Leader of the PDP in Kwara State, Hajia Nimota Ibrahim, resigned her post on the state executive committee of the party, citing the decision by her leader to defect to the APC. But the former Kwara State governor, who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin, when asked about the veracity of the rumours said: “As for Senator Gbemisola, yes, something is happening and you will see it very soon.” It was the first time the former governor would respond to any question on his sister since the 2011 election separated them and the confirmation indicated the success of underground efforts by national leaders of the APC.

Mohammed Kawu BAUCHI

joint police and local vigilante group in Tafawa Balewa Local Government on Monday, after getting wind of approaching hoodlums suspected to be Boko Haram members, engaged them in fierce gun battle, which forced them to abandon their firearms and equipment and run for safety. The gunmen, who were in a convoy of 18 Hilux pick-Up vans, started firing sporadically in different directions before abandoning four of their vans that were mounted

JOS

lateau State governor, Jonah Jang, has commended the people of the state for voting him in last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state. Jang in a statement through his Executive Assistant, Mr. Garuba Clinton, described his victory at the 2015 polls as an act of God

Police, vigilante group engage Boko Haram in Bauchi with anti-aircraft machine guns and retreated back towards Bununu and the Sambisa Forest after sustaining heavy casualties. However, rampaging youths in the town, numbering over 3, 000 burnt down four corpses of the attackers and the recovered vans. Two empty shells of 12.7mm ammunition of AA were recovered at the scene. Same hoodlums went back to Jitar village in

Bauchi Local Government and killed three vigilante members namely Musa Ahmed Maidoya, Inuwa Musa and Bature Abdullahi, all from Jitar village. Police detectives visited the scene and evacuated the victims to the ATBU Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for medical and postmortem examination. The entire surrounding has been cordoned off by combined security forces and intensive patrol is

ongoing to flush out the fleeing miscreants. The Police Public Relations Officer with the Bauchi Police Command, Haruna Mohammed, has confirmed the incident, saying security operatives are in full control of the situation. Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Sagir Aminu Saleh, has commended the use of the card reader machines by the Independent National Electoral Commission

Jubilation in Kano…yesterday

(INEC) in elections, saying the device will checkmate electoral rigging and violence during elections. The deputy governor, who was fielding reporters’ questions on Saturday’s elections at Azare, Katagum Local Government headquarters, said the card reader machine was a welcome development, which should be used in Nigeria in future elections. “The election did not go perfectly, but went according to plan. Some areas were experiencing difficulties with the card readers which is expected, because it is a new innovation by INEC,” Saleh said. He said: “We just have to forgo the little hitches here and there, because the country is not used to this system of election. It took me about one and half minute to get accredited and there were no long delays associated with the machines.” According to him, if there were delays, it had nothing to do with the card readers, but rather the late arrival of electoral materials. He appealed to the electorate to continue to conduct themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner in subsequent elections.

Suswam heads to court over Gemade’s victory NO WAY!

Governor heads for election tribunal to upturn Gemade's election Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

mbattled Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, yesterday disclosed his intension to challenge the victory of Senator

Jang commends Plateau electorate Musa Pam

News 49

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and has dedicated the victory to the people of the state. The governor called on the people to be resolute in their decision to continue to support the PDP and come out to demonstrate this spirit of patriotism in the remaining elections. Jang, however, expressed concern at the deliberate disenfranchisement of a large number of eligible voters in his senatorial district, who were denied their right to vote.

Barnabas Gemade as senator-elect for Benue North East at the Elections Petition Tribunal in the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state yesterday pronounced Gemade as winner of last Saturday’s keenly contested senatorial race between him and Suswam, having polled 140, 715 votes against Suswam’s 118, 603 votes. But not satisfied with

the outcome of the election, the governor said he would be heading to the tribunal to seek redress. Governor Suswam, who spoke through his principal agent in the senatorial election, who also doubles as his Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Solomon Wombo, described the process as totally unacceptable. The governor accused INEC of complicity in

PDP aspirant’s father’s house burnt in Plateau Buhari Bello JOS

wo houses, one each belonging to the father and brother of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Malam Muhammad Adam, were yesterday set ablaze by irate youths at Anguwan Rogo and Filing Sukuwa

in Jos North Local Government area of Plateau State. The incident occurred after the politician had finished a Hausa radio programme on the Unity FM, Jos, at which he said some youths have deprived him of his right of voting the candidate of his choice during the Saturday's election.

the electoral process and creating what he called a great injustice against him even as he also accused the commission of conniving with the APC to scuttle the electoral process. He also alleged that the results brought before the commission from some council wards in Konshisha, Logo, Vandeikya and Buruku Local Government areas, where Gemade won, were flawed and wondered why a similar issue visited on Suswam, was not addressed. According to him, in most polling units, the number of votes cast was more than the number of accredited voters. He cited four council wards in Konshisha, home of Gemade, including Iwar Nyam, Mbakyase Mbagusa-Mbaten as well as two in Buruku, where he alleged that election did not hold, saying his lawyers are already compiling documents to seek redress at the tribunal.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the cancellation of the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections in three council wards in Logo Local Government area of Benue State over alleged rigging. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Istifanus Dafwang, announced this after receiving results of the election in the area from the Returning Officer, Dr. Fidelis Ayatse, at the commission’s headquarters in Makurdi, the state capital. Ayatse told the electoral panel collating results from the 23 local government areas that soldiers believed to have been deployed on the orders of Governor Suswam, seized results of the election, a development that made it practicality impossible for results to get to the commission's headquarters on time.

WORLD | News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nationwide power cut paralyses Turkey

massive power cut caused chaos and shut down public transport across Turkey yesterday, with the government refusing to rule out that the electricity system had been the victim of an attack. The nationwide power cut, the worst in 15 years, began shortly after 10:30 am (0730 GMT) in Istanbul, the state-run Anatolia news agency quoted the Turkey Electricity Transmission Company (TEIAS) as saying. It was confirmed to have hit 49 of the country’s 81 provinces, from the Greek border to those in the southeast neighbouring Iran and Iraq

and including Istanbul and the capital Ankara. Several hours later, swathes of Turkey including much of Istanbul were still without power, although public transport systems such as metro lines appeared to be working again. “Every possibility, including a terrorist attack, is being investigated,” said Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu after the magnitude of the outage became clear. He said a crisis cell has been established at the energy ministry to handle situation, which occurred as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was out of the country on a visit to Slovakia. Energy Minister Taner

Yildiz also said the authorities were investigating whether the power outage was due to a technical failure or a “cyber-attack.” “The most important thing for us is to bring the system back to life. This is not something we frequently experience,” said Yildiz, who was travelling with Erdogan. He later sought to calm tensions, saying power had already been restored to several regions and the whole country “would be fully energised again soon”. “We reached 90 percent levels in Istanbul. God willing, there’s not going to be a major problem,” he said. “It is too early to say now if it is because of a

technical reason, a manipulation, a faultplay, an operational mistake, or a cyber (attack). We are looking into it... We cannot say they are excluded possibilities.” Education Minister Nabi Avci said power would be fully restored nationwide by 8 pm (1700 GMT). The energy ministry was quoted as saying by Turkish media that a power cut on this scale had not been seen in 15 years. The blackout trapped people in elevators while the metro systems in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir all stopped working for several hours. Rescue teams rushed to subway stations to

Mandela’s grandson convicted of assault

Turkish men trying to start a generator yesterday in Istanbul after a massive power cut caused chaos in large parts of the country.

Red Cross restricts travel in Mali

he international Red Cross said yesterday it has ordered staff in northern Mali not to travel out of urban centres after jihadists killed an aid worker in the restive area. “We have decided to temporarily suspend all our movements in northern Mali, while we wait to understand this incident more clearly,” International Committee of the Red Cross spokesman Valery Mbaoh Nana told AFP. “We will take our time to analyse and understand why the ICRC was targeted by such

an attack, and we will then determine the consequences,” he added. Gunmen near the northern city of Gao opened fire on Monday against a truck clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem, killing the driver -- a married father of four -- and wounding a Malian Red Cross worker. The two men were on a mission to resupply Gao hospital with much-needed medical equipment, the ICRC said. The extremist MUJAO group (the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa) claimed responsibility for the attack.

“We have achieved what we wanted with this attack,” MUJAO Spokesman Abou Walid Sahraoui told AFP by phone. The MUJAO was one of a number of Islamist militia groups that controlled northern Mali for nearly a year before they were routed and pushed north into the Sahara desert by a French-led offensive in 2013. An African military source with the UN mission MINUSMA said the attack had been “carefully planned”. “It was carried out by at least six terrorists. Shots were fired,” the source said.

Heavy clashes on Saudi-Yemen border

audi troops clashed with Yemeni Houthi fighters yesterday in the heaviest exchange of cross-border fire since the start of a Saudi-led air offensive last week, while Yemen’s foreign minister called for a rapid Arab intervention on the ground. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition of Arab states in a six-day-old air campaign against the Shi’ite Houthis, who emerged as the most powerful force in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country when they seized Yemen’s capital last year. The Saudis say

their aim is to restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi who left the country last week. The Houthis are allied with Saudi Arabia’s regional foe Iran, and backed by army units loyal to long-term ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was toppled three years ago after “Arab Spring” demonstrations. The conflict has brought civil war to a country already on the verge of chaos and forced Washington to evacuate its personnel from one of the main battlefields in the secret U.S. drone war

against al Qaeda. Residents and tribal sources in north Yemen reported artillery and rocket exchanges along several stretches of the Saudi border. Explosions and heavy gunfire were heard and Saudi helicopters flew overhead, they said. In the southern port of Aden, Houthi fighters and allied army units pressed an offensive against forces loyal to Hadi, trying to capture the last remaining major stronghold of the absent president’s forces.At least 36 people were killed when Houthi forces shelled Hadi loyalists in Aden.

evacuate stranded travellers and bring them to the surface. Traffic lights also were not working in several spots in Istanbul and Ankara, causing huge traffic jams, with officers taking to the streets in an attempt to break the logjams. The Marmaray metro line which goes underneath the Bosphorus in Istanbul also went down while high speed train services from Ankara were also halted. Around three hours after the power cut struck Istanbul, the metro, tramway and the Marmaray underground system came back on line and resumed operations.

elson Mandela’s oldest grandson, who is also a member of South Africa’s parliament, was found guilty yesterday of assaulting a motorist two years ago in the latest scandal to tarnish the Mandela family. A magistrates’ court in Mthatha, in Eastern Cape province, heard charges brought against Mandla Mandela by a local motorist, who accused the 40-year-old of assaulting him during a roadrage incident. “The magistrate found Mandla Mandela guilty of assault with grievous bodily harm, and acquitted him on a charge of pointing a firearm,” said Luxolo Tyali, a spokesman for the prosecution. A pre-sentencing hearing was scheduled for early June. Mandela, who is also the tribal chief of Mvezo village, the late Mandela’s birthplace, has been a member of parlia-

ment for the African National Congress (ANC) since 2009. He is no stranger to controversy. In 2013, members of his family obtained a court order forcing him to exhume the remains of his grandfather’s children. The family claimed he had dug up the graves of the icon’s children in the family gravesite in Qunu and reburied them in Mvezo without their consent. The remains were that of Mandla’s own father Makgatho Mandela, who died in 2005, as well as Nelson’s daughter Makaziwe who died as an infant in 1948 and second son Thembekile who passed away in 1969. The case played out while South Africa’s first black president, who died on December 5 2013, was still alive. It exposed ugly divisions in the family prompting entreaties of calm from Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Transportation strike shuts down Argentina

ransportation unions brought Argentina to a standstill yesterday with a one-day national strike to protest income tax rates and high inflation they say is eroding their earnings. Flights were cancelled, schools shut down, banks closed and thousands of businesses were shuttered along largely empty streets. While transportation workers represent only a small part of the South American country’s workforce, shutting down trains and buses created a domino effect because many Argentines have no other way to get to work or school. Most domestic and international flights were canceled because transportation unions represent many airport workers. Some schools canceled classes and others announced half-days as teachers had trouble getting to work. Even drivers with their own cars had a hard time getting into the capital because members of the Socialist Workers party blocked the principal routes into Buenos Aires. “Total impact,”

said Roberto Fernandez, leader of the Automotive Tramways Union, one of the main organizers, told Radio Mitre. “But for us there is no happiness here because the country loses. Unfortunately, the government refuses to be reasonable.” The unions argue that high taxes and inflation, which private economists put at around 35 percent, have eroded wage gains. They also want to raise the minimum income on which taxes are applied. Top officials in President Cristina Fernandez’s say the tax rates are fair and affect only a small percentage of workers, those who earn more than 15,000 pesos ($1,765) a month. Cabinet chief Anibal Fernandez told reporters that the government believed 95 percent of people who stayed home wanted to work but had no way to get there. “#YoNoParo,” or “I don’t strike,” was a trending hashtag on Twitter, where Argentines joked about having to stay home and defended job creation under Fernandez’s government.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

News

International Sport

League Rendezvous Candidates use Shooting Stars as campaign issue

Be serious, Oshonaike warns female players

I’m ready to replace Enyeama, says Akpeyi

Messi named 2015’s top forward, Ronaldo 29th

Sport

Rackets & Bats

Did you know? That Bayern Munich coach, Pep Guardiola, captained Spain when they won a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992 and was also voted world’s best player under the age of 21 same year

Ezeli eyes Afrobasket with D’Tigers

Ifeanyi Ibeh

igerian basketball star, Festus Ezeli, has set his sights on playing for Nigeria at this year’s African Basketball Cup of Nations – AfroBasket 2015 – in Tunisia where Nigeria’s D’Tigers will be aiming to win a first ever African title. The 2.11m centre, who plays in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors, in an interview with Fiba.com, said: “It is a big honour to be playing for your country and I am looking forward to it. I have a lot of pride in my origins. I think that it is awesome that we have so many guys of Nigerian descent in the NBA.” The 25-year-old also said he was looking forward to playing alongside some of the country’s other top players, especially Al-Farouq Aminu, who also plays in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks. “I don’t know Al-Farouq Aminu personally but I know that he plays for the Nigerian national team. I’m looking forward to getting to know him and all my other Nigerian brothers who play basketball,” added Ezeli. Ezeli, who is renowned more for his defence than his offense, has been impressive with the Warriors, who are set to make a push for the NBA title after qualifying for the playoffs.

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sport

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Super Eagles

Buhari’s win stalls Keshi’s contract

Emmanuel Tobi and Ajibade Olusesan

here are strong indications that Coach Stephen Keshi may not sign the contract as the handler of the Super Eagles after all following the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the 2015 Presidential Election. The board of the Nigeria Football Federation met last week to approve the appointment of the coach and Nigerians were waiting for the day when Keshi would officially sign the contract. But multiple sources have told our correspondents that such day may not come following the change in the political landscape of the country. One of the sources said the NFF officials were completely against the idea of retaining Keshi but they were handicapped by the strong forces

behind the coach. The source said that those who were pulling the strings for the coach were very close to the outgoing President, Goodluck Jonathan, and made it extremely difficult for Amaju Pinnick and his executive committee to go for their preferred coach. However, the source said that the NFF tactically delayed the contract-signing and the unveiling ceremony until after the elections, and is now in position of advantage to reverse their earlier decision on Keshi. “It is becoming clearer now that Keshi will not get the Eagles job because the NFF has a plan already and it is like the plan is working out,” a source at the secretariat of the soccer body told our correspondent. “It is very clear that this board, just like its predecessor, does not want to retain the services of Mr. Keshi but

Buhari

they have been arm-twisted by powerful PDP politicians. NFF has been very careful over this issue because Pinnick almost lost his job when he sacked Keshi the other time. That is why they bade their time so well by delaying the appointment of the coach and hoped that something dramatic happened that will hand them the

Keshi

advantage to make their choice. “With the latest event in our polity especially with the victory of Buhari in the Presidential election; the NFF will make an announcement that will hurt Keshi and his camp in the coming days. Everything is about politics and NFF is playing the politics well.”

Sport

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

I’m ready to replace Enyeama, says Akpeyi Emmanuel Tobi

Akpeyi

uper Eagles hero against South Africa, Daniel Akpeyi, has declared his intention to be a long-term replacement for Vincent Enyeama after his superb performance for Nigeria on Sunday. The Warri Wolves’ shot-stopper who, hitherto, had only been good enough for a bench role in the Super Eagles’ squad, made the most of a rare opportunity to stand between the sticks for Nigeria following the last minute withdrawal of captain and first choice goalie, Vincent Enyeama, from the friendly game. The high-point of his brilliant showing in the encounter was his breath-taking penalty save that would had given the South Afri can side an early lead. His effort would had been better appreciated but for the defensive blunder that paved way for Bongani Zungu to score South Africa’s equalising goal in stoppage time after standin captain, Ahmed Musa had put Nigeria in front in the 85th minute. Speaking to New Telegraph on Tuesday, the Warri Wolves goal-

keeper revealed that he got his inspiration from Enyeama who made a heroic World Cup debut against England at Korea/Japan 2002. “Enyeama is a legend and his influence was very instrumental to my glorious debut. I drew inspiration from God and also from his glorious debut at the World Cup. I have confidence that I can step into his shoes when he leaves the scene,” he said. He added: “It was a great privilege to be in goal for my country on Sunday and it turned out to be the way it was. I’m only doing what I’m supposed to do as a goalkeeper and surprisingly I heard people congratulating me for having such a good game. “But anytime, any day, I think I will always prepare my mind to be ready for such occasion again.” The keeper’s feat also got good plaudits from top sport personalities including teammate, Austin Ejide. “That was a wonderful performance by him, stopping that penalty kick highlights a night of wonderful performance. He’s proved that he’s a top class goalkeeper and that Nigeria has a large pool of good talents even on the home front,” Ejide added.

Kano Pillars, Enyimba ready for CAF competitions Zambia resume camp Charles Ogundiya for U-23 Eagles

wo Nigeria clubs playing in the CAF Champions League this weekend, Kano Pillars and Enyimba, have declared their readiness after confirming the dates for their respective encounters. League champion, Pillars a huge task at the Sani have Abacha Stadium on Saturday afternoon, needing to score five goals against Moghreb Athletic Tetouane of Morocco to have a chance of pro-

gressing. Chairman of Pillars’ Champions League Campaign Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, has expressed confidence that the Nigerian champions would overcome the huge setback and sail into the next round. Nigeria’s other CAF Champions League representatives, Enyimba, will depart the country on Friday for their return leg clash with Smouha FC of Egypt, scheduled for Sunday. Enyimba take a slender 1-0 lead

to Egypt and will be hopeful of a good outing to be able to sail to the next round of the competition. Meanwhile, the country’s only remaining side in the CAF Confederation Cup, Warri Wolves, will depart the country on Friday, to play Dedebit of Ethiopia on Sunday. The Warri-based side won the first leg 2-0. According to the Media Manager of the team, Moses Etu, the team comprising 20 players will arrive Lagos on Thursday before departing for Addis Ababa on Friday.

Heineken UEFA Champions League finale winners emerge T hirteen lucky Nigerian Heineken fans are now set to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience as this year’s UEFA Champions League draws to a close .The lucky Heineken fans who were amongst the over 3000 football fans that took part in the raffle draws across Nigeria have won an all-expense paid trip to Heineken’s world-famous Ibiza Finale, where fans converge from all over the world to watch the UEFA Champions League final match. They will also enjoy lavish beach parties on the exotic island of Ibiza, a lush tourist destination off the coast of Spain. Other winners of the raffle draw took home various premium quality consolation prizes. For Daniel Ogar, an Abujabased Arsenal fan, the dream trip will soothe the pain of seeing his team knocked out of the tournament. He enthused: “I have never been part of any raffle draw event but, this evening, I linked up with my friends at this bar and as fate would have it, I am a winner! Stanley Mgbemere had similarly arrived

the aptly named Abuja Dream Recreation Centre with hopes of watching Arsenal defy the odds, but he left with much more than he could ever have imagined. “Although the match did not go the way of my darling team Arsenal, I am compensated with the fact that I will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Europe, courtesy of Heineken,” he said.

Heineken fans stand a chance to win fantastic prizes during every minute of the UEFA Champions League matches. The innovative promotion is part of the exciting package from Heineken’s “Champion the Match” campaign, marking nine consecutive years of UEFA Champions League sponsorship.

Emmanuel Tobi

ambia Under-23 team on Tuesday resumed training ahead of the 2015 All Africa Games final round return leg qualifier against Nigeria. Zambia hosts Nigeria next weekend in the last stretch of qualifiers after drawing 0-0 in the first leg away in Abuja and a win will see them clinch qualification. Coach Fighton Simukonda said his team will do its best to ensure qualification to the finals and put some smiles back on the faces of Zambian fans who have in the recently expressed bitterness with the poor performances of their various national teams. He remained hopeful that Zambia will qualify and that he still has

Simukonda

time to perfect the squad ahead of the match on April 11. “The team is regrouping today after a break that saw players released to the Chipolopolo and respective clubs. It is good the players played some matches and we have enough time to prepare,” he said. The Pan-African Games will be held in Congo-Brazzaville from September 4 to 19.

Leke James shines in Norway N

The Area SalesManager, Festac for Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chinyere Nwoga, with the two lucky winners of Heineken ‘Champion The Match’ promotion held in Lagos.

igeria striker Leke James has sent a serious warning to other Norwegian clubs ahead of the new season after he scored a brace for Aalesund in a pre-season game on Monday. James scored a brace in a 2-2 draw with Molde. The 22-year-old striker scored his goals after his team were two goals down. He scored his first in the 64th minute and completed a brace with the equaliser in the 76th minute. The striker scored 10 goals in the Norwegian league last season.

Aalesund, who also have Nigeria international Akeem Latifu in their fold, start their season away at Rosenborg on Monday, April 6.

James

International Sport 53

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

Messi named 2015’s top forward, Ronaldo 29th

ionel Messi is the best forward in 2015 – while Cristiano Ronaldo is only 29th on a list of top attackers. These are the findings of a study conducted by the CIES Football Observatory, which has analysed the performances of players in Europe’s leading leagues since January 1. The rankings take into account relevant statistics for different positions and find Barcelona’s Messi - who has scored 17 in 12 La Liga games this year

- miles ahead of his Real Madrid rival. Ronaldo, who has scored six in 11 league matches in 2015, was, however, ahead of teammates Gareth Bale (35th) and Karim Benzema (37th). Diego Costa is the leading Premier League forward in fifth place, behind Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, Wolfsburg’s Bas Dost and Barcelona’s Luis Suarez. Elsewhere, the study, which focuses on the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the

Bundesliga, found Manchester City’s Gael Clichy to be the topranked full-back and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard to be the number one attacking midfielder, ahead of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and City’s Jesus Navas. Former Liverpool loanee, Nuri Sahin, now at Borussia Dortmund, tops the central midfielders table from the past three months, while Man City’s Martin Demichelis misses out on the centre-back crown to Emir Spahic of Bayer Leverkusen.

Mayweather and Pacquiao

Fighting Pacquiao not all about money – Mayweather

loyd Mayweather Jr says his long-awaited bout with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2, is more about leaving a legacy than it is about money. The 38-year-old, unbeaten in his 47 fights and a fivedivision world champion, heads into a clash with eightdivision title holder Pacquiao that is expected to set financial records - but insists his reputation and the education of his children remain more important to him. “When you’re young, you look at everything like you want nice cars, you want jew-

ellery, you want a big house,” Mayweather told mlive.com. “But once you’ve been living like that for so long, it’s not really about that anymore. It’s about my children, the legacy, giving the best education to my children. That’s what’s mainly important to me. I don’t worry about the fight because I know what I can do and I know what I bring to the table.” Looking forward to what Pacquiao can bring to the table, the American added: “A lot of guys do a lot of things wrong, but they are still successful.”

Cazorla happy at Arsenal S Messi (right) in action for Barcelona

Coentrao keen on Falcao confident again after Man United three goals for Colombia

eal Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao has said it would “be an honour” to play for Manchester United. Reports in Spain on Tuesday claim United are preparing to renew their long-standing interest in Coentrao, who was on the verge of joining them back in August 2013. The Portugal international has been a bit-part player at Madrid this season and has said he would jump at the chance to revive his career at United. He told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo: “I already showed that interest in playing there (at Manchester United). It’s one of the best clubs in the world, a club that I admire a lot. It would be an honour to play there.” United have continued to monitor his situation at the Bernabeu and will try to tempt the 27-year-old left-back once again at the end of the season, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Coentrao

anchester United striker Radamel Falcao has returned to the club full of confidence after netting three goals for Colombia. With just four goals in 22 appearances for United, the 29-year-old has struggled to establish himself following a lucrative season-long loan deal from Monaco and many expect manager Louis van Gaal to allow him to return to Ligue 1 in the summer. But Falcao has been back among the goals at interna-

tional level in the last week, scoring twice in a 6-0 win over Bahrain and adding another in Monday’s 3-1 victory over Kuwait. He told Sport 360: “I think when I score it’s always important and that gives me confidence. I said before I need minutes, I need to play games in a row and here in the national team I have had the opportunity. “I gave my best and I scored and I now return to Manchester with more confidence.”

Tunisia apologies, avoid AFCON ban

he Confederation of African Football has rejected an appeal by Tunisia against a £34,000 fine for violent conduct by its players at the African Cup of Nations but the North African country has avoided a ban from the next edition of the tournament after CAF said the Tunisian Football Federation had made “a formal apology” for accusing the African football body of bias. On January 31, Tunisia were knocked out of the competition by hosts Equatorial Guinea at

the quarterfinal stage, a game which ended in ugly scenes as referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn was angrily confronted by Tunisia players. Seechurn was later suspended for six months for ‘poor performance’ while the TFF was fined and ordered to formally apologise for suggestions of bias against the governing body. They had until March 31 to make that apology or face expulsion from the next event in 2017.

panish midfielder Santi Cazorla has revealed his happiness at Arsenal amid speculation that Atletico Madrid want to sign the 30-year-old. Cazorla has been with Arsenal since 2012 and is closing on 100 league appearances for the London side. Speculation of a move to Atletico has gathered pace in recent months and while the midfielder has not exactly ruled out a move, he has insisted that he is happy at the Emirates. “Right now I haven’t heard from anybody, it’s just rumours. And, to tell the truth, it doesn’t concern me too much. What I’m concerned about is Arsenal, where I’m doing well,” Cazorla told El Mundo. “In the future, we’ll see. I’m saying

that I like it very much and, as long as the club value me as they have done until now, then I’ll continue.”

Cazorla

UEFA increase Europa League prize money

EFA has increased the total prize money for the Europa League by 65 percent. Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, will also see an increase, but it will not be as steep as UEFA looks to lessen the disparity between the two tournaments. Currently, clubs in the Champions League earn an average of four-and-a-half times as much as those playing in the Europa League, but in the future UEFA will fix the ratio at 3.3 to one. Clubs who fail to qualify for the group stages of either competition will also see their solidarity payments rise significantly.

PA quotes UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino as saying: “UEFA is really pleased that the new distribution system not only provides for a substantial rise in monies received by clubs participating in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, but also strengthens UEFA’s solidarity principle, namely ensuring an even more substantial increase in solidarity payments to clubs. “In this way, the new system provides a better deal for everyone, especially those clubs which did not qualify to the group stage of either of the two UEFA club competitions.”

Sport

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian League Rendezvous

with charles Ogundiya

charlesog2001@yahoo.com,

08098042287

Candidates use Shooting Stars as campaign issue

ost of the governorship candidates in Oyo State have continued to use the beloved state team, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, as one of their campaign tools. Apart from the sitting governor of the state, Abiola Ajimobi, who currently serves as the sponsor of the club, other candidates like two former governors of the state, Rasheed Ladoja, representing the Accord Party and Alao Akala, La-

bour Party candidate, have also assured fans of the club that they are ready to return it to its glory days. For the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Teslim Folarin, more attention will be given to the club if voted in. Senator Ladoja recalled that during his tenure between 2003 and 2007, his administration allocated generous funds to the team so much so that for a long time, the team led the premiership log and was go-

ing to win the title in 2005 if not for the political crisis that engulfed the state. “The glory days of Shooting Stars are around the corner. My administration will revive the team. It is the pride of, not only Ibadan and Oyo State, but of the Yoruba nation,” Ladoja said. However some of the fans have said the politicians are just taking advantage of the situation; they are of the opinion that all the statements are just political talk.

Sunshine Stars Paul Onobi in blue

Rangers set to end trophy drought, says Sane

nugu Rangers defender Ousmane Sane has declared his club’s readiness to end a very long wait for a major trophy this season. Rangers last got a major trophy in 2004, when they won the Super Cup by defeating league and cup winners, Dolphins. Rangers featured in the Super Cup that year because they finished runners-up in the cup to Dolphins, who won the double. They last won the Nigeria league title in 1984 and the

League on hold for FA Cup, elections

atch Day 4 fixtures of the Glo Premier League scheduled for the weekend have been postponed to Sunday, April 19. A statement from the office of the Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company, Salihu Abubakar, said the games had

been rescheduled sequel to the directive of the Nigeria Football Federation fix all states’ FA Cup finals for this weekend, April 4 and 5. Abubakar also said the rescheduling would allow the players and club officials participate fully in the on going national elections and also allow

clubs on continental assignments to focus on reaching the next stage of their various competitions. “All Match Day 4 fixtures will now take place on Sunday, April 19 and we will release the date for Match Day 5 fixtures in due time,” Abubakar stated.

Federation Cup in 1983. The club also won the African Cup winners Cup in 1977. “It has been long since the club fans, players and officials had something to celebrate. We are really working hard and looking forward to ending that poor record this season,” Sane said. “We will do our best to win a trophy and we are praying that our efforts and hard work will result in glory.” Rangers have won a game and lost two from the three matches played this season.

Be serious, Oshonaike warns female players

oremost women table tennis player, Funke Oshonaike, has admonished young female players to be more dedicated. She said they were not growing at an impressive rate because of their poor attitude. The former African champion said that the young ping pong players were talented but they must avoid distractions so that they could effectively take the batton from her. She said that she was still playing so that she could provide the direction and inspiration the young ones need. “I think our female players; the young ones are suffering from youthful exuber-

ance but with better coaching and support they can overcome this,” she said. “These girls need exposure and guidance, because they are really talented but they need somebody that can instil discipline in them, trainers who will tell them that this is not a child’s play. Somebody who will teach them how to be disciplined, focussed and avoid distraction because that is what I was doing when growing up. “One of the reasons I am still playing is to teach them that everything is possible. I won four gold medals when I had my first child and I usually let them know that you can continue to play even

with Ajibade Olusesan 0706 537 7853

Nigeria set for Africa Junior tourney in Cairo

C Oshonaike

when you start having your own family. They need an

idol and that is what I am to them,” she said.

Nadal blames anxiety, lack of confidence for slump R

Nadal

afael Nadal admits he’s dealing with anxiety and a lack of confidence following his latest stumble at the Miami Open. The former world No. 1 player was eliminated Sunday in the third round by Fernando Verdasco. In a candid post-match news conference, Nadal opened up about his struggles in 2015. “It’s not the question of tennis,” Nadal told reporters. “The thing is the question of being relaxed enough

to play well on court. “A month and a half ago I didn’t have the game. My game has improved but … I am still playing with too much nerves for a lot of moments, important moments, still a little anxious on those moments.” The Spaniard insists his physical issues that plagued him last year are behind him. “All these are small things that are difficult to explain. One of the tougher things has been fixed, that

is the game, in my opinion,” Nadal said. “Now I need to fix again the nerves, the self-control on court. That’s another issue. “I am a little bit on and off too much. That is something that didn’t happen in the past. In the past I have been able to change a lot of situations, negative situations, in my career and I want to do it again. I am confident that I can do it. I don’t know if I am going to do it but I hope I can.”

oach of national junior tennis team, Muhammed Ubale, is optimistic about his wards’ chances as ITF/CAT African U-18 Tennis Championship serves off in Cairo this weekend. Ubale said that Nigeria was presenting a strong side which would be led by a Russian-born Melissia Ifidzen, and tipped the players for success in the tournament. Other members of the team for the clay-court tournament are London-based Elizabeth Garos-Pam, Adetayo Adetunji, who is based in South Africa, Angel Macleod and Sunday Emmanuel. Ubale said that his players were raring to go and would be buoyed by the impressive performance posted by the Nigerian side to the the justconcluded Africa Junior Tennis Championship for the U14 & U16 where Michael Osewa won a bronze. “This is one of the strongest team that Nigerian will be presenting for the championship in recent years. For example, Elizabeth (Garos-Pam) has improved so much in the last year and she is now ranked in the top 400 in the world. She stands a very good chance to excel in Cairo,” Ubale stated.

Sport 55

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

For someone who narrowly missed out on going to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and UEFA EURO 2012 – both of which Spain went on to win – David de Gea in this interview with FIFA.com, speaks about his chances with Spanish national team.

ne of those pros who appear to have been on the scene for years, the Manchester United No1 is still just 24 but already possesses winner’s medals in the Premier League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup, a European U-19 and U-21 title, as well as a runner’s up medal from the FIFA U-17 World Cup. After the disappointment of missing out on Spain’s successes in 2010 and 2012, the Madrid native was thrilled to be named in La Roja’s squad for the 2014 World Cup. “Thank God I was fortunate enough to be selected for Brazil,” he said, before adding after a brief pause: “Well, the memory is a bittersweet one. I was really excited with it being my first full World Cup, but the result is obviously one to forget. On top of that, I injured myself out there… A World Cup can be very difficult. You need to go into it in very good form and play with immense focus. Otherwise, the smallest things could have you on a flight home.” Change of scene De Gea’s detached analysis is in keeping with his cautious and reflective nature. “I’m a composed, calm type, which helps me in my profession. As a keeper, you need to convey a sense of calm to the rest of the team.” Those characteristics, allied to an immense talent between the posts, put De Gea firmly on Sir Alex Ferguson’s radar back in 2011. Determined to prise him from Atletico Madrid, the former United boss broke the British transfer record for a keeper to bring him to Old Trafford. “Truth be told, English football has changed me a great deal. I’ve developed a lot physically, greatly improved my concentration and generally improved all aspects of my game. I was very young when I came here, but four years on, things are very good overall. This league really suits me, as you learn a lot here,” said the 6’4 custodian. Today, Louis Van Gaal is at the United helm and the veteran Dutchman shares his predecessors’ faith in De Gea, who for company at Old Trafford has one of the keepers who was selected ahead of him for Spain in 2010 and 2012. “Victor Valdes and I work very well together – I’m very happy to be with him. I’m learning so much from him, not just in goalkeeping terms given his immense experience, but also as a person. He’s a very straightforward guy with a lot of character. Moreover, he’s always ready to lend a hand, trying to help out with his advice, especially during games,” said De Gea graciously. After a somewhat shaky start to the 2014/15 campaign, the Red Devils turned things around and now have a clear goal for the season. “We have to qualify for the Champions League no matter what. We already missed out last season, and a team like Manchester

De Gea: I’m learning so much from Valdes United cannot do that two years in a row. Looking to the future Also with a clear goal are La Roja, especially after the massive disappointment of Brazil, and that is to defend their European crown. “The team’s desire to get the fans dreaming again with an attractive Spain side is as strong as ever,” said De Gea. That quest has not been without its setbacks, though. Spain remain second in their EURO 2016 qualifying group behind Slovakia – who defeated them 2-1 in Zilina last October – and are struggling to find the fluency and football that characterised their play for much of the last decade. “We’re staying calm as we know it’s a tough group. We have difficult games but we’ll go into them without pressure and with the same confidence and composure as ever,” insisted the fearless custodian. For many observers, De Gea is on the verge of doing what several of his contemporaries (including Valdes) have tried to do for many years: becoming the undisputed first-choice Spain goalkeeper. However, the player himself clears up the question of succeeding Iker Casillas in one fell swoop: “For the moment, no. At present there are three of us and Iker [Casillas] remains the first choice. You never know what the future holds so you just have to live in the moment, try to train as best you can and take advantage of whatever opportunities the boss gives you. Living in the present is what matters most.” Opportunity If opportunities knock, it would be another chance for De Gea to prove his international calibre and move a step closer to fulfilling one of his personal goals: “I want to play at a World Cup and not just go as a squad member. I want to win titles for my club and country as that’s what makes a footballer great. I still have so much to do in my

career.” As he wraps things up so as not to be late for dinner, we ask him for one predication… but regarding the Eurovision Song Contest. For several years now David has been going out

Valdes

De Gea

with Edurne, the Spanish singer who will be representing the country at this year’s show. “Hopefully it all goes really well for her. I really believe in her so I hope it turns out great for her and that she enjoys it.”

On Marble

“Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others.” – Winston Churchill

World Record

Sanctity of Truth

World’s highest bridge: The Millau Viaduct spans the river Tarn in France stands 1,125 feet high let’s get that into proportion, it’s a bridge higher than the Eiffel Tower!

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

N150

Democratic revolution in Nigeria

n Saturday, the 28th day of March, 2015, the Nigerian people made their electoral choices. They affirmed and reaffirmed their fate and belief in democracy and its values. They sent a clear message to the international community that they are a democratic people and will maintain and preserve democracy, its principles and values. The voters had a clear message to the political parties and the candidates and it is that of their resolve to facilitate and ginger a quantum leap and continuing improvement and engagement in the electoral process. They made it clear and wanted everyone to hear that challenges do exist but that they want our electoral process to meet regional and international standards of fairness, transparency and integrity. It may be an overestimation, but my sense is that the Nigerian voters have in their own way set a process of irreversible democratic revolution in Nigeria. They have said loudly and clearly that they are the only determinants of regime change and that it is a sovereign and democratic right that cannot be given up whatever the challenges and circumstances. This could be seen from the manner the Nigerian voters handled all the challenges thrown at them before, during and after the elections. We saw the campaigns of hate and dangerous language mounted by the political parties resulting in fear and anxiety with the inescapable consequence of mass movement and exodus of people from volatile and vulnerable states to ‘comfort zones’. We saw blood and destruction during campaigns and most Nigerians could not understand why an ordinary civic responsibility should threaten the peace and stability of the Nigerian federation. They (Nigerian people) saw the brazen and irresponsible use of state resources and apparatus to compromise the integrity of the electoral process and still maintained their heads. The Nigerian people begged, struggled and exerted themselves in the struggle to collect their permanent voter’s cards and yet remained positive and optimistic and never showed signs of electoral fatigue. On Election Day, some voters left to the polling units as early as 5:00am and sought to gain a vantage position before accreditation and voting. Some of the voters who had moved location and residence before the elections abandoned their businesses and travelled with lots of inconvenience to vote in the elections. Furthermore, on Election Day, the collapse of the transport arrangements made by the electoral management agency in some states led to unacceptable delays and anxiety in the commencement of the voting process. To compound the challenge, some Presiding Officers could not operate the Card Readers while some malfunctioned and could not be replaced on time. But the people remained resilient, proud, steadfast and vigilant. Some voters donated rechargeable lanterns and power generators in places where the accreditation and voting lasted through the night and the following day.

Hard Choices FESTUS OKOYE

festokoye2003@yahoo.com 08054480565 (sms only)

Jonathan

Buhari

In concrete terms, the Nigerian people should be proud of themselves and their achievements in the Presidential and National Assembly elections. They should be proud of their determined drive to clean up the electoral process and make their leaders accountable. They should be proud of their exemplary courage, resilience, steadfastness and determination to force a quantum leap in our electoral process. Therefore, the Nigerian voters and the electoral management body must remain steadfast and insist on conducting the Governorship and House of Assembly elections with the Card Readers. We acknowledge the challenges of the new technology which resulted in the main from inadequate training of some of the Presiding Officers and the deliberate and unconscionable sabotage of the process by elements who did not want the Card Readers in our electoral process. Some of the Parties and their candidates still want to retain the exclusive franchise of corrupting the electoral process and holding the Nigerian voter to ransom. The suspension of the use of the Card Readers midway into the elections in some State gave electoral fraudsters the opportunity to pad some of the votes and get back to their old ways of manipulating the electoral process. I submit that the future of clean electoral process is in the use of technology and such can only enhance and not diminish our electoral process and choices. More fundamentally, the healing process of the nation must start immediately. We are dangerously more divided along

ethnic and religious lines and this is not healthy for a nation facing monumental challenge. I can see and appreciate the wisdom of the framers of the Nigerian Constitution who envisaged a Nigerian President with a national outlook and appeal. They recognized the ethnic, religious, social and economic diversity of the country and clearly guaranteed the emergence of a President that will not be owned by one section of the country. That is why section 134 the Nigerian Constitution makes it mandatory that to win the Presidency, a candidate must obtain the highest number of votes cast at the election and has not less than one quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two thirds of all states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The same geographical spread of votes is prescribed to win the state governorship position. The successful candidate must obtain the highest number of votes cast in the election and secure a quarter of the votes cast in each of at least two thirds of the Local Government Areas in the State. The country is in a hurry and the new President has the arduous task of healing the nation given the vicious and irresponsible hate and dangerous speeches and campaigns that attended the elections. Some of the Parties, their strategists and candidates deliberately played with ethnicity and religion, knowing that they are combustible and represent the two dangerous fault lines of Nigeria. The President must be the President of all Nigerians who want a new life in a new Nigeria. The President must drop

the toga of a party man and be a statesman with a pan-Nigeria mandate and outlook. There is no doubt that the new government will face a lot of challenges on assumption of office. The economy is on its knees and so many of the States owe salaries of between two to twelve months. The price of oil in the international market may not stabilize anytime soon. The voters have high expectations of change but will be called upon to make sacrifices and additional sacrifices in the coming months. The Nigerian people are also anxious about their security. The people are angry that a rag tag insurgent’s army held the nation to ransom and it took the support of neighbouring countries and mercenaries to rout them from places where they occupy. They are angry that a large number of Nigerian citizens are living in camps in neighbouring countries and in states contiguous to the North East. They are angry that suicide bombers are on the rampage in the various States with casualties in their hundreds. The Nigerian people want a quick and decisive solution to the insurgency in the North East and North West of Nigeria. That is why some Nigerian voters defied attacks from insurgents and went back to the polling units to cast their votes immediately after an attack that took the lives of some of their compatriots. The Nigerian people want a quick and decisive push and solution to insurgency and other serious and damaging challenges of insecurity. We must also complete the unfinished business of constitutional and electoral reforms. We are just lucky that the two leading Presidential candidates met the geographical constitutional requirement in section 134 of the Constitution. In default of any candidate meeting the requirement, there shall be a second election between the candidate who scored the highest number of votes and one among the remaining candidates who has a majority of votes in the highest number of States. The challenge is that this second election must be conducted with a period of seven days from the announcement of the results of the election. The electoral management body had suggested and the National Assembly agreed that the period of 7 days should be extended to 21 days to enable the electoral management body remobilize for the second election. This is still inchoate as the President has not signed the amended Constitution. We must also complete the process of guaranteeing full and unfettered independence to the electoral management body. We must deal with the pernicious politics of cross carpeting and guarantee independent candidature in our electoral process. We must reflect on the principle of first past the post and proportional representation and decide the best direction to go. We must also prescribe a timeline for the resolution of pre-election disputes. So, the length of honey moon between the new government and the Nigerian people will be determined by how well it deals with the governance issues of the Nigerian federation.

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