Wednesday, february 11, 2015binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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Vol. 2 No. 357

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Obasanjo endorses buhari, knocks Jonathan

Investors fret over credit-rating downgrade bid lOil ends three-day rally, falls to $57

Ayodele Aminu and Adeola Yusuf

windling price of crude oil, which has weakened Ni-

geria’s currency and the prospect of rising interest rates, may trigger the downgrade of the nation’s credit ratings, foreign investors have said.

The price of oil, which makes up about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s revenue, has fallen by 50 per cent since June, squeezing exports and government revenue.

Yesterday, oil ended a three-day rally falling to $57.45 per barrel before the close of the day’s transactions. The naira, on the other

hand, weakened to a record low on Monday as escalating violence by Boko Haram prompted the electoral commission to push CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

N150

}14

45 days to go... Nigeria Nigeria votes votes

2015

15 20}14 & 15

APC: Army places Tinubu under watch }2 lIt's not true, says military spokesman lFashola, others kick against patrol of ex-gov's home

Members of the Association of Imo State Widows during a protest over the alleged harassment of Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, in Owerri…yesterday.

FG warns opposition against beating war drum

lAPC challenges Jonathan to speak up on interim govt plot }5

Quick Read Editorial

Remembering our war dead }19 Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights }4

News

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC: Army places Tinubu under watch Juliana Francis, Muritala Ayinla, Emmanuel Onani, Camillus Nnaji, Adeolu Adeyemo and Temitope Ogunbanke

he Federal Government may have put a national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, under surveillance ahead of the general elections as soldiers have been patrolling his Lagos home for the past three days. The soldiers first appeared at his Lagos home on Sunday night and were doing so up till yesterday, Tinubu said in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Sunday Dare, yesterday. The siege to the former governor's home drew condemnations from his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Lagos State chapter of the party and others. But the army has denied the claim, describing it as a baseless allegation. Although the mission of the soldiers was not stated, it was learnt that it was part of a grand plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government to destabilise the opposition through intimidating their leaders. According to Tinubu, the "battle-ready and helmet-wearing soldiers", numbering about 30, came in three patrol vans and an army truck and positioned themselves close to the entrance of the house. He said: "The soldiers were first noticed on Sunday a few minutes to 11pm in an army truck. They were stationed about 500 metres away from Tinubu’s gate. Later they moved close to his gate as if making efforts to enter. The stern-looking soldiers were around for hours on Sunday and returned on Monday to continue their surveillance. Monday night about 10.45pm, they returned to the residence in two army vans and were there throughout the night. Some of the soldiers discharged from the van and walked back and forth in front of the house and around the house in what is clearly some casing effort. "This morning, Tuesday, two vans from the army were stationed on both sides of the house on Bourdillon Road; their missions shrouded in secrecy." Tinubu flayed the alleged bid by the Federal Government, through the military to monitor him, saying he will not be intimidated by attempts to intimidate him. “I remain resolute in my advocacy and support for the rule of law. Jonathan’s government has, through the service chiefs, staged

a coup against Nigerians and the constitution and now wants to silence his critics. I will not be muzzled through the barrel of the gun. The guns and bullets they should use to defeat Boko Haram are now being turned against the opposition and innocent Nigerians,” he stated. He expressed his commitment and that of the APC to liberating Nigeria and its people from the clutches of the misrule by the Jonathan administration. When New Telegraph visited Tinubu's house yes-

terday, there was no contingent of soldiers there. Only a detachment of policemen that normally guards the place was sighted. There were two buses, a car and one Rapid Response Squad (RRS) van in front of the house. Only two policemen were stationed outside the house. But one of the residents of the area confirmed sighting the soldiers near Tinubu's house since Sunday. The source said: "Around midnight on Sunday, a group of military

personnel came in a truck and jeeps. They alighted from the truck and strolled round the front of the house. The soldiers came as if on a surveillance mission, but never disrupted peaceful movement of people. They also came on Monday around 6pm." New Telegraph discovered that there was relatively peace and few people in front of the house. However, military authorities dismissed the allegations, saying it was baseless. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81

Division, Major General Tamubomiebi Dibi, said in a telephone interview that there was nothing like that and that it was all a ruse. He said soldiers on the Lagos State security initiative, the OP Mesa and Quick Response Group (QRG), have always been on patrol in the Ikoyi and Victoria Island areas, but soldiers have not been deployed specifically to keep surveillance on the APC leader. “Why should we deploy soldiers to monitor Senator Tinubu? There was no need for it as he had not

done anything wrong,” he stated. He said the relative peace being enjoyed by Lagos residents was due to the patrols being conducted by operatives of the military attached to the QRG and OP Mesa, adding that soldiers were not deployed to mount surveillance on Bola Tinubu’s house. Earlier, Army's divisional spokesman, Lagos State, Colonel Mustafa Anka, had also dismissed the allegation. He said: “I know you’ve not been there, or you CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Chief Executive Officer, Anabel Group/founder, Empower Nigeria, Mr. Nicholas Okoye and President Goodluck Jonathan at the launch of Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

APC applies for joinder in suit to stop usage of PVCs lPDP queries INEC on cards’ distribution Tunde Oyesina and Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday approached the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja seeking to be joined as a co-defendant in a suit instituted by a group, Society for Advancement and Protection of Public Rights (SAPPR). The group had dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Attorney General of the Federation before the court, seeking an order restraining the electoral body from preventing every willing Nigerian who does not have the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from voting. The group also wants the court to restrain INEC from using card reader or other programmable machine which may have the effect of interfering with the constitutional right of any registered voter to vote at the rescheduled general

elections. Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said INEC has questions to answer over the PVC distribution. When the matter came up yesterday, APC through its counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who led 10 other SANs and 13 lawyers asked the court for an order to join as a co-defendant in the suit. The party hinged its motion for joinder on ground that its interest will be affected by the decision reached in the case as it will affect the chances of its candidates contesting in the elections. The applicant added that it had long started and has continued to sensitise its members and the general public on the modalities for the conduct of the coming elections and in particular on the use of PVCs being distributed to prospective voters by INEC. APC further submitted that changing the information of INEC on the use of PVC now would adversely

affect its position and preparations in the coming elections. Olanipekun, however, told the court that APC intends to oppose the grant of the reliefs being claimed or sought for by the plaintiff and has good grounds of defence. He also informed the court that the suit cannot be effectively and finally determined without the joinder of the applicant and other participating political parties in the forthcoming general elections, as the reliefs sought would adversely affect the interest of the applicant and those of other political parties. The trial judge later fixed February 23 for hearing. Meanwhile, the PDP has stated that had the general elections not been rescheduled, INEC would have been fundamentally embarrassed. Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, at a press conference in Abuja yester-

day, said PDP is querying the commission for some aberrations in the distribution of PVCs. "How can Borno State which is under siege register more PVC distribution than Lagos State? “The INEC might have allowed its distribution of the cards to be tampered with. We hope that INEC will now use the extra time it has given itself to perfect its methodology. For example, the card readers need to be tried and tested during training of its operators," he said. The PDP campaign DG observed that factors on the ground indicated that the commission was not ready for the elections, noting that the problem facing INEC is "monumental and INEC may fail monumentally.” "Almost 30 million people are yet to get their PVCs despite the fact that the date of distribution was extended. Will it be possible to have a credible election when millions of

Nigerians are disenfranchised because of lack of permanent voter's cards?" Ali asked. Apart from the issue of PVCs, Ali added that there were reports that card readers were not fully distributed and tested, and wondered how the commission intended to handle the cases of faulty card readers. He stated that ballot boxes were reported to be inadequate while training of ad hoc staff to be used to conduct the elections, had not been concluded. Ali also expressed the fear of possible constitutional crisis should the elections hold without the participation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). "Internally Displaced Persons from the NorthEast need to come back home and vote. We should also put into consideration that President Goodluck Jonathan has been the advocate of one man one CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

UNDER GOODLUCK THERE’S NOW A FEDERAL UNIVERSITY IN EVERY STATE. Let’s keep going forwards. Vote Goodluck

Travel Advisory

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 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, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

FG warns opposition against beating war drum Onwuka Nzeshi and Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

he Federal Government has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from beating the drum of war in the build-up to the 2015 general elections. Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan, who gave the

warning in Abuja, said the opposition should stop heating up the polity by encouraging violence in the polity. He spoke just as the APC called on President Goodluck Jonathan to clear the air on the alleged plot by his administration to stall the general elections so that he could hand over to an interim government. Adesiyan, at the launch of the "Guidelines on Gender-Based Violence

and Young Persons in Nigeria," organised by the Women Arise for Change Initiative, condemned the involvement of the youth in violence, particularly during elections period and attributed the phenomenon to illiteracy, ignorance and manipulation by the political elite. He also accused the APC of desperation and indulging in acts that could incite the youth to violence in a bid to acquire power at

all costs. The minister said the violence which trailed previous elections must not be allowed to repeat itself in the forthcoming elections. "Let the votes of the people count. On our part as members of this government, we will make sure that the votes of everybody counts, lives and property are protected and those who are beating the drum of war should cease doing so, so that the elections will

be conducted in peace." Adesiyan described the "change" slogan of the APC as a deceptive gimmick by some persons to return to power under another guise. Adesiyan identified illiteracy, ignorance and political manipulation as key factors responsible for electoral violence and insurgency in the North. According to him, those who stoned the convoy of Jonathan in Katsina, Bau-

Group Managing Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Guillaume Roux (left) and Managing Director, Shelter Afrique, Mr. James Mugerwa, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on affordable housing in Nigeria in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

chi and Gombe states could not have been involved in such acts of violence if they were educated and aware of the implications of their actions. Earlier, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, had condemned the spate of violence perpetrated against women and children in the country. He described the incidence of jungle justice as man's inhumanity to man and urged the police to enforce the laws to end the abuse. On its part, the APC Presidential Council Organisation (APCPCO), while calling on Jonathan to clear the air on the alleged bid to foist interim government on Nigeria, said the president's explanation would avert unrest and possible civil disobedience that could scuttle democracy. In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Director of Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, APCPCO frowned on what it described as an unholy alliance among the Jonathan government, the PDP and the military to subvert the franchise of the people in the rescheduled general elections. The APC, criticising the role of the military in the postponement of the genCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Dollar exchanges for N200 at inter-bank market CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

back the vote scheduled for Saturday by six weeks. Chris Becker, the lead macroeconomic and equity strategist at African Alliance Securities Ltd. in Johannesburg, said: “The Nigerian economy is heading for a brick wall, with export earnings falling and investors waiting for the election results before committing cash. “The likelihood of a credit-rating downgrade is rising. The risk that the elections won’t be free and fair is rising too. “A return of foreign investors is unlikely until the polls are out of the way and there is more certainty about the exchange rate.” Similarly, Aurelien Mali, a senior analyst at Moody’s told Bloomberg: “The level of political noise around the elections is already reflected in the Ba3 rating assigned by Moody’s. “Political risks are moderate and the assessment is also supported by a resilient economy and robust fiscal position." The postponement is adding to concern among foreign investors who have

already reduced Nigerian holdings, Paul Gamble, sovereign group director at Fitch, said in an e-mailed response to questions. A six-week delay in the elections may not be enough to justify a credit downgrade, Nashwa Saleh, head of financials credit at Exotix Partners LLP in London, said by email. Nigeria escaped the latest round of credit downgrades of oil-producing nations on Monday, when S&P cut the debt ratings of Oman, Venezuela, Bahrain and Kazakhstan, while changing the outlook on Saudi Arabia’s credit grade to negative, from stable. The rating company didn’t immediately respond to Bloomberg’s e-mailed request for comment on Nigeria. Bloomberg also yesterday raised the alarm that there is a growing disconnect between Nigeria’s credit ratings and its bond yields. It said the data it compiled showed that interest rates on naira-denominated notes, classified as junk by the three main ratings companies, reached the

highest since 2012 this month, more than lowerranked Kenya and Egypt. Investors are also selling the nation’s dollar bonds. The increase in localcurrency yields was the steepest after Russian ruble debt over the past three months among 31 emerging markets tracked by Bloomberg. The naira is the thirdworst performing African currency over the period among 24 monitored by Bloomberg. Standard & Poor’s rates Nigeria three steps below investment grade at BB-, with a negative outlook, while Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings have stable outlooks. Almost half the time, government bond yields fall when a rating action suggests they should climb, or they increase even as a change signals a decline, according to data compiled by Bloomberg on 314 upgrades, downgrades and outlook changes going back as far as 38 years. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spent $5 billion in the last three months of 2014 to defend

the naira, reducing foreign exchange reserves to a three-year low. In November, policy makers weakened the midpoint of the official exchange rate to N168 per dollar from N155 and raised the benchmark borrowing cost to a record 13 percent. The naira weakened below N200 for the first time yesterday before paring the loss to trade at N196.32 per dollar. Consequently, the apex bank has assured the markets that it was committed to sustaining a "stable and orderly" market. An adviser to the CBN governor gave this assurance in an interview with Reuters yesterday. The forex market was understandably nervous after the six-week delay to elections originally scheduled for February 14, but it was nothing to worry about, Ugochukwu Okoroafor, a top CBN official, said. He said the naira was under speculative attack, as there had been no fundamental change to Nigeria's economy to warrant the pressure on the currency.

The exchange rate dropped 14 per cent over the past three months, the most among 24 African currencies monitored by Bloomberg. It may depreciate to N257.72, prices on 12-month forward contracts show. “We’ve basically ticked all those boxes” to trigger a change to the ratings outlook or a downgrade, Nema RamkhelawanBhana, Africa analyst at FirstRand Ltd.’s Rand Merchant Bank, said by phone from Johannesburg. “There is strain on the sovereign” and the currency also “implies increased pressure on the central bank and we might well see action before the election,” she said. Meanwhile, overnight interbank lending rate soared to a record high of 100 percent yesterday, signalling a sharp tightening of naira supply as the currency hit N200 to the dollar for the first time. The CBN said on Tuesday the foreign exchange market was understandably nervous after the decision to postpone the general elections originally, but said it was nothing

to worry about. "Capital flight has picked up, reflecting investor uncertainty. The rise in (overnight) rates will increase day-to-day funding of private sector operations in the run-up to the elections. Both will result in slower growth in Q1," said Angus Downie, head of economic research at Ecobank. The worry about the naira came as Brent crude future prices slipped yesterday after the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that oil prices may decline as stocks continue to increase. Oil stocks held by countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development may come close to the all-time high of 2.83 billion barrels in the middle of 2015, said the IEA, which advises the West on energy policy. Brent crude fell about 90 cents to $57.45 a barrel, ending a three-day rally. The benchmark gained more than 9 per cent last week, its biggest weekly rise since February 2011. US crude futures dropped to $51 per barrel, down nearly $2 on the day.

News

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC challenges Jonathan to speak up on interim govt plot CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

eral elections, said there was no way the Jonathan administration could say it did not mastermind the browbeating of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to shift the polls. It said: "If the witch cried in the night and the baby died in the morning, it would not be a mere coincidence. Hence, the body of civilised and democratic people around the world believes that the security excuse used by this unpopular government to prolong the polls is untrue and pretentious. "What type of democracy allows compromising security chiefs to determine when elections would hold or not? Now, the National Security Adviser (NSA) has become the megaphone for this government. He went to Chatham House in the UK to call for election postponement which he has now obtained. Next, he claims he would crush Boko Haram within six weeks. What if he can’t, will there be a further excuse to extend the elections and create constitutional impasse? Nigerians are no fools and nobody can pull soiled cotton over our eyes anymore. "We are inundated with

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

41oC

23oC

Mostly Sunny

PORT HARCOURT

29oC

19oC

Storm

KANO

36oC

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has no place in the constitution as former President Obasanjo said on BBC Monday night." It urged Jonathan to defend himself against these allegations as he is the commander-in-chief and not the NSA. Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned against setting up any interim government, saying

that the Federal Government must uphold the sanctity of the May 29 handover date. Answering questions from the BBC on the postponement of the 2015 general elections, Obasanjo said the constitution had prescribed how a new government should emerge. “That is all I can go by. I cannot go by any situation or any other thing,”

he said. The former president ruled out the possibility of an interim national government if by any means the presidential election fails to hold, saying, “I don’t know that because the constitution does not have provision for that. There is no place in our constitution for an interim government. I will just have to wait and see”.

Asked if he was concerned about the country’s future if the election does not hold, Obasanjo said Nigeria had gone near precipice on many occasions before, and came back. “We will continue to have this type of uncertainty. We have had more than half a dozen of them in the past but we have survived them”, he said.

Beko Rights Club during a procession to mark the nineth Bekololari Ransome-Kuti memorial in Lagos…yesterday.

PDP queries INEC on cards’ distribution CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

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ABUJA

information as to how this government wants to tamper with due process by discrediting INEC and even sack its chairman, raise false alarms, rig the election with military connivance and eventually scuttle democracy, replacing it with an interim government. “For all we know and can see, the contraption of an interim government

vote and has remained unchanged in his resolve to bequeath a legacy of free and fair election. So, conducting the election without active participation of IDPs would negate this resolve. There might also be constitutional issues should the elections

hold without the participation of the IDPs who by the way come from two states which are under the control of the opposition APC." Ali expressed fears of disenfranchising many people especially in local government areas. "INEC is to be blamed

for failing to educate the voters on the new methodology it is using. Is there anybody here who has seen the card reader? If journalists who have been reporting these things have not seen a card reader how much more people in the local government areas. "INEC ought to have

tried out the card readers first before introducing it. A card reader works for only eight hours," he explained. Ali said PDP was "thrown aback by the change in date of election" and expressed the belief that May 29 is sacrosanct. "We are keeping our eyes

on that date when President Jonathan would be sworn in," he said. On the security challenges which INEC cited as reason for rescheduling the elections, Ali said Nigerian soldiers on foreign missions are being recalled to join in the fight against Boko Haram.

It's not true, says military spokesman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

would have known that there are no soldiers there! I’ve been there and I couldn’t find a single soldier. It’s better for you to go there. There’s no soldier or soldiers stationed at Tinubu’s home. It’s a rumour. You’re the sixth person I’m speaking with on the issue.” Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, also claimed ignorance of the deployment of soldiers to monitor Tinubu. He said: "I'm not aware; I'm just hearing it from you. Why not ask the people on ground?" Notwithstanding the denial, Fashola described the move as an attempt by the PDP-led Federal Government to intimidate the opposition in a bid to remain in power perpetually.

He, however, said no amount of intimidation would stop the imminent change of leadership in the country, adding that it was unfortunate that President Goodluck Jonathan who begged Lagosians to win election four years ago is now planning to force himself on Nigeria in 2015. The governor, at the APC campaign rally in the Ejigbo, accused Jonathan of being ungrateful to the people of Lagos after garnering 1.2 million votes in 2011. He also accused the Federal Government of ruining the nation's democratic institutions in his alleged desperation to win the 2015 election. He said:"See what they are doing now. They are removing security from INEC. Do you know what they have done in the last

24 hours? They have deployed soldiers in Asiwaju' s house. Every night now, they are sending a truck load of soldiers to his house. But I have news for them; we will not be intimidated, our votes will speak for us. "Let me remind the presidency that if Yar'Adua was alive, the owner of this mandate, he will be parking his load to go now. When President Jonathan was looking for our votes in 2011, he didn't use soldiers he was begging us. He was saying that he had no shoe. After he took our votes, what has been doing? He has been inflicting pains on us. After giving him 1.2 million votes he didn't give us a minister." He called on Nigerians, especially the youths, to vote out the president, urging them to remember

their colleagues who lost their lives during the immigration job tragedy. The Lagos State chapter of the APC also condemned the alleged military siege being laid on the residence of Tinubu. The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said the ambition of Jonathan for re-election had become a danger to the country. It warned Jonathan and the leadership of the PDP against plunging Nigeria into an intractable because of their ambition to remain in power. The Osun State chapter of the party also described the alleged laying of siege on Tinubu's residence as callous, undemocratic and wicked. The party in a statement by its Director of

Publicity and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, said: "Political terrorism is being introduced into Nigeria by Federal Government under the watch of President Jonathan who wants to remain in power by all means and at all cost. "What has Bola Tinubu got to do with the faltering government of the PDP that has made Nigeria a laughing stock in the world? "With Boko Haram terrorists devastating the North-East of Nigeria and stretching the security forces to their limit, it is inconceivable that the Jonathan administration will be setting off political terrorism in the west in addition to Boko Haram in the North by intimidating and harassing one of the leaders of the main opposition."

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

News

NATIONAL

Islamic Council protests documentary on NTA Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

he Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ( NSCIA) yesterday protested the airing on national television, a certain political campaign documentary considered offensive to adherents of the Islamic faith in Nigeria. The NSCIA accused the National Broadcasting Commission ( NBC) abdicating its responsibility of regulating the contents of the documentary and warned that such messages could trigger a religious war. Secretary General, NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who authored the protest letter, disclosed that the advertisement which has

been aired on Nigeria Television Authority( NTA) was sponsored by a group called the “Initiative for Peaceful Elections,” apparently on behalf of a political party. In a statement marked SGHQ/ADMIN/0060/ 4/8/2/2015, said that the documentary contained “concocted” information “which embarrassingly maligns Islam and portrays Nigerian Muslins in bad light.”. He argued that by airing such a documentary on a national television station owned by the Federal Government, the NSCIA considered it a provocative action capable of sending a dangerous signal to the populace of a seemingly impending religious war. “Taken along with the current public utterances of some political and religious leaders in

the country, the contents of the advertisement are suggestive of a dangerous hidden agenda. “Incidentally, unassailable facts show that over eighty per cent of the victims of the 2011 post- election violence to which the advertisement in question refers were Muslins. These facts are available in both the reports and the White Papers of the Federal and Kaduna

State government’s panels on the crisis. “Such an insensitive public attack on Islam and Nigerian Muslims is capable of provoking some Muslims and thereby elicit a reaction in the like manner which may lead to further crisis, “he said. Oloyode appealed to the NBC to be alert to its responsibilities and ensure that a religious war does not ensue as a

result of dereliction of its duties in the broadcast industry. “Islam is not a candidate for an office in the coming general elections and it is never expected that any individual or group with the right frame of mind would want to drag this religion of Allah into politics. By condoning that provocative advertisement or any of its type, the NBC and

indeed the Federal Government may inadvertently be setting a stage for avoidable religious crisis. A stitch in time, saves nine,” Oloyode warned. The NSCIA, however, appealed to all Muslims and the generality of Nigerians to remain calm and avoid any negative reactions that could truncate the process of conducting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

Jonathan holds media chat Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan will today host a special edition of the presidential media chat. The President is expected to address the nation on topical national, economic, political and security issues. Among issues that would feature prominently during this session which usually brings together seasoned media practitioners is the recent shift in the dates for the conduct of the 2015 general elections by Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. Jonathan, our correspondent gathered, will use the opportunity of

the programme to clear the air on allegations raised from various quarters on the pressure mounted by both the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and the security agencies, including the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki for the postponement of the polls. The Presidency has already assured Nigerians that despite the shift in the dates for the elections, the handover date of May 29 remains sacrosanct. There are already speculations that the presidency may have begun moves to sack the INEC boss, Professor Attahiru Jega before March, when the elections will hold.

Niger okays troops for Nigeria to fight Boko Haram Emmanuel Onani

iger’s parliament has voted to send troops to Nigeria to join the fight against Boko Haram. The vote took place after Boko Haram attacked a prison and detonated a car bomb on Monday in the town of Diffa, near Niger’s border with Nigeria. A report yesterday by AFP quoted lawmakers as saying the parliament unanimously authorised deploying 750 soldiers to join a regional force set up by the African Union (AU) battling Boko Haram. The Nigerian conflict has increasingly drawn in regional states. On Saturday, Nigeria,

Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin agreed to establish a 7,800-strong force to fight the group. Boko Haram launched its first attacks in Niger last week, and has vowed to create an Islamic state. “The pooling of the efforts and resources of concerned countries will contribute without doubt to crushing this group which shows scorn, through its barbaric acts, for the Muslim religion,” Niger’s parliamentary speaker Adamou Salifou said after the vote, Reuters news agency reports. A journalist in Diffa told AFP news agency that at least one person was killed and 15 wounded in Monday’s bomb blast at a market.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s residence in Ikoyi, after the military allegedly stormed the place…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

I left no debt in Abia, says Kalu

equel to an allegation by the chairman of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Prof. Herbert Orji that the former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, plunged the state into indebtedness between 1999 and 2007 when he presided over the state, the former governor has debunked Orji’s claim, saying he left no debt after his tenure in the state. A statement released yesterday by Ebere Wabara, Media Adviser to Kalu, said the state-

ment by Orji was the manifestation of a man under trance, adding that, “The NBC chairman must have been afflicted by schizophrenia when he made an allegation that could easily be verified in the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). A man who claims professorial attainment should not operate in the realm of speculation,” he said. The statement read in part: “Dr. Kalu has consistently asked for an independent and forensic audit of the ac-

counts and statement of his tenure as Abia State governor from 1999 to 2007. He has also copiously written about his stewardship generally and financial management particularly during the period he functioned as governor. “It is astonishing that a man who could not administer the defunct third-tier Progress Bank should be pointing the finger at a respected and distinguished Nigerian, who does not depend on his wife for survival as his accuser does, having been floundering over the years,” the rebut-

tal stated. Wabara further declared that “the only money borrowed at the time was N2 billion from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) which was repaid a year before the expiration of Dr. Kalu’s second-term tenure. Kalu’s government officially related with Hallmark Bank PLC and GTB. The allegation that Dr. Kalu had credit interventions from 22 banks is the wildest, irresponsible and most vicious interjection any sane fellow who purports questionable scholarship and unstable pedigree could make.”

NECO Registrar resists bid to proceed on leave Dan Atori MINNA

he Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Examination Council (NECO) Prof. Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, has ignored calls from some quarters that he should proceed on

terminal leave. He said: “I still have all the instruments as the boss. I am still at work”. It should be recalled that, the Non Academic Staff Union, NASU, NECO, chapter, had insisted that the embattled Registrar of the examinations body, proceeded on terminal leave in line

with the status guiding the tenure and operations of NECO. Okpala on Tuesday, while briefing Journalists at the Council’s Head Office in Minna, said: “I have never proceeded on any leave, and I have also never handed over to anybody”. According to the em-

battled NECO boss: “I am still at work because all the instruments that keep me here are still intact. If it is otherwise, I will quietly go on that terminal leave. “I am still at work, I have not gone on leave. I still have the instrument granting me the permission to still go to work.”

News

wednesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

APC criticises fresh move for NIS’ recruitment job scam? Party attacks fresh moves for immigration recruitment

Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) yesterday raised the alert over the latest call for application from Nigerian Youths for recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as a continuation of the despicable scamming of jobless youths

by the government. According to a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Director of Media and Publicity of APCPCO, Mallam Shehu Garba, this latest attempt, being supervised by a Presidential committee, comes on the heels of the March 15, 2014 exercise, which ended in disaster across the various centres in the country. Shehu said: "Aside the payment of one thousand naira from each of the five hundred and twenty thousand (520,000) applicants, there was very shoddy preparations made for the exercise. "It was shocking that the input of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) was not sought as

the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mr. David Paradang, revealed at the National Assembly hearing that, for all his years in the service, there had not been a time that the recruitment of personnel in the Inspectorate cadre was done outside the NIS. "The Minister of the Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, solely supervised that botched recruitment exercise, which resulted in the death of 19 Nigerian youths, whose only transgression was that they trusted their country for employment. "Furthermore, in a desperate move to placate the victims and still make Mr. Abba Moro keep his job – for obvious political reasons – Presi-

dent Goodluck Jonathan promised each family of the dead victims, three automatic jobs. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 14th October, 2014, seven months after the tragic incident, there was a protest march in Benin City against the unfulfilled Presidential promise. One of the victims, Mr. Timothy Omoagbon, said that since the death of his wife, life had been unbearable. "It would be recalled that before the March 2014 scandalous exercise, there was also a recruitment exercise some years ago (under President Jonathan) which was marred by accusation of lopsidedness and nepotism. Meanwhile, four of the victims – Patience

Omezie, Kasim Suleiman, Okojie Arabamen, Godwin Morka – have jointly filed suit against the Interior Minister, Mr. Abba Moro. Among their prayers is a declaration by the Court that Moro is unfit and improper to hold public office in Nigeria having regard to his callous statement that the Nigerians who died and those injured during the exercise were careless. "That Mr Abba Moro is still in charge of the Interior Ministry is an

Dickson’s loyalist blames First Lady for attack on governor Mojeed Alabi

L-R: Head, Product Management, West Africa, Transactional Products and Services, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Nnenna Okoro; Chief Legal Officer, Oando, Ngozi Okonkwo and Head, Transactional Products and Services, Financial Institution Sales, West Africa, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Abimbola Akerele, at the 6th annual West Africa Trade and Export Finance Conference in Lagos

Maku denies accusing Jonathan of sponsoring Boko Haram Ladi Patrick Abuja

ormer Information Minister and the APGA governorship candidate in Nassarawa State, Labaran Maku has denied reports making the rounds on the social media that his former boss, President Goodluck Jonathan was behind the terrorists group, Boko Haram. Maku, who stated this yesterday while briefing

journalists in Abuja, said the main objective of this fabrication was to cause mischief, disaffection and confuse the supporters of the president ahead of the March elections. The former Minster said the story was a lie planted by the enemies of Jonathan. “I want to make it very clear that at no point in my life have I ever made mention that the president is the sponsor of terrorists; it is absolute fiction from the opposi-

tion.” He described the report as an absolute desperation by the opponents of the president to slander and damage his integrity using his name so that Nigerians will believe the slander against the person and government of Mr. President. According to him: “We all know that terrorists attacks emanated from a dangerous mix of politics and religion in some states controlled mainly by the opposition

states in the country and terrorism has become a global challenge all over the world”. “My position has always been that the eruption of terrorism in the North is not the creation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration but from the violent mix of religion and politics in some states in the North mainly controlled by the opposition APC, which has left many parts of the Northern region in turmoil.

Synagogue: Coroner resumes inquest February 17 Akeem Nafiu

roceedings at the Coroner inquest probing the collapse of a six-story building within the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) will resume on February 17.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Coroner handling the inquest, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe. The Coroner arrived at the decision to further adjourn following the nonappearance of witnesses and low turnout of lawyers and other interested

parties at the resumed sitting of the court yesterday. Komolafe, while adjourning, however, expressed his determination to conclude the inquest in a fortnight. He also admonished lawyers and interested parties not to deploy delay tactics,

so as to forestall prolonging the proceedings. The court's sitting has been delayed since it last sat on December 23, 2014, owing to the strike embarked upon by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

attestation to President Jonathan’s unwillingness to subsume narrow political interest under national interest.” He added:"What is, however, galling in the entire saga is that another recruitment exercise is being planned when the actors in the last tragic exercise have not been penalized for their questionable conduct. The President made promises that he knew was mere bogey; it is akin to dancing on the grave of the dead.”

ne of the loyalists of Bayelsa State’s Governor, Seriake Dickson, and Chairman of Grassroots Initiatives, a political group based in the state, Chief Peretimi Akari has blamed the Wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan for the booing of the governor during the President’s rally last Friday. Addressing a media briefing yesterday in Lagos, Akari accused the First Lady of using members of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, and the Women for Change, to boo the governor and ridicule him in the presence of political stalwarts, who had stormed the state for the campaign rally. He, however, said they failed in their plan as the governor had used his mobilisation capacity to bring his loyalists and lovers of the state from far and near to honour the President. He explained; “What played out at the rally was

ugly, as Bayelsans were shocked to see the country’s First Lady descending so low as she took her hatred on Governor Dickson to an embarrassing level, while the President stated his mind on the need for Bayelsans to continue working with Dickson for a continued developmental stride that the governor has maintained since assumption of office three years ago. “The worrisome aspect is that in her bid to continue with the rift that has polarized the once formidable PDP in the state, Dame Jonathan reportedly undermined the governor’s security by using the state commissioner of police, who has since his assumption of duty, never hid his preference to Mrs. Jonathan’s directive, instead of the chief security officer of the state, just as a handful of Mrs. Jonathan’s Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, and her Women for Change, and political thugs failed woefully in their ploy to humiliate Dickson at the rally.”

APC chief warns against using security agencies to derail democracy Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) Chief Sam Nkire, has expressed the fear that democracy might suffer a heavy blow in Nigeria if the security agencies are not able to guarantee security in the country by March 28. Nkire, who accused the ruling PDP of being behind the postponement of the elections, added that PDP would have run out of tricks if by March 28, the Boko Haram was not cleared from the NorthEast. He blamed the post-

ponement of the elections on nothing but the unwillingness of the government in power to submit itself to a popularity test after an abysmal performance in the last 16 years. Nkire, who spoke in Abuja, however, appealed to the electorate to be patient and wait for March 28, as according to him, "March 28 is not eternity". Nkire said the only way the country could progress was for Nigerians to show interest in how they were governed by insisting that elections are held as and when due, taking active part in voting, as well as remaining at the polling stations to make sure their votes count.

NEW TELEGRAPH wednesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

News

national

Police recover bomb in NYSC director’s home, uncover 147 others bombs, bombs... Police move to avert destruction of lives and property, defuse bombs

Juliana Francis

he Borno State Police Command yesterday revealed that it has discovered 147 clusters of bombs in Auno Village in Konduga Local

Government Area of the state. It added that it also recovered unexploded ordinance in the residence of the state’s Director of the National Youth Service Corps. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clement Adoda, speaking in Maiduguri yesterday, explained that the 147 clusters of bombs were discovered at a location of about 27 kilometers from the state capital, Maiduguri. He said that he and his

men were first alerted about the bombs on Sunday around 9am and without wasting time, dashed to the scene. He noted: “The area we found them was some kilometres away from Auno village, near Jakana, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. A combined team of disposal unit, with a crack team of some of policemen and soldiers attached to Jakana general area, led by Captain Daniel Yakubu, found the explosives and

recovered them. We also immediately destroyed them.” Speaking about the undetonated bomb found in the quarters of the NYSC Director, Adoda said that the state bomb disposal team recovered the unexploded ordinance, adding that it was believed that it was part of bombs launched during one of the Boko Haram attacks on Maiduguri in one of the Boys’ Quarters at the residence along Damboa Road, Maiduguri.

The number one policeman in the state said: “The explosives were detonated safely without damages to lives and property. The discovery of this ordinance would not have been impossible to achieve, if not for members of the public. They were quick in giving information to

Jonathan planning to secure two more years, says Ojudu Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

L-R: Incoming Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Osagie Okunbor; outgoing MD, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu and General Manager, Nigeria Content Development of SPDC, Mr. Igo Weli, at the inauguration of the interim board of the Nigerian Network of the Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development in Lagos... recently

Polls: It’s irresponsible to ignore security warnings, says Kalu

ormer Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, said regardless of the shift in the election timetable, the 2015 general election still holds the potential for free, fair and credible polls. Kalu, in an international statement titled: “Nigerian lives matter – putting debate to rest in the aftermath of election extension”, said the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone presidential and

legislative elections until March 28th, may have elicited agitations in some quarters, but noted that it would be ‘highly irresponsible’ to ignore security warnings and endanger the lives of electoral personnel, citizenry, voters and observers alike. He said, “As a politician, proud entrepreneur and advocate for those supporting Nigeria’s unstoppable socioeconomic trajectory, I must commend and agree with the remarks of Chairman Jega; it would be ‘highly

irresponsible to ignore the advice of those we entrust with our families’ safety and endanger the lives of electoral personnel, our greater citizenry, influential voters and observers alike. “The potential for free, fair and credible elections has not wavered; it has only been delayed due to strategic matters in the better interest of our nation’s climate of peace, tolerance and community.” According to the business mogul, “In response to the INEC decision,

there are near-overwhelming clamours that the best way to avoid civil unrest, uphold security and showcase our democracy active and at play would have been to hold the said elections as previously scheduled for this week. “And, there is no mistaking that this scepticism is received in a climate of dissipation of confidence in our security forces, given that Boko Haram has seemingly acted unabatedly with hostility throughout our Northern States and Central Belt.”

IG redeploys 33 police commissioners NCM demands sack of Dasuki, Mojeed Alabi

he Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, yesterday redeployed 33 Commissioners of Police to various commands and formations across Nigeria. In a statement issued by Force’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, the IG stated that the postings are in line with efforts to reposition the Force, fill vacancies created occasioned by officers proceeding on course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos as well as posting

of returning senior officers from the institute. He said the redeployment, which “is in line with determination and drive to enhance the administrative and operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force,” is with immediate effect. According to the statement, Danladi Mshelbwala from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) has been moved to Kebbi State while Ibrahim K. Idris from Police Mobile Force (PMF) has been posted to Kano State as the new Commissioner of Police.

service chiefs Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

ollowing what it described as their role in the postponement of the general elections from February 14 to March 28, the National Concensus Movement (NCM) has asked that the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki and Service Chiefs be relieved of their appointments. President of the Movement, Barrister Solomon Dalong, who called for the sack of the NSA and

security agencies. We implore members of the public to always call on security agencies whenever items suspected to be Improvised Explosive Devices were sighted in their domains. This is the only way to avert further wanton destruction to lives and property in the state.”

n alleged secret plot by President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the elongation of his tenure of office by two years was yesterday revealed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital by a member of the National Assembly, Senator Babafemi Ojudu. Ojudu, who is representing Ekiti Central, made the revelation while addressing members of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), chronicling how President Jonathan has been making spirited moves to woo the lawmakers into buying into his agenda for the two-year tenure elongation. Speaking at the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan during the group’s social discourse with the theme: “The Change Yoruba will Vote For”, Ojudu said,

“Talking about two years, Jonathan has been pleading that they should allow him to do two more years because if we have an election and a northern Muslim becomes the winner, there may be problems in the Niger Delta. If you have him win over a Northerner, there will be problem in the North. Therefore, the solution is for him to do two more years and at the end of the two more years, then you can have Northern-Northern and Muslim-Muslim candidates. That is their logic and that is what they are working towards. Left to us, they know it shall not pass. We must have to start crying out now and be strategic in our planning. “We are about entering into a very long night in Nigeria. It is a very sad thing that whenever we thought we have made a progress, we take 10 steps backward. This is what is happening now."

PUBLIC NOTICE

AGRARIAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Ayo-Vaughn Raphael Kehinde 2. Prof. Olumide Tewe 3. Dr. Wale Okediran 4. Prof. Sebastian Kehinde Sanwo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Free alternative medicine for the less privilege. 2. Civil society advocacy 3. Educational advancement for youth and woman. Any objections to this registration should be forward to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 194, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE Service Chiefs at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, said that they have failed to live up to their responsibility by declaring that they cannot secure the nation to the extent of guaranteeing a smooth conduct of the elections. He argued that they lacked the moral capacity to remain in their present positions, noting that under the unfolding circumstances, the nation's democracy was at risk and the future greatly threatened by what he called the affront by the NSA.

CLAIM OF OWNERSHIP This is to inform the general public that I (Aniagolu Emmanuel) is the owner of the landed property (100ft/200ft with plan No. ICON/ DT/688/2013) situated at Dr. Jamico Street, behind Ogwashi Township Stadium, Ogwashi-uku, Aniocha South LGA. Delta State. Signed: Aniagolu Emmanuel

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro ARMOURY

A suspect claims he discovered arms and ammunition after Nasarawa State-based Ombatse cult group killed his father, an Assistant Commissioner of Police

I inherited cache of arms from my father –Suspect

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

he son of a late Assistant Commissioner of Police has been arrested for being in possession of high calibre arms and ammunition. The suspect, Momoh Ogirimah, said his father was in charge of operations and led the team which was ambushed by Ombatse cult members in Nassarawa State, about two years ago. According to Ogirimah, a graduate of Industrial Engineering from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, in Oyo State, his father was killed by the cult members. The suspect claimed that he discovered the cache of arms after his father’s death. He, however, expressed regrets that he did not inform the police about the cache of arms in his house, adding that his father would be turning in his grave by what had happened to him. But Ogirimah confirmed that he used one the guns to harass someone who had a misunderstanding with his younger brother over money. It was the victim that reported the incident to the police who thereafter discovered the cache of arms. Ogirimah’s arrest came less than 24 hours after a Mercedes Benz truck laden with 108,260 rounds of live cartridges was arrested with two suspects at Kosubosu in Baruten Local Government Area of the state. Apart from the two arrests, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Salihu Garba, told journalists yesterday that the command also recovered two AK47 rifles missing from Ogun and

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

The ammunition

Ogirimah with some of the arms

Ondo states’ commands and three locally-made pistols from an escaping suspect as well as another pistol from a mosque in Lafiagi area of the state. Garba expressed concern over the growing political violence in the state, saying he had received a “rise to the occasion” signal from the police high command on the development and would immediately commence a clampdown on political miscreants in the state. The arms and ammunition

recovered from Ogirimah include one Baretta pistol with number A07078Z said to belong to the Ondo State Command, one revolver pistol with number RUHMRG799ABL said not to be on the record of any command in the country and one locally-made pistol. Others include 133 pieces of 7.62mm ammunition, 28 pieces of .9mm ammunition, 22 pieces of 7.6mm ammunition, three bulletproof vests, one respirator, one complete set of body

protector, three blasts, one hand grenade, 11 smoke cartridges, 86 life cartridges, 42 pieces of 5.56mm ammunition, two pieces of .36mm ammunition, 27 live rubber cartridges, nine .9mm rubber bullets and one anti-riot helmet. Speaking on the arms-laden truck, Garba disclosed that two suspects, Abdulazee Isiaka, a Nigerian and Amusail Amodu, a Ghanaian, were arrested with the truck, adding that the ammunition was hidden in a

PHOTOS: Biodun Oyeleye

compartment of the truck. He said: “When the suspects were interrogated, they confessed that they have been dealing in the shady business for sometimes and that the consignment was loaded from Burkina-Faso for offloading in Ibadan, Oyo State.” Garba added that another suspect, identified as Jacob Idowu, was arrested at a campaign ground where they were firing sporadically into the air after smoking Indian hemp.

Two escape death as Pastor, cyclist missing in pole falls on motorcycle C’River community Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

wo persons yesterday escaped death when a wooden electricity pole at the entrance of Holy Rosary Convent in Kanshio, a settlement in Makurdi town, Benue State collapsed. The electric wires, which trapped a motorcyclist and his passenger, threw them off the motorcycle. The incident occurred when there was power outage in the area, but the motorcyclist and his female passenger fell on the tarred road and sustained deep cuts. The accident obstructed traffic on the road as electric cables fell across the

road. A passer-by had to use pliers to cut the cables, while many people in the area trooped out to catch a glimpse of the incident. The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). A wielder said the area had been witnessing power outage for the last couple of weeks. He blamed the incident on poor state of power facilities. When contacted, the Business Manager of the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Company, Mr John Emerua (an engineer) said the company did not encourage the use of substandard materials such as wooden poles. He also promised to look into the matter.

Clement James Calabar

pastor with the Assemblies of God Church has been declared missing while on his way to minister at a church outside his station on Sunday. Also missing is the cyclist who carried him. The pastor, whose name could not be ascertained at press time, was said to be in charge of Aduma branch of the church in Mkpani area of Yakurr Local Government, Cross River State, but was slated to preach at another Assemblies of God Church in neighbouring Usumutong in Abi Local Government Area in what is described as “pulpit exchange”. It was gathered that the pastor, an indigene of Obubra, was conveyed by one Mr Ani, a native of Mkpani, on his motorcycle to travel for his mission. It was while they were on their way

to Usumutong that they allegedly disappeared and have not been seen. However, the state Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo, confirmed that, at least two persons, including a pastor of the Assemblies of God Church in Mkpani area of Yakurr were missing. He said: “We are aware of the missing persons in Mkpani community in Yakurr LGA. They were not kidnapped. We are combing the surrounding villages to ensure that we return them to their families.” An indigene of the area, Utum James Omini, told journalists that there had been serious political faceoff between contending parties in the last few weeks leading to apprehension in the Yakurr communities. Last week, two people were allegedly killed and houses destroyed when sympathisers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) confronted supporters of Labour Party in the area.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

10 injured, vehicles damaged as thugs clash Taiwo Jimoh

One of the vandalised vehicles INSET: Babatunde on the hospital bed

t least 10 people were wounded while more than 20 cars were vandalised when political thugs clashed at IpajaAyobo area of Lagos State. The hoodlums were fighting over pasting of posters of candidates in the general election. Witnesses said the incident started after thugs attacked supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who were pasting posters of the party’s governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, in the community. A resident said an APC supporter was pasting Ambode’s posters when thugs, numbering over five, pounced on him. The victim, identified as Disu Babatunde alias Paparazzi, is still receiving treatment at a hospital in the state. He said: “My colleagues and

I were pasting posters about 6pm on Friday at Olude Compound, on Ipaja-Ayobo Road, when the thugs came out. They ordered me to stop, saying that the area I was pasting the posters is the base of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “We started arguing and before I knew what was happening, they had pounced on me. I was beaten mercilessly. I was also stabbed on my shoulder and hands. I, however, managed to escape. “Immediately I escaped from the scene, I was taken straight to one of the party leaders’ house by some sympathisers. The sympathisers found me on the road, writhing in pain. I was rushed to this hospital.” Babatunde recalled that when the thugs were beating him, one of them told him that they had been monitoring his activities in the community, adding that it was time they

dealt with him. “The matter has been reported at Ipaja Police Station. We also want the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti, to come to our rescue in Ipaja Ayobo, and Alimosho as a whole. We are tired of this political harassment,” he added. A resident of the area, Alhaja Risikat Makanjuola, said she and her group were unaware that there was trouble at Ayobo on that fateful and had walked into it. She said: “If not for God, I would have been killed by the thugs. I and some party supporters went to Ikotun area to campaign for our party candidates. When we got to a place called ‘Boys Town’ in the community, some boys blocked our convoy. They were on motorcycles and started threatening us with dangerous weapons and charms.”

60 shops, goods razed in Edo market fire Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

housands of traders at the popular Uselu market on Ugbowo Road, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, wailed yesterday following fire which gutted a section of the market. It was gathered that the inferno started about 8.30pm on Monday. The fire, which burnt more than 60 shops on Osamwonyi Street, destroyed goods worth millions of naira. Though no life was lost to the fire outbreak, thick smoke billowed from the charred

The late Etim

Clement James Calabar

man, Kingsley Etim, has petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of investigation over the alleged killing of his twin brother by the police in Calabar, Cross River State. This came barely six months after some policemen were dis-

remains of the burnt goods when our correspondent visited the scene yesterday. Some of the traders were struggling to salvage what was left of their wares while others were bemoaning their fate. One of the traders, Mr Chidera Nwakeze, disclosed that his bags of rice and beans as well as other food items stocked in four different shops at the market were lost to the fire. He said: “I came to the market around 8.30pm and discovered that it was on fire. But before I could get to my shops, they had already been consumed with all my goods.” An official of the Edo State

Fire Service could not offer any explanation on the fire incident. The Chairman of Egor Local Government Area, Mr Victor Enobakhare, described the incident as an act of sabotage. He said some persons, who were against the reconstruction of the market, also known as Edaiken Market, were behind the incident. Enobakhare pledged to assist the victims with N1 million to enable them to cushion the effect of the disaster. He said: “I want to say that it was an act of sabotage. The area involved does not have electricity because they do not sell at night. They close as early as 7pm.”

The burnt market

Police killed my twin brother, man petitions DIG

Ebonyi, Enugu communities sign peace pact

missed for killing a student of the University of Calabar and purportedly selling his corpse to the Anatomy Department of the same university. The deceased, Mr Stanley Etim, was allegedly picked up at his place of work on February 5 by policemen purportedly attached to D’5 of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and taken to Diamond Hill Headquarters of the force. According to Kingsley, who petitioned the DIG through his lawyer, Chief Opara Bassey of Olive Chambers, three policemen in an SUV had arrived Sparks Shopz on Eta Agbor Road where the late Stanley was working and demanded to see him. He said: “The officers met with the Director and Manager of the Sparks Shopz and demanded to see one Stanley, a staff (an employee) of their enterprise for his alleged involvement in armed robbery and they were obliged their request to ar-

Charles Onyekwere

rest Stanley for interrogation.” However, after handcuffing their victim, the officers allegedly started manhandling him which prompted the Director of the business, simply called Mr Itoro, to follow them to their office. “Mr Itoro, upon getting to Diamond Hill, was ordered to be detained by the officer in charge of D’5, SCID for trying to intervene and he was promptly detained while the abuse on Stanley continued,” Kingsley added. He said after a long while, Itoro was released and was asked to come back the following day which was on a Friday. “When we got there the following day, being Friday, I demanded to see Stanley in the detention cell but was surprised to hear that there was no such entry by the CRO, Diamond Hill. This development startled me and I approached the O/C D’5 and he responded that Stanley fell sick and was taken to the hospital and was responding to treatment,” Kingsley said.

ABAKALIKI

he people of Ameze Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebony State and their counterparts at Ndeaboh in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State have signed a peace pact. The pact, signed at a meeting, is to ensure a long lasting peace between the two communities. The crisis between both communities borders on alleged trespass and tampering with beacons of the boundary in Ameze Ishiagu by members of Ndeaboh. The meeting, which lasted for four hours, brought together the Agu III of Ishiagu Kingdom, Eze Moses Okafor Ngele, Igwe George Okorie Ogbogu, the Echara II of Agbo-Echara Autonomous Community and other prominent personalities from both sides

to a roundtable at the Liaison Office, palace of Igwe Ogbogu in Enugu State. At the meeting, both sides resolved to live in peace. They agreed that an atmosphere of crisis would destroy decades of their existence, mutual communal interest and the future of generations yet unborn. As part of their resolutions, the people agreed to set up a Local Land Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (LLMEC), whose responsibility it is to find out the exact demarcation and or boundary of the affected land. They also cautioned indigenes not to thwart the resolutions reached by leaders of the affected communities. In his remark, Eze Ngele advised both communities to forget about the incidents of the past and move ahead as peace was pivotal to the development and prosperity of any people.

News

Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, has told civil servants in the state to vote according to the dictates of their conscience during the forthcoming general election, warning them against politicisation of the public service. Speaking at a meeting with civil servants at the State Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the governor also told them to embrace the economic realities of the moment.

The life expectancy of women at birth in Mauritius in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Fayose to civil servants: Vote according to your conscience “I don’t drive emotion, I drive truth and I would want you to know the truth for it sets you free. Politicisation of the civil service will destroy the system and I am not going to be a party to that. If I come and influence you in a particular manner and another comes and influence you in another manner, it will only destroy the system.

“Vote the way you feel in the coming elections. God said I should not take vengeance and I am not going to do contrary to that,” he said. Fayose, said the liabilities left behind by the former administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was over N76 billion, stating that civil servants were owed nearly N2 billion in

38.25

salary arrears. “Un-remitted deductions was N1.8 billion, unpaid leave bonus was N1.5 billion, gratuity arrears N7.5 billion, pensions N1.7 billion, subvention to institutions N1.7 billion,” he said. The governor also dispelled the rumour, that he promised to pay leave bonus before the polls.

73%

The number of fixed-telephone subscrip- The projected percentage increase of Americans above tions per 100 inhabitants of Aruba in 2005. 65 years with Alzheimer’s in Nevada in 2014-2025. Source: Itu.int Source: Alz.org

On the various requests by the workers, the governor promised to look into them depending on the availability of funds. The Head of Service, Dr Gbenga Faseluka, said workers in the state were ready to support the administration, adding that the financial situation of the state was unpleasant.

The life expectancy of men ate age 60 years in Sri Lanka in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

L-R: Executive Director, Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), Chief Bisi Olateru-Olagbegi; Director, 100 Group, Chief Wale Bolarinwa; Publicity Secretary, 100 Group, Mrs. Bose Oyewole and the Director, Centre for Media Resource in Development, Mrs. Bisi Yomi-Layinka, at the sensitisation forum for female voters in Ibadan…yesterday

NSCDC boss advocates para-military training for 10% population Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

he Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Ade Abolurin, yesterday advocated the need to engage at least 10 per cent of the Nigeria’s entire populace in Paramilitary for their personal safety and security. The Commandant General’s position, was made known by the Osun NSCDC Command’s Education Liaison Officer Mr. Solomon Olasupo, at the opening session of a three-day free public safety training for media practitioners in Osogbo Abolurin was quoted as saying, “the training should be incorporated in the larger plans to tackle security challenges facing the country and would also equip journalists with relevant tips that would enhance their safety on the field”. He pointed out that

the training was important, to be able to make the individual to be security alert, to ensure that any unforeseen criminal acts are combated. The NSCDC boss, also advocated for training in basic security tips and basic self defence tactics for Nigerians, stating, “The media practitioners needed to be equipped with certain skills that would prevent them from hazard of common crimes such as theft, burglary, rape and terrorism”. In his remarks, in a paper delivered on media/ security agents relationship, the Oyo Command Assistant Commandant Research and Training, Mr. Ahmed Bodunrin, said, “Journalists should always observe basic security tips before going for any assignment through proper dressing and should ensure that their personal security from their residences to offices is paramount importance to them.”

Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

he All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, has raised the alarm over the alleged persistent plot by the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government to cripple the activities of governors in the APC State, through drastic reductions and withholding of statutory allocations constitutionally due to them. In a statement issued by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale

Adeyeye disowns fake Facebook accounts Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

inister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has raised the alarm on activities of some fraudsters operating fake Facebook accounts in his name, and using them to dupe unsuspecting members of the public. The minister warned the public against falling victims of the fraudsters, operating the fake facebook accounts. Adeyeye, who spoke through a press release in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said unsuspecting members of the public were being duped by the fake facebook operators in exchange for contracts from the Ministry of Works. He said that he did not chat with anyone on social media saying, “Do I have time to chat on Facebook?” Speaking further, the minister said, “It is alarming that some people are falling victims to this cheap fraud by believing that I could be chat on Facebook and telling people to pay money into certain accounts to get government contracts. “It has, therefore, become necessary to alert the public of this fraudulent acts and those falling victims to take note.”

Oyo APC raises the alarm over FG’s plan to withhold allocation Sadare, made available to New Telegraph, the APC specifically condemned some PDP stalwarts from the state, who he alleged to be collaborators in the plot to shortchange Oyo State, by the presidency. “We are glad that the Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration maintained its resolve to prioritize the promotion of workers’ welfare as it has been

able to pay good salaries, bonuses and allowances as well as offering them promotions as, and when, due and creating a conducive atmosphere for them , to live, work and thrive. This is evident in the fact that no industrial action has been recorded in the current dispensation. “But regrettably, the sterling performances of Sen. Ajimobi and oth-

er APC governors have been a source of threat to the PDP elements known for their poor governance mantra and they have a face-saving grace in using their federal might to shortchange the performing governors in the area of statutory allocations to states. This has been the case since June 2014 and Oyo State is one of the worst hit.

NUT groups adopt Alao-Akala as guber choice Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

ome groups within the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, have endorsed the former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, as their choice for the April 11, gubernatorial polls in the state.

The groups’ endorsement of the former governor came at a town hall meeting held in Ibadan, on the heels of similar endorsements by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The groups comprised of the ‘Oyo Patriots, Akala Teachers Forum, Association of former Education

Secretaries and Electoral Officers’, said they have endorsed as a result of the impact on teachers, during his (Akala’s) tenure in the state. The groups in their various remarks hinged their endorsements on his achievements as former governor of the state. According to Dr. Femi Adeleke, the Chairman, Akala Teachers Fo-

rum, the workers in the state were finding it difficult under the present administration, while Mr Bayo Ogundiwin, Chairman, Oyo State Patriots and Mr Raphael Olagoke, Chairman, Forum of Education Secretaries and Electoral Officers described AlaoAkala as the best among the governorship candidates.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015

Presidential race

National Assembly

Discrimination

Governorship poll 17

Obasanjo knocks Jonathan, endorses Buhari

INEC clears Uba, Oduah, Ekwunife for Anambra senatorial poll

INEC sacks staff for denying non-indigenes PVCs in Lagos

Ahmed braces up against odds

Politics As the presidential election draws closer, there is a renewed legal battle challenging the eligibility of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to re-contest on ground that he is currently serving his second term. Presently, there are four different pending suits, out of which one has been referred to the Court of Appeal. tunde oyesina examines the four pending suits

A battle to stay on

hammed, Mr. Razak Adeosun and Yahaya Ezeemoo Ndu are praying the court to restrain President Jonathan from contesting the office of the president of Nigeria in the general elections. The plaintiffs through their counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), who led other five SANs are contending that by the provisions of Sections 135 and 145 of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan is not eligible to contest for the election having taking oath of office as president more than twice. The court, however, fixed February 11 for accelerated hearing. Relying on Sections 135 to 146 of the 1999 Constitution, the plaintiffs contended that Jonathan cannot take the oath of office more than twice as president. They also submitted that under the constitution, any president of Nigeria cannot be in office beyond eight years of two terms. They argued that if Jonathan is allowed to contest and is sworn in as president, he would be spending 10 years in office contrary to the spirit and intention of the 1999 Constitution.

head of the March 28 presidential poll, a renewed legal battle seeking to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from re-contesting has begun. Justice A.R Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday, February 9 granted an order of referral of the suit challenging the eligibility of the president to re-contest to the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division for the interpretation of Sections 135 (2)(a)(b) and 137(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended as it relates to tenure of a president. An appeal is still pending before the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division challenging the judgement of Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi of an Abuja High Court which dismissed the suit of one Cyriacus Njoku who was the first person to approach the court to challenge the eligibility of Jonathan to recontest. It will also be recalled that the Supreme Court had in 2014 dis-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Jonathan

missed another appeal brought a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Ardo, seeking to join in the Court of Appeal suit to challenge Jonathan’s eligibility. The apex court held that Ardo could not join in the suit on ground that he was not a party at the lower court and that he did not show any way he would be affected or injured if Jonathan re-contest. However, the battle was renewed when two persons who claimed to be presidential aspirants – Adejumo Ajagbe and Olatoye Wahab – approached the court seeking the disqualification of Jonathan on the ground that he is spending his second term. After hearing in the suit had commenced, the plaintiffs asked for the referral of the suit on the grounds that the suit raised “a substantial question of law” which the Court of Appeal has to make pronouncement on. On February 6, the same Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in a similar development okayed service of court process on Jonathan in a fresh suit filed by one

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NATI ORAL C ONAL OMMISSI ON

Nkemija Nkemija challenging his eligibility to re-contest in the Presidential election. Cited as defendants alongside Jonathan in the fresh suit are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP. The court’s order was a result of an ex-parte application brought by the plaintiff. He had argued in his ex-parte application that he could not effect personal service on the President, as he could not gain entrance into the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. The court while granting the ex-parte application ordered that the process be served on the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). In another development, the court on February 3, ordered the service of court processes on Jonathan in another fresh suit filed by four senior citizens seeking his (Jonathan) disqualification. Plaintiffs in the fresh suit: Prof. Tunde Samuel, Dr. Junaid Mo-

Questions for determination The plaintiffs ask the court whether having regards to the intention and general scheme of the Constitution, especially the provisions of sections 1 (1) &(2), 135 (1)& (2), 137(1)(b), 140 (1) &(2),142 (1)&(2) and 146(1)(3)(b)(c) thereof, it is constitutional, lawful, legal and permissible for a person to occupy the office of the president for a cumulative and or aggregate period of more than eight years. They also want the court to determine whether having regards to the intention and the general scheme of the Constitution, especially the provisions of Sections 1(1) & (2) and 135(1) thereof, the defendant is eligible to seek reelection or contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for another term of four years, which will bring his cumulative and or aggregate period in office as president beyond the eight years maximum period allowable by the Constitution. They among others want the court to decide whether having regards to the intention and the general scheme of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) especially section 1(1) & (2), 135 (1)&(2), 137 (1)(b), 140 (1) & (2), 142(1)& (2) CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Politics

or mer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday publicly endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari, just as he criticised President Goodluck Jonathan. Obasanjo spoke in Nairobi, Kenya during the launch of his controversial 1,500-page autobiography, My Watch. “The signs are not auspicious. I don’t know whether a script is being played,” Obasanjo

WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Obasanjo endorses Buhari, knocks Jonathan told Financial Times of London. “I sincerely hope that the president is not going for broke and saying ‘look dammit, it’s either I have it or nobody has it’. I hope that we will not have a coup… I hope we can avoid it.

Fani-Kayode: Logistical problem not Boko Haram cause of poll shift Onyekachi Eze Abuja

irector of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has denied views being expressed by the foreign media that the general elections in Nigeria were postponed principally because of Boko Haram insurgency in the NorthEast. Fani-Kayode said the decision to postpone the elections never emanated from the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, but from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) owing to the problem of logistics it encountered. At a one-on-one interview session with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) African Service last night, FaniKayode said INEC agreed to shift the dates for the elections mainly because many eligible voters in Nigeria were yet to get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). He stressed that the

percentage of those who were yet to get the cards was still high as at the time the dates of the elections were shifted. According to him, INEC had announced that about 34 per cent of eligible voters in Nigeria were yet to get the voters’ cards, stressing that the scheduled general elections could not have been allowed to go on with a high percentage of Nigerians being disenfranchised. He told the BBC that Boko Haram became part of the problem for postponing the elections because the Service Chiefs in Nigeria suggested to INEC that they could not guarantee security during a nationwide election, while the attention of the military would be concentrated on the task of flushing the insurgents out of the North-Eastern part of Nigeria where they have been operating. Fani-Kayode said the postponement of the general elections has never affected the preparations of the PDP, noting that the party was ever ready to go full blast into the elections.

Group advocates violence-free polls

political group under the auspices of “Orji Kalu Support Group” has called on the electorate to resist any form of intimidation and rigging in the forthcoming polls. The National Coordinator of the group, Mazi Abel Ugo, made the remarks in Umuahia on Monday at a press briefing on the postponement of the elections. He said: “It is time for us to collectively elect credible people into leadership positions. Nigeria deserves good leadership and this can only be achieved when we vote people based on merit. Gone are the days of short-changing the will of the electorate by rigging and manipulating results.

This is the time to make Nigeria great again. “The postponement will give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies the opportunity to double up their activities. We need to scale down aggressively the distribution channels so that everyone can have access to their permanent voters’ cards especially in those places where majority of the people have not received theirs. “As for the security challenge, the armed forces, police and other security agencies should work as a team by deploying a joint task force to trouble spots and potential flashpoints of violence in order to maintain peace.”

“I am an old man and I’m enjoying what I’m doing now… And then you forget I am a farmer; I have to manage my farm.” On Buhari, he said: “The circumstances [Buhari] will be working under if he wins the election are different from the one he worked under before, where he was both the executive and the legislature — he knows that. “He’s smart enough. He’s educated enough. He’s experienced enough. Why shouldn’t

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

I support him?” He also believes Buhari would be well equipped to combat corruption and restore fighting spirit to an army that has struggled in the face

of the onslaught by Boko Haram, which has seized a swath of territory in the northeast. “It’s a question of leadership – political and military,” Obasanjo said of the crisis facing the army. “I think you need to ask [Mr Jonathan] how has he let [the army] go to this extent…. Many things went wrong: recruitment went wrong; training went wrong; morale went down; motivation not there; corruption was deeply ingrained; welfare was bad.” The former leader also

expressed dismay at the extent to which billions of dollars in oil revenues had “all disappeared” since he left office, when reserves had reached $45bn and the government had $20bn more in rainy day savings. Nigeria’s economy, Africa’s largest, has taken a battering since last year with the plunge in oil prices. Speaking ironically of the negative impact of this on government reserves, Obasanjo added: “There’ll be less in the pot, for stealing or corruption.”

L-R: Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode; his wife, Bolanle; governorship running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; member, Lagos House of Assembly; Governor Babatunde Fashola; his wife, Abimbola and Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, at a rally in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos…yesterday

Why political parties should remain calm, by Abubakar Onwuka Nzeshi Abuja

ormer Head of State and Chairman, National Peace Committee for 2015 Elections, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has urged all political parties to remain calm in spite of the postponement of the general elections and the divergent views it had provoked across the country. The ex- military ruler

observed that the re-scheduling of the election was predicated on the need to allow the security agencies to provide adequate security for the conduct of elections throughout the federation. He said that since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took the decision to shift the elections after wide consultations with state security agencies and other stakeholders, all political parties should seize the opportu-

nity provided by the shift to prepare themselves for the elections scheduled for March 28 and April 11. In a statement released by the Peace Committee last night, Abubakar also enjoined the political parties to recommit themselves to the ideals of the Abuja Peace Accord, while INEC should take advantage of the postponement to enhance its preparedness for the elections, particularly the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters.

He commended the presidential candidates for their mature response, understanding and commitment to respecting the decision of INEC on the poll shift. The committee also expressed profound gratitude to the international community for their support towards Nigeria in the current efforts to conduct transparent and credible elections in accordance with the provisions of the country’s constitution.

INEC clears Uba, Oduah, Ekwunife for Anambra senatorial poll

ollowing last week’s order of the Federal High Court in Abuja recognising Senator Andy Uba, Ms Stella Oduah and Hon. Uche Ekwunife as the authentic senatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared the trio for the March 28 election.

The court had ruled that Uba, Oduah and Ekwunife are the authentic senatorial candidates of the PDP in Anambra. Senator Uba is battling his younger brother, Chris, for the Anambra South Senatorial District ticket while the former Aviation Minister, Oduah, is contending against John Emeka for the Anambra North

Senatorial District ticket. Ekwunife, a member of the House of Representatives, has engaged Senator Annie Okonkwo for the Anambra Central Senatorial District ticket. All of them emerged at different PDP primaries held in December 2014. The electoral commission noted that it acted in accordance with the court order.

Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, told reporters at the INEC headquarters in Abuja yesterday, that since the commission is a law abiding institution, it had no choice than to obey court order. “We have to obey the court order by clearing the candidates for the senatorial districts. We are law-abiding institution,” Idowu said.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015

APC alleges sale of PVCs for N10, 000 Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday alleged that the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) is being sold for N10,000 each. The party also alleged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is buying the PVCs in APC strongholds. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also said that the men of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on the prompting of PDP are arresting people in the North and collecting their PVCs. According to him, “some Immigration personnel, acting under the guise of arresting illegal aliens with voters’ cards, are dispossessing a lot of unsuspecting locals in the northern part of the

country of their PVCs. These unsuspecting people are arrested and their cards seized, all in an attempt to disenfranchise them. ‘’This act of desperation is totally unacceptable and must stop forthwith. Every voter should be allowed to exercise his or her franchise in accordance with his/her conscience, without intimidation or inducement. ‘’We hope this is not part of the reasons that the PDP relentlessly campaigned for a postponement of the elections, so it can engage in PVC purchase and the disenfranchisement of innocent Nigerians through harassment and intimidation.” Mohammed also stated that a company, Agro-Allied Communities Service Nigeria Limited, has been formed ostensibly to provide N50,000 loan each to ‘empower’ women. He alleged that anyone

seeking to get the loan must provide her PVC as ‘collateral’, which is basically the essence of the establishment of the company that is supposedly a private concern but in reality a PDP front to mop up PVCs, especially in opposition strongholds. APC said it is now getting clearer by the day what the PDP-led Federal Government sought to gain by forcing the postponement of the elections for six weeks, which is to perfect their rigging plans. The party warned

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those behind the abhorrent acts to desist from such tactics, which reflect the desperation by some people to hold on to power at all cost, even when it is clear that Nigerians have widely rejected them due to non-performance, massive corruption and profligacy under their watch. It also appealed to its members and supporters in particular, and Nigerians in general, not to sell their PVCs under any guise. ‘’Our members have alerted us to the fact that PDP agents have been operating in all villages between Kobape and Orile-Imo along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State, giving N10,000 to each poor villager and collecting their PVCs. “The PDP agents are also promising each villager a monthly stipend of N10,000 if and when their party assumes of-

fice in the state. ‘’Indications are that this objectionable PVC mop-up is being replicated in all opposition

strongholds by the frenzied PDP, hence we at the APC have decided to alert the nation to the reprehensible act,” APC said.

INEC sacks staff for denying non-indigenes PVCs in Lagos Wale Elegbede

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State said it has disengaged two ad-hoc staff that denied some non-indigenes in the state the collection of their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). In a statement signed yesterday by Head, Public Affairs, INEC Lagos State, Femi Akinbiyi, the commission refuted reports that non-indigenes were being denied the collection of their PVCs in a few places in Lagos State. “Our findings, however, revealed that in a few places where we did not have the full complement of NYSC members, some members of the community whom we engaged for the exercise, two of

them were found to have denied a few non-indigenes the collection of their cards. We have consequently relieved them of the assignment,” the statement said. “INEC regrets whatever embarrassment this might have caused the affected members of the public and also wishes to thank those who drew our attention to this act. We are by this press release stating that no INEC official, permanent or ad-hoc, has been engaged to give cards to people from only one part of the country while denying others their legitimate right of collecting their cards. “All INEC staff are under firm instructions to give the PVCs to their rightful owners. In doing this, no money was to be demanded or given.”

Parties shun police peace parley in Ondo Babatope Okeowo and Emmanuel Onani

T L-R: FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Jacob Jatau; AIG Zone 7, Mr. Patrick Dukumor and FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, at a stakeholders’ meeting with political parties in Abuja …yesterday.

INEC lacks courage to admit failures, says PDP Onyekachi Eze Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of lacking the courage and strenght to admit its failure to conduct the general elections. The party also said statements credited to some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the rescheduled general elections were attempts to cause political crisis in the country and denigrate the military. PDP Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday, also accused

APC of attempting to drag the military into partisan politics. His words: “The APC is just playing to the gallery and unnecessarily overheating the system by beating the drums of war and crying wolf where there is none. “The truth is that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not ready for the elections and lacks the ability and strength to say so. How can INEC say that the basic reason for the shift of the elections was the security crisis in the North-East states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe without telling Nigerians the challenges it is facing in the distribution of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). He said the commission

failed to tell Nigerians the level of its preparedness in terms of training of more than 900,000 ad hoc staff and the distribution of all sensitive materials. “How can INEC claim to be ready for the elections when in some states, about 50 per cent of the voters are yet to collect the voters’ cards. In Lagos State, with the highest number of voters, more than 33 per cent are yet to collect their PVCs. Yet INEC says it is ready to conduct the elections. Is INEC out to disenfranchise eligible voters and then find another way to discredit the entire electoral system? “What of the Card Reading Machines? Has INEC test-run these machines? Is all the PVCs for the elections in the coun-

try? We have it on good authority that the PVCs for five or four states are not yet distributed, let alone collected by the eligible voters. INEC should be honest enough to tell Nigerians the truth than hiding under security reports,” he said. He frowned at the continued denigration of the military by APC. He said: “The military is the professional body that is charged with the maintenance and stability of the country and should not be dragged into political issues. This is in the overall national interest of all Nigerians. “The military is the backbone of all nations and we as politicians must avoid at all times from dragging this revered institution into politics.”

he ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday shunned the peace parley organised by the state police command for political parties in the state. Also absent at the parley were the Chairman of the state Council of Obas, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo; the General Officer Commanding, 323 Artillery Brigade and other registered political parties. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was represented at the parley where a commitment was to be extracted from the political gladiators like it has been done in other states of the federation. The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone II, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye, blamed the ugly development on the shift of the election date from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Eke, said as the core agency saddled

with the responsibility for internal security, it behoves on the command to champion the stakeholders’ meeting in ensuring peaceful, credible, fair and violence-free election. However, leaders of PDP, APC, Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) signed the peace accord in Abuja. The signing ceremony, which took place at the FCT Police Command, was facilitated by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Mr. Patrick Dokumor. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dokumor said: “This is not the first time we are having elections, but I do not know why this one is so acrimonious; I do not know why; it is not a do-or-die. “As we finish this meeting today (yesterday), call your supporters to order. The question of tearing of posters, attacking party campaign teams and ambushing people should be a thing of the past.” The FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Jacob Jato, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, witnessed the event.

16 Politics

WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Reps kick against alleged bid to force out Jega lHe’ll conduct general elections, INEC assures Philip Nyam and Onyekachi Eze

i n o r i t y Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, cannot be intimidated to proceed on terminal leave because he is not a civil servant. This is just as the chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Sam-Tsokwa, said those calling for the resignation of the INEC chairman are ignorant of the law. Gbajabiamila, in a statement yesterday, said: “In the last few days we have been inundated

with speculation about the possible termination of Jega’s appointment as INEC Chairman. This may be unfounded but may also have a basis in truth because you just can’t put anything past this government. From a legal standpoint, I do not think any such attempt can pass constitutional muster.” Also, Sam-Tsokwa, who spoke to New Telegraph, said Jega has not committed any offence by shifting the general elections as his actions were covered by the Electoral Act. “What wrong has Jega committed? Has he breached the provision of any law? No!” he queried. According to SamTsokwa, “we are in a constitutional democracy where the rule of law should be the order of the day. Most times Nigerians

speak in ignorance of the law. The Act provides for the postponement of elections,” he stated. Meanwhile, INEC has said there was no truth in the rumour making the rounds that its Chairman would proceed on terminal leave on March 1, 2015. Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Kayode Idowu, who spoke in a television programme monitored yesterday, explained that Jega’s appointment was not guided by civil service rules and so would serve out his tenure of office which will expire on June 30. There have been reports that President Goodluck Jonathan’s next move is to relieve Jega of his job and replace him with someone believe to be favourably disposed to him and who will conduct

the elections. Idowu also said the ballot papers for Nigeria’s presidential election scheduled to hold on March 28 were ready. He said the ballot papers had been delivered by the printers, adding that they were being kept in the vault of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Idowu also disclosed that thousands of ad hoc staff were being trained for the elections initially billed to take place on Feb-

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

ruary 14 and 28 but shifted to March 28 and April 11, pointing out that the postponement would allow INEC perfect its preparations for the polls. He, however, said there can never be 100 per cent preparations for an election since things continue to change until the last day of the polls. It would be recalled that a Federal Civil Service Circular, issued by former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, entitled, “Three Months pre-retirement/ terminal leave” made no distinction as to whether one is a career civil servant or a political appointee. According to the circular, “It has been observed that the mandatory notice of retirement for officers who are due to retire is not being observed as provided for in the extant rules.

Security critical but must not be political – EU Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

Lagosians scrambling for the kerosene being distributed by the Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje

Fasehun: Postponement of polls not invitation to military Felix Nwaneri

he National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, has allayed the fear in some quarters that last weekend’s postponement of the general elections is an invitation to the military to take over power. Fasehun, who spoke in an interview with New Telegraph, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders for shifting the polls by six weeks to allow the military to contain the insurgency in the North-East, and save the nation’s democracy. He also admitted that the postponement will give INEC the opportuni-

ty to address the disparity in the distribution of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), which would have amounted to disenfranchisement of larger percentage of the population and triggered protest if the elections had been conducted as scheduled. According to him, the postponement is not an invitation to the military into the polity because it is preferable listening to the military to save Nigeria than conducting elections that will endanger our democracy. “The postponement of the elections makes good sense because the security chiefs said they cannot guarantee security at that particular time as they are concentrating on containing the Boko

Haram insurgency in the North-East. “There was no way the security personnel would be able to be in the NorthEast and at the same time provide security for elections in other geo-political zones. So, it was either we chose the security of the country or go on with the election and risk insecurity and military take-over,” Fasehun said. On calls for the resignation or sack of the chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, Fasehun said such calls are not necessary at the moment. He however advised the electoral commission’s boss to accept the responsibility for INEC’s shoddy preparation for the elections. His words: “Jega should not be sacked,

as one incident of failure should not be used to judge him, but if he resigns voluntarily, that can be accepted. However, I will advise him to come out and take responsibility for the poor preparation for the polls because it is a mark of leadership to take responsibility for the success or failure of one’s actions. “He should also guarantee the process to democracy. He has denied working for any of the presidential candidates, and I don’t think he would go to any clandestine meeting without being spotted, but it would be very unfortunate if someone who has been entrusted with the future of the country would be partisan.”

Accordingly, it has become necessary to reiterate the provisions of Public Service Rules (PSR) 100238 which states that officers are required to give threemonth notice of their retirement from service terminating on the effective date of their retirement.” Jega’s predecessor, Prof. Maurice Iwu’s tenure was due to expire on June 13, 2010. However, on April 28, 2010, then acting President Jonathan, ordered Iwu to proceed on terminal leave. Former IGP Abubakar’s tenure was due to end on July 30, 2014 but he proceeded or was sent on terminal leave on May 12, 2014. Former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapher voluntarily proceeded on terminal leave three months before the constitutional end of his tenure.

he European Union Election Observation Mission (EUOM) has noted that security remains critical to the conduct of the general elections, which should not be politicised. EUOM Chief Observer, Santiago Fisas, also cautioned that the elections must not be further delayed for people to continue to have confidence in the electoral process. “We are seriously concerned at this delay and the reason given. Security is critical but must not be political. People have to be able to vote, elections have to be held so that government is accountable. We look to the security agencies to give full support to INEC and all the people of Nigeria in the holding of polls on

March 28 and April 11. “The EU EOM commends the peaceful reaction so far to the postponement and will continue observing the electoral process. We encourage all political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to consider the extra time as an opportunity to further prepare for the election days. More voters can collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), candidates can elaborate on their proposed policies. “For citizens to have confidence in the electoral process, the polls should not be further delayed. People need to know this and to see what is being done by the different authorities to make this happen. We will be here in different parts of the country observing the next crucial weeks in the run up to the election and beyond.”

Group commends poll shift Wale Elegbede

group, Jonathan Youth Vanguard (JOY) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for postponing the general elections to March 28 and April 11, saying that the shift would ensure the sanity of the electoral process. Director-General of the group, Mr. Ebis Orubebe, said the Federal Government should be commended for accepting the poll shift as the final outcome of a co-operative effort of the security, INEC and

political parties among other stakeholders. He noted that, “apart from 16 political parties endorsing the poll shift, well-meaning socio-cultural organisations namely: Afenifere, Ohaneze and The Patriots among many others have variously held that the decision will ensure further distribution of more permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), inclusion of more eligible voters as well as provision of adequate security for election materials, the electorate and citizenry during and after the elections.”

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015

After weeks of canvassing for votes across the state, Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed, said he is confident the electorate will pick him ahead of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Simon Ajibola in the April 11 elections. BIODUN OYELEYE examines some of the factors the governor is banking on to aid his victory The Buhari factor Governor Ahmed will leverage on the goodwill of the APC presidential flag bearer, Major General Muhammadu Buhari. The former Head of State has a strong following among the Fulani communities in the state. Of course, the historical link between the traditional leadership of Ilorin, the state capital, and the Fulani hegemony is well documented. There are still several other Fulani settlements across the state owned by herdsmen from the far north. These ones have not severed their links with their root and they demonstrated their love for the Buhari personae in most of the communities of Igbaja, OkeOde, Babanla etc. when Ahmed went to campaign. They lined the roads and the first question some of them, who were approached by our reporter through an interpreter asked, was if the journalist is for Buhari. Once made to know that Ahmed was with Buhari, they nodded their heads in approval of support for his bid. Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki, the former governor of the state, have not failed to promote the Buhari candidature vigorously in the rounds of campaigns. They have promoted Buhari as the man capable of ending the growing corruption and insecurity in Nigeria if elected next year. To Ahmed, the emergence of Buhari was a reflection and confidence of Nigerians that the former Head of State has the capacity to tackle problems of corruption and insecurity confronting the country. Buhari, he argued, had the antecedents Nigerians could look back to and agree to the fact that he had done it well and would do it again. On his part, Saraki has been presenting Buhari as “light” and President Goodluck Jonathan as “darkness. “When you want to compare Buhari with Jonathan it is like comparing day and night,” he often told supporters at the rallies,” he said. The Saraki legacy The governor will also bank on the legacy of the late Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki, whose name is still an enduring brand in the politics of the state. In most communities in the state, the contributions of the legendary politician are still

Ahmed braces up against odds

Ahmed

being acknowledged during this campaign. And since the man who inherited the Saraki political throne, Bukola, is working with the governor, beneficiaries of the older Saraki’s many goodwill said they are still willing to pay back their gratitude to his son. The rousing reception accorded the campaign train during rallies at Magaji Ngeri, Ojuekun/ Sarunmi, Ajikobi and Alanamu wards, the four largest polling areas in the state and the continued reference to the late Oloye, was a morale booster to party members from outside the central zone who might have felt jittery given the other big names in the politics of the state who hail from these areas and are working against the APC. The Saraki structure thus is still strong to weather the political storm of defection by some former loyalists. “Saraki is still a strong, adorable and working brand in the politics of this state and you too can see its continued acceptance among the people of his domain,” an aide of the governor, who craved anonymity, told New Telegraph during a campaign at Alanamu. Traditional rulers support Traditional rulers have been showing support for the governor and his team. They have spoken about it openly and are known to have also helped in mobilising support for the governor. For instance, the Oloffa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, while hosting the governor, described his administration as transparent and people friendly, which has fulfilled all electoral promises to the good people of Ibolo land. “My people are informed to understand the financial constraint of your administration. They know the limits and challenges of the administration,” he had told the governor. And the way Offa people trooped out to welcome the governor was unprecedented in the history of political relationship between Offa and Ilorin which until now had been mostly frosty. Just like the Olofa, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Traditional Council and Elese of Igbaja, Oba Amodu

Saraki

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

I don’t see him as a threat. Indeed, in the last election I was part of the team who pleaded with the people of Kwara South to re-elect him to the Senate

Ajibola

Awunu Babalola Arepo II, also declared that Ahmed deserves a second term. At Oke-Ode, the traditional ruler, the Elesa, Oba Abdulkadir Adelodun equally promised that the entire people of the town would reward Governor Ahmed with massive votes for the tremendous developmental projects in the town. The Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakub Buari, in his remarks during the governor’s campaign in Omupo, aligned with the views of other traditional rulers, opinion leaders and others that Ahmed deserves a second term as the governor of the state. Much earlier, spokesman of the Ilorin Emirate and Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Woru Mohammed, had also told newsmen there is no changing the way the traditional leadership of the emirate had always supported the Saraki structure. “Persecution” of Kwara by FG The persecution theory is weaved around two issues; the dwindling monthly federal allocation to the state which in December last year was as low as N2 billion. The implication is that the state would not be able to do much and may fail in meeting obligations to workers who form a major plank of voters. The second issue is the alleged blocking of the application for a N23 billion bond the state ought to have begun drawing upon since late last year soon after completing payment for an earlier N17 billion bond secured by the Bukola Saraki administration. The Federal Government has also been reported to have blocked efforts by the state to secure some loans from commercial banks. All these are allegedly meant to stifle the state financially and turn voters against the administration for not being able to meet campaign promises. “We have tried to access N23 billion, it was refused by the Federal Government. We also attempted to access normal loans from the banks, they were also blocked by the Federal Ministry of Finance. Instructions had been given that we should not be borrowed money,” Tunji Morohunfoye, Commis-

sioner for Information in the state said recently. But Ahmed said his government was up to the task, drawing from the proverbial wisdom of the bird that has learnt to fly without perching since the day the hunter learnt to shoot without missing his target. As such, the state has not failed in paying workers and currently stands out among few of its counterparts not owing civil servants. Thus the “persecution” slogan is being used to spike voters angst against the Federal Government with a promise of a very fulfilling outing for the state once the APC wins the federal election. ‘Ajibola not our match’ The governor has consistently described the emergence of Senator Ajibola as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a welcome development that cannot threaten the APC administration in the state. Although Ajibola has vowed to throw out the APC which the PDP alleged has not done any new thing in the state since 2011, Ahmed boasts that Ajibola is not a challenge to his bid for re-election but a better opportunity to continue his various programmes for the people of the state. “I don’t see him as a threat. Indeed, in the last election I was part of the team who pleaded with the people of Kwara South to re-elect him to the Senate,” the governor once told newsmen. Saraki, whom the PDP has also accused of being “the governor without constitutional power,” while inaugurating the APC Campaign Committee for the state also described Ajibola as a paperweight politician who cannot be a threat to the APC during the coming elections. He said: “In the governorship election, we have Abdulfatah Ahmed as our own candidate, we have the PDP candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola. We know Ajibola very well, we carried him; we know what he can do. We know his capacity.”

MORE STORIES ON pageS 40-43

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

After the postponement, what next?

Jide Ayobolu

he postponement of the 2015 general election that was originally slated for February 14, did not come to many perspective observers as a surprise, for some weeks, the president Goodluck Jonathan led administration had worked assiduously for the postponement of the 2015 election based on the feeble and unconvincing excuse that many Nigerians have not collected there Permanent Voters Card (PVC). This is in spite of the assurance and re-assurance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that distribution of PVC’s is not enough reason for the postponement of the election, as INEC promised to effectively distribute 68 million PVC’s before the commencement of the election. One very curious aspect of the whole messy and shameful political drama called ‘election postponement’ is that everybody and institutions in Nigeria is prepared for the election except the Federal Government and the ruling party. Undoubtedly, the Federal Government, put pressure on INEC to recapitulate on its earlier stance and therefore gave insecurity as excuse for the unwarranted procrastination. To all appearances, it is evidently clear that the Federal Government is jittery about losing the election as its credibility and goodwill have waned drastically beyond redemption. In the same vein, the acceptability and popularity of the main opposition party is geometrically increasing by the day to the consternation of the Jonathan led government, the buzzword on the lips of Nigerians is change; change from the despondency of the present to the promise of a better tomorrow through purposedriven leadership. Hence, in the thinking and wisdom of the ruling party, it thought that, it is in its own enlightened self-interest to buy time and see the necessary manoeuvring it can carry out within the next six weeks to gain the mileage to torpedo the outcome of the election in its favour. Again, the raison d’etre for the postponement of the election date which had been fixed more than a year ago, clearly shows why the Jonathan led government should be sent packing as it has lost all legitimacy to continue to be in power. For instance, if the Federal Government had released all the necessary funds to INEC as and at when due, the issue of delay in the issuance of PVC’s would not have arisen in the first place; in reality, the electorates

would have collected voting materials a long time ago. Secondly, it is because of the cluelessness of the Federal Government to deal decisively with the recurring and menacing problem of Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen, that we are all now talking about insecurity The Jonathan led government has failed woefully to provide adequate and comprehensive security for the people of Nigeria to the extent that some local government areas in the North Eastern part of the country are under the firm control of the insurgents and the government is so indifferent about the whole scenario. With the benefit of hindsight, what is of paramount importance to the Jonathan led government is to win the election at all cost and be in government for the next four years, even if the people of Nigeria are diametrically opposed to the continued stay in power of the present administration at the centre. It would even be recalled that, the Federal Government was tinkering with the antidemocratic idea of forming an Interim National Government (ING) or government of national unity which is not only unconstitutional but a selfish political contraption that can endanger the future and destiny of the country. Some political strategists within the ruling party have even proposed the obnoxious and unthinkable idea of handing over to the military to preside over the affairs of the country. This is very self-centred, unacceptable and uncalled for, as it would take the country many years back, as those clamouring from this unpatriotic call were mostly military apologists who did not take part in the struggle for the emancipation of the country from the clutches of military rule and dependency, when many innocent people paid the supreme price for democracy to flourish in Nigeria. As clearly stated in chapter three of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, there is a time for everything and a season for every purpose under the sun. The Jonathan led government should realise that its time is up and should not push its luck too far, the hallmark and quality of a good leader is to know exactly when to call it quits, without jeopardising the life of the people. But to now elevate personal interest above collective national interest must not be condoned. In fact, the United States of America, Secretary of State, Senator John Kerry in a press statement said that, “The United States is deeply disappointed by the decision to postpone Nigeria’s presidential election, which had been scheduled for February 14. Political interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission

is unacceptable, and it is critical that the government not use security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process. The international community will be watching closely as the Nigerian government prepares for elections on the newly scheduled dates. The United States underscores the importance of ensuring that there are no further delays. As I reaffirmed when I visited Lagos last month, we support a free, transparent, and credible electoral process in Nigeria and renew our calls on all candidates, their supporters, and Nigerian citizens to maintain calm and reject election-related violence”. Now INEC has said the presidential election will take place on 28th of March, and the gubernatorial election will come up on 11th of April, 2015. It is interesting to note that the Electoral Act stipulates explicitly that all litigations arising from electoral petitions in electoral tribunals must be concluded before the swearing in ceremony on 29th of May, 2015, the question now is, will this be feasible in view of the limited time frame? Is this not another excuse to elongate the tenure of office of the present administration, by shifting the swearing in date from 29th of May, 2015 to October 1, 2015? Is this what Nigerians bargained for? It is important to once more emphasise the fact that, one party rule, sit-tight governments and democratic dictatorship are no longer in vogue, hence, any attempt to foist any evil and undemocratic agenda on Nigeria and Nigerians would boomerang with unsavoury consequences for the political economy of the country. Nigeria is too big, complex and sophisticated a country to be governed as a personal estate. Indeed, Nigeria is greater than anybody or groups of people, no matter how very highly placed. Moreover, having succeeded to hatch the February 14th election postponement, it has been revealed that the real intention of President Goodluck Jonathan is to ensure the sack of Professor Attahiru Jega, the incumbent Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission, INEC and appoint Professor Olufemi Mimiko, a brother to Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko to do the ‘dirty job’ of ensuring Jonathan is returned to power by all means. From all indications, Jonathan has lost fate in the current Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, but how this will be accomplished is yet to be seen as Jonathan needs 2/3 majority in the national assembly to get this unholy act done. But the president must be extremely careful not to plunge the country into needless crisis that can have adverse reverberating effects beyond the continent of Africa.

Ethical issues in Lagos governorship elections Agbolahan Abatan

o much has been said about the emergence and leadership qualities of Akin Ambode the APC governorship candidate in Lagos State and Jimi Agbaje the PDP flagbearer in the governorship elections in Lagos state in the coming guber elections. The clear thing is that both emerged on the scene as dark horses in the run off to the primaries that brought them to public attention. One horse is however darker than the other in this race , and the ethical issues arising from their emergence as candidates and how that will affect their electoral lot and victory is our concern here. Undoubtedly in terms of experience in politics and politicking, Jimi Agbaje has an edge over Ambode because he contested the governorship elections before in 2007 when he fell out with the then APC machinery of selection that saw the present governor of Lagos state as the preferred choice of the godfather. Ambode on the other hand, like his predecessor as anointed candidate, has always been a civil servant and has never contested for political

office to date. That situation has again successfully repeated itself in the emergence of Ambode and the frustration of the many capable but impotent other candidates that dared and defied their generous but ever vigilant and unsleeping godfather who secured the APC governorhip candidacy for Ambode. Now what are the moral implications of such imposition of a green horn in politics on the governorship of a mega city like Lagos? They are monumental and raise serious moral issues on eligibility, fairness, merit, transparency and democracy. This is because in any political system called a democracy these values must be acknowledged as part if not the main working tools of governance and leadership. It does not matter really that the losers in the APC primaries have been placated with the usual crumbs from the master’s table and have been told to play ball or face the wrath of the godfather and his huge but deadly and unforgiving apparatus. What we are concerned with here is the quality of leadership that emerges from such lop sided and hand picking arrangement in

a democratic dispensation like the APC - run Lagos state government.We say that it is an arrangement that makes change impossible and puts the coffers of the state in the very deep pocket of the godfather of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is a very immoral, opaque way of electing a governor supposedly by mass participation of the members of the APC but manipulated deftly and with impunity by a nsingle hand which has done so in the last 16 years . It also does not matter that the outgoing Lagos state governor who has now been drafted into campaigning for the had picked Ambode had no choice than to hold the microphone hard and firm at Ambode campaign rallies and shout himself hoarse if he wanted to leave office safely and retire peacefully. What again is important is that this sort of selection stifles transparency, promotes nepotism, creates political dynasties and makes accountability and honesty the hall marks of progressive democracy and society impossible in Lagos State , which has the largest electorate in Nigeria in these coming elections. Certainly that leaves the Lagos elec-

torate no choice than to call the bluff of the APC and its crude power seeking and grabbing electoral machinery that has successfully made a mockery of democracy in the state in the last 16 years. We say it is immoral and undemocratic for a party to be allowing one man to choose who will govern the state at any time and in all places in an enlightened and cosmopolitan city like Lagos where leadership talents exist in their thousands if not millions. This fraudulent mask of deceit in political leadership must be torn and rent asunder at this coming elections . This is the only way Lagosians should show that they are not spineless and castrated people who are unthinking and malleable all the time in the way they participate in selecting those who are to govern them. Their liberation time is here and now and they should just troop out on the governorship election date and vote for Jimi Agbaje the PDP candidate and nail the coffin to 16 years of misrule and stop the Ambode undemocratic selection before it can ever start to lead and govern the state. • Abatan, a public commentator, writes from Lagos.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

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Remembering our war dead

or years, the commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day has apparently seemed more like a perfunctory national ritual than anything else. As the military retirees step out each year for the sombre parade, there is almost always a common thread in their stories: neglect by the authorities. Such stories of neglect contrast largely with the embellishing speeches often made at events organised to honour the fallen heroes and military veterans. Of course, laying wreaths in memory of the dead at cenotaphs across the country and paying homage to their sacrifice to fatherland are important features of the remembrance day for the armed forces, but the ceremony itself loses its essence when there is hardly any remarkable step taken to improve the welfare of retired military personnel. It’s hard to argue that the state appreciates the sacrifice paid by ex-servicemen when it’s more or less a tradition for them to have to demonstrate on the streets to get their pensions paid. Perhaps the indifference that defines the way the society perceives the military’s role stems, in part, from the fact that the civil war ended over

We cannot possibly claim to have fond memories of our dead heroes if we do not demonstrate sufficient regard for the living whose lives literally serve as cannon fodder for the rest of the society four decades ago and the succeeding generations haven’t quite seen soldiers in combat to fully appreciate the huge price they pay in keeping us safe. But the fight against insurgency offers a broad canvas against which this could be glimpsed. Many soldiers deployed in Nigeria’s north-east have yet to see their families for months. The story is even more tragic for the many others who have died and left behind families among whom may be very young children. We cannot possibly claim to

have fond memories of our dead heroes if we do not demonstrate sufficient regard for the living whose lives literally serve as cannon fodder for the rest of the society. For instance, it emerged at the launch of the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem in Abuja that the sum of N75 million in pledges made last year to the Nigerian Legion have not been redeemed. The comment by the national chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Micah Gayyah, helped put this absurdity in perspective. “The saddest thing is that these pledges are made in the public eye leaving us with no avenue to tell the world that such pledges have not been redeemed. We call with loud voice on those who did not redeem their pledges to honourably do so.” Gayyah’s next information was no less grim: the Legion has lost over 100 members to the insurgency in the NorthEast. It is instructive that President Goodluck Jonathan, besides promising the Presidency would assist the Legion in getting those who have defaulted to redeem their pledges, noted that he “will put on the emblem from today till Jan. 15, and in the State House it is a tradition that for you to come in from

tomorrow, you must wear the emblem”. Such symbolic gestures are important, it is expedient to take bold steps like in the United States where there is a distinct agency that oversees affairs of ex-servicemen. That is the US Department for Veterans Affairs, which Wikipedia describes in these words: “The United States Department for Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. The Veterans Affairs 2014 budget request for 2014 was $152.7 billion. The Veterans Affairs health care system has grown from 54 hospitals in 1930 to include 171 medical centres; more than 700 outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; 126 nursing home care units and rehabilitative care.” Creating an additional layer of bureaucracy might not be the best option in a country that contends with rising public expenditure, but much could still be done to banish the notion that the government simply pays lip service to matters relating to ex-servicemen. It is only when we do so that the line in the national anthem that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain” will resonate better.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Arts So that Nigeria can be great again Book review

Title of book: Who Cares About Human Rights? Author: Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko; Publisher: Epikaya Communications Nig. Ltd. Year of publication: 2014 Number of pages: 1024 Reviewer: Shirley Igbinedion

igeria, at independence, held a lot of promise. The world was watching and Nigerians themselves were expectant, believing that in no time, their country would be a super power and a shinning example for other African countries to emulate. This was however not to be. Although a lot of reasons have been advanced for this state of affairs in the most populous black nation in the world, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in his book, “Who Cares About Human Rights?” blames it almost entirely on the government’s flagrant disregard for constitutional provisions which ordinarily should protect the rights of Nigerians. The book – a compilation of articles on the author’s perspective on various national

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@ newtelegraphonline.com

and international issues that were published in various local newspapers and online platforms in the last nine years – brings to the fore, many ways through which the government abuses the rights of the people. Interestingly, many of the victims, that is, the Nigerian people, do not even know that their rights are being or have been abused. In this 1024-page book, which is divided into 143 chapters, Onwubiko, a human rights activist, analyses various sociopolitical, economic, and religious issues that have affected Nigeria’s polity since independence, particularly since 2005. With catchy titles, these issues range from the reasons for subsidy removal as told by those who advocated for it; how as a result of poverty, many young girls have now taken to the streets as prostitutes, encouraged or even forced by their parents, corruption in the judiciary, the Nigerian Police Force, religious extremism, the Biafra War, and many others. In Chapter One, for instance, he talks about the fuel subsidy removal of January 1, 2011, which resulted in a protest that almost crippled the country. He believes it was completely insensitive and unnecessary for the government to have done so as it was one of the very few ways through which the masses benefit from the government. He suggests that the government, in trying to save money, could increase its tax on the upper class which is the practice in most developed countries anyway. On the international scale, he exten-

sively quotes various international laws, declarations and conventions all through the book. He also discusses pertinent issues like the war in Sudan and Liberia’s new status as a country recovering from years of civil war. In different chapters he talks about such personalities as President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Kofi Annan, erstwhile secretary-general of the United Nations, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia and her predecessor, Charles Taylor who is currently serving a 50 year jail term for fuelling the civil war in Liberia and Sierra Leone and other war crimes. In Chapter 16, he compares and contrasts the personality of America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama, and that of her Nigerian counterpart, Patience Jonathan, concluding that while Mrs. Obama exudes sophistication and the perfect helpmate to her husband and mother to the nation, Mrs. Jonathan has a lot to learn. One cannot help but wonder what has become of the pathetic Pfizer Trovan Antibiotic case of 1996 in Kano as discussed in Chapter 20 of the book, titled Pfizer Victims and the Monkey Story. Through this chapter, he is able to show how inept the government is and has always been in protecting the lives of its vulnerable citizens, even against exploitative foreign companies. About 11 children died from the unauthorised trial of a drug while others suffered various degrees of disabilities. How over $4.5million was used to purchase cars and a wellfurnished office for the board and its members that were to monitor the compensation of the victims is beyond imagination. This, to the author, is made worse by the fact that, to this day, not a single victim or their relative has received a dime in compensation. Situations like this have become the order of the day in Nigeria where boards and committees are set up and equipped to the teeth but after several years the problem they were set up to solve remains untouched. In Chapter 106, titled Pfizer: Never Again, he blames Nigerians for doing very little to help themselves by continuing to patronize drug hawkers, despite repeated warnings from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC). Throughout the book, he not only mentions the problem and analyses them with the critical mind of a journalist and activist but goes a step further to proffer solutions.

However, some articles, due to no fault in them at the time they were written, have not aged well, with hindsight correcting suppositions and expressions. Perhaps, articles such as these may have benefited from being updated to include new facts and contexts that have emerged. The author who hails from Arondizuogu in the South East of Nigeria, essentially believed that even while it doesn’t appear that way, the government can always do more to improve the condition of the people. The government can always do better and Nigeria can become great again. This is the dominating theme of the book. His passion and concern for the country and the issues he writes about are palpable, demanding the immediate attention of those in a position to make change happen and this is by no means limited to the government. He also sounds a rallying cry to all his readers who feel similarly involved to be moved to action. Of course, like any enterprise of sincerely passionate origins, he sometimes goes overboard in his criticism and positions like when in Chapter 133 he said the president, Goodluck Jonathan, has “cleverly adopted” two Igbo names with reference to his middle name Ebele and Azikiwe, as if he only got the names to appeal to the Igbo people over the government’s repeated failure to rebuild the Niger Bridge whereas they have been a part of him long before he became president. He had also described former governor Murtala Nyako’s argument that accused the president of genocide with the military intervention against Boko Haram in Adamawa State and the rest of the North East as “puerile”. Although there must have been a better way to say Nyako’s argument and attempt to incite other northern governors against the president was aimed at sabotaging the fight against terrorism without attacking, one can easily understand that it is his desire for a better nation that also imbues the book with its strong points. Indeed, “Who Cares About Human Rights?” by former Federal Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission and a member of the Presidential committee on Continuous Dialogue in Northern Nigeria [PCCDR], Emmanuel Onwubiko, is a book everyone who wants to get an authoritative perspective and good history of Nigeria must read. It is a well-written, passionate dissection of hot topics over the last decade filled with many insights and factual revelation which is a must-read for everyone interested in an authoritative perspective and good history of Nigeria and contemporary Nigerian politics.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

FMBN re-capitalises to deliver affordable housing

The Investor

Money

Maritime

Reawakening awareness on dematerialisation

Can naira strengthen through BDCs?

Navies to tackle $7bn trade loss in Nigeria, others

FCT Watch

Business What's news

SEC goes tough on deficient offer filings The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it would henceforth reject incomplete applications made by any capital market operator (CMO) and issuer.

Vetiva, Stanbic IBTC, 8 others trade N139.5bn shares in Jan DOMINANCE Ten brokers account for 64% of transactions

p.22

agement Limited exchanged 869.215 million shares worth N7.679 billion or 4.14 per cent. EFCP Securities Limited traded N5.817 billion or 3.13 per cent, while Primera Af-

rica Securities Limited staked shares worth N4.191 billion or 2.26 per cent. Also, Partnership Securities Limited traded N3.809 billion or 2.05 per cent exchanged in

410.693 million shares. In a bid to stimulate demand and engender competition in the stock broking community, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Chris Ugwu

Nigeria takes delivery of offshore patrol vessels from China The first of the two Chinese-built P18N offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered by Nigeria has arrived Lagos, Automatic Identification System (AIS) data has revealed.

p.22

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

etiva Capital Management Limited, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited and eight other firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) transacted a total of 10.309 billion deals worth N139.544 billion in January 2015. New Telegraph’s checks also showed that the 10.309 billion shares accounted for 64.39 per cent of the total trade volume during the period under review. While the top 10-broking firms accounted for 75.15 per cent of the total value of transactions during the month, Vetiva Capital dominated with 16.31 per cent or N30.2 billion exchanged in 1.692 billion shares. Stabic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited followed with N27.729 billion or 14.93 per cent, which was staked on 1.329 billion shares. Rencap Securities Limited recorded N22.987 or 12.38 per cent exchanged in N1.353 billion shares. CSL Stockbrokers Limited accounted for N17.160 billion or 9.24 per cent invested in 1.614 billion shares. African Alliance Stockbrokers Limited recorded N10.410 billion or 5.61 per cent in 542.400 million shares, while FBN Securities Limited accounted for N9.472 billion or 5.10 per cent in 1.199 billion shares. Chapel Hill Denham Man-

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

L-R: Director, CBO Investment Management, Chuka Mordi; Founder Comicpanel.org, Sulaiman Teslim, Ayodele Elegba; Founder, Shopinfo.com.ng, David Ugoagbara; Founder Priceleaker.com and Director, CBO Investment Management, Bex Nwawudu, at the presentation of seed-funding cheques to the I.T entrepreneurs in Lagos

Nigerian Internet users deplore poor services Kunle Azeez

elecoms subscribers in Nigeria have criticised what they described as ‘unsatisfactory data services delivery’ by telecoms networks and some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country.

Telecoms consumers, who spoke with New Telegraph on their service experiences in Lagos at the weekend, were on accord that the data services they experienced from their respective service providers was below expectation. “I use Globacom BIS service on my Blackberry and

in recent days, the experience has not been what it used to be. Occasionally, the data network disappears for hours. This often forces me to go to cyber café to do what ordinarily I could have done on my phone,” lamented a real estate agent at CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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

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

EXCHANGE RATE (Parallel as at Feb. 6)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N209 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N310 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N237

l Foreign Reserves – $34.09bn as at 02/02/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official as at Feb. 6)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N254.46 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N191.69

Business | News

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SEC goes tough on deficient offer filings REGULATION

Apex regulator committed to zero tolerance on infractions Chris Ugwu

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it would henceforth reject incomplete applications made by any capital market operator (CMO) and issuer. Consequently, the Commission, pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, has directed all capital market operators and issuers to ensure that any application filed with the Commission complies fully with the requirements of its rules and regulations. In a notice obtained from the SEC’s website, the Commission noted that all supporting documents, in the approved format, shall accompany applications at the time of filing as any incomplete filing will be rejected out rightly.

According to SEC, all market operators and issuers shall ensure that deficiencies or queries raised on their applications are promptly addressed within a reasonable timeframe or as may be stipulated by the Commission. Acting Director General of the SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, had promised Nigerians that the commission would continue to ensure that the market remains vibrant in order to attract investors both locally and internationally. Gwarzo, who gave the assurance when he received members of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, said that 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.

Internet users flay poor services CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Ogba area, Mr Olawumi Badmus. A phone dealer at the Ikeja Computer Village, Mrs. Bamidele Abosede, also said: “Telecoms operators need to do more in ensuring that they provide better services for their subscribers, both for individual data services and enterprise data solutions.” Narrating one of her experiences, Abosede said: “There was a time I subscribed for my monthly BIS bundle on MTN line. I had frequent data destructions that month and eventually, when month ended, I lost the remaining data, which I could not use due to data service outages since the validity period is 30 days and I don’t think I enjoyed the data bundle for 10 days during that month.” In the same vein, Head of Information Technology Department of publishing firm in Ikeja, Lagos, Mr Charles Okoni, could not hide his frustration. He said: “We have been having issues with the Internet Service Pro-

vider (ISP) that we use in our office. Because our business relies on the Internet, we cannot do without it. For some hours, we may not have data service but for now, we are trying to choose another ISP.” Also speaking in a telephone interview, President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, said there was a need for more consumerism advocacy in Nigeria, especially in the telecoms industry. He said many people and industries currently rely on the Internet service provided by telecoms firms for their daily activities. “A lot more people are relying on telecoms today either for voice or data bundles to carry out their daily businesses and personal communication activities more efficiently. But we still believe that the cost of Internet access is relatively high. Unfortunately, amidst the high cost of internet access, we are still not getting value for our money.”

The SEC boss stressed on the need for investors’ education both for retail and institutional to improve the level of investment from the domestic side. He said that the meeting addressed some

of the issues that would engender better interface between the regulators and the operators. He expressed the desire for the capital market to play a deeper role in funding gaps in the fed-

eral budget and also fund infrastructure gaps. The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, Mr. Albert Okumagba, lamented the over 60 per cent control of the

Nigerian stock market by foreign investors. Okumagba said that the current situation where over 60 per cent of the market is control led by foreign investors give serious cause for concern.

Mr. Rasaq Aboyeji , Regional Business Executive, South West 1, Sterling Bank Plc; Akarigbo of Remo Land, Oba Micheal Adeniyi Sonariwo and Shagamu Branch Manager, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Bayode Aroso, at the opening of Shagamu branch of the bank,

Nigeria takes delivery of offshore patrol vessels from China SEA THEFT

Nigeria moves to tackle sea robbery Bayo Akomolafe

he first of the two Chinese-built P18N offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered by Nigeria has arrived Lagos, Automatic Identification System (AIS) data has revealed. Named NNS Centenary (F 91) by the Nigerian Navy, the vessel was built by China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC) at its Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, China. The purchase of the two OPVs from China is the latest in a string of measures that the country is taking to tackle sea robbery. The 95-metre, 1,800 tons P18N OPV has an endurance of 20 days and a range of 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 kilometres) at 14 kts, according to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

the management of the Exchange had, last September, introduced the ranking of the brokers by transaction value and volume. Analysts believe that these 10 firms that have continued to dominate the activities on the Exchange, have some of the most diversified portfolio, of clients.

CSOC officials. Commander of the Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, also explained that the second vessel, P18N, NNS Unity (F 92), would arrive in the country later the year since the vessel began its voyage to Nigeria in December 2014. The initial plan was that the second vessel would be completed at a refurbished naval yard in Port Harcourt. Jibrin said that a substantial part of the finishing and fittings for the second vessel would be done in Nigeria in order to enhance the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity and create jobs for unemployed youths. The vessel, with pennant number F 91, is the first of two P-18N OPVs acquired by the navy in March 2012 to bolster its maritime surveillance, patrolling, search-and-rescue (SAR), and counter-piracy capabilities. F 91 was launched by stateowned shipbuilder, China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) in January 2014 and was taken for sea trials

by affiliated shipyard, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry. The second OPV, F 92, is being built by CSOC in China, but will be outfitted at the naval shipyard in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in a technology transfer arrangement. According to specifications provided by CSOC, the P-18N had a full-load displacement of 1,800 tons and a top speed of approximately 21karat (kt). The vessel, which can accommodate 75 crew, has 20 days endurance, and a standard range of 3,000 n miles. A computer-generated image issued by the Nigerian Navy suggests that the OPV will have a helicopter hangar and landing deck. The weapons fit comprise a single 76 mm NG-16-1 gun with a TR47 fire-control radar, as well as pairs of 30 mm and 20 mm guns. A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele J Ezeobam, had told reporters in January, 2014 that F 91 would be handed over by mid-2014.

Vetiva, Stanbic IBTC, 8 others trade N139.5bn shares in Jan Market watchers are, however, worried that the activities of these big stockbroking firms have made the local bourse move towards a market dominated by a few buyers and sellers, which creates room for all sorts of imperfect

competition. In addition to being the biggest trading house for Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs), they also play big among the local institutional and high net-worth investors, thereby keeping other players at bay.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

FCT Business Watch FMBN re-capitalises to deliver affordable housing Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

o ensure that residents of Abuja and Nigerians across the 36 states of federation enjoy decent and affordable accommodation, efforts are being made to re-capitalise the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to the tune of N250 billion. The new capital base will free the bank from its present financial handicap that has

prevented it from meeting the housing needs of majority of Nigerians. Managing Director of the bank, Gimba Ya’u Kumo, while confirming the recapitalisation plan, said it would enable the bank to tackle the housing deficit in the country currently put at about 17million units and reduce it drastically within the shortest time possible. Kumo spoke at a send forth/ welcome dinner organised by the bank for its management in Abuja. A statement by the bank

quoted him as saying: “We have set an agenda for ourselves and, chief among them is the recapitalisation of the bank. We have made substantial progress on that, in the next few weeks, we will see results on the table. We will work hard to continue to satisfy the yearnings of Nigerian workers.” He said that the bank is grossly undercapitalised compared to other countries, even in West Africa, stressing that there was need for government to speed up the pace of its desire to accelerate the process

of improving its capitalisation. A new capital base, he said, will place FMBN in a better position to refinance mortgages, as it cannot meet the larger part of demands for mortgage loans from its various stakeholders at the moment. In a remark, Chairman of the Board of the bank, Elder Bisi Egunjobi, while welcoming the new executives, com-

Polls: Abuja foodstuff markets attract high patronage Yusuf Shuaib Abuja

oodstuff markets in satellite settlements of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are currently witnessing high volume of sales due to increase in patronage as residents shop for enough food stuff for fear of possible after the elections. Checks by New Telegraph revealed that Madalla Foodstuff Market, Zuba Market and other similar ones in Kubwa and Karu have in recent times witnessed high volume of patronage similar to the yuletide season. A house wife who prefers anonymity told our correspondent at Madalla Market that his husband had given

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, CardCentre Nigeria Limited, Luqman Balogun; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema; Managing Director/CEO, Chams Plc, Demola Aladekomo and Deputy Managing Director, Olufemi Williams, during a visit to notify the NSE of impending change in management of Chams Plc in Lagos.

Abuja Commodity Exchange to rehabilitate 22 warehouses Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he management of Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), formerly Abuja Stock Exchange, said it has commenced with the assistance of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) the rehabilitation of 22 warehouses across the country. Acting Managing Director of the Exchange, Hajia Zaheera Baba-Ami, said recently in Abuja when she led senior top management of the Exchange on a courtesy visit to Acting Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo, that the rehabilitation of the warehouses will assist in storing grains so that they will be readily available to meet demands of processors and increase activities of the exchange.

According to her, functional warehouses will enable farmers make over the 30 per cent profit they presently make from their farm produce and assist in eliminating issues relating to middle men in the agricultural chain. She lamented the nonpassage of the 2010 Warehouse Receipt Bill, which, she said, is one of the issues hindering the growth of the exchange. She advocated incentives like Excise and Export Duty rebate to encourage trading on the Exchange. She also appealed to SEC to woo processors and end-users like Nestle, Guinness and Cadbury, among others, to purchase commodities via NCX to deepen the market. She noted that there was the need for proper legislation to regulate commodity trading in Nigeria and en-

hance liquidity and sustainability of the commodity exchange, adding that there was the need to compel companies to trade on the exchange, similar to what obtains in the stock market. According to her, adequate legislation has made Commodity Exchange in Ethiopia to be ahead of others in Africa and made coffee a major foreign exchange earner for that country. In response, SEC’s Acting DG, Mounir Gwarzo, pledged to collaborate with the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) to ensure speedy passage of Exchange Bill pending before the National Assembly aimed at making a vibrant commodity body. The SEC boss assured the management of the Commodity Exchange of the Commission’s support whenever there is public hearing on its bill at NASS.

mended the past executives on their efforts in restoring the bank to its pride of place. “I welcome the new executive led by the MD. I had the opportunity of working with the old executive directors and it was a pleasant experience. We don’t have to agree all the time but we had a common goal to make the bank better than we met it,” he said.

her enough money for yam, beans, and other food items to last her household more than three months in the village, saying she was set to travel last Friday. Also, the number of residents, especially non-indigene settlers, travelling to their states of origin has been on the rise. At the popular Zuba Motor Pack, for instance, New Telegraph observed unusual heavy human traffic waiting to board vehicles to the SouthSouth and South East. Those who spoke with our correspondent hinged their travels on unpredictability of the fallouts of the general polls. They said their safety is more guaranteed at home than any part of the North.

Weekly turnover of Wuse Market hits N120bn Yusuf Shuaib Abuja

he Chairman, Wuse Market Traders Association (WUMATA), Okorie Ikechukwu Raphael, has disclosed that the Abuja popular market is recording gross sales of between N95 to N 120 billion on a weekly basis. Raheal gave the figure in Abuja shortly after the official inauguration of its new executives and award presentation. He promised that the executive under his watch would enthrone an open door policy just as he assured that his administration would rebuild confidence in the association by steering an executive that is totally committed to serve the interest of the traders. He added that the inauguration had no political undertone, adding that it merely coincided. Raphael described the inauguration of the executive of the market, which coincided with on-going political activities as a mere coincidence, adding, “We have been doing our pro-

grammes for so many years and we have just reached the Promised Land. “Members of WUMATA are not politicians and we are not interested in what happens in any of the political parties. But, however, we would not hesitate to cast our vote as citizens of Nigeria on election day,” he added. He said that the executive does not encounter challenge with either the government or the administration of Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “We do not encounter any challenge with any organ of governments, including the FCT management, because we are partners in progress and we have been able to carry each other along in all we do.” The chairmen appealed to the traders to disregard the rumour of political crisis during and after the election and advised Nigerians to desist from panic travelling ahead of the election. “The election will be peaceful; there will be no violence, because God is in charge of all the happenings in Nigeria,” he said.

Business |The Investor

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Chris Ugwu

nvestors in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), like their counterparts in other climes, need to be well informed in order to undertake efficient decisions about various investment products in the market so as to avoid scams. Also, they need to learn taking responsibilities for their financial decisions. But the regulator is always blamed for investors’ wrong decisions based on illiteracy, and misconducts. Since education helps improve financial literacy the most effective investor protection starts with a wellinformed and educated investor. In the light of the lessons learned from the most recent stock market collapse, there is a strong requirement to strengthen the Exchange’s investor education/awareness function, especially for retail investors on the need to embrace the concept of dematerilisation of share certificates, which was introduced in Nigerian financial market to mitigate the risks associated with share trading in paper format. Dematerialisation is the process through which an investor’s physical share certificate gets converted to electronic format, which is maintained in an account with the depository participant. The need to free shareholders from the shortcomings and hasten the receipt of dividends, bonus issues and notice of meetings on time, informed the decision of the NSE to dematerialise share certificates and neutralise them into electronic documents. The initiative has come to solve these problems. With share certificates reduced to electronic form, it will be difficult to be stolen; the process of getting it to the shareholders as soon as an offer is completed will become faster as the issue of being lost in transit would have become a thing of the past. The merits Market watchers had commended the efforts of regulators for introducing the system, noting that the concept, which will discourage the use of share certificates, would go a long way to closing doors for infractions that result from fraudulent operators in the market. They noted that the system would give Nigerian shareholders confidence in the market as they will now have to make their investment and go to sleep without doubts that their investments are safe. According to the President/ Chairman of Council, Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Registrars Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, the initiative will help the capital market to be more liquid and attractive to more foreign investors. “It minimises the settlement risks and frauds in carrying out transactions in the market and thus can restore faith of investors in the capital market. It helps to reduce delay in trading practices - creating investor friendly atmosphere in the capital market,” he said. Olugbemi added that for investors, it is a safe and convenient way to hold securities and that since the depository system reduces risks involved in holding physical certificates such as loss, theft, mutilation and forgery, among others. “It ensures transfer settlements and reduces delay in registration of shares; it ensures faster communication to investors. It also helps avoid

NSE CEO, Oscar Onyema

Gwarzo

Reawakening awareness on dematerialisation delivery problem due to signature differences, among others. It ensures faster payment on sale of shares. It provides more acceptability and liquidity of securities,” he said. He further said that dematerialisation is not only beneficial to investors, but also the company that issued the shares. “The depository system helps in reducing the cost of new issues due to less printing and distribution cost. It increases the efficiency of the registrars and the secretarial departments of the company. Besides, it provides better facilities for communication and timely services with shareholders and investors, among others,” he said. Effects on unclaimed dividend The Central Securities Clearing System Limited (CSCS) had disclosed that about 73 per cent of share certificates in the Nigerian capital market (NCM) have been dematerialised. Managing Director, CSCS, Mr. Kyari Bukar, who said this at the beginning of second quarter of last year at a forum, noted that though a larger percentage of the certificate had been dematerialised, it was still expedient that awareness campaign be stepped up to educate Nigerians on the need to dematerialise their share certificates. Bukar explained that before 1998, only manual share certificates were being handled, which created room for market manipulation and fraudulent practices. “The existence of the pre-CSCS

With share certificates reduced to electronic form, it will be difficult to be stolen; the process of getting it to the shareholders as soon as an offer is completed will become faster market was fraught with one long transaction cycle, a lot of fraud related to certificates clowning, certificates being lost or invalidated via one form or another. People handled paper certificates; so they can actually play around the market and take advantage of this. All these malpractices were reduced or completely eliminated with the advent of the CSCS to the market,’’ Bukar said. Why investors’ awareness? In a move to reinforce the initiative, the apex regulatory body, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under the leadership of immediate past Director General, Ms. Arunma Oteh, had set up a Share Certificates Dematerialisation Committee, headed by the Chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria

(ASHON), Mr. Emeka Madubuike, to ensure a smooth exercise. The committee had also submitted a comprehensive report on how to successfully execute the dematerialisation process. A nationwide enlightenment programme was to follow so that many investors would be educated on the benefits of share dematerialisation. Oteh had said that the nationwide awareness was necessary following the resistance of the dematerialisation policy by some shareholders due to lack of knowledge of its benefits and low awareness. She said that the policy had many benefits and should be embraced by all shareholders, hence the need for more awareness to be created. She reiterated that asset transfer from one investor to the other would be much easier in a dematerialised market. However, market operators have continued to express concerns over delay in take off of the enlightenment campaign, which is supposed to be propelled by regulators. A source close to the Exchange linked the delay in the awareness programme to lack of funds, saying that SEC was managing the meagre resources to keep afloat due to the zero-budget allocation. “Going by the recommendation of the committee, by now the nationwide enlightenment campaign would have gone far round the whole federation. But without funds, such a programme can’t be executed,” the source, who craved anonymity, noted. However, the exit of the DG is seen to be a much-needed tonic that could reverse the National Assembly’s stands on allocation to the Commission to enable it commence nationwide campaign. The apex regulator, last week, stressed the need to reawaken investors’ consciousness on dematerialsation of share certificates in the capital market. The Acting Director General, Mr Mounir Gwarzo, who stated this when he received the management of CSCS at the Commission’s head office in Abuja, said this became necessary to help boost investors’ confidence. Gwarzo, who admitted that CSCS plays a very critical role in the capital market, also disclosed that SEC was now ready to conclude the dematerialisation process in the market. “We have already commenced the dematerialisation process, if not for certain things, it would have been concluded by now. We are ready to work with stakeholders to ensure that we conclude the process. One of the critical parts of this exercise is public enlightenment and we will be in the market in the next few weeks to tell people to open their accounts, sort out the issues with e-dividend and get ready for dematerialisation. We will make use of jingles in the radio and newspaper adverts, among other enlightenment tools,” he said. Gwarzo re-emphasised that public enlightenment was critical after which all stakeholders can then work on other parts of the issue to bring it to a close. Conclusion It is believed strongly that many of the infractions that had happened in the capital market had something to do with dematerialisation. If share certificates are in electronic form, many of the issues relating to the paper certificates will not arise. Hence, the need to speed up enlightenment campaign as an educated investor is a protected investor, for he is better able to take informed investment decisions.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

The Mega City ...EXCLUSIVE LAGOS MAGAZINE

MY CITY, MY WORLD

LIFE IN THE CITY

Lagos gives equal right – Bunmi Davies

Surviving on the bridge

Hard way to pay tax Statutorily, tax payment is an obligation of the citizenry to the government. But it worries a lot of people who persistently complain of over-taxation, multiple taxation and demand of illegal levies. It is a complaint not likely to go away soon from a people who are not used to paying tax, as EZURIKE UGOCHUKWU reports.

gozi Orisakwe operates in a small shop of six by six feet at Great Challenge road, in the Iyana School area of Iba, in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), of Lagos State. She sells second hand women cloths. Orisakwe does not have radio neither has she any television in her shop. Last year, her shop was locked by revenue officials of Iba LCDA because she had insisted not to pay for a service she never enjoyed. This year, she has been issued a seven days’ notice by the same Iba LCDA. In a letter titled ‘Demand Notice for the Year 2015’ with reference number: IBLCDA/IAO/LQ/550, dated January 16, 2015, Orisakwe is to comply and pay for the same dubious radio and television permit or face prosecution. Apart from this, she has been also issued another letter for a permit called ‘Extension Payment’ because of a one foot by three feet transparent plastic sheet hanged at the front of her shop to give some shade to the door post. She is also to pay the levy of N1, 000 within the next seven days. All these levies are outside her statutory tax to the Lagos State government. “They probably want me to close up this small shop. I pay for radio when I don’t even have socket outlet in my shop. I pay shop permit, trade permit each cost N3, 000. We pay another N1, 000 quarterly and we pay other levies they come up with very often that has no meaning but we pay for peace to reign. How fair is it that I will pay more tax than what I have in this shop?” She

OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI CO-ORDINATOR

tosin.omoniyi@newtelegraphonline.com

Fashola

queried. She added: “Do they want me to go into the house and start gossiping or start thinking of other sinister things to do? This government should have pity on poor people. These taxes are too much on us.” She asserted. Lagosians are indeed groaning daily over the various levies and taxes they pay. Mrs. Comfort Ekundayo operates a beer parlour in the Iba area of Lagos. To her, the only thing remaining untaxed is the smoke that goes out from the cigarette her customers smoke. “I pay liquor permit, N5, 000; shop permit N3000; trade permit N3, 000; pay for radio and television, sanitation, extension permit; there is a sticker levy of N1, 000 from Alausa we pay for monthly. Are these not excess and multiple?” She bemoaned. Eric Mark is an itinerant snacks seller at Ikeja. He moves his goods on a wheel barrow. He expressed displeasure over what he perceived as over taxation akin to the colonial days. He said people like him are surviving by the sheer grace of God. He brought out two tickets he has paid for that morning which was N80.00. In his words, “each day, I pay between N380 to N400 to both state and local governments, with all these suffer-

It’s not wrong to pay tax. After all, its biblical; our problem is that what we pay is not corresponding to what we get back from our businesses and government

ings. Is this the way we would continue to sustain our lives? We are not surprised. After all, the state government has said it that if you can’t cope in Lagos, you go home; as if we are foreigners. That is what they are pushing us to.” So many Lagosians categorise most levies they are hounded to pay, majority of which are illegal taxes. Hotel proprietors are not left out in this cry from killing taxes. A hotel proprietor, who prefers anonymity said apart from the over N25,000.00 he pays as personal tax, he pays to the government N30,000.00 for his hotel. “It’s not wrong to pay tax. After all, its biblical; our problem is that what we pay is not corresponding to what we get back from our businesses and government. We pay close to N20,000.00 for LAWMA/PSP services; we pay for security. Here in Lagos, there is no plan to provide pipe borne water. You must provide your water and they will come to ask you for levy on the borehole you sank yourself. About three staff I have here, I deduct tax from their meagre salaries and pay to the government monthly.” Another hotelier around Lekki, Lagos, who prefers anonymity for fear of being vic-

PHOTO: www.punchng.com

timized, told New Telegraph that she pays tax for smoke and noise of generator. She also alleged that she pays for customers who smoke by the pool side. “They tax me for customers smoking outside a designated area of the hotel. To me, I think it’s ridiculous to tax or complain about customers smoking by the pool side. It simply shows how callous and extortionist they have become,” she said. Oluchukwu Chijioke is also not averse to the insensitivity of the present day Lagos State government in relation to the exploitation and multiple taxation the people are subjected to. Chijioke, a former official turned Lagos bus driver, believes there is no way the government will absolve itself from the various taxations, levies and touts (Agboro) extortions the people suffer. He said: “Apart from the vehicle particulars renewal fee that remains as it was, presumably because one is at liberty to obtain it from other states, other fees, levies and taxes have been jacked up by the present administration. They have absolute power. Nobody can remove them; and nobody can question them. Before the CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Life | In The City

Traders line up their goods on the bridge

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

A trader attending to customers

Surviving on the bridge It is supposed to be a walkway for pedestrians who are avoiding the heavy traffic on the express roads. But for some Lagosians, pedestrian bridges are their only means of survival, where they have set up shop. The snag is that some officials of the state extort them and help them thrive. EZEKIEL ADESAWE and RUTH OKOCHA report

he saying that poor people are the world’s greatest entrepreneurs is actually true considering the fact that they innovate every day to survive. This is the lot of some petty traders on some pedestrian bridges in the Lagos metropolis, who try to make sure their goods are sold. But where they will do it, is not a grave concern to them but getting it done. Aside the fact that bridges, especially pedestrian bridges are very essential in crossing over barriers, they are now for some ardent entrepreneurs used as altars of trade. For many years until recently, goods were sold in outlets, shops and on some walk ways but recent visits to some pedestrian bridges in Lagos have revealed that traders have taken to the idea of selling on bridges to reach out to their customers, most of whom are workers returning from work. Obviously, pedestrian bridges are now known as market spaces to some traders where they believe their customers can be reached at a relatively low cost. That is basically because they don’t pay the regular taxes that their counterparts in outlets and shops pay. This idea of marketing as it may seem is distinct from the conventional outlets decorated with special touch of packaging and branding; the regular market women in the market places and hawkers, who carry the goods right to the threshold and comfort of their customers at home, offices, streets, highways and other public places. A new development which was recently discovered is the sprawling markets on pedestrian bridges in some places within Lagos. The idea of trading on bridges according to some of the traders is “to reach out to those who use this bridge as they return from work.” New Telegraph embarked on a tour to some of these bridges and spoke with some of the traders.

Interestingly, it was discovered that the traders are ordinary men and women with extraordinary ability and qualities to achieve great things in the midst of poverty at all cost and anywhere. This, they try to achieve by taking their goods to sell on some of the pedestrian bridges, thereby shunning the risk of accidents, the stress of setting up and unpacking the goods later at night or loss of goods through confiscation by men of the Kick Against Indiscipline agency, KAI. Mama Onome is a widow, a mother of four and a trader on one of the bridges along the Ikorodu road. In a chat with Mega City, she disclosed that she started doing business on the bridge at the time it was no longer possible for her to keep up with rent fee for a shop and left alone after the death of her husband to cater for four children. With this situation, she turned to the alternative of selling on pedestrian bridges, where she will not have to bother about rent fee Passer-by checking out an item and other related taxes, and still to devise another way to make be able to make enough money that will keep her family and money; hence, he moved down to business moving. Lagos and found the bridge as a According to her, for some very good place to sell. He also afyears now, she has been doing firmed the point made earlier by business on the bridge and it’s the first vendor which says that not because I like it, but because some uniform men collect money of the condition I found myself. from them which guarantees them As you are looking at me, I don’t the right to sell their wares on the have a husband again and I have bridge. four children to cater for. I don’t Mega City also met Mr Jimoh have money to rent a shop. That’s Hassan, who sells books, on one of the bridges visited while attendthe reason I am here. We don’t ing to a buyer. After the buyer had pay money here but some people gone, he revealed that once the ofcome here to send us away, telling ficials from the KAI office come us that it’s illegal to sell on the around, they will, depending on bridge. Where do we go and betheir mood, confiscate their goods. cause of this, we will settle them with N500 everyday so they will In order to get back their goods, allow us to stay.” they follow them to their station, which they will end up paying Also, Mr Chukwuka Okonkwo some amount of money. This, (WHO), one of the vendors, also he said, allows them stay on the said it is poverty that brought bridge for a week or more without him to sell on bridge. He said that confiscation of goods. The amount he was formerly a shop owner in his village but his shop was paid varies and can be as much destroyed by fire. Now, he had as N10, 000, depending on who is

in charge. However, the Public relations officer of the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, Mr. Olatunde Olusesi, said that it was illegal to sell on bridges and that the state government frowns against it. “What we do to ensure that people don’t sell on bridges is that we send our men to patrol the bridges. So, when you see people sell on the bridge, then it’s after working hours, when our men have retired for the day.” He said. Responding to the allegation of collecting money from the traders, who sell on the bridges by some men of the KAI, Olusesi said: “It might be true because there are bad eggs among us but we don’t ask any of our men to collect money from anybody. Actually, at this time of the year, where the political tension is high, what we do is that we make sure our men advocate rather than enforce.”

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Paying multiple taxation with tears CONTINUED FROM PAG E 25

advent of this administration, no fine demand by the men of the Vehicle Inspectors Officers (VIO) for traffic offences was more than N2,000. But today, no offence by VIO is fined below N20,000.” He lamented. Oluchukwu further said: “Our sufferings in the hands of the touts (Agboros) have the backing of the government because there is a huge return to the state government from the Agboros. So, they cannot stop it. Daily, I pay not less than N2, 500 to the Agboros. If I add the money I pay to loaders at the park with that of Agboros daily, I spend not less than N5, 000. Those in open stalls and hawkers are heavily taxed as well.” Big cooperate organizations are not left out in this tax regime; the only thing they are insulated from is illegal levies since their taxes are statutorily approved. For instance, the banks pay to the states withholding tax of 5 per cent of their income and 10 per cent to the Federal Government. Other forms of tax as “Pay As You Earn” (PAYEE), 1 per cent to the State Government. While Federal Government collects- Education tax, cooperate

income tax, National Information Technology Development Fund (NITDEF). Actually, governments world over, are run through taxes. No amount of tax could be enough to solve all the needs of a state. In developed countries like Britain and America, taxes can turn one to a beggar. Consultants are hired by families to structure how they go about their tax issues, otherwise it may choke life from them. Truly Lagos State tax has improved greatly. In 1999, tax generated was N600million but as at the year ended 2014, Lagos tax stood at N30 billion. The more public sectors are supportive, the more the society will do better. If government becomes more responsive and accountable, more taxes would be expected from the private sector. As the cry of the poor masses in Lagos gets louder over what they regard as over taxation and multiple taxation, No doubt, poor Lagosians are heavily extorted in the name of taxation and unfathomable levies. The masses, especially the low income earners ought to be protected from illegal levy collectors. The government ought

Tax officials

PHOTO: newmail-ng.com

to device a means of identifying and apprehending the illegal taxes and levies collectors. The fact remains that Lagos State government for whatever conviction may have not found reason(s) to provide tax holidays and tax break for small businesses, and make big businesses to pay more tax and

engage also in more Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) that could support the small businesses. Rather than that, the big organizations connive with tax officials and pay little or no tax, while groundnut sellers are being hounded about by men of the Lagos Internal Revenue Services (LIRS) and the

Local Government revenue collectors. When contacted, the information officer at the LIRS said he cannot comment on the issue unless directed to do so by the agency’s Board Secretary, Mrs. Badmus who was not around when our reporter visited.

A driving force for good governance Ruth Okocha and Temitayo Abass

“W

e have had politicians who make promises but never delivered on such promises. We have had politicians who claim to love this nation but act contrary to this position the moment they get into office. This is deceit at its highest form and as said earlier, this is the expression of negative love which is destructive.” This statement was made by the Archbishop, Metropolitan sea of Lagos, His grace, Most Rev, Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins while delivering the keynote address at the celebration of the 2015 Valentine’s Day carnival with the Archbishop held recently at St. Finbarrs’s college, Lagos. Rev. Alfred at the event which was themed; “True love: A driving force for good governance” noted that the failure of politicians to fulfill their electioneering promises is an expression of negative love that could be destructive. Meanwhile, the guest speaker at the event, Charles Ajiboye speaking on a topic; “the love of politics or the politics of love,” said that just a few politicians who occupy public offices have distinguished themselves by exhibiting genuine love in their service to the public. According to him, “when we talk of the poor involvement of youths in politics today, we tend to push a case of technical or strategic marginalization of that group of people which may not be so.

His grace Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins (m) and other guests at the event last week

Love indeed conquers all, and if for any reason youths have really been set aside, let the questions above resonate. Is it not for this country that the youths fought for independence? Have we forgotten that the key people were young people? Obafemi Awolowo was only 37 years at the time, Akintola was about 36 years old, Ahmadu Bello 36 years old, Tafawa Balewa

34 years old, Okotie Eboh 27 years old and Anthony Enahoro was 27 years old to mention a few.” Charles however stated that the Nigerian youths must emulate and exhibit genuine love for oneself, neighbours and the nation at large so as to ignite the spirit of creativity and commitment among those who truly want to serve the nation faithful and

sincerely. He said, “It is critical that the Nigerian youths of today must live by a set of principles, principal among which must be love. Love of self, of neighbours and of nation. Without these it will indeed be difficult to ignite creativity and relevance which are the key selling points of the people that have the good of the country at heart.”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11,

, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Life |

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Falade Street: Where life begins at night Ezekiel Adesawe and Ruth Okocha

he idea actually started over 30 years ago with just a woman in the corner of her shop, selling good food and drinks to those who are on their way from work and needed to eat and drink. It was playing host to fun seekers from far and near. Interestingly, it has expanded and extended from the idea of one woman to the business of many of those who own shops on the popular Falade street, opposite the Airport Hotel in Ikeja along the Awolowo way. As the years go by, considering the activities of these food vendors, Falade Street has grown to be one of the foremost places in Ikeja where people from all works of life come for relaxation while eating and drinking. It is also popular in the Ikeja metropolis, mostly because it is a place where people come around to hang out with friends and lovers as the case may seem. Once it is 5pm, young sales girls and boys working in some of the shops are already on the street waiting for customers to come by. At the sight of one, they scamper to try to woo because if one food vendor fails to win a customer, definitely, the other ones will. The truth is that there are many alternative hotspots that people can eat and drink. This, they do until the next morning. Every night, friends, families and lovers troop into this street to have a good time together for some until the next morning, causing gridlock at intervals but one wonders what actually attracts these fun lovers and visitors to this place every night, Mega City visited the street and it was gathered that some people come to Falade Street, not only to enjoy good food but for the fact that it is an open atmosphere where they get to meet with friends and lovers after the day’s job, what they describe as where they ease the tension of the day.

Some others, who are regular visitors to the street are attracted because of the good quality of foods sold there, adding also that the kind of attention they receive in the hands of the maids, who attend to them is what they look out for whenever they come around to eat and drink. Some, according to Emeka and Alex, come around to hang out with their lovers and to also meet new friends. Shop owners on this street make sure they provide comfortable environment for visitors to sit and have a good time in three levels. First is the road side, where chairs and tables are arranged for those who want to enjoy the cool breeze of the night while the second is at the very entrance of the shop and finally the inner chamber of the shop fully equipped with air conditioners. Apart from the fact that the street is very popular because it is one of the best places in Ikeja metropolis to enjoy sumptuous food and have fun at night in the

open air, it is also a place where beggars lurk around to get the “crumbs that fall from the table of the rich.” One of the shop owners, who briskly spoke to New Telegraph disclosed that the street has been a blessing for them in that it is where they make their living but that they face a very big challenge for competition be-

cause there are others who sell food and drinks. According to a shop owner, who does not want her name in print, “what we try to do is to make sure we satisfy our customers so that when they come around again to eat, they come directly to this place. But still, we make sure our boys and girls stand on the street to call on those who come into the street.”

It is one of the best places in Ikeja metropolis to enjoy sumptuous food and have fun at night in the open air

Some of the foods sold on Falade street in Ikeja

Lagos charges youths on energy preservation Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government has called on the younger generation to utilize their energy in the fight towards preserving nature as they serve as agent of change and tomorrow’s future leaders. Speaking at the 2015 World Wetlands Day held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium,Ikeja with the theme:’Wetlands For Our Future Join Us’,the state Commissioner for the Environment,Tunji Bello said that it was was germane to involve the younger generation who are the decision makers of tomorrow with the view to awaken their consciousness on environmental matters. The Commsioner said:”In line with

the theme of the 2015 World Wetlands Day,Lagos State Government joins the rest of the world to implore our youths to join the global army to spread the word about wetlands and their vital importance for future life on earth which will in turn go a long way in curbing the bastardization and degradation of nearly all the wetlands in the State”. Bello stressed that World Wetlands day is a day that we identify with the rest of the world to project the importance of wetlands to biodiversity and human well-being. He noted that due to our unbridled consumption and quest

for development, wetlands loss has been on the increase in Lagos state since 1986. According to him,” Taiwo O.J. (200) in his Doctoral thesis noted that wetlands in Apapa shrank from 14% in 1986 to 8.6 in 2006. Within thesame period,wetlands loss in Eti-Osa,Lagos Mainland and Somolu are 39.7%,60.6 and 100% respectively”. He pointed out that the Stata Government was poised to accelerate the on-going identification and mapping of wetlnds,scattered across the state thus focusing on the restoration of degraded wetlands as well as control human activities on wetlands.

In his words,”It is gratifying to note that till date,thirty (30) wetlands have been identified and located along Ibeju Lekki,Epe,Berger b r i d g e, O ko b a b a , B a d o r e / A j a h / Langbasa,Odo Iya Alaro,Oto Awori/ Ijanikin/Ibeshe/Ilashe/Ikaare Axis etc and all are earmarked for conservation. Bello urged that all hands must be on deck to conserve and preserve wetlands adding that it is by so doing the state could be effectively protected from degradation resulting from unsustainable development. “As a government and people,we all have a role to play in addressing environment challenges such as gully erosion,ocean surge,deforestation,su bsidence,fog,smog and destruction of ecosystem among others”, Bello added.

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

We don’t feel the impact of our political representatives Moruf Olayinka Adeyinka Ajani Alli is the Chairman of Iyalla/Ifelodun Community Development Association. Amidst lamentations of yet-to-be-fulfilled dreams of the wellbeing of the grassroots, he unearthed the intrinsic challenges of the task of spearheading community development; He as well, as the unmerited disappointment often dispensed by political representatives to the electorates. ELIJAH SAMUEL presents the excerpts What is the relevance of your CDA in the developmental effort of the state? We are out to complement efforts of the government because we believe that the government does not have the capacity to do all that is required to be done at any given time because of the enormity of the responsibilities that are rested on government’s shoulders. Thus, we have decided to complement the local government by ensuring regular sanitation exercise of the areas within our jurisdiction, and again, we carry out conscious scrutiny of our area to ensure that the area is safe for living and doing business. Often times, we have ensured that the bad elements are apprehended in the communities and weeded out. We also ensure that no abandoned vehicles are left in any street because we have discovered in the past that these abandoned vehicles are vulnerable to be the armoury for criminals. We monitor everywhere. With all that you have been doing, the CDA tends to be a parallel government The government is the overall umbrella that oversees everything that goes on in the state and the country. But the government actually begins with the people at the grassroots. Sincerely, you get upset at the impunity that is being perpetrated by our people in the communities. For instance, see the way motor mechanics and panel beaters are destroying roads that are built by scarce tax payers’ money; see the way people park vehicles indiscriminately on the streets, not minding other road users. When you move around on the roads, you also discover that the walk paths meant for the pedestrians have been taken over by traders. I do meet them in order to make them refrain from this unwholesome display. These are some of the things people do that they don’t do right, and that we cannot shy away from correcting. How do you get funds to prosecute some of the CDA activities? We scout from funds from people to carry out some of the functions of the CDA. For instance, we do approach property developers to give us money but they only give whatever they feel they want to give. We accept and issue receipt because we try to be transparent for whatever we get from anywhere. How much support do you get from the government? We have tried to reach out to the state government. There was no positive response. Even when we also tried get the attention of the Commissioner of Works, whose father’s house is here, and was raised in our midst, there was no response as he tried to evade us. So, the little attention that we have got so far is from the local government which we believe is close to us.

Mushin are not. This area that we are is the real Mushin: we are friendly people and maintain good social life. There are numerous business opportunities here. Mushin is replete with diverse kinds of thriving trade lines. Mushin is accommodating.

Ajani Ali

Mushin seems to parade notable politicians, who are visible players in the political landscape of not only the state but also at the national level. How much impact does this parade of political human talents have on Mushin development? I can say it repeatedly that the problem we have is that those who have appropriated the political benefits of Mushin by using its slots for their selfish interests are either strangers or even when they are sons of the soil, they live outside Mushin and never bother about what happens in Mushin. Examples abound: the Commissioner for Works, Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat is a son of Mushin, who was raised here, but he doesn’t live nor come here; his elder brother Honourable Ganiyu Hamzat, who also been representing Mushin Federal Constituency for the 12 years at the National Assembly also doesn’t come nor live here. If they live in our midst, you could imagine how much development will be attracted to this local government. Even Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon is not left out in the abandonment of Mushin. We don’t feel their impacts: we either resort to taxing or levying ourselves in carrying out community projects. How much cooperation do you get from the residents? Many of the residents do not usually respond to the issue of money contribution when it comes to funding. We are usually only able to raise what we could among a few committed members of the association, in addition to the seldom contributory efforts from the local government. Mushin is often dreaded as a hotbed of violent clashes and notoriety. What does it portray as attraction for investors and other business people? First, let me clear the notion of Mushin’s notoriety. Those troubleprone spots like Onipanu, Oloosa, IdiOro etc. that are always referred to as

How will you assess the megacity project of the state government? The present government has made its stride in the developmental effort of the state. Right from the time when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the affairs of the state, we started witnessing unprecedented developmental efforts which, although was commenced on the Island, spread across different parts of the state. Governor Babatunde Fashola took it from the Island and consolidated on Surulere, Yaba, Ebute-Meta, Ikeja and some other parts of the state. But we believe that the way they are going, the successor to Fashola should take the development further into the hinterlands like Mushin, Isolo, Alimosho and other rural parts of the state. Again, irrespective of whatever stride the government is making to develop the state, the citizenry needs to comport itself in the most respectable and responsible manner in the way they handle or use the facilities being provided across the state by the government. We have gone around and discovered that many of the people in the communities behave in a manner that is only fit for the jungle because of some displays that are detrimental to our common wellbeing. For instance, you find out that in spite of the effort being made to clear the numerous drainages across the state, some people are always bent on blocking them with their disposables. We have examined and discovered that even on new roads that are being constructed, which are yet to be opened to the public, some drainages are filled and blocked with dirt, most of which could have been properly disposed. So, the people need to change and imbibe good hygiene culture and dissuade others with negative tendencies from such acts. What should guide the people in the way they cast their votes in the forthcoming elections? Everybody should perform their civic duty by going to vote and staying off from whatever acts that may threaten the credibility of the votes. Since there is a party agent for each of the polling unit, it will be untidy for the voters to crowd the polling units in the name of guarding the votes. I don’t think it is necessary because the agents representing each party are capable of defending the interest of their parties. Our own interest and civic duty is to cast our votes to the candidates of choice, but let the most popular candidates emerge according to the will of the people.

My City, My World ‘Lagos gives equal right’ – Bunmi Davies Ugochukwu Ezurike roducer of Stand Up NiPdescribed geria, Bunmi Davies has Lagos State, the

mega city as ‘home for all’. He said there is no other state in the country that can be compared to Lagos State, nothing that Lagos is a place to be anytime, any day. Bunmi Davies “Whatever catches on in Lagos spreads like wildfire to other parts of Nigeria. Anything you find in other states, no doubt would have started from Lagos.” Bunmi Davies however disclosed that Lagos State, is truly the centre of excellence, “A lot of things that is happening in Lagos will make you want to be here, is it the entertainment aspect that we are talking about, where stand-up comedians want to come to Lagos to perform; Lagos gives people equal right to be what they want to be. Lagos is a state that has its own uniqueness, its own drive; its own way of life. “The beautiful landscape, the high rise buildings; Lagosians are friendly people,” he said, adding, “ the people make it special. From the very foreign to the very cultural, from the very rich; to the poor. Not forgetting, the funky, the ‘wanna be’ and the downtown ‘razz’ this is what makes Lagos a talking point in all the states in the federation. It is a city with its own style of doing things.” The award winning Afro-tainment Productions CEO reiterated “if you are not in Lagos, you are missing a lot. The traffic in Lagos is another factor that you cannot find elsewhere, and it makes the state standout, to the bus conductor screaming Oshodi, Ketu Ojota, to the area boys, Lagos is a land of many things.”

Popoola: The city gives economic opportunities Okocha Ruth to me is the center of excellence and it’s the best place Ltoagos be for any Nigerian. I was born

and bred in Lagos, all levels of eduPopoola cation till secondary school was in Lagos. This city is incomparable to other cities in Nigeria and it’s very spectacular in its own unique way. It can be likened to a cosmopolitan city and rated amongst those cities abroad. For instance the Atlantic City in the Island is the biggest of all that can be compared to London etc. It’s a cosmopolitan city because it comprises of different ethnic group present in Nigerian and even outside the shores of the country. In fact, all races of the world are represented in the state. I have lived in Delta, Ibadan, and Abuja but Lagos is still the best all. Thanks to the government in the state for beautifying Lagos. Take a look at the transportation system, (BRT) it has made movement very easy, cheap and convenient. The State Government has put up adequate security measures compared to other states. Personally, I rate the state more than average if not perfect in terms of security. Lagos has built an attitude in the residents of the state which is easy identified by residents of other states. There are lots of employment opportunities in Lagos, compared to other state. For me Lagos has given me economic advancement, comfort and the privilege to meet people from various works of life. Despite all the advantages, Lagos traffic congestion is a major challenge situation in the state though this is an attribute of a cosmopolitan city and the government has tried in that respect but more effort should be put in. The government cannot rely on the road transportation alone but should develop the metro line, the sub ways, and the sea transport. No matter what the situation may be, I will live in Lagos because it’s always in trend.

The Mega City

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

UPCOMING EVENTS

FREE MOVIE SUNDAY

Organiser: RCCG EAGLES’ NEST Date: February 15, 2015 From 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Venue: Leisure Mall Cinema Adeniran Ogunsanya Street Surulere, Lagos Nigeria

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS FORUM Organiser: Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Date: February 12, 2015 From 8:30 AM-12:00 PM Ikeja, Nigeria

HASA Welcome Back Event! Organiser: UNF Health Administration Student Association Date: February 12, 2015 From 5:00 PM -7:00 PM

LOUDTHOTZ POETRY OPEN READING Season 6 Organiser: Independent Poets Concerns Date: February 12, 2015 From 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Venue: Orange Academy 3B Adesoye Street Mende Maryland, Lagos Nigeria

Youth and Youthfulness: A Paradigm Shift in The 21st Century. Organiser: LPG, DAP& Arise Nigerian Woman Foundation Date: February 12, 2015 From 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM Venue:Lagos Innovation Matters Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

High Tech Center Lagos Workshop

Organiser: High Tech Center for Nigerian Women and Youths Date: February 11, 2015 From 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Ikeja,Lagos Nigeria

MEGA CITY EVENTS 70th birthday reception of Mrs. Olusola Peters in Lagos

L-R: Mrs. Olusola Ibidapo Obe; her husband, Prof Ibidapo Obe, Dr. Michael Obafunso Peters; the Celebrant, Mrs. Olusola Peters and former Obafemi Awolowo University Vice Chancellor’s wife, Mrs. Funke Omole, at the birthday reception in Lagos

L-R: Chairman, LAFARGE Cement, WAPCO Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye; the celebrant and her husband Abosede Osunkeye, at the event

Wedding reception of Mr. and Mrs. Oluwatosin Noibi at Ostra Hall, CBD, Ikeja, Lagos

Groom Oluwatosin Noibi, with his wife, former Oluwaseun Adelusi, during their wedding reception

L-R: The Groom’s father, Aramide Tola Noibi; Senator Anthony Adefuye, the newly wedded couple, Mr. and Mrs. Oluwatosin Noibi; former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd) and the former Work’s Supervisory Councillor, Somolu Local Government, Hon. Ademola Olisa, at the wedding

Rev. Oyeleke gives daughter’s hand in marriage

The couple, Matthew and Odunayo Olomolehin at the engagement ceremony, Lagos

L-R: Bride’s mother, Rev. (Mrs.) Oyeleke, the couple, Groom’s mother, Mrs. Felicia Olomolehin and the bride’s father, Rev. Oyeleke Jonathan

Business | Money

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Can naira strengthen through BDCs? the mandatory cautionary deposit of N35 million based on the banking industry savings account rate.

Anthony Chiedu

here clearly appears to be an improvement in the seemingly tense relationship between the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON). Emefiele alluded to this when responding to a comment by the ABCON President, Aminu Gwadabe, during the interactive session that the apex bank boss had with industry stakeholders on developments in the foreign exchange market late last month. He disclosed jokingly that he had considered scrapping ABCON when he assumed office in June last year but that he now knew that the association could partner with him to stabilise the exchange rate. From $15,000 to $30,000 A few days before the event, the CBN had announced an increase in the weekly supply of dollars to BDC operators from $15,000 per BDC, to $30,000. The regulator had explained that the move was part of its efforts to calm the strong volatility observed in the forex market in recent weeks and also to deepen the BDCs segment. According to the circular issued by the regulator, “this is to inform Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and the general public that as part of the ongoing review of developments in the foreign exchange market and in order to deepen the BDCs segment, the weekly forex cash sales to BDCs have been reviewed upward from $15,000 to $30,000 per BDC, with effect from Wednesday, January 28, 2015 auction. “While the CBN will sell to BDCs weekly at the prevailing interbank rate, the BDCs are expected to sell to the public at not more than 3.5 per cent above the CBN selling rate. Consequently, all BDCs are to ensure that the designated accounts in the CBN are duly funded with the equivalent naira proceeds not later than 48 hours before the bidding date. “Operators are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the extant regulations on the disbursement of forex cash to their respective customers, as any case of infraction will be appropriately sanctioned.” Industry watchers were still analysing why the CBN, which had been embarking on kneejerk policies, which were reversed severally, finally yielded to calls by the BDCs operators to increase their weekly allocation of forex when the regulator, last week, announced that as part of a special intervention in the forex market, it will sell another $30,000 to BDCs on Friday, February 6, 2015, aside from the weekly sale of the same amount to the operators. It explained that the move was aimed at improving liquid-

President Goodluck Jonathan

ity in the BDC segment of the foreign exchange market. The announcement was contained in a circular signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Olakanmi Gbadamosi. The circular stated: “This is to inform all licensed BDC operators that in order to improve the liquidity in the BDC segment of the foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria will be intervening in the market by selling USD 30,000.00 to interested BDCs on Friday 06 February, 2015. This is in addition to the weekly sales to the operators. “Interested BDC operators are therefore advised to fund their accounts on or before Wednesday, 04, February, 2015, to accommodate the proposed intervention of Friday 06 February, 2015.” Industry analysts said that the regulator’s increased allocation of forex to BDCs is a significant departure from what was perceived to be Emefiele’s unsympathetic attitude to the subsector’s situation when he newly assumed office. Hike in capital requirements Indeed, only a few weeks after he assumed office in June last year, one of the first major decisions that Emefiele took was to get the apex bank to issue new guidelines for BDCs operations in the country, which it said were intended to weed out unserious elements in the subsector and to check grave inefficiencies and sharp practices. The new requirements increased the minimum capital for BDCs from N10 million to N35 million. In addition, the mandatory cautionary deposit for BDCs was reviewed to N35 million from N500,000, which was expected to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account in the CBN upon the grant of an approval- in-principle. The CBN further directed all existing BDCs to comply with the new requirements by July 15, 2014, and urged all new applicants to comply with these new

Emefiele

requirements. It warned that ownership of multiple BDCs was no longer permissible and would attract sanctions if detected. Interestingly, the CBN also stated that under the new guidelines, compulsory membership of the ABCON was no longer a requirement for the licensing of BDCs.

Industry watchers were still analysing why the CBN, which had been embarking on kneejerk policies, which were reversed severally, finally yielded to calls by the BDCs operators to increase their weekly allocation of forex

BDCs fault directive The CBN’s directive was faulted by BDC operators, especially ABCON members who argued that the new capital requirement was too high and called for an extension of the July15 compliance deadline for the new capital requirement. They insisted that it could hamper economic growth, cause job losses and lead to the closure of many BDCs if the recapitalisation time frame was not reviewed. The BDC operators also took their case to the House of Representatives, which invited the CBN Governor to explain his position. At the hearing, Emefiele contended that the CBN needed to streamline the operations of BDCs to stem abuses in the forex market and protect the naira. He revealed that the country was losing millions of dollars through the BDCs and that the CBN needed to effectively supervise them. However, the regulator later appeared to have yielded to the pleas for a review of the new guidelines, when it extended the deadline given to BDC operators to comply with the new capital requirements for the industry to July 31, 2014. It, however, warned that it would cease to fund any BDC, which fails to comply after the expiration of the new deadline. It added that only BDCs, which met the new requirements would qualify to be engaged as agents by the licensed International Money Transfer Operators for inward and outward money transfer business in the country. The apex bank further stated that interest would be paid on

2991 BDCs But if the CBN’s intention for hiking the minimum capital requirements for BDCs was to reduce the number of operators in the sub-sector, events seem to have proved it wrong. Reason: while the CBN had, on August 15, 2014, announced that a total of 2,442 BDCs met the new capital requirement as at July 31, 2014, by November 14, the number of BDCs that had met the capital requirements, according to the CBN, had increased to 2,512 BDCs. Indeed, the apex bank’s website shows that there are currently 2991 licensed BDCs in the country. Before the hike in minimum capital requirement from N10 million to N35 million, a total of 3,208 BDCs were officially registered with the CBN. Industry analysts believe that at the end of the day, the number of BDCs could well exceed the 3,000 mark. Financial analysts told New Telegraph that the CBN had to increase the amount of forex to the BDCs having come to the realisation that the sub-sector plays a critical role in ensuring stability in the forex market. They noted that the CBN’s decision to increase forex allocation to the BDCs came a few days after JP Morgan analysts had placed Nigeria on a negative watch for the next three to five months following reservations over the country’s foreign exchange position and the bond market, which was described as illiquid. Since the JP Morgan action, Emefiele has every opportunity to assure jittery investors that the CBN was “doing everything possible” to ensure that the country remained on the JP Morgan Index in order to avoid the adverse consequences, which the country’s exclusion could cause. He said that the CBN would engage JP Morgan analysts to provide proof of the market’s liquidity. “I am very optimistic that they would see reasons with us,” he said. In a chat with New Telegraph, Managing Director of a Lagosbased BDC who asked not to be named, said that the increased allocation of forex to the sub -sector has helped to stem naira’s decline. He said: “Before the CBN increased the allocation, the naira was on a free fall. It was doing close to N210 to the dollar. But now it has come down to below N208 in the parallel market. If the CBN maintains adequate supply of the weekly $30,000 to us (BDCs) I am sure it will go a long way in stabilising the naira.” He, however, predicted that the additional $30,000, which the apex bank sold to BDCs last Friday, was a “one off ”, which was not likely to be repeated by the regulator.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Maersk Line orders $1.5bn container ships p.35

Maritime

Customs sack assistant comptrollers p.36

Navies to tackle $7bn trade loss in Nigeria, others Three countries - France, United States and Denmark - are helping Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and other countries in the Gulf of Guinea to sharpen their anti-piracy skills as sea robbers cost the global shipping industry nearly $7 billion yearly, BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports

report by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), disclosed that pirates held 442 crewmembers hostage in 2014. The figure is 138 higher than the 304 recorded in 2013. The bureau noted that Nigeria’s coastline recorded 18 attacks involving 14 tankers and vessels associated with the oil industry. IMB added that pirates stole cargo from ship and transship cargo into smaller tankers. The bureau stressed that West African coastline recorded 41 incidents of piracy, apart from the unreported attacks. Just last week, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), MT Kalamos, laden with two million barrel of fuel, was attacked by pirates off the coast of Nigeria, leaving the ship’s Greek deputy captain dead and three crewmembers taken hostage. The Malta-flagged vessel was anchored and awaiting fresh cargo from Qua Iboe, an oil terminal in Nigeria’s southeastern region operated by ExxonMobil, when it was boarded on Tuesday. The Greek coastguard disclosed that the vessel’s deputy commander, a Greek, was killed while three crew were held hostage. Also, it was learnt that two of the three hostages were Greeks, and they make up 10 out of the total 23 crew, a spokeswoman for the coastguard told AFP. The hijacking of the 15-year-old tanker took place in the Gulf of Guinea, which experts have said was the new epicentre of piracy in Africa. According to the report, between January and September last year, the area recorded 33 incidents of piracy and armed robbery. It said that the pirates operating off the coast of Nigeria, Togo and Benin are heavily armed and violent, and often hold crews hostage for several days. Security expert, Mr Ken Johnson, said that the waters off Nigeria were the deadliest on earth, surpassing Somalia on Africa’s east coast, which gained notoriety due to months-long hijackings. Johnson, who provides operations and intelligence advice to

MT Kalamos hijacked by pirates last week off Nigerian coast

the shipping industry, said that there was another deadly attack on a ship in the region last month when pirates killed a Nigerian naval seaman aboard the oil support vessel, MV Jascon. In another attack last year on an oil products tanker, the SP Brussels, one crewmember was killed, Johnson said. It was learnt that oil tankers are the easy targets for Nigerian-based pirates who usually held hostages to ransom, but will also sell stolen fuel. Security experts said that the pirates had emerged from militant groups in Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta, such as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Miffed by this report, two French navies have sent two war ships to take part in supporting Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries in an effort to sharpen their anti-piracy skills in the Gulf of Guinea. The French vessels - Lieutenant de vaisseau Lavallee and Tonnerre - took part in Exercise Nemo 2015 to strengthen a 2013 agreement between the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to fight piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Already, the anti piracy exercise had been conducted in collaboration with the navies of Nigeria, Gabon, Benin, Cameroon, Togo and for the first time, Ghana. Also, two American observers from the US Navy took part in the exercise.The objectives of the exercise were cooperation regarding piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea and testing interoperability. During the exercise, the Lieutenant de vaisseau Lavallee simulated a pirate mother ship while the Tonnerre simulated an oil tanker being targeted by pirates. Also, the Danish Foreign Ministry announced a new three-year strategy that would see its efforts move to the coast of Nigeria for the first time.

The new antipiracy strategy covers the years 20152018 and focuses on areas where Denmark has strategic maritime interests

Denmark had announced a new strategy for combating piracy and armed robbery on the high seas that will see the nation expand its presence into the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Nigeria. The country’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Martin Lidegaard, said that with the strategy, Denmark would continue to be at the forefront of combating piracy. He declared: “Our activities will continue to focus on the Horn of Africa, but as something new, we will also carry out a range of activities in the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa where piracy and armed robbery at sea are the source of growing international concern.” The new anti-piracy strategy covers the years 2015-2018 and focuses on areas where Denmark has strategic maritime interests. He added: “The main focus of the efforts will continue to be off the coast of Somalia, where pirates cost the global trade industry nearly $7 billion a year, according to Oceans Beyond Piracy.” The new Danish efforts off the coast of Nigeria will primarily focus on capacity-building initiatives and cooperation in international maritime security efforts in the region. In October last year, a Denmarkbased Risk Intelligence disclosed that 71 per cent of all piracy-related incidents in the Gulf of Guinea were directly related to Nigerian crime, while even more were originating in Nigeria. Managing Director of the firm, Hans Tino Hansen, said: “Up to the elections in February 2015, there is a risk of a relatively high level of kidnap and ransom cases. “In the Horn of Africa, it was believed that 2015 will look a lot like 2014 with a very low level of pirate activity. But beyond 2015, it is not known if the decrease in naval operations, combined with a reduction of measures implemented by the shipping industry, may result in higher levels of piracy again as the capability, intent and opportunity is still in place.” Giving the account of sea robberies in 2014, the report explained

that three vessels were hijacked between June and July on Ghanaian waters; one of which was a fishing vessel intended to be used as a platform to hijack tankers off Nigeria. It said: “Worldwide, 21 vessels were hijacked last year; 183 were boarded and 13 fired upon. Pirates killed four crewmembers, injured 13 and kidnapped nine from their vessels. The report stressed that hijackings of product tankers subsided in the last quarter of the year under review, with the last case at the end of July 2014. Also, it revealed that attacks against small tankers off South East Asia’s coasts caused a rise in global ship hijackings, up to 21 in 2014 from 12 in 2013, despite piracy at sea falling to its lowest level in eight years. The IMB’s annual piracy report shows 245 incidents were recorded worldwide in 2014, a 44 per cent drop since Somali piracy peaked in 2011. It noted that the Somali pirates were responsible for 11 attacks, all of which were thwarted. However, IMB warned shipmasters to follow the industry’s Best Management Practices, as the threat of Somali piracy has not been eliminated. The IMB Director, Pottengal Mukundan, whose piracy reporting centre had monitored world piracy since 1991, explained: “The global increase in hijackings is due to a rise in attacks against coastal tankers in South East Asia. “Gangs of armed thieves have attacked small tankers in the region for their cargoes, many looking specifically for marine diesel and gas oil to steal and then sell.” The IMB report highlights the possibility of hijackings becoming increasingly violent, noting that most of the 124 attacks in the region were aimed at low-level theft from vessels using guns and long knives. The bureau commended the Indonesian Marine Police’s efforts to stem the increase in attacks in identified port hotspots.

Business | Maritime

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Maersk Line orders $1.5bn container ships TRADE Global container fleet capacity will increase by eight per cent in 2015 Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

he world’s biggest container shipping line, Maersk Line Group, has ordered 10 container megaships worth $1.5 billion from Asian shipbuilders. The ships have the capacity to move around 20,000 containers each from the first quarter this year. The container shipping line, which carries about 95 per cent of the world’s manufactured goods, has suffered for the past decade from overcapacity that led to falling freight rates, which major operators have described as unsustainable. Dozens of smaller operators regularly undercut freight rates from Asia to Europe and across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, hoping to stay in business until the industry recovers. Despite the extra tonnage in the water, Maersk Line’s

Chief Executive, Soren Skou, had already disclosed in 2014 that the company was looking to place new orders of mostly large container ships in the first half of this year. He said that the demand for shipping would grow four per cent to five per cent over the next few years and large container vessels like the Triple-E class, the world’s largest and most efficient vessels, which can carry in excess of 18,000 containers save the company around 25 per cent of the cost of moving a container from Asia to Europe compared with smaller vessels in Maersk’s fleet, provided the ships sail fully loaded. In 2011, the companies ordered for 20 of such ships at a cost of around $185 million per vessel. At the time, competitors doubted whether it would be able to fill such behemoths, but they now are rushing to place their own TripleE orders to compete with the industry’s big players. A container-shipping analyst at London-based Braemar ACM Shipbroking, Mr. Jonathan Roach, said that the new ships would be deployed in the Asia-Europe trade loop,

the world’s busiest and would fit well in the so-called 2M alliance that Maersk Line announced last year with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s second-biggest container operator. The partners will move 35 per cent of all cargo moved between Asia and Europe and also control a market share of 15 per cent and 37 per cent of goods moved on the trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes, respectively. Roach said: “As ship prices may go up in the latter part of

the year, it’s good to place the orders early. “The new ships will replace smaller ones which will be cascaded to less-busy routes and put the pressure on smaller operators that can’t match the 2M’s capacity, port calls and fuel efficiency.” He said that the global container-fleet capacity would increase by eight per cent this year, but deliveries of bigger ships that can carry at least 10,000 containers would grow by 25 per cent. “Everyone looks at bigger

vessels and for those that can’t afford them, it will be difficult to compete,” Roach said. In September, French shipping giant, CMA CGM SA, formed its own alliance with China Shipping Container Lines Co. and Middle East shipping major United Arab Shipping Co. called Ocean Three, whose fleet will include 11 Triple-Es and control a 20per cent slice of all cargo between Asia and Europe and 13per cent and 7per cent across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, respectively.

Customs arrest 18 over N179.5m contraband

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, has arrested 18 people in connection with 37 seizures valued at N179, 523,600. It was higher than the seizures recorded in January 2014, which was N93 million. The seizures were listed as including 636 cartons of imported frozen poultry products, 800 bags of cement, 800 pieces of used tyres, 2,155 cartons of foreign soap and creams, 13 cars, 14 jeeps and five trucks. Also seized were four buses, 274 bales of second hand clothing and stockings as well as 17 pieces of Tarpaulin, 12 pieces of PVC rubber carpet and 51 bags of 50 kilogrammes rice. The Area Controller of the Unit, Victor Dimka, attributed the feat accomplished by the unit to series of innovations put in place by the management of NCS under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde. The controller commended Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Services (SSS), the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agencies (NDLEA) and the media for their corporation in the fight against smuggling. He said: “We have been trained and conscientised

under the management of the Customs Comptroller General to meet our challenges and it is left for those still entrapped in smuggling to desist forthwith or be prepared to face the consequences of their act if arrested. He advised members of the public wishing to purchase vehicles to ensure that they go through the official channels, and to always clear with the customs before investing their money. The controller warned that all illegally imported goods must be impounded as ignorance of the law was no excuse. Dimka lauded members of the public who courageously and patriotically supplied the unit with relevant information bordering on smuggling and gave an assurance that such highly classified information would never be divulged in line with the ethics of the profession. He warned that the NCS would never succumb to senseless and irrational pleadings for leniency and pardon by individuals caught in the act of smuggling.. Dimka said that the NCS had upgraded her information network with the officers and men properly trained and motivated to effectively neutralise the operation of the smugglers across the country.

A vessel moored at the Lagos Port Complex to discharge containers

Association to train members in US, South Africa

he Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has resolved to train some of its members in United States and South Africa as part of efforts to improve their skills.

It said that training of its members was one of its cardinal points of putting the association on the world map. National President of the association, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, disclosed this

in Lagos. He said: “The nature of operation of ANLCA must change to meet international standards. It is a deliberate thing for us and I can tell you that our people go for training and if not for this elec-

SHIPS AND CARGO EXPECTED AT LAGOS PORT IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2015 SHIP

AGENT

PORT

TONNAGE / UNIT ISHOLA BLUE AUSTEN’S SBM 32000MT PACIFIC TRUST APS ENL 9800MT KIRAN CHINA APS ENL 14600MT SVENJA APS EKO SUPP 2UNITS DSV VINNICE AMT EKO SUPP IMB EFI THEO AFRICAN ATLANT ENL 41000MT HANJIN SANTOS ALRAINE APMT 285FCL OCEAN MASTER ATLANTIC CITY ENL 30000MT KIBALI BLUESTAR GDNL 42750MT SEA LAVENDER BLUESTAR GDNL 42150MT CITRON BLUESEAS SBM 37700MT BELBEK CASABLANCA ENL 1900MT LUGANO GOODSHEPARD ABTL/ENL 10000MT NAVIGATOR MARS GAC LISTER 12884MT FRISIA LUBECK GAC APMT 150FCL TRIGLAV GMTISA ENL 19288MT DA ZHI GMTS ENL 8940MT DESERT PEACE GOLDEN SHIPP ABTL 34837MT ATLANTIC EAGLE GOLDEN SHIPP ABTL 48400MT BARDU LANSAL APMT 580FCL

ARRIVAL LENGTH 29/01/15 30/01/15 31/01/15 14/02/15 5/02/15 29/01/15 5/02/15 29/02/15 9/02/15 15/02/15 29/01/15 30/01/15 31/01/15 2/02/15 31/01/15 4/02/15 6/02/15 3/02/15 13/02/15 31/01/15

221.75M 181M 199.9M 161M 85M 189.6M 223M 190M 190M 190M 183M 97.7M 165M 170M 207M 182M 180M 193M 225M 209M

CARGO PMS G/CARGO G/CARGO TUG BOAT IMB B/RICE CONT B/RICE B/SUGAR B/SUGAR PMS F/FISH B/SALT B/GAS CONT STEEL PROD G/CARGO B/WHEAT B/WHEAT CONT

tion, we are preparing to go to South Africa and also in October we are going to Jeddah and later in the year, we will be in America. “All these travelling are to train our members because what you learn cannot be taken away from you and no matter how knowledgeable you are, you still need to train yourself.” Shittu explained that the association had created a new face for licensed Customs agents from the old way of “dirty and nylon bag agents” to a professionalised industry. “We have about 15 PhD holders in the association who are doing this job. We can no more be seen as touts or as disgruntled element, we have professionalised the sector,” Shittu stated. He said that his members enjoy the same type of training as customs officers.

Business | Maritime

Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sent out four assistant comptrollers from its Area1 command in Apapa for impeding trade facilitation at the Lagos Port Complex. It was leant that the officers were among those delaying cargo clearance at the port. Also, it said that the introduction and implementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) had boosted its revenue by N100 billion

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Customs sack assistant comptrollers over sharp practices lIncrease revenue by N100bn

in 2014. The Controller of Apapa Area 1 Command, Comptroller Charles Edike, disclosed this in Lagos at the first shippers’ day organised by the Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS). He explained that the beginning of the PAAR implementation was rough as many cargoes

were trapped in the ports. The comptroller said that the service generated N999 billion into the country’s coffer last year as against the N833.39 billion recorded in 2013. Edike added: “We protected government’s revenue then and encouraged trade. We have complaints and any officer that delays

even for a minute are queried and dealt with. “In Apapa, there is so much that we can do in a day and the remaining ones we pushed them out to less busy commands,” he said. He said that the command had moved over 55,000 containers to less busy terminals. A trustee of the Ship-

pers’ Association, Lagos State, Nicodemus Odolo, said that the PAAR regime had stabilised after continuous sensitisation programme by the NCS. “The beginning was very rough where some cargoes were held back in the ports for six months. I was personally involved. But after six months of the implementation, we have been doing better.

Containers stacked at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.

Lawyer to FG: Create maritime ministry POLICY New national shipping policy, regulatory and legal framework needed

partner and Head of the Corporate/Commercial & Public Sector Group of Olisa Agbakoba legal (OAL), Mrs Bisi Akodu, has advised the Federal Government to create a new ministry that would exclusively handle maritime industry. The legal practitioner explained that the maritime ministry would unburden the Federal Ministry of Transport and create efficiency in the industry. She urged lawmakers to pass all the maritime bills pending at the National Assembly into law to exploit the potentials in the industry. Akodu said that the critical bills before the National Assembly such as the Ports and Harbour Bill, the Petroleum Industry Bill, the Maritime Zones Bill, would have positive impact on the shipping sector if passed into law. She said that Nigeria’s shipping sector, which was estimated to be capable of generating N7 trillion annually had been totally neglected for years.

The legal practitioner also stressed the need for an Oceans Act for Nigeria to harness the resources due to it as a sovereign coastal state. She added: “Now is the time to pass these Bills into law and lay out a strategic plan for reforming the maritime industry in the shortest time. “Nigeria has long depended on oil revenue to the detriment of other vital sectors of the economy. Our dependence on oil has made us blind to economic reality and has given us false hope for Nigeria’s future, which is bleak. If we are to turn around our economy, we must turn around our thinking and explore alternative revenue sources. “Ours is an import dependent economy that gives rise to the flight of foreign exchange. Unfortunately, our maritime cabotage regime has done little to prevent this due to weak structures and regulations. Nigeria’s ship owners are moribund with no incentive or finance to play in the big league with foreign vessel owners; hence, they have been excluded from the lucrative opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.” In order to tap revenue from this sector, she said that there is need for an overhaul of policy, institutional, regulatory and legal framework. We need to develop a new

national shipping policy, she insisted. The expert noted that Nigeria’s shipping policy dated back to 1987 when the Nigerian Shipping Policy Act, No.10 of 1987 was enacted following Nigeria’s ratification of the United Nations Code on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Akodu explained that UNCTAD was to adopt the 40: 40: 20 code, which covers ship acquisition, cargo sharing and shipping activities. “Under the code, 40 per cent of the total volume of cargo traffic and revenue was reserved for indigenous Nigerian carriers, 40 per cent was reserved for carriers of cargo originating in destination countries and 20 per cent for recognised third flag carriers,” she added. Akodu said: “In pursuit of developing our maritime industry, the Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA) was established to co-ordinate and implement Nigeria’s National Shipping Policy. NMA’s successor, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), when established in 2007, had no defined purview regarding Nigeria’s Shipping Policy, though it was mandated to promote and develop indigenous commercial shipping in international and coastal shipping trade and regulate

and promote maritime safety, security, marine pollution and maritime labour. “The Merchant Shipping Act, 2007 was enacted to provide for merchant shipping and related matters. This Act was to be implemented by NIMASA and lays down a list of regulations for ships operating in Nigeria regarding licensing, registration, certification and penalties for non-compliance with the Act. There exist multiple government agencies in the maritime industry with duplication of functions. There is an urgent call to re-organise these agencies for better function and output. “We have a plethora of stakeholders in the sector that have largely been uncoordinated often working at a tangent in uncontrolled confusion. Our ports are not yielding their full potential and are now being abandoned for ports in Benin Republic and Togo due to the multiplicity and level of various official and private sector port charges. The low volume of traffic at our ports is a deep concern to government.” She advised the Federal Government to learn a lesson from Malaysia. She said that the seaborne transportation was a key facilitator of Malaysia’s trade-oriented economy.

Over 22m people use Lagos waterways – LASWA

wenty-two million people ferried through the Lagos waterways in 2014, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has said. The increase in the use of waterways for transportation in the state was attributed to the improved regulation governing it. A breakdown of the figure showed that 1,798,343 used the waterways in January, while 1,794,421 was recorded in February. Also, 1,794,848 were recorded in March, April - 1,789,212; May 1,790,899; June - 1,788,315; July - 1,787,478; August - 1,788,487; September - 1,788,036; October 1,879,098; November 1,867,045 and December - 1,902,631. LASWA’s Managing Director, Yinka Marinho, said that the organisation would intensify the campaign on safety on the waterways this year. He noted that the more commuters obey the law regulating waterways transport, the less accident will occur. He said: “The life jacket is meant to save lives when an accident occurs, but passengers do not like wearing the life saving vest. We will continue to enforce the use of life vest until the message we are trying to pass sinks in.” Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has reiterated the unflinching commitment of the Authority to the successful take off and timely completion of the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State. Abdullahi gave this assurance in Lagos while receiving a copy of the Final Outline Business Case (OBC) from members of the Ministerial Project Development and Steering committee on the project. According to Abdulahi, as a stakeholder and a technical regulator, the Authority has much to gain from the success of the Ibom Deep Sea project, adding that its participation in such projects, under the Private Partnership Projects (PPP) has been very beneficial as demonstrated in the Onne Port project.

Business | Movers, Shakers & Appointments

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Acting CEO for Berger Paints

erger Paints Nigeria Plc has appointed its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Jatin Madan, as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following the disengagement of the Managing Director, Mr. Tor Nygard, from the company. Also, the firm has announced the appointment of Mr. Sanjay Datwani (British) to its board. The company said in a statement that Nygard stepped down at the expiration of his contract on January 31, 2015, and Madan would act in interim capacity, pending the appointment of a substantive managing director Nygard joined the company on November 2, 2009, as Deputy Managing Director (designate) and moved on to become an executive director before this new appointment. His tenure was associated with reforms, including the expansion of the colour world centres and the factory modernisation project currently being implemented. Also, Datwani was the Managing Director of Clayton Fi-

nance Limited, a company, which specialises in export of raw materials for industry to the West African region. He also worked as a property consultant and developer in the United Kingdom. Datwani graduated from Boston University, Massachu-

setts, USA, with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration. With over 18 years experience in International Trade, Finance and Banking, Datwani brings a wealth of experience to the board of Berger Paint.

NITP installs 21st president he Principal Partner of ity and public enlightenment on T Femi Olomola and Co., Dr the value of the profession. Femi Olomola, has been inThe first item, for instance, stalled as the 21st President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP). At an investiture ceremony that usher in the group’s new national executive council (NEC), which took place at the Lagos’ Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, at the weekend, Olomola unfolded a seven-point programme that he intends to implement during his tenure. According to him, the schedule entails: Law and constitutional matters, promoting national security and reducing fraud, improving the asset base of the institute and improving current operational modalities. He also stressed the need for NITP Strategic/master plan, sustaining human capital development, and extensive public-

Madan

Madyibi is Cisco’s govt affairs director for Africa

ne of the leaders in information technology (IT), Cisco, has appointed Mr Siyabonga Madyibi as Government Affairs Director for Africa. This, according to a statement, is Cisco’s first appointment for the continent. Siyabonga, who has over 14 years’ experience in telecom policy, will lead Cisco’s government affairs and public policy

Madyibi

strategy in the continent. He will engage with top government officials and key policy makers in Africa. For the past decade, Siyabonga has led the government and regulatory strategy for Dimension Data in Africa. Before the appointment, he had worked with the South African Regulator, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and for MTN, one of the leading mobile operators in the telecoms sector in Africa. Siyabonga holds a BA Law degree from the University of Cape Town and an LLB degree from the University of Natal. It was learnt that the director will focus initially on South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, working in close partnership and alignment with Cisco’s Africa Leadership team, led by David Meads, vice president for Africa at Cisco, on policies and relationships that will advance the firm’s business in Africa. The company’s Senior Director, Government Affairs, Cisco Europe, Middle East & Africa

and Russia CIS (EMEAR), Pastora Valero, said: “We are delighted to have Siyabonga on board, especially at a time when we are witnessing considerable growth and investment in ICT throughout Africa, which makes proactive engagement with governments a vital strategic imperative for us at Cisco. I look forward to working with him as a key contributor to our global government affairs team as we actively support African governments in the drive to increase access to affordable, reliable technology.” Speaking on his new position, Siyabonga said: “I look forward to leading Cisco’s government affairs programme in Africa, given its important and integral role in Cisco’s strategy for growth in Africa. With the technology market currently growing at an exponential rate and governments playing an important role helping to develop the opportunities that are being created, Cisco aims to actively partner with government departments to help drive this growth and build on these opportunities.”

Chams gets new MD, board members

he Board of Chams Plc has approved the appointment of Mr. Olufemi Williams as its Managing Director. The company has also notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of some changes in the management as the founding Managing Director, Sir Ademola Aladekomo, who has served in this capacity for 30 years, is set to retire effective September 18, 2015. Williams, according to a

statement, is currently the Deputy Managing Director of the company and has been in this capacity from 1990. Other appointments are Mr. Lukman Balogun as Deputy Managing Director. Balogun is currently the Managing Director of CardCentre Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Chams Plc. Mrs. Christiana Mayowa Olaniyan, was appointed the Chief Financial Officer of the company.

Williams

Olomola

will take stock of the near-zero implementation of the Nigerian Urban & Regional Planning Law in states and at the federal level, ensure a 100 per cent commitment to the implementation of the provisions of the institute’s constitution, promote internal democracy, and overhaul the operational modalities of the examination board and professional development programme. While item two will be realised through the introduction of a Land Use Planning Report prepared by Registered Town Planners that shall accompany several applications. Item three involves the completion of the body’s Bawa Bwari House in Abuja, and on-going renovation of Franklin Akinyemi House on Victoria Island in Lagos. Before now, Olomola had served as the chairman of Lagos Chapter of NITP, President of Association of Town Planners’ consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) as well as second and first Vice President of NITP. He has also served in different committees set up by the institute. President, Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), Prof. Layi Egunjobi, in a goodwill message, urged Olomola and the executive members to “exhibit your educational and professional training acquired over the years for effective and purposeful leadership to advance the course of the profession.”

Intel promotes five officers, elects four VPs Corporation has an- of Intel’s Software and ServicIfiventel nounced the promotion of es Group, and has worldwide corporate officers and the responsibility for software election of four new corporate vice presidents by its Board of Directors. Robert B. Crooke, 51, according to a statement, was elevated from Corporate Vice President to Senior Vice President. He was General Manager of Intel’s NonVolatile Memory (NVM) Solutions Group. In this role, Crooke leads a worldwide organisation responsible for design, development and marketing of Intel non-volatile memory and solid-state drive (SSD) solutions. Crooke joined Intel in 1989 and was named a corporate vice president in 2005. Douglas L. Davis, 53, was promoted from Corporate Vice President to Senior Vice President. He was General Manager of Intel’s Internet of Things (IoT) Group, leading a worldwide organisation responsible for Intel Architecture computing solutions targeting market sectors including retail, transportation, manufacturing/ industrial, smart buildings/ homes, and a broad range of embedded computing applications. Davis joined Intel in 1984, and was named a corporate vice president in 2010. Doug Fisher, 54, was promoted from Corporate Vice President to Senior Vice President. He was General Manager

that enhances computing and connectivity for Intel architecture and platforms. Fisher joined Intel in 1995, and was elected Corporate Vice President in 2011. Steven R. Rodgers, 49, was promoted from Corporate Vice President to Senior Vice President. He was General Counsel of Intel and is responsible for the company’s legal work, serves on Intel’s senior executive team and reports to the chief executive officer. Rodgers joined Intel in 2000 and was elected corporate vice president in 2014.

Crooke

Global Business

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

HSBC bank ‘helped clients dodge millions in tax’

anking giant HSBC helped wealthy clients across the world evade hundreds of millions of pounds worth of tax, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has learned. Panorama has seen accounts from 106,000 clients in 203 countries, leaked by whistleblower Herve Falciani in 2007. The documents include details of almost 7,000 clients based in the UK.

HSBC admitted that it was “accountable for past control failures.” But it said it has now “fundamentally changed”. “We acknowledge that the compliance culture and standards of due diligence in HSBC’s Swiss private bank, as well as the industry in general, were significantly lower than they are today,” it added. The bank now faces criminal investigations in the US, France, Bel-

gium and Argentina, but not in the UK, where HSBC is based. HSBC said it is “cooperating with relevant authorities”. Treasury minister David Gauke defended the government’s actions on tax avoidance in the House of Commons after Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood Shabana Mahmood tabled an urgent question. He insisted that the Treasury approach has been “very successful”,

saying it has sought prosecution for “serial tax evaders” and raised extra tax revenue.

Offshore accounts are not illegal, but many people use them to hide cash from the tax authorities.

And while tax avoidance is perfectly legal, deliberately hiding money to evade tax is not.

India growth figures baffle economists

he Indian economy grew by 7.5 percent between October and December last year compared with the same period a year earlier, official figures say. But there was confusion regarding the statistics after the way in

which the gross domestic product (GDP) figure was calculated was changed, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Economists warned the figures needed to be treated with caution. Growth for the previ-

ous three months was also revised up sharply to 8.2 percent from an earlier figure of 5.3 percent. And India’s statistics ministry revised up its forecast for annual economic growth to 7.4 percent for the year to the end of March. That compared with a previous forecast of 6.9 percent using the new formula, and 4.7 percent before the revised formula was introduced. The country’s new way of calculating GDP has baffled analysts since its release last month. India said the new formula is closer to international standards. But analysts say the new data does not correlate with other economic indicators, including industrial and factory production. Some economists have said the latest figures should be “taken with a pinch of salt” and expressed scepticism over the figures at a time when India’s central bank has been talking about a slowdown.

UK plans Greece exit from the Eurozone

he prime minister David Cameron yesterday chaired a meeting of senior officials to discuss the impact on the UK of possible Greek exit from the Eurozone - and to take steps to ensure British banks and companies would not be excessively damaged. Attended by the head of the Treasury, Nick Macpherson, the Treasury’s director of financial stability, Lowrie Kahn, and the Bank of England’s international director Phil Evans, David Cameron asked for information on the impact on Greece and the rest of the Eurozone of Greece leaving the Eurozone. The chancellor according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), did not attend, because he is on his way to the G20 meeting in Istanbul - though he has been kept in the loop on discussions.

Photo | News 39

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

L-R: Oyo State Labour Party (LP) deputy governorship candidate, Alhaji Sarafadeen Ali; governorship candidate, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; party chairman, Mr. Gbenga Olayemi and senatorial candidate, Olu Abiala, during the teachers meeting in Ibadan.

Emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (left) with National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the installation of Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano.

L-R: National Publicity Secretary, United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Ogbuechi Dike; National Chairman, Independent Democrat (ID), Chief Dozie Madu and National Director of Operation, ID, Chidi Ike, during a press conference on the postponement of 2015 general election, in Abuja.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Anambra North Senatorial District candidate, Princess Stella Oduah (middle), acknowledging cheers from traditional rulers, during a campaign tour of her constituency.

L-R: Archbishop Samson Mustapha Benjamin; Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje; Chairman, Capt. Tunji Shelle and deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Safurat Abdul Kareem, during PDP rally at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: Corporate Communications Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Sam Umokoro; Finance Director, Seye Dosunmu and Owoseni Saliu, Finance Controller, during an award presentation to the company on Tax Compliance in Lagos.

L-R: Public Relations Manager, Startimes, Israel Bolaji; Content Manager, Ayokunle Idowu; co-winner of the Startimes-Nba Tv free trip to America, Bamidele Boluwaji and Mrs. Suzie Onwuka of Consumer Protection Council (CPC), at the unveiling of Startimes-Nba Tv All Access tour winners in Lagos.

L-R: President, Ndigbo Lagos, Prof. Anyo O. Anyo; President General, South-East South South United Assembly (SESSUA), Sir Oliver Akubueze; Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Ovadje Oviemo and High Chief Ossai Igwe, during a rally to endorse President Jonathan, in Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

40 Politics

WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Akpabio mobilises for Emmanuel B Jackson Udom

efore the Bible said that a prophet was without honour among his own people, many factors had been put into consideration – the way Jesus Christ was treated in Nazareth and disregarded by its people had also authenticated the popular saying that familiarity breeds contempt. That saying appeared to be set in stones. But once in every while, there are bound to be changes. One of such occasions was when the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, was received with pomp and ceremony in Etinan Local Government. For the people of Etinan, it was a great home-coming for their sons and leaders, as the chairman of the PDP in the state, Obong Paul Ekpo, who hails from the local government, led another son of Iman clan and governorship candidate, Udom, as well as the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who the people have come to love and see as one of their own because of his love for them in the last eight years to what was seen as an endorsement rally. It was the occasion of the party’s campaign to the local government and by 4p.m, penultimate Saturday, when the campaign train hit Etinan Local Government Area; a tumultuous crowd had been waiting to receive the PDP leaders. More like a triumphant entry, Governor Akpabio and Emmanuel, were in company of other leaders, received by the Iman people of Etinan, with the governor noting that the turnout at the rally made it appear like a state rally rather than a local government rally. The governor, who showed appreciation to the people for turning out en-mass to receive the PDP and for supporting him since he came into office in 2007, also lauded the state PDP chairman, Ekpo, for using his office to promote democracy as a “truthful and honest politician and a man of excellence,” while Ekpo also appreciated all party faithful for turning out in large number to show solidarity and support to the PDP. But Etinan Local Government was not to be allowed to steal the show; the people of Nsit Ibom Local Government had also demonstrated their love for the party and its governorship candidate by trooping out to receive the PDP leaders and to share in the vision for a greater Akwa Ibom, where the transformational leadership of Akpabio will continue after May 29. Akpabio called on the people to support Emmanuel, assuring that if elected, he would industrialise the local government and carry the people along during his administration, adding that he would continue with the uncommon transformation going on in the state by bringing sustainable development to Etinan. For the people, a change of guard should not bring any worry, as Akpabio assured that Udom would be 100 per cent committed to the completion of on-going roads project in Etinan and other roads

Governor Godswill Akpabio (fourth left), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (third right) and others at the governorship rally in Etinan Local Government Area.

that link it with other local government areas of the state, maintaining that development would never stop in the state if Udom is elected as governor. Akpabio, who later proved to be a conveyor of good news, did not leave the podium without making a pledge to the people – the electrification project of Ikot Efo and Ikot Udobia villages and the construction of the Leprosy Hospital road will be completed with a bridge in Etinan Local Government Area, a development that drew applause from the people. In his speech at Etinan, the PDP governorship candidate, Emmanuel, said God has given the local government area a second chance for continuity, stressing that he would sustain the uncommon transformation of the state. He assured that the people would be carried along in his administration and noted that it is only PDP that will ensure that the glory of the dilapidated Etinan Institute returns. He also promised to build a flyover at Ekom Iman to link other parts of the state. Udom, if elected, would be the third governor from the Iman clan and fourth man from the Ibibio ethnic stock to be governor, and like a true son of the soil that he is, he promised to ensure that Etinan benefits largely from his government through infrastructural and human capital development. Akpabio had earlier described Udom’s emergence as the PDP standard bearer as the will of God and His grand design to return power to the people of Iman, noting that he has come to complete the policy of industrialising the state, which was started by late Governor Clement Isong, an Awa son from the Iman clan, who was not given a second term, because of the conspiracy of the elite and politicians of the Second Republic. Also speaking during the rally at Etinan, Senator Bob Effiong, called on all Ibibio sons and daughters to vote massively for all the PDP candidates from the Presidency to the House of Assembly, noting that anyone contesting the governorship election from outside Eket Senatorial District should be treated as a leper, because Uyo

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Supporters at one of the rallies

Udom would be 100 per cent committed to the completion of ongoing roads project... development would never stop in the state if Udom is elected as governor

Senatorial District has decided to support the zoning of the seat to Eket so that after eight years, Uyo will have it on a silver platter. Similarly, Asuna Professionals based in Lagos and Abuja, who are indigenes of the local government, such as Uko Udom (SAN), Essien Udom, Mfon Udom; Uko Albert and Ufot Ebong all mobilised for the success of the rally and declared their support for the PDP, with the Asuna Group and other artistes spicing the rally with music and traditional dance. The people of Etinan also had a message for Akpabio, Udom and the PDP entourage, and they minced no words in delivering it. In unison, they echoed their intention to elect all candidates on the party platform of the PDP. This is just as they gave them gifts of their own, as the Akpan Iman and chairman of Iman Elders’ Council, Bishop C.O. Akpan presented souvenirs to the governor and his would-be successor. Not known to take the backseat, the women of Etinan made their presence at the rally felt by presenting Akpabio their farm produce to show appreciation for his achievements in the state. As the day wore on, the campaign train moved to Nsit-Ibom local Government, where there was another round of commendations for the governor and endorsements for Udom and other PDP candidates from the people of Nsit-Ibom, who dared the tempers of the weather to receive the PDP campaign train. The governor, while speaking at Nsit-Ibom, thanked the people for

supporting the PDP, and recalled that when he came into office, he was determined to change the face of the state through infrastructural development, which he did. He pointed out that when God gives an opportunity to any youth for an elective office, he should leave the office better than he meets it. While delivering their goodwill messages, stakeholders in the two local governments, the senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom NorthEast Senatorial District, Obong Bassey Albert; Obong Chris Ekpenyong, Rt. Hon. Ndueso Essien and Senator Effiong, among others, reaffirmed their commitment to support the PDP, calling on the electorate to support President Jonathan, Emmanuel and all PDP candidates in the forthcoming general elections. Without a doubt, the people of Nsit-Ibom and Etinan have made their decision and that much they showed during the rallies in the two local governments, as they turned out in their thousands to demonstrate their commitment to a progressive Akwa Ibom, where continuity and sustainability in infrastructural and human development are non-negotiable. For the people of these local governments, Emmanuel remained the only option through which they can continue to say Akwa Ibom Ado Okay and forward is the only way Nigeria must move in terms of the presidency, as they have decided that their votes belonged to the winning party, the PDP. •Udom sent this piece from Etinan, Akwa Ibom State

Politics 41

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015

Public affairs analyst, Shehu Adamu, justifies why President Goodluck Jonathan should be reelected

Jonathan’s scorecard as re-election’s trumpcard

hat could be described as the postponement of the evil or good day, depending on the side one belongs, happened last Saturday when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, announced the postponement of the general elections. Hitherto, the presidential and National Assembly election was scheduled to hold on February 14. Governorship and House of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on February 28. But with the announcement, the elections will now hold on March 28 and April 11 respectively. Obviously, all the gladiators, contenders and pretenders have retreated to the trenches, plotting on how to win votes. In the general elections, the two main contending parties are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidential candidates are President Goodluck Jonathan and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari respectively. Since Saturday, some members of the opposition parties have been blaming the Federal Government for the ‘shoddy’ preparation which led to the postponement. Knocks have also gone to service chiefs for telling Jega that they could not secure voters in the North-East if the election is allowed to go on as planned. But one clear thing is that the controversy generated since Saturday has confirmed the belief in certain quarters that Jonathan, being a democrat, will win the presidential election. This is because Nigerians have continued to clamour for his reelection. There is no argument about the fact that he is the most experienced democratically among the other 10 candidates. This is due to the fact that he rose through the ranks since 1999 when democracy was entrenched in the polity. He was deputy governor in Bayelsa State, acting governor, governor, vice president, acting president and president. One begins to ask if there is any Nigerian who is more qualified to lead the country with this credentials, despite the campaign of calumny against Jonathan by opposition leaders. Because of this, several groups across the country have been in the vanguard of the call for his re-election. But some people are still asking: Has the President done enough to be rewarded with another term in office? Since democracy is a process whereby the majority have its way and minority having its say, it is obvious the majority, who wants Jonathan back in Aso Rock, Abuja, will have their way on March 28. The president’s statement on Sunday that May 29 is sacrosanct has also endeared him to many voters. To the Niger Delta Youth Ob-

Jonathan

servers (NDYO), the President deserves a second term in office because since Jonathan assumed office five years ago, Nigeria has witnessed tremendous growth and development in every sector of the economy. The outcome of the rebased economy is a clear indication of this and Nigerians will start feeling the good impact of this economic policy soon. NDYO, speaking through its National President, Mr. Arthur Warefa and Secretary, Ogie Samson, said: “President Jonathan’s transformation programme has impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians through rapid development across the country.” The Supervising Minister of Information, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammad, also said President Jonathan deserves another term in office to consolidate on the gains so far recorded through the implementation of the Transformation Agenda. Muhammad said that through the creative management of the economy, Nigeria emerged as the fastest growing economy in Africa, with an inflation rate of eight per cent, against 12 per cent when the President came into power, adding that the micro and macro-economic framework introduced by the President and his consistency in policy implementation had boosted investors’ confidence in the economy, attracting over $65 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Other performance of the president, which the minister said should earn Jonathan reelection, include the provision of infrastructure across the country, which he described as unprecedented, the construction of 62 roads, covering 25,000 kilometres, revival of the railways, introduction of the standard gauge rail

line, construction of 10 power plants, establishment of 12 universities and over 125 Almajiri schools. Muhammad said through the purposeful leadership provided by the President, the nation was mobilised to defeat the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and contained the spread of polio from 300, when Jonathan came to power to just six reported cases last year. To former captain of the national team, the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo, Jonathan deserves re-election to continue “the good work he started.” Yobo said: “The president has done so well. The youth now have their own power, they have their own beliefs and they should understand that they have their rights in their own hands. They should follow what Mr. President has started.” Political observers have also adduced other reasons why Jonathan deserves re-election. They argued that since taking office as president, Jonathan has not acted overbearingly towards political leaders, unlike some of his predecessors in office. Jonathan’s thoughtful approach in this regard has strengthened Nigeria’s democracy. Analysts also argued that Jonathan’s cerebral, thoughtful and deliberative approach to national issues during his presidency, has nurtured the country’s nascent democracy to establish strong roots that can withstand any attempt at truncating it by subversion. Under the Jonathan Presidency, it has also been argued that distribution of federal resources, appointments and projects, has been even, with no geo-political zone alleging marginalisation. The South-East, which has been crying of marginalisation all the years since after the civil war,

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Jonathan’s transformation programme has impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians through rapid development across the country

has enjoyed, among others, the Enugu International Airport, the refurbished Owerri Airport, the Onitsha river port, the Oguta river port, the Second Niger Bridge, the new federal university in Ebonyi State, the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, the courageous appointment of General Ihejirika as the first post-Civil War Igbo-born Army Chief of Staff and the free trade zone in Enugu to bring the South-East at par with sister geopolitical zones which were awarded free trade zones by previous administrations. In the South-West, there are: the newly operational Lagos-Kano rail line, the new federal university in Oye Ekiti, the remodelled Murtala Muhammed Airport, ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Shagamu-Ore Expressway, the expansion of the ports in Lagos, among others. The most significant federal presence in the South-South is the curbing of militant activism, which has increased crude oil production by about 50 per cent, new federal university in Bayelsa State, rehabilitation of the AsabaBenin Expressway, remodelling of the Port Harcourt International Airport, the Benin Airport and the Margaret Ekpo Airport in Calabar. The North is not also left behind as it benefits in the Police University at Wudil, Kano State; remodelling of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, establishment of over 200 model schools for underprivileged Almajiri kids, rehabilitation of the Tiga Dam in Kano, and the Sabke Dam in Katsina to boost agricultural production in the North-West; 10 new federal universities located at Lokoja, Lafia, Kashere, Wukari, Dutsin-Ma, Dutse, Gashua, Birnin Kebbi, Gusau; the Abuja to Kano modern standard gauge rail line, ongoing work on a gas power plant in Kaduna, current construction of the Zungeru Power Plant in Niger State; the Mambilla Hydro Electric Power project; and the dualisation and rehabilitation of the Kano-Katsina Road, Kano-Maiduguri Road, Kano-Zaria-Kaduna Abuja Road, and Abuja-Minna Road, among many others. Others also believe that the success recorded by the National Conference organised by the Jonathan administration, for the first time since independence, is also another reason Jonathan should be given the opportunity of a second term in office. Also, Director-General of Grassroots Democratic Institute (GDI), Prince Maxwell Phillips Igwe, while throwing his weight behind Jonathan’s re-election, said that what Jonathan has put on ground to totally transform the country economically, politically and socially earns him a reelection. Igwe said re-electing Jonathan would enable him continue and complete his transformation agenda, which he said has transformed the Nigerian landscape in virtually all sectors of national life.

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

and 146(1) (3) (b)& (c) thereof, the period the defendant served as President from May 6, 2010 to May 28, 2011, ought not to be reckoned with and taken into cognisance in computing the total period he has spent and could spend in office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Declaration The plaintiffs, however, want a declaration that having regards to the provisions of the constitution, it is unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal and not permissible for any person to occupy the office of the President for more than a cumulative and or aggregate period of eight years when the country is not at war and it is practicable to hold election into the Office of the President. They also want the court to declare that having regards to the provisions of the constitution, the defendant is not eligible to seek re-election into the Office of President for another term of four years from 2015, as that would have permitted him to occupy the Office of President, for more than the eight years maximum period allowable by the constitution for anyone to occupy the office of the President. The plaintiffs are also praying the court for a declaration that in computing the period already spent in office as President by the defendant, the period from May 6, 2010 to May 28, 2011 should/ought to be reckoned with. They want an order of injunction restraining the defendant from contesting, putting himself forward and or accepting to contest for the Office of President. No way for Sambo Meanwhile, the same court had also fixed January 15 for further hearing in another suit filed by two lawyers and another Nigerian, Mase Acho, Saeeq Sarki and Murtala Abubakar, who are also challenging the eligibility of Jonathan and his deputy, Namadi Sambo, to seek re-election. The plaintiffs in both suits are asking the court for, among other prayers, an order restraining INEC and the AGF from allowing Jonathan and his deputy, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, to seek re-election for their respective offices in 2015. They argued that by virtue of constitutional provisions, the oaths taken by Jonathan and Sambo following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010 and their subsequent re-election in 2011, both of them were deemed to have completed the two terms allowed by law. The parties in the second suit, numbered, FHC/ABJ/CS/661/14, are President Jonathan, Sambo, the PDP and INEC. In the suit referred to the Court of Appeal, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), who is one of the two defendants in the suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/662/14 had earlier opposed the application. Through his counsel, Kenechucku Nomeh, from the law firm of Ade Okeaya-Inneh (SAN), the AGF argued that the plaintiffs’ application for referral was a ploy to delay the hearing and the disposal of the main suit. AGF also argued that his counsel, Okeaya-Inneh was representing

WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opposition renew battle against Jonathan

Yar’Adua

Sambo

Adoke

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

Junaid

Alli

the president in an appeal on the same subject matter of Jonathan’s eligibility at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, “hence there is no need for the referral.” Judge rules In his ruling on the objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the referral without assuming the legal right to hear the substantive suit, Justice Mohammed held that the court can at the same time hear the issue of jurisdiction alongside the referral application. On the objection as to the locus standi of the applicant, the court held that the issues raised by the plaintiffs are seeking the interpretation of some sections of the constitution. The court added that once a suit bothers on the interpretation of any section of the constitution, a party needs no prove of a special interest before the court can assume jurisdiction. On the objection that the suit was an abuse of court process since a similar one has been decided by an Abuja High Court, Justice Mohammed held that the parties at the Abuja High Court were different from the parties before him and hence could not be described as an abuse of court process.

The main issue is not about taking oaths of office, but about being elected. So, to be qualified to contest, a person must not have been elected as president on any two previous elections

He further held that the suit can only be an abuse of court process if the parties and subject matter is the same. According to him, “the suit of the plaintiffs in this matter is seeking the interpretation of some sections of the constitution at it relates to the tenure of the President. “Having regards that the incumbent occupant of the office of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in after the death of late Yar’Adua, the issue whether he is elected as President has not been determined. “There is no previous decision on the matter. Such has never happened before in the history of our country. On that note, plaintiffs’ motion succeeds. “I thereby make the following order; the suit is hereby referred to the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division for the interpretation of Sections 135 (2) (a)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. “This order is premised on Section 295(2) of the 1999 Constitution.” Initial argument At the argument stage, the defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the substantive suit wherein the appli-

cation for referral emanated from. They also challenged the locus standi of the plaintiffs to institute the suit on ground that they have not shown any special and personal interest as to how they will be affected if Jonathan re-contest. The defendants also contended that the suit was an abuse of court process as a similar one had been dismissed by an Abuja High Court. The appeal referred to by the AGF was filed by Cyriacus Njoku, who is challenging the judgement of Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi of the Federal Capital High Court, who had earlier ruled that the plaintiff had no locus to challenge Jonathan’s eligibility to contest in 2015. The AGF urged the trial judge, Justice Mohammed, to be persuaded by the Abuja High Court judgement and a similar one earlier delivered by the Kaduna Division of the Federal High Court. But counsel for the plaintiffs, Mahmoud Magaji (SAN), justified his client’s application on the need to transfer the case to a higher court, arguing that none of the respondents’ interests would be jeopardised if the matter was referred to the Court of Appeal. Magaji maintained that in view of an earlier decision of the Supreme Court, a judge of the lower

Politics 43

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2015

court was under obligation to refer a case to a higher court upon an application for it by a party. Mixed reactions from SANs Reacting, Awa Kalu (SAN), said that the 1999 Constitution does not limit the tenure of a person in the office as President by the number of the oath of office he has taken. “President Jonathan started by being a deputy governor and moved on to become the governor. As governor, he moved on to become the vice president and also swore to an oath of office from where he also moved on to become the Acting President and later the president after

the demise of late President Umaru Yar’Adua. “If oath could kill, he would have died long time ago. The framers of the 1999 Constitution were also careful by not limiting the years in office to the number of oaths a person takes. The constitution recognises four years in the first instance and another four years in the second instance, if reelected. The question is: Has President Jonathan been re-elected? If you do a calculation and look at the circumstance that brought him into office and find out that he had spent more than eight years, you will have a legal question to answer.

“He served out the tenure of his late boss, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. So, it is debateable whether a person who served out the tenure of his boss was elected into office. If you were a deputy governor and by circumstance you become the governor, it does not mean that you have been elected as a governor. “So, when Jonathan became the President by virtue of the death of Yar’Adua, it would be difficult in law to claim that he was elected. The 1999 Constitution is very clear by saying ‘after being elected’,” he added. Holding a contrary view, Yusuf Ali (SAN)

INDEP ELECT ENDENT NAT ORAL C IO OMMIS NAL SION

said that by the provisions of Sections 135 and 145 of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan is not eligible to contest for the election having taking oath of office as president more than twice. Citing Sections 135 to 146 of the 1999 Constitution, Ali said that Jona-

than cannot take the oath of office more than twice as president. He added that under the constitution, any president of Nigeria cannot be in office beyond eight years of two terms. He also stated that if Jonathan is allowed to contest and is sworn in as president, he would be spending 10 years in office contrary to the spirit and intendment of the 1999 Constitution. In his reaction, a former Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Kayode Adetokunbo (SAN) said it is a common knowledge and a matter of political and historical record that, from 1999

till 2011, presidential candidates of PDP that won their elections had been Obasanjo 1999, Obasanjo 2003, Yar’Adua 2007, and Jonathan 2011. “In Nigeria today, only one person is not qualified to contest by virtue of section 137(1) (b). That person is President Obasanjo. He had contested presidential elections twice and he had been twice elected. No other person in Nigeria is caught by that section of the 1999 Constitution. May be we should add President Shagari for fullness or completeness. “Nowhere in the 1999 Constitution is it stated that a person cannot spend less or cumulatively, more than eight years as a president. What is not allowed by the Constitution is to be elected more than twice into that office. If President Jonathan wins in 2015, he will no longer be qualified to contest for the office of President of Nigeria (in 2019) because he would have been elected twice in the past to that office. He must then make way for others,” he added. He, however, noted that the kernel of Section 135(2) relate to the date of taking oath of office of any president, alive or dead adding that the provision reiterates the fouryear tenure of an elected president, and no more. According to him, “a presidency expires after every four years, irrespective of who started or concluded the tenure. Thus Section 135(2) of the 1999 Constitution relates to the tenure of an elected president or the vice president who may conclude the tenure where the elected president could not conclude his tenure. That is the purpose of Section135 (2). “The other constitutional issue is the meaning that may be given to Section 137(1) (b) which provides: ‘A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President, if (b) he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections. “The purport of Section 137(1) (b) is to stop any person from being elected into the office of the president more than twice. A person is no longer qualified to contest for the office of president if he had been elected to that office on any two previous elections. “The main issue is not about taking oaths of office but about being elected. So, to be qualified to contest, a person must not have been elected as president on any two previous elections. As President Jonathan has not been elected into the Presidency twice before now, then he is free to contest in 2015.”

Business | Money Line

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria, Mexico to overtake Britain on global wealth table TRAILBLAZER

China will lead the rankings by some distance (after India and the United States)

Ayodele Aminu

igeria and Mexico are set to overtake Britain at the top table of international wealth in the not-toodistant future. Growing economies such as Nigeria and Brazil, according to PwC’s World In 2050 research, will speed past Britain by 2020 in the league table of global economic heavyweights. Britain is currently ranked 10th – but will slip to 11th worldwide by 2050, behind Brazil, Mexico and Nigeria. The report showed that Indonesia could rise as high as fourth place if it can sustain growthfriendly policies. China will lead the rankings by some distance (after India and the United States) but PwC expects a slowdown in Chinese growth after 2020.

The UK is currently in 10th position and should remain there until at least 2030 before slipping to 11th place in 2050 – behind Brazil, Mexico and Nigeria. PwC’s chief economist John Hawksworth said: ‘Europe needs to up its game if it’s not to be left behind by this historic shift of global economic power, which is moving us

back to the kind of Asianled world economy last seen before the Industrial Revolution. Just two years ago, BofA Merrill Lynch had also predicted that the population of Nigeria would overtake that of the US by 2045. Then (2012), Nigeria had a population of 168,833,776 compared with a population of 313,914,040

in the United States. Currently, Nigeria’s population is 170million. BofA Merrill Lynch chief investment strategist Michael Hartnett said: “In 30 years, the world will likely look very different. Secular population trends still favor Emerging Markets, as working population growth in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa will easily out-

iamond Bank Plc’s exposure to Geometric Power Limited could hurt the lender’s profits for 2015 and 2016, a research and financial advisory firm, Renaissance Capital (RenCap), has predicted. In a report entitled, “Diamond Bank-An eye on asset quality,” obtained by New Telegraph, the firm stated that aside from a likely charge from the Geometric exposure, it expected Diamond Bank to have a challenging year because of the impact of the higher Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on revenue growth and asset quality weakness occasioned by the deteriorating macro environment. Against this background, the firm said it had lowered

its 2015 and 2016 Profit Before Tax (PBT) estimates for Diamond Bank, “by 9-13%”. RenCap noted that although Diamond Bank reported respective credit and equity exposure of N35billion and N2.5billion to Geometric Power in its 2013 annual report, the lender sold 40 per cent of its original exposure to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) a few years ago. The firm, however, revealed, “Following the 2013 power privatisation, the buyer of Enugu Distribution Company, Interstate Electrics, claimed it also had rights to the ring-fenced distribution area attributable by contract to Geometric. Information from our meetings with manage-

As at N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

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

“The more developed country total labuor force will soon begin to shrink at an accelerating rate for many albeit not all developed countries,” writes ISI lead analyst and head of global demographics research Dick Hokenson in a recent report. “This implies slower real GDP growth unless productivity increases at a faster rate.”

Power exposure may hurt Diamond Bank’s profits – RenCap

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

pace growth in the West. “Demographic trends in Africa are of particular note with the population of Nigeria set to overtake that of Indonesia’s by 2034, and the US population in 2045.” BofA Merrill Lynch Global Investment Strategy, Haver, said labour demographics also arguably favour emerging markets vis-a-vis the West.

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

ment suggests that Interstate Electrics could be considering acquiring Geometric and that lenders could take a possible haircut on their exposure.” The privatisation of the nation’s power sector led to banks offering risk-prone loans worth billions of naira to the companies that took over the assets of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

However, faced with challenges such as lack of access to gas, these firms have been unable to repay the loans, forcing banks to make provisions for them in line with regulatory requirements, Rencap said. The analysts believe that the impact of the provisioning on banks’ financials would begin to be reflected in their 2014 fourth quarter results.

Bill Gates predicts Africa’s leap in mobile banking by 2030

he Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates, has predicted that by 2030, 80 per cent of African adults without accounts would be banking with their mobile phones. Gates said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos by the foundation’s Senior Communication Officer for Africa, Mrs Buhle Makamanzi. The statement said that the prediction was one of the four predictions made by Bill and Melinda Gates in its latest annual letter. “The number of adults without access to financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa is 398 million, which is about 76 per cent of the adult population.

“In the next 15 years, digital banking will give the poor more control over their assets and the key will be mobile phones. “The Gates believe that by then, mobile money providers will be offering the full range of financial services, from interest-bearing savings accounts to credit to insurance. “It is possible to include everyone in a digital payments system that is easy and secure. “This will benefit everyone involved and help millions of Africans to realise their financial stability,’’ the statement quoted Gates as saying. It expressed optimism that the “breakthrough” would radically help in the transformation of the poor in Africa.

Tiger Brands delays Nigeria profit target on naira, oil woes

iger Brands Ltd., South Africa’s biggest food producer, said its Nigerian unit would take as many as 12 months longer than expected to become profitable due to the weaker naira and falling oil price. The maker of Jungle Oats and Black Cat peanut butter reported an operating loss of 281.9 million rand ($24.2 million) in Nigeria for the year through September, and doesn’t anticipate a return to profit until 2017, Chief Executive Officer Peter Matlare told reporters at yesterday’s conference call. The company said in 2014 the unit would become profitable within two years. “We would say six and maximum 12 months more

than indicated,” Matlare said. “With the oil price dropping the way that it has, it is clear that the impact on the Nigerian consumer will be quite significant.” The price of crude oil, which makes up about 80 percent of Nigeria’s exports, has halved since June while the naira weakened to more than N200 per US dollar for the first time yesterday. Attacks by Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which have led to the postponement of elections until next month, have also hurt the business, Matlare said. Tiger Brands shares declined 4.1 percent to 356.70 rand by the close in Johannesburg, a four-week low.

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

10-Feb-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 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 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,855.63

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,362.30

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.20 1.51 2.21 2.46 2.55 3.30 4.38 4.70 6.96 9.09 13.80 14.28 14.78 15.45 19.43

13.76 15.49 15.59 15.63 15.63 15.61 15.56 15.56 15.44 15.43 15.98 16.06 16.14 15.75 15.57

12.98 15.38 15.50 15.55 15.55 15.48 15.47 15.45 15.37 15.37 15.93 15.99 16.06 15.67 15.51

98.09 96.80 99.05 88.54 87.18 87.65 101.30 72.16 103.95 94.05 94.52 80.17 57.41 67.00 79.20

98.24 96.95 99.20 88.69 87.33 87.95 101.60 72.46 104.25 94.35 94.82 80.47 57.71 67.30 79.50

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 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 2.70 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.28 1.14 1.82 2.19 2.40

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.25 18.06 17.60 16.62 16.63

95.55 99.24 97.52 96.87 93.56

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.68

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

310.85

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.55

4.44

17.38

97.50

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.39

3.23

16.33

98.77

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.91

4.46

19.74

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.91

3.48

18.77

97.35

19-Apr-17

2.19

1.00

16.62

88.21

95.44

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.45

1.00

16.60

96.49

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.89

1.79

17.41

92.46

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.06

1.80

17.42

94.49

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

2.07

1.00

16.62

95.72

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.26

1.00

16.62

96.22

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

12-Dec-18

2.26

4.78

20.40

89.27

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.46

1.00

16.63

97.87

BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR ‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

16.23 80.00 26.62

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

2.69 4.78 2.76

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.63 16.56 18.36

97.71 93.32 92.70

‡ /Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.10

10-Oct-20

3.31

1.00

16.61

95.56

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.79

1.00

16.48

89.07

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.89

1.94

17.42

91.27

‡ /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

3.55

1.44

17.04

93.71

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.58

1.95

17.55

93.71

97.87

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

460.61 427.28

Corporate Bonds ‡ /Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

5.00

17-Aug-15

0.27

4.88

18.60

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

18.75

09-Dec-15

0.58

1.00

14.06

98.86

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.66

2.63

16.23

98.68

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.63

1.00

16.58

95.01

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.70

1.34

16.93

96.11

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.64

1.00

16.63

92.45

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.66

1.88

17.46

101.42

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.66

3.48

19.06

95.97

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

1.82

5.20

20.80

96.18

1.82

5.06

20.66

93.62

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

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

3.61

1.00

16.60

93.09

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

1.93

2.29

17.90

96.73

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.02

6.11

21.72

94.54

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.89

2.16

17.78

96.11

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.76

2.76

18.24

89.51

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.64

1.00

16.45

78.45

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.64

1.00

16.45

84.74

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

135.24

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

126.75

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.00

1.00

16.62

85.29

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

16.56

83.62

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.06

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

7.19

6.93

97.91

99.11

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

6.06

5.70

97.14

98.24

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.48

7.29

93.18

94.31

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

1,441.18

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

181.43

33.50

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

6.96

100.63

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

11.31

91.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

14.00

13.12

81.92

83.92

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

10.63

9.73

85.99

88.53

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

41.33

40.50

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

10.94

84.52

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

15.63

14.36

79.07

82.50

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

13.38

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

24.22 13.89 13.85

24.22 13.41 13.85

46.50 80.88 75.00

46.50 82.63 75.00

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.78

10.40

90.00

91.63

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,559.49

**Treasury Bills DTM 9 16 23 30 37 44 51 58

FIXINGS Maturity 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.40 13.38 13.20 13.10 12.85 13.45 13.75 13.70

Offer Discount (%) 13.15 13.13 12.95 12.85 12.60 13.20 13.50 13.45

Bid Yield (%) 13.44 13.46 13.31 13.24 13.02 13.67 14.02 14.00

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 65.9600 15.5705 16.4186 17.0817

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

68.33

O/N Tenor Call 1M

73.33

REPO

Rate (%) 80.00 83.00

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

200.00 200.11 200.42 201.16 202.51 203.87

200.10 200.22 200.57 201.65 203.58 205.47

***LCRM

0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

116.70 66.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.68

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

310.85

19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

2.19 2.40

1.00 1.00

16.62 16.63

96.87 93.56

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.55

4.44

17.38

97.50

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.39

3.23

16.33

98.77

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

4.86

30-Jun-16

0.91

4.46

19.74

95.44

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.91

3.48

18.77

97.35

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.45

1.00

16.60

96.49

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.89

1.79

17.41

92.46

30-Sep-18

2.06

1.80

17.42

94.49

04-Oct-18

2.07

1.00

16.62

95.72

09-Dec-18

2.26

1.00

16.62

96.22

12-Dec-18

2.26

4.78

20.40

89.27

14-Feb-19

2.46

1.00

16.63

97.87

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

2.69 4.78 2.76

1.00 1.00 2.74

16.63 16.56 18.36

97.71 93.32 92.70

90.00

91.63

Business | Financial Market News

‡ /Agusto ‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

‡ /Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

10.20

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

Stock market extends losing streak 02-Oct-12 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 current upset15.50 in the finan- against 29,360.55 recorded 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 22-Nov-12 PLUNGE from the previous day while the 12-Dec-12 BBB-/Agusto; A-/GCR *OSUN cial market arising 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 10-Oct-13 ‡ /Agusto *OSUN insecurity, shift 14.75 OSUN inII 10-OCT-2020 the market capitalisation of Sustained sell 27-Nov-13 ‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS 2015 elections 13.50and LAGOSdrop IV 27-NOV-2020 equities depreciated by pressure takes toll on 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI KOGI 31-DEC-2020 N78 billion or 0.80 per in oil prices. 15.00 31-Dec-13 ‡ /Agusto *EKITI 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 local bourse nine gaincent as market sentiment 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR *NASARAWA With only15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 ers and 25 losers, the remained in the red. TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Meanwhile, a turnover TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION key benchmark indices maintained negative tra- of 320.7 million shares Chris Ugwu Corporate Bonds jectory to close in the red, worth N4.1 billion in17-Aug-10 4,116 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 ‡ /Agusto *UPDC as activities in the shares9-DEC-2015 he Nigerian eqdeals was recorded 09-Dec-10 in the 12.00 FLOURMILLS BBB-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS day’s trading. of blue chip14.00 companies CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR uity market yes06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS 13.00 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 NAHCO dragged down Just as in the previous terday plunged theNAHCO market. 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto FSDH further following Trading activities on day , the banking25-Oct-13 sub13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 UBA sector of the financial massive sell off that has the floor of the Exchange 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C & I LEASING services sector was the had the previous day also persisted on the local MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 Nil *DANA most active during the bourse in recent times. closed in red following MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR *TOWER MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 AAA/DataPro†;watchers A/GCR *TOWER negative sentiment day (measured by 09-Sep-11 turnMarket beby in14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 over volume); with22-Sep-11 A/Agusto; UBA vestors. lieve it isA/GCR not yet time for 166.7 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR 18-Oct-13 *LA CASERA investors to get respite Consequently , the Allmillion shares worth N1.6 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 17-Feb-12 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS from investment depleShare Index dipped 234.86 billion exchanged by in16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 01-Apr-14 Nil *DANA tion as low or NAHCO 0.80 II per vestors in 1,293 deals. 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR sentiment 14-Nov-13 NAHCO basis points15.25 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR persist given the 30-Sep-14 might Volume in the banking 29,125.69 as STANBIC cent IBTC to close at BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR ‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

*GOMBE LAGOS

#{r}

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

SEC to unveil corporate governance scorecard

15.50 16.23 sub-sector was largely 14.50 80.00 driven14.75 by activities26.62 in the shares14.75 of GTB and 11.10 Access 87.50 Bank 13.50 Plc. 15.00 5.00 Also, other finan14.50 4.55 cial services sub sector, 15.00 4.56 boosted by activities 460.61 in the shares of FBNH 427.28Plc, followed with a turnover of 83.410.00 million shares val5.00 ued at12.00 N526.9 million 18.75 in 783 deals. 14.00 0.42 13.00 Further analysis15.00 of the 14.25 5.53 that day’s trading showed 13.00 20.00 Honeywell Plc topped the 18.00 0.64 day’s 16.00 gainers’ table with 6.30 4.46 per at 18.00 cent to close 2.90 0.80 Plc N3.2816.00 while Tranex 14.00 with 4.40 35.00 per followed 15.75 cent to close at 952.40kobo 18.00 0.41 per share. Dangote4.50 Sugar 16.00 Plc gained 3.92 per cent to 15.25 2.05 11.93 0.10 close at N7.15 per share.

30-Sep-14

13.25

16.61next couple 95.56 in the of 16.48 89.07 weeks, the commission 1.94 17.42 91.27 would17.04have consulted 31-Dec-20 3.55 1.44 93.71 with the93.71 relevant 06-Jan-21 3.58 1.95 widely 17.55 he Securities and bodies. Exchange Com“Corporate govermission (SEC) has nance is very close to our said it is set to inaugurate hearts and we97.87 believe 17-Aug-15 0.27 4.88 18.60 corporate governance 09-Dec-15 0.58 1.00 that collaboration 14.06 98.86 with scorecard for 06-Jan-16 0.66 quoted 2.63 you will 16.23 further 98.68propa29-Sep-16 1.63 country 1.00 95.01 companies in the . gate 16.58 the advocacy in 25-Oct-16 1.70 1.34 terms16.93 96.11 Acting Director-Genof its importance. 30-Sep-17 2.64 1.00 92.45 I can 16.63 assure you that we eral of SEC, Mr. Mounir 30-Nov-17 1.66 1.88 17.46 101.42 are ready to collaborate Gwarzo, stated this yes09-Apr-18 1.66 3.48 19.06 95.97 Gwarzo terday 09-Sep-18when he 1.82received 5.20 with you,” 20.80 96.18 said. 09-Sep-18 1.82Institute 5.06 members of the He 20.66 stressed93.62 that if 3.61 1.00 there 16.60 93.09 of22-Sep-18 Directors Centre for was any institution 18-Oct-18 1.93 2.29 96.73 Corporate Governance in the17.90 capital market that 17-Feb-19 2.02 6.11 21.72 94.54 in01-Apr-19 Abuja. should be the champion 2.89 2.16 17.78 96.11 He said that governance, 14-Nov-20 5.76 compli2.76 of corporate 18.24 89.51 30-Sep-24 9.64 1.00 it should 16.45 be the 78.45 ance of these companies SEC be30-Sep-24 1.00 cause16.45 84.74 with the tenets9.64of corpoof its important rate governance will in role as regulator in the turn translate into bet- Nigerian capital marter returns and better ket. He also recognised the wide coverage that service delivery among 11-Feb-18 3.00 1.00 16.62 85.29 others. the 01-Feb-21 4.75 1.00 SEC has 16.56 both within 83.62 Gwarzo said the SROs, the trade groups, launch of the scorecard quoted companies and by the Commission, the operators. which will Bid probably beYield (%) HeBid Price said one of the Maturity Date Yield (%) Offer Offer Price the first by an institu- things the Commission & Yields tion in the financialPrices had done in the last few system was to ensure that 28-Jan-21 in the 7.19country, 6.93 years97.91 99.11 underscored the impor- any operator that was 12-Jul-18 6.06 5.70 97.14 tance the Commission registered with98.24 SEC had attached to corporate a compliance officer. 12-Jul-23 7.48 7.29 93.18 94.31 governance. Gwarzo recalled the He added that as the intervention by the ComCommission goes along, mission in Ecobank its ambition in the very Transnational Incorpofew years to come was to rated33.50 (ETI), which he 01-Feb-16 181.43 181.43 33.50 see that every6.96operator said translated into better 19-May-16 6.96 100.63 100.63 complied with11.31 corporate management of 91.50 the bank. 25-Jul-17 11.31 91.50 governance. He81.92 stated that the 02-May-18 14.00 13.12 83.92 He explained has 08-Nov-18 10.63that the 9.73 Commission 85.99 88.53 a de08-Apr-19 41.33 41.33 partment 40.50 40.50 Commission was conspecifically 22-Apr-19 on it and 10.94 that the 10.94 overseeing 84.52 84.52 sulting corporate gov21-May-19 15.63 14.36 79.07 82.50 intention was to make ernance both for quoted 07-Aug-20 13.38 13.38 80.00 80.00 sure that before the companies and that it 09-Dec-20 24.22 24.22 46.50 46.50 launch of the Corporate was also extending it to 24-Jun-21 13.89 13.41 80.88 82.63 Governance Scorecard institutions. 23-Jul-21 13.85 13.85 other 75.00 75.00

Chris Ugwu and 27-Nov-20 5.79 31-Dec-20 5.89 Abdulwahab Isa 10-Oct-20

Incoming govt must improve economy –APBN

135.24

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

126.75

Supranational Bond

Chris Ugwu AAA/S&P

economy, was germane to countries11-Feb-13 that are very10.20 seri10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 ginger the overall economic ous about 10-Jul-14 fighting corruption 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 11.25 heOUTSTANDING Association of Bod- development. have succeeded in reducing it TOTAL VALUE iesMARKET of Nigeria (APBN), Fasoto, who said that the to the minimum like in China, TOTAL CAPITALISATION an umbrella body of professional body was happy Indonesia and even Ghana. professionals in Nigeria, hasIssuerfor the reform being carried The problem Description Rating/Agency Issue Datewith corrupCoupon (%) said it is looking forward to out in the capital market, tion in Nigeria is that people Eurobonds an FGN elected government with called on the incoming govern- get away with stolen and illstrong political ment to bring more6.75 initiatives gotten wealth. JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P will to improve 07-Oct-11 The elected 6.75 theBB-/Fitch; economy. that will improve the market. government will need to enFGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 5.13 APBN He noted that the citizens sure that 12-Jul-13 corrupt persons go BB-/S&P President, Mr. Foluunpunished,” Fasoto said. so BB-/Fitch; Fasoto, stated this at the were looking forward to an 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 6.38 BB-/S&P 2015 extra-ordinary general elected government with very Speaking on energy, he TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE assembly at the Chartered strong political will to support called on the incoming govTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Institute of Stockbrokers’ the quick dispensation of jus- ernment to encourage any Secretariat in Lagos. tice in cases of corruption state of the federation that is Corporate Eurobonds Fasoto noted that the prolevied against individuals or financially capable to gener11.50 FEB 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I 01-Feb-11 11.50 fessional body had met with groups, which are7.50currently ate its own electricity for the MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 19-May-11 7.50 consumption of the people of relevant government agencies with anti-corruption agencies 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 25-Jul-12 7.25 the state. 09-May-13 on B/Fitch; the issue that are FIDELITY crucial and also in the public domain 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/S&P BANK PLC 6.88 to the survival of the nation’s with a view to bringing cul“There08-Nov-13 should be healthy 6.00 NOVall 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 6.00 B/Fitch AFREN PLC 08-Apr-12 growing economy which isII prits to justice. 10.25 APR 08, 2019 competition between the10.25 state 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 6.25 inversely related to political “All over the world, cor- and the Independent Private 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 development. ruption always fights back Power companies for the8.75 gen8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 8.25 whenever the government He noted that the growth eration, transmission and 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 09-Dec-13 6.63 wages war9.25/6M against it but of B-/Fitch; the capital market,ACCESS which distribution of electricity ,” he USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B/S&P BANK PLC II 24-Jun-14 9.25 also that said. is the bastion of the Nigeria 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD examples abound 23-Jul-14 8.00

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

B-/S&P

IFC

12.00

AfDB

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

14-Aug-14

12.95

24.95 21.06 Outstanding Value ($mm)

500.00 500.00 500.00

1,500.00 1,441.18

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

1.00 1.00

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.78

10.40

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3.31

15.44

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 2.19 1.00 16.62 NEW TELEGRAPH 88.21

10-Feb-15

3,559.49

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute **Treasury Bills FIXINGS Money Market Foreign & Forwards) professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or upExchange to date. (Spot We do not guarantee DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBORfor the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information. the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, neither do we accept liability 9 19-Feb-15 13.40 13.15 13.44 16 23 FGN Bonds 30 37 44 Rating/Agency 51 58 65 72 79 86 93 100 114 121 NA 135 142 156 163 170 177 205 296 310 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 331 345 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 359

26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 Issuer 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 21-May-15 4-Jun-15 11-Jun-15 NA 25-Jun-15 2-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 3-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 7-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 4-Feb-16

13.38 13.20 13.10 12.85 13.45 Description 13.75 13.70 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.10 13.75 13.05 16-AUG-2016 13.90 15.10 27-APR-2017 11.20 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.15 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.20 10.70 30-MAY-2018 14.35 16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.57 7.00 23-OCT-2019 14.55 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.45 14.20 14-MAR-2024 13.53 15.00 28-NOV-2028 14.30 12.49 22-MAY-2029 14.30 11.75 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.55 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.25 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 13.05 13.80 14.00 14.20

*for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

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

13.13 12.95 12.85 12.60 13.20 Issue Date 13.50 13.45 23-Apr-10 12.85 13.50 16-Aug-13 13.65 27-Apr-12 10.95 27-Jul-07 12.90 31-Aug-07 12.95 30-May-08 14.10 29-Jun-12 13.32 23-Oct-09 14.30 27-Jan-12 14.20 14-Mar-14 13.28 28-Nov-08 14.05 22-May-09 14.05 11.50 20-Nov-09 13.30 23-Jul-10 12.00 18-Jul-14 12.80 13.55 13.75 13.95

Description

Bonds

13.46 13.31 13.24 13.02 13.67 Coupon 14.02 (%) 14.00 4.00 13.41 14.13 13.05 14.33 15.10 11.50 9.85 13.61 9.35 13.70 10.70 15.02 16.00 14.21 7.00 15.38 16.39 15.31 14.20 14.36 15.00 15.28 12.49 15.32 12.46 8.50 14.67 10.00 13.60 12.1493 14.68 15.77 16.14 16.51

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M Outstanding

(N'bn)

Value

Rate (%) 65.9600 15.5705 16.4186 17.0817

OBB

68.33

O/N

73.33

REPO

Tenor TTM Call (Yrs) 1M 3M0.20 6M1.51

Maturity Date

535.00 23-Apr-15 NITTY 581.39 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 476.80 27-Apr-17 1M 13.2852 20.00 27-Jul-17 2M 13.9032 100.00 31-Aug-17 3M 14.0229 300.00 30-May-18 6M 14.4273 351.30 29-Jun-19 9M 15.2489 233.90 23-Oct-19 12M 16.4186 600.00 27-Jan-22 434.68 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 NIFEX 150.00 22-May-29 Current Price ($/N)20-Nov-29 200.00 BID($/N) 591.57 198.9275 23-Jul-30 OFFER ($/N) 199.0275 206.00 18-Jul-34

4,855.63

Rate (%) Bid Yield 80.00 83.00 13.76 84.00 85.00 15.49

Tenor

(%)

Bid ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M Yield Offer 2M (%) 3M 6M12.98 1Y15.38

2.21 15.59 15.50 2.46 15.63 15.55 2.55 15.63 15.55 :Benchmarks 3.30 15.61 15.48 * :Amortising Bond 4.38 15.56 15.47 µ :Convertible Bond 4.70Management Corporation 15.56 15.45 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 6.96 15.44 15.37 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 9.09 15.43 15.37 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 13.80 Finance Corporation 15.98 15.93 IFC: International 14.28 16.06 Management 15.99 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables NAHCO: Nigerian 14.78 Aviation Handling 16.14Company 16.06 O/N: Overnight 15.45 15.75 15.67 UPDC: UAC19.43 Property Development Company 15.57 15.51 NOTE:

WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Offer ($/N)

200.00 200.10 200.11 200.22 Price 200.42 200.57 201.16 201.65 Bid Price Offer Price 202.51 203.58 203.87 205.47 98.09 98.24 208.51 211.67 218.43 224.36 96.80 96.95

99.05 99.20 88.54 88.69 87.18 87.33 NA :Not Applicable 87.65 87.95 # :Floating Rate Bond 101.30 101.60 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 72.16 72.46 103.95under review104.25 ‡ : Bond rating 94.05 94.35 †: Bond rating expired 94.52 94.82 N/A :Not Available {r} :Issuer 80.17 in receivership 80.47 57.41 57.71 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 67.00 67.30 UBA: United Bank for Africa 79.50 79.20

4,362.30

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.28 1.14 1.82 2.19 2.40

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.25 18.06 17.60 16.62 16.63

95.55 99.24 97.52 96.87 93.56

Agency Bonds

FMBN ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUEModified Duration Buckets TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

‡ /Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

‡ /Agusto

EDO

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

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 Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

Total Outstanding Volume(Bn)

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

Weighting by Outstanding Vol

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

Weighting by Mkt Value

24.56 2.70 INDEX 112.22 116.70 66.49 Bucket322.68 Weighting

% Exposure_ Mod_Duration

Implied Yield

Implied Portfolio Price

INDEX

YTD Return (%)

1,035.05

1,058.18

32.64

34.70

310.850.33

12.98

15.54

118.1008

1,121.72

1.2518

3<5

1,388.38

1,385.98

42.75

46.54

0.43

45.99

15.46

120.4667

1,020.07

0.7402

797.57

24.60 31-Aug-10 100.00 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11

18.76 12.50 100.00 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50

0.25

41.02 31-Aug-15 100.00 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18

15.69 0.55 15.57 0.39 0.91 0.91 2.19 1.45 2.89 2.06 2.07 2.26

84.0020 4.44 110.7229 3.23 4.46 3.48 1.00 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00

982.13 17.38 1,057.31 16.33 19.74 18.77 16.62 16.60 17.41 17.42 16.62 16.62

2.4711 97.50 0.2013 98.77 95.44 97.35 88.21 96.49 92.46 94.49 95.72 96.22

>5 Market

559.50 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 2,982.94 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

3,241.73

8.50 4.18 4.86 5.73 57.00 25.73 25.00 34.14 9.00 13.73

1.00

NEW TELEGRAPH wednesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

News 47

south - east

‘Imo commissioner fingered in beating of women, journalist mayhem A protest by widows is a subject of controversy in Imo Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

uspected thugs yesterday, brutalised widows protesting alleged harassment of the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri by agents of the state government. A journalist was also among the injured. The widows, all dressed in black attires, were said to have embarked on the protest under the aegis

of the Imo Widows Association (IWA) they were drawn from the 27 council areas of the state, in condemnation of the alleged harassment of Onwuliri, who they described as their patron. Leader of the women, Edith Anyiwo, said: “Why would the state government continue to sponsor people to make such wicked assertions that she killed her husband, except to break her, intimidate and hound her out of doing her job. The harassment and intimidation was becoming outrageous. That was why we came to tell Rochas Okorocha, to let her be, and to affirm that we stand by Onwuliri, which was why our placards also carried such inscriptions

as, ‘On Goodluck Jonathan we stand’. It is however a tragedy that the response of a responsible government to a peaceful protest by widows was to unleash thugs on us directly supervised by Okorocha’s Commissioners and aides.” According to Anyiwo, some of the women sustained serious injuries like fractured legs, deep cuts and bruises, as she said it was also unclear the state of some of the women who fell into the gutter in their bid to run to safety. Eye witness account however told our corre-

spondent that the protesters had lined up for a peacefully protest along Okigwe Road, opposite the Government House, displaying placards with such inscriptions like: ‘Injury to Onwuliri is injury to us’, ‘Onwuliri is a widow just like us, stop harassing her’, ‘ Okorocha you abandoned us, Onwuliri supported us ’. It said, not too long after, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Kenneth Emelu, arrived the scene with scores of youths who immediately attacked the widows pelting them with water sachets.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Chidi Ibe, was said to have stated that, the journalist, injured in the fracas, got what he deserved as no credible journalist should have covered such an event. He accused Etuk Eric of being hired by the alleged sponsors of the protest. In a statement by Governor Rochas Okorocha, made available to our correspondent, the governor blamed Onwuliri, for the incident, claiming that some of the widows were men dressed in women attire.

The statement reads, “Some of the PDP leaders, led by Viola Onwuliri, who has become the liar of the century were behind all these. The woman that claims that 305 schools built by the state government are Federal government projects and some other PDP leaders brought some women and thugs who were dressed in women clothes for a protest. I also learnt that most of these protesters are not women, most of them are men who are dressed in women’s clothes to come here and destroy the Government House”.

Plot to harm Otti uncovered, police alerted Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he gover norship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has called on the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, to investigate the alleged attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member representing Isiala Ngwa South in the Abia State House of Assembly Mr. Darlington Nwokocha along the PDP’s House of Representative candidate for Isiala Ngwa North and South, purportedly carried out by the security outfit of the APGA’s governorship candidate. Addressing newsmen at APGA’s campaign office on Library Avenue Umuahia, yesterday, the Director of Special Duties of Alex Otti Campaign Oragnisation, Chief Nwaka Inem, said the letter to the IGP, became necessary because of the tense political situation in the state, as well as the campaign of calumny against the APGA candidate. He said the incumbent government has ran out of tricks since it became

Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

ormer Governor of old Anambra State and member of the Board of Trustees(BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Jim Nwobodo, has declared that Enugu State was the most certain of the party’s stronghold area in the country in the

obvious to them that Otti, was the popular choice and had resorted to physical violence and intimidation and threat. “Knowing the several acts of wanton brigandage that have denoted the campaign of the PDP in this contest, APGA is very worried that this is a scheme invented to soften the ground for a fresh attack on our candidate under the cover of phantom reprisal “We have received intelligent information that the grand plan is to stage a protest march and attack our candidate and burn his house,” he said. Inem, said that the PDP has turned the governorship election in the state in a war that threatens the life of Otti. He also noted that the “purpose of the allegation is to create violence and to arm twist security agencies to withdraw their personnel attached to Dr Alex Otti to prepare ground for the ultimate sinister plan against him.” According to Inem, “They have called our candidate all sorts of unprintable names in the forlorn hope that the people would be swayed or deceived."

L-R: Controller General of Prisons, Mr Ezenwa Ekpendu; best graduating Student, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Enugu Maximum Prison, Mr Okechukwu Adenyi; Controller of Prisons, Enugu State, Mr Alloys Uchenwa and Joseph Komolafe, during the Institution’s Enugu Maximum Prisons Convocation …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

‘There is no court case against my candidature’ Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Imo state, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, has said that there was no litigation in any court challenging his emergence from the APGA primary election as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2015 gubernatorial election in the State. He made the assertion yesterday while briefing newsmen in Owerri, in response to a purported litigation against APGA

filed by the former Chairman of the party in the state, Prince Cletus Nwaka and six others, over his candidacy. Speaking through his campaign Director of Publicity, Emperor Iwuala, a lawyer, Ihenacho stated that Nwaka’s case was not on any governorship primary election or any matter incidental to it or to his candidature, but on the embattled former chairman’s tenure as the chairman of the party in the state and that of some members of the former party’s State Working Committee. Continuing, Iwuala said that, ironically, nei-

ther Ihenacho nor any former governorship aspirant of the party was a party to the suit. ‘The suit at the Federal High Court Owerri is on the tenure of the Nwakaled former Executive of the party in Imo State. It was even filed before the primary election that saw Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho emerge the party’s governorship standard bearer in the state. Incidentally, nobody is presently challenging my Ihenacho’s nomination as the APGA gubernatorial candidate in Imo State in any law court. Therefore, people should disregard any claim to the contrary

Polls: Enugu, a sure PDP state, says Nwobodo forthcoming general election. He said it remains so far the surest state for the party to win all contests Nwobodo, spoke while addressing a huge crowd of supporters at the PDP campaign rally held at the Enugu South Local Government Area, saying that victory for the governor-

ship candidate of the PDP, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his victory was a forgone conclusion. In a similar development, the Enugu State command of the Nigeria Police, has got leaders and candidates of all the political parties taking part in the general elections to

sign a peace pact to maintain a peace before, during and after the elections Nwobodo, who is one of the 109 presidential contact persons working for president Goodluck Jonathan in all the senatorial zones across the country, however, frowned at the attitude of some members of the

party who left for other parties after failing in the primary elections, calling on them to come back. He stated that there was no opposition in Enugu State as far as the forthcoming election was concerned and taunted all members of the PDP that left the party to contest elections in other po-

as they are cheap lies targeted at deceiving people and heating up the polity. It can be recalled that in Suit No. FHC/OW/ CS/161/2014 the former Chairman of APGA in Imo State and some members of his then executives that prosecuted the election of Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2011 went to court to challenge their removal by the national leadership of the party, replacing them with a care-taker committee. The matter has been adjourned to the 2nd day of March 2015 for consolidation and possible adoption of addresses. litical parties that they were merely wasting their time. On the peace pact of non-violence among party stakeholders, the Assistant Inspector General of police ( A.I.G ), Mr. A.U.Gwary, and the commissioner of police, Enugu State, Abubakar Adamu Mohammed were among those present during the signing of the pact at the State Police headquarters.

News

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

US against Jonathan over anti-gay law, says group Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

political group, the Niger Delta Non-Violence Youth Assembly, has decried the stance of the United States of America against the postponement of the general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group said the United States’ stance on the postponement of the election was due to Nigeria’s passage of the anti-gay bill under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. The group’s Coordinator, Kennedy West, who spoke with reporters in Port Harcourt, described the disappointment expressed by the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, over the shift of the election as un-

The sex ratio of women to 100 men (international migrants) in Gabon in 2010. Source: Un.org

938

fair to Nigeria. “It is obvious that since Jonathan refused to adopt the gay rights bill, the United States has been unhappy with him,” he said, adding that the postponement was in the country’s best interest. West, who also accused the United States of taking sides with the All Progressives Congress (APC) instead of emphasising on non-

The number of refugees in Kuwait at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

violent election, added that the same campaign consultancy of President Barrack Obama is handling the APC campaign. West said: “Ordinarily, one would think that the United States will commend Nigeria and Jega for shifting the election and calling on all political parties to be calm and conduct the electioneering affairs in a violent-free manner, but it appears that the

The percentage of primary-age children that do not attend school in Latin America and the Caribbean. Source: Unesco.org

West is taking sides with the APC to the detriment of Nigeria. “We perceive that the West has been compromised. We want to ask the United States what their national interest is. Is it the safety of their citizens, a credible election or a haphazard job? Is it proper in a democratic dispensation that over 20 million people would be denied their Permanent Voters’ Cards

(PVC’s) and the election would still go on? “Is it proper that millions of legitimate voters will be threatened as they prepare for the elections by insurgents and nothing should be done about it? What has been their role in stemming violence in the North East? Again, what has been their contribution to fighting corruption in this country outside of talk and no action?

Oshiomhole sacks aide Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

do State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has terminated the appointment of Hon. Faustines Ovienrioba, the Executive Director of Community Development with immediate effect. No reason was given for his sack. He was, however, directed to hand over all government property

in his possession to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) within 24 hours. Ovienrioba was the former council boss of Ovia North East in the state. It was gathered that the APC government in the state has spread its dragnet to fish out agents of those opposed to the administration who are considered as moles fronting for the opposition PDP.

Group advises Delta indigenes on voting Tony Okuyeme

A L-R: INEC National Commissioner in charge of Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers, Mrs. Thelma Iremiren; Ochie of Echie land, Eze Emmanuel Opurum and Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Gesila Khan, during a courtesy visit to the Ochie…yesterday

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

socio-political organisation, Defenders of Democracy Group (DDG) yesterday frowned at the rumoured plan by the Federal Government to ease out the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, saying such plot will amount to undermining the country’s growing democracy. The group noted with deep concern that such ugly development has

‘Presidency, service chiefs toying with Nigeria’s destiny’ not reared its head since independence in 1960. Members of the body in a statement issued by its Director General, Ejoor Mukoro and made available to newsmen in Benin yesterday observed that INEC was blackmailed into agreeing to a shift in date of the elections. They said those behind such plan would not succeed, adding that shifting

the polls’ date was a coup against the citizens and the nation at large. According to the group, “The Presidency failed to observe that Goodluck Jonathan rode to power on the sympathy of the people, not because the people loved his party, but because people felt for him, saw in him, the face of hope... but today, having squandered his fortune and

Nigeria’s goodwill, he is trying to force his party down the throat of everybody in the country.” The DDG also cautioned; “But Mr. President must realise that for Nigerians, it is not a party affair, it is not a matter of PDP or APC, but that the country seems to see in another man, the face of change, the face of hope, reconstruction and rejuvenation.

Ex-commissioner denies involvement in fraud Cajetan Mmuta BNIN

he immediate past Commissioner for Investment, Public/Private Partnership and Other Related Matters in the government of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, yesterday denied any involvement in fraud related cases in

Nigeria and overseas. The state government had in a statement last week claimed that it received petitions from overseas against the commissioner for alleged fraud. But Idahosa in an interview with newsmen described the allegation as laughable and one that lacked merit, insisting that he has not been involved in any criminal act

nor has he been arrested or tried by law enforcement agencies both in the country and abroad. He said: “There is no fact in that. I have never been involved in any criminal or fraudulent act in my life both in Nigeria and abroad, nor have I been arrested or tried by the law enforcement agents within and outside the country.” Idahosa, who dumped

the APC for the PDP after four months in the state executive council, noted that the allegation against him was part of the politics designed to rubbish the name he had laboured over the years to build, adding that he would not be deterred in the task of ensuring improved wellbeing of the people of Ovia federal constituency and entire grassroots people of the state.

Lagos-based philanthropic organisation, Ndokwa Pillars, has called on indigenes of Ndokwa West, East and Ukwuani Local Government of Delta State to embrace peace and vote for credible candidates that would improve their wellbeing in the March general election. Speaking during its annual general meeting organised to mark Ukwata carnival, President of the organisation, Chief Sunday Odije, called on the communities’ elders

to guide the youths as well as pray for violence free polls in all parts of the country. He also called on those in authority, especially politicians, to eschew politics of selfishness and the flagrant use of power to the detriment of the poor masses that voted them into power. The organisation’s Vice-President, Thompson Onyebuolise, called on Ndokwa people and the entire Delta State to vote massively for candidates that would better the life of all, young, old and the down trodden in the state.

Edo youths kick against electoral violence Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

housands of youths yesterday marched along the major streets of Benin, the Edo State capital, in protest against electoral violence, saying that they only support violence-free elections. They also that said they were concerned about the postponement of the elections. The protesting youths, made up of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), also appealed for calm among Nigerians and citizens of the state, asking them not to allow themselves to be used by desperate politi-

cians, who are only out to perpetrate violence during the elections. This was as the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Students Affairs, Comrade Jude Image, in a message to the youths, asked them to vote President Goodluck Jonathan for him to continue with the policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of young Nigerians. The NYCN said they have resolved to mobilise all the youth organisations as part of the awareness creation among the young ones on their voting rights during the polls.

NEW TELEGRAPH wednesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

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PDP, APC trade words over killing of six in Niger Dan Atori MINNA

ollowing the bloody clash in Dogo Fadama, Mariga Local Government area of Niger State last Saturday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday continued to trade words over the incident that claimed

no fewer than six lives between the supporters of both parties. The two parties yesterday pointed fingers at each other over who was behind the fracas that also saw scores of people injured. The Niger State chapter of the PDP claimed in a statement yesterday that APC supporters were paid to ambush the campaign convoy of its gubernatorial candidate, Umar

Mohammed Nasko, with intentions to kill him. However, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, countered such claims, saying that the ruling party hired thugs from Kano to cause mayhem in villages where its candidate was not popular. Vatsa said the PDP has become notorious for the use of paid thugs in its electioneering cam-

paigns. The statement issued by PDP Publicity Secretary, Hassan Saba, said the opposition party has realised that the PDP was set to win the next governorship election and also consolidate its winning streak in other elective positions. He said the attitude of the opposition was capable of plunging Niger State into one of the worst political crises since its

creation in 1976. The PDP statement reads in part: “The opposition should hold its head in shame over the death of six unfortunate youths in Mariga, we know that the misguided youths who died, and who laid ambush on our gubernatorial aspirant and his campaign team, were offered money, alcohol and other illicit drugs.” Vatsa, however, said that “the villagers killed

in Dogo Fadama were APC's supporters and that they were killed by PDP thugs hired for that purpose. PDP has become a party of terror in the state and in the country in general.” He called on APC supporters not to engage in any form of reprisal attack over the killing, adding that they should remain calm and peaceful while security agents investigate the incident.

ABU to embrace e-learning, says VC Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

Taraba State Commissioner for Special Duties, Prince Mustapha Hamman-Gabdo (right), receiving relief materials on behalf of the 27 IDP camps across the state from Gombe Operational Officer of NEMA, Alhaji Saidu Ahmed, in Jalingo …yesterday. PHOTO-NAN

Kwara CP raises the alarm over political violence red alert

Growing political violence in Kwara hitherto a peaceful state is a cause for concern

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

he Kwara State Police Commissioner, Mr. Salihu Garba, yesterday expressed concern over the growing spate of political violence in the state, saying it has begun to give a wrong signal about the state to the police high command. Since last week when the campaign team of

Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed was attacked at Isapa, the home town of his opponent in the April 11, 2015 election, there had been other outbreak of violence in the state. On Sunday, about 20 vehicles were destroyed at Share; Ahmed's hometown by people suspected to be sympathisers of the PDP while the opposition party also claimed that one of its members in Kuntu area of the state capital, was killed by people they claimed were working for the APC. An obviously exasperated Garba, while appealing to media workers to join hands with his command in educating residents of the state, partic-

ularly politicians, on the need to maintain peace, said he had received a stern warning from the Inspector General of Police to tackle the matter without delay. “Every day, in Ilorin, its gbam gbam gbam gbam", the police boss said mimicking the sound of gunshots and added; “it is not good for us.” Two AK47 rifles, believed to have been stolen from Ogun and Ondo commands of the police, as well as three locallymade pistols have been recovered by men of the command within one week of surveillance. One of the guns was recovered from a suspect at a campaign ground,

Garba said. The police boss said further: “Please join us in propagating peace in a place we claim to be harmonious. We are now concerned and worried, because Kwara is now involved. The issue is political thuggery and it has even turned from throwing pure waters to hacking people to death. It happened in Ilorin and Ojoku, Oyun Local Government area. It has led to the use of firearms. “It is unfortunate that our tour of the state where we preached peace has not yielded the expected results. It is unfortunate that political thuggery has become a part of the system,” he said.

Shinkafi: I’ll give education, Plateau nets N8.3bn from IGR the amount fell below youth empowerment priority Musa Pam the expectation of the Idris Salisu Gusau

ormer Zamfara State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, yesterday assured the people of the state that if elected, his administration will give

priority to education and youth empowerment to curb crimes. Shinkafi said education and youth empower ment are the best ways to eliminate poverty and tackle all for ms of crimes as most of the crimes and violence are as a result of poverty and lack of education.

Jos

lateau State government yesterday said it has raked in N8.35 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the year 2014. Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Mr. Pam Samuel, who disclosed this to journalists, said

service. Samuel, while giving the analysis of the year’s revenue data, said the bulk of the collection came from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) of N4.3 billion representing 51 per cent. He said N2.35 billion of the revenue came from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

he Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has embraced e-learning as it is gradually and systematically replacing the analogue learning teaching mode with 21st century information and communication technology mode, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has said yesterday. The Vice-Chancellor, who was speaking at the 2014/2015 matriculation ceremony held at the institution’s main campus, Samaru, Zaria, said the university will continue to provide students with state-of-the-art learning and teaching mode and Internet communication facilities to facilitate e-

learning delivery. According to Mustapha, e-learning is now the global best practice in learning delivery. “Ultimately, we will replace exercise books with laptops and iPads and analogue practice of writing examination, with computerbased tests,” he assured. The Vice-Chancellor warned the matriculating students not to allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction by some groups or individuals. “As new students in the university, you must be careful with campus life, endeavour to shun cultism, examination malpractices, gangsterism, indecent dressing and alcoholism, among other forms of social vices,” the Vice-Chancellor admonished the students.

Akanbi: Poll shift portends danger for democracy Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

he pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has expressed fear over the postponement of the February general election, saying that it may spell doom for the nation. Akanbi, while reacting to the shift in the polls’ dates, cautioned politicians against using the unfortunate development to heat up the polity even though there was no doubting the fact that it would have adverse effects on the nation’s democracy. He said: “My view is not different from that of most Nigerians, who felt that the elections should not be postponed. The way we are heating up the polity and making all sorts of frivolous statements, can lead to trouble. “Once the election is held, that will be out of the question and those beating the drums of war will now know that elec-

tion has been held and it’s either they accept the result or not. “It appears the security chaps based on what I have read, gave the impression that they will not be able to guarantee peace and security. Faced with that situation, I think Prof. Attahiru Jega, has found himself in a very difficult situation. “The Jega I know is a principled man, who I have known from his days as the chairman of ASUU and I know what he sacrificed for the union and each election he held witnessed some sort of progress. “But I only hope that we are not giving the chance for the people to create problem and cause more turmoil, which will put the country in a fix and it is on that basis that I felt that is the last option opened to Jega. “We cannot say willynilly that we will get on with it and when there is problem, it will be laid on the feet of Jega, who actually has the authority to decide whether or not to postpone the polls."

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Rockets hit Ukraine-held territory

ockets killed civilians and soldiers deep in Ukrainian government-held territory yesterday and rebels pushed on with an assault to cut off an army-held rail junction, setbacks that showed Kiev’s position worsening on the eve of peace talks. Advances by pro-Russian rebels diminished hopes of a deal when Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany hold a summit in Minsk on Wednesday under a new Franco-German initiative to halt fighting in a war that has killed more than 5,000 people. European officials say it is difficult to imagine the

rebels agreeing to halt and go back to earlier positions after weeks during which they have been advancing relentlessly. A Russian source quoted by the state RIA news agency said there were no plans to sign a document to resolve the conflict at the peace talks, and the main subject would be creation of a demilitarized zone. Rockets crashed into Kramatorsk, some 50 km (30 miles) north of the front, hitting the main headquarters of the Ukrainian military campaign in the east, as well as nearby residential areas. Local officials said at least seven civilians were killed, while 26 civilians and 10 soldiers were

wounded. A parliamentary deputy said four soldiers were also killed. A Reuters photographer saw the body of a woman who had been killed, laid out in light snow where she fell. The tail of a rocket stuck out of a small crater in the ground. The rebels denied firing on the town, but their apparent ability to strike so far into Ukrainian-held territory will complicate peace talks that aim to reestablish a ceasefire the separatists repudiated with a new offensive since last month. At the front in Vuhlehirsk, a small town captured by rebels last week, volleys of artillery crashed in both direc-

People looking at the remains of a rocket shell on a street in the town of Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine.

Fighting erupts in South Sudan days after ceasefire

ebels in South Sudan attacked towns in two states yesterday, the army said, barely a week after signing another ceasefire agreement with the government that was meant to end 15 months of conflict. Thousands of people have been killed and more than a million have fled their homes since fighting erupted in the world’s newest nation in December 2013, triggered by a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar. Philip Aguer, spokesman for South Sudan’s army, the SPLA, said the attacks had

occurred in the capital of oilproducing Unity state Bentiu and in Upper Nile State, both in the north of the country. “A ground attack was launched by the rebels in Upper Nile today on SPLA positions in Obudo County using a big force supported by heavy machine guns,” Aguer told Reuters. “Another area of violation by the rebels was in Unity state. The rebels shelled SPLA force positions in Bentiu north of the town this morning.” He gave no details of casualties and said the SPLA had repulsed the rebels and captured two vehicles and heavy machine guns. Aguer added

that fighting was still raging in Upper Nile. The rebels were not immediately reachable for comment. Earlier this month, Kiir and Machar signed the latest ceasefire agreement aimed at pushing them closer to a final deal to end the conflict that has hurt the oil-producing state. A ceasefire signed in January 2014 has been broken frequently and peace talks have often faltered, frustrating Western backers of South Sudan.The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions on commanders on both sides for violating the ceasefire.

US to close embassy in Yemen

he United States is closing its embassy in Yemen, the Arabian penninsula state where a rebel group has seized control of the capital, embassy employees and a US official in Washington said yesterday. Employees of the embassy in Sanaa said the US mission had been getting rid of documents and weapons and staff had been leaving the capital over the past days with a view of closing down completely today.

The ambassador had informed them that Washington may ask the Turkish or Algerian embassies in Sanaa to look after US interests in the country while the embassy was closed. “The ambassador and the rest of the staff will leave by Wednesday evening,” one employee, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. Employees at the British, French and German embassies said their missions had also been getting rid of documents and have given local staff two months’ paid leave. But there was no immedi-

ate word on the missions closing down. The US embassy had reduced its staff after Shi’ite Muslim rebels from the Houthi movement moved against President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi last month, capturing his presidential office and confining him to his private residence. Hadi and his government subsequently resigned. On Sunday, the US embassy said on its website it had “suspended all consular services until further notice”, citing the security situation in Sanaa.

tions. The rebels are pushing to encircle government forces holding out in nearby Debaltseve, a rail hub that is the main rebel target. Rebels sounded triumphant and said they had no intention of halting while they had government troops on

the back foot. “The Debaltseve bubble has been shut firmly. We will not let them out. There is no way they can get out,” said a commander of a reconnaissance unit who identified himself by the nom de guerre of Malysh - “Little One”.

White House confirms death of female US hostage held by ISIS

resident Barack Obama yesterday confirmed the death of Kayla Mueller, a US aid worker who had been held hostage by Islamic State militants, saying the United States would “find and bring to justice the terrorists who are responsible.” Mueller’s family also said in a statement that they were “heartbroken” to learn of her death and released a copy of a letter she had written in 2014 while in captivity. The comments by Obama and the family come four days after Islamic State said Mueller, a 26-year-old humanitarian worker from Arizona, was killed when Jordanian fighter jets bombed a building where she was being held, although Jordan expressed doubt about the Islamist militant group’s account of her death. Mueller was determined to have died after her Islamic State captors privately contacted her family over the weekend, a White House spokeswoman said. “Over the weekend, the family received a private message from Kayla’s ISIL captors containing additional information,” National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said, using an acronym for Islamic State. “Once this information was authenticated by the intelligence community, they concluded that Kayla was deceased,” Meehan said. A family representative,

who asked not to be identified by name, said the family received a private message from her captors over the weekend containing “additional information, which the intelligence community authenticated and deemed credible.”Neither Obama nor the family gave details of the circumstances of her death. US officials said that the family received an email and photo from Islamic State that confirmed she was dead. US officials said they had no evidence to support Islamic State claims that she was killed in a Jordanian air strike, adding the details surrounding her death remained unclear. “It’s unclear from the intelligence picture how she died,” said one US official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Mueller was the last-known American hostage held by Islamic State, which controls wide areas of Syria and Iraq. She was taken hostage while leaving a hospital in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo in August 2013. The group has beheaded three other Americans, two Britons and two Japanese hostages, most of them aid workers or journalists in recent months. “No matter how long it takes, the United States will find and bring to justice the terrorists who are responsible for Kayla’s captivity and death,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House.

Court upholds Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy conviction

alaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim began a five-year prison sentence yesterday after a court rejected his final appeal against a sodomy conviction, a decision he called a “murder of judicial independence” and human rights groups condemned as unjust. The case was widely seen at home and abroad as politically motivated to eliminate any threats to the ruling coalition, whose popularity has slowly been eroding since 2008 after more than five decades of unquestioned dominance. Anwar is the most popular, vocal and visible symbol of the opposition’s resurgence and had become a potent political threat to Prime Minister Najib Razak. Police led Anwar out of the court to start serving his sentence. “I have to go. Time’s up,” the 67 year old politician told his supporters inside the court. “I

will miss you all,” he said, bowing to them before walking out. Anwar was accused of sodomizing Saiful Bukhari Azlan, then 23, who was working as a lowly aide in the opposition campaign office in 2008. Homosexuality is a crime in Muslim-majority Malaysia and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and by whipping, although prosecutions are rare. He was acquitted by the High Court in 2012 but the Appeals Court overturned the acquittal in March last year and sentenced him to five years in prison. Anwar appealed in Federal Court, which in its ruling yesterday said there was “overwhelming evidence” to support the conviction. “It is beyond reasonable doubt that (Saiful) was sodomized by the appellant. The appeal is dismissed,” said Justice Arifin Zakaria, who read the verdict for two hours on behalf of the fivejudge panel.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Sport News Mikel out of Everton clash

Sport C

Nigerian League

Antetokounmpo named NBA Player of the Week

LMC insists on March 7 kickoff date

Did you know? That earliest kick off 1115 Man City vs. Everton 2005

Chelsea look to extend lead at the top

helsea will aim to maintain their seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the English Premier League standings when they take on Everton at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Jose Mourinho’s men took advantage of nearest rivals City’s surprise home draw against Hull at the weekend with a hard-

Diego Costa

International Sport

earned win at Aston Villa. The leaders thumped Roberto Martinez’s side 6-3 in an exhilarating encounter at Goodison Park when the sides last met in August and have since gone from strength to strength as they chase their fifth league title. Everton have not won in the league at Stamford Bridge since

November 1994, but the Merseysiders will look to defy recent history and end that barren run. One win in eight league games doesn’t suggest an upset is on the cards with Everton 12th in the table and only seven points above the relegation places. But the Toffees’ only defeat in their last six games was a penalty shoot-out FA Cup exit at West

Ham and they head to London after drawing 0-0 with Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Saturday thanks to a third successive clean sheet in the league. Midfielder Cesc Fabregas is likely to be back for the home game after missing two matches with a hamstring problem, but it remains to be seen if Filipe Luis (calf) is available to return.

Oshonaike rejects Egypt’s mega deal lTurns down lucrative coaching job

Adekunle Salami

ational female table tennis player, Funke Oshonaike, has revealed how Nigeria’s rival in the ping pong game, Egypt, attempted to lure her to the North African country. Oshonaike told our correspondent that officials of the Egypt Table Tennis Federation spent five days trying to convince her to move to Egypt. In an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, the for-

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

I cannot imagine myself in another colours competing against Nigeria. I did not do it as an athlete over the years and won’t do it as a coach. No matter the situation, I truly love my country

mer African table tennis queen said the North Africans dangled a mouth-watering offer before her as a player/trainer in one of the clubs in Egypt. She noted that her fears was that she could be drafted to be part of the coaching crew of the national female team of Egypt and this informed her decision: a big NO. “The Egyptians were very desperate to convince me to join them. The contract is with a club. The money is very good. I said no and they even asked if I wanted more money. I guess I might work with the female national team someday and that could mean handling Egypt against Nigeria. That, I cannot do. My fear is that after I sign for the club, they might need me also for the national teams because one of them mentioned youth development. “After all my years of commitment and patriotism, to now end my career like that will be too bad. I cannot imagine myself in another colours competing against Nigeria. I did not do it as an athlete over the years and won’t do it as a coach. No matter the situation, I truly love my country and will continue to do so. “Money is vital in life but it is surely not everything. To play in a club in Egypt is like a setback because I still play actively in Germany. I also have young ones I work with as trainer.” The North Africans approached Oshonaike for the ‘mega-deal’ during the recently held African Table Tennis Championship held in Cairo, Egypt. She added: “They were talking to me every day for about five

Oshonaike

days and I was resolute especially because of the national team angle. I have my aspirations too to be able to handle the national female team of Nigeria. I prefer to wait for Nigeria for the role of a coach rather than join an African country especially a rival in the sport. “If Nigeria is not forthcoming for me to realise my ambition as a coach, I will continue my job in Germany where I already play a dual role of coach/player.” Oshonaike is the most experienced female player in Nigeria today. She stunned many only last year when she defeated top ranked

players to win silver in the African Top 16 Table Tennis competition held in Lagos. For over 10 years, an ex-international ping ponger, Coach Kasali Kasisi, was in Congo Brazzaville as national coach together with some Nigerian players who could not make the cut in the country. Kasali and his boys won medals for Congo at continental competitions and on many occasions competed professionally against Nigerian teams in the male and female categories. Kasali returned home three years ago to start a table tennis academy in Ilorin , Kwara State.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mikel out of Everton clash Ifeanyi Ibeh

helsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has ruled John Obi Mikel out of Wednesday’s English Premier League tie against Everton. The Nigerian’s midfield partner, Cesc Fabregas, will however be back for the game at Stamford Bridge as the Blues look to maintain their push for the title against an Everton

side that forced Liverpool to a goalless draw in last weekend’s Merseyside derby. Asked on Tuesday at a news conference if Fabregas was fit to return, Mourinho said: “Yes. The team played without him and we coped with the situation but, obviously, to have him back is important for us. “We have only Mikel, with a problem in his knee. He is the only one who is not in condition to play tomorrow (Wednes-

African Championship: Eaglets storm Niger Thursday Ajibade Olusesan

day).” Meanwhile, Mikel is torn between Eden Hazard and Willian for the title of Chelsea’s most skilful player. Both players have been key men in Chelsea’s march to the top of the table with their pace and trickery. But the Nigeria international can’t decide whether the Belgian or the Brazilian is more skilful. “I’ll go for Willian and Eden Hazard,” said Mikel in an interview with the UK’s Daily Mirror. “They’re both very quick and technical. It’s very difficult to get the ball off them. Willian is just too quick, he has quick feet. He waits for you to make the first move and when you do, he’s gone.

he U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, will depart Sokoto for Niamey on Thursday, February for the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger Republic. According to the Nigeria Football Federation, the team of 21 players, 10 officials and a number of administrative staff will stay at the Hotel Royale Palace, with their first two matches (against hosts Niger Republic and Guinea) at the Stade General Seyni Kountche, while the last

West Brom back Ideye to destroy Swansea Emmanuel Tobi

Mikel (right)

Abesan Cup draws hold Feb. 17 Ifeanyi Ibeh

he draws for the group stage of the 2015 Abesan Cup will hold on February 17, at Saint Bernadette School, Gowon Estate, Lagos, beginning from 10.00am. According to the coordinator of the event, Tayo Adeyemo, a total of 36 grassroots football clubs from Lagos and Ogun States are expected to take part in the draws for the tournament whose inaugural edition took place in 1999. With 36 teams now competing for honours, as against the previous 32, Adeyemo stated that this was done in order to give more teams opportunities to participate in the competition which has helped to discover talents in the country. The draws will also be used to unveil more sponsors for the event. Some of the companies that have already decided to partner the tournament organisers, Abesan Football Development, are CWAY Foods, Zenith Sports, First Registrars, VCN Sports, Tasty Time, Brandvision, Master-

sports International, and St. Ber nadette Educational Services. Future Heroes FC are the defending champions of the tournament and will be looking to become the first team to win back-to-back titles in the tournament’s 16year history.

est Brom manager Tony Pulis has expressed confidence that Brown Ideye’s second Premier League goal at the weekend can serve as a confidence booster ahead of his side’s clash with Swansea City on Wednesday. Ideye came off the bench to score West Brom’s equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Burnley on Sunday, and the Baggies boss maintained that the former Dynamo Kiev striker could go from strength to strength. “We’ve got Saido Berahino, Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe. So we need goals but we also need goals from other areas of the pitch,

which we’ve talked about,” he told the press. “Brown had gone through a tough time. He hasn’t played badly but he’s continually missed opportunities. When you spend that much money on goalscorers you expect them to put the goals away. “Sunday’s goal will give him a lot of confidence and I’m very pleased for him because he’s a nice kid and he works very, very hard.” Berahino could return to the West Brom starting XI after being named on the bench at Burnley following controversial comments in the media, while Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson serves the final game of a three-match ban.

Arsenal, Chelsea chase Nigerian youngster CharlesOgundiya

op English Premier League sides, Arsenal and Chelsea, are reportedly chasing talented Nigerian youngster, Eteobong Akpan. The skilful midfielder, who has been likened to Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta, is a product of Lagos-based Freestan Football

Academy. The youngster is currently training with Tunisian side, Club Africain, but according to the chairman, Efe Elutabe, the Academy is in no rush to cash in on the player. “We are aware of the strong interests in Akpan by Arsenal and Chelsea. However, we are mindful of the need to give him a proper football education and that

All set for Superkids inter-house sports A

ll is now set for the biennial inter house-sport of the Superkids School, Oyewole Road, Agege, as organisers have confirmed readiness in all areas for the event slated for Wednesday, February 11. The sports day of Superkids affiliate, King’s Seed High School, will also hold on the same day. Pupils and students of both schools will compete against one another in various sporting events, especial-

gyptian giant, Al-Ahly, may have to do without newly signed Nigerian striker Peter Ebimobowei in the African Super Cup, after he sustained an injury during the Ittihad ElShorta league match Saturday. The Confederation Cup winners, Ahly, are meeting the African Champions League winners Algeria’s ES Setif to compete for

match (against Zambia) will take place at the Stade Municipal, which has artificial turf. NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, revealed that he was in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic last week to meet with prominent personalities within the Local Organising Committee and officials of the Embassy of Nigeria. “I had meetings with top people in the Embassy of Nigeria in Niamey, with particular emphasis on ticket issues.” “Since they are having their final training camp in Sokoto, we are making arrangements for them to move into Niamey by road, and I have intimated the organisers and we have finalised on security arrangement for the team.” He added that, “The Nigeria community in Niger Republic is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Golden Eaglets, the world champions. They have promised to give the Eaglets maximum support to go all the way and win the African trophy, which will serve as a launch-pad towards retaining the FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Chile later this year.”

ly athletics. The event holds at the National Youth Service Corps Camp, in Iyana Ipaja. Head of School, Mrs. Titilayo Olufemi, said the event would be very colourful highly competitive based on what she saw at the heats. “The heat event was very explosive and with that I expect that the final proper will be very hot and interesting. We have included lots of events to add colour to the day. “We also have attractive prizes for the winners in all

is what he is getting at Club Africain,” said Elutabe, who added that Club Africain are in pole position to sign Akpan when he turns 18 in November. “Akpan is a rare gem that needs to be polished and handled with care. Therefore, we are not going to rush him into signing for any club because we want the best for our players at all times.”

the categories. Our target is to make the competition bigger with every edition and I can confirm this one is bigger than that of 2013,” Olufemi said. Four teams in the primary school, and an equal number of teams in the secondary school, will jostle for honours at the one-day event which the sport coordinator of both institutions, Adeoye Abiodun, believes will remain memorable to everyone in attendance at the NYSC Camp venue.

Superkids pupils at the last InterHouse sports

Ebimobowei doubtful for Ahly’s Super Cup the continental Super Cup on February 21. The 21-year-old forward suffered a hamstring injury in the Al-Shorta game in which he scored his first goal since he joined the Cairo giants from Nigeria’s Bayelsa United in the January transfer period, having

made a substitute appearance in the team’s 1-0 defeat by ENPPI last week. He opened his account five minutes before the break as Ahly took a first-half lead against El-Shorta. Ahly medical staff announced the player will need a 10-day re-

habilitation programme. The Egyptian domestic competition has been suspended since Sunday after 20 Zamalek fans died after police used teargas to stop fans from forcing their way into the Air-Defence Stadium to watch the game against ENPPI.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 53

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Salomon Kalou We started from the bottom now we here. With my bro #yayatoure @salomonkalou

Antetokounmpo named NBA Player of the Week M

ilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was born in Greece to Nigerian parents, has been named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from February 2 to 8. Antetokounmpo, whose surname was previously spelt Adetokunbo before he took up Greek citizenship at the age of

18, averaged 19.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting 63.3 percent from the field to lead Milwaukee to a 3-1 record. The 20-year-old began the week by scoring 12 points with 12 rebounds in an 82-75 victory over Toronto on February 2. He followed up the double-double by posting a career-high 25 points with six rebounds in an overtime

El Clasico to hold March 22

victory over the Los Angeles Lakers two days later. Antetokounmpo’s career high didn’t last long, as he scored 27 points to go along with a careerbest 15 rebounds in a loss to Houston on February 7. He finished the week with another double-double on February 8, accumulating 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks in a win over Boston.

John Ogu Maximum Respect to the Ghanian Squad Yesterday.. And Congrats to Ivory Coast for Winning the AFCON.. @ogujohnugo Vincent Kompany Congratulations @YayaToure and Wilfried! African Champions! @VincentKompany Anthony Ujah Don’t tell an African dad you want to get piercing @ujah_9 Muhammad Ali My face is so pretty, you don’t see a scar, which proves I’m the king of the ring by far! #MuhammadAli @MuhammadAli Dikembe Mutombo It was good to see my friend Yao Ming in Shanghai, China last week. He is still taller then me @officialmutombo Chinyere What I find sexy in a man is much more than what is obvious... Like confidence in his smile.. Oh and a well tailored suit is always nice. @chichi_ibekwe

Sterling offered ‘incredible’ new contract

ext month’s Clasico Atletico Madrid, meanbetween Barcelona while, sit third, four and Real Madrid at points off the summit the Camp Nou has been with 16 matches to play. set for Sunday, March 22 at 9pm Nigerian time. The match will come just four days after Barca tackle Manchester City in the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League. Real Madrid, however, will have a free week, with Los Blancos facing Schalke 04 at the same stage the previous week. As it stands, Real Madrid lead La Liga by just one point. Current champions Messi

rendan Rodgers has revealed that Raheem Sterling has been offered an “incredible” new contract by Liverpool and warned his representatives that the club will not be held to ransom as they try to come to an agreement over the England international’s future. Sterling’s current deal still has over two years to run, but Liverpool are keen to tie the 20-year-old to a fresh long-term contract following his progress for both club and country this season. The offer presented by Liverpool is said to have been available to Sterling for over a month.

“The club has offered an incredible deal for a young player and I have spoken to Raheem a number of times and he is very happy here and I think you see that in his game,” PA quotes Rodgers as saying. “The player is very happy and wants to continue working the way he has been. He has made some great strides in these last couple of years and has now got reward for that and hopefully his representatives can find agreement with the club.” Sterling has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, which is one shy of his total from 2013-14.

Van Gaal refutes Allardyce’s ‘long-ball’ claims M anchester United boss Louis van Gaal has played down suggestions that his side used ‘long-ball’ tactics in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at West Ham United. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce claimed after the match that his side struggled to deal with United’s use of the long ball, but Van Gaal has insisted that the visitors did not resort to that tactic.

“You have to look at the data and then you will see that we did play long balls, but long balls wide, rather than to the striker,” Van Gaal told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday. “A ball to the forward striker is mainly called long ball play. We are playing ball possession play.” United return to action at home to Burnley on Wednesday.

Raheem Sterling celebrating a goal for Liverpool

Redknapp in search of Arabian club to coach

arry Redknapp has reportedly told his advisors to find him a club in the Middle East, as he looks for one more managerial role before retirement. The 67-year-old stepped down from his role as Queens Park Rangers boss last week, citing forthcoming knee surgery as a factor. He is said to be confident of making a full recovery from the operation to take charge of another team later in the year. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss is thought to be a regular visitor to Dubai and is tempted by a year away from Premier League football. According to the London Evening Standard, Redknapp is keen on the idea of finishing his career in the warmer climes of Dubai or Abu Dhabi and has asked his agent to identify any interested clubs in the region. Redknapp has also managed Bournemouth, West Ham United, Portsmouth and Southampton during his career.

Khedira’s Real future in doubt NBA: Spurs coach, Popovich, reaches

Khedira

eal Madrid are reportedly ready to offload Sami Khedira due to the midfielder’s failure to impress so far this season. According to The Express, it has been suggested that Khedira will not play again for the Spanish giants and will be free to leave at the end of the season. The German international

was heavily linked to Arsenal last summer, while Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also believed to have shown an interest in him. The 27-year-old stayed put at the Bernabeu, but has been hit with another injury blow as he left the field midway through Real’s 4-0 defeat to local rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday with a hamstring problem.

1,000 career wins M arco Belinelli hit a jumper with 2.1 seconds remaining to seal a 95-93 victory for the San Antonio Spurs as five-time champion coach Gregg Popovich reached 1,000 career wins. San Antonio were down by 14 after the third quarter, but rallied in the fourth at Bankers Life Fieldhouse to improve to 33-19.

The Los Angeles Clippers ended their four-game losing streak with a convincing 115-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas lost both Tyson Chandler and Monta Ellis to injuries early and DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul took advantage. Jordan had 22 points and a careerhigh 27 rebounds, while Paul put up 25 points and 13 assists.

SPORT

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian League Rendezvous

with charles Ogundiya

charlesog2001@yahoo.com,

08098042287

LMC insists on March 7 kickoff date Charles Ogundiya

he League Management Company has insisted that the 2014/2015 Nigeria Professional Football League will start on March 7, as scheduled despite the postponement of Nigeria’s general election. There were fears in some quarters that the league would be postponed further due to the election but officials of the LMC have dismissed such fears. An official who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone said the LMC would not delay the commencement of the new season again because of the time already lost. Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer, also said

the clubs had been put on notice that mid-week fixtures would hold as a result of the political developments in the country. With this assurance, the LMC has announced a registration deadline of February 20 for clubs to submit their licensing documents. “As part of the registration process for the new season, clubs are to mandatorily provide a quarterly Financial Performance Guarantee of N50m which is a condition for licensing to participate in the league. Clubs that are in a position to provide a one-off Performance Guarantee of N200m are also encouraged to do so,” Abubakar stated. Clubs must provide the Financial Performance Guarantee on or before March 5, the LMC has also

Festus Austin boost for Dolphins

olphins of Port Harcourt have been boosted with the return of hard tackling defender, Festus Austin, who is back in training after five months out due to injury. Austin cracked his shin during a league game against Warri Wolves in October last year, two games after he returned from a year-long injury. “I have started training on my own and I am right now waiting for the team doctor to give me the go ahead to join my other colleagues on the pitch. “I will meet with him soon. I

have just started gym work because I need to gain some strength pending when the doctor confirms I can go into full training,” Festus said. The former Bendel Insurance defender said he feared for his career when he was being taken off the pitch last year on a stretcher. “When I was being taken off, I thought it was the same fracture that reoccurred. I later found out it was the same leg but not the same place so I relaxed a bit because I knew what I went through with the first one,” Austin said.

stated. Abubakar added: “The LMC will register players for clubs only if there are satisfactory evidences of no indebtedness to the players carried over from last season. “Clubs must therefore attach proof that they have met all financial obligations to their staff to be qualified to register new players.” The LMC also advised clubs to ensure that every player to be registered must complete medical check-up and the medical report should be filled out on the same old Aatch between Medical Examination forms Rangers and issued last season for players. Dolphin

Warri Wolves depart for Burkina Faso C

AF Confederation Cup campaigner, Warri Wolves, will later today (Wednesday) arrives Lagos from Warri en route Burkina Faso for their game this weekend. The team made up of 18 players and 9 officials will on Thursday leave Lagos for Burkina Faso by 3pm according to the team’s Media Manager, Etu Moses. According to Etu, the team has been in close camping in Otu- Jeremi, Warri Wolves cel- in Ughelli South Local ebrating a goal Government Area of Delta

Rackets& Kuwait Open: Quadri, Onaolapo, Bats others chase honour with Ajibade Olusesan 07065377853

our Nigerian stars led by Aruna Quadri will be seeking success as the 2015 International Table Tennis Federation World Tour, Kuwait Open, serves off today. Quadri is not seeded in the first Pro-tour of the year but he will not feature in the first round of the pre-qualifications. Instead of playing in the round of 128, he has been drawn bye to play in the round of 64, so he will face the winner between Geraldo Joao of Portugal and Duda Benedikt of Germany today to qualify for the main draw. Youngster, Ojo Onaolapo, will play in the round of 128, he comes up against Konecny Tomas of Czech Republic and if he survives that round will face Matsumoto Cazuo of Brazil who was drawn bye in the round of 64 also today. ITTF Africa Championship gold medallist in the men doubles, Kazeem Makanjuola, will also face

Stotanov Niagol of Italy in the round of 128. If he makes it to the next round he will then confront the winner between Kwan Man Ho of Hong Kong and Jang Woojin of Korea. Italy-based Omotayo Olajide will face Ramadan Sayed of Egypt and if he survives he will confront Platonov Pavel of Belarus or Lambiet Florent of Belgium in the round of 16. Olajide will also feature in the U-21 event today as he faces Zhai Yujia of Denmark in the round of 32. No Nigerian woman is in this Pro-tour.

Snippets Italy to host US in Fed Cup

he U.S. will have to win in Italy in Italy for the first time in 16 years to return to the top tier of the Fed Cup. Italy and the Americans were drawn on Tuesday in the World Group playoffs from April 18 to 19. In other pairings, the Netherlands will host Australia, Poland will play at home against Switzerland, and Canada will welcome Romania.

Djokovic Onaolapo

Organisers hike prize money for Lagos ITTF World Tour T o attract more world class players to this year’s International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour tagged Lagos Open, the organisers have hiked the prize money from $39,000 (N7.8m) to $46,000 (N9.2m). Also, the events to be competed for have been increased to six from four. For this year’s tournament, players will compete in singles

State after the Super Four in Abuja where the coaches led by Paul Aigbogun have been perfecting their strategies for this crucial match. Warri Wolves will be taking on RCB of Burkina Faso in the first leg of the preliminary round with the second leg coming up in Nigeria in two weeks. Speaking on the match, Coach Paul Aigbogun is confident that he has enough materials to prosecute the match and called on Nigerians to pray for the team.

(men and women’s), doubles (Men and women’s) as well as U-21 boy’s and girl’s. The five-day competition will take place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun in Lagos and it will run from March 10 to 14. The ITTF event will help the participating players to amass points for their world ranking in March. According to the prospectus re-

leased by ITTF on its website, Egypt’s Nabil Almamoon and Algeria’s Mounir Bessah have been named the referee and competition manager respectively while Nigeria’s Lajide Oluranti is the tournament director. More players from Africa and Europe have also signified their intention to be part of the championship, which has been entrenched in the ITTF calendar.

I have no problem with Djokovic –Murray

ustralian Open finalist Andy Murray says there is no need for Novak Djokovic to explain himself after their controversial Australian Open final, which Murray lost. “Everything has been made out to be much bigger than what is was,” said the number four Scot on Monday at the Rotterdam World Tennis. That happens all the time these days.”

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

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Okonjo Iweala, a mismatch economy, says Enwegbara for Nigerian

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port of the Department of State Services (DSS) that it planned to inflate its membership data as well as hack into the Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC) database through the creation of party membership forms and cards to match INEC's

voters register across the country. Addressing a press conference yesterday in Lagos, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Managing a depressing economy }19 Female suicide bombers kill five in Yobe }7

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Front row: L-R: European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker; Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy; Mali's President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita; French President, Francois Hollande; Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel; Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas and Italy's Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, at a solidarity march against terrorism in Paris...yesterday. PHOTO: ReuTeRs

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No. 33

DEGRADATION

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Vol. 1

42-43

Bodo spill: N16 billion Group faults Shell’s compensati on

Communities in the NigerDelta have been drastically affected by activities of oil companies

p.22

Insurance

Claims: Policyholder’s Leadway conflict with deepens

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} 32

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hagari Why S i’s coup : a t i a K Lawal ’t stop Buhar couldn

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Averting a constitutional logjam Hard Choices FESTUS OKOYE

festokoye2003@yahoo.com 08054480565 (sms only)

n the midst of our disappointment at the postponement of the February 14 and 28, 2015 general elections, it is important to fully understand the reasons and rationale for the postponement of the election. It is also important to point out the legal and constitutional challenges embedded in the postponement to enable the Nigerian people, the electoral management body and all the critical stakeholders to plan ahead and put in place safety valves to ameliorate the impact of the postponement on the rescheduled March 28 and April 11, 2015 elections. This is necessary as no amount of name-calling and blame game will address the challenges that led to the postponement of the elections or provide the basis for credible elections. Whether the reasons given for the postponement are genuine and credible can only help in understanding where we are and where we are headed to. Whether the issues and challenges that led to the postponement masked dubious intention to achieve a pre-determined outcome will only assist in our planning of creative and credible strategies and tactics of future avoidance. No doubt the issues that led to the postponement of the elections are confusing. On the surface, it revolved around the distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards. Political Parties, civil society groups and the Nigerian people complained about the difficulty in obtaining their cards. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega assured Nigerians that every registered voter will get his or her Permanent Voters Cards before the date of the election. This led to the extension of the period of the collection from the 31st day of January 2015 to the 8th day of February 2015. In his submission to the Council of States on Thursday the 5th day of February 2015, the Chairman of INEC stated that the Electoral Management Body is “substantially ready for the general elections as scheduled, despite discernible challenges being encountered with some of its processes like the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by registered members of the public. In addition, INEC has been doing everything it can to facilitate the collection of the PVCs by registered members of the public. As at 5th February 2015, the total number of PVCs collected was 45, 829, 808, representing 66.58% of the total number of registered voters. In the delivery and deployment of electoral materials, INEC is also at a comfort

Jega

level in its readiness for the general elections as scheduled”. There is no doubt that the challenges of Permanent Voters Card distribution served as a convenient decoy for those that wanted a postponement while the issue of insurgency in the North East of Nigeria came in handy as a fall-back position. In his Chatham House Lecture, the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki canvassed the postponement of the elections on the ground of challenges with the distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards. During the question and answer session, the National Security Adviser stated that “What I said was that there is nothing wrong with us delaying to ensure that everybody who ought to vote gets that card to vote. Because the comment every day we hear every day is that you can’t vote unless you have permanent voters card. If you can’t vote without permanent voter’s card what sense does it make to vote three months early when we have 30 million people whose cards have not been issued and are still with INEC. That’s my position. INEC makes the determination. If you can distribute those cards today, we would all be happy. But if you can’t please consider. Look at the other option”. The challenge now is that the issue of the distribution of the Permanent Voters Card took the back seat in terms of the reasons that informed the the postponement of elections. In his media briefing postponing the election,

the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission gave other variables that led the postponement and stated that “Last Wednesday, which was a day before the Council of State meeting, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) wrote a letter to the Commission, drawing attention to recent developments in four Northeast states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe currently experiencing the challenge of insurgency. The letter stated that security could not be guaranteed during the proposed period in February for the general elections. This advisory was reinforced at the Council of State meeting on Thursday where the NSA and all the Armed Services and Intelligence Chiefs unanimously reiterated that the safety and security of our operations cannot be guaranteed, and that the Security Services needed at least six weeks within which to conclude a major military operation against the insurgency in the Northeast; and that during this operation, the military will be concentrating its attention in the theatre of operations such that they may not be able to provide the traditional support they render to the Police and other agencies during elections”. On the basis of this, Commission decided “to reschedule the 2015 general elections thus: the national elections (i.e. Presidential and National Assembly) are now to hold on March 28th, 2015; while the state elections (Governorship and State Assembly) are to hold on April 11th, 2015”. It is true that the period for the rescheduled election is still within the constitutional and legal window for the conduct of the elections but there are serious issues embedded in the postponement and the rescheduling of the elections. The first is that no matter the level of successes that may be recorded in the fight against insurgency, it will be next to impossibility to restore normalcy in most of the local governments currently under the occupation of the insurgents or already liberated. In some of these areas, houses have been destroyed, farmlands have been destroyed. Schools and public institutions housing polling units have been destroyed. The surviving inhabitants of some of these communities are refugees in Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Others are Internally Displaced in various parts of the country. The realization of this fact led to the task force raised by the Commission to examine the legal, political, security and administrative challenges in achieving IDP voting during the 2015 General Election. The task force submitted a comprehensive report embodying specific recommendations on IDP participation in the 2015 General Election. Consequent upon this the Commission created polling units for IDP voting in the states under insurgency. Therefore, using security and insurgency in the North East to request for postponement of the election is not tenable as section 26(2) of the Electoral

Act, 201(as amended) provides for segregated elections in case of difficulty in conducting election in certain areas. While section 26(1) of the Act provides that INEC can suspend an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies section 26(2) gives the Commission the power to postpone the election in the “area, or areas concerned” and appoint another date for its conduct. The Commission can delay a return for such areas if the quantum votes will affect the said return. The main challenge as I see it is that it is constitutionally and mathematically dangerous to move our elections too close to the terminal date of a regime. By section 134(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended) a candidate for an election to the office of the President shall be deemed to have been elected where there being more than two candidates for the election he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and he has not less than one quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two thirds of all the States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In default of a candidate duly elected in accordance with section 134(2) the Independent National Electoral Commission shall conduct a second election within seven days at which the only candidates shall be the candidates 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. If no candidate secures the highest number of votes and the spread, the Electoral Management Body shall also within seven days conduct another election. In this case, the candidate with the majority of votes cast shall be declared duly elected. The implication is that if Presidential election is conducted on the 28th day of March, 2015, the result may be declared late on the 30th day of March 2015. If no candidate satisfies the constitutional requirement, a second election shall take place within 7 days and this may likely be on the 6th day of April 2015 and the result may likely be declared late on the 8th day of April 2015. If no candidate satisfies the constitutional requirement, then another election shall hold possibly on the 15th of April 2015. In between this, the Governorship and State Assembly elections already fixed for 11th day of April 2015 will also hold. Our hope and prayer is that a winner shall emerge on the 28th day of March 2015. If a second and third election is to be conducted, I doubt that the electoral management body will be logistically ready to handle same within seven days in the first instance and another seven days in the second instance. The consequences of any breach of the constitutional time lines are grave and the destination may be an interim government.

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