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Vol. 2 No. 490

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

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Buhari cuts Generals' retirement benefits

Govs put FG's debt at N5.5trn, states N658bn lEx-minister faults president on 'empty treasury' claim

Anule Emmanuel and Philip Nyam

he Federal Government is owing N5.5 trillion in lo-

cal debt and states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about N658 billion, according to figures released yesterday by the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF).

NGF Chairman, Governor Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara State, told State House correspondents that contrary to the perception of the public, the current financial crisis was

not restricted to states alone. The Zamfara State governor was joined at the briefing by his Bauchi State counterpart, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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M EGA C I T Y

Conmen of Allen Avenue

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I'll recover funds stolen under Jonathan -Buhari

l'Next three months will be tough' lOsinbajo heads panel on bail-out for states

QuickRead

Benue lawmakers fight over positions }50

Wike: I have no pact with Jonathan's }8 wife Stop giving excuses, PDP tells Buhari }4 What Buhari, govs must do to succeed by Akinjide }14

Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, New Telegraph Newspapers, Mrs. Funke Egbemode with the Chairman, Wale Adenuga Production (WAP), Mr. Wale Adenuga, during his visit to the corporate headquarters of the newspapers in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

More trouble in APC

lGovernors demand Oyegun's sack lSaraki, Lawan's supporters fight over posts }5

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Congratulations!

His Excellency, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Executive Governor, Jigawa State

My family and I wish to congratulate Your Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on your election as the Executive Governor of Jigawa State. This is a true attestation of your ability by the people of Jigawa State to take the state to the next level. We wish you a successful tenure in office. Signed

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, MON Chairman,

Slok Shipping

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

President Muhammadu Buhari (10th left); Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and state governors, after a meeting at the State House, Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

I'll recover funds stolen under Jonathan -Buhari Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday signalled the intention of his administration to recover public funds stolen by officials of his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Buhari, after his maiden meeting with governors of the 36 states at the State House, Abuja assured them that the days of impunity, lack of accountability, and fiscal recklessness in the management of national resources were over. He said Nigeria was in a dire straits and its people must be ready for a threemonth hardship before things could improve. His comments came amid demands and request from the governors for a bailout to enable them to pay salaries and fund critical projects. According to the president, all government officials who abused their offices in recent past and stole from the treasury will be made to refund such monies while deliberate efforts are made to block systemic leakages. He added that the rot in the country's financial system was worse than what was experienced in the Second Republic. Buhari, a former head of state, headed the junta that sacked the administration of former President Shehu Shagari in 1983, accusing the ousted government of financial recklessness and poor management of the country's resources. Recalling the circumstances that led to his grabbing power in 1983, Buhari said: "We will try and put the system back into the right position. What happened in the Second Republic has apparently

happened again, and even worse, but we will restore sanity to the system." While urging Nigerians to prepare for hard times in the next three months, the president said steps were being taken to return the economy back on tracks. "The next three months may be hard, but billions of dollars can be recovered, and we will do our best," he stated. However, as a palliative to the financial crisis in the states, Buhari announced the constitution of a special committee, headed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, to look at the possibility of providing a bailout for states owing workers’ salaries. Buhari said the committee would look at the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and see what could be shared immediately. He, however, expressed concern that the governors tolerated how monies in the account were shared since 2011 with impunity. Besides, he warned that henceforth, his administration would not tolerate the payment of national revenue into any account other than the Federation Account. He described the system in the past where many agencies and corporations, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), were paying money into special accounts apart from the Federation Account, as unconstitutional. He also assured the governors that he would consider their request for the refund of funds spent to execute Federal Government's projects. In addition, Buhari told the governors that he would consider special assistance for Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, the three North-Eastern states badly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. The president is expect-

ed to tell Nigerians within the next four weeks the true state of the economy. A comprehensive statement on the economic and financial situation inherited by his administration will also be made to the nation within the next four weeks, Buhari added. Earlier, the governors, led by Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulAziz Yari of Zamfara State, had presented a wish list to the president, which included compliance with the extant Supreme Court ruling that all monies should go into the Federation Account and an order from the president that all

revenue generating agencies must pay funds earned on behalf of the federation into the account. They also called for a review of the revenue allocation formula, refund of the monies expended by states on federal projects, a special consideration for the three states in the North-East under Boko Haram infestation, full details of the amounts that accrued into the ECA from 2011, and how the money miraculously shrank without official sharing. In a related development, President Buhari said his administration has received firm assurances and cooperation

from the United States and other countries on the recovery and repatriation of funds stolen from the nation's treasury. The president stated this when he granted audience to members of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar yesterday. Buhari said that it was now up to Nigeria to provide the international community with the facts and figures needed to drive the recovery effort. "In the next three months, our administration will be busy getting those facts and the figures to help us recover our sto-

len funds in foreign countries,” the President told the traditional rulers. While citing the report submitted by the Ahmed Joda-led transition committee, Buhari said that several revenuegenerating institutions in the country have been compromised leading to a weak economy. The Sultan had earlier presented the traditional rulers' recommendations to the President on issues related to national development. "We have always advised our leaders, but their acceptance of our advice is their own prerogative," the Sultan said.

Stop offering excuses, PDP tells president Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday told President Muhammadu Buhari to stop giving frivolous excuses to divert the attention of Nigerians from its inability to face challenge of governance. The party also told Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that it is waiting eagerly to see the administration’s economic roadmap and blueprint for governance so as to enable it, through robust opposition, provide credible alternatives and options for the overall interest of the nation. PDP, which reacted to the claim of President Buhari that he met an empty treasury, described such statement as evasive, diversionary and preemptive. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, PDP said it is unfortunate that President Buhari and the APC,

who were privy to the nation’s dwindling economy occasioned by global economic downturn and fall in international oil price, even before the start of the campaigns, chose to deceive Nigerians with bogus promises, only to now resort to excuses after using the promises to secure power at the centre. It noted that the president's statement to Nigerians not to expect much from his first 100 days in office underlines the fact that the present administration is really not equipped to face the challenges of governance. "We want the President and the APC to note that their plea for patience from Nigerians does not arise, because ab initio, there has not been any indication that they are actually serious and determined to deliver on their campaign promises upon which they rode to power," PDP added. The party expressed worry that the pictures emerging from Buhari's presidency and his party do not in any way inspire

hope in the citizenry, especially as they have continued to show that theirs is ostensibly a matter of obtaining power by false pretences. It observed that Nigerians are willing to support and cooperate with the President, but advised Buhari and the APC that Nigerians did not give them the mandate to engage in frivolous excuses and pleas, but to hit the ground running with solutions and quick fixes they promised during the campaigns. "We ask; is President Buhari’s statement an admission of poor knowledge of national and international economic affairs or does it underscore the lack of capacity and skills by the administration to effectively harness and galvanise resources and potential inherent in Nigeria which has already been nurtured as Africa’s largest economy and one of the fastest growing in the world? “Even if Nigerians decide to wait endlessly, we wonder how much the president can achieve

amidst the flip-flops from his presidency and cacophony of interests from his party leaders struggling to enlarge their selfish political and economic frontiers," the statement noted. It observed that APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had claimed that the administration has achieved in three weeks what the immediate past administration did not achieve in five years, and wondered how this could be reconciled with the recent statement of President Buhari. “Indeed, we empathise with the President knowing that the confusion and clear lack of direction in his party have not helped matters, but we urge him to rise up to the challenge, take urgent steps and disentangle himself from the selfish and unpatriotic tendencies of APC leaders, especially given the fact that Nigerians gave him a mandate for which they will continue to hold him accountable," the party said.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

More trouble in APC as govs demand Oyegun's sack Johnchuks Onuanyim and Chukwu David Abuja

ather than abate, the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC), over the distribution of leadership positions in the National Assembly festered yesterday. The party governors, at a meeting with the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, demanded his resignation for his alleged failure to ensure that the party's candidates for the Senate presidency, Senator Ahmed Lawan and House of Representatives speak-

ership, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, won. The duo was defeated on June 9 by Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who defied the party and ran despite the party's endorsement of Lawan and Gbajabiamila for the positions. The battle for the control of the National Assembly among the contending forces in the APC also led to a brawl yesterday between Saraki and Lawan's supporters during the party's caucus meeting in the Senate, which ended in a deadlock. New Telegraph learnt that the governors who met Odigie-Oyegun to demand his resignation

were: Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa). The governors met Odigie-Oyegun at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja where they demanded that the national chairman must go as part of moves to instil discipline and move the party forward after the fallout of the National Assembly leadership crisis. New Telegraph learnt that the governors came to the party’s secretariat after the meeting of the

Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) with President Muhammadu Buhari. The meeting of the governors with Odigie-Oyegun, which temporarily halted the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, did not last up to an hour. “The governors told the national chairman that he has to go. It was not a long discussion but a frank talk where the governors demanded the chairman’s resignation,” a source said. The governors refused to speak to the media on their mission to the national chairman. When reporters approached Ajimobi to com-

ment on the outcome of the meeting, he declined to do so. But Odigie-Oyegun dismissed the report that the governors want him out. He told New Telegraph that there was no truth in the resignation’s rumour, saying: “No such thing happened.” The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the governors only came to confer with the national chairman. After the meeting with the governors, the APC national chairman also met with Lawan and Senator George Akume. However, the battle for the distribution of posi-

L-R: Senior Economic Adviser, Open Society Foundation, New York, USA, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili; Head of Service of Lagos State, Mrs. Folashade Jaji and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, at the grand finale of the Public Service Day celebration, in Lagos…yesterday.

Cash crunch: Buhari cuts Generals' retirement benefits Our Correspondent

n his determination to pluck loopholes and block leakages in the system, President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a directive stripping retiring Generals in the three Armed Forces of some perks that had hitherto accompanied disengagement from active service. The perks, investigations revealed, had existed since 2012 under what is called, Harmonised Terms And Conditions Of Service (HTACOS). New Telegraph gathered from highly-placed military sources that the presidential directive was handed down during the security meeting Buhari had at the Presidential Villa on Monday, with the Service Chiefs. The implication of the

presidential directive is that henceforth, Brigadier-Generals and Major Generals (Army), Commodores and Rear Admirals (Navy), Air Commodores and Air Vice Marshal (Air Force). It was reliably gathered that though the three Service Chiefs were in attendance when the presidential directive was said to have been given, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh would, by tradition, issue a Circular to that effect, to the three Armed Forces – Army, Navy and Air Force. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, were all at the se-

curity meeting. It was gathered that the said circular may have been dispatched officially, for immediate implementation. However, the directive does not affect the Service Chiefs, even as New Telegraph further learnt that it would not take retroactive effect. According to one of the sources, President Buhari arrived at the decision upon discovery that the HTACOS is not backed by law: not a constitutional provision. "I want to inform you that there is currently a Presidential Directive for the suspension of HTACOS. "The Commander-inChief made the directive on Monday during the security meeting he had with Service Chiefs. "By suspending the

HTACOS, Brigadier-Generals and Major Generals, as well as their equivalents in the Navy and Air Force will, henceforth, retire without the usual 508 Peugeot car, a cook, gardener, a driver and two armed guards, that would have guarded their residences after their formal retirement or disengagement," he said. Another military source said: "Already, circulars to that effect have been sent to the three services for their attention." In his reaction, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, said: "I’m not conversant with any such directive please." However, efforts to get the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Colonel Sani Usman, on phone was not successful. Meanwhile, mixed re-

actions have continued to trail Monday's directive for the dismantling of military checkpoints nationwide. While some soldiers welcome the development, which they believe will restore the "dignity" of the Armed Forces, as they "will now return to our barracks to be on standby, in the event of any external threat to the country's territorial integrity", "our other colleagues, who used to enjoy Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), are not too happy, even though they will all return, as law-abiding soldiers that they are." This is even as New Telegraph observed that military checkpoints within and around Abuja, are beginning to disappear, in deference to the subsisting presidential directive.

tions among the party chiefs degenerated into fight at the Senate yesterday. Saraki had announced during plenary that the APC Senate Caucus would hold its meeting immediately after the session. Although he did not specify the agenda for the meeting, it was obvious that the meeting was intended to resolve the issue of the vacant principal offices, which have been contentious within the ranks of the ruling party. However, the meeting ended in a fiasco as proSaraki senators and their pro-Lawan counterparts engaged in fisticuffs over the correct procedure to follow in filling the remaining four principal positions. New Telegraph gathered that at 2 pm, which was the scheduled time for the meeting, about 40 APC senators were present and the four positions were reportedly shared among four zonal caucuses. The meeting agreed that the North-East caucus would produce the Senate Majority Leader while the North-West would be deputy. It was also decided that the Senate Chief Whip should go to the SouthWest while the SouthSouth would produce the Deputy Chief Whip. However, pro-Saraki senators said the candidates must emerge through an electoral process. The meeting agreed that the four favoured zonal caucuses should meet, hold elections and communicate winners of such elections to the Senate president. If the zonal caucuses are able to conclude their elections by the end of yesterday, the Senate president would announce those who emerged to occupy the positions at plenary today. But trouble ensued when the meeting was getting to an end and some pro-Lawan senators entered the Senate Meeting Room 3:01, venue of the meeting, which is also the Senate president's meeting room. Pandemonium erupted at the meeting when Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi insisted that the zoning arrangement as agreed at the meeting was not the correct position of the APC as a party, which should have the overriding decision on who occupies what position. It was reliably gathered that while the meeting was still going on, a list arrived at the venue, which was allegedly sent by OdigieOyegun. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Saraki, Lawan's supporters fight over posts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

The list, which was sent to the office of the Senate President, contained the names of preferred candidates for the remaining principal officers' positions, which include Senate Majority Leader (North-EastSenator Ahmad Lawan); Deputy Majority Leader (North-Central-Senator George Akume); Senate Chief Whip (South-WestSenator Olusola Adeyeye) and Deputy Chief Whip (North-West-Senator Abu Ibrahim). Attempts by Hunkuyi, who made desperate efforts to persuade his colleagues that the party position should be followed proved abortive. The situation, however, degenerated when Senator Tayo Alasoadura from Ondo State supposedly nominated Senator Ajayi Boroffice to take the SouthWest slot. Senator Kabir Marafa (Zamfara), who was infuriated by the position of Alasoadura, moved angrily towards him, pushed him but some colleagues quickly rushed and separated them. Senator Rafiu Ibrahim told reporters that although his colleagues were

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not privy to the conversation between the duo, they had to intervene before the situation got worse. In a dramatic turn of event, a twist came up in the jostle for the position of Senate Majority Leader as it was later learnt that Senator Binta Masi Garba may be supported to emerge as the consensus candidate. It was further gathered that during the meeting with Odigie-Oyegun on

Monday, Saraki reportedly offered Lawan the position of Senate Chief Whip, which he rejected. The Senate Unity Forum, which is Lawan's support group, since the horse trading for the Senate leadership began, has been insisting that the party's position must be strictly adhered to by all the interested aspirants and their supporters. Commenting on the meeting, Senator Abu

Ibrahim (APC, Katsina), said it was designed to reconcile the warring factions and bring them to harmony once again. He, however, regretted that it ended in a sharp disagreement without achieving the purpose for which it was called, stressing that it was the duty of the party to fill the principal office positions, and not the senators. Also, reacting to the crisis, Senator Suleiman

Hunkuyi (Kaduna North), said: "The leadership of the party, which is the APC, still reigns supreme to decide the true position of leadership and we shall have it. An attempt otherwise is to cause confusion. We are just coming from the meeting of the leadership of the party and we are aware that the leadership of the party is doing all it can to curb what should not have happened in this chamber now."

But Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba (Sokoto South) blamed the members of the Senate Unity Forum, whom he accused of coming late to the meeting and causing confusion when the contentious issues had been resolved. New Telegraph, however, learnt that meetings of the APC senators and other party stakeholders would continue until the issues were sorted out.

L-R: Senior Trade Development Manager, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), Mr. Idowu Babalola; Director, UKTI, Mr. Chris Maskell; Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Mr. Osagie Okunbor and General Manager, Production, SPDC, Mr. David Martin, during a visit to SPDC office in Lagos...on Monday.

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Ex-minister faults president on ‘empty treasury' claim

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and the Abia State Governor, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu. He said they had met with President Muhammadu Buhari to find a way out of the financial crisis in the states. He said: "At our meeting today, we identified the problem and we are going to find the solution. “Right now, we cannot even pay salaries, talk less of development. So, at least, we have to work faster and salvage the situation. “I want you to note that it is not only the states. The states' debts are not as bad as that; we made it clear to Mr. President that the total debt of the 36 states and the FCT is N658 billion, but the domestic debt of the Federal Government is N5.53 trillion, so it is not equal. “So we appreciate the fact that we are all in this problem. The Federal Government cannot pay ministries, departments and agencies and states cannot pay workers.”

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

He added that their meeting with the president was not just about seeking a bailout from the Federal Government, but about the way forward out of the situation. Yari said the president, before he was inaugurated, was aware that some of the states were in a critical situation as regards payment of workers' salaries because of the poor state of the economy occasioned by the drop in oil prices. He said the governors proposed to the president that instead of being given a bailout, the Federal Government should refund the funds spent by states on federal projects in their domains. According to him, if the affected states are able to get the refund, they can start paying salaries without the bailout. He said the governors also urged Buhari to help stretch the tenure of loans owed by state governments from the current four to seven years

to about 20 years. He argued that such extension would relieve the affected states and they would be able to continue meeting other financial obligations, including paying salaries. Meanwhile, the immediate past Minister/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Olanrewaju Sulaiman, yesterday faulted claims by Buhari that his administration met an empty treasury. The minister said former President Goodluck Jonathan "left behind close to $30 billion." He added that $2 billion was also left in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) as at May 29. The sum would have been higher if not the governors’ insistence on sharing the fund from ECA, he stated yesterday in a statement in Abuja. The former minister said Jonathan must not be criminalised and painted a plunderer before Nigerians. Buhari had, at an interactive session with

journalists in Abuja on Monday, said his government met "virtually an empty treasury." He also described as a disgrace the fact that Nigeria cannot pay its workforce. But Sulaiman described the report as "unscientific and unfair," stressing that the immediate past administration "left behind close to $30 billion." According to him, "Government can't tell us that there is no ECA, Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) or are we saying the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and related agencies had not, in the last one month, been generating revenue? "Until they are able to prove they had no receipts from these government agencies in the last one month Nigerians cannot buy into Mr. President's claims of an empty treasury." The former minister said under the Jonathan administration, Nigeria was rated the largest

economy in Africa and 26th largest in the world, querying how come such a government would leave behind an empty treasury. He said: "Money made by government is meant to be spent, and this the immediate past administration did responsibly. Every government, even in the so-called Western world, including the United States, which today remains one of the largest debtor nations in the world, government operates on deficit. "Is it not on record that President Obama inherited $3 trillion debt, a collapsed banking sector and mortgage industry, yet he never raised any alarm? None of these has happened in Nigeria under Jonathan. "Under Jonathan, Nigeria became the largest African economy and 26th in the world amidst deadly security challenges and dwindling international prices of oil. In spite of all these, the Federal Government never owed salary."

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

News

Kalu disowns ex-soldier Mojeed Alabi

former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has denied the claim of a sexagenarian- retired Lance Corporal David Ayeni, who in a recent interview with a society magazine, City People, said he rescued the business mogul during the Biafran War. In the said interview, the retired soldier also claimed that Kalu had health challenges after the war, and that the former governor lived with him in Abariba and served as his houseboy whilealsorenderinglaundry services to soldiers for a fee. But in his response to what he described as misleading claims, Kalu denied ever coming in contact with the former soldier, and so never either lived with, or served under him in whatever capacity. In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to Kalu, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, the former governor advised the ex-soldier to refrain from using his name to achieve cheap popularity, saying he had lived with his parents in Igbere, Abia State all through the civil war era and after the war. Oyewumi wrote; “We wish to use this medium to inform the public that the claims of the sexagenarian are not only false and misleading but also mischievous.

Onwuka Nzeshi Anule Emmanuel ABUJA

overnor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday debunked allegations that he signed a pact with former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan to support his governorship aspiration in exchange for a monthly allocation of the state resources during his four year term. The denial came just as the governor alleged that his predecessor, Mr Chibuike Amaechi sold 70 per cent of the assets of the investments Rivers State made in the power sector without recourse to due process. But the governor stated that he was not witch hunting his predecessor. According to Wike, the assets worth $202,400,000 USD were sold in December 2014 but by March 2015, the funds disappeared from the state treasury. Wike who spoke to journalists in Abuja described the allegation as ridiculous, stressing that the former First Lady supported his governorship ambition based on the

national

wednesday, june 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Reps fail to name House leaders l Senate sets up 18-man ad-hoc committee to draft agenda hilip Nyiam and P Chukwu David Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday failed to fill the vacant positions of principal officers. That was even as the Senate set up an 18man committee to draft its legislative agenda. The positions yet to be filled in the House are

those of majority leader, deputy majority leader, chief whip, deputy chief whip, minority leader, deputy minority, minority whip and deputy minority whip. Meanwhile, the SouthSouth Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the position of deputy chief whip the House purportedly allocated to it. Upon resumption from a two-week recess yester-

day, the House went into a closed-door meeting that lasted for over one hour, but did not make any announcement concerning principal officers after the meeting. A member who was at the meeting, however, told New Telegraph in confidence that the lawmakers discussed the issues of the existing vacancies for principal offices, as well as their welfare. However, the APC

South South caucus yesterday kicked against attempts to zone House leader to the South West and Deputy Minority Whip to the South South. The Caucus, in a statement signed by its leader, Hon. Pally Iriase (APC, Edo) lamented what it called a deliberate effort to marginalise the zone in the sharing formula. The statement said "It has come to our notice that a proposal purport-

L-R: Relationship Manager, Corporate Banking, Agege Team, First Bank, Mr. Chiedu Okonji; Group Head, Corporate Banking, Ikeja 2, Mrs. Caroline Ogbonmide; Managing Director/Ediror-In-Chief, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and Business Manager, Corporate Banking, Agege Team, First Bank, Mr. Morakinyo Oloyede, during the team's courtesy visit to the Corporate Headquarters of New Telegraph in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

edly emanating from the Loyalists Group of the House of Representatives had been sent to the NWC of APC wherein the South South is said to be allotted the position of Deputy Chief Whip. Our immediate reaction is to repudiate the fraudulent and insensitive proposal.” At the Senate, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, yesterday, announced the immediate setting up of an 18man ad hoc Committee to draft the legislative agenda to direct the legislative activities of the 8th Senate for the next four years. He also noted that the Senate would soon set up another ad hoc Committee to reappraise the structure of the National Assembly budget, with a view to making it more open and ensuring that it was in line with current economic realities in the country. This was as the President of the Senate tasked his colleagues on the imperativeness of the 8th Senate rising up to the occasion of the enormous socio-economic challenges menacing the country in recent times. Saraki, who presided over the plenary session, made these positions known while delivering his welcome speech, to mark the resumption of the Red Chamber from its short recess.

Wike: I have no pact with Patience Jonathan

Boko Haram kills 26 in Borno as Buhari visits Cameroon FG , states and

l Says he’s not persecuting Amaechi

Anule Emmanuel and Ahmed Miringa

facts that she hailed from Rivers State and was interested in getting a candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who could rescue the state from the then opposition party, All Progressives Congress. He expressed regret that some persons who are interested in damaging the image of others have decided to associate every action and every support politician received in the course seeking an office with pecuniary gains. Wike also said that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by his administration was not to witch hunt Amaechi. Speaking to state house correspondents at the presidential villa after the 36 state governors met with President Muhammadu Buhari, Wike said the panel was set up in order to keep the records straight, saying Amaechi has not been indicted by any panel.

"If you don’t have any skeleton in your cupboard. You don’t need to be afraid of anything. What we are trying to do is just to keep the records straight. We are not witch hunting anybody. Wike alleged that his predecessor, Amaechi wreaked havoc on the finances of Rivers State, abandoned several capital projects and accumulated huge debts. The former Minister of Education said it would be difficult to quantify the level of mismanagement of the huge resources that accrued to Rivers State during Amaechi's reign. He urged Nigerians to be patient until the Judicial Panel of Inquiry which he set up concludes its investigations. Wike said that whereas Amaechi claimed to had left N7 billion in the state coffers, the new administration found the FAAC Account of the State at the zero point while MDAs were left with huge debts.

oko Haram terrorists yesterday struck in Borno State and killed 26 people. Twenty others were injured in the attack. The insurgents invaded Debiro village in Biu Local Government Area of the state where they indiscriminately shot at residents. In the process, 17 people were killed by the terrorists. It was learnt that while the residents were burying the dead, the terrorists again struck and killed nine people. The attack is coming less than 24 hours after a suicide bomber killed over 13 people at the Baga motor park in Maiduguri A resident of the village, Mallam Yakubu Debiro, said that the insurgents came in four Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles, and started shooting sporadically. He said those injured were receiving treatment at the Biu General Hospi-

tal, Biu. He said: “The insurgents stormed the village on Monday night and started shooting sporadically killing 17 people and injuring many others. While the people were burying their dead ones, the terrorists came again and opened fire killing nine people more.” Another resident, Mr. Usman Malgwi, told our correspondent on phone that 20 corpses were brought to the hospital in Biu while 18 people are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to visit Cameroon after the Ramadan fast in continuation of talks with neighbouring countries to end the Boko Haram insurgency. The planned visit followed an invitation from President Paul Biya of Cameroon for talks on the intensification of cooperation between Nigeria and her neighbouring countries in the war against Boko Haram and terrorism.

LGs to share N409bn for June

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

slight increase in the average price of crude from $56.04 million in March, 2015 to $59.88 in April has increased the revenue allocation for the three tier of government to N409. 03 billion in June as against N388.339 billion shared last month. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, confirmed the figure yesterday at a meeting of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in Abuja, just as she put the balance in Excess Crude Account at $ 2.07 billion. She also clarified that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) is yet to begin a refund to the Federation Account, the sum of $1.48 billion unremitted fund spotted by international audit firmPrice WaterCoopers.

NEW TELEGRAPH wednesday, june 24, 2015

2019: NIPPS makes case for people with special needs Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

head of the 2019 general elections, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has called for special status for the inclusion of women, persons with disability (PWD), youths and other vulnerable groups. The Director General of the institute, Professor Tijjani MuhammadBande made the call yesterday in Abuja at a two-day stakeholders’ conference on the 2015 elections, organised by the Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre (PPLPDC) of NIPSS, and the Democratic Governance for Development Project of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP/ DGD II) themed: “Political Parties and the 2015 Elections: Lesson Learned and Way Forward”. “This conference was organised to review the performance of the nation’s political parties in the 2015 elections with a view to addressing the challenges, correcting the lapses and improving on the gains of their activities that contributed to the success of the election and to also strengthen democracy in the country,” Bande said.

Bayo Akomolafe

he Federal Government has resolved to lift ban on the importation of textile materials, furniture and other items that are currently on the import prohibition list. The lift is being considered in line with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)’s implementation of ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), in all air ports, seaports and land borders across the country. The plan to lift the ban was disclosed yesterday by the Customs Comptroller-General, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi at the launching of CET in Lagos. Dikko, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG), Zone 'A" , Victor

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Govt to lift ban on importation of textiles, furniture Gbemudu, said that with the adoption of CET by the ECOWAS countries, most of the items on the import prohibition list had been removed and that importers are now allowed to pay the tariffs imposed on them. He added: "Largely, if you go through the common external tariff, you will notice that many items have been removed from the prohibition list and that is what is being implemented." Dikko allayed the fears of terminal operators and clearing agents that Nigeria bonded cargoes may be diverted to ports of

neighbouring countries over the implementation of the tariffs. Also, the representative of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Head of Programme, Mr Christian Widmann, said that his country was in full support of Customs and the Federal Ministry of Finance in their strive to implement CET in Nigeria. He explained that under CET, Customs union abandoned their individual country’s tariff structure and adopted a common external tariff in terms of Customs

duties, import quotas, preferences or other nontariff barriers to trade. Widmann commended the NCS initiative at launching the implementation of the CET across the country so that all stakeholders would be carried along about the details and rationale of the new policy. Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs agents (ANLCA) has urged the Federal Government to ensure that CET was not abused by those that were going to implement the scheme. Its national President,

Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who was at the occasion, said that the role of Nigeria could not be equated with the role of any other member countries. He urged the government to embark on a concerted efforts that would protect the scheme from abuse by importers, Customs and other stakeholders.

First Bank hails Egbemode's appointment Temitope Ogunbanke

L-R: National Coordinator, Non-Communicable Diseases, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Anthony Usoro; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Linus Awute and Head/Director, Department of Public Health, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, during a forum to mark the World Sickle Cell Day in Abuja. PHOTO-NAN

he Board, Management and Staff of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has commended the appointment of Mrs. Funke Egbemode as Managing Director/Editor-inChief of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited. The bank, in a congratulatory letter signed by its Relationship Manager, Alexander Ibe and Business Manager, Ogochukwu Ekweonu, respectively, stated that Egbemode’s appointment is evidently an expression of confidence in her professional competence, leadership, as well as the high regard in which the management and chairman hold her.

Court affirms judgement on Kashamu's extradition Police to deploy 158 additional Akeem Nafiu

ustice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos has affirmed the validity of a judgement of the court restraining the Attorney-General of the Federation(AGF) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from commencing any extradition process against the Senator representing the Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Buruji Kashamu. The judge, while delivering his judgement on a contempt application filed by Kashamu against the Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and the Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, held that for the avoidance of doubt, it must be stated that an order made by another judge of the court, Justice Okon Abang "is still subsisting and must be complied with until set aside by a superior court."

Justice Buba, had earlier dismissed a preliminary objection filed by the NDLEA, saying he was satisfied that the defendants were properly served. Looking at the merit of the contempt application, Justice Buba noted that since Justice Abang had previously ruled on a similar case, the instant suit had merely become an academic exercise and unnecessary. The judge, however, warned the AGF and the NDLEA Chairman to be of good conduct and obey

the subsisting order of court. He said, "There should be no overzealous conduct from either of the parties. Government agencies must abide by the rule of law to avoid anarchy. Both the AGF and NDLEA Chairman should be of good behaviour until their appeal is determined". "No matter how aggrieved, they should abide by the order of court until there is a counter order from a superior court. For the avoidance of doubt, orders of Justice Abang are still subsisting and must

be complied with," Justice Buba held. In the committal application, Kashamu had asked the court to declare that both AGF and NDLEA Chairman were in contempt of the court by reasons of steps taken, in obstruction of the administration of justice evidenced by the wilful violation of the judgment of the court of January 6, 2014, in suit number FHC/L/CS/49/2014 and in order to pre-empt the judgment of the court in suit number FHC/L/ CS/508/2015.

Saraki names Olaniyonu, ex-Ogun Commissioner, media aide

State. He was elected Senator from 2011 to 2015. Olaniyonu, before his appointment, is a former commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State. He was before his appointment as Commissioner by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the Chairman, Editorial Board of Thisday Newspapers. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos.

resident of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, has appointed Senator Isa Galaudu and Mr. Yusufu Adesola Olaniyonu as the Chief of Staff and Special Adviser, Media respectively. The appointments of the duo were the first senior aides Saraki approved

since his emergence as the Senate President. A statement signed by the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Benedith Efeturi, said the appointments take immediate effect. Galaudu represented Kebbi North Senatorial Constituency of Kebbi

patrol vehicles — IG

Emmanuel Onani Abuja

ollowing Monday's directive by President Muhammadu Buhari for the dismantling of military checkpoints across the country, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has announced that the force will make an additional deployment of 158 patrol vehicles, to enhance security on the highways. It will be recalled that the police had earlier deployed, under the "Safer Highway" scheme, about 350 patrol vehicles, to guarantee security on highways nationwide. The IGP made the disclosure during an interview session with journalists yesterday, shortly after he declared a one-day stakeholders' consultative meeting tagged: "Improving Police Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Vio-

lence and Gender Mainstreaming." While assuring Nigerians that his men were ready to assume duties at areas to be vacated by soldiers, Arase said: "But, that does not mean that we are not still going to have some collaboration with the military. "Constitutionally, they (military) are supposed to assist us whenever we have issues; where we require their assistance, we still need to synergise with them." The Police chief further noted that the "Police alone cannot provide security; no police in the world have complete dominance of the security space, security is everybody’s business. Meanwhile, female police officers, who hitherto suffered gender-based discrimination, may now heave a sigh of relief, as the IGP has said such tendencies will be cancelled henceforth.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro JUNGLE JUSTICE

A man accused of attempting to steal a car was saved from being killed by a mob at the last minute

Car thief escapes lynching

Taiwo Jimoh

suspected car thief escaped death by a whisker when nemesis caught up with him while trying to steal a vehicle at Allen Avenue area of Ikeja, Lagos. The suspect and his accomplice had posed as would-be tenants looking for an apartment to hire. It was gathered that the two men pretended to be interested in hiring an apartment at No 45, Adeleke Street off Allen Avenue. One of them was said to have gone inside with the landlord to inspect the said apartment. A witness said the other one outside was busy breaking the windscreen of the vehicle so as to steal it. “It was the security guard who was in the compound that noticed his activities and raised the alarm which attracted the attention of the landlord and neighbours,” the witness said.

The suspect before he was rescued

The man trying to steal the vehicle was apprehended by the people who rushed to the scene while the other was said

to have escaped by scaling the fence. The mob descended on the suspect, gave him the beating

of his life and put a used tyre on his neck. A resident of the area, who craved anonymity, said the sus-

pected thief was about to be set ablaze by some angry youths when he arrived the scene and stopped them. He said: “The youth wanted to lynch the thief so that others would learn from him. “We the elders in the community stopped the youth from carrying out such act because it would project the community in a bad light. The suspect was later handed over to Area ‘F’ Police Command.” A man, who identified himself simply as John, said “we the mechanics in the community thank God that the robber was caught. We have been alleged to the ones inviting armed robbers into the community”. John called on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti, to provide the community a patrol team to check cases of armed robbery. When contacted on the phone, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Kenneth Nwosu, promised to call the area commander for proper briefing. Nwosu, who also promised to contact our correspondent on the issue, did not call at press time.

Police go after Lord’s Chosen pastor’s killers Rivers varsity lecturers Juliana Francis

omicide detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Command have started hunting for gunmen who killed one of the pastors of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Ijesha, Lagos. The cleric, identified as Chukwuemeka Akpokpo, was said to have been shot several times on Monday by two men riding a motorcycle who ensured he was dead before fleeing.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Pastor Muoka

Witnesses said Akpokpo was shot around Apple junction, Amuwo Odofin, near Diamond Bank where he had just stepped out with N3 million. The hoodlums snatched the money from his cold hands and disappeared. Some of the church members alleged that the attack was not random. Many said that Akpokpo told many members he was heading to the bank. Some of the members added that his death might be connected with crisis rocking the church. One of them said: “Believe

me, this robbery was the work of an insider. A member of this church is behind it. We believe that he was trailed to the bank. They waited for him outside the bank.” Another church member said: “Our pastor may have been assassinated by those who are eyeing his position. He was the Lagos State coordinator and was in charge of building. I am sure he was killed by some envious people who want to take over his seat. Many saw him as being too favoured by the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Lazarus Mouka.” The man said that many doubted that the cleric had been killed until they saw his body. The body was taken to the church and members embarked on prayers, hoping he would be resurrected. They prayed for nine hours without success. A police source said: “We are not going to conclude that it was an armed robbery attack. We may not rule out assassination but on the other hand it may be robbery attack and he may have recorgnised one of his attackers. We have to expand our findings.”

protest VC’s abduction Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

ecturers at the Rivers Stateowned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, have called for the unconditional release of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemund Green-Osahogulu. Green-Osahogulu was abducted last Thursday night, while returning from work. The VC had left the university and was around the Aker Base area of Rumuolumeni in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, when the gunmen abducted her after trailing her from the institution’s main campus. The lecturers, who embarked on a peaceful protest within the campus, lamented that GreenOshagulu was still being held by her captors against her will more than four days after she was kidnapped, and urged the authorities to ensure her immediate release. They said that despite the willingness to continue with their lectures, they were deeply saddened over the plight of Green-

Osahogulu, and were not in the right frame of mind to do their job. The coordinator of the protest, Dr. Okechukwu Agi, urged the security agencies to do more in securing her release, just as he stressed the need for them to beef up security throughout the state. He said: “We are saying that our VC has to be released. It is now more than two days since she was abducted. She has been held now for days. We lecturers cannot operate under this kind of situation.

Green Osahogulu

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

City Briefs Community tackles Anambra varsity over land Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

Female teenagers held for stealing Juliana Francis

he controversy trailing the allocation of over 2,771 hectares of land to the Anambra State Government to build the Igbariam campus of the state University of Science and Technology is yet to settle. The land, which was given to the old Eastern Region by the Michael Okpala regime in 1962 for farming, was, according to the people of Igbariam, never discussed by the state government and the community before it was taken over by the administration former Governor Peter Obi. It was gathered that since then the allocation of the land had been a subject of controversy between the state government and the settlers. The President General of Igbariam Progress Union, Chief Jude Orizu, spoke on the issue with our correspondent at the Tourist Hotel, Aguleri, during the inauguration and installation of Grand Patrons, Patrons and Ada Amakom committee of friends Nigerian, (an Omambala socio-cultural organisation). He said the land was taken by the government during the regime of the former President General of the Town, Prof Charles Iloegbunam (SAN), adding that after he pressurised the government, 15 per cent of the acquired land representing 360.085 hectares was returned to the community. According to him, if converted, it is about 368 plots, adding that the land was shared to the settlers who had been living and farming there since 1962.

‘Akaka community not

involved in poly student’s murder’

he Akaka community (Gold City) in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State has denied involvement in the gruesome ritual killing of a female student of Sapade Polytechnic. The Akaka Development Council (ADC) made the rebuttal in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Samuel Obasa, Secretary, Hon Oye Adetayo and Treasurer, Most Senior Evangelist Oyedele Ogunwale. ADC described reports linking the community with the crime as highly embarrassing, provocative and untrue. According to the statement, the murder was allegedly committed at Oposo, a community under Ode-Remo and not Akaka Remo.

Maria Falolu (left), Jelilat Abass and Adijat Seidu

Edo community decries oil spill, strange ailments Cajetan Mmuta Benin

esidents of boundary communities between Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State and Jesse in Delta State are now in living in fear over strange ailments reportedly ravaging the communities. The outbreak of the said ailment, according to the residents, followed oil spill which destroyed farmlands in the communities. People in the affected communities yesterday raised the

alarm over high level of destruction and health implication of the spillage. Umoghun-Nokhua community has about 2,000 hectares of its farmlands ravaged by oil spillage that rendered most of the farmers redundant while some of the residents and farmers have fallen sick. Leaders of UmoghunNokhua community, Chief Moses Egbon and Pa London Emuwen, during a protest over the effect of the oil spill, called on the Federal Government, state government and the concerned authorities to come to

the aid of the people. According to them, many people are dying due to the negative impact of the incident. Many hectares of land where the incident occurred in March 2014 could still not be cultivated. Villagers complain that they cannot grow crops or hunt games for their daily needs. According to the people, 14 persons, among them women and children, have died since the spillage, while others badly affected are receiving treatment in various hospitals. The people said that among

ailments being suffered owing to the spillage included cough and skin rashes. Also, the community Youth Leader, Michael Eghaghe, and other stakeholders, who spoke in separate interviews, appealed for urgent intervention from government. The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adams Oshiomole on Environment, Charles Imariagbe, who visited the scene to ascertain the extent of damage done by the oil spillage, said appropriate action would be taken by the appropriate authorities.

Lagos Assembly orders probe of firefighter’s death Muritala Ayinla

he Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday called on the state government to immediately investigate the cause of the death of a firefighter, Mr Olumide Ogunubi, while trying to rescue a plumber.

‘FCMB promotes physically-challenged persons’ well-being’ T he First City Monument Bank (FCMB) said it had continued to demonstrate its passion and commitment to the welfare of the physically challenged. The bank said in a statement that it recently sponsored Mr Folawiyo Adisa, a para-badminton player, to participate at the 1st International Para-Badminton Championship organised by Houston Badminton Centre, United States between May 19 and 27. According to the statement, this marked the eight consecutive year the bank has been supporting the multiple Africa and world gold medallist in the sport. “At this year’s competition in the United States, Mr. Jimoh won the silver media

hree female teenagers have been arrested for allegedly stealing gold necklace worth thousands of naira at Ijanikin area of Lagos State. The girls were also accused of stealing a phone, laptop and an unspecified amount of cash. The girls are identified as Maria Falolu, 14, Jelila Abbass, 15 and Adijat Seidu, 16. They were said to have been handed over to policemen attached to Ijanikin Division. According to the police, the ladies were alleged to have specialised in such pilfering. They were arrested last week after allegedly stealing a set of gold necklace and cash at 1, Ojolowo Street, Otto Awori at Ijanikin area. The girls have been arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, from where they were

taken to Idi-Araba Remand Home. The teenagers were nabbed by residents after the owner of the shop, Mrs Yetunde Awolola, raised the alarm. Police investigation revealed that the suspects live with their parents within the vicinity of Ijanikin in Otto Awori Local Council Development Area, where the crime was committed. A police source disclosed that the modus operandi of the suspects was that they would enter into a shop, demand for an item that is not available in the shop. The source said: “In the case where the owner says she doesn’t have and wants to bring the item from another shop, they would steal items from the shop before the owner returns. They have stolen a lot of goods from many unsuspecting shop owners in the area before luck ran out on them.”

to add to his horde of laurels, including the gold medal he won at the 2013 Spanish International Para-badminton tournament,” it added. The bank’s Group Head, Corporate Communications & CSR, Mrs Uchenna Mojekwu, said FCMB’s support to Adisa stemmed from its belief that in every disability, there is ability. “We acknowledge his exploits in the game of para-badminton over the years. As a bank driven by the culture of excellence, we will continue to encourage him and other physically-challenged individuals to realise their dreams and bring more laurels to the country,’’ she was quoted as saying.

It was gathered that the firefighter, who was attached to Ikotun Fire Service Station, met his untimely death, while trying to rescue a plumber trapped in a well. Ogunubi’s belt was said to have snapped suddenly, leading to his death. But raising the case of the demise of the firefighter as a matter under Motion Number 4 during a plenary, Hon. Segun Olulade said the matter must be investigated in order not to dampen the morale of other firefighters. He said: “If it is not well investigated, it would affect the morale of firefighters in the state and in the country. He died in active service. We should call on the state government to upgrade the fire service equipment in the state and update the Fire Service Law of 1972.”

Rasak Fadipe, Director, Fire Service

Contributing to the matter, Hon Rotimi Olowo said the government, the Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Water Resources should ensure that areas in the state had access to water. In her contribution,

Hon Funmilayo Tejuosho called for the overhauling of the equipment of the fire service department, while Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu said the state did not have safety laws and that most workmen were working with obsolete equipment.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Leadership crisis: NLC disclaims Ajaero, Isa Aremu Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

here is no end in sight to the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the National Headquarters of the congress yesterday disclaimed two of its members, Comrades Joe Ajaero and Isa Aremu. The two NLC members were candidates for the post of president and deputy president of NLC in its rescheduled election on March 14, 2015 where they lost but insisted that the election was marred by irregularities. They have since formed a parallel leadership of the Congress as President and

Deputy President respectively. But in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday titled “Serial Impersonation by Comrades Joe Ajaero and Isa Aremu as NLC leaders”, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba lamented that the two union leaders have been parading themselves as elected officers of the Congress even after losing in the election. The attention of the National leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has been drawn to the serial impersonation by Comrades Joe Ajaero and Issa Aremu since they both lost their bids to be President and Deputy President, respectively, of NLC at the rescheduled March 14, 2015 elections of Congress. The statement reads:

“While we had restrained the National Secretariat from publishing a disclaimer in the hope that commonsense and sanity will eventually prevail on our comrades to stop this delusion, it has become clear to us and the entire labour movement that Comrades Ajaero and Aremu are determined to continue in their criminal enterprise of impersonation as President and Deputy President of NLC. “It is for this reason that Comrade Aremu had continued to issue statements in which he continually purport to be Deputy President of Congress and on behalf of our revered organisation. One such statement, and which was given wide publicity in at least four national dailies – The Na-

tion, Tribune, Leadership and Daily Sun – published on Monday June 22, 2015, contended that the alleged decision of the National Assembly to voluntarily cut its budget from N150 billion to N120 billion was ‘too token and not far-reaching enough’. “As General Secretaries of their respective unions that are affiliates of the NLC, we cannot stop Comrade Aremu (of National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria) and Ajaero (of National Union of Electricity Employees), or any officer of an industrial union from speaking on any national issues they feel strongly about. However, no affiliate industrial union or their officers are at liberty to issue statements in the name of

the Nigeria Labour Congress UNLESS such and affiliate is expressly mandated to do so. All instances since Comrades Ajaero and Aremu lost their bids to be elected as President and Deputy President (including the statement attributed to Aremu under reference) are clear cases of criminal impersonation. We had course to recently alert our international allies – Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), International Trade Union Confederation-Africa(ITUCAfrica) and International Labour Organisation (ILO), among other labour bodies – to discountenance any correspondence from Comrades Joe Ajaero and Issa Aremu if it is purported to be on behalf of NLC.”

Alleged $330,000 fraud: Court

registrar exonerates self

Akeem Nafiu

luronke Rosulu, a former registrar to Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, who was accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of collecting $330,000 from a former Chief of Army Staff, General Ishaya Bamaiyi, while in detention at Kirikiri Prison yesterday denied all the allegations against her. Rosulu, in her testimony before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of an Ikeja High Court, refuted all allegations of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence levelled against her by the EFCC. While being led in evidence by her lawyer, Bamidele Ogundele, Rosulu told the court that she started working with the judiciary in 1981 and had to support her salary by catering services. She added that she was still a registrar in Justice Oyewole’s court while Bamaiyi was standing trial in the same court. According to her, “I only knew the complainant (Bamaiyi) when he was standing trial before Justice Oyewole. I was the senior registrar in that court before I was posted out sometime in March 2006 and that was the last time I saw Bamaiyi until I was invited to EFCC’s office in 2013”. “I never met ACP Abdullahi Garba before, I don’t know Fred Ajudua personally but I knew him as an accused standing trial. I did not collect money from anybody and I don’t know Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) one on one and I never worked in his chambers”, she said.

L-R: Director-General, Progressive Friends Foundation (PFF), Chief Pat Ifeanyi Oramah; newly appointed President, African ExportImport Bank, Dr. Ben Okey Oramah and Special Adviser to the President of ADB, W. Paatii Ofusu-Amah, at the 22nd Annual General Meeting of Afreximbank in Lusaka, Zambia…recently

Ezekwesili to Buhari: Appoint best brains to head public service Muritala Ayinla

ormer Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders in the country to make use of the best brains to lead and run the nation’s public service, saying that absence of meritocracy in the selection and appointment of public servants is the bane most of the problems confronting Nigeria as a nation. Ezekwesili, who is also a Former Minister

of Solid, Minerals, Mines and Steel, said that the nation could overcome its numerous challenges, if only the public servants at both federal and state services are upright and ready to deliver service as professionally as possible but said what obtains in the nation’s public service is a transactional service, where emphasis is placed on selfish gains rather than delivery of public service. Hence, she advised President Buhari to base his appointment deci-

sion in the public service on competency, capacity and character, saying the nation’s development is determined by the competency, capacity and character of the people that are assembled to solve its problems. Speaking at the 2015 Public Service Day and the presentation of the long service awards to 551 state public servants, organised by the Office of the Lagos State Head of Service, Ezekwesili said that in the game of football, most good coaches in the world make

use of their first 11 squad to get good result, but added that what is found across the states now is the use of third 11-man squad who are employed and appointed as heads of public service. The result of this practice, the former Minister said, is failure in various sectors as the body of people who are expected to set agenda for the political appointees or elected public office holders are grossly incompetent to envision the aspiration and objective of an ideal society and governance.

Land allocation: Abuja residents sue FCT Minister, others Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

ome residents of Asokoro, a highbrow area in Abuja have dragged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Setraco Nigeria Limited and two others before an Abuja High Court over alleged moves to convert Asokoro

from a low to high density populated area. The suit which comes up today, before Justice S. C. Oriji is seeking for a mandatory order to compel the defendants to restore the entire 25 hectares of land in Asokoro to its original green areas. The plaintiffs are praying for an order of Court to demolish all the structures

put up by a developer, Sunrise Estate Development Limited and Setraco in areas designated green area in contravention of the law at Asokoro District, FCT and the Abuja master plan. The plaintiffs further submitted that the activities of the defendants who are erecting eigth floors and other types of buildings

firmly within the 100 meters buffer zone of 132 KVA high voltage power line provided by the Abuja master plan and in various AGIS map was wicked and in complete disregard of public health considerations especially the health of future residents of the buildings as children exposed to high voltage are at risk of Leukemia.

Telecoms sector attains 5.36% growth in Q1 2015, says NBS Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

igeria’s telecommunications sector attained real growth rate of 5.36% in the opening quarter of 2015, indicating a rise of 0.61% points from 2014 average growth rate, data obtained yesterday from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated. In real terms, the telecoms sector contributed N1, 344,489.25 million or 8.38% to total economic output for the opening quarter of 2015 representing a marginal decline from 2014 average contribution of 8.46%. The NBS report detailing share of telecoms contribution to the real GDP which has been fluctuating between a relatively narrow margin between 2010 and Q1 of 2015 peaked at 9.32% in Q1 of 2010,and reaching a low declines from 9.03% of real GPD in 2010 declined to 8.68% in 2011 with marginal decline of 0.04% in 2012 points in 2013 and 0.11% point in 2014. In terms of subscription, the report revealed that there has been an increasing rapid subscription to telecoms services by subscribers with total subscribers moved from meagre 2.27 million registered lines in 2002 to 127.61 million in 2014.

Akinyemi to FG: Stop burning, destroying policy Temitope Ogunbanke

ormer Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has condemned the destruction of 21,000 litres of refined PMS in Akwa-Ibom State by Nigerian Navy and smashing of 32 illegal refineries in Warri, Delta State by members of the Joint Task Force (JTF). He urged the Federal Government to stop burning and destroying as a policy. Akinyemi, in a statement titled; “Thinking outside the box: New approaches to old demons” also advised government to build up domestic technology as a priority and start pursuing policies that will encourage Nigerians rather than persecuting the enterprising but rudimentary scientists and entrepreneurs. He also advised the Federal Government to set up an Exclusive Economic Zone Naval Command to police Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone that is being ravaged by fishing trawlers from the Asian continent.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Governance

Parliament

Ondo guber

Unpaid salaries

14, 15

What Buhari, govs must do to succeed, by Akinjide

Discordant tunes over jumbo pay cut

Zoning stirs controversy over Mimiko’s successor

Judge calls for Aregbesola’s impeachment

Politics

Forced to live within means In this report, TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE examines measures being taken by state governors to reduce the cost of governance in the face of dwindling resources

of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in their states. Some of the governors who have already taken the bull by the horn in reducing cost of governance in their states are Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Bindow Jibrilla (Adamawa), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

el-Rufai cuts salaries, reduces commissioners For Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, he and his deputy, Mr Barnabas Bala, will cut their salaries by 50 per cent until the economic situation in the state improved. He said: “In recognition of the difficult challenges we face, the deputy governor and I have concluded that the sacrifices that change requires must begin with us. We have decided to take a pay cut and donate 50 per cent of our salaries and allowances, until our fiscal situation improves. “We understand that leadership by example is the most persuasive way to demand sacrifices from all of us as citizens. We pledge to avoid ostentation and foolish bigmanism, and to value transparency, modesty and accountability,” he said. On June 9, the governor also announced the reduction in the number of ministries in the state from 19 to 13; and a consequent reduction in the number of commissioners from 24 to 13. He also urged the members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and political office holders in the state to follow his example and cut down their salaries and allowances to enable the state generate enough money to actualise the dream of changing the face lift of the state. “We appeal to all political office holders to embrace this example and attitude of sacrifice. Once done with paying salaries, allowances, overheads and pensions, the state is unable to do much by way of building infrastructure or providing services. The stark fact is that Kaduna State spends 80 per cent of its total revenues on its public servants and political office holders,” he said. Governor el-Rufai last Friday also cancelled the annual Ramadan welfare package distributed to Muslims in the state, saying

ew weeks after being sworn in as governors in their respective states, the new state chief executives are being confronted with a huge financial crisis. From the North, East, South and the West, the story is the same. The states are griming under huge debts, backlog of unpaid salaries, empty treasuries, unpaid allowances to pensioners, contractors deserting project sites, and unservice loans among others. For the new governors, it’s a baptism of fire for them to know that governance is no tea party but a strategic seat at a time like this. While some ‘new kids’ in the states have publicly spilled out the state of finances in their states blaming the financial woes on their predecessors, others simply chose to keep mute in order to still salvage some pride for the erstwhile governors who perhaps orchestrated their emergence as governors. For how long the cover-ups and face-saving measures would be is only a question that time alone can answer. As it stands, about 75 per cent of the 36 states in the country are already struggling and handicapped in fulfilling their financial obligations in the face of dwindling federal allocation to states and poor Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Expectedly, many Nigerians have started lending advice to the governors and the other public of-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

el-Rufai

Abubakar

Jibrilla

Ajimobi

fice holders on how to prune down government expenditure, block leakages and device new means of income generation. Speaking with journalists in Yola on May 10 before his inauguration, Kano State governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje, advised his colleagues to cut cost of governance to enable them meet their responsibilities to the electorate, saying that the step was necessary in view of the dwindling revenue from the Federation Account. He said states should cut the benefits of political office holders and enhance their IGR alongside other measures, to be able to pay salaries and meet their obligations. “I think it is necessary that they (incoming governors) reposition,

as business is no longer as usual with the present economic reality. My advice to my colleagues is to block leakages for optimum utilisation of what is on ground. There must be some element of political and economic fasting; I think we should learn how to fast before the month of Ramadan,” he said. In view of the public outcry and the need to survive amidst dwindling economy, some governors have taken the bull by the horn and have started pruning down the cost of governance in their states. As at June 21, some states have cut salaries of governors, deputy governors, members of the House of Assembly and other public officials by 50 per cent. Some governors have also reduced numbers

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Politics

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

What Buhari, govs must do to succeed, by Akinjide Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) has seen it all in Nigerian politics as a lawyer, legislator and minister. In the First Republic, he was the Minister of Education and served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the Second Republic. In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, the member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) speaks on the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, National Assembly leadership, cost of governance and corruption among others. Excerpts: In an interview with New Telegraph last year, you gave five reasons why General Muhammadu Buhari cannot be President of Nigeria. You raised the issues of cancellation of Lagos metro line, human rights abuses, imprisonment of political officers, electoral advantage and former President, Goodluck Jonathan’s performance. Despite all these reasons, Buhari defeated Jonathan. What went wrong with your permutation? The last election was free and fair at the presidential level and that was why the sitting president (Jonathan) conceded defeat and accepted that Buhari won. We cannot compare what has just happened with what happened in the past. The last presidential election was accepted by everybody because it was free and fair. There is no petition; I like that because that would give the government the opportunity to take off and govern the country fairly. I think the last presidential election was accepted by the whole country. So, we should not compare the election with other matter on military rule. This is totally different. You are one of those who expressed confidence that Jonathan would be re-elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but he lost. Why did PDP perform abysmally in the elections? The party is looking into it and until the report is ready and I read it, I won’t make any comment on it yet. What does Buhari’s return to power portend? It signifies to me democracy, particularly when the immediate President even conceded to him. That is what happened in France, Germany, Britain and America. It is normal. It has happened before and it is happening again. Buhari is democratically elected and I believe he is now a democrat because he cannot rule without the National Assembly. He cannot rule without the rule of law and the judiciary. So, we have the three arms of government firmly in control. Now that President Buhari is at the helm of affairs for over two weeks, how would you assess his government?

Two weeks is too early to make any judgement because there is very little he could have done in two weeks. Although in other countries like United States and in Europe, once you go into government, you start off immediately without delay. In England, once the Prime Minister takes oath of office, within 24 hours he will announce his ministers straight away. And in America, the president doesn’t waste time in appointing his cabinet members. I don’t know why there is delay in the composition of his cabinet and I will not make a judgement for our president; he must have his reasons why there is delay. I don’t know why the president is yet to name his cabinet and I don’t want to make a judgement for him. Before I can make a judgement on that, I will wait for another three or four weeks. If he doesn’t do it, then we can speak out. But for two weeks, I think we should be patient. So, let us give him some time more. Would the delay in cabinet composition slow down government? When I talked of England, they have a settled system, which they have been running for centuries. America also has a settled system ditto Germany, Norway and even India. So, we are still young. There was a time we have many military coups and military rulers. We are just growing up and I hope that what we are doing now will take a very solid base. Don’t let us be angry; let us be patient. As an experienced politician and former minister, what are the qualities President Buhari should consider in choosing member of his cabinet? One, he should look for brilliant people; that is very critical. Don’t put a third or fourth Eleven to do the work of a first Eleven. He must pick the best brains. If he picks poor people with poor brains; he will not work well. Our national interest should also be critical in the choice of the cabinet members. I agree that he should also look at geographical spread but that geographical spread must be subjected to ability to perform. He should pick the best; who could be politicians or technocrats and we

Akinjide

have them in all spheres.

You don’t get that office to help your party; you get that office to help national interest

Would you advise the president to put ethnicity and zoning into consideration... He should not introduce that into it. What should be critical is national interest. Once that is fulfilled and he finds quality people with good character; he should go ahead and name his cabinet members. As a former federal lawmaker, what is your take on the process through which the leadership of the National Assembly emerged on June 9 and the controversy surrounding the election of the leaders of the two chambers? The election of the leaders of the National Assembly was well done. People don’t understand that there is a difference between political parties and the National Assembly. The National Assembly is a very sacred institution and what the lawmakers did is in accordance with the constitution and the rules of the National Assembly. Those who were elected were elected legally and I congratulate them. The emergence of the President of the Senate and Deputy Senate President was a good balance. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, comes from one political party and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, from another political party. I think that shows maturity. I like that and I support it. People should stop making noise in the newspapers as if

we are fighting a war. What they have done is good and I support it. So, you believe that the emergence of Ekweremadu despite being in opposition party is commendable? It doesn’t matter. It is not the opposition party that elected him; it is members of the National Assembly who elected him and other leaders of the National Assembly. That is the way people should look at it. Once you are elected, you are in governance and you must think of the whole country. The Senate President is for the whole of Nigeria, not for his own political party. And his deputy is also for the whole of Nigeria, not for any political party. Don’t you think PDP has gained from the process? No, it is not the PDP that has gained; it is democracy that has gained. The Senate President and his deputy are for the whole country; we should not mix that with politics or party politics. That is where people are wrong. So, the emergence of Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President will not add any value to the PDP? You don’t get that office to help your party; you get that office to help national interest. When you are Senate President, you are Senate President for the whole country, not for a political party. In fact, when you are president

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

At present all the heads of the judiciary, executive and legislature are northerners. How do you see the development? Let us wait and see maybe it is mere coincidence and if the people who occupied those positions are there on merit and they have the ability to occupy the offices, I don’t see reason why anybody should complain. I have no problem with that now. I hope the situation does not affect federal character. I hope those people who did it are very learned in the Electoral Act and constitution, and they must have good reasons why they did what they did. At present, many states in the country are faced with debt burden to the extent that they cannot pay salaries. How do you see the matter? We should check how people run government and spend public funds. I saw some local governments buying wigs for their speakers and councillors. That is nonsense and waste of money because they don’t need such thing at that level. Government needs money for hospitals, schools and things that will make people happy.

lithic or think of your area alone; you must think of Nigeria as a whole.

of Nigeria, you are president for the whole country and not for your political party. That is the mistake many people made out of ignorance. When somebody is elected, he should not think about his party; he should think about national interest. Looking at the outcome of the election of Speaker of the House of Representatives, this is the second time the South-West will lose the position. Mulikat Adeola-Akande lost the position to Aminu Tambuwal in 2011 and in 2015, Femi Gbajabiamila lost the speakership to Yakubu Dogora. What is your take on the development? I support what has happened. The lawmakers were elected to represent the country and the National Assembly. Don’t compare what happened last time with what is happening now. Once they are elected, they should serve the country and the National Assembly and that is exactly what has happened. How do you see the internal crisis rocking the ruling party, the APC, over the outcome of the leadership contest in the National Assembly? It is because they cannot separate politics from the National Assembly. The moment you are in the National Assembly, you are representing the whole country. If you are a senator from Ibadan, you should think of Sokoto, Warri, Enugu and Kano. Don’t be mono-

So, what would be you advice to APC leaders? They should accept what has happened and support the Senate President and all those who were elected. That is democratic norm and they should accept it and live by it.

I am in total support of reduction in cost of governance... Those who want money should go into business and not politics

Don’t you foresee the power tussle in the National Assembly affecting the executive and legislative relationship? It will not when you do things in accordance with the rules of the House and the constitution. When Alhaji Shehu Shagari was president in the Second Republic, Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) and National Party of Nigeria (NPN) formed coalition and two of them were in government and things went very well. So, what happened in the National Assembly is not unique. Also in London, before the last election, the Conservatives and Liberal, which were different political parties, were in the cabinet. So, such things are not unusual. In America, when a president is elected, he doesn’t form his cabinet through his political party alone. He usually takes ministers from other political parties. We should grow up and be mature. People should stop talking without maturity and experience.

Considering the state of economy of Nigeria, would you support reduction in cost of governance? I am in total support of reduction in cost of governance. Cost of running government; not just last government but previous governments have been too expensive. The legislators and executives should serve the country. Those who want money should go into business and not politics. Those who go into politics because of money are unpatriotic. When I was elected into the House of Representatives in the 50s, our salary was £800 annually and we didn’t complain; we liked it and enjoyed it. When you are in parliament or cabinet, you are there to serve and not to make money. So, I support reduction in the various arms of government. In what areas should government reduce cost of governance? In all areas. We should spend money on development. Over a year ago, I was in South Africa and I was amased at the level of development in the country. It was great and we are better financially than South Africa. I think we should emulate Australia, Canada, United States and Europe in governance by putting the interest of our people first. At the moment, I don’t like the level of unemployment in Nigeria; it is too high. How do you think President Buhari can tackle unemployment and other problems facing the country? He should look at the cost of governance in the country; look at the money we have and abolish unemployment completely. The price of oil at international market has crashed by 50 per cent. In the olden days, the price of oil was much cheaper and governance was very good. We should not rely on oil alone; agriculture and industry are very critical. It is absurd that we have enormous vehicles in the country and we don’t have factories making tyres. That makes our shame very glaring. We should abolish importation of tyres and be producing our own tyres in this country. It is also ab-

surd importing petrol when we are the sixth largest producer of oil in the world. It doesn’t make sense. In fact, we should be exporting crude and refined oil. We need several refineries in Nigeria. I don’t see why there should not be a refinery in the South-West with the number of vehicles in the region. We need money for a lot of things like roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and telephone services. Many governors in their quest to prune down cost of governance have cut salaries and reduced number of ministries... It is very good. First of all, a governor doesn’t need many commissioners running a state. It is absurd. You don’t need to pay commissioners too much money and give them houses; let them live in their own houses and go to work from there. The vehicles for government officials should also be reduced. I believe that will reduce cost of governance a lot. When I was in government all I had was two cars for myself and one car for my assistant, who was assisting me. We don’t need luxury to run government. But many people believe that what usually inflate government expenditure are not salaries but frivolous allowances like security votes and others... Those are criminals; it should be abolished. Where is the security problem? I don’t see the need for security votes at all. Are you saying security votes should be abolished? Of course, what security are the governors looking after? Every governor should tell me what security he is spending money on when he gets huge amount of money for security votes. It is rubbish and it is one of the ways governors abuse their offices. We don’t know what they spend the money on because they don’t account for it. How best do you think the issue of corruption can be tackled? If there are cases of corruption, those who are corrupt should be arrested. I don’t want people shouting on television or radio or in newspapers about corruption. Where are the people who are corrupt? Let us know them. The laws are there and we should do the right thing. President Buhari has said he will not allow corruption in his government and I have reasons to believe that he won’t allow corruption. Do you think the anti-graft agencies are doing enough in the war against corruption? I don’t know the way they operate. The issue of corruption is unthinkable in America and Europe. We should follow that system and make sure that we are corruptionfree. In the last few days, many exgovernors have been guests of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruptionrelated issues... Under the constitution, when they were in office, they cannot be prosecuted. So, when they leave office they can be made to account and that is good for the country; it is good for the economy. CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

16 Politics

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Discordant tunes over jumbo pay cut The salaries and allowances of lawmakers in the National Assembly have been the subject of controversy in the past two weeks and some members of the House of Representatives disagree on the proposed cut in their remuneration. PHILIP NYAM writes

s the House of Representatives reconvene after two weeks of recess, one issue that stares it in the face is the hue and cry about their “jumbo” pay. While some of the lawmakers are favourably disposed to the proposal that the salaries and allowances be reduced, others are vehemently opposed to the idea. As at last weekend, the National Assembly had not made the payment of initial entitlements to the lawmakers who were sworn in on June 9. The genesis The controversy surrounding the monetary benefits of federal lawmakers started as far back as 1999 when the Nigerian public protested the outrageous furniture allowance given to the legislators. Ever since, a day never passes by without Nigerians complaining about the alleged ostentatious lifestyle of its elected representatives in the National Assembly. In recent times, Nigerians have sought to know the actual earnings of their representatives but to no avail. Even with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the actual salary and allowances of the lawmakers still remain a mystery. It was part of this sustained campaign against the lawmakers that led to the downward review of the National Assembly budget from N150 billion to N120 billion in the 2015 appropriation act. A former member of the House of Representatives and now a senator, Dino Melaye (Kogi West), was the first to ignite the debate at the induction course organised for National Assembly lawmakerselect by the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS). Melaye had reasoned that in view of the current economic crunch biting hard in the country, it will be most immoral for the federal lawmakers to continue to draw from the government purse huge salaries and allowances while the common man goes to bed on an empty stomach every day. Subsequently, Senator Ben Murray Bruce (Bayelsa East) joined in the crusade calling on his colleagues to show a little patriotism and empathy to the average Nigerian by agreeing to a cut in emoluments. The angst against the lawmakers was heightened by reports that the Nigerian legislators were some of the highest paid in the world

Melaye

Lasun

DETAILS Annual Basic Salary Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance Personal assistant

COST N2, 026,400 N1,519,800 N506,600

Domestic Staff Entertainment Utilities Newspapers/Periodicals Wardrobe House Maintenance Constituency allowance TOTAL

N1,519,800 N607,920 N607,920 N303,960 N506,600 N101,320 N5,066,000 N12, 766,320

with a legislator taking home as much as N30 million per annum.– a staggering sum in a country where 70 per cent of the population live on less than $2 a day. The Economist of London in one of its reports, submitted that the annual income of a Nigerian legislator is 116 times more than the GDP per person (which has been fixed at $251, 200) in the country. The story Although, the debate was rife, barely a week after the inauguration of the House, almost all national media were awash with the stories that the National Assembly had earmarked N9 billion to be paid to the 469 members of the bicameral legislature to cover their accommodation, furniture and vehicles allowances. This generated hues and cries amongst Nigerians necessitating the management of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to release the details of the earnings of the legislators. The RMAFC in its clarification says a Senator earns N2, 026,400.00 as annual basic salary, which translates to N168, 866.70 per month. Other allowances include: Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance, N1,519,800.00; personal assistant N506,600.00; Domestic Staff N1,519,800.00; Entertainment N607,920.00; Utilities N607,920.00; Newspapers/Periodicals N303,960.00, Wardrobe N506,600.00; House Maintenance N101,320.00 and Constituency allowance N5,066,000.00. This brings to N12, 766,320.00 the salary per annum for a senator. A member of the House of Representatives earns slightly lower, according to the commission. The breakdown is given as: An annual salary of N1, 985,212.50, divided

into a monthly salary of N165, 434.40. However, the total salary, including the regular allowances, is N9, 529,038.06. This is outside the other allowances, which include: Accommodation N3, 970,425.00; Furniture N5, 955,637.50; DTA N35, 000; Estacode $900; Recess N198, 521.25 and Severance Gratuity N5, 955,637.50. A Representative can also apply for a car loan of N7, 940,850.00. The disagreement While some lawmakers are in support of the move to slash their pay, others are vehemently opposed to the idea. Although, the House has not taken any official position on the proposal, the deputy speaker, Hon. Suleiman Yusuf Lasun recently declared that there was nothing outrageous about their emoluments. He also defended the alleged huge budgetary allocations to the National Assembly, saying the money is not as huge as Nigerians are being made to believe. On the N120 billion allocated to the National Assembly in this year’s budget, the deputy speaker insisted that the total sum allocated to the National Assembly is a pittance, considering the huge task and financial needs of the parliamentary arm of government which he said, is very huge. He urged Nigerians to see the enormity of task the parliament undertake with its “lean budget” and therefore should not believe those who think the parliament is taking too much money from the budget. He insisted that the impression that lawmakers are taking jumbo pay is not correct. According to him, “People should not forget that the legislature is an arm of government and it should be treated as such. We are not just people voted for the sake of election, we are an arm of government.” “People have suddenly forgotten and don’t know that there are 469 members in the National Assembly with each one having five aides, paid from the N150 billion with their technocrats, we have National Assembly commission all of them draw their salaries and allowances from the N150 billion. But when people talk, they say it is only the House of Representatives members and the senators that collect the N150 billion.”

Another lawmaker, Hon. Iduma Igariwey (PDP, Ebonyi) said the calls for the reduction in the emoluments of members was a “misplaced priority”. He said they will not be deterred by the distractions occasion by these calls, adding that “all governors of the federation enjoy huge sums as security votes without any complain”. To Hon. Mohammed Abdulkadir Mahmud (APC, Niger), it is “alarming and unnecessary where Nigerians from all walks of life would descend on the lawmakers without finding out what the actual situation is.” Mahmud said: “We are worried about the information being pushed out there to give the impression that all we are here is to make money. That is not true. But let me also state here clearly that the National Assembly comprising of all its organs has N120 billion to spend in the 2015 budget. “We have the management of the National Assembly and Commission to draw their salaries and allowances from that money. We have the running of the two chambers, salaries and allowances of lawmakers and legislative aides’ salaries from that money. We also have committee assignments from that money, the National Assembly budget office, all these organs draw their monies from that budget.” Another lawmaker opposed to the proposed cut is Hon. Joe Edionwele (PDP, Edo) who described the proponents of the idea as ignorant. Edionwele said: “I think people are speaking out of ignorance. Even before now, I was one of those who believed the same thing. The records will be made public. We will ensure that the National Assembly does that, Nigerians need to know. The salaries we earn are not in any way close to what people speculate. People in the oil and gas sectors, banking and even lecturers earn more than us and the President.” In the opinion of Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu (APC, Jigawa), the proposed cut in salaries and allowances is not acceptable. According to him, “I will not support it at all, because as lawmakers, we do not have anything to cater for our people. As I’m talking to you now, about 1000 people are waiting for me at my residents at Birninkudu.” Ayes But as much as the pay cut idea got kicked against, other lawmakers have continuously craved for it in national interest. Hon. Chike Okafor (PDP, Imo) Okafor who represents Okigwe Federal Constituency feels that the economy is going through “a serious downturn that had made it imperative to cut cost so as to save money for infrastructural development.” According to him, there was need for downward review of emoluments and salaries to save more funds to be able to fund infrastructure, provide security, provide jobs, fund education as well as health care delivery. “In trying to control our expenditures, the very first and the very critical part that we should look at is our overhead and that is where the question CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Obviously, Ondo State is among the states that will have staggered elections since its governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, was sworn in on February 24, 2009 after a protracted legal battle. He was re-elected in 2012. As Mimiko’s tenure will soon come to an end, the question is, which of the three senatorial districts, federal constituencies and ethnic divisions should produce the next governor? BABATOPE OKEOWO reviews the agitation The issues Since the tenure of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State will soon wind up, the attention in the state has shifted to which of the three senatorial districts in the state should produce his successor and who among the personalities interested in the position should be the next occupier of the Alagbaka Government House. Shortly after the 2015 general elections that was largely won by the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the coming gubernatorial election has triggered fresh arguments, especially from the three senatorial districts, nine federal constituencies and five ethnic divisions that make up the state over which part of the state should produce the next governor. 2015 shocker The results of the presidential and the National Assembly elections shocked Mimiko who had boasted that he would deliver one million votes from the state to former President Goodluck Jonathan. The boast evaporated when the then APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, trashed President Jonathan in the election while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) equally performed abysmally in the National Assembly election. After the victory of the March 28 elections, APC went to sleep and began threatening Mimiko with impeachment. While Mimiko went back to the drawing board to re-strategise on how to win the April 11 state Assembly polls in the state, and settling feud with old PDP faction, the APC was basking in the euphoria of its performance nationwide. The APC thought the April 11 would be an easy ride for its party, which they later found out that it was another ball game altogether. The PDP secured 21 seats in the state House of Assembly election, leaving five seats for the APC. The next battle Now that the general elections have been won and lost, attention has been shifted to the next governorship election in the state. Voters will be going to the polls latest between October and November next year, to choose who takes over

Zoning stirs controversy over Mimiko’s successor

Mimiko

Akeredolu

Kuku

Oke

Ibrahim

Kayode

from the incumbent governor. The outcome of the last elections had generated serious argument within the political class in the state as to which zone is likely to produce the next governor, considering the fact that all the three senatorial districts have been adequately represented. Ondo in history Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976. The old Ondo province was excised out of the old Western Region of Nigeria to form Ondo State, which consisted of the six old administrative divisions vis-a-vis Ekiti, Akoko, Owo, Akure, Ondo and Okitipupa divisions. On October 1, 1996, Ekiti division was carved out of Ondo State to form Ekiti State. Ondo State is therefore now made up of five administrative divisions vis-avis Akoko, Owo, Akure,Ondo and Okitipupa divisions. On the basis of sub-ethnic and linguistic composition, the state is made up of the Akoko, Owo, Akure, Ondo, Ikale, Ilaje, and the minority Ijaws of the riverine areas. The state also has three senatorial districts and nine federal constituencies with each senatorial district having three federal constituencies. In the North Senatorial District, there are Akoko Southeast/Southwest, Akoko Northeast/ Northwest and Owo/Ose federal constituencies. In Ondo Central Senatorial District, there are Akure North and South, Idanre/ Ifedore and Ondo East/West fed-

the Ikales. Osunyikanmi is from IleOluji which is seeing as extension of Ondo. Oke has defected to the APC leaving the slot for Kuku and Ebiseeni. Considering exposure, network within and outside the state and the deep pocket, Kuku is more positioned than the rest. A thanksgiving service he had in Arogbo recently drew people from all walks of live to the coastal community.

eral constituencies. Similarly, in Ondo South Senatorial District, there are Irele/Okitipupa, Ilaje/ Eseodo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/ Odigbo federal constituencies. Ondo South’s argument Those arguing about the ethnic division, senatorial districts or federal constituencies are doing so based on the area they came from. For instance, the southern district believe it is their turn to produce the governor. They argued that Dr. Olusegun Agagu only served a term and another person should be allowed to produce the governor. If the argument works, the Ijaws and Ilajes should naturally be favoured. In the district, the Ikales had produced a governor, in the person of late Agagu but the Arogbo Ijaws and Ilajes have not had the opportunity to produce one. The argument is that, if it is going to the south, Ijaws or Ilajes should produce the candidate for the zone. But Odigbo and Ile-Oluji axis also has claim to the slot. The only argument against Odigbo and Ile-Oluji is that they are more of Ondo extraction because they speak the same dialect. Among those interested in the position are former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, Chiefs Sola Ebiseeni, Olusola Oke and Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi and businessman Jimoh Ibrahim. Among the top contenders, Ibrahim is ruled out because his kinsman, Agagu, has used the tenure of

Nobody can get the governorship of Ondo State on the platter of gold...

Ondo Central/Akure’s claim Another argument is that, out of all the ethnic groupings in the state, only Akure has not produced the governor of the state. Akure division which comprises of Akure South, Akure North, Ifedore, and Idanre are now looking forward to having one of their own occupy the Alagbaka Government House after Governor Mimiko. Among the likely contestants from the zone are Prince Ademola Adegoroye, Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, Engr. Tunji Ariyomo, Dr. Dare Bada, Architect Olusola Agbesua and Dr. Patrick Ayo Akinyelure. The argument is that the division and her people have never been fairly treated in the scheme of things despite the prime place they occupy in Ondo State. Since 1976 when the old Ondo State was created, no democratically elected Akure indigene has had the opportunity of steering CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

MORE STORIES ON pageS 40-43

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion While awaiting Buhari’s cabinet Adewale Kupoluyi

fter his inauguration on May 29, Nigerians have anxiously been waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari to unfold his cabinet that is expected to drive the change mantra of the ruling government of All Progressives Congress (APC). While some believe that the President is too slow in taking this critical decision, not a few feel that such a crucial assignment should not be done in a hurry in view of the perceived bad shape of things in the country. Aside this, what has also been dominating public discourse is whether or not a chunk of the cabinet members would be composed of either politicians or technocrats. Nigerians want to equally know whether the new government, in trying to cut cost, would be able to get the right persons on board without violating the law, which provides that each state of the federation should have at least a minister in the Executive Council of the Federation, as stated by Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Perhaps, because of the delay in rolling out the ministerial list, the media have been awash with various names and personalities being speculated as the preferred candidates for the cabinet positions. Certainly, the APC as a party would have a considerable influence on who becomes what, as I am sure that the President should also have an idea of a number of Nigerians that he would like to work with in bringing about the transformational change that the country truly deserves now. In a heterogeneous environment like ours, where political relevance is a big deal, seen and made to be perceived as the shortest route to national prosperity, it should be expected that intense lobbying would be at its peak to ensure that vested interests succeed in getting a feeling that they truly have their own share of the national cake. While this has been the trend over the years, in terms of allocation of political offices; where the sharing is based on political patronage and influence, it should be appreciated that the desired improvement in the socio-economic status of the nation and people’s lives may remain elusive until there is a collective resolution on the part of all stakeholders that there is the need to this time around, do things differently. That is the more reason why the President should

ensure that he is not stampeded into choosing the wrong persons and imposed candidates that could constitute clog in the wheel of progress of the new administration of which the people are looking up to in revamping the declining fortunes of the nation. He should not allow sentiments and parochial interests to trap him into appointing mostly candidates of political grabbers that have been feeding fat on the nation and would rather prefer to maintain the status quo ante than bringing radical change into the polity. The way to go is to ensure that only qualified men and women of proven integrity, track records and patriotic zeal make the ministerial list irrespective of whether they are technocrats or politicians. He should search thoroughly beyond the political party platforms in order to get the best materials that would help him drive the country towards the path of posterity. The precarious situation in the nation may not be restored overnight but taking the right step in the right direction by putting the square peg in the square hole, would go a long way in rekindling hope that things would definitely be fine. To achieve effectiveness in the fight against corruption and impunity, Buhari should get the team that would make it possible for his administration to carry out an extensive restructuring and overhauling of the country’s anti-graft agencies by strengthening them for optimal performance. Most of these agencies, as they are currently constituted, are unable to carry out their duties as expected. Various problems ranging from poor funding, lack of administrative autonomy, deliberate legal encumbrances and lack of political will to punish offenders remain their lot. These challenges should be addressed by the new government. Those coming on board in the new cabinet should see the need to properly rejuvenate the parlous state of infrastructure in the country. The economy is not only weakened, basic amenities such as power, fuel, medicare and food supply have since become inaccessible for the ordinary citizen. Insecurity and criminality - caused mainly by severe unemployment of able-bodied young people and poor enforcement of the laws - have become more intense and sophisticated by the day. As we look forward to Buhari’s cabinet list, I would like to appeal to members of the Senate not to fail in

carrying out their constitutional duties in the screening of the ministerial nominees. In the past, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly has been accused of not doing the needful in this area. Without prejudice, senators have been blamed for allegedly colluding with the Executive to clear unqualified persons to assume leadership positions in the country. The unbecoming ritual of just letting most ministerial nominees and other political appointees’ off-the-hook on the floor of the Parliament simply amounted to bringing high public into disrepute. The practice has bred mediocrity and it is high time we stopped it forthwith. It is common knowledge that since 1999, Senate confirmation hearings have been more of mere formality. At such sessions, our senators have been found to ask pedestrian and not-too-serious questions such as asking for the names of capital cities of states! Some candidates are simply asked to ‘take a bow’ and that it all. This is not how it should be. It is more worrisome to know that nominees’ names are sent for screening without attaching any portfolio to them. How then do they assess the candidates correctly? This is pure impunity because at the end, wrong persons are cleared and appointed causing the nation to suffer from this dereliction of duty on the part of our very expensive legislators. In a country like the United States of America, where government business is conducted more seriously, confirmation hearings of such national importance are made to pass through different committees where the nominees are drilled to answer specific questions that border on the tasks ahead of them before the proper screening exercise. Therefore, as Buhari takes this crucial decision in the life of the nation, he should always remember that the buck ends at his table. As the chief executive, he takes the glory as well as the blame for whatever happens to the nation under his care. He should be made to realise that his success or otherwise would depend largely on those he appoints as his ministers, special advisers and others. He should certainly never be found wanting in this regard. • Kupoluyi writes from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), adewalekupoluyi@yahoo.co.uk, @AdewaleKupoluyi, adewalekupoluyi. blogspot.com

Handwriting features of terrorists Ben Ezeohagwu

ccording to Onigraffiks Contemporary Dictionary, Terrorism is seen as “the use of violent action in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to act in a definite way to achieve selfish desired objectives by a group of persons”. A major Terrorists trait tendency is violence, with its subsequent effects in killings, destructions, bombings, kidnappings and so on. A Nigerian contemporary and classic case is the issue of BOKO HARAM, a high-level destructive terrorist group that has claimed several human lives, abducted of Chibok girls, and brought high-level insecurity and so on. The terrorists group can be identified through the medium of handwriting. Handwriting Analysis or Graphology is a science of identifying, evaluating and understanding a person’s personality through the patterns (features) revealed by his handwriting. Just like fingerprints, handwriting is unique to each individual. Once we have learnt to write as a children and we grow up in that manner as an unconscious act, completely embedded in our subconscious perception, it is difficult to disguise the writing by another. The conscious brain partly guides the

hand and generates the thoughts during the process of writing, while the subconscious intuition generates the manner with which the writer inscribes the letters, words and sentences on paper. Everything expressed on paper by the writer’s pen strokes is a result of a twoway circuit between the brain and the motor reflex muscles of the hand. The motor system controls the movement and posture needed for handwriting by contraction and relaxation of muscles. Messages go to and from the muscles and the brain through the nervous system. During handwriting process, the senses and muscles send messages back to the brain to enable it know how the sequence, timing and pressure of the hand on pen work out. The basic information required to write come from the brain not from the muscles of the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers. Once the basic pattern is established in the brain the muscles and nerves of the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers become important network organs as they affect the appearance of the written lines, letters, words or sentences as observed on paper. The handwriting features of terrorists, usually and definitely express negative symptoms and high-level criminal tendencies, a result of change in their thinking and thoughts habits generated over a long period of time; this lifestyle

over a period of time results into terrorist tendencies and situation, which is reflected in handwriting. Handwriting is a product of established human thought forms expressed on paper as a graphically frozen movements of neural impulses or signals organised by the central nervous system. However, terrorists’ handwritings depict among others the following basic psychographic features: a writing that is childish and immature in its illogical formations; a writing showing very little or no rhythm, order and pattern; a symptom of emotional instability and unpredictability of behavioural exhibitions; and totally self-centered as the major focus is on the satisfaction and gratification of his immediate socio-biological and material needs without regard to human lives and property. Definitely the writing consists of inconsistent pressure textures and emphasis on the middle and lower zone letters in the script. The terrorists’ handwritings also show disagreeable plasticity of coarse, untidy, muddy or blurred strokes and the abundant psychographic signs of confusion which indicate strong need to satisfy urges of negative, pervasive, and wanton sexuality, cruelty and violence. Furthermore, lower zone letter forma-

tions especially the loops that extend to the left combines with the plasticity to indicate an explosive temper with perverse sadistic tendencies that result to killings, bombings, raping, etc. In addition, the low (poor) form level in quality of writing pattern, expression of overall appearance as in organisation, simplicity of form, rhythm, originality and dynamic forward movement of writing which indicates a weakness of character and repression of anger; the presence of uneven gaps between letters in a word and words in a line is a clue that the terrorists do not socialise with others. Lastly, if terrorists could change the process and manner of their thinking and thought lifestyle to positive, joyful activities through holistic rehabilitation involving several approaches by specialists, it will change the tide positively both for the terrorists and society. They can then begin to awaken and develop their true or noble potentials (fruits of the spirit), which will in time spring up virtues for the human race as reflections of greatness and fulfillment to the honour, beauty and service of the Most High. • Ezeohagwu (benezeohagwu@yahoo.com), a Faculty member, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Professor of Occupational Graphology at Poma International Business University, Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin. (08173175540, 08060662183)

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

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Flooding: A stitch in time

mong the Ibibio of the South-South, there is the wisecrack that any challenge that fits seamlessly into a solution is automatically presumed preordained by providence. It is also from this rich pantheon that the wisecrack that no war whose date is known in advance, ever catches no physically-challenged person flat-footed or unawares. And because the world has collapsed into a village with little or no boundaries, the Lagos State government stretched across the River Niger to borrow this reservoir of evergreen wisdom. And because the state government recognises that a black goat must necessarily be located before dark, otherwise it becomes difficult, if not impossible to do so after nightfall, it has seized the opportunity of the beginning of the rainy season to provide a dedicated telephone line for residents of the mega city to report emergencies like flood. This is a most commendable move because more than any thing else, it is an acknowledgement of the geographical fact that because most parts of Lagos lie substantially below sea level, it would require a few hours of downpour to trigger heavy rain-induced flooding. According to the Permanent Secretary of the Office of

Drainage Services, Mr Ayodeji Adenekan, the measure is part of a two-pronged strategy to ensure that cases of flooding are nipped in the bud and where it does happen, counter-measures were in place to contain any emergency. In the move which is worthy of commendation and betrays deep insight and proactivity by the state government, Adenekan listed the telephone number with which to alert relevant agencies in the event of rain-induced emergency as 0809183777. Cautioning that the dedicated number applies strictly for Short Messages Service, the state government went ahead to list other measures which it urged Lagosians to adopt to reduce, if not eliminate the effects of heavy rainfall-induced flooding which has become a recurrinbg nightmare in the mega city. Such indiscriminate practices which should be discouraged, he said, include indiscriminate dumping of refuse which often clog drains, forcing their blockage and failure to provide an effective drainage system for which they were originally mearnt. ‘Such unwholesome practice of dumping refuse in the drainage also encourages rapid vegetal growth inside the drains and consequently has made maintenance very difficult,’ he said in a statement.

‘Other disadvantages of dumping of refuse in drainages are the reduction in the capacity of drains built to accommodate storm water which, as a result, overflows and spills onto the roads, causing even more damage’. Urging residents to desist from possible contravention of the directive, Adenekan urged residents of the burstling mega city to use the instrumentality of the same dedicated line to report any one found dumping refuse in canals and drainages. Similarly, the statement also appealed to parents to ensure that children are properly guided to avoid drowning in canals some of which could flow quite fiercely and speedily during heavy rains. We commend the LASG for taking this precautionary measure which eminently demonstrates sensitivity of the administration to a problem which has become accepted as perennial by residents of Lagos who have, most painfully, learnt to accept the annual ritual of floods which is usually triggered by rains basically because most parts of the city lie below the sea level, hence prone to flooding. Beside the provision of a dedicated line with which residents can alert relevant agencies in the event of flood-induced emergency, other remedial measures instituted by the state government to limit the impact

of flood any where in the state should also be constantly revisited and modified whenever necessary. Such measures include the warning to residents of lowlying communities, including Lekki Peninsula, to begin to consider migrating to higher areas to avoid the often devastating impact of flash floods that usually occur after a heavy down pour and without notice. As a matter of fact, a Lagos stake holder and former commissioner for the Environment in the state, Mr Muiz Banire is on record as having warned residents of particularly lowlying areas to migrate to higher grounds in their own interest since heavy downpour-induced flash floods have become a peculiar feature in the city. Such areas of the mega city that are usually worst-hit include the Lekki and adjoining areas; many areas in Kosofe council; parts of Ketu, especially the area flanking Ogun River and the stretch between Mile 2 and Badagry. Perhaps because of the pains of effecting relocation and the huge financial involvement, residents of flood-prone areas always tended to ignore warnings to relocate. We urge Lagosians to take this warning seriously because doing otherwise has always proved to be either regrettable or too late by those who refused to heed such timely warnings.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Arts

Book Review

Scathing verses on maladministration, terrorism

ightmares in Paradise” comes with an attractive cover design reminiscent of hell on earth. A supposedly heaven on earth has within it, images of fear. Dreaded animals like leopards, elephant, snake, buffalo, and spooky birds that signify misery, hopelessness, pain, and eventual death, which are quite contradictory to a paradise, evokes scare from the book’s cover. Perhaps this is the reason Dr. Patrick Oloko, says in the appraisals column of the book that: “A paradise is a perfect place. It is the ideal. If this paradise is ‘giant,’ then it has a flaw and ceases to be paradise.” It is in the light of the above statement that “Nightmares in Paradise” can best be described as a mirror of the flaws, ills and ironies, which the poet satirizes in terms of socio-political, economic and psychological spheres in the Nigerian society and the world. The book contains 89 poems written over a period of 15 years, from 1998 to 2013, according to the date at the end of each poem. The volume is divided into three sections Political Poems; Spiritual/ Religious/Sociological Poems; and Love Poems, satirizing the activities of individuals as well as groups in both political and social circles in Nigeria and the globe. Some poems in all the sections are also specially dedicated to individuals. ‘Section One’ mirrors the ills in the society, especially among the ruling class in Nigeria, Africa and the world. Corruption, looting, dishonesty, greed, maladministration, hypocrisy, name it, are the bane of Nigeria’s politics. The masses, who voted politicians into power, live in abject poverty. An average politician’s utmost aim is to get into power, after which the people’s mandate is written off - so sad indeed. For instance, in the poem, “The Ocean Weeps”, the poet metaphorically sees Nigeria as a ‘weeping ocean’. The political climate has been in disarray overtime, due to bad leadership system. Both past military and

TONY OKUYEME Arts Editor tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

Book title: Nightmares in Paradise Editors: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga Publisher: Bulkybon Publications Company Years: 376

Reviewer: Christy Anyanji

civilian administrations did not live up to the masses expectations. This has been responsible for discontentment, misery, poverty and the likes. The present administration that promised to right the wrongs’ has disappointed the masses as these lines in “The Ocean Weeps” on page 19 states: “...A Sandaless chameleon came promising to restore care /...Of all civil maladministration, this is the boss /...” “Discordant Rainbow” is another political poetic masterpiece where the poet x-rays the fact that Nigeria’s mess could also be traced to its tribal/dialectical sentiments, which is inimical to the realization of a united country as these lines on page 31 depict: “... An average ngbati-ngbati is inherently deceitful / An average container-on-sea is mostly money ritualistic / An average buga shi is an incurable murderer...” Moreover, the “Spiritual/ Religious/Sociological Poems” section has two poems I find most interesting amongst others. “Wiser than the oracle” (Dedicated to all Boko Haram’s victims) is an excellent piece. It satirizes the belief of a particular sect who decided to take over power from their object of worship, by maiming and killing innocent people in the guise of religion. According to the poet, the killers

by their actions tell God in the following lines: “...Go to sleep and leave universal administration for us /...we also want to help you to kill all blasphemers / Of your holy name because you are too mute /...” This is laughable as it shows their ignorance. In the same vein, “The most patient oracle” is another piece on the religious angle, describing the insatiability of human beings visà-vis changes in weather; some want it hot while others want it cold or warm- a vivid irony of life. The poem says: “...the Oracle brought rain / Some said it is too much / He sprang sun / Some said they don’t like such /...” In the midst of all these complaints, God is still patient even above human comprehension. Section Three (Love Poems) dwells on romance. One poem I find interesting here is the one titled “River of life” which beams light on the life of a woman in terms of procreation. Some of its lines read: “...you swam, I swam, we swam / From a river / Both species / Comes from a river /...” The most dominant stylistic trait of the poet in “Nightmares in Paradise” is his artistic mastery and use of rhyme schemes, as evident in the poem, “Peculiar madness” first stanza which states: “O madness, O madness, O madness / The world is a city of madness, O what a sadness!

/ A man mad does not know / Though he paints his house as snow / Until a hater of snow is mad / To point the colour is bad.../ But she especially owns the river...” As all the poems are dated, it could be assumed they relate to significant events in the life and experiences of the poet. The common feature of all the poems in the book remain the fact that they delve into issues

of common interest. A presidential award-winning poet in 2007 and a prolific writer, Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga has to his credit about eight different publications in various forms- poetry, novel and short stories. Some of his published works include Dynamic Verses (2001), Rhymes from the Nile (2006), When the King Cries and other stories (2007) and Domestic Daddy (2012), amongst others.

Etisalat Prize for Literature unveils judges, calls for entries

(L-R): Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone; one of the Judges of 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Zukiswa Wanner; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher and one of the Judges of 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Molara Wood, at the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature press conference, held in Lagos.

Tony Okuyeme

tisalat Nigeria has announced the call for entries to the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature which is

in its third year. It is the first Pan African prize celebrating debut African writers of published fiction. Stressing that the Etisalat Prize for Literature serves as

a platform for the discovery of new creative writing talents out of the African continent, the Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, highlighted that “following the success of the second year which was concluded early this year, the literary community is eagerly awaiting the third year. NoViolet Bulawayo won the maiden edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature with her highly celebrated debut novel, We Need New Names, while Songeziwe Mahlangu emerged winner of the second year of the prize with his novel, Penumbra. “The Etisalat prize is designed to foster writing in Africa, bring exciting new African writers to the attention of a wider audience, and promote the reading culture. The winner receives a cash prize of £15,000 in addition

to a fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia under the mentorship of the awardwinning author, Professor Giles Foden. The winner will also receive a sponsored three-city book tour while the two other shortlisted writers will receive a sponsored two-city book tour to promote their books. The Etisalat Prize for Literature also supports publishers by purchasing 1000 copies of the shortlisted books for distribution within the continent,” he said, adding that the Prize accepts submitted works which must be a writer’s first work of fiction over 30,000 words, and published within the last 24 months. “The Etisalat Prize will also launch the online based flash fiction prize later in the year to engage the rising stars of fiction”.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

The Mega City ...EXCLUSIVE LAGOS MAGAZINE

IN NUMBERS Bureau De Change operators at Alade Market, Allen-Avenue

PHOTO: EZURIKE UGOCHUKWU

45,100 motorcycles impounded in three years

Conmen of Allen Avenue

Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, descended heavily on the traders of foreign currencies business called ‘Bureau De Change’ thereby making conditions of entry into the business very difficult for some people and nearly impossible for riffraff and street urchins in the business. EZURIKE UGOCHUKWU reports on the activities of quacks and touts, who deceive the innocent under the guise of foreign exchange transactions LIFE IN THE CITY Rains are here, floods are here!

MY CITY MY WORLD Ambode should improve on public safety 27

OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI CITY Editor

tosin.omoniyi@newtelegraphonline.com

recent visit to one of the exchange markets in Lagosthe popular Alade shopping mall at Allen Avenue, revealed that interlopers and touts still operate unhindered. They feast on unsuspecting and some greedy customers. Esther Suleiman would not forget in a hurry her recent encounter with some fake foreign currency traders along the popular Allen Avenue junction, directly opposite and within Alade Shopping mall, Ikeja- the mall reputed for foreign currencies exchange, (Bureau De Change). Suleiman had gone to the foreign currency exchange market to change some dollars to naira. Immediately she alighted from a bus at the Allen bus stop, a group of ‘currency exchangers’ of the Hausa stock, swamped towards her to know whether she has currency to change. Many voices chorused, we will give you better price! Even when they were not sure she was coming around for money exchange, that is the common practice to all passers-by around Allen junction. As she looked through her

They feast on unsuspecting and some greedy customers

shoulder and asked one of them how much a dollar was changed for, many others ran towards her announcing their rates to lure her to them. They were giving her between N198 and N199 to US $1. Not being sure they were giving her a better bargain, she went inside the shopping mall. At the mall, she was given N196 to US $1 which was lesser than the offer at the gate. All efforts to convince her and let her understand that those outside were fraudulent and could swindle her fell on deaf ears as she was imagining the amount she stands to gain if she transacts outside. Immediately she came out, she never wasted time to locate the man that promised to give her N199. She was happy for a good deal. Esther told the man (who has two other of his colleagues beside him that feigned oblivious of their discussions), that she has US $300. The money was calculated and agreed by both parties to be valued at N59,700. She brought out the foreign currency and handed over to the man, who in turn gave it to his partner who

showed interest at this point. As Esther noticed some unsatisfactory pranks by the man and utterances being made by the partner, she became suspicious. She perceived they were trying out everything to distract her. They first counted N50, 000 at the point they stood, the men tried to creep front and backwards as they created impression of their efforts to make-up the balance. At this point, Esther became unreservedly suspicious of them. Her mind recalled what she was told about them earlier. She told herself it was safer to demand a refund of her money now. “Please give me back my money, I don’t want to change with you again,” she said. The Mallam replied, “Take it easy aunty; I’m trying to make up your money. I have asked the other guy with us to quickly go to Alhaji and bring me some naira to make up your money. I just paid one man over N300, 000 now; that is why I have shortage,” the dealer said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Life | Mega City

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Commuters and vehicles wading through floods in different parts of Abule-Egba, Lagos during the weekend

Elijah Samuel

ith the way commuters and motorists were left stranded in many areas across Lagos over the weekend, there seems to be no respite yet in sight to the perennial flooding which has become an albatross for residents. It is even more worrisome that with the acclaimed massive resources deployed by the previous administration and ongoing effort to prevent flooding in the state, many major roads have become impassable while many houses are vacated during rainfalls. During the weekend downpour, many vehicles were either parked or driven through other routes where flooding did not occur or was less intensive. The flooding on major roads caused heavy traffic spill over in many other feeder roads. For motorists, driving through the gridlock which the flooding caused on Lagos Ibadan Expressway, starting from Micheal Otedola Estate was hectic and terrifying as the road and the bridge was completely submerged. The downpour in Lagos also made commuting through many parts of the state a Herculean task. The heavy rains which

PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Rains are here, floods are here!

lasted all through Saturday morning rendered VGC, Obanikoro to Maryland on Ikorodu Road Oshodi, Iju, Opebi, Agege, Ikorodu, all flooded and dangerous places to pass through. Another area that witnessed heavy flooding were Ekoro Road and Meiran Road which is an ongoing project in Alimosho Local Government. The flooding in the area created a chaotic scenario as motorists drove against traffic, as they sought for a way out of the gridlock. “Because of the heavy downpour, many places became flooded. The rain did not only cause gridlock, it disrupted most of the social ceremonies that held in the Alimosho axis. We had a wedding programme which was abruptly brought to conclusion because of the rain. It made the venue of the event not conducive for the guests,” Kolawole Bayode, a distraught resident in Alimosho bemoaned. Bayode added that for a year that has been predicted to witness rainfall for over 200 days, about two-third of the total days in a year, rapid response has to be waged by the government,

The citizenry has to adopt measures that will prevent flooding

in conjunction with the active participation of the citizenry to adopt measures that will and acts that will prevent flooding, and also ensure a safe residency. Just as it has been known that many residents are contributing more negatively in the flooding situation, it is important that laws that will criminalize indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the environment and drainages be promulgated and enforced. He said that the citizenry, on the other hand, must change its orientation and imbibe an attitude

of responsibility and a culture of decency. This way, remarkable preventive measure would have been taken to avert impending flooding disaster. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, during an event tagged: “An evening with Akinwunmi Ambode, as part of the electioneering process that brought him on board, had said he planned to combat erosion and as well as undertake effective flooding management in the state. He seems to be ready and forthcoming for the task ahead.

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Searching for the golden fleece in Lagos It is the dream of many to come to Lagos. From different parts of Nigeria and beyond, people daily, troop in to visit, work or live in Lagos. Why do people believe that Lagos is the land of opportunities in Nigeria? Ifeoluwa Idowu provides answers.

he notion that Lagos is a land of riches is one that is well believed in Nigeria. This probably explain the reason behind the large population in the state. Lagos is a state filled with people from different backgrounds, different states, different communities and different countries even. Most of the people that were not born in Lagos had come into the Centre of Excellence in search of greener pastures. Every day, People flood into the state to either live, work or simply visit. Several people risk their lives making treacherous journeys, some climbing on goods or cow laden trailers. And some too use their lifelong savings to take the journey, or using money contributed by family members to take the journey, with high hopes to come to Lagos and make it big. Dotouyi Patrick Michael, is a Beninese, who specializes in making Shawarma at an eatery in Lagos. According to him, no place like Lagos where he doesn’t have to think hard on how to feed himself and his family. “Even though, I don’t really like Lagos because of the volume of stress here, I can’t afford to miss out of the opportunities here,” he said. He added that it was his elder brother who got him the job. “He told me to leave Warri and come to Lagos. I initially thought I was to work for a white person like I used to, but when I got here, what I met was different. My whole family believed Lagos is the best place to be which is why they insisted that I moved here. Really, if I had my way I would stay back at my former job. I prefer it to the stress of Lagos.” He said. Abubakar Mohammed, a native of Bornu State, explained that he came to Lagos with his brother inside a trailer meant for transporting cows, to seek greener pastures. Together with about 20 cows inside the trailer, he landed at Berger in Lagos with his elder brother. “I came to Lagos with my elder brother in 1996. My brother used to come to Lagos prior to that time to buy Kolanut and bring it back to Borno to sell. He did not persuade me to come to Lagos. I made the decision on my own because I knew that Lagos would give me better opportunities than sitting at home. I told him that when I come, any job I get I would do it. We came to Lagos with a trailer. When I got to Lagos, I worked at Cosmos Nigeria Ltd. as a security man for a long time. After that, I moved to Sara Foam on the same street at Kirikiri area also as a security man. From there, I went on to work for a construction company, which was just opposite Ju-

Travellers taking voyages of greener pasture to Lagos

lius Berger headquarters, also in Kirikiri. Most of the jobs I got had to do with being a security man. So, I left that and went on to riding commercial motorcycle for a living. And when the state government banned commercial motorcycles in the state, I moved to this area and I met a very nice woman who provided accommodation for me, also gave me permission to set up shop. So, I set up this kiosk and it has been very comfortable for me. I really prefer doing this to everything that I have done prior to now. I prefer being in Lagos, because when I was in Borno, I was not making money. I was just attending Islamic school. But here in Lagos, I have opportunity to do different things. That my elder brother that I came to Lagos with, is also in Lagos, working as a security man with Glo Company. I support people that come into Lagos to work. It is better to work here than to be over there getting nothing,” he said. Abubakar Usainni, who works at an industry as a security man in Lagos explains that coming to Lagos has been worthwhile. “I came to Lagos in 2003 from Mali, my country. I left Mali, passed through Niger, and from Niger Republic, I crossed the border and passed through Kebbi State, through Kaduna and continued the journey into Lagos. Nobody brought me. I came all by myself. I had my mind set on Lagos from home. So, I went through all that I did in order to make it here. Nobody told me to come to Lagos to make money. It’s just that I noticed some of my friends that come to Lagos and whenever they return, they were usually quite buoyant. And I know that if I stayed back in my country, I could not make any money, and there’s a family to take care of. I just finished speaking with my father, who told me that he needs money and now I am happy because I have a salary to look forward to collecting at the end of the month. So, I think coming to Lagos has been worth the risk for me.” He beamed.

I think coming to Lagos has been worth the risk for me

Life | Mega City

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Making Lagos orderly l45,100 motorcycles impounded in three years Maintaining law and order in a state like Lagos is, no doubt, an onerous task with the population that is more than 32 African countries combined. In this report, Muritala Ayinla takes a look at the activities of the state government’s agency saddled with the mandate of ensuring sanity in the state in the last eight years, in the face of the burgeoning population

t is said that Lagos State’s population is growing 10 times faster than that of New York and Los Angeles with the population that is expected to hit 35 million in 2020. The state is the smallest in Nigeria. Yet, it has the highest urban population, which is 27.4 per cent of the national estimate (UN-Habitat). Lagos, Nigeria’s lagoon city, Africa’s leading NEPAD City and the acclaimed world’s sixth mega city is a burgeoning global urban agglomeration, which attained mega city status in 1995, when its population soared over 10 million people according to UN-Habitat. Owing to the status of Lagos as the nation’s commercial nerve centre and the hub of Africa’s regional financial system which is dominated by mega banks, insurance firms, micro finance/Community banks, Discount houses, the capital market, it is also estimated that over 4,000 people enter Lagos daily from within and outside the country. Indeed, the position of Lagos as regional financial hub is acknowledged globally despite the relocation of the Central Bank to Abuja. Lagos still holds so much potential. According to the extant political records, “Lagos is to Nigeria, what the head is to the body of an individual.” But as important as the state may be to the residents and the visitors, arrays of challenges are confronting Lagos on daily basis, which, undoubtedly, could make the state a lawless society. Some of these challenges include indiscriminate street trading, flagrant violation of traffic laws, land grabbing, touting, hawking or displaying of pornographic videos or uncensored films, day light robbery, pickpocket, development of shanties and criminal hideouts in some of the major parks and beaches in the state among others uncivilised practices. But to deal with these numerous challenges, the state govern-

Restoring orderliness at Lagos motor park

Heap of confiscated motorcycles

ment established the Task force on Environmental Special Offence Unit by the Environmental Sanitation Edict 1991 which commenced its operation on 4th November 1991. The agency was subsequently re-designated Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency Law Cap E6, Laws of Lagos State, 2003. Speaking on the activities of the agency in the last eight years, the immediate past Chairman of the Task force, Mr Bayo Sulaiman, who led the agency in some of the operations to sanitise the state and sustain the mega city status, said it was near impossible to have a crime free society, but added that crime and environmental nuisance in the state could be brought to a barest minimum, adding that, “to a large extent, the taskforce

Crime and environmental nuisance could be reduced

has helped this cause by nipping crime in the bud.” According to him, by virtue of Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency, Law Cap E6, Laws of Lagos State 2003, the duties of the Lagos Taskforce, include but not limited to addressing the problems of poor sanitary conditions and indiscriminate slum settlements and shanties in Lagos State areas in addition to the arrest and prosecution of street traders, violators of the Lagos Traffic Laws and touts, also known as ‘agberos’, who collect fee from commercial motorists on Lagos roads. He added that other functions of the agency in the last eight years also included restoration of sanity on Lagos roads, saying that the task force duties also entail arrest and prosecution of the violators of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) dedicated lanes and corridors and quarks in the medical profession, who endanger the lives of unsuspecting residents, which according to him, was carried out with the state Ministry of Health. On transformation of Oshodi from a rancorous crowded bus terminal cum market, to a coordinated and more organised public place, Sulaiman added that a holistic clearing was carried out in the area, saying that apart from demolition of the shanties which had become the criminal hideouts, and houses to illegal businesses, the agency also carried out frequent raids on the area to arrest the hoodlums.

He added that other flash points for criminal hideouts in the state metropolis were also raided while the hoodlums were subsequently prosecuted in the last eight years. “To this effect, a total number of 19,361 suspects were arrested in the last three years alone. In 2013, at least 8,871 miscreants were arrested while no fewer than 9,741 hoodlums were arrested in 2014 alone. About 751 suspected criminals were also arrested in 2015 during our raid to sanitise the state of these hoodlums who were posing security challenges to the law abiding citizens in the state. This low figure has more to do with lull in enforcement during the electioneering period rather than total compliance,” he said. According to the former taskforce boss, out of the hoodlums arrested in the state in 2013, a total 205 were underage boys while in 2014, no fewer than 58, underage boys and 15 girls were also nabbed. In 2015, out of the total 751 arrested miscreants, 24 were boys between the ages of 12 and 15 while only three were girls. The taskforce unit, in addition to transformation of Oshodi, also clamped down on the criminals at Oluwole also a known as safe haven and home to document forgers, and embarked on clearing of most Lagos bridges( under) which were hitherto home to criminals, rapists, illegal oil bunkers and other people of questionable characters. CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Apapa, after clearing by the environmental taskforce CONTINUED FROM PAG E 24

One of the major environmental nuisance in Lagos as mega city is street trading and indiscriminate display of goods and wares within the metropolis, which contributes greatly to the traffic congestion, accidents and untold hardship to other road users in the state metropolis. The agency in the last eight years, also restored sanity in the markets and major areas which include:Aswani market in Isolo LCDA, Agege Motor Road spanning Oshodi and Mushin markets and some areas on Lagos Island. Sulaiman added: “The taskforce has succeeded in curbing street trading in the places due to constant patrol of our men. Remember, prior to the enforcement of the law, accessing that routes around Aswani Market on Tuesdays was hellish due to the activities of street traders dominated streets and the roads all the way from Apapa- Oshodi expressway (5star BusStop) to Osolo way. But this has become a thing of the past as those

The upturned Illegal bunkering site in Apapa

Law and order traders have been pushed back to the market. That was also the case of Agege Motor Road spanning Oshodi and Mushin markets. With constant patrol of the taskforce, this entire stretch is now free of hawkers and other street traders as against what it used to be before. The agency is also saddled with the responsibility of enforcing traffic laws, especially the Lagos Traffic Law 2012 which prohibits the operation of the commercial motorcycles on some roads and driving against the traffic in the state. According to the activity report of the agency, obtained by New telegraph, no fewer than 45,100 motorcycles were impounded for violating the Lagos Traffic Law, 2012. A total of 17,600 motorcycles, who plied the prohibited bridges and highways in the state were impounded in 2012 while 15,300 motorcycles impounded, 143 motorcyclists also known as Okada riders were arrested and prosecuted in 2013.

The report also shows that 12,200 motorcycles were impounded in 2014 with 125 motorcyclists arrested and prosecuted. Other parts of the enforcement of the agency is the monitoring of the Bus Rapid Transit dedicated lane to ensure that no motorist plies the lane. The report also showed that in 2013, 89 motorists were arrested for violating the BRT corridor lane laws, while 85 drivers were prosecuted and two were released in 2013. While in 2014, erring motorists numbering about 200 were prosecuted, out of the 225 arrested in the year. Fifteen of these drivers were, however released. Obviously for the 2015 general election, only 64 motorists have been so far arrested for plying the BRT corridor lane while 50 of them were prosecuted and four were released. Sulaiman explained that enforcement is always the last strategy of the agency in ensuring law and order

in the state, saying “after we receive complaints from members of the public or MDAs, we investigate and assess the issue or place. If necessary, we dialogue with the affected party. Our last resort is full enforcement and if necessary, prosecution but this is not done in all cases. In all enforcement, the taskforce ensures that there is no casualty while carrying out its duties and all its processes meets best international practices. “Also, in the area of seizure of goods, due process is also followed. The screening of suspects, often transparent and in full glare of the public; here questions are asked of the suspects, verified by family members ,friends or employers if present, if not calls are put through to them. “Arrested underage miscreants, are reunited with their families while members of such are required to sign an undertaking assuring that those children would not be found at such spots/places again. But in a situation where family members cannot be traced, the children are sent to rehabilitation centres while the pregnant girls among the miscreants are sent to home for unwed mothers run by the state government.” Meanwhile, it is on record that most of the areas hitherto regarded as shanties and criminal hideouts have been transformed to more productive use. Some of these areas are Oluwole, Obalende, Oshodi, as well as other areas which are currently undergoing the housing and beautification projects of the state government while most of the criminal dens in the state have been lit up, adorned with flowers and converted to beautiful garden. The gains of these efforts are no doubt reduction of crime, traffic congestion and health hazards that are peculiar to Lagos and other mega cities of the world.

Life | Mega City

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

At this point, Esther became more resolute to collect her dollars. As they realised how unyielding and aggressive she was becoming, they accepted to give her back her dollars and collect their naira from her. Esther thanked her star that as a Lagos brought up; she has succeeded in puncturing their fraudulent gimmicks. But that stands to be impossible, as every stage of engagement with them has a devastating cost. In anger and with some level of fulfilment, Esther collected her money, and went inside the mall and made for another exchange agent’s office. When she had accepted to collect N196, they requested for her dollars. After counting it, they told her that $100 out of the $300 she brought was fake, a statement she refused to accept and thought of it as another ploy to defraud her. Esther never wasted time to collect her money. It was when the statement was repeated at another place that it dawned on her that she has fallen prey to those marauders outside the gate. In that anger, she bumped outside the gate. To her utter dismay, she could not see any of the three men anymore. Even when she made a repeat visit the following day, it was difficult to distinguish them from the men within as non-claimed to know the men being talked about. One of the persons she suspected said he has been away to the north in the last six months to visit his family; that he only came back that morning. John Okara, another victim of the unscrupulous currency traders, had the mind of going into the Alade shopping mall but as the men along the road gave him an irresistible offer of N212 instead of N210 he was initially given in other places, he was happy that at least the N2,000 addition was a plus for him as he was having $100. John felt so fulfilled that he has his N22,000 intact in his pocket rather than the N20,000 they offered him at Agege, area part of Lagos. He zoomed off. When John got to a boutique at Ikeja, picked a shirt and a trouser dipped his hand into his pocket, brought out N3,000 out of the money, he was shocked when he counted the money back and noticed that all he had was N11000 not N17000. He had spent N2, 000 earlier out of it. He was shocked. He searched and recounted the money severally to reassure himself, all to no avail. To John, those road side traders had probably invoked some mystic means to swindle him since he was there with them all through the transaction that took place in a jiffy. Though they were two of them that attended to him, he felt there was no time he noticed them withdraw money from the currency even as they collected the money a second time to complete it after they had counted and gave him N20, 000 the first time. To many Lagosians however, who have at one time heard or have fallen victim of these fake exchangers, there is no arguing that the road side currency traders use other means or voodoo to enchant their prey, who only gets disenchanted after they had left. But to the matured men in the business of currency trading,

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Conmen as bureau de change operators

Waiting for their game

there is nothing of such when it comes to money. Even to the alleged plunderers along the Allen junction, there is nothing like charm in money business. In the words of one of the men, “there is nothing like charm in this money business. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived. If charms were possible in money business, people would have taken it to the bank and cart away huge amounts.” The man said. In the understanding of a security man at Afolabi Ainna Street, the activities of the fake currency traders have made the street notorious. He said it is the greedy ones that get ensnared easily. Alhaji Husseini Abdullahi, Sariki of Alade Shopping Mall Bureau De Change market, is not happy over the activities of fake currency traders that stand along the road. According to him, they have discouraged people from patronising them. “The people hanging by the roads are not part of us. They are thieves. They are not registered; we don’t know them and they don’t have shops. We have reported to the police; we have reported to Alausa and we have reported everywhere, seeking for help but help seems to be far. It is more than 10 years that we have been fighting this menace.” He said. Abdullahi went further to say, their pranks work on those he called ‘Mugu’ (fools) and greedy ones. He insisted that they do not use voodoo, only that they play fast one on people, and deceive them while counting money. Alhaji Yaluwa Yawudu, stated that the impostors outside are not agent to any office in the complex; that their union forbids hanging along the road. He advised people not to be hoodwinked by the high prices they offer. “The people outside are not Hausas, neither are they members of our association here. Most of them are Yorubas, Igbos and

I am looking for my daily bread. Nobody is genuine except God

some other tribes. You can’t find a single Hausa on the road. All of them that wear jilabia(long gown mostly worn by Hausa men) and hold Tesbil ( Muslim praying trinkets), walk along the roads here are not Hausas. Ask them any question in Hausa, you will find out they don’t even understand ‘come’ in Hausa. They usually lay claim to one Hausa name as well as one Hausa village. “We have on several occasions tried to confront and pursue them from the road sides but they claim to be the owners of the land and that we are strangers; we cannot pursue them away from their land. We sensed a dangerous signal to the situation, and recourse to calling on government to help us. All our customers have run away because of them. Nobody is safe, even soldiers and police men have on many occasions fallen victim of their antics. The moment they succeed to defraud

An operator looking for a client

a victim, they will disperse to reappear in few minutes and in different clothing. Many a time, they are arrested by the police but by the second day, you will see them again stand by the road. Though money must have exchanged hands in such circumstance, but I still believe there are persons behind them because the more we try, they more they come.” he said. One of the road side operators that spoke on anonymity said “I am looking for my daily bread. Nobody is genuine except God. To get a shop is not easy; that is why we hang by the road side; that account also to why we give higher rates.” On the efforts of the state to curb the menace of touts at the bureau the change market, phone calls and text message put across to the Lagos state Commissioner for commerce and industry as well as the permanent Secretary have not be replied to as at the time of going to the press.

Life | In The City

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

For a noise-free Lagos

Our Expectations

Ambode should improve on public safety – Salako Stories by Segun Giwa

Salako Gbenga is a lecturer settled in Lagos last year, my previous visits to Lagos were usually to the airport, so compared to what we had in the past, I’ll score Gbenga the progress of the state by 70 per cent. That is the organisation, neatness of the town, the organisation of the buses. Even at the BRT bus-stops, the barbaric idea of the past of the smart ones get in first has been stopped. It is now about queuing up, it is the same even at the various bus-stops of commercial buses, tricycles and motorcycles. Currently the issue of touts popularly known as ‘agbero’ extorting money from motorists at various bus-stops should be addressed. The effect of that extortion still boils down to the passengers. Commercial drivers would in turn inflate prices because they want to realise the money extorted from them. These same agbero disturb the rush hour traders, they collect charges from them and sometimes deny them the chance to sell their goods. I urge the government to provide a place for them because the road side is dangerous due to the vehicles that sometimes have brake failure. Ambode should please improve on public safety. I also want the new administration to work students roaming the streets, mostly secondary school students. They should fashion a particular law enforcement agency that will ensure that students in uniforms stop the roaming. Concerning the Apapa gridlock, based on my own assessment, the issue is not about the road tar but the location of the depot around the place. I think they should have a way of being proactive or maybe create a pipeline and take it outside the toll gate or Mowe-Ibafo axis because the gridlock over there is caused by the ships that bring in fuel from overseas. I believe government can find a way to lay pipes criss-crossing different locations with the state. This will help to decongest that road and they should also tar all the narrow rough roads.

External megaphones competing for listeners’ attention

Olusegun Giwa

agos is a state with a massive population and intense economic and social activities. It therefore naturally faces the greatest challenge of possible environmental abuse and degradation, particularly that of noise pollution. In Lagos, the major sources of noise pollution include vehicles, worship centres, road side music centres, motor parks and various other sources. In fact, most worship centres in the state are even located within residential areas, thereby generating noise which has become major source of disturbance and worry to most residents in such environment who find it hard to sleep at night, or enjoy a serene atmosphere. Some of the worship centres make the loudest noise even in the dead of the night. The entire situation is made worse by the deafening high music that blares endlessly from speakers placed strategically outside some shops along busy roads such that passers-by need not strain their ears to listen to hear the blast of songs from the speakers but they actually need to block their ears for the moment of being around the spot. Those who need to worry most probably are the residents around such areas. Apart from the religious houses and some shop owners, noise pollution is also generated by retailers who either sell their goods from vehicles driven round the neighbourhoods, or through hawking while moving up and down busy roads with loudspeakers hanging on their shoulders. With the microphones held to their mouths, they announce

what they sell. Some of their products range from local sex stimulants to herbs for the treatment of pile and other curious ailments, as well as religious books and compact discs. In all these, their act of using public address system to promote their products and services are exacerbating and injurious to citizenry’s collective health. Indeed, the way the loudspeakers of religious houses are displayed outside and around the worship places is a source of concern to not a few residents across the state. In some instances, the cacophony of sounds coming from many worship centres almost at the same is a source of noise pollution that is making many residents not to be at ease. For instance, the residents of an estate somewhere in Ojodu are lamenting especially on Sundays. Why?! The enclosed estate is harbouring about five churches. These churches usually on Sundays display what majority of the residents termed as nuisance, with their noise. Loudspeakers with different voices of various songs blast out from as early as 7 am till 4pm. According to the estate association, they have petitioned the Lagos State Government through the right ministry. Adeoye Tobi, a resident in Jibowu complained angrily about the lack of adequate rest he has been subjected to, due to noise persistently coming from a newly established church beside his residence. He said: “Before now, I enjoyed a serene environment and also looked forward to going home after a hard day’s pursuit. That hope is no more, as we are now treated to daily noise from our new neighbour.” Noise pollution brings

High noise levels can contribute to a rise in blood pressure

so much displeasure or excessive noise that may disrupt the activity or balance of human. It is a form and level of environmental sound that is generally considered likely to annoy, distract or even harm other people. High noise levels can contribute to a rise in blood pressure and increase stress. The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, the regulatory authority on environmental pollution makes its position on the permissible level of noise pollution clear. It limits the level of noise allowed in the state to 55 decibel during the day and at night between 42 and 45 decibel. It also prescribes that all the religious groups should observe night vigils once a month without musical instruments, so as not to disturb residents and other churches and mosques within the same area. “The noise level should not exceed 55db during the day and 45 db at night, just as early morning service should not commence before 7am and midweek services should not exceed 9pm and should be conducted without musical instruments.” In order to attain a desirable environment that is devoid of noise pollution, the government must begin an aggressive public enlightenment campaign to sensitize the populace on the dangers of noise pollution; churches and mosques also must be made to desist from placing their public address system out the confines of their buildings.

‘Ambode should curb touts excessiveness’ Oyewale Oduntan Quadri is a relationship officer he government might not be able to eradicate the issue of touts completely because if that is done, the touts will be left jobless, so when we talk of eradica- Quadri tion, that might not totally be realistic, but they can curtail or control their activities. They often subject most commercial bus drivers to undue harassment because of the bribe they collect. I urge the government to find a way to help them have an organised method for the collection of dues in order to stop the harassment. Secondly, the Lagos state transportation management agency, LASTMA, should be put to check. Though they get their jobs done, they do it excessively and saucy often times. They exploit people, they harass people unnecessarily and they take advantage of people’s ignorance. The BRT service is a good development but it needs to be improved upon. Those buses that are not road worthy should be taken off the roads and better ones be brought in. In fact, extra buses are needed because it seems the passengers are now more than the available buses. I believe the BRT is a perfect system. The transport system has been good, all it needs is improvement. Although, in my perspective the BRT bus drivers are rude and arrogant and they act like they are doing the passengers special favour and same with the attendants. The state government should also continue with the development of schools in the state. Also, they need to repair the roads. New road networks are needed. Typical example of roads that need upgrade are mostly the Fadeyi and Akowonjo-Egbeda road.

The Mega City

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

MEGA CITY EVENTS launch of Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) Alumni Association was held recently at Victoria Island, Lagos

L-R: Managing Director, Accenture, Mr. Niyi Yusuf; Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Mrs. Efua Edeh and Vice President, African Capital Alliance, Mr. Steve Iwenjera, during the occasion

Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), Mrs. Efua Edeh (middle), cutting the cake with the members of JAN Alumni Association at the event PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

The investiture of the 17th Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) WAS held recently at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos

L-R: Past Presidents, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), Dr. Oladimeji Alo; Mr. Abiola Popoola; President/Chairman of Council, Mr. Anthony Arabome; Past Presidents, Mr. Bunmi Oni and Mr. Victor Famuyibo. ..at the event

L-R: Group Head, Ethics & Professionalism, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN),Mr. Festus Anyanwu; Team Lead,A4F Consulting, Dr. Folu Farotimi and MD, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Co. Limited, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero. ..at the event PHOTOS: GODWIN IREKHE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Scepters Global CEO IConference 2015 #GOGLOBAL Organiser: Scepters Date: July 29, 2015 From 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Venue: Oriental Hotel 3 Lekki - Epe Express Way Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria

Evening with Entrepreneurs

Organiser: Junior Chamber International, Lagos City (Nigeria) Date: June 28, 2015 From 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Venue: Protea Banquet Halls Protea Hotels Issac John Street, GRA Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

FCT Watch

Breaking power sector jinx through CBN’s intervention

29 Money

Extinction of regional banking

The Investor

Maritime

Diminishing value of Annual General Meetings

NPA moves to tackle gridlock, recover debts

Business What's news

Investors lose N157bn in consumer goods firms Consumer goods companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recorded a loss of about N157 billion between April and June 22, 2015 following sell pressure that had pervaded the equity market.

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NiRA generates N160m from domain registration Over N160 million has been realised from the registration of about 60,000 .ng domain names by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), New Telegraph has learnt.

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L-R: Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta, chatting with Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) MD/CEO, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, during a one-day sensitisation seminar organised by NDIC for federal and state high court judges, in Abuja

TOP IMPORTER Nigeria would become the second largest importer of rice in 2016 Bayo Akomolafe

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

igeria and China are to import 16.2 metric tons of rice valued at N1.24 trillion ($6,195,366,000) between 2015 and 2016. While China is expected to take delivery of 4.5 million tons and 4.7 million tons of rice in 2015 and 2016 respectively, Nigeria will import three million and four million tons of the commodity respectively during the same period. In its June rice outlook report, the United State Department of Agriculture explained that China would remain top importer from 2016 with a record of 4.7 million tons, up seven per cent

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

China, Nigeria to import N1.24trn rice from 2015’s 4.5 million tons. Also, it forecast that Nigeria would take number two position with four million tons in 2016. The agency, however, noted that Nigeria’s import will drop from four million to three million next year, meaning that the country will save N76.49 billion ($382,430,000) in 2016. Also, the USDA estimated that the European Union, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and South Africa would import a total of 1.2 million tons of rice in 2016. It raised import estimate for Bangladesh, the Philippine, Tanzania and Nepal.

The agency also has forecast 2016 global rice trade fall to 42.4 million metric tons, down from two per cent from an estimated 43.26 million tons in 2015. USDA noted that the decline in global trade could be attributed to weaker shipment from India, Pakistan and Australia as well as weaker purchases from

N76.49bn Total amount of foreign exchange Nigeria would save from rice imports next year

southern Asia and sub-Sahara Africa. On the export side, USDA said that Thailand would remain number one exporter in 2016 with 11 million metric tons followed by India with 8.5 million tons. It said that Vietnam with 6.7 million tons and Pakistan with 3.8 million tons would be third and fourth largest exporters next year. The agency also expected increased export from Cambodia (a rise of nine per cent year/ year to 1.3 million tons and Myanmar (increase by eight per cent y/y to two million tons).

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE May 2015.................................9% April 2015................................8.7% March 2015.............................8.5%

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

EXCHANGE RATE (BDC as at Jun 12)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N217 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N332 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N240

l Foreign Reserves – $29.127bn as at 11/06/2015

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at Jun 12)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N200 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N307 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N223

Business | News

SELL-OFF

Insecurity in the North and the naira devaluation take toll on equities market

Chris Ugwu

onsumer goods companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recorded a loss of about N157 billion between April and June 22, 2015, following sell pressure that had pervaded the equity market. Investigations by New Telegraph showed that the sub-sector, which opened at the beginning of April at N3.141 trillion, closed at N2.984 trillion as at the time of filing this report on Monday. This represented a loss of N157 billion or 4.99 per cent. Panic by local investors had compounded the pressure on foreign portfolio investors who were exiting the market on concerns that measures the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) put in place to stem capital outflows would hinder their ability to sell holdings in Africa’s top oil producer. This was further compounded by the rout in the oil industry where the price of crude had dropped by 45 per cent since last year. Just as other quoted firms in Nigeria are facing depression in share prices, market sentiments for the shares of most of the consumer goods companies have dwindled relatively due to the challenging environment faced by the real sector of the economy. Market analysts have linked Boko Haram insurgents fighting to carve out an Islamic state in Nigeria as major factor that had contributed to the depletion of share prices of consumer goods companies in the country, including their revenues. PZ Cussons, one of the top Nigerian consumer goods manufactures, had said that the violence affecting parts of Nigeria was causing only limited disruptions to business in what is one of the company’s most important countries. Most of PZ’s Nigerian factories are located in the south, while the conflict that has left thousands dead is mostly confined to the north east of the African nation, according to Chief

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Investors lose N157bn in consumer goods’ firms Financial Officer, Brandon Leigh, in a report. “It does impact business, but it doesn’t impact all of the business,” Leigh said by phone from London

recently after the company reported a drop in first-half sales and profit. Analysts at FBN Capital believe the naira’s devaluation more than

offset any benefits accruing from subdued crude palm oil prices (CPO), a key raw material for most of the consumer goods products. They noted that the

decline in y/y sales and profits in Nigeria were mainly due to difficult trading conditions, insecurity in the North and the naira devaluation.

According to the analysts, these factors continue to offset meaningful growth, especially in the electrical goods business and food segment joint ventures.

L-R: Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu; Deputy Managing Director, Standards and Quality Agency of Cameroon, Chantal Andely and Secretary-General, African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), Dr. Hermogene Nsenggimana, at the inuaguration of Arso President’s forum in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

AWARENESS

Poor awareness slowing down the uptake of domain names Kunle Azeez and Clem Khena-Ogbena

ver N160 million has been realised from the registration of about 60,000 .ng domain names by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), New Telegraph has learnt. This came on a day a new status report of the association said it had registered additional 14,030 domain names in the month of May, this year. Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) is the country’s identifier on the World Wide Web. According to the latest report on the Domain Name System (DNS) ecosystem in Nigeria, NiRA said: “We witnessed a slight increase in the domain name registration in May 2015, compared with the registration in April 2015, with reduction in the renewal and transfer of .ng domain names

NiRA generates N160m from domain registration Adds 14,030 territory names for the same period. “Adding the number of domain name registrations (1,511) and domain name renewals (1,237) in May 2015, we have a total of 2748 domain names for the month. “As usual, the highest level of renewals of domain names was at the third level. It is worthy of note that from January to May 2015, we had 14,034 domain names, inclusive of new registrations and renewals at both second and third levels.” Meanwhile, NIRA’s President, Mr. Sunday Afolayan, at a recent forum organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abuja, said that though N160 million had been realised from the sales of premium domain, most buyers of the domain were foreigners. While describing the de-

velopment as unfortunate, Afolayan said that Nigerians were yet to fully avail themselves of the benefits that abound for them in the premium domain purchase. However, while explaining some initiatives NiRA is working on to further build the industry, Afolayan said that NiRA had concluded plans to build an academy in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He said: “We noticed that there is a very big skill-gap in the country. You want to design a website, where do you go? Who certified the website designer? How competent are they? They don’t even know excel mail, java and flash. How far can they go? That is why NiRA wants to set up an academy in partnership with CBN where we can accredit even basic website designer, of staff who work with our

registers or generally people who want to use it. “There has to be a minimum standard; we believe we are in a position to facilitate that. The NiRA Academy is going to be our platform for actualising that.” He explained that NiRA was currently going beyond just name registration, reviewing its business model, working out plans on how to engage people and how to push its product to the public. Besides, he said that plans were afoot to meet with a lot of industries in the country, adding that all NiRA’s infrastructure had been located at the Internet ExchangePoint. Meanwhile, the Director General, NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack, at the event, pledged his agency’s support for NiRA, part of which is sharing many opportunities with the association. Jack cautioned that websites should not be certified by the association to avoid duplication of efforts.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

FCT Business Watch Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

fter gulping several billions of dollars in investments with no substantial improvement in power supply, every discerning investor is interested in new deals currently playing out in the power generation and distribution chains- courtesy of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) leading other Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to bail out the sector. The involvement of private sector in power supply chain stemmed from the sale of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets. This has rekindled bank’s confidence in lending money to the stakeholders in the sector in order to bring the desired improvement both in generation and distribution. CBN as rallying point Last year, CBN initiated a novel effort now known as Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility in which it rallied other key players in the power sector, including gas suppliers, electricity distribution and generation companies to sign a N213 billion Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF). The facility was aimed at settling certain outstanding debts in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and guarantees the takeoff of the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM). The facility covers legacy gas debts and the shortfall in revenue during the interim period. Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the intervention would reset the economy of the power sector and address liquidity challenges occasioned by legacy debts and revenue shortfall in the sector. He disclosed that FBN Capital had been appointed by the CBN as transaction advisor for the intervention, while Meristem Securities and Detail Solicitors and Stream Sowers & Kohn (SSK) were appointed as fund managers and legal team respectively. Emefile had said at the occasion that the facilities would be administered through Deposit Money Banks, while a special purpose vehicle that complies with Section 31 of CBN Act 2007 would serve as an intermediary between the banks and the electricity market players. “NERC shall reset the MultiYear Tariff Order (MYTO) to ensure that it provides for the loan repayment including the costs of setting up and operating the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF),” he said. He added that other players in the value chain must commit to gas supply at higher volumes, while Gencos and Discos would commit to utilising the funds for equipment acquisition, refurbishment and upgrade. The intervention fund is, however, expected to be repaid over a period of 10 years at a 10 per cent interest rate per annum; it will

Breaking power sector jinx through CBN’s intervention

Emefiele

Amadi

be used to settle the N36.9 billion legacy debt owed gas suppliers by the defunct PHCN and cover shortfalls in the Nigerian electricity market. These shortfalls are mainly occasioned by technical losses recorded in the sector. On her part, former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the sum of N36.9 billion in legacy debts to the power sector had all been settled through the CBN-led intervention scheme. Breaking the yoke of gas supply True to its commitment of addressing endemic gas supply problem associated with power supply, the apex bank, two weeks ago, disbursed N6.9 billion to six gas supplying firms ostensibly to ease the gridlock in the supply of gas to power. The payments to gas suppliers represents debts by the power sector and is in proportion to the obligations to repay the facility by the five Discos-Eko, Ibadan, Kano, Port-Harcourt and Enugu. A breakdown of the disbursement indicated that Shell Petroleum Development Company received N965 million, Chevron N2.04 billion, Pan Ocean N230 million, Seplat N739 million, NPDC N407 million, NDWestern N852 million while Ibom Power received N1.7 billion. Speaking on the disbursement, Emefiele noted that it was the first time that the apex bank would be making payment to the gas suppliers to the power sector with a view to revitalising Nigeria energy sector. “Last year at one of our Bankers’ Committee retreats, where we focused on Gas to Power, we explored the issues in the gas to power value chain. During these deliberations, it became clear to us, the Central Bank of Nigeria

The intervention fund is, however, expected to be repaid over a period of 10 years at a 10 per cent interest rate

and the banking sector, that one of the reasons for the low power generation by the generation companies was inadequate gas supply and given the importance of gas to power sector, we could not stand by and do nothing,” he recalled. Disclosing that about 70 per cent of power plants were fuelled by gas, he said that due to the absence of a formal direct and binding agreements between gas suppliers and power plants, significant debt to gas suppliers had built up from N25 billion to close to N40 billion as at December 2014. “These debts or shortfalls were caused by the electricity tariff not reflecting the true cost of operating the recently privatised gencos and discos in the power sector,” the governor disclosed. Consequently, he said that the gas sector had little or no incentive to make the necessary investments in gas exploration and infrastructure to keep up with the growth in power generation. He said, “Today, we understand that over 2500MW of power that could be delivered to our businesses and homes is unutilised simply because there is no gas to fuel the existing power plants.” To address the issue, the governor said that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a new benchmark price of $2.50/mcf for gas supply and $0.80/mcf as transportation costs for new capacity; a development he described as commercially viable and good. He said, “The CBN and the banking sector involvement is therefore predicated on tariffs, over the medium term, reflecting the true cost of doing business in the power sector.” Stakeholders’ reactions Clearly, CBN’s gesture attracted

commendations from stakeholders. Speaking on behalf of gas suppliers, the Director, NNPC/ CNL Joint Venture, Mr. Supo Shadiya, commended the CBN for the initiative and for bringing the historical moment to reality. He said, “Since we signed the MOU in November 2014, we have been waiting anxiously to see this day come to pass, I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that there is a very strong commitment on the part of the suppliers to our domestic market, and indeed it is important for us to partner with the government to be able to achieve the vision it has put in place over the years for the power sector.” However, he urged the CBN to rally other stakeholders, especially the NNPC who has major role to play in the agreement. The Chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi, represented by the Commissioner, Market Competitive Rate, Mr. Patric Ubeh, described the occasion as marking the beginning of a new chapter in the quest to make electricity available to Nigerians. “For us at NERC, this is a momentous event. We are delighted to be part of this initiative and glad to witness the process, which started few years ago coming to a fruition. There has to be a link and relationship between gencos and gas suppliers,” he said. Ubeh said one of the setbacks of power supply was that of cost, which is not always reflective.“Part of the setback as you all know problem is cost reflectivity. I can assure you today that the commission has made tremendous progress in this direction. Both the distribution companies and other stakeholders including the CBN are always involved in our action. “We do hope that by next week they should be signing up on the frame work for a tariff that would be cost reflective for the distribution companies. If that is in place, it takes into account the gas supply, it takes into account transaction cost and the gas suppliers will have the confidence that the contract has been entered between them and the generating firms and it will be honored. “We understand these legacy debts has been cancelled and we expect going forward, we shouldn’t run in to this kind of problem,” said Amadi. Conclusion Of course, CBN’s intervention in power sector undoubtedly will restore confidence in all stakeholders in the sector as every deal struck will be implemented. But above all, there is optimism that the essence of all the financial commitments, which is to give Nigerians improved electricity supply, would be met.

Business |Money

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Extinction of regional banking W hen in February 2011, Wema Bank Plc became the first financial institution in the industry to be licensed by the CBN to operate as a regional bank under the banking categorisation model, many financial analysts believed that as the oldest indigenous bank in the industry with a strong presence in the South West and SouthSouth regions of the country, it had bright prospects of succeeding as a regional lender. So, not a few eyebrows were raised when the bank announced less than two years later, that it was seeking a national banking licence. But as the lender’s management explained then, that it decided to apply for the higher licence category because it was confident of realising a N35 billion fresh capital injection.

Scrapping of uniform minimum capital Clearly, the expectation of fresh funds injection played a critical role in making the lender apply for a national banking status. Reason: Following the banking crisis of 2008/2009, which saw the CBN intervening to rescue several key lenders, including Wema Bank, the regulator, then headed by its former Governor, Lamido Sanusi, had introduced measures to prevent a recurrence of the crisis. One of the new policies was the categorisation of commercial banks into international, national and regional groupings, with each category having its own minimum capital requirement. According to the policy, international banks (permitted to have offshore operations in addition to operating in all states of the federation) were required to have minimum capital of N50 billion; national banks (permitted to operate in all states of the federation but barred from setting up units abroad) would have a minimum capital of N25 billion, while regional banks were entitled to carry out banking operations within a minimum of six and a maximum of 12 contagious states lying within not more than two geo-political zones of the federation, including Abuja and have a minimum capital of N10 billion. Banks that obtained international banking licence at the time included Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and First City Monument Bank Plc. Others are Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc. Six other banks - Citi Bank Limited, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Stanbic IBTC Plc, Standard Chartered Limited, Sterling Bank Plc and Unity Bank Plc received national banking licences, while Wema Bank Plc and the defunct Equitorial Trust Bank got regional banking licences. However, the latter subsequently merged with Sterling Bank Plc. Analysts point out that if the crisis in the industry had not eroded Wema Bank’s capital base, leading to the CBN stepping in to rescue the lender, it would not have even applied for a regional

Five years after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced a new banking model that classified commercial banks into three: Regional, national and international, prospects for regional lenders seem to be bleak, writes Tony Chukwunyem

Oloketuyi

banking licence in the first place. Indeed, in a chat with journalists last month when the bank marked its 70th anniversary, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, said: “Prior to the new licensing regime, Wema Bank had operations in 158 branches across 27 states of the federation. The decision to scale down operations in 2010 and operate as a regional bank was a deliberate interim measure to reposition the bank for better performance. The resultant shrinkage in the geographic space of operations enabled us to focus business development on our areas of strength as a repositioning strategy in the short term. We were also able to wind down operations in locations where the bank did not have viable business.” Having stabilised the bank through improved processes, systems and people, he said that the bank is now well positioned to replicate its new and tested service delivery model in other locations outside its current geographic space. Why Wema Bank opted out? In addition, reacting to suggestions in some quarters recently that the lender was exiting regional banking because the model is not sustainable, Oloketuyi had said: “Regional banking is sustainable. However, it will be an easier model to run by newly licensed banks, going by our experience. Wema Bank is an institution that had set up a large structure to operate as a national bank. We have a large amount of assets and our risk-weighted assets are equally large. Our plan to revert to national status on recapitalisation is to be in a position to put a good number of our assets lying waste in some parts of the country back to use.”

Sekibo

The financial sector is structured in such a way that it is quite difficult for smaller players to compete

Heritage Bank’s ‘temporary’ status Significantly, when the newest commercial bank in the country, Heritage Bank, commenced operations as a regional bank in March 2013 and announced that despite the industry being dominated by bigger international and national banks, its growth strategy would be centered around achieving success as a regional player, most industry analysts had looked forward to using the lender’s performance to ascertain the viability of regional banks. However, Heritage Bank had not even operated for up to a year before reports emerged that it was one of the financial institutions bidding to acquire Enterprise Bank - one of the three nationalised lenders then owned by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Eventually, it won the Enterprise bid, a development, which the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, confirmed would cause the lender to apply for a national banking licence. He said: “Heritage Bank was a regional bank, but I can assure you that with this development, the bank will apply for a national licence and in a few months’ time, it will operate as a national bank.” Although the CBN is yet to announce its decision on both Heritage and Wema Banks’ applications for a national banking licence the general feeling in industry circles is that the banking watchdog is likely to grant the requests and this would mean that there will be no regional bank left operating in the industry. Unsustainable model? Financial analysts, who spoke with New Telegraph argued that the tough business environment in the banking industry, coupled

with the fierce completition among lenders, would make it difficult for promoters to sustain a regional bank. A top official of an old generation bank who asked not to be named, said: “For now, regional banking is not sustainable in the country. The financial sector is structured in such a way that it is quite difficult for smaller players to compete with the big players. For instance, it is for this reason that Microfinance Banks (MFBs) always seems to be passing through hard times. By restricting regional banks’ operations to a minimum of six states and a maximum of 12 states, the CBN has already made things difficult for them from the start. Banks usually target the major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano and any bank that does not have a presence in any of these cities will lag behind its peers. Experts’ perspective He predicted that although some investors could be attracted by the lower minimum capital requirements of regional banks (compared with national and international banks) to apply for a licence to set up one of these lenders, they would seize the first opportunity that comes their way to merge with or acquire a national bank. Similarly, a senior financial analyst at August Associates Limited, Mr. Julius Irekefe, said: “The truth is that regional banks will not be able to compete against the national and international banks in the same commercial banking market. I think the former CBN governor who introduced the policy was just trying to play politics with the whole thing. The industry is dominated by the big commercial banks and the situation will not change in the foreseeable future. Regional banking is different from merchant banking.” However, in a telephone chat with the this newspaper, a Port Harcourt-based lawyer and financial consultant, Mr. Chike Okolo, contended that prospects are bright for regional banks and any financial institution that renders high quality service. He said: “Regional banks do not have to compete against the bigger banks. Like MFBs, they have their own customer-base. It is the quality of service that they render that will determine whether they will be successful or not. All the average bank customer is interested in is whether he is satisfied with the service he is getting from his financial institution and, of course, whether his money is safe in that bank.” Conclusion Obviously, quality of service plays a key role in determining if a financial institution would be successful or not, but as analysts point out, regional banks would have to be in business before their performance can be assessed. As things currently stand, there may be no financial institution in the industry designated as a regional bank by the end of this year.

Business | Money

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

LAGGARDS

Nigerian banks still lag behind in the area of cards and payments Tony Chukwunyem

he future potential of Nigerian banks lay in retail banking, International expert in retail banking and Chairman of the Lafferty Group, Michael Lafferty, has said. He disclosed this at the 2015 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria’s (CIBN) annual lecture held in Lagos. Lafferty, who spoke on “The changing global retail banking landscape: How competitive are Nigerian banks,?” noted that although Nigerian banks rank well globally in retail banking in terms of their overall quality and are at about the same stage of development in retail banking as their Indonesian counterparts, they still lag behind in the area of cards and payments. He pointed out that while the country’s lenders have good financial ratios, “their overall ratings will improve considerably when they devote more attention to the qualitative aspects of their annual reports – including clear statements on their strategies (and how they will be achieved), culture, customer satisfaction and so forth.” The Lafferty boss revealed that the general thrust in most countries

Retail banking key to Nigerian lenders’ growth, says Lafferty these days is that banks tend to focus more on retail and corporate banking compared to investment banking. He added that eventually retail banking will be the dominant activity of banks in these territories for the foreseeable future. He predicted: “Before too long, perhaps the terms ‘banking’ and ‘retail banking’ will be

synonymous – and investment banking will go back to being a separate industry. This would certainly be in the best interest of retail banking customers.” The expert stressed that retail banking is a much better business from a shareholder’s perspective than corporate banking, because of its capacity to generate sus-

tainable, higher profits long into the future. Besides, he noted that retail lending was less risky than corporate lending, because, “the individual amounts at risk are small and typically dispersed across a vast customer base. By contrast, a few corporate loans that go bad can wipe out much of a bank’s capital base – and all too often

they do.” Lafferty, who contended that the various banking reforms that have been introduced worldwide in the aftermath of the global financial crisis have been “generally positive for retail banking,” also pointed out that this form of banking could only reach its full potential if it is run as a separate bank – “whether this

be standalone or within a broader banking group. If it is part of the latter, the group CEO must also be a believer.” He stressed: “Retail banking is a different business from corporate banking – and it is even more important to keep retail deposits out of the reach of those who are at home in the world of trading and speculation.”

L-R: Managing Director, Chams Plc, Mr. Williams Femi; Chief Executive Officer, E-payment Providers Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Onajite Regha; Team Lead, Standard and Commpliance, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Temidayo Omoniyi and Chairman, Consumer Rights Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Initiative, Mr. Moses Igbrude, during a one –day stakeholders’ forum on Identity Management in Nigeria; The bedrock of a cashless economy, at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Alausa, Lagos. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

‘Africa got $33bn IDB in 40yrs’

he Islamic Development Bank (IDB) extended a total of $33 billion as development funding to African countries in the last 40 years, President, IDB Group, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, has said. Ali, who disclosed this at a forum in Mozambique, said that the IDB, from its inception, has been providing development assistance to the continent. He said that the first project approved by the bank was the Song Loulou Hydro-electric Dam project in Cameroon in October 1976 for $7 million. Other programmes financed by the IDB Group include the Special Programme for Development of Africa (SPDA), which was implemented during 20082012 with an investment of $12 billion, to which the IDB Group contributed $5 billion. The SPDA was a follow up to the successful implementation of the Ouagadougou

Declaration implemented during 2002-2007. He, however, noted that despite the efforts of the African countries and financing provided by the development partners, the continent continues to face a number of challenges, particularly high poverty rate and low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. “Huge financing gap hinders much needed development of infrastructure in Africa,” Dr. Ali stated, adding that other challenges facing the continent include the vulnerable health sector, particularly with the recent challenges of Ebola as well as security concerns in a number of countries. He gave assurance to the participants that IDB is ready to contribute towards addressing the challenges facing the continent and will support implementation of new Sustainable Development Goals.

tandard Bank Group has again been recognised at the annual Europe, Middle East, and Africa ((EMEA) Finance Achievement Awards, winning 21 accolades across the capital markets and project finance categories. EMEA Finance is one of the leading bi-monthly global industry publication that reports on the major financial events initiated and influenced by the international financial industry active in the EMEA region. Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank, David Munro, said: “We are delighted to receive these accolades from EMEA Finance, which recognise that we are deeply invested in Africa’s growth, partnering with our clients on their business strategies. These awards are a testament to our expertise in Africa and Standard Bank’s commitment to providing solutions to meet the daily needs of our clients.” Among the awards won was that of Best IPO in Af-

Standard Bank Group excels at EMEA awards rica for the Seplat listing, which raised $500 million in London and Lagos. The acquisition of one of Australia’s leading retailers, David Jones, by Woolworths, also won best cross-border M&A deal for Standard Bank. Munro said that the awards validated Standard Bank’s Africa-focused strategy, with a particular emphasis on natural resources and infrastructure. “The value that we bring to our clients arises from our extensive presence and experience in sub-Saharan Africa, our people who are passionate about Africa, our connectivity to select emerging markets outside of Africa and our ability to access capital from developed economies in Europe and North America.” Standard Bank has built strong in-country advisory capabilities in a number of key global markets, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya,

Ghana, Mozambique, China and London, delivering a full range of corporate and investment banking services to clients across various emerging markets, he added. The lender was recently appointed the new chair of the Equator Principles Association for 2015/16, making it the first African bank to be elected to the position. Standard Bank Group’s Executive and Head of Environmental and Social Advisory within Investment Banking, Nigel Beck, is the bank’s lead representative and chair. The Equator Principles is a risk management framework, adopted by financial institutions, for determining, assessing and managing environmental and social risk in projects. It is primarily intended to provide a minimum standard for due diligence to support responsible risk decision-making.

Business | The Investor

Chris Ugwu

n effective corporate governance system within a company and across an economy helps to provide a degree of confidence that is necessary for the proper functioning of such entities. Besides, sound corporate governance helps to lower the cost of capital as firms are encouraged to use resources more efficiently, thereby strengthening growth. But the degree to which corporations observe basic principles of good corporate governance is an important factor for investment decision. In Nigeria, lapses in adherence to these principles have contributed majorly to crisis in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). In spite of various efforts of market regulators to check breaches of corporate governance among quoted companies over the years, many of them have been violating this important obligation, thereby keeping investors in the dark about their financial health, among other vital information that are statutorily required to be made public. Many ignorant shareholders have burnt their fingers by investing in some dormant companies, which do not furnish the market with their financials despite the fact that they were given some legal powers to hold the management and board of these erring companies accountable. During the Annual General Meetings (AGMs), most of the shareholders have turned to puppets in the hands of these companies due to pecuniary passion code of conduct for them. Code of conduct In a bid to promote good governance and give clear understanding of the principles of business conduct and ethics that are expected of shareholders during general meetings of public companies and their relationships with the companies outside general meetings, a code of conduct for shareholders’ association was formulated in 2006 by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in conjunction with shareholders associations, regulatory authorities in the financial sector and other stakeholders. The code was aimed at sanitising the activities of shareholders’ association and positioning them to effectively promote good corporate governance in public companies for enhanced shareholders’ value. It was also intended to ensure the highest standard of conduct among association members and the companies with whom they interact as shareholders. However, the intent of the regulators seems to have been defeated, as most shareholders’ associations have become more of praise singers sponsored by corporate organisations for the smooth flow of their AGMs. This has raised concerns among stakeholders in the investment community, as shareholders’ associations have become toothless bull dogs, contrary to their creations, which was meant to address the perceived passivity of shareholders towards the governance of their companies. Market watchers believe that

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Diminishing value of Annual General Meetings

SEC, DG , Monnir Gwarzo

MD, NSE, Oscar Onyema

the recent event surrounding the activities of these associations, which are supposed to be watchdogs of companies, seem to point to self aggrandisements. SEC’s perspective The SEC had lamented that the majority of shareholders of quoted companies in the country are inactive and often focus on short-term profits. SEC explained that the formulation of code of conduct for shareholders’ association was designed to ensure that association members are of high standards and make positive contributions in ensuring that the affairs of public companies are run in an ethical and transparent manner and in compliance with code of corporate governance for public companies. It added that the code encourages shareholders’ associations to be properly constituted and incorporated under the provisions of CAMA 1990 by registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which is aimed at institutionalising transparency and accountability in the running of the association. Director and Secretary to SEC, Mr. Edosa Aigbekaen, stated this late last year at the 2014 SEC journalists’ academy. He noted that although the corporate governance framework is built on the assumption that shareholders engage with companies and hold the management to account for its performance, it is, however, evident that majority of them are passive and are often only focused on short-term profits. Aigbekaen stressed that it was necessary for more shareholders to take interest in sustainable reforms and longer terms performance and to be more active on corporate governance issues. He said that the creation of

shareholders association was meant to address the perceived passivity of shareholders towards the governance of their companies, but recent events surrounding the activities of these associations seem to point to the fact that they are still focused on short-term profits.

Majority of shareholders of quoted companies in the country are inactive and often focus on short-term profits

Shareholders’ divergent views The number of certified shareholders, association is currently estimated to be about 130, which according to market experts, is diminishing the value of voting during AGMs and extraordinary general meetings. Consequently, some shareholders have linked the passivity to the proliferation of dormant shareholders’ associations in the country. Shareholders under the aegis of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) blamed SEC for the proliferation of shareholders’ group in the country. The National Coordinator (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, said SEC should be blamed for the proliferation of shareholders’ association. He said that his group is not against any other association from growing, as formidable association would engender good corporate governance in the system. Nwosu noted, however, that on various occasions when ISAN had called on the regulator to investigate some of those association he described as a one-man -show that has brought disrepute to the system to determine their ingenuity, SEC had refused to act. He explained that the rules that any group who has up to 50 members should be allowed to register as shareholders’ association was approved during Al-Faki’s regime, lamenting that some of these groups currently

don’t have up to five followership. He said: “These people don’t even know that registration won’t take them to AGM unless they are shareholders in the company, hence they keep on causing trouble at various AGMs. “SEC and CAC should do what they are supposed to do as regulators. They should go and inspect and monitor shareholders’ meetings to find out whether they adhere to the rules and regulation. Mr. Olugbosun Ariyo, Chairman Exceptional Shareholders Association of Nigeria, however, thinks otherwise. He said that there is no number of shareholders’ associations that will be too much, considering the population of the country, but the orientation of many people about what shareholders’ associations’ entails and stands for is wrong. He said: “Just as a million number of shareholders’ associations will not be enough for the country, it is vital to admit that there is a problem currently facing the associations. Those associations that are known don’t want the upcoming ones to be known as they are and they do it with all the resources within their reach. “For instance, they always look for opportunity to rubbish them and when it comes to representing the companies in the audit committees, they always want their members to occupy the whole seat.” He noted that the late Gani Fawehinmi was among the advocates of multi-party system. “Since we have different interests, there is need for the society to provide for all and that is what every leader of any association needs to understand,” he said. “In the case of the audit committee, which I mentioned earlier, instead of allowing the qualified persons to occupy the position, some leaders of shareholders’ associations want only their members to be in charge. “In some cases, there are chairmen that instead of allowing their members to get to the post, always want to be there. And when the time comes for election, they bring people from nowhere just to ensure that they win elections, all these things are not good.” Besides, he explained that the associations are trying to carry out their duties, but should not allow money to be the ultimate motive for forming associations. “We should be mindful of being too money conscious. Instead of doing what is expected of us, we as shareholders’ associations now run after money,” Ariyo added. Conclusion Shareholders should pay more attention to monitoring how their companies are managed. They should demand good corporate practices from the managers of their companies. A lot more is also expected from the majority of small holders who are known to be very passive.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Maritime

Terminal operators raise dockworkers’ salaries p.36

Customs impound rice, poultry products p.37

NPA moves to tackle gridlock, recover debts The gridlock at the Lagos Apapa – Oshodi Expressway and Wharf Road are currently affecting the ship waiting time, cargo dwell time and turnaround time at the ports in Lagos. Nigerian cargoes are being diverted to neighbouring ports in Benin and Ghana, BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports

he Nigerian Ports Authority has resolved to tackle the perennial gridlock at the port access roads, which linked the Lagos Port Complex and Tincan Island Port. Already, the traffic jam in the area has grounded port operations in Lagos. Gridlock The General Manager, Western Ports, Chief Michael Ajayi, during the facility tour of the ports, explained that the gridlock on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway had shut down operations at the port. He said that the roads leading in and out of the Apapa area had become a nightmare to everybody and had affected the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The General Manager, who inspected the failed portions of the road, noted that the repair of the road was beyond NPA’s capacity. He called on the Federal Government to rescue the port from total collapse. Ajayi appealed to government to repair the road so that stakeholders that had left could come back to the port. The General Manager said that the new management, under the leadership of Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, was working to bring back the glory of Apapa ports. He noted: “We are going to apply our strategy to compel public officers to do their jobs.” Implication Ajayi decried the harrowing experience, which importers pass through before cargo could be delivered out of the port. He, however, urged the terminal operators to pay their debt to enable the authority provide quality infrastructure and services to the ports. The General Manager noted that NPA would meet with the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on how to repair the access roads.

Apapa Oshodi Expressway cut off by potholes at the Tincan Island Port axis

He added: “Presently, the Wharf Road is dilapidated and has affected the cargo dwell time at the port. “Vehicles cannot take delivery and those that go into the port cannot come out because of the traffic. “All stakeholders are groaning because they have no access to the port. The gridlock affects efficient service delivery of cargoes. “The ship waiting time, cargo dwell time and turnaround time are affected. The implications are many. Even I doubt if the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) can meet its revenue targets with this state of the road. There is need for those in charge to wake up because this is the major artery to the largest port in Nigeria.” Ajayi assured that the authority would adopt several measures, including accelerated cargo pas-

sage, so as to rebuild stakeholders’ confidence and boost cargo business in Lagos.

Vehicles cannot take delivery and those that go into the port cannot come out because of the traffic

Extortion Meanwhile, truck drivers operating at the Tin Can Island Port Complex have accused the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) security and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) of what they called “high level extortion” on the port access roads. The truckers said that the security agencies were collaborating with truck drivers to shunt so that they could enter the port to pick cargoes. One of the complainants, who identified himself as Musiliu Akinlade, alleged that security personnel demand bribes ranging from N2,000 to N5,000 from truck drivers, who were eager to

access the port. Echoing him, Mr. Henry Okonkwo alleged that apart from the amount, “you still need to pay extra N500 or N1,000 before truckers are finally allowed to enter the port. He alleged that the security operatives at Lagos Port Complex were notorious for bribe collection. However, Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, added that his association had started discussions with a firm that was coming to work on a ‘call-up’ system. He said: “This will ensure that only booked trucks will be required to come into the port environment. If a truck is not booked by any of the terminals, such truck will not just come into Apapa.”

NLNG to build N300bn shipyard in Lagos

igeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) is sponsoring the construction of the first major ship yard in Nigeria at the cost of N300 billion ($1.5 billion), in its attempt to turn the country into a hub of maritime operations on the continent. Already, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries had both agreed to a $30 million commitment towards the construction of the facility, which would be located in Badagry, Lagos State. It was learnt that the facility would be used to trans-

port the 2.5 million barrel daily crude business in the country. The company explained that the construction of the dry dock, with a size that can accommodate 185 football fields, would take up to 48 months to complete and would commence once all the funding was in place. The company, which was set up over two decades ago, has a capacity to produce 22 million metric tons of liquefied gas a year. It obtains its gas supply from upstream oil companies and liquefies it for export. It has long-term supply

contracts with buyers in Italy, Spain, Turkey, Portugal and France and also sells on the spot market. Nigeria is the world’s eighth biggest crude producer and Africa’s top oil exporter, but it does not have a dry dock for maintaining and repairing large crude vessels, a major drawback for carriers sailing to the country, NLNG spokesman, Tony Okonedo, said. According to Reuters report, Okonedo explained that only South Africa had such a facility on the continent. He noted that ships travelled a long distance for

repairs. Nigeria has two facilities that could only accommodate small vessels. The spokesman said that the NLNG organised a roadshow earlier this year to market the dry dock project to investors, which included multinational oil companies in Nigeria, with large exploration and upstream activities. He said that NLNG, which was owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Royal Dutch Shell, French oil company, Total and Italy’s Eni, was in discussions with a strategic investor for the project.

Business | Maritime

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Customs impound boat with rice, poultry products STRATEGY Customs depend on community in the weak area to tackle smuggling Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded a large

wooden boat laden with 4,404 bags of 50 kilogrammes parboiled rice and 3,000 cartons of smuggled frozen poultry products. The seizures were made at the Gbaji YekeBadagry, Lagos State. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the contraband was valued at N44,626,000 The Controller of Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Turaki Usman Adamu, said that the seizures were driven

by intelligence and was carefully executed in two separate operations. He stated that strategic planning and monitoring, coupled with operational expertise displayed by the teams, brought about the success. In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Operations Unit, Mr. Uche Ejesieme, the controller commended the Lagos team leader, Adamu Mohammed Abubakar, an

assistant comptroller, for the gallantry displayed by his team. Similarly, the leader of the Monitoring Team II, Mr. Wale Adenuga, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, who effected the seizure of poultry products, was equally commended for the remarkable feat. Turaki clarified that the seizures were made at Gbaji-Yeke-Badagry waterways and the Lagos - Shagamu expressway between June 11 and 12,

2015 respectively. Turaki recalled the resuscitation of the ‘Customs Community Relations’ by his unit, saying that it had provided a forum and platform for cross-fertilisation of ideas on ways of suppressing smuggling. He noted that the collaboration and synergy with the community dwellers and other security agencies had been very overwhelming. The controller also commended the Baale

of Gbaji-Yeke Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Kwuakanm, in whose waterside the seizure was made, for providing enormous support to the operatives who went for the operations. Turaki stressed that the areas had volatile tendency resulting in occasional skirmishes between the NCS officials and smugglers. He assured that the anti - smuggling unit would continue to finetune its operational modalities through proactive and strategic planning. Turaki noted: “The FOU ‘A’ under my watch will remain a rallying point in anti-smuggling. As a frontline unit, we are poised to drastically reduce incidences of smuggling, though we appreciate the fact that smuggling, just like scavenging, is a global phenomenon. However, we are highly committed to eradicating it.”

Smugglers injure Customs officials at Badagry creek

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, Lagos, said that it would track down some smugglers who left three of its men injured after seizing their rice-laden boat at Bawe Creek in Badagry. The attack was carried out on June 12, 2015. The Customs Area Controller, Umar Yusuf, said that the smugglers bowed to the superior firepower of his men as they abandoned their weapons and fled. The boat was laden with about 2,000 bags of rice, which was seized along with a locally made gun, one shotgun, four knives, a machete, expired drugs, condensed milk and secondhand clothes. The items were destroyed on the orders of the controller. He said: “The smugglers opened fire, but the gallant officers were able to subdue them and they fled, leaving their machetes and guns. “They did not want my officers to come back alive, but God intervened and the officers fought a good fight. “We are assuring that we will track down the smugglers wherever they are and we will do so squarely because we are equal to the task.”

Business | Maritime

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Terminal operators raise dockworkers’ salaries lPay two years’ arrears

PRODUCTIVITY Workers to enjoy 10 per cent of total emolument for hard work Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

erminal operators under the umbrella of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) have resolved to pay dockworkers two years salary arrears, following the new wage introduced last week. The move is to enhance their welfare and boost productivity at the nation’s seaports. Chairman of the association, Princess Vicky Haastrup, said that the new wage increment would take retroactive effect - from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2016. She added that all arrears under the new package would be paid on or before June 15, 2015. Also, she said that STOAN

had signed an agreement with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) over the dockworkers’ wage increment. In the agreement, the dockworkers would enjoy a wage increase ranging from five per cent to as much as 10 per cent, depending on the type of cargo handled at the terminal where they work. The chairman said that the reviewed welfare package would be valid for a period of two years. Haastrup, who expressed satisfaction with the level of reform attained in the dock labour industry since port concession, said that terminal operators would also continue to make 10 per cent contribution of total emolument in favour of each dockworker in their employment towards the dockworkers’ retirement fund while each dockworker would contribute eight per cent in line with the

Pension Commission Act. In a statement, the association’s spokesman, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, explained that the dockworkers’ wage review was in tandem with the promise made by the concessionaires to improve the working condition and welfare package of workers at the ports. Haastrup stressed: “When we took over operations of the terminal at the onset of the port concession programme in 2006, we promised to not only modernise the port, but to also improve the working conditions of port workers and I am

happy to report that we have continued to deliver excellent results in both directions.” She noted that the increase was the high point of negotiation between STOAN and representatives of MWUN under a collective bargaining agreement. “Another good news for the dockworkers is the payment of attendant arrears, which took effect from the end of the lifespan of the previous agreement of June 1, 2014. This translates to one year arrears of agreed percentage, which the terminal operators will pay by June

15, 2015,” she said. She added that workers at the port now enjoy better working condition compared to what obtained in the preport concession era. Haastrup called on dockworkers to reciprocate the terminal operators’ good gesture by remaining committed to their jobs and shunning acts that could be inimical to the smooth running of the ports. She said that despite the challenging operating environment, the terminal operators would continue to invest and modernise the nation’s seaports to achieve the Federal Government’s objectives for port reforms.

FG approves Ibom seaport project

he Federal Government has approved the ongoing development of the Ibom Deep Seaport and Free Trade Zone in Akwa Ibom State. The Ibom Deep Sea Port & Free Trade Zone is a Greenfield port and FTZ development in Akwa Ibom State. President Muhammadu Buhari granted the approval for the project, providing the port with the official status of a Free Trade Zone. The port is projected to become a cargo gateway for the vast central and eastern Nigerian markets and beyond.

The project is to be monitored by the Ministerial Project Development and Steering Committee (MPDSC). It was revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC)’s approval had cleared way for the upcoming Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) concession tender by international port investors. Already, operators have been identified and selected for the development of the port. Felak Concept Limited (Abuja, Nigeria) and MTBS (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) are the transaction advisors for the project.

WILAT to honour female transporters W

omen in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) – the women wing of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), has concluded plans to host its third Women in Logistics and Transport Day in Lagos tomorrow. The event holds at the Oriental Hotel. WILAT, which was founded in 2010, drew its membership from professional women operating in the maritime, aviation, rail and land transport sectors. Its Global Convener, Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, said that the Women in Logistics and Transport Day celebration was borne out of the need to encourage women in the logistics and transport industry to fully participate in all activities of the sector. She said that several female dignitaries, including the wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosu; Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup

and President of CILT Nigeria, Major General U. T. Usman (rtd), are among dignitaries that will grace the occasion. Ali-Ibrahim, who is also the president of WILAT Nigeria and the traffic manager of Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC), explained that the association has taken the initiative to identify and give professional support to all female professionals working in all the modes of transport and logistics - related industries. She said: “It serves as the professional female voice in the industry and recommends gender policies in transport to government, in addition to its community services like the distribution of wheel chairs, baby carriers, and awareness programmes of safety precaution in transport.” She said that the Women in Logistics and Transport Day 2015 was organised in line with WILAT’s aim of sourcing, grooming and sustaining competent female members through career progression.

L-R: The General Manager of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Western Port, High Chief Michael Ajayi, chatting with the Managing Director of AP Moller Terminal Apapa Limited, Mr. Andrew Dawes, during a familiarisation tour of Western ports, in Lagos

CAFFA dissociates members from violence at port

embers of the Concerned Accredited Freight Forwarding Associations (CAFFA) have dissociated themselves from a threat by some agents to disrupt business activities at the Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT) at Tincan Port in Apapa, Lagos.

Some clearing agents, two weeks ago, had threatened to paralyse the concesionaire’s port operation over what they termed mindless extortions and high level of inefficiency at the terminal. However, the association’s Director of Publicity, Dr.

Frank Ukor, said that members of CAFFA found it alarming that in this critical period in the history of the country, some groups of Nigerians would be contemplating disrupting activities at the ports, which come next to oil, as the nation’s cash cow.

France, US train 612 to tackle maritime crimes in Nigeria, others

rance and United States of America have trained 612 people from west and central African countries to tackle maritime crimes. The beneficiaries were from Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Cameron, Congo Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoice, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Togo. Also, the two countries have set up a project dubbed: ‘Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Sector Reform Support (ASECMAR)’ to help fight maritime crimes in West Africa. The project is expected to train maritime administrators on the laws of the sea

and to share information on maritime crime in the subregion. The ASECMAR project is funded by the French Government and anchored by the directorate of security and defence under the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking at a workshop to share information on the laws governing the sea and to establish expertise and excellence training segment in Maritime States Action (MSA) at the Regional Training Centre in Accra, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. F. Clavier, said that maritime issues in the world was of major concern to the French Government. He explained that piracy, maritime trafficking, sea

pollution and illicit fishing are unacceptable. “To stop this from happening is to enact laws that will punish the perpetrators of maritime crimes,” he added. Clavier explained that the project would draw specific mechanisms that would mobilise coastal states of West Africa to deal with these issues. He said that the project seeks to help these countries to learn and share concrete examples, especially the examples of Somalia, in the fight against piracy. Also, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, General A. Cretz, urged leaders in the West African sub-region to allocate scarce resources to fight maritime crime.

WEDNESday, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

L-R: Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. G.O.C. Ajah; Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi and Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, Mrs. Sylvia Onwubuemeli, during Oyeyemi’s visit to the governor, at the Government House, Enugu.

Photo | News 39

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello (left), with the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, during Bello’s visit to Arase at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Rev. Dauda Gimba of Church of Christ of All Nations (COCIN), Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State and other pastors from the north, praying for the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and his wife (middle), during Dogara’s appreciation visit to Bauchi State.

Yeye Oba of Ogidi, Chief Nike Okundaye (right), presenting a new yam to the Ologidi of Ogidi, Oba Rabiu Sule, during the new yam festival at the Ogidi-Ela Day celebration in Kogi State.

L-R: Chief of Army Staff Gen. Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Bade and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Isma’ila, during the security meeting with Prsident Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

L-R: Jury, Fayrouz L’Original 2, Mai Atafo; Rhema Akabuogu of House of Tara; Fayrouz Brand Team, Chioma Otisi; other judges, Kunbi Oyelese of April by Kunbi and Kelechi Amadi Obi, at the semi finale of the competition in Tinapa, Calabar.

L-R: Customer Services Manager, Tyonex Nigeria Limited, Julia Sule; Medical Officer, Igando-Ikotun L.C.D.A, Dr. Orebiyi Sunday and Aneke Ikechukwu, during Tyonex’s Hypertension awareness campaign in Lagos. Photo: Tony Eguaye

L-R: Director, Human Resources Department, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed; Supervisory Councillor for Health, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mrs. Josephine Nnodim; Head of Community Development Service, FCT NYSC, Hajia Hajara Hussein; Incident Manager, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Kenneth Madiebo and a corps member, Miss Jalila Ahmad, during the inauguration of Ahmad’s rehabilitated Borehole at Jikwoyi Primary Healthcare Centre in Abuja. PHOTO: NAN

40 Politics

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Zoning stirs controversy over Mimikoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

the ship of the state, and the only division that has not produced a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in this democratic dispensation. Some analysts maintained, however, that the late Bamidele Otiko, an indigene, spent a few months in the Government House during the military regime of General Buhari. They are of the opinion that an indigene of the ancient town deserves to occupy the seat, being the capital and the largest division of

the state, as well as the economic and financial hub of the state. They further argued that the only solution to the persistent marginalisation of the zone is to choose a candidate from the zone for the position. The zone may likely be a battlefield because the major political parties have equal footing in the zone. However among the likely aspirants, Akinyelure is ruled out because of his townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affinity, Idanre with Ondo. Mimiko is also from the Central, it may likely be difficult for the zone to

produce the next governor of the state. The battle between Owo and Akoko In the North Senatorial District, Akoko Division had produced late Chief Adebayo Adefariti but Owo has not produced one. Although late Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin was from Owo zone, he governed the state between 1979 and 1983, when Ondo and Ekiti states were still together. Political observers are of the opinion that if the governorship slot is zoned

to the north, it should come from Owo not from Akoko, saying Akoko had produced one governor under the current dispensation and also produced the deputy governors, deputy speakers and likewise a two-term senator for the zone. But the Akokos believe that since the position had rotated between the three senatorial districts with Agagu from the South, Mimiko from the Central and Adefarati from the North, the office should return to them again to start another round. They

also argued that they have the required population and bulk votes that can withstand any candidates for the same position from any zones of the state. Moreover, they argued that during the 2012 governorship election in the state, Owo had produced a governorship candidate in person of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for that election. Among those interested in governorship seat from the zone are former Director General of National Sports Commissioner, Hon. Gbenga

Elegbeleye; former Defence Minister, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN); former Minister of Power, Dr. Olu Agunloye; Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Hon Niran-Sule Akinsuyi, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, Mr. Segun Ojo, and Mr. Tokunbo Modupe. Among the likely aspirants, Elegbeleye, Akinsuyi and Akeredolu are likely to be serious contenders in the zone. PDP versus APCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongholds The two major political parties in the state presently have their catchment areas. While the PDP has its traditional base which was confirmed in the just-concluded general elections in the Southern Senatorial District, the APC has its catchment area in the Northern Senatorial District which had also been put to test during the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections. In the last election, the PDP won the senatorial seat in the South, the three House of Representatives seats and all the House of Assembly seats. The APC also confirmed the North as its base which the party won by clinching the senatorial seat, three House of Representatives seats and four House of Assembly seats, the highest among the zones in the state. The thinking of the political circle is that the political parties should pick governorship candidates from its stronghold. In other words, the APC should pick from the North while PDP should pick from the South. If this happens, the situation would be similar to what happened in 1999 and 2003 when PDP fielded Agagu as its candidate and the Alliance for Democracy (AD) paraded Adefarati as its standard bearer. If that happens, Kuku may likely slog it out with any candidate picks by APC in the North. In the 2012 governorship election in the state, all the three political parties picked their candidates from their area of strength. Oke of the PDP was picked from the South, Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP) is from the Central while Akeredolu of the now APC is from the North. However, political analyst in the state believe that much energy should not be loss on zoning agitators from other parts of the state. They agreed that nobody can get the governorship of Ondo State on the platter of gold. They are of the opinion that anybody who want to be governor must really work hard to clinch it.

Politics 41

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Sufuyan Ojeifo

ome have described what happened in the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 9, with the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively, as the demystification of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, by some of the elements who once worshipped and adored him. They called him the emancipator of Nigeria from the clutches of ultra-conservative hegemonists who had, in the noxious garb of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintained a vicious grip on the polity since 1999. The easily irritating, yet vociferous voice of Dino Melaye (now senator representing Kogi West) as he chanted the praise of Tinubu: “the Jagaban of Africa” in his capacity as Master of Ceremony on a number of APC occasions televised live, keeps ricocheting in one’s ears. It is unbelievable that it is the same man, acclaimed as their leader, the promoter of “common sense revolution” that dislodged PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan from power, who has been undercut and worsted by bi-partisan political intrigues and subterfuge, orchestrated by Melaye’s group of Like-minds Senators, which promoted and supported Saraki’s Senate Presidency. The group had been commonsensical (more than Tinubu) in its bid to clinch the plum position. Members of the group had proved to be good students of our recent history, wonderful emulators of the ways of the Jagaban himself. It was in 2011 that Tinubu deployed his strategy of disrupting the PDP zoning plan in the House of Representatives that would have produced Mulikat Akande-Adeola from the South-West zone as speaker. Tinubu had lined all Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) legislators in the House to support the candidature of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal from the North-West as speaker in defiance of the PDP decision. Tambuwal won along with Emeka Ihedioha as deputy speaker. The rest is now history. Tinubu succeeded in planting the seed, nay wind of treachery, watered and nurtured by disloyalty and disdain for party discipline in the House of Representatives, just four years ago. He did not care about anything as long as his interest was not threatened or injured. He was propelled by selfish agenda to bolster his political and pecuniary interests after the decimation of the PDP and dislodgement of Jonathan. That seed rapidly geminated and was ripe for harvest on June 9, this year; and as fate would have it, Tinubu was primed to become the greatest beneficiary of the whirlwind that was produced as typified by the defeat of his candidates, nay the APC decisions, in the race for the positions of presiding officers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senator Ahmad Lawan was

N’Assembly crisis: A harvest of whirlwind

Saraki

the party’s choice for the Senate Presidency while Femi Gbajabiamila was the choice for speakership. Both had emerged at different straw polls conducted by the party prelude to the inauguration of the National Assembly. The APC had even gone as far as choosing through the straw polls George Akume (Benue State) as Deputy Senate President and Tahir Mongunu (Borno State) as deputy speaker. Both Saraki and Dogara boycotted the processes. They had their own counterplans, with their eyes fixed on the PDP legislators to produce some jokers. In the Senate, the number is quite significant for the PDP which has 49 of the 109 Senators. The APC has 59 (one of its members had died shortly before inauguration). In the House of Representatives, out of the 360 members, the APC has 210 (minus one that died shortly before inauguration) as against the PDP’s 150 members; the stakes were quite high. Saraki and Dogara decided to re-enact Tinubu’s sordid stratagem in 2011 by shunning their party decision and reaching out to the PDP lawmakers for strategic alliance in the Senate and solid support in the House of Representatives. The PDP was game. The leadership asked Saraki what was in the alliance for the party. Apparently determined to rubbish any obstacle on his way to the Senate Presidency, he readily accepted the proposal by the PDP to cede the Deputy Senate President to it (PDP). What that meant was a solid PDP bloc vote for him. That left the APC in disarray. The APC knew that with the number of senators behind him, there was no way it

Tinubu

Tinubu tried his best possible to avert the tragedy that befell him and his party

could stop him; which was why he (Saraki) spurned all entreaties and invitations for meetings with leaders of APC. Gloatingly, the PDP sealed the deal with Saraki, who was once in its fold. The party did not also hesitate to perfect the Dogara deal in the House. Dogara was, also, once upon a time, in the PDP. He, in fact, belonged to the Adamu Mu’azu faction of the PDP in Bauchi State. While the PDP settled for the Deputy Senate President, it allowed Dogara to pick a deputy speaker from APC and from any state in the South-West, provided that the candidate was not a stooge of Tinubu. In a way, the PDP was mindful of geo-political zone balancing in its counter plots to the APC’s plot. Indeed, the APC, according to some PDP leaders, got it wrong with the coupling of LawanAkume ticket, both of them coming from the North. Saraki, on that score, outwitted them by settling for an alliance with a South-East senator of the PDP in the person of Ike Ekweremadu, which effectively took care of the south in the arrangement. And for Dogara, his being a Christian from Bauchi combined pretty well with the choice of Lasun Yusuf, a Muslim, from Osun State. Dogara’s religious background also balances out the Muslim religious background of President Muhammadu Buhari (executive head) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed (head of the Judiciary) and Saraki (Head of the Legislature). Had Gbajabiamila emerged as speaker, all the heads of arms of government plus the speaker would have been Mus-

lims. Unfortunately, the APC leadership had ignored the concerns expressed by some Nigerians that their choices showed insensitivity to another religion. It was learnt that Tinubu tried his best possible to avert the tragedy that befell him and his party. He actually put last-minutes call to some PDP leaders to see how they could be of help to his interest. One of them reportedly told him that there was no way the Lawan-Akume ticket would be acceptable to the South. True, there is no way, according to top insiders in the PDP who were privy to the Saraki-Ekweremadu deal, the Lawan-Akume ticket would be overlooked for any other promise. Tinubu was said to have promised that there would be adjustment after the National Assembly inauguration, but he was advised to make the adjustment before the inauguration. His reach-out to the PDP was on the eve of the inauguration, which was pretty late to effect any adjustment. And, the Jagaban could not do anything to save his subsequent humiliation and demystification. All the theatrics that went into the mix have become history. Tinubu, wherever he may be today, must be ruing his defeat. If the loss in the Senate was monumental, a Gbajabiamila victory in the House would have mitigated, to some extent, his loss of the Senate Presidency. But with the defeat of Gbajabiamila, his political son from Lagos, Tinubu can be safely said to have almost suffered a collateral damage. His saving grace is that he had already produced a candidate for the vice presidential slot in the person of Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Regardless, the Jagaban has been swept up in the whirlwind of politicking in the National Assembly, where it matters most in a democracy. His imprimatur is missing in the legislature. Perhaps, if he had succeeded in installing his candidates in the National Assembly, he might have been in a pole position pile subtle pressure on some power centres in furtherance of some selfish agenda and demands put together in the confines of his Bourdilon home in Lagos. Meanwhile, I am waiting to see how Asiwaju would be able to recover from this setback and forcefully reinvent himself between now and 2019, especially now that Saraki has grabbed the Senate Presidency, which he (Tinubu) had wanted to frustrate in order to ensure that the Ilorinborn politician’s presidential aspiration in 2019 is not bolstered. If Saraki is able to keep his seat, it will certainly be salutary to whatever his aspiration is for 2019. Gbam! •Ojeifo is Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine in Abuja.

42 Politics

Discordant tunes over jumbo pay cut C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 6

comes in. It is not just the salary of lawmakers, it is not just the salary of those of us at the federal level, down across the three tiers of government; from federal, state and local government areas. “There is a need for downward review so that we can free a lot more funds to be able to fund this infrastructure, to be able to provide security, to be able to form and provide jobs, to be able to fund education, fund health care. “Since we cannot increase our earnings, it is a simple economic balance, then hold down your cost. Cost like I said here includes overhead, salaries, emoluments of everybody.” Hon. Abdullahi Gaya (APC, Kano) believes that the current administration should generally review downward wages and allowances of the Presidency and National Assembly by 50 per cent. Gaya said the reduction in salaries would cater for the nation’s capital expenditure. “In my opinion I think it will be better for all the elected representatives, beginning from Mr. President to members of parliament, to ministers, to other advisors and special assistants, to agree that what we will be receiving is slashed to 50 per cent,” Gaya said. According to him, “Since we believe the country needs positive change we should therefore accept it as such. The slash in the expenses should continue till when our dear nation gets to execute capital projects. May be from the time we were inaugurated to another two years,” he said. The RMAFC, however, hold the ace in this whole controversy since it is the only body statutory empowered to fix salaries and allowances of the lawmakers.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Wale Elegbede

State High Court Judge in Osun State, Justice Oloyede Olamide Folahanmi, has called on the members of the Osun State House of Assembly to commence impeachment process on Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs.Titilayo Laoye- Tomori. She stated that the duo have displayed gross incompetence and lack of capacity to discharge the functions of their office. In a 36-page petition sent to the state assembly, the governor and his deputy as well the Amnesty International, Transparency International among others, Folahanmi stated that Aregbesola and his deputy have no legal or moral basis for their continued stay in office. The petition reads: “Mr. Governor’s policies are geared and are being pursued, solely for the purpose of enriching himself; his godfathers, immediate families and his cronies, whilst impoverishing the generality of the people of Osun who look up to him for their welfare. “Mr. Governor’s argument that salaries can only be paid from statutory allocations is also faulty, we demand that he substantiate his claim by giving the section of the law that so provides. In any event, all funds, all allocations and all expenditures are expected to be backed by legislation, and are statutory, otherwise, they are illegal. “Mr. Governor is deemed to have received on behalf

Unpaid salaries: Judge calls for Aregbesola’s impeachment

Aregbesola

of the state, and local governments, revenues well in excess of N538 billion within the period under reference, therefore, the figures being currently being touted by Mr. Governor are cooked, manipulated, fallacious and fraudulent. They are undeniable evidence of corruption.” Justice Folahanmi took a swipe at the various reasons adduced for the financial challenge by Governor Aregbesola, saying, “The excuse now being given by

Governor Aregbesola as published in the newspaper of Monday, the 8th of June, 2015, are nothing but an after-thought and shows a lack of sensitivity for the agony of the impoverished civil servants and pensioners alike, a lack of remorse for the many souls who have been hurriedly pushed into the beyond unprepared and a deliberate refusal to comprehend the enormity of his wanton mismanagement of the economy of the state. “Consequently, the with-

holding or non-payment of salaries and pensions for periods ranging from six to 11 months by Mr. Governor and his deputy, it is inhuman treatment, unjust, unfair, repugnant to equity and good conscience cannot be justified under any excuse. “Their action in this respect is as illegal as it is immoral and unconscionable! There is therefore no legal or moral basis for their continued stay in office, it amounts to a gross violation of the Constitution and a breach of their oaths of Office and as such, they are liable to removal pursuant to Sections 188 and 189 of the Constitution. “And the grounds for my demand for the removal of the duo of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola and his deputy, Otunba Titi Laoye Tomori for displaying an unimaginably alarming level of incompetence in governance and for exhibiting the inability/ incapacity/ ineptitude in the discharge of the functions of their offices, and for insensitivity to the plight of the people they have undertaken to serve, altogether amounting to “grossly misconduct” on their parts and to “grave breaches” and “grievous violation” the Constitution, pursuant to and consequent upon the provisions of sections 188 and 189 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

We don’t need luxury to run government – Akinjide There is election petition in court. Let us see the result of that election petition first. I will not make any advance verdict on the last election until we finish all election petitions.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

You were a member of the 2014 National Conference. Do you think the president should implement the confab report? The report of the National Conference has been approved. In fact, I moved the final vote of thanks at the conference. The report of the conference was passed unanimously and I don’t see the need for anybody to be opposed to the report of the conference. I like to indulge in the belief that this government will implement that sacred document. How confident are you about the implementation, considering that the ruling party kicked against the convocation of the conference? I believe that the report of the conference will be implemented. Let us wait and see. Don’t let us condemn anybody now. Jonathan can’t do anything on the report because there was no time. There was nothing he ought to do that he has not done. If he has returned to power, the implementation won’t be an issue. How do you see the breaking of second term jinx by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State? I don’t know who says no governor has ever got a second term in Oyo State. I don’t accept that statement all the time. Ladoke Akintola was elected and he came back second time. That is a fact.

The defeat of the PDP in the last general elections has forced many politicians like you into retirement... There is no retirement in politics. I joined politics in my 20s and I am still in politics and I will continue to be in politics. I love it and I think everybody who like the rule of law and democracy should be in politics. My children are in politics and I will like my grandchildren to be in politics. I am not leaving politics; I will be in politics for as long as possible. So, you are not affected by the PDP loss? Not at all.

Bruce

So, I don’t know where people get their arithmetic to say no governor has governed Oyo State for two terms. The belief that nobody has ever broken second term jinx in Oyo State is wrong. If three predecessors of Governor Ajimobi; Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala, could not break the second term jinx, how did Ajimobi break the jinx?

Do you see the PDP bouncing back before 2019? Why not; we will come back. That is democracy. If you win, you can lose and if you lose, you can win. In America, we have seen Republicans winning and Democrats losing and sometime Democrats winning and Republicans winning. The same thing in Britain; you see the Labour Party winning and Conservative Party losing and vice versa. Democracy means some would be in, some would be out. You can’t be in forever and you can’t be out forever. But this is the first time in 16 years that PDP

will lose at the federal level. There is nothing wrong in that. That is good for democracy and they might come back again. What advice do you have for President Buhari, expecially on expectations from Nigerians? He must be a president for the whole country, not for his political party because he is president of Nigeria. Secondly, he should obey the rule of law; that is very critical. Three, he should be there when he thinks he can be in government and leave when he thinks he cannot be in government. I respect him and I know he will obey the rule of law. I think he is a sensible person. Being elected, not a dictator, he will obey the rule of law. Do you have confidence in Buhari to bring about the change many Nigerians are yearning for? That is our indulgence. Let us wait until it happens. What do you make of the issues about Buhari’s age and performance raised in the media last week? That was a very honest statement and anybody who expect too much from him would be disappointed. You enjoyed such offices when you are in your 40s, 50s. But when you get to a certain age, the tension is so much that it might affect your productivity and the quality of your performance.

Politics 43

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

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

his government will no longer continue sharing state resources to provide free food and drinks during Ramadan fast as had been the practice in the past. He said if his government continues to fund the welfare package, it will barely be able to deliver on key mandates of his government, considering the state’s finances. Bauchi governor, deputy slash salaries Like his Kaduna counterpart, Governor Abubakar of Bauchi State, during his maiden broadcast to the people of the state on June 1, also announced 50 per cent cut in his salary and that of his deputy, Nuhu Gidado. He attributed his decision to the state’s huge debt profile and the empty treasury inherited from the immediate past administration. “As a mark of leadership by example, I hereby offer to reduce the salary to be earned by the deputy governor and myself by 50 per cent,” he said. Also rolling out his plans to reposition the state, Abubakar said he would, in collaboration with a commercial bank, conduct a forensic audit and biometric exercise of all personnel on the payroll of the state to curtail indolence and ghost workers syndrome. Ajimobi reduces ministries In his quest to prune down cost of governance in Oyo State, Governor Ajimobi on June 10 announced the reduction of the state’s ministries from 23 to 13. He made the announcement while speaking at the inauguration of the Eighth Oyo State House of Assembly, saying the ministries were reduced to cut the cost of governance and also restructure the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for optimum performance. “Our desire to embark on the foregoing, among others, is borne out of our ardent desire to make life more abundant for the good people of Oyo State. Likewise, for the state to attain the desired global status that she deserves,” he said. Adamawa gov, lawmakers cut salaries Governor Jibrilla while speaking at the flag off of road projects in Yola last Monday announced his decision to cut his salary by 50 per cent and to slash the number of ministries in order to reduce cost of governance. “I will work with less than 10 commissioners in my cabinet to minimise cost of governance,” he said. Also following the footstep of the governor and yielding to his appeal for reduction in salary, Adamawa State House of Assembly has also agreed to contribute 50 per cent of their salaries to the development of the state. This was disclosed last week by the House Majority Leader, Alhaji Musa Mahmud. “It is okay for my colleagues and me. We are set for the 50 per cent cut in our salary,” he said. Ganduje cuts salaries Governor Ganduje on Saturday ordered the reduction of salaries and allowances of political office holders in the state by 50 per cent, in view of the prevailing economic

States battle for survival

Ganduje

Ikpeazu

realities in the state. According to him, those to be affected by the salary cut are the governor, deputy governor, Hafiz Abubakar, newly appointed commissioners, special advisers and other public office holders. Speaking while inaugurating 13 new commissioners for the state, Ganduje said the action was part of the sacrifice he and others will pay for the survival of the government. “I hereby announce that the salaries and allowances of all political office holders are reduced by 50 per cent. We shall pursue an aggressive internal revenue generation in view of the dwindling oil revenue from the federation account as business will no longer be as usual,” he said. Apart from cutting political office holders by 50 per cent, the governor also reduced the number of ministries in the state from 19 to 14, to cut cost of governance. Ikpeazu cuts salary, travel allowances In Abia State, Governor Ikpeazu while swearing-in the state’s new Head of Service, Dr. Vivian Uma, in Umuahia on Monday announced the slashing of his salary and travel allowances by 50 per cent. He also called on political appointees to follow his example, stressing that there is need to cut down the cost of governance. Ikpeazu’s decision is in fulfilment of his promised to the people of the state. The governor had during his swearing-in on May 29 pleaded with the people of the state to be ready to make sacrifice as hard decisions would be taken by his administration to move the state forward. He also promised to be firm in plugging all loopholes and revenue leakages just as he said that the state internally generated revenue windows of the state would be reviewed to make them better. Wada announced 40 per cent salary cut Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada, last month also announced a 40 per cent slash in the salary of its workers to enable the state government pay salary to all workers rather than owe backlog of salary. He said the move was part of its measures to meet commitment

on the infrastructural development in the state and necessary in the face of dwindling federal monthly allocation to the state. The governor said the salary cut also affected pensioners, appointed commissioners, special advisers and all other appointed officials, but will not be implemented on staff on Grade level 1 to 6 and special assistants.

A governor doesn’t need many commissioners running a state... We don’t need luxury to run government

Ambode, Abubakar to reduce cost of governance Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and his Jigawa counterpart, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar, have also promised to reduce cost of governance in their states. Ambode during an inaugural meeting with the Body of Permanent Secretaries at the Lagos House, Ikeja on June 1 alongside his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Olatunji Bello, unveiled his administration’s plan to cut the cost of governance in the state by streamlining ministries, departments and agencies, while new ones would be created. “Some existing MDAs will be streamlined in order to ensure that the cost of governance is reduced, while ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness in public service. Some agencies would be returned to their original supervising agencies to ensure that the control which used to be in place for those agencies returns,” he said. Governor Abubakar while speaking during his swearing-in on May 29 said his state inherited N117 billion contrary to what is contained in the transition note presented by the last government and therefore said he would reduce the cost of governance in the state. Utomi, Akinjide, Tsav, hail govs’ decision Though the governors seem to have taken a bold step in reducing cost of governance in their respective states by cutting salaries and reducing number of ministries, some people believe that pruning cost of governance goes beyond cutting salaries. Political analysts are of the view that there is need for the governors to do more to save more resources by cutting their security votes and other frivolous expenses

to show sincerity in reducing cost of governance. Speaking to New Telegraph, some prominent Nigerians hailed the decision of the governors who have already taken bold steps in reducing cost of governance. They also advised the governors to block all leakages in government and do the needful to meet the demand of the electorate in delivering dividends of democracy. A renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, said cutting of salaries and reduction in state ministries will help state government to save so much. “There are so many leakages in government and when you block those leakages, you will see tremendous amount of savings and you can save government so much. In reducing the cost of governance, you can also reduce the amount spent by governors running up and down and reduce frivolous projects. You can trim the cost of government without doing too much damage. “It is useful signal for governors to cut salaries and reduce ministries but let us be frank with ourselves, if you cut your salaries by 50 per cent and the security vote is so big, what have you done? You are just deceiving people but it is a good signal. One of the things we also need to do is oversight to look at security votes. I am not saying that there shouldn’t be anything like that for security purposes but let there be a House Committee that sits over what the government uses for security.” Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide, also advised the governors against running government with luxury. He called for abolition of the security votes, which according to him is one of the ways Nigerian governors abuse their offices. His words: “The decision of the governors to cut cost of governance is very good. First of all a governor doesn’t need many commissioners running a state government. It is absurd. You don’t need to pay commissioners too much money and give them houses; let them live in their own houses and go to work from there. The vehicles for government officials should also be reduced. I believe that will reduce cost of governance a lot. When I was in government all I had was two cars for myself and one car for my assistant, who was assisting me. We don’t need luxury to run government. “Security votes for governors should be abolished because I don’t see the need for security votes at all. What security are the governors looking after? Every governor should tell me what security he is spending money on when he get huge amount of money for security votes. It is rubbish and it is one of the ways governors abuse their office. We don’t know what they spent the money on because they don’t account for it.” A former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State and anti-corruption crusader, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, also spoke on the issue. He said: “Those governors are good people. I commend them for their action and I think others should do the same.”

Business | Money Line

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Why CBN is averse to easing forex trading restrictions –Report

TROUBLED

Lifting trading curbs will hurt naira Tony Chukwunyem with agency report

stated that CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and other officials of the bank, argued that while they were in favour of boosting liquidity in the foreign exchange market, there was concern that would lead to a surge in

move would further hurt the naira, a report by Bloomberg said yesterday. Citing a source at the meeting that the apex bank held with bankers last Friday to discuss the trading curbs, the international news agency

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is resisting calls to remove trading curbs in the foreign exchange market because it is worried that such a

demand for dollars. There have been increasing complaints in recent weeks by authorised forex dealers such as banks about their inability to access enough foreign-currency due to the restrictions.

Estimated N60bn premium loss worries insurers

espite the reforms and slight growth in the last few years, the Nigerian insurance sector is still bleeding in terms of premium losses to fake practitioners and the failure of most Nigerians to get insured. Giving highlights on the development in Lagos yesterday, the Chairman, Nigeria Insurers’ Association, Mr. Godwin Wiggle, disclosed that the failure of most Nigerians to embrace all the provisions of Compulsory Insurances as stipulated in the Insurance Act was setting the industry back by at least N60 billion. Wiggle, who commended the deployment of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) in checking fake motor insurance certificates, pointed out that about 12

three million vehicles have been uploaded by the 41-member companies underwriting motor insurance business. The Association will continue its drive to extend the states covered by the NIID device in order to bring more motor vehicles into the NIID net. “We implore motorists to make sure that they buy genuine insurance certificates from insurance companies, brokers or accredited agents and to resist the temptation of patronising touts, and other unauthorised sources as they do not sell genuine motor certificates and cannot be guaranteed any benefit in the event of a

million vehicles out of the 15 million officially acknowledged to be on the roads were yet to be properly insured. The chairman, who will be clocking one year in office tomorrow, said within the period he has been on board, the Association had made giant strides in the implementation of the NIID, stressing that it was not relenting in its efforts to extend the areas to be covered by the device. He said, “As a fall-out of the public acceptance of the device, the number of uploads has increased significantly over the past few years. “As at May 2015, over

loss.” On the marine module of the database, which took off recently, he said it had become fully functional and that member companies have started uploading their marine certificates. He pointed out that the Association had sustained engagement with the relevant stakeholders such as Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to seek their support for the initiative.

Economic Indicators As at M2* CPS* INF MPR 91-day NTB Bonny Light Ext Res**

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 9 13 10.77 US$60.72 US$29,031,537,741

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 May, 2015 4/6/2015 Mar 2015 10/6/2015 22/6/2015

Source:CBN

Description 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 10.00 23-JUL-2030

TTM

Price

1.15 1.84 4.02 4.64 6.60 8.72 15.08

FGN Bonds 99.38 101.99 106.03 104.01 110.46 102.21 68.00

NIBOR

Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

Rate (%) 22.3750 16.0566 16.6807 18.2597

Bid Yield

13.61 13.81 13.98 14.31 13.91 13.75 15.55

Change (%) 4.50▲ 0.26▲ 0.49▲ 0.48▲

Change (%) 0.07▲ 0.12▲ 0.05▲ 0.04▲ 0.05▲ 0.01▲ 0.00 ↔

Price 99.53 102.14 106.33 104.31 110.76 102.51 68.30

Tenor (Months)

Offer Yield 13.47 13.72 13.89 14.22 13.84 13.69 15.48

NITTY

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Rate (%) 11.9139 12.3430 13.0743 13.2728 13.5140 14.1232

Spot ($/N)

Offer 197.32

Change (%) -0.09▼ -0.03▼ -0.01▼ -0.04▼ -0.15▼ -0.12▼

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 10.71 11.01 -0.62 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 14.92 24-Sep-15 10.96 11.28 -0.62▼ 12.18 12.94 0.07 ▲ Overnight (O/N) 15.42 17-Dec-15 12.43 13.23 0.07 ▲ 12.20 13.78 0.12 ▲ 02-Jun-16 12.45 14.10 0.12 ▲ Bid 197.22

Change (%) 0.07▲ 0.12▲ 0.05▲ 0.04▲ 0.05▲ 0.01▲ 0.00 ↔

Change (%) -0.67 ▼

NIFEX

Bid Spot ($/N) 198.9000

Offer 199.0000

Change (%) 0.33▲ 0.25▲

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

CBN Clearing Rates of June 23, 2015 Spot ($/N)

195.90

196.90

-0.03 ▼ Source: FMDQ

According to the report, the CBN asked treasurers and members of the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) to consider ways of stopping the naira from sliding if it did allow trading to increase. With the price of oil, the source of 90 per cent of Nigeria’s exports plunging by about 50 per cent between June and December last year, the CBN started imposing restrictions in the last three months of 2014 in a bid to protect the currency, which has weakened 18 per cent against the dollar in the past year. Bloomberg stated that bankers at the meeting reportedly told the regu-

lator that the curbs were making foreign investors shun Nigerian bonds and stocks and preventing local companies from buying all the dollars they need to pay for imports. For instance, Portfolio investors including Aberdeen Asset Management Plc. and Investec Asset Management have been put off buying assets in the country until there is devaluation. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has said it may cut Nigeria from its emerging market bond indexes, tracked by more than $200 billion of funds, because of the currency restrictions, which it said may make it more difficult for investors to track the gauges.

Unity Bank achieves PCI DSS re-certification

nity Bank has achieved the 2015 recertification of its Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the lender said in a statement. According to the statement, it was one of the first few banks in Nigeria to obtain the certification in 2013. “The certification is renewable annually as required by the Payment Card Industry Council (PCI) and regulators. This process follows a rigorous audit of the Bank’s payment card security processes environment. At the end of the audit, the QSA, Nethost Legislation Ltd issued the bank an Attestation of Compliance and Certificate of Compliance to PCIDSS V3.0,” the statement said.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of requirements designed to ensure companies that process, store or transmit credit/debit card information, maintain a secure environment thereby guaranteeing the protection of cardholder data throughout the transaction process. The standard also facilitates the broad adoption of consistent data security measures globally. According to the MD/ CEO, Unity Bank Plc., Mr. Henry J. Semenitari, “The Bank will strive to continually maintain leading best practice and secure customers’ information despite the challenges posed by rapid changes in technology and the operating environment”.

Diamond steps up African acquisitions

tlas Mara Ltd., the company co-founded by former Barclays Chief Executive Officer, Bob Diamond to invest in African financial businesses, is in talks to buy Finance Bank Zambia Plc, according to news agency reports. Negotiations began as early as March and a deal may be announced within a month, the reports said. An acquisition would boost the presence of Atlas Mara, set up by Diamond and Ugandan entrepreneur Ashish Thakkar, in Zambia, where it already operates follow-

ing its 2014 purchase of BancABC. The economy of Africa’s second-largest copper producer is set to grow by 5.8 percent this year, down from a previous forecast of more than 7 percent, Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda said June 16. A spokesman for Atlas Mara in London said the company wouldn’t comment on market speculation. FBZ Acting Chairman William Nyirenda declined to comment when contacted by mobile phone on June 20. The bank on Monday requested written questions and hasn’t yet responded to these.

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

581.39 476.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 233.73 600.00 599.99 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 324.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,838.17

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,498.35

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

1.15 1.84 2.09 2.19 2.93 4.02 4.33 4.64 6.60 8.72 13.43 13.91 14.41 15.08 19.07

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

13.61 13.81 13.85 13.86 13.92 13.98 14.25 14.31 13.91 13.75 16.94 17.46 18.07 15.55 14.32

13.47 13.72 13.76 13.77 13.86 13.89 14.14 14.22 13.84 13.69 16.88 17.39 17.97 15.48 14.27

99.38 101.99 92.91 91.69 92.42 106.03 77.12 104.01 110.46 102.21 89.81 74.27 51.40 68.00 85.88

99.53 102.14 93.06 91.84 92.57 106.33 77.42 104.31 110.76 102.51 90.11 74.57 51.70 68.30 86.18

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

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

17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

2.10 112.22 116.70 66.49

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.78 1.46 1.82 2.04

2.27 1.00 1.00 1.00

15.75 14.72 14.80 14.85

101.09 101.61 105.49 102.24

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

297.52

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

307.24

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.19

4.44

16.21

99.22

A-/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.27

3.23

14.83

99.46

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

3.90

30-Jun-16

0.52

4.46

17.73

98.26

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.54

3.48

16.77

99.37

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

1.82

1.00

14.80

92.53

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

25.73

30-Jun-17

1.09

1.00

14.68

99.12

‡ /Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

2.52

1.79

15.68

96.60

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

30.81

30-Sep-18

1.90

1.80

15.62

97.44

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.92

1.00

14.82

98.63

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

12.40

09-Dec-18

2.10

1.00

14.85

99.38

Bb-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

9.21

12-Dec-18

2.10

4.78

18.63

92.48

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.09

1.00

14.85

101.03

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

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

15.09 80.00 24.74

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

2.52 4.42 2.59

2.02 1.00 1.00

15.91 15.30 14.89

99.12 97.45 99.70

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.78

10-Oct-20

3.03

1.82

15.75

97.73

Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.43

1.00

15.21

93.80

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

5.52

1.00

15.18

99.33

‡ /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

3.18

1.00

14.95

98.95

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.56

06-Jan-21

3.21

1.00

14.95

100.10

99.53

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

448.65 433.73

Corporate Bonds BBB+/Agusto BBB-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

2.50

17-Aug-15

0.15

1.00

12.97

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.38

09-Dec-15

0.46

1.00

13.98

99.13

BB/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.42

06-Jan-16

0.29

2.63

14.39

99.93

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.27

1.00

14.70

98.04

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.34

15.05

99.01

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.27

1.00

14.87

96.45

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.56

30-Nov-17

1.50

1.88

15.61

103.79

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

5.40

09-Apr-18

1.55

3.84

17.58

97.96

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

09-Sep-18

1.71

1.00

14.78

104.48

101.66

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

09-Sep-18

1.71

1.00

14.78

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

30-Sep-18

3.27

3.00

16.95

92.74

BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.10

18-Oct-18

1.82

2.29

16.09

99.41

BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

18.00

0.36

17-Feb-19

1.90

6.11

19.93

97.20

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

2.52

2.16

16.05

99.83

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.40

2.76

16.98

93.98

BBB/GCR

FCMB

14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021

20-Nov-14

14.25

26.00

20-Nov-21

6.41

1.80

15.70

94.24

A/GCR

UBA

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

30-Dec-14

16.45

30.50

30-Dec-21

6.52

2.63

16.49

99.81

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

16.29

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.27

1.00

14.89

106.84

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.27

1.00

14.89

91.83

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

178.07

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

171.45

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

2.64

1.00

14.90

90.02

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.75

1.00

15.35

82.94

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.54

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

5.75

5.52

104.71

105.84

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.68

4.36

101.26

102.17

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.03

5.88

102.18

103.15

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

1,540.73

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

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.33

102.75

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.51

99.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

10.95

9.90

90.19

92.58

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.53

7.07

95.51

96.84

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.23

96.75

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

10.13

9.54

95.61

97.47

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

8.25 AUG 07, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

07-Aug-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

07-Aug-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

9.28 10.50 9.83

9.28 10.16 9.83

95.25 94.83 91.05

95.25 96.29 91.05

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

10.41

9.92

91.89

93.99

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,650.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

3,494.06

**Treasury Bills^ DTM 9 16 23 30 37 44 51 65

FIXINGS Maturity 2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.65 10.63 11.70 11.91 12.13 12.52 12.13 12.09

Offer Discount (%) 13.40 10.38 11.45 11.66 11.88 12.27 11.88 11.84

Bid Yield (%) 13.70 10.67 11.79 12.03 12.29 12.71 12.33 12.36

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 22.3750 16.0566 17.4381 18.2597

Rate (%)

OBB

14.92

O/N

15.42

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 15.25 15.50

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

197.22 201.81 202.13 202.87 204.24 205.60

197.32 201.93 202.28 203.37 205.31 207.21

^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034

23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

10.00 12.1493

591.57 324.50

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,838.17

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,498.35

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

15.08 19.07

15.55 14.32

15.48 14.27

68.00 85.88

68.30 86.18

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

2.27

15.75

101.09

1.00 1.00

14.80 14.85

105.49 102.24

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

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

17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

2.10 112.22 116.70 66.49

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.78 1.46 1.82 2.04

Agency Bonds FMBN

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

Business | Financial Market News

***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

297.52

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

STANDARDS Sub-National Bonds

NSE moves to A-/Agusto BBB+/Agusto improve and ‡ /Agusto A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR update its rules ‡ /Agusto ‡ /Agusto to‡ /Agusto; international A+/GCR Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR standards ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR† A/Agusto

KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE

New stocks’ rules effective from June 29 307.24

*IMO

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.19

4.44

16.21

99.22

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

2.16

30-Sep-15

0.27

3.23

14.83

99.46

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

3.90

30-Jun-16

0.52

4.46

17.73

98.26

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

5.73

30-Jun-16

0.54

3.48

16.77

99.37

19-Apr-10 sion (SEC), 10.00 areLAGOS among 19-APR-2017 rules at a later date, where 30-Jun-10 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 *BAYELSA other rules13.75that will necessary. 30-Dec-10 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 EDO on The SEC had approved 30-Sep-11 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 *DELTA become operational 04-Oct-11 14.00the NIGERNigeII 4-OCT-2018 the par value rule submitNIGER June 29, 2015, 09-Dec-11 *EKITI 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 rian Stock Exchange ted to it by the National 12-Dec-13 Bb-/Agusto *NIGER 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 (NSE) has said. on 5 14-Feb-12 ‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 Council of The NSE 02-Oct-12 BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 March 2015. In a notice obtained Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 22-Nov-12 from the 14.75 Exchange’s On 28 March 2013, the 12-Dec-12 BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *OSUN OSUN 12-DEC-2019 Stories by Chris Ugwu 10-Oct-13 BBB-/Agusto *OSUN OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 website, it 14.75 advised the Council of the Exchange 27-Nov-13 Aa-/Agusto; ‡ /GCR LAGOS LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 investment 13.50 community he 1 kobo Miniapproved a number of 31-Dec-13 A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 that the new 14.50 rules, 31-Dec-13 ‡ /Agusto mum Price Vari*EKITI EKITIwhich II 31-DEC-2020 new rules and amendA-/GCR NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 ation (MPV) *NASARAWA for are available15.00 on the NSE’s ments to the “Rules06-Jan-14 GovTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE quoting and en- website shall become ef- erning Dealing MemMARKET CAPITALISATION tryTOTAL of orders in equity fective on the above stated bers”, in the section that Corporate securitiesBonds admitted to date. addresses “Trading” (the 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 BBB+/Agusto *UPDC apdealings, which was apThe report noted that Rules). The new rules 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 BBB-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 *FLOURMILLS proved include the 06-Jan-11 Order proved interpretive14.00guidance CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB/GCR by the Securities *CHELLARAMS 13.00 NAHCO A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO would be provided and Exchange Commison29-SEP-2016 the Entry & Execution29-Sep-11 Rule,

10.00 Error Rule; 57.00 and Obvious 13.75 25.73 Churning, Fictitious or 14.00 25.00 Deceptive Trading 14.00 30.81 Pat14.00 9.00 tern Rule. 12.40 In 14.50 addition, Policy No 14.00 9.21 01 NSE, 15.50 which provides 27.00 15.50 15.09 penalties for breach of 14.50 80.00 rules14.75governing24.74deal14.75 10.78also ing members, was 13.50 amended. Dealing87.50 Mem15.00 5.00 ber 14.50 Firms made 4.55 the 15.00 4.56 Amendment in respect of 448.65 the rule penalising unauthorised sales of 433.73 clients’ securities. 10.00 2.50 However, article9.38 100 of 12.00 the new 14.00 rules contains 0.42 13.00 15.00proamendments to the

LAGOS

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

BBB-/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.56

Nil

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

A-/DataPro†; B+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.54

AAA/DataPro†; A/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.70

30-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

Derivatives trading: CIS backs NSE’s plan

A+/Agusto; A/GCR

1.00JUNE 24, 2015 14.72 NEW TELEGRAPH 101.61 WEDNESDAY,

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018

UBA

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 *LA CASERAof he Chartered Institute alternative options for hedging, MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS Stockbrokers (CIS) has speculation and leverage. Trad16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 Nil *DANA thrown behind ing on15.25 derivatives would enhance NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR its weight NAHCO 14.25 FCMB Iof 20-NOV-2021 FCMB Stock theBBB/GCR plan by the Nigerian the capacity market partici16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 A/GCR UBA Exchange (NSE) to commence pants to minimise their risk, 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR STANBIC IBTC 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 take advantage of mis-pricing trading A/GCR in derivatives. STANBIC IBTC TOTALChief OUTSTANDING VALUEOfficer, of assets and potentially make The Executive TOTAL CAPITALISATION NSE, MrMARKET Oscar Onyema had stat- more profits from the capital and ed Supranational recently that money market,” Ajadi said. Bond the Exchange would begin trading IFC in Naira Onyema had at a recent in10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P 11.25in AFDB 1-FEB-2021 noted that Aaa/Moody's; AfDBto help futures in AAA/S&P 2017 in order terview London, TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE moveinvestors hedge against it would be awesome if the ExTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION ments in the local currency. change could trade Naira-Dollar denominated contracts. Reacting to the development, Description Rating/Agency Issuer the Registrar and Chief Execu“Futures and options conEurobonds tiveFGN Officer of CIS, Mr Adedeji tracts are asset classes that would Ajadi, described the planned in- be beneficial to foreign investors. 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P troduction of derivative trading The bourse might offer some fuBB-/Fitch; FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 as BB-/S&P a welcome development and tures by the end of 2017,” he said. BB-/Fitch; JUL 12, 2023Ajadi long anticipated. Commenting 6.38 further, BB-/S&P He explained that currency said that the proposed trading TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE derivatives areCAPITALISATION strong compo- in derivatives would deepen the TOTAL MARKET nents of risk management and market as a whole since it has Corporate Eurobonds potential instruments GTBANK for creatcapacity to widen the variety of 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P PLC I ingB+/S&P liquidity either on ACCESS an organinstruments and7.25contracts that JUL 25, 2017 BANK PLC ised Exchange or Over-the CounB/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC could be traded. 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 6.00introduction NOV 08, 2018 B+/S&P GTBANK PLC terB+/Fitch; (OTC) market. “The planned 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC “Currency derivatives are of currency derivatives (Naira8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC very efficient risk management Dollars options or futures by the 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 instruments. They also provide development B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC IINSE is a welcome BBB+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

#{r}

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

31-Dec-20

3.18

1.00

14.95

98.95

06-Jan-21

3.21

1.00

14.95

100.10

rading activities in Also, Insurance sub0.15 1.00 sector12.97 of the 99.53 financial the Nigerian Stock 0.46 1.00 13.98 99.13 Exchange (NSE) services by 06-Jan-16 0.29 2.63 14.39sector, boosted 99.93 29-Sep-16 1.27 1.00 14.70 in the 98.04 maintained downward activities shares of 25-Oct-16 1.34 1.34 15.05 99.01 trends following a marMansard Insurance Plc, 30-Sep-17 2.27 1.00 14.87 96.45 ginal drop in both marfollowed with a turnover 30-Nov-17 1.50 1.88 15.61 103.79 09-Apr-18 1.55 indices 3.84 97.96 of 42.417.58 million shares valket performance 09-Sep-18 1.71 1.00 14.78 104.48 reflecting profit taking. ued at14.78 N68.8 million in 130 09-Sep-18 1.71 1.00 101.66 Consequently, deals.16.95 30-Sep-18 3.27the All3.00 92.74 18-Oct-18 Index 1.82 2.29 Share shed 3.13 At 16.09 the close99.41 of trad17-Feb-19 1.90 6.11 19.93 97.20 basis points or 0.009 per ing, 17 stocks recorded 01-Apr-19 2.52 2.16 16.05 99.83 cent to close at gain, while 26 others shed 14-Nov-20 5.4033,380.84 2.76 16.98 93.98 20-Nov-21 6.41 1.80 15.70 94.24 as against 33,383.97 weight. 30-Dec-21 6.52 2.63 16.49 99.81 recorded the9.27previous Further analysis of 30-Sep-24 1.00 14.89 106.84 day, while the the day’s showed 30-Sep-24 9.27 market 1.00 14.89 trading 91.83 capitalisation of equi- that UPL Nigeria Plc ties depreciated margin- topped the day’s gainers’ ally by N1.071 billion or table with 7.44 per cent to 0.009 per cent,2.64 as market close 14.90 at N6.50 per 11-Feb-18 1.00 90.02 share, 01-Feb-21 4.75 1.00 82.94 sentiments remained in while15.35 Seplat Petroleum the red. Development and Mobil Meanwhile, a turnover Nigeria Plc followed with five per cent each to close of 208.08 million shares Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price worth N2.2 billion in 3,787 at N331.59 and N153.31 per & Yields deals were recorded yes-Prices share respectively. Forte terday . Oil Plc 4.95 per 28-Jan-21 5.75 5.52 104.71 added105.84 Banking sub-sector cent to close at N188.65 12-Jul-18 4.68 4.36 101.26 102.17 of the financial services per share. 12-Jul-23was the most 6.03 5.88 103.15 Vono sector active On102.18 the flip side, (measured by turnover Products Plc led the losvolume) with 90.3 million ers with a drop of 8.70 per shares worth N1.3 billion cent to close at N1.26 per exchanged by investors in share, while NPF Micro 19-May-16 4.33 4.33 102.75 102.75 Finance Bank 99.50 Plc shed 1,250 deals. 25-Jul-17 7.51 7.51 99.50 6.14 per close at Volume in the 02-May-18 10.95 sub-sec9.90 90.19 cent to 92.58 08-Nov-18 7.07 96.84 N1.0795.51 per share. Honeytor was largely7.53driven by 22-Apr-19 7.23 96.75 96.75 activities in the shares of7.23 well Nigeria Plc trailed 21-May-19 10.13 9.54 95.61 97.47 Zenith Bank Plc and Acwith five per cent to close 07-Aug-20 9.28 9.28 95.25 95.25 cess Bank Plc.10.50 24-Jun-21 10.16 at N3.61 94.83per share. 96.29 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15

5.40

23-Jul-21

9.83

91.05

14-Aug-21

10.41

9.92

91.89

93.99

3,650.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

14.80 92.53 trades. 14.68 99.12 The rule states that 15.68 96.60 notwithstanding 15.62 97.44its par 98.63 of evvalue,14.82the price 14.85 99.38 ery share listed on the 18.63 92.48 Exchange shall be deter14.85 101.03 99.12 mined15.91 by the market and 15.30 97.45 that no share shall 14.89 99.70 trade 97.73 of one below15.75 a price floor 15.21 93.80 kobo per unit (N0.01). 15.18 99.33

Stock market records marginal loss

18-Oct-13 that the market has 15.75 anticipated 2.10 17-Feb-12 18.00 0.36 for quite some time. I believe lo- 4.50 01-Apr-14 16.00 cal and foreign investors alike 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 would20-Nov-14 be excited 14.25 about this 26.00 30-Dec-14 16.45 30.50 positive development,” he said. 0.10 30-Sep-14 16.29 Derivatives are derived from 15.44 30-Sep-14 13.25 underlying instruments such 178.07 as stocks, bonds, and commodi- 171.45 ties. There are other categories of underlying instruments 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 10-Jul-14 such as weather and11.25 emission. 12.95 The overriding objective of 24.95 trading in derivative instru- 21.54 ment Issue is to hedge against risk. Outstanding Value Date Coupon (%) The Exchange had for long ($mm) been working on the introduction of07-Oct-11 trading in derivatives, 6.75 500.00 regarded as highly sophisti12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 cated. It is expected that the 12-Jul-13 6.38 to drive 500.00 Exchange hires experts trading in these asset classes,1,500.00 train its relevant staff, expose1,540.73 both stockbrokers and the financial press to the7.50new risk 500.00 19-May-11 management system7.25 because it 350.00 25-Jul-12 has a huge risk and re- 300.00 09-May-13potential 6.88 08-Nov-13 6.00 turn. Derivatives’ trading is one 400.00 of the22-Apr-14 major courses6.25 for qualify- 500.00 21-May-14 8.75 200.00 ing as07-Aug-13 a chartered stockbroker 8.25 300.00 through the CIS. 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

19-Apr-17 on pricing 1.82 1.00 vision meth30-Jun-17 1.09 1.00 odology . It provides that 31-Dec-17 2.52 1.79 securities shall 30-Sep-18 1.90 trade in 1.80 04-Oct-18 increments 1.92 price of 1.00 1 09-Dec-18 2.10 1.00 Kobo. It makes provisions 12-Dec-18 2.10 4.78 for determining 14-Feb-19 2.09the open1.00 02-Oct-19 2.52 2.02 ing and closing prices of1.00 22-Nov-19 4.42 securities on any 12-Dec-19 2.59 trading 1.00 10-Oct-20 3.03 1.82 day , price movements and 27-Nov-20 5.43 1.00 price limits; 5.52 and small 31-Dec-20 1.00

23-Jun-15

3,494.06

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^ Money Market professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS FIXINGS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up Exchange to date. We do &not guarantee Foreign (Spot Forwards) Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount Bid Yield (%) Tenor (%)of the Information. the accuracy,DTM timeliness, completeness,Maturity 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 theRate basis NIBOR

9 16 23 FGN Bonds 30 37 44 Rating/Agency 51 65 72 79 93 100 114 128 142 156 NA 163 170 177 198 205 212 219 226 233 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 240 247 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 254 268 275

2-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 23-Jul-15 30-Jul-15 6-Aug-15 Issuer 13-Aug-15 27-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 10-Sep-15 24-Sep-15 1-Oct-15 15-Oct-15 29-Oct-15 12-Nov-15 26-Nov-15 NA 3-Dec-15 10-Dec-15 17-Dec-15 7-Jan-16 14-Jan-16 21-Jan-16 28-Jan-16 4-Feb-16 11-Feb-16 18-Feb-16 25-Feb-16 3-Mar-16 17-Mar-16 24-Mar-16

Rating/Agency 289

Issuer 7-Apr-16

13.65 10.63 11.70 11.91 12.13 12.52 Description 12.13 12.09 ^13.05 16-AUG-2016 12.07 ^15.10 27-APR-2017 12.11 9.85 27-JUL-2017 10.96 12.89 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.46 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.61 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 13.24 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.42 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 12.51 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.54 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.43 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.61 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.33 13.18 8.50 20-NOV-2029 13.61 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 13.18 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 13.13 13.43 13.20 13.16 13.06 13.08 12.95

13.40 10.38 11.45 11.66 11.88 12.27 Issue Date 11.88 11.84 16-Aug-13 11.82 27-Apr-12 11.86 27-Jul-07 10.71 12.64 31-Aug-07 13.21 30-May-08 13.36 29-Jun-12 12.99 23-Oct-09 13.17 13-Feb-15 12.26 27-Jan-12 13.29 14-Mar-14 12.18 28-Nov-08 12.36 22-May-09 13.08 12.93 20-Nov-09 13.36 23-Jul-10 12.93 18-Jul-14 12.88 13.18 12.95 12.91 12.81

Description

12.83

21-Apr-16

12.87

12.62

317 Agency Bonds

5-May-16

12.40

12.15

345

2-Jun-16

17.25 FMB12.45 II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration ***LCRM 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 # Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 FMBN

Bonds

14.50

Issue 14.43Date

12.70

303

13.70 10.67 11.79 12.03 12.29 12.71 Coupon (%) 12.33 12.36 13.05 12.37 15.10 12.44 9.85 11.28 13.36 9.35 14.05 10.70 14.29 16.00 13.96 7.00 14.23 15.54 13.25 16.39 14.45 14.20 13.23 15.00 13.54 12.49 14.41 14.27 8.50 14.82 10.00 14.35 12.1493 14.33 14.73 14.49 14.49 14.45

Tenor O/N 1M 3M Outstanding 6M

(N'bn)

Value

581.39 16-Aug-16 476.80 NITTY 27-Apr-17 20.00 27-Jul-17 Tenor Rate (%) 1M 11.9139 100.00 31-Aug-17 2M 12.3430 300.00 30-May-18 3M 13.0743 351.30 29-Jun-19 6M 13.2728 233.90 23-Oct-19 9M 13.5140 233.73 13-Feb-20 12M 14.1232 600.00 27-Jan-22 599.99 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 NIFEX 150.00 22-May-29 Current Price ($/N) 200.00 20-Nov-29 BID($/N) 591.57 198.9000 23-Jul-30 OFFER ($/N) 199.0000 324.50 18-Jul-34

4,838.17

14.10

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

BBB+/Agusto

*BENUE

‡ /Agusto

*IMO

A+/Agusto; ‡ /GCR

LAGOS

‡ /Agusto

*BAYELSA

‡ /Agusto

EDO

‡ /Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

Bb-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR† Bb-/Agusto

<3 3<5

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 858.74 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA1,248.58 30-JUN-2017

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

2.10 112.22 116.70 66.49

03-Apr-17 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.78 1.46 1.82 2.04

2.27 1.00 1.00 1.00

15.75 14.72 14.80 14.85

101.09 101.61 105.49 102.24

Total Outstanding Volume(Bn)

828.10

30-Jun-09 28.63 19-Apr-10

12.50

13.00 Weighting by Mkt Value 14.00 15.50

10.00 31.04

8.50

31-Aug-15

2.16

30-Sep-15 % Exposure_ Mod_Duration 30-Jun-16

Bucket Weighting

3.90 5.73

57.00 0.29 25.73 0.41

30-Jun-16 14.09 19-Apr-17

0.27 0.52

0.54 13.91 1.82

100.00 14.00

25.00 0.31 30.81 1.00

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

1.92

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

12.40

09-Dec-18

2.10

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

9.21

12-Dec-18

2.10

‡ /Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.09

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

*GOMBE LAGOS

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

BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

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

15.50 14.50 14.75

15.09 80.00 24.74

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

2.52 4.42 2.59

BBB-/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

10.78

10-Oct-20

3.03

659.48 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 2,766.80 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

891.07 2,892.30

100.00 30-Sep-11

41.68 30-Jun-17 44.24 31-Dec-17

0.19 Implied Yield

13.75 45.13 14.00 23.84

1,173.14

30-Sep-10 Weighting by Outstanding Vol 30-Jun-11

40.56 30-Jun-10 30.81 30-Dec-10

Market

UBA: United Bank for Africa

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

31-Aug-10

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

92.91 93.06 91.69 91.84 92.42 92.57 NA :Not 106.03 Applicable 106.33 ^ : Market Prices 77.12 77.42 # : Floating Rate Bond 104.01 104.31 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 110.46 110.76 102.51 ‡ : Bond102.21 rating under review 89.81 expired 90.11 †: Bond rating 74.57 N/A :Not 74.27 Available {r} :Issuer in receivership 51.70 51.40 68.00 68.30 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 85.88 86.18

Maturity Date

307.24

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

2.09 13.85 13.76 2.19 13.86 13.77 2.93 13.92 13.86 :Benchmarks 4.02 13.98 13.89 * :Amortising 4.33Bond 14.25 14.14 µ :Convertible Bond 4.64 14.31 14.22 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 6.60 13.91 13.84 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 8.72 Mortgage Bank13.75 13.69 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 13.43 Finance Corporation 16.94 16.88 IFC: International 13.91 17.46 Management 17.39 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables NAHCO: Nigerian 14.41 Aviation Handling 18.07 Company 17.97 O/N: Overnight 15.08 15.55 15.48 UPDC: UAC Property Development 19.07 14.32Company 14.27

NOTE:

Offer ($/N)

197.22 197.32 Price 201.93 201.81 202.13 202.28 202.87 203.37 Bid Price Offer Price 204.24 205.31 205.60 207.21 99.38 99.53 206.28 213.47 101.99 102.14 220.29 226.27

13.90

12.20

Sub-National Bonds Modified Duration Buckets

Rate (%) 15.25 15.50 13.61 15.75 13.81 16.00

Bid Yield (%)

Bid ($/N)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

297.52

*EBONYI

TTM (Yrs)

Spot 7D 14D Offer 1M Yield 2M (%) 3M 13.47 6M 13.72 1Y

Coupon (%)

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

A-/Agusto

Tenor Call 1M 1.15 3M 1.84 6M

15.42

REPO

Tenor

4,498.35

14.41

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

KADUNA

14.92

O/N

Maturity Date

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

A/Agusto

OBB

Rate (%) 22.3750 16.0566 17.4381 18.2597

100.00 30-Sep-18

13.82 1.09 15.05 2.52 14.38 1.90

4.44 3.23 Implied Portfolio Price 4.46 3.48 108.5180 1.00 111.8910 1.00 78.6942 1.79 100.6979 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 2.02 1.00 1.00 1.82

16.21

99.22

14.83

99.46 YTD Return (%) 98.26

INDEX

17.73 16.77 1,215.83 14.80 1,116.46 14.68 1,106.05 15.68 1,137.88 15.62 14.82 14.85 18.63 14.85 15.91 15.30 14.89 15.75

99.37 9.7469 92.53 10.2598 99.12 9.8347 96.60

7.8370 97.44

98.63 99.38 92.48 101.03 99.12 97.45 99.70 97.73

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

News 47

SOUTH-WEST

Judge’s retirement stalls Ladoja’s case against Ajimobi Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

roceedings in the petition filed by the governorship candidate of Accord Party, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, against Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State suffered a setback yesterday with the announcement of the retirement of the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice F. C. Obieze. Following the absence of

the chairman, a member of the election tribunal, Justice Mahmud Karaye, told counsel and the various parties in the petition holding at the High Court, Iyaganku, Ibadan that Justice Obieze has been in the judicial system for thirty- three years and has reached the age of retirement. Following the hiccup, the hearing was adjourned till Monday, while Justice Karaye assured the parties that a new tribunal

chairman was expected to resume this week. Ladoja had dragged Governor Ajimobi, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Rufus Oluwatoyin Akeju and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), before the tribunal, challenging the results of the state governorship election. At yesterday’s brief session, Ladoja was repre-

sented by Chief Richard Ogunwole (SAN); Governor Ajimobi by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), while the All Progressives Congress (APC) was represented by Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN). Since the chairman was not on hand to preside, the counsel urged Justice Karaye to formally inform the session of Justice Obieze’s retirement in accordance with the Electoral Act and for record purposes.

Olanipekun said: “This is a court of record. Even if the chairman has gone, it has to be on record after announcement of appearances here (tribunal venue).” Chief Ogunwole also declared: “Even if we are covered by the law, somebody must say the tribunal stands adjourned. Records follow records. Somebody must pronounce adjournment.” After the case had been called and appearances

announced by the counsel representing various parties in the petition, Justice Karaye subsequently announced the adjournment of the session till Monday, June 29 declaring that: “As earlier said, due to the retirement of the former chairman, a new chairman has been appointed and will resume this week. As agreed, and in accordance with the Electoral Act, the tribunal stands adjourned till Monday, June 29, 2015.”

Fayose: No slash in Ekiti lawmakers’ salaries Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

L-R: General Manager, Trade and Investment, Odua Group, Mrs. Yinka Tunji-Olawale; Group Managing Director, Mr. Adewale Raji and Company Secretary, Mrs. Abiola Ajayi, at a news conference on the activities of the company in Ibadan …yesterday

Residency card: Ondo govt I’m ready to vacate throne, says Ondo regent sets July 2 deadline could do as a woman on he Ondo State gov- fore, directed those who Babatope Okeowo the throne, hence the T ernment yesterday have not obtained their Akure need for the kingmakers said that it has conclud- cards to visit the Civic ed arrangements for the implementation of the state Residency Card Scheme, also known as ‘Kaadi Igbeayo.’ This was contained in a press release made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade. According to the statement, the implementation of the scheme will commence by July 2 with ownership of the card being a condition for residents to access government services. The statement, there-

Data Centres in their respective local governments to obtain them before the implementation date. It also quoted the commissioner as saying that some of the government services to be accessed using the card were the school shuttle bus scheme for children and wards of residents. Another service, it said, was the Mother and Child hospital facilities. “Anyone interested in subsidised agricultural inputs, among other social benefits, will only be able to do so from July 2 if they own the card,” the statement said.

ired of staying at the palace as the regent of Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government area of Ondo State, the Regent of the town, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon, yesterday expressed her preparedness to vacate the throne. Omosowon, who is the third regent of the town after the death of her father ten years ago, told the kingmakers in the town to start the process of installing a new monarch for the town as she was tired of that role. According to her, there is limitation to what she

to start the installation processes. Omosowon, who was kidnapped on her way to Akure to attend an official function on June 2, only regained her freedom last week. She told reporters yesterday that she was tired of the throne, considering the sad development she went through recently. She insisted that she was not instrumental to the present position of the town, which has no traditional ruler, stressing that “as a princess, I know the implication of the situation we find ourselves in AkungbaAkoko.”

Amosun’ll pay outstanding seven months’ deductions, says HoS Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

gun State Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, yesterday said Governor Ibikunle Amosun has put in place machineries toward paying the outstanding seven months’ deductions owed civil servants in the state. Adekunle, who spoke at

a press conference marking this year’s Public Service Day celebration in Abeokuta, dismissed claims that the government owed workers’ salaries. She said while the government had paid salaries till date, it has also embarked on measures to settle the unpaid deductions, including cooperative deductions and bank loans.

The HoS spoke against the backdrop of the failure of several states of the federation to pay workers’ salaries and allowances. Adekunle, who observed that the country is currently undergoing ‘trying times,’ commended the Amosun-led administration for its commitment to workers’ welfare. She said: “My dear comrades in the public

service, undoubtedly, these are trying times, but with patience, prayers, commitment and sincerity of purpose from all of us, either as political office holders or career officers, I believe we shall overcome. “The time is nigh, we must, therefore, not lose focus and remember, we have a duty to ourselves and generations yet unborn.

kiti State governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has debunked the rumour being spread by the opposition that the salaries of members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have been slashed by half, saying the rumour only exists in the figment of the imagination of the peddlers. Fayose’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, who spoke in AdoEkiti yesterday, said those behind the rumour were the same set of people who had vowed, before now, to cause disaffection that would make the administration to work at snail’s speed. He said salaries and allowances of the legislators were not the creation of the governor, but that of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC),

which only the commission could tamper with. “As long as there is no review of the salaries and other emoluments of the legislators by the Federal Government, I cannot violate the laid down rules; so those who are going about with such rumour are ignorant of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or they deliberately want to be mischievous,” he said. He noted that these rumour mongers, also stupidly display their naivety by saying that the governor had decided not to pay those members whose elections are being challenged at the Election Petition Tribunal, adding that he would never allow such issue come between him and the lawmakers. He said the lawmakers were not only loyal to the state, but have demonstrated their commitment to join hands with him to move the state to greater heights.

Ekiti burnt bricks project gets lifeline Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

n line with the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to diversify the economy, the South West states business conglomerate, the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, yesterday announced the successful completion of the Ire Clay and Burnt Bricks project in Ekiti State, which had been abandoned for over a decade. According to the Group Managing Director of the conglomerate, Mr. Adewale Raji, the idea was to move the nation’s economy away from its monolithic oil nature to agroallied-based enterprises in the face of dwindling effects of global crude oil pricing. While rolling out his achievements within the last 388 days, Raji said the company was working towards stimulating growth

and enhanced profitability in its existing subsidiaries in real estate, hospitality and insurance brokerage. Raji, who anchored his management and leadership team spirit on Growth, Profitability and Sustainability (GPS) said, his five years ‘ambitious plan’ of growing the company’s revenue by 250 per cent had started yielding positive results due to the cooperation of the board of directors, management, staff and owner states of the company. Announcing the completion of the burnt bricks project, Raji said: “I am delighted to share with you the exciting news of the rolling out of the first set of fired bricks on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 after about 10 years of the abandonment of the factory. “It is indeed a big relief that after many years of toiling and perseverance, we were finally able to see finished blocks roll out from the factory.”

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-EAST

Court grants monarchs substituted service on Okorocha, others Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

earing in the suit instituted by 40 traditional rulers in Imo State, against Governor Rochas Okorocha and nine others commenced yesterday in an Owerri High Court, with the presiding Judge

granting the prayer of the plaintiffs for substituted service on Governor Rochas Okorocha and nine others, following the alleged evasion of services raised by the counsel to the monarchs. Presenting an ex-parte application before the court, the counsel for the monarchs, Iyke Udeozor, lamented what he de-

scribed as the ‘ evasion of service’ by some defendants, which include Eze Samuel Ohiri, Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, his secretary and some members of a ‘contentious’ probe panel. The counsel prayed for an order for substituted service of the originating summons and other court processes on the said de-

fendants. In her ruling, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Ngozi Ukoha, granted the application, directing that the originating summons and other court processes be pasted on the gates of the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th defendants being Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri, Eze Edwin

Orisakwe, Eze C.J. Okwara, Eze G. Ejiogu and Eze Ben Igwilo who is the Secretary of the council. Ukoha noted, that on the orders of the court and due to the sensitive nature of the suit, the substituted service as effected, would be deemed as

IMT students’, management clash over N40,000 accomodation fee Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu (left), congratulating, Mr. Vivian Umah, after being sworn-in as the new Abia state Head of Service in Umuahia…on Monday

Two factional chairmen appear for Accord Party at tribunal Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

t took the intervention of the Justice A. Y. Sanya, Chairman of the Imo State election petitions tribunal to handle the confusion that ensued during proceedings of the tribunal, as two factional chairmen lay claim to the leadership of the Accord Party in the state. The near chaotic drama played out at the tribunal during the hearing of the petition filed by the party’s senatorial candidate for the Imo North senatorial district, Hon. Rita Ibemere, who was challenging the election of Chief Athan Achonu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Trouble started when the court called for the appearance of the petitioners, which prompted both Comrade Bryan Agu and Elder ThankGod Ibe, to step forward with both claiming the chairmanship of the party with the different counsels for their appear-

ances. Asked to identify themselves and justify their claims, the counsel to Elder ThankGod Ibe, objected, saying that Comrade Bryan Agu and his counsel had nothing to say, as they were not the petitioner in the petition. In response, Agu’s counsel insisted that his client was the bonafide chairman of the party as he has submitted a motion in the case.

Abakaliki

he Ebonyi State elections petition tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, yesterday fixed June 30, for the commencement of preliminary hearing in the petition of the Labour Party’s candidate for the Ebonyi North senatorial zone, Chief Peter Ogeali, challenging the election of former Governor Egwu and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared winner of the election.

tudents’ of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu State, have called on the rector of the institution to refund without further delay the N4,000 hostel accommodation fees collected from them without allocation of any shelter to them or face their wrath . In a letter they addressed to the Enugu State Government and copied to the rector and the National Board for Technical Education and made available to press, the students said the school made payment of the hostel accommodation fee compulsory, but did not give them any accommodation. “The Rector of the institute, Dr. Mike Iloeje had

made hostel accommodation compulsory for all the newly admitted students of the institution, but to our utmost regret, they were thrown out after collecting N40,000 each from over six hundred students and not up to 200 students were given hostel accommodation, thereby leaving the students and their parents to suffer extra financial burden by paying for another accommodation outside the campus. On what the ASUP was doing to address the problem, the source said that the management suspended the chairman and principal officers of the union because of their role in addressing the ugly development in the Institution that is one of the oldest Polytechnics in the country.

Onwe, 18 others make Umahi’s commissioners’ list Charles Onyekwere and Uchenna Inya

bonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, yesterday forwarded 19 names as commissioners to the state House of Assembly, among which include a former senator, Emmanuel Onwe. Also, nominated was Mrs. Lilian Nwankwo as the Chairman, Ebonyi

Ebonyi tribunal begins pre-hearing June 30 Uchenna Inya

valid service. The Judge further directed that the defendants must refrain from any action that may antagonize the suit, saying, “Defendants are ordered to respect the pendency of this suit.” The case was adjourned to July 8 for further hearing.

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Joel Agya, announced this after a prayer by the counsel to the petitioner, M.O Odoh, for adjournment to enable him complete the filling of court processes on the matter. The tribunal also adjourned commencement of pre-hearing in the petition filed by former Governor Elechi Elechi’s son, the Ebonyi Central Senatorial candidate of the LP in the election, challenging the election of Chief Obinna Ogba of the PDP, also to June 30.

State Local Government Service Commission. The appointees were to appear before the House of Assembly on June the 24, for screening and confirmation. In a statement, signed by the Media, Public Affairs and Protocol, to the Speaker, Mr. Tony Nwizi, the House said the names include : Senator Emmanuel Onwe,Hon. Emmanuel Uguru, mr.Akpuenika

Emeka charles,Engr. francis Odoh Orji, Mr. Dennis Ekumankama, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga. Others are Hon.Sabinus Nwankwegu, Chief Moses Ogodo Ali Nomeh,mrs.Euphemia Nwali,Engr.Nweze Fidelis Kings, Mr. Rebecca Ogbuewu,Hon. John Obinna Nwachukwu, among others. Meanwhile, Umahi has re-presented the 2015 appropriation bill

to the state House of Assembly for approval Presenting the budget yesterday, Gover nor Umahi said after careful evaluation of the earlier budget, the present one was adjusted from N80bn to N75.8bn to meet the economic realities. He said the recurrent expenditure stands at N37.7 billion while capital expenditure stands at N38.8 billion.

NLC applauds Ikpeazu’s appointment of HOS Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abia State, has hailed the appointment of Dr. Vivian Uma, as the new Head of Service in the state, saying that Governor Ikpeazu has demonstrated courage in removing the foaarmer HOS, Mr. Godson Adiele, who was due for retirement two years ago, but was retained by the former governor. Chairman of the state

NLC, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, stated this yesterday in Umuahia, expressing the hope that the appointment would usher in a new era for civil servants in the state. This happened as he alleged that the former HOS, connived with the factional chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade Uche Ezekiel, to defraud the union, through the diversion of check-off dues of over N50 million.

Obigwe, who is also the chairman of MHWUN in the state, described Ezekiel as “the self acclaimed chairman of MHWUN and advised that Uche Ezekiel, should be arrested by law enforcement agents for impersonation, forgery and fraud.

change of name

Aigbokhan

I formerly known and called Miss Helen Odegua Edion now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Aigbokhan. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Wike prevented Jonathan from paying N108bn debt owed Rivers –Seminitari lWe want to recover looted funds from Amaechi –PDP

ormer Rivers State commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, yesterday blamed Governor Nyesom Wike, over the refusal of the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan administration to refund the funds former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, used in executing federal projects. The former commissioner, made the remark in a statement in response to the allegation of corruption leveled against former Governor Amaechi, noting that other states like Akwa Ibom and Abia received repayment for the federal roads they constructed except Rivers. She noted that the former governor was committed to good governance and was transparent and accountable to the people of the state throughout his time in office. She said: “Out of the

roads completed, some of these were federal roads for which the Rivers State Government was owed N108billion, Mr. Wike as Minister of State for Education was among those who prevented former President Goodluck Jonathan from paying the Rivers State Government back these funds. She said that the total debt owed the ministry of Works totaled N44, 942,354,44.10 when Amaechi, was leaving office and not the N150 Billion claim credited to the Wike administration. She said: “It is to the credit of the Amaechi administration that by the time he was leaving office, he had completed two major interchanges, two flyovers, 25 bridges, and five shore protection projects. He also completed 890 kilometres of the on-going 1,424 kilometres of road projects across the state.

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SOUTH-SOUTH

On the sale of state owned power projects, Semenitari said: “For the records, the Government of Rivers State under Dr. Peter Odili, made substantial investment in Electric Power related Projects with the aim of mitigating the malaise of inadequate power supply. Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State chapter has said that the probe of the administration of former Governor Amaechi, by the administration of Gov-

ernor Nyesom Wike, was aimed at recovering looted funds. The party, chairman, Brother Felix Obuah, who stated this, observed that the probe was also needed in enthroning accountability in the state so that public officials would make adequate use of state resources, rather than looting them. He said that Wike, should be commended for his “exceptional courage and commitment to recover looted funds and the sale of valued assets of the state without due process.

Ijaw youths caution against attack on Niger Delta Chris Ejim yenagoa

ollowing the recent warning by the Nigerian military against the activities of Niger Delta ex-militants, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), an umbrella body of all Ijaws worldwide has cautioned the military against any attack against the Niger Delta people, saying the ammunitions acquired by the Federal Government was not for that purpose. They said the ammunitions were rather meant for the fight against the Boko Haram insurgent group, calling on the Chief of Defence

Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, to redirect his energies to the appropriate place rather than play to the gallery. Badeh had, last week in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, warned the Niger Delta exmilitants against such illegal activities like kidnapping, oil bunkering, illegal refineries, amongst others, as the consequences would be unpleasant. In a statement issued yesterday, the Ijaw Youth Council noted that the threat to attack the Niger Delta over alleged rise in criminal activities was a ploy to attack and kill innocent people.

Ogbemudia denies rivalry with Igbinedion over Oshiomhole’s successor Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

iffed by the activities of politicians seeking relevance ahead of next year’s gubernatorial election in Edo state, former Governor of Midwest and Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, said yesterday that he was not in struggle with Chief Lucky Igbinedion, over who produces the next successor to Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the state. Ogbemudia stated this during an interview with newsmen in Benin, the state capital. The two time governor of the state, said the choice of who occupies the seat at Osadebay Avenue Government House Benin City, would be the sole decision of people of the state next year, when the tenure of

Governor Oshiomhole ends. It would be recalled that Chief Lucky Igbinedion, at the weekend during the birthday of his former aide Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in Benin, declared that he would play key role in deciding who emerges the next governor of the state. Ogbemudia said the search for Oshiomhole’s successor would begin next month with the launch of the Edo Mass Movement (EMM). He explained that he would personally prefer Oshiomhole’s possible successor to come from the populous Edo South senatorial district to which he hails from too. But the former governor maintained that the movement was not working for any political party, but people of the state in the search for a credible person as the ext governor of the state.

Zoo owners seek Oshiomhole’s intervention over encroachment Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he management of the popular Ogba Zoo and Natural Park in Edo State, yesterday raised the alarm over encroachment on its land by land grabbers within Utagban and Ogbaneki communities which were its host communities in the state. Chief Executive of the zoo, Mr. Andy Enahire, who raised the alarm in a

letter addressed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stated that the facility was under constant threat from the perpetrators of the illegal land deals. Enahire stated that the ugly situation has continued to pose serious challenge to the management of the complex and therefore called for government and stakeholders urgent intervention to save the facility from the threats of land grabbers. According to Enahire,

L-R: General Manager, Regional Operations, MTN Nigeria, Obinna Nweje; winner of N15m, MTN Trutalk Best 11 Promo, Ajumah Alheri and Senior Manager, Customer Relations, MTN, Asamine Anueyiagu, during the presentation of cheques to winners at the MTN Trutalk Best 11 Promo in Port Harcourt…yesterday

Tribunal reserves ruling in Okowa’s petition against Ogboru, Emerhor Dominic Adewole ASABA

he Delta State election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba, yesterday, withheld its ruling on the applications of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, against the petitions of the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress and Labour Party, Olorogun O’Teger Emerhor and the encroachment problem has placed the personal safety of staff and management under “very dangerous risks.” Enahire who specifically recalled an incursion into the zoo on June 18, lamented that “large tracts of pristine conservation project , with high international acclaim were decimated with bulldozers.” He, said, “The massive investment on the Zoo’s infrastructure by the State government could become a colossal waste if the encroachment problem persists.”

Chief Great Ogboru. Okowa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had in two separate applications queried the jurisdiction of the tribunal, urging the panel to quash the petitions before it, for having been abandoned. When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to Okowa, Dr. Alex Iziyon (SAN), who appeared with Ken Mozia (SAN) and seven

other Lawyers, said the tribunal would be grasping with failure if it failed to understand the nature of their applications. According to Iziyon, because the matter before the tribunal touched on the spinal cord of Ogboru and Emerhor’s petitions, the tribunal was therefore bound by the respondents’ objection. “I urged Your Lordships to be persuaded and abide

by the Supreme Court’s position on pre-election matter because the pre-election matter that ignited their petitions in the first instance”, Iziyon argued. But in their separate submissions, counsel to Ogboru, Dele Adesina (SAN), who appeared with nine others, and Emerhor, Thompson Okpoko (SAN), who appeared with three others, described Okowa’s applications as a ‘mischief.”

Wike asks tribunal to stop inspection of poll materials TundeOyesina Abuja

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State yesterday asked the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal to set aside the order it made for the inspection of election materials used for the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state. Wike through his counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, in the motion dated June 16, asked the court to set aside the order granted on June 11, to inspect the materials used for

the election. Ukala further argued that the order was made despite a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court which was still pending. At the resumed proceedings yesterday, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Muazu Abdulkadir Pindiga, fixed July 6, for the hearing of the motion. The motion could not be heard yesterday because other parties in the petition filed by the All Progresives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and its gubernatorial candidate in the election needed

time to react to it. The APC and its candidate had through their counsel sought the leave of the court to order the inspection of electoral materials used for the governorship election in Rivers State. In the motion exparte dated June 3 and filed on June 8, counsel to the APC and Dakuku Peterside, the candidate of the party in the election, Olumide Olujimi, prayed the court for an order allowing the inspections of the electoral materials related to the conduct of the gubernatorial election in the state.

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APC chiefs mourns ex-Kogi MILAD, Afakiriya Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

s Kogi State continued to mourn the passing away of its former Military Administrator (MILAD), Col. Bzigu Lassa Afakiriya, a governorship hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Baba-Ali, yesterday described his death as a colossal loss to the people of the state. Baba-Ali, in a statement he personally signed, condoled with the immediate family of the former MILAD, the people and the government of Borno State. The governorship

aspirant said the late Afakiriya, while he held sway as the military administrator, endeared himself to the people through sincerity and humility. “I have had several meetings and interaction with late Afakiriya, when and after he had governed the state. What I’ve always seen in him was the symbol of a perfect gentleman, with exemplary humility,” Baba-Ali said. While condoling with the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, over the loss of Afakiriya, Baba-Ali urged the state government to immortalise him so that his name will continue to be fresh in the minds of the people.

wednesday, june 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Benue lawmakers fight over selection of principal officers Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

risis erupted yesterday on the floor of the Benue State House of Assembly over plans by the House to select principal officers for the Eighth Assembly as two of the lawmakers engaged themselves in fisticuffs. The fight was spearheaded by Hon. Benjamin Adanyi (APC), representing Makurdi South and Hon. Martins Aza, who represents Makurdi North. The two were argu-

ing against the emergence of Hon. Nick Eworo, as Deputy Majority Leader. New Telegraph gathered that the disagreement was triggered off when members of the PDP insisted that since they have dominated the House with 15 members against the APC, which has 14, including Hon. Nick Eworo, who defected to the APC on Thursday. The argument was whether Eworo should be allowed to lead the Assembly. Eworo, it will be recalled, told the House at the plenary that though he was elected on the platform of the PDP, he was

allegedly expelled by the Obi Local Government chapter of the party and as such, needed a platform to enable him operate effectively in the House. But in yesterday’s plenary, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange (APC), who represents Ushongo constituency, told the House that the state chapter of the APC had selected Hon. Benjamin Adanyi, as Majority Leader of the House, instead of the PDP. The decision of the party was contained in a letter read by the speaker at plenary yesterday. The letter also stated among

other things that Eworo is the Deputy Majority Leader while Hon. Titus Uba, was to serve as the Chief Majority Whip. The speaker, however, said the House was also expecting a letter from the PDP regarding the selection of the minority principal officers. New Telegraph gathered that after the selection of principal officers by the APC, serious crisis broke out between the APC and the PDP, which led to the exchange of blows between Adanyi and Martin Aza, who is a fresh entrant into the House.

Kaduna may not sponsor pilgrims this year lean purse

Governor merges boards, parastatals in order to save costs Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

aduna State government may not sponsor pilgrims to either Saudi Arabia or Jerusalem for the annual religious pilgrimage this year in its efforts to manage its lean resources, a source yesterday confided in New Telegraph in Kaduna. According to the source, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has already collapsed the Kaduna State Muslim and Christian Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, as well as the Bureau for Islamic and Christian Matters into one parastatal in order to save cost. “In the last 16 years, the four bodies had a permanent secretary each. In addition, the two pilgrims’ welfare boards had an executive secretary each. Coupled with that, the state used to sponsor thousands of pilgrims every year. All these translate into huge financial burden, which this administration cannot bear,” he clarified. The source said in the current arrangement, the four bodies, which have been collapsed into one, will be headed by a Special Adviser on Interfaith Matters and Namadi Musa, a former Chairman of Kawo Development Area, has been penciled down for the post.

Majority Leader, Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Dem (left) with the Deputy Speaker, state House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, during the first session of the 8th Assembly in Jos …yesterday. PHOTO-NAN

Ortom sends list of 13 commissioners-designate to Assembly Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

enue State governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday forwarded a list of thirteen commissioners-designate to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the state executive council. The letter signed by the Secretary to the State Gover nment (SSG), Targema Takema, gave the list as follows: Michael Gusa (Gwer), Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (Vandeikya), Dr. Tersoo Kpelai (Ukum), Mr. James Anbua (Logo), Nicholas Wende (Kwande), Mrs.

Mwuese Mnyim (Makurdi), Emmanuel Manger (Tarka), Hon. Sekav Iortyom (Buruku) and John Otokpa Onoja (Ado). Others are Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ojobo (Okpokwu), Mr. Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr. (Ohimini), Mr. David Olofu (Apa) and Mr. Ode Agih from Obi Local Government area of the state. New Telegraph gathered that the number of ministries have also been trimmed from 17 to 13 against what was the case under Gabriel Suswam. Those who sail through the exercise, would be inaugurated next month.

Niger governor partners Benin Republic, others on security l Police introduce safer highway patrol team in Niger Dan Atori MINNA

ess than two days after President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the removal of road blocks across the country, the Niger State police command has posted a Safer Highway Patrol Team (SHPT) to curb the incessant attacks by robbers and rustlers in parts of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Amore, said the command has received seven vehicles meant to enhance patrol along the highways linking all the

neighbouring states. According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bala Elkana, who spoke with New Telegraph yesterday, “the SHPT was introduced by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to patrol highways and not to mount road blocks. “We are ready to secure the lives and property of people in the Sarki Pawa axis and other parts of the state; we were given seven vehicles with one of the vans posted to Munya Local Government. "The team is consisted of Police Mobile Force

(PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and Operations (Ops) men and a Senior Officer who will be in-charge. “The remaining vehicles will be posted to other towns and cities in the state, because SHPT is an interstate effort between Niger, Kaduna and Kebbi States. The towns of Sarki Pawa, Kafin Koro, Meshagu and Kotangora, will be our main focus,” he said. Elkana, however, told our correspondent that the police cannot do the job alone, but needs the cooperation of the communities and other security agencies.

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

News

Moses reluctant on Stoke City permanent deal

International Sport

Argentina vs Coloumbia: ‘This is not about Messi, Rodriguez’

Women’s World Cup

Kaduna Golden League: Oduduru, Brume top athletes’ list

Sport

Did you know? That Kalu and Ikechukwu Uche are the first brothers to score in the same game for Nigeria in their 2-0 friendly win over Zambia in November 2011.

Stop distracting me with gossips

• Keshi tells NFF as Enyeama shuns panel Adeolu Johnson Abuja

uper Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to allow him concentrate on his job rather than distracting him with gossips. He stated this on Tuesday after he appeared before the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the NFF to defend himself on the allegation of applying for a job in Cote d’Ivoire. On the other hand, Super Eagles goalie, Vincent Enyeama, did not show up at the secretariat to honour the invitation of the federation over the “unguarded statement” he made before the Nigeria, Chad match held in Kaduna. Keshi who arrived the Glasshouse, headquarters of the NFF

at exactly 11:54 am immediately zoomed into the conference room where he faced the Chris Green-led Disciplinary Committee for almost two hours. Speaking to journalists shortly after facing the NFF committee, Keshi whose contract was renewed last month, confirmed that he gave details of how his name appeared as one of those who were shortlisted by Cote d’Ivoire Football Federation. According to the former Mali and Togo handler who was visibly angry over situations surrounding his invitation to appear before NFF, “We thank God for the victory

in Kaduna against Chad. Now, I think what we should be thinking of is how prepared we are to win our away match against Tanzania, that should be our mission right now not what media said about Keshi. “We need to change from all this little gossips and all these stuff, we need to go ahead and forge a formidable team which includes the press, the players, the NFF so that we can conquer the world and conquer the African continent. My focus right now is to prepare for the game against Tanzania.” On his meeting with NFF Disciplinary committee, Keshi refused to divulge details

of what transpired. “Everything went well but NFF will talk to you on that but everything went well. Like you guys know I never applied for Cote d’Ivoire job. “My name is in almost every nation. Should I take countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania to court? It happens to every coach, It is not a big deal.” Green later told journalists on Tuesday that a decision had been taken on Enyeama but Keshi’s case was inconclusive. “We have to go deep on the issue. We will travel to Cote d’Ivoire for further investigation,” he said.

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sport Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

South Africa’s defender Anele Ngcongca (L) vies for the ball with Nigeria’s defender Kenneth Omeruo during their 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifying match

De La Hoya

Boxing: De La Hoya serious about comeback

oxing great Oscar De La Hoya says he is “very serious” about making a return to the ring at the age of 42. De La Hoya, a former sixweight world champion, retired in 2009 after losing to Manny Pacquiao in his last fight. “The only reason I would come back is because I miss the competition of fighting the very best,” De La Hoya told ESPN. Welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather is expected to fight in September, with Amir Khan tipped as possible opponent although Mayweather has now said that is not likely to happen. Since retiring, De La Hoya has become a boxing promoter but has also battled alcohol and drug addictions. He said after losing to Pacquiao: “I just don’t have it any more. My heart still wants to fight, but when you physically can’t respond, what can you do?” However, the American has now described his chances of fighting again as “50-50” saying he “feels great”. “I don’t have to come back for financial reasons or the lights or the glamour,” he said. “Right now I feel the best I have felt in my life physically, emotionally, mentally because I haven’t touched alcohol for I don’t know how long. “I’m training. I feel great. But it has to be worth my while. Would I do it? I don’t know but I wake up every morning thinking that I can.”

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Moses reluctant on Stoke City permanent deal Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles winger, Victor Moses, is not keen on a permanent switch to Stoke City despite scoring four times in 23 games and impressing in flashes, before suffering a hamstring injury in April which ended his season prematurely. The 24-year-old had enjoyed a similar season-long switch to Liverpool the previous year, only to find his opportunities more limited at Anfield, and had been expected to seek a fresh start from Chelsea during the summer window with the prospect of regular first-team involvement with the champions relatively remote.

Stoke manager, Mark Hughes, who has identified him as a priority signing ahead of the new campaign, is considering parting with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic as part of the deal to lure Moses, who boasts 24 caps for Nigeria. New Telegraph scooped that Moses was unsure about a return to City and is instead considering a number of other options, both in the Premier League and abroad. Chelsea’s interest in Begovic, who is entering the final year of his contract, will be maintained regardless as the Premier League winners aim to secure a replacement for Petr Cech, who is expect-

Tanzania appoint new interim coach

igeria’s next Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers opponents, Tanzania, have named a new coach to replace the sacked Mart Nooij. Tanzania Football Federation President, Jamal Malinzi, confirmed on Twitter on Tuesday that the body appointed Charles Mkwassa as the interim national team coach, to be assisted by Hemed Morocco. Dutchman Nooij was sacked on Monday after a string of poor results, including the 3-0 AFCON qualifier loss to Egypt on June 14 and a 3-0 home loss to East African rivals Uganda in a CHAN qualifier last weekend. Tanzania are bottom of their

Moses in action

Taekwondo federation prepares athletes for AAG Emmanuel Tobi

P Mkwassa

qualifying group and face Nigeria in September in the next round of qualifiers for the 2017 AFCON.

Ogbe lauds Players’ Status Committee

oach Bernard Ogbe has reacted positively to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players’ Status/Arbitration Committee decision ordering the management of Mighty Jets to pay six months of his salaries. The committee on Tuesday ruled that the Nigeria National League side must pay the highly experienced coach the sum of Three Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (N3, 900.000) on or before the end of June 2015 being the amount owed to him as salary for six months. The committee held that the parties will pay five percent to the purse of the committee as failure on the part of Jets to pay the indebtedness on or before the end of June will attract sanctions to be determined by

the arbitration body. Ogbe described the committee’s decision as fair while he hopes the management of Mighty Jets will respond immediately without further delay with the payment. “It’s a good and welcome development, I believe justice has been done at last in the case that has lingered for a while. “I won’t say I’m happy right now until payment is effected by Mighty Jets as ordered by the NFF Players’ Status/Arbitration Committee. “I commend the committee for being bold enough to carry out thorough investigation into the case to come up with the heartwarming verdict,” said the former Akwa United and Gombe United coach to supersport.com.

resident of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, George Ashiru, has concluded arrangement to organise a one-day training seminar for athletes as part of preparation for the 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. The one-day seminar which will be handled by the NTF president holds at the Business Club, Ikeja Fitness Centre in Lagos, on Saturday June 27. The current national

champions are expected to attend the six-hour programme of physical and competition training as well as motivational talks. Ashiru was pioneer Nigerian Welterweight Champion and was part of the historic first national Taekwondo team to the 4th All Africa Games in Nairobi Kenya in 1987 which won three Gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal, a feat that that has yet to be surpassed by subsequent national teams to various All Africa Games.

As the first former international champion to become the national president of Taekwondo federation, Ashiru hopes to bring that 1987 spirit back to 2015 by building on their superlative commonwealth championship feat of 2014 which produced an unprecedented 10 medals including 4 gold. He added that the seminar aims to inspire the current national team to produce a record breaking performance at the Brazzaville games coming up in September.

Chelsea keen on Mikel amid transfer row

helsea midfielder John Obi Mikel wants to leave the West London club this summer, but the Blues surprisingly want to keep the Nigeria international at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old has been in the capital for nine years now, after joining the Blues back in 2006 from Norwegian outfit Lyn Oslo. After being tipped for an extremely big future at Stamford Bridge, Mikel has failed to really live up to expectation.

The Nigerian managed just 18 league appearances last season under Jose Mourinho, with 12 of those coming off the bench as the likes of Ramires, Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas continued to keep him out of the side. The latter two are perhaps the main reason behind Mikel’s exile from the starting side, with Matic and Fabregas developing a formidable partnership last season en-route to Mourinho’s men clinching the Premier League title.

Mikel has made 333 appearances during nearly a decade in England and it seems as though that he could make even more, with Chelsea unwilling to offload the midfielder in the summer transfer window. The London Evening Standard reports that Mikel’s representatives were in talks with Al Ain over a move from the Premier League champions last week, but it remains to be seen whether that will go ahead considering Chelsea’s stance.

Para-Powerlifting coach laments poor training equipment

igerian Para-Powerlifting Federation Coach, Ibrahim Animashahun, on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the abandonment of the gymnasium at the National Stadium, Lagos. Animashahun told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that this development had robbed many athletes of a venue where they could have been training regularly and participate in international events. The coach attributed this to the obsolete training equipment at the gymnasium.

“This is where we produced national power-lifters and other athletes; but now, there is no constant supply of electricity, no good equipment to work with. We only have few and outdated equipment to train with. “Many of the athletes have stopped training. Some now engage in petty businesses in order to cater for their needs since they have little or no hope regarding when the facilities in the gymnasium will be improved upon. “There are still some ath-

letes though with so much passion for Para-Powerlifting and weightlifting who have always dedicated their full time to practice,” Animashahun said. He commended the efforts of the athletes for going the extra miles to keep fit. “The Federal Government should assist the athletes by providing modern training facilities. “That will enhance their preparations ahead of the forthcoming All Africa Games slated for September in Congo Brazzaville,” he said.

Mikel (Left) in action for Chelsea

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NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Argentina vs Coloumbia

‘This is not about Messi, Rodriguez’

olombia star James Rodriguez feels it would be unfair to bill his side’s Copa America quarter-final tie against Argentina as a clash between him and opposing number Lionel Messi. Jose Pekerman’s side has endured a slow start to the tournament in Chile despite their wealth of talent, only scraping into the last eight on the final day of the group stages with a 0-0 draw against Peru. However, the last-eight match up is seen as an enticing fixture as the Barcelona and Real Madrid attackers go head-to-head, though James feels the two players should not take centre stage. “Messi is from another planet,” he told reporters. “He’s a unique player, but Colombia are able to play against difficult sides with

great players. You can’t just talk about a James versus Messi battle because it wouldn’t be fair. “If I want to be involved and there’s no space, we’ve got other players who can break through. If I can’t [find openings], the others will.” The 23-year-old admitted his side has not been at their best so far in the tournament, but believes that the tournament hosts are the only team impressing at the moment. “This Copa America is proving very tough, nobody has been good,” he said. “Only Chile, who won 5-0 against Bolivia, have been but nobody else has been outstanding. “It’s been very equal. We’re quite clear about how good the Argentina players are, we’ll both be up for it, because Colombia play well and we’ll try to do that. It’ll be a good game.”

James Rodriguez of Colombia fights for the ball with Luis Advincula of Peru at the Copa America

Neymar: I didn’t do anything to the referee

razil captain Neymar insists he did not do anything to the referee to deserve a four-game ban after his side’s 1-0 Copa America loss to Colombia. The 23-year-old left the country on Monday after his tournament was ended with a suspension from Conmebol for attempting to headbutt Jeison Murillo and allegedly insulting referee Enrique Osses after the final whistle. But Neymar has continued to protest his innocence over the incident in Santiago, even as he revealed the choice for him to leave the Brazil camp had been a joint one. “It was a family decision to leave,” the Barcelona forward told Jornal Nacional. “I talked to my father, and then I told Dunga and team manager Gilmar Rinaldi. They agreed. “Nothing happened in the tunnel, basically. I was inside it, and waiting to ask the referee why he dismissed me. Then a huddle took place and security guards came in, thinking I was nervous, that I wanted to attack him. “That’s how it came to this.”

Cavani’s agent quashes Milan link Rivaldo considers comeback at 43

dinson Cavani’s agent has dismissed speculation linking his client with a move to Milan. Cavani - on Copa America duty with Uruguay in Chile helped Paris Saint-Germain to a third consecutive Ligue 1 title and a domestic treble last term, but that has not stopped persistent rumours of an exit. A return to Italy, where he made his name for Palermo and Napoli prior to joining PSG in a big-money deal two years ago,

has been touted, with Milan a possible destination. But those rumours were quashed by Claudio Anellucci, who told Calciomercato: “I can’t see any clubs in Italy who could pay the necessary figures for a player of the calibre of Cavani. “Besides, Edinson was very clear about his future, he’s happy in Paris and intends to stay at PSG. There’s nothing more to add.” Cavani scored 31 goals in 53 matches in all competitions for PSG last season.

razil legend Rivaldo is pondering a return to professional football at the age of 43 to help struggling Mogi Mirim in his homeland. Rivaldo, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, retired in March 2015 after a glittering career in which he represented the likes of Barcelona, Milan and Olympiacos. However, Rivaldo has started training with Mogi Mirim where he is also president - with a view to playing for the first

team, who are bottom of the Brazilian Serie B with just three points from eight matches. While Rivaldo could return to action, he played down the chances of a full comeback. “After much thought and analysing the pros and cons, I have decided to join the team of Mogi Mirim,” he said in a statement on the club’s official website. “I believe that training daily with the team, and with my experience, we will get through this complicated

Catania officials arrested for match-fixing

Edinson Cavani of Uruguay kicks the ball by Michael Hector of Jamaica at the 2015 Copa America

ngoing match-fixing investigations in Italy have led to the arrests of seven Catania officials on the charge of sporting fraud. Reports state that Catania president Antonino Pulvirenti, CEO Pablo Cosentino, former sporting director Daniele Delli Carri and four more members of the Serie B club’s board were arrested early on Tuesday morning. Authorities suspect the seven may have been involved in bribery and other means of foul play that helped the Sicilian outfit secure survival in Serie B last term. Catania finished 15th in the league, five points above the drop zone and only two outside of the relegation playoff places.

Mayweather: My last fight will be in September

nbeaten pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather reiterated that September will mark the final fight of his boxing career. Mayweather, 38, is coming off a win over Manny Pacquiao last month and has one fight left in his Showtime contract. “I’m almost at the big 4-0, I’m getting close [to 40 years old]. I don’t need 50 [wins], I’m okay with 49,” Mayweather (48-0, 26KOs) told

boxingscene.com. The American, who was recently cited as the world’s highest paid athlete, named Karim Mayfield and Andre Berto as his possible opponents in his final ring appearance. The 34-year-old Mayfield holds a record of 19-2-1 and hasn’t fought since November of last year. Berto (30-3, 23KOs), meanwhile, is a former world welterweight champion who lost three of his last six fights.

Mayweather

moment we are living. “I know that once again I will sacrifice my family for the sake of the club, but I hope soon to see our team in a more honourable position in the competition. “I want my decision to help the players out of this bad phase, because I believe that our team should not be fighting against relegation. We as a team should at least be vying for the middle of the table.” Rivaldo earned 74 caps for Brazil, scoring 34 goals.

Djokovic will be wary of Murray, says Becker

ormer tennis star and coach to Novak Djokovic, Boris Becker said on Monday June 22 that the world number one will not be taking anything for granted when he starts the defence of his Wimbledon title next week. Three-time Wimbledon champ Becker was alongside Djokovic when he beat Roger Federer in last year’s final to win the grand slam for the second time, but the German knows that he must start all over again on June 29. “We had a spectacular run last year but it all starts from scratch again, first round will be first round for everybody so it will be another very tough tournament,” he said at a promotional event in London. Among those looking to take the crown is Andy Murray, who has been in fine form this year, winning clay court titles in Monaco and Madrid.

Djokovic

He’s since gone on to win his first grass title of the season at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Queen’s Club, the fourth time he’s done so. “I like Andy, we have a good relationship,” said Becker. “Obviously I’m coaching his toughest rival, we have to keep it very professional, but I’ve known him for many years. He’s in great form, he’s four times Queen’s Open champion now, one of the favourites to win Wimbledon, but I’m in Novak’s corner so I have to support.”

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH

Kaduna Golden League

Oduduru, Brume top athletes’ list Charles Ogundiya

igerian teen sensations Divine Oduduru and Ese Brume top the list of athletes released by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria on Tuesday for the Kaduna leg of the AFN Golden League slated for Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Saturday June 27, 2015. In the statement signed by Yussuf Alli, the meet manager, athletes that qualify for

the Golden League will be accommodated and accorded other special treatment by the AFN. In the shot put women, four athletes qualified. They are Uju Anoliefo, Eucharia Ogbukwo, Chime Nkechi Leticia and Michael Gift. Four men javelin throwers also made the Kaduna Golden LeagueKure Samuel Adams, Ezeofor Kenechukwu, Friday Osayande and Ezeh John Mike. Only two athletes

qualified in the high jump women. They are Anigbata Grace and Nwichi Ngozi Blessing. In the long jump women four made the Golden League, they are Chinazom Amadi, Brume, Ibrahim Blessing Ibukun and Hope Idhe. The long jump men event is however a sharp contrast as only two men Okulaja Babajide and Oladimeji Oluwatoyin qualified. Martins Ogierakhi a medalist at the 2014

Africa Athletics Championships lead the 110m hurdles qualifiers. Other are Okon Samuel Etim, Wisdom Benjamin and Abdullahi Bashiru. Four athletes achieved the qualifying mark in high jump men, Okpara Theddus, Obiora Arinze, Ayebide Kindsley and Awoke Chizoba. Four athletes also ran the qualifying time in the women 100m include Igbinosun Wisdom, Ezealah Nkem, Cecilia Francis and Abolaji Omotayo.

Transfer: Players’ Status Committee frees Alampasu

Alampasu

he Players’ Status/Arbitration Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has waded in to save the career of junior international goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, by giving him “unconditional clearance to play for a club of his choice.” At its meeting in Abuja, the Committee, headed by NFF Executive Committee member, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, ruled that the contracts that the player, who was in the flying Eagles squad to the just-ended FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, signed with both Future Stars Academy, Lagos and Football

College, Abuja are not binding as he signed as a minor. “Future Stars Academy, Lagos and Football College, Abuja will only be entitled to training compensation/solidarity mechanism in accordance with the FIFA Regulations on Players’ Status and Transfer, 2014,” ruled the committee. The career of the longlimbed goaltender, who was selected as the Best Goalkeeper of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup that Nigeria won in the United Arab Emirates, had been on hold as both Future Stars and Football College claimed ownership.

Chivita 100% felicitates with Man United

igeria’s market leader in fruit juice, Chivita 100%, has expressed delight with the recent naming of Manchester United Football Club as the world’s most valuable football brand for 2015. It would be recalled that the management of Chi Limited and MUFC signed a multi-year partnership deal at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England last year For consumers of Chivita 100% fruit juice across Nigeria, the news

is a cheering one as the efforts by Chivita 100% to publicise the club in Nigeria has been immense. From huge and effective publicity on television, radio, outdoor advertising, print publication, activations and online presence, the management of Chi Limited has ensured brand visibility for the partnership and value for the club across Nigeria According to a report from consultancy Brand Finance, Manchester United’s brand value has

increased by 63 per cent since 2014. The club is estimated to be worth $1.2 billion ahead of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona football clubs which placed second, third and fourth respectively. For Chi Limited’s Head of Marketing, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya “It is truly heart-warming to observe that numerous consumers of Chivita 100% have built an affinity with Manchester United in Nigeria since we signed the partnership deal with the

club in October last year. Since then, we have kept our consumers abreast with the club’s activities and even hosted them to live telecasts of the club’s matches at viewing centres in Lagos.” “We are also delighted that despite the inability of the club to win major-trophies last season, it was able to outshine other football clubs to emerge as the world’s most valuable football brand for 2015,” he added.

Egypt 2015: Oshodi hails table tennis youngsters Tosin Obisesan

resident of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Wahid Enitan-Oshodi, has hailed the skills exhibited by Nigeria junior players at the just-concluded 2015 Egypt Junior and Cadet Open. The competition, sanctioned by the International Table Tennis Federation, was held from June 8 to June 12. The national team featured six junior and four cadet players, at the tournament which was staged at an imposing

1,000-seater 6th October Sports Hall in Cairo. “We started taking these young players out about two years ago and they have kept getting better with each outing. We have many talents in the country that we need to be nurtured to stardom. Proper orientation and adequate grooming are what they will need to actualise their dreams.” Tosin Oribamise, 16, who could not express her happiness after clinching two golds and a silver medal, said she was excited about her

Oribamise

medals. ``I thank God for being able to achieve this. It wasn’t by my power but by God’s grace. I

prayed my hearts out but everyone was here to win and the Egyptians gave me tough times,’’ she said.

Brume

Rio 2016: Wheelchair basketball gets Kessington’s backing Emmanuel Tobi

member of the House of Representatives, representing Remo Federal Constituency, Ladi-Adebutu Kessington, has pledged to do all he can to ensure that Nigeria’s wheelchair basketball team qualifies for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The country’s wheelchair basketball team will in September participate at the Olympics qualifiers holding in Algeria. As a result of this, the politician, at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, promised to support the team in the build-up to the Algeria qualifiers and urged them to ensure that they pick the Games’ ticket for the country. The member of the House of Representatives stated that he has played a part in some of the federation’s recent successes, hence his decision to con-

tribute his quota towards the team’s anticipated success in Algeria. “It will be the joy of every Nigerian to see your team at the Olympics and as such I will want you to go to Algeria and pick the Olympic ticket where I believe you will also make the country proud,” he said. President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Bukola Olopade, also expressed appreciation to the philanthropist, assuring him that the players will pick the ticket to the Rio Olympics come the end of the qualifiers in Algeria. He also said that the team is currently training ahead of the qualifiers. “We thank Ladi Kessington for his kind support to the federation and most importantly for associating with the special sports athletes, which shows that he is truly the man of the people and a lover of sport,” he said.

CAF picks Kenyan officials for Dream Team, Congo

he Confederation of African Football has picked Kenyan official Anthony Ogwayo as referee for the African U-23 Championship qualifier between Nigeria and Congo, scheduled for Sunday, July 19 at the National Stadium, Abuja. Anthony Ogwayo will be accompanied by countrymen Gilbert Cheruiyot (Assistant Referee 1), Joshua Achila (Assistant Referee 2) and Andrew Juma Otieno (Reserve Referee). CAF has also picked Alim Konate Aboubakar from Cameroon as Match Commissioner. For the return leg billed for the weekend of August 2 in Pointe Noire, CAF has

appointed Egyptian match officials led by Mohamed Marouf (Referee). Compatriots Mahmoud Ahmed Abo El Regal (Assistant Referee 1), Samir Gamal Saad (Assistant Referee 2) and Mahmoud Zakria El Banna (Reserve Referee) will accompany him. Bernard Mfubusa from Burundi will be the Match Commissioner.

Ogwayo

WORLD | News

NEW TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

Death toll hits 700 in Pakistani heatwave

akistan’s prime minister has called for emergency measures as the death toll from a heatwave in southern Sindh province reached nearly 700. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it had received orders from Nawaz Sharif to take immediate action. The army is also being deployed to help set up heat stroke centres,

with temperatures reaching 45C (113F). Officials have been criticised for not doing enough to tackle the crisis. There is anger among local residents at authorities because power cuts have restricted the use of air conditioning units and fans. Matters have been made worse by the widespread abstention from water during daylight hours during the fasting month of Ramadan. Yes-

terday, Sindh province Health Secretary Saeed Mangnejo said that 612 people had died in the main government-run hospitals in the city of Karachi during the past four days. Another 80 are reported to have died in private hospitals. Many of the victims are elderly people from low-income families. Thousands more people are being treated, and some of them are in serious condition.

Hot weather is not unusual during summer months in Pakistan, but prolonged power cuts seem to have made matters worse, the BBC’s Shahzeb Jillani reports. Sporadic angry protests have taken place in parts of Karachi, with some people blaming the government and Karachi’s main power utility, K-Electric, for failing to avoid deaths, our correspondent adds.

The prime minister had announced that there would be no electricity cuts but outages have increased since the start of Ramadan, he reports. “The blame is squarely on the shoulders of the government for its lacklustre performance in providing water and electricity,” The Nation says bluntly, with the Daily Times agreeing that the prime minister now needs to take “some bold decisions”.

IS calls for more attacks during Ramadan

Protesters hold signs during a rally to take down the confederate flag at the South Carolina state house.

slamic State urged its followers yesterday to escalate attacks on Christians, Shi’ites and Sunni Muslims fighting with the US led coalition against the ultra-radical group. Spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani called on jihadists in an audio message to turn the holy month of Ramadan, which began last week, into a time of “calamity for the infidels Shi’ites and apostate Muslims”, urging more attacks in Iraq, Syria and Libya. “Muslims everywhere, we congratulate you over the arrival of the holy month,” he said. “Be keen to conquer in this holy month and to become exposed to martyrdom.”

Adnani also called on Arabs in the Levant and Saudi Arabia to rise against their “tyrannical leaders”. He said his group was undeterred by the U.S.-led coalition against the extremist Sunni Muslim force, which has seized large areas of Iraq and Syria and proclaimed a caliphate. Sunni tribes in Iraq were joining the militants after the Shi’ite-led Iraqi government and the United States had failed to bring them into Iraq’s political process, Adnani said. “The Sunni people are now behind the jihadists ... the enemies have been petrified by the daily pledges of allegiance by the chiefs of tribes to the Mujahideen,” he said.

Confederate flag: Calls grow for S.Africa threatens to quit ICC over Bashir S symbol to be retired

day after lawmakers in South Carolina called for the removal of the Confederate battle flag, pressure is mounting elsewhere in the US to retire symbols of Confederacy. Efforts are under way in at least three other states to remove state-sponsored Confederate tributes. Protesters rallied in South Carolina yesterday to demand the immediate removal of the flag from the State House. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has said the flag should come down. The murder of nine parishioners at a historical black church in Charleston, South Carolina, last week renewed debate about the place of the flag in US culture. The suspect, Dylann Roof, has appeared in many photos holding the flag. The Confederate battle flag became a potent symbol for the southern states fighting the Civ-

il War as they sought to break away from the union. It is seen by some as an icon of slavery and racism while others say the banner symbolises their heritage and history. Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe announced yesterday he wants to have the flag removed from state licence plates. A recent US Supreme Court decision said states can restrict such designs. In Mississippi, lawmakers plan on rolling out legislation that would remove the Confederate symbol from the state flag, where it is prominently displayed in the upper left corner. “As a Christian, I believe our state’s flag has become a point of offence that needs to be removed,” said Mississippi representative Phillip Gunn. But former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour said he was not offended at all by it. Lawmakers in Tennessee said they need to “revisit”

whether a bust of a former Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan leader should be displayed in the capitol. The likeness of Nathan Bedford Forrest has sat in a state Senate chamber for decades. The push was not only limited to state governments as Walmart, Sears and eBay announced that they would stop selling Confederate flag merchandise. Amid calls for Confederate tributes to be removed, some have been the target of vandals. In downtown Charleston, a statue of former politician and defender of slavery John C Calhoun was defaced with the word “racist” scrawled underneath. In South Carolina, the Post and Courier newspaper is asking every state lawmaker whether they support removing the flag. A majority have said they do. The flag can only be removed by a two-thirds vote of the state legislature.

New Ebola cases in Freetown, Sierra Leone

wo new cases of Ebola have been recorded in the Sierra Leone capital Freetown, weeks after the city was thought to be free of the disease. Health officials say there are fears of further infections as the cases occurred in a densely populated slum. Sierra Leone’s National Ebola Response Centre said there was great concern

because all Ebola quarantine facilities in Freetown had been closed. West Africa is recovering from the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history. More than 11,000 people have died since December 2013. The latest cases were found in the Freetown slum of Magazine. The north of Sierra Leone continues to be af-

fected by Ebola, as does neighbouring Guinea. Liberia, the other country affected by the recent outbreak, was declared Ebola free in May after 42 days without a new case. Last month, six people were put in isolation in prison in Guinea after being accused of travelling with a corpse of a relative who had died of Ebola.

outh Africa threatened yesterday to withdraw from the International Criminal Court after an outcry over the government’s refusal to detain Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on genocide charges. Bashir flew out of Pretoria last week after attending a meeting of the African Union despite a court order that barred his departure, sparking international criticism of President Jacob Zuma’s government. In a heated parliamentary debate, the lead speaker for Zuma’s ruling African National Congress said

South Africa would press for reforms of the ICC, accusing it of losing credibility because countries such as the United States had failed to place themselves under the control of the Hague-based organisation. “The ANC reserves the right to raise these reform packages and if rejected we will have no alternative but to review our membership of the ICC,” said Obed Bapela, deputy minister of traditional affairs. The opposition Democratic Alliance had accused the government of a serious breach of the constitution by allowing Bashir to leave the country.

EU asked to improve migrant centers as 1,000 more rescued

he European Union must urgently improve overcrowded migrant reception centers in Italy and Greece, a leading humanitarian group said yesterday as ships from Denmark and Norway plucked nearly 1,000 people from the Mediterranean Sea. Conflict and poverty have driven more than 100,000 migrants to Europe so far this year, and almost 2,000 have died or gone missing on the perilous sea journey. EU leaders will discuss an emergency plan to share thousands of new arrivals in Italy and Greece among the bloc’s 28 nations during a summit starting tomorrow. No agreement on the contentious plan is like-

ly before July, and four European countries, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, said yesterday that they find it unacceptable. Doctors Without Borders migration expert Aurelie Ponthieu said the agency’s teams in the two countries are overwhelmed. More shelter, food, access to asylum information and help in identifying victims of abuse and torture are urgently needed, she said. “The situation is already out of control in Greece and the Italian reception system is up to its limits,” she said. “EU member states have the resources, and they have the responsibilities.”

On Marble Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.

– John F. Kennedy

World Record

Sanctity of Truth

1954 Switzerland (World Cup): The first country to be eliminated by toss of coin in qualifying round was Spain which lost to Turkey on toss after a 2:2 tie in a play-off match on March 17, 1954.

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

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Electoral process and change upon us

arious organizations and agencies, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been holding retreats, conferences and workshops on the outcome of the 2015 elections and making projections on how to improve the regime of the electoral process and plug some of the loopholes and lacuna that manifested before, during and after the elections. Starting early to brainstorm on where the rain began to beat us and how to improve on measures to guarantee free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections are important substantive and procedural steps needed to guarantee a quantum leap in our electoral process. Starting early and projecting early is good electoral practice as it allows the nation and the electoral management body an elbow room to test run its processes and procedures and make adjustments that will strengthen the electoral process. Starting early to look at issues, planning and projecting to the future also allows those vested with constitutional and legal responsibility for policy making and legislative action adequate time to reflect on the challenges of the electoral and constitutional process and designing workable measures and mechanisms of improving the constitutional and electoral regime. Starting early enables the law makers to properly appraise and analyze issues from a patriotic or nationalistic point of view devoid of hardened partisan political positions, consideration and colouration. When elections are around the corner, politicians and those that claim to speak and think for them see conspiracy in every law and every move made by anyone not belonging to their party or not sharing the same ideological viewpoint or tendency with them. Before and during elections, politicians and their parties are sensitive to anything and everything and winning elections and securing an advantage is the overriding consideration in everything. Some of them see disadvantage in any programme or policy that their opponents see as an advantage. At the end, good policies and programmes are abandoned on grounds of heightened tension actuated by extreme partisan political interests and considerations. Therefore, the early review of the successes and challenges of our electoral process is a national imperative. It is imperative in the sense that Nigeria has a brand new President that to a certain extent, is a product and beneficiary of improvements in the electoral process. We also have a new political party that merged and succeeded in supplanting a ruling political party and the party supplanted was wrapped with the power of incumbency and other paraphernalia of office. It is therefore expected, that the President and the party of CHANGE being beneficiaries of the reform process will drive the process of effecting additional and fundamental changes in the electoral and constitutional framework and anchor the country on an electoral process that will substantially meet regional and international standards. Starting early

Hard Choices FESTUS OKOYE

festokoye2003@yahoo.com 08054480565 (sms only)

Buhari

Attahiru Jega, INEC boss

to anchor the reforms will therefore give the country a head start and lead to early completion of the process. This is said against the background of our recent past. The National Assembly spent so much time working on the 4th alteration to the Constitution. At the end of the day, President Goodluck Jonathan vetoed it and before the National Assembly could move to override his veto the matter ended up in the Supreme Court. Although the Supreme Court advised settlement and the parties’ involved filed terms of settlement, it is still morning yet on creation day. It is possible that the 8th National Assembly may use the SAVING PROVISIONS in its rules of procedure to save the 4th alteration to the Constitution. It is possible that they may start afresh and obtain the concurrence of the State Assemblies. It is possible that President Muhammadu Buhari may not sign the 4th alteration Bill in the manner it was passed by the 7th Assembly. Whatever, happens to the said Alteration Bill, the lesson therein is that starting early will guarantee some certainty and early passage of laws and alterations and enables all the stakeholders to prepare and be abreast of the constitutional and legal framework for elections. It does not make sense for INEC to put its preparations on hold in anticipation of alteration to the constitution and amendment of the Electoral Act and at the end, no alteration is made to the Constitution and no amendment is made to the Electoral Act and at the end of the day, haphazard and ad-hoc preparation are made by almost all the stakeholders in the electoral process.

Since change is upon us, we must also change or improve on our ways and procedures of doing things. We must change from the fire brigade approach to altering the constitution and amending the Electoral Act to a proactive and forward looking approach to serious national issues and concerns. We must jettison the mentality of standing on the cliff and struggling not to tip over. We must begin to do things in such a way that allows an elbow room for mistakes, reversals and changes. We cannot change things by being mortally afraid of change. The non passage of the Electoral Offence Commission Bill is a product of fear. Fear of the unknown. Some people believe that at one time or the other they may have to manipulate the electoral process to come to power. Some of them believe that at a certain time they have to subvert the electoral process to come to power. Some of them believe that it is easier to steal the mandate of the people than canvass for votes. Some of them believe that if they can scientifically rig their way to power, their opponents can go to the election petitions tribunal and battle with technicalities, an array of legal practitioners and the monetary and logistics powers of incumbency. So, they think and believe that by supporting and working for the passage of the Electoral Offences Commission Bill, they are preparing their own arrest, prosecution and imprisonment. But that is one side of the coin. The INEC has made it clear that it does not have the financial power to prosecute electoral offenders. It has made it clear that it does not have sufficient legal officers to prosecute the array of electoral

offences and electoral offenders that are recorded and arrested before, during and after elections. It has made it clear that it does not have the capacity to arrest and prosecute these classes of offences and offenders and yet we have refused to unbundle the Commission and give it some breathing space. We therefore prefer that INEC carries on with a burden it says it is ill equipped to carry. This same attitude of indifference has also attended the suggestion for the creation of a Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission. This is because some of the political parties do not want any form of financial regulation and accountability. They want to spend any amount of money they like during party primaries and as aspirants and use the resources and paraphernalia of office for campaigns. They know that INEC does not have the resources and expertise to professionally and systematically monitor their expenditure and monetary behaviour. So, they insist that INEC shall never be unbundled. I am also amazed that the parties and their drivers do not seem to see the danger imbedded in section 132 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended) and the possibility of a constitutional crisis arising from its interpretation and implementation. By section 132 of the Constitution, to be declared as duly elected, a Presidential candidate must score the highest number of votes cast in the election and also secure a quarter of the votes cast in two thirds of all the States of the Federation. In default of this, there shall be a second election within a period of seven days from the date of the declaration of the result. INEC has requested an alteration of the period for the conduct of the second election from seven days to 21days. The contention of INEC is that the section is mandatory and that they do not have the funding, the logistics and the drive to mobilize back to the field within seven days. Yet we do not see the danger inherent and imbedded in this. Rather than wait till the “dying minute” to carry out reforms that will at the end of the day “hang” or remain inchoate or abandoned in the shelf, now is the time to start alterations and reforms of the constitutional and electoral framework for elections. This is the time to start preparations and planning for the 2019 elections and State specific Gubernatorial Elections. Now is the time to start and review issues relating to the registration of voters and updating of the voters register. This is the time to start the debate relating to the creation of additional polling units. This is the time to start constituency delimitation. This is the time to start review of issues relating to party and campaign finance. This is the time to start deliberating on issues around internal party democracy. This is the time to start the debate on the issue of electoral offences or the creation of an electoral offences commission. This is the time to design and market voter and civic education. This is not a time for procrastination and or foot dragging. Change is upon us and we must embrace it. It is in our own interest and in the interest of our democracy and electoral process.

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488) Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.